THE PLYMOUTH SETTLEMENT HOUSE
STORY BY CARRYE JONES
HISTORY
The Settlement House is located at 1626 W. Chestnut Street, neighboring The Plymouth Congregational Church at 1630 W. Chestnut Street to the west. The church and settlement house were started by Reverend Everett G. Harris. Construction of the building started in 1911 and ended in 1917. The purpose of the settlement house was to be a place for the church’s youth program, provide dormitory space for young black women moving to Louisville seeking employment, and to expand upon services the church could offer to the community.
The Plymouth Settlement House was one of the few settlement houses of its kind in the country, being a black-owned and directed welfare agency. The settlement house quickly became the center for community outreach for the church. Besides the dormitory, the settlement house offered classes in sewing and cooking. The first floor had an auditorium and gymnasium for theater and sports activities. There were also thriving Boys and Girls Scouts programs there.
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PHOTOS
