Sarasota in Sarasota County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Newtown
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Helen R. Payne Day Nursery
Photographed by Tim Fillmon, October 29, 2019
1. Newtown/Helen R. Payne Day Nursery Marker Side 1
Understanding the importance of early education for the young children of their community, several African-American women organized and founded the Newtown Day Nursery. This grassroots organization, established around 1930, included Alice Turner, Luella O'Neil, Susie Reddick, Susie Newton, and Mary Emma Jones. Their idea was to prepare the children for elementary school and help working parents by providing a safe and structured environment for their children.
From its beginning, the school received support from both the black and white communities of Sarasota. In 1938, Elizabeth "Lillian" Perry secured a donation of two lots for the school, which opened that same year with ten students, ages two to five. Initially classes were held under the oak trees, but local contractor J.H. Floyd soon provided a building. Community benefits were held to help the school. Local churches, clubs, and businesses donated furnishings, supplies, and food to the nursery.
By the mid-1950s, enrollment had increased to the extent that the original building was too small, outdated, and inadequate for the students' needs. Helen R. Payne stepped in to provide support and funding for a large new wing, which was completed in 1960. To honor its benefactor, the school was renamed the Helen R. Payne Day Nursery.
this page online
Children First continues to receive support from various Sarasota organizations through volunteers and financial assistance. Since its grassroots founding, the center has provided hundreds of children with love and care along with a firm foundation to move forward in their education and lives. The center's importance to the community is confirmed by the many families who have had several generations.
Erected 2011 by Sarasota County Historical Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1930.
Location. 27° 21.875′ N, 82° 32.165′ W. Marker is in Sarasota, Florida, in Sarasota County. It is on 33rd Street east of Goodrich Avenue, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1729 33rd Street, Sarasota FL 34234, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on Florida’s Gulf Coast. It is also in the American South and on the Gulf Coast. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least
Photographed by Tim Fillmon, October 29, 2019
2. Newtown/Helen R. Payne Day Nursery Marker Side 2
Another marker is no longer nearby. The Twin Motel and Tourism (was approx. one mile away but has been confirmed missing).
Also see . . . Children First. (Submitted on March 10, 2020.)
Photographed by Tim Fillmon, October 29, 2019
3. Newtown/Helen R. Payne Day Nursery and Marker
Note the marker is behind the fence that surrounds the property.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 14, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 7, 2020, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 654 times since then and 63 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 7, 2020, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
