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A storytelling archive celebrating the people and moments that built Carver Community Center.
The story
In 1947, Carver Community Center was founded by the Rev. Henry A. Perry, Sr. Dr. George Washington Carver granted consent for Carver to be named after him as requested by Rev. Perry. Rev. Perry developed an action plan, planted a garden to produce produce for harvest to help generate funds, and waited on God. His vision of community and organizational collaboration to benefit students of all ethnic backgrounds is alive and well.
On Wednesday night, April 3, 1940, every seat at Douglass School in Kokomo was taken when the community met to create the new center. A permanent organization was formed with Rev. H.A. Perry as president. The first board of directors was elected. Fundraising started immediately with a terrific response — more than $500 was pledged in about 20 minutes. By evening’s end the project had a name: “G.W. Carver Recreation Center,” to honor the world-renowned scientist Dr. George Washington Carver.
Fundraising for Carver Community Center began in the spring of 1940. Kokomo citizens contributed $6,000, the City Council appropriated $10,000 and then another $20,000 in municipal bonds. More than $24,000 was secured from generous donors across the United States. By the time Carver was dedicated on June 15, 1948, more than $60,000 had been raised to make the dream of a northside Kokomo recreation center a reality.
While planning and fundraising continued, construction was temporarily delayed during World War II. During that time, activities continued at the Paul Laurence Dunbar Memorial Community Center at 1000 N. Lafountaine Street. Dunbar opened in 1939 and served as a hub for community gatherings, youth education, and recreation until 1949, when it was eventually replaced by Carver Community Center.
Community elders like Margaret “Mother” Perkins — daughter of Osborn Bond, one of Kokomo’s earliest African American pioneers in law enforcement — pledged their support. Leaders like Glen R. Hillis and the Chrysler Corporation gave generously. Everyone, it seemed, wanted to help, usually $5 or $10 at a time. Credit to Gil Porter, Howard County Historian, for preserving this history.
Programs to promote wellness for the body, mind, and spirit of youth and families are offered in alignment with our mission. Programs include basketball, mentoring, tutoring, drama, art, games, boxing, drug and abuse prevention, after-school services, and computer lab services.