Sherman Hill in Des Moines in Polk County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Willkie House
November 6, 2023
1. Willkie House Marker
A pillar of Des Moines' Black community, the Willkie House legacy dates to 1917 when it hosted the War Recreation Board's leisure programs for Black servicemen in the city. Its name and function changed in the early years, as did its location. Renamed the Negro Community Center in 1933, by 1935 it served 70% of Des Moines' Black community and 124 organizations, priding itself on activities for the whole family. The need for a larger, modern facility was clear by 1945, and the Gardner Cowles Foundation and 767 Black citizens and organizations committed $138,000 for its construction. Led by Lillian Edmunds, the new facility opened on June 17, 1951, as the Willkie House, named for Wendell Willkie, an American statesmen who had called for equality of opportunity for all races. The new building included a library and a gym (well known for years for its dances and roller skating) and was expanded in 1983. With time, the Willkie House's mission evolved to a focus on youth development.
Erected 2022 by Willkie House, Inc. and the State Historical Society of Iowa with funding support from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation. (Marker Number 55.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans •
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Location. 41° 35.652′ N, 93° 38.418′ W. Marker is in Des Moines, Iowa, in Polk County. It is in Sherman Hill. Marker is on 17th Street south of Olive Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 900 17th St, Des Moines IA 50314, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Historic Center Street Neighborhood (approx. 0.4 miles away); 'The Gift' from Rotary To The Children of the World (approx. 0.4 miles away); The First Public Schoolhouse (approx. 0.8 miles away); Paint It Black (approx. 0.9 miles away); Robert D. Ray Asian Garden (approx. 1.2 miles away); Cambodia (approx. 1.2 miles away); The First Licensed Ferry (approx. 1.2 miles away); Birthplace of Des Moines (approx. 1˝ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Des Moines.
Also see . . . Willkie House Inc. Website homepage (Submitted on November 9, 2023.)
November 6, 2023
2. Willkie House Marker
November 6, 2023
3. Willkie House Marker, from the north
November 6, 2023
4. Willkie House Marker, from the south
November 6, 2023
5. Willkie House Cornerstone
Willkie House
Constructed 1951
Expanded 1983
Constructed 1951
Expanded 1983
Credits. This page was last revised on May 1, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 9, 2023. This page has been viewed 90 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 9, 2023.
