Lakewood
Day Nursery
Many residents in Lakewood and far reaching
areas remember one of the first childcare facilities in Greater
Cleveland across from Harrison School. Lakewood Day Nursery
at 2070 Dowd Avenue will close its doors at the end of June
2002. The nursery richly reflects the growth of Lakewood and
childcare in the city.
In 1920,The Federated Parent-Teachers Association
composed of Mothers’ Clubs in Lakewood Schools became
aware of a need for child care in the vicinity of the National
Carbon Company which employed men and women from the area,
known as Bird Town. They found that many widows who had to
earn a living were leaving small children alone all day while
other children were allowed to shift for themselves under
causal supervision of neighbors.
This group appealed to the Cleveland Day Nursery
and Free Kindergarten Association for the establishment of
a day nursery in Lakewood. On December 20, 1920 the association
passed a resolution to take over the management and control
of such a nursery if a suitable building could be secured
and the Welfare Federation could help with necessary expenses.
The Parent-Teachers’ Association enlisted Nation Carbon
Company for assistance. This company, later Union Carbide,
provided initial rental space on Plover Street. The PTA solicited
funds and raised money for the May 11, 1921 opening. Only
one-parent families were certified as eligible. Children,
1 to 10, were eligible and each child was given a physical
examination prior to being accepted. There was a minimum charge
of 10 cents for the first child and 5 cents for each additional
child.
Emphasis was placed on health, cleanliness and
diet. Communicable diseases were rampant in Greater Cleveland.
Mumps, measles, chicken pox and scarlet fever were common.
Immediately upon arrival (often at 6:45am) temperatures were
taken and throats examined.
Younger children were given kindergarten exercises and taught
to play games outdoors when weather permitted. Those under
six were required to take a two-hour nap. Older children attended
near-by public and private schools, returning to the nursery
for a brief lunch as well as after school.
Word spread quickly of the fine work being done
at the nursery and a waiting list grew! By 1924 the Lakewood
Day Nursery had outgrown its quarters. The only choice seemed
to be to raise funds for a building of their own. A small
group of women decided engaged Charles Marsh to manage the
drive. The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce provided office space
and students at Lakewood High School participated. The drive
was well publicized and much to the amazement of all, the
group raised $27,479.71.
Two adjoining lots at 2070 Dowd were purchased
for $3200. Architects and contractors were chosen and the
building was opened on February 19, 1925. Capacity of the
new nursery was twice that of the old. As time passed, some
of the old practices were discarded such as weekly baths,
daily temperatures, nose drops and cod liver oil. More creative
programs were instituted including a dental plan and regular
parental meetings.
During the Second World War, women working at
Union Carbide often brought their children to “The Nursery”
for care.
In the late 1960’s and early 1970’s
the original mission of the day continued. Periodically children
were referred to the nursery by the Children’s Aid Society,
the Society for the Blind, and Psychiatric Clinic. At the
time, about 45 children received care from 7:30 am to 5:45
PM. Fees were on a sliding scale and had risen to a ceiling
of $6.00 per day!
In the past thirty years, the Center for Families
and Children has run both Head Start and pre-school childcare
at Lakewood Day Nursery. A hallmark of the service throughout
the 80 years of service has been the high level of credentials
and continuity of staff. As more and more women have returned
to the workforce, Lakewood Day has been a comforting resource
for parents. It has continued to serve families of Lakewood
and western Cleveland with many children coming from Bird
Town. A sliding fee scale has also continued and encouraged
children from diverse economic backgrounds.
Throughout the years, Lakewood Day Nursery has remained a
happy place where each child followed a healthful routine
of indoor and out door play, stories, group games, crafts,
music, lunch, nap time, afternoon snacks, all under the supervision
of an understanding, qualified staff.
However childcare options have grown and with
these choices has come competition. In a letter to staff and
parents, Center for Families and Children cited growing costs
and the outdated, small facility as ar reasons for closing.
Although the Center for Families and Children will not have
childcare in the Western Suburbs, it has indicated it will
continue too seek out a new facility. In the meantime, the
rich history of Lakewood Day will be written into the hearts
of many. Lakewood Day Nursery has reached directly and indirectly
into the lives of an uncounted number of children and their
families.
There [was] a reunion celebration for those
whose lives were touched by Lakewood Day on Friday, June 7th
(2001) from 3 PM to 6:30 PM.
Written by Liza Stewart. Much of the information
presented here was taken from a pamphlet written by Margaret
Manor Butler for Lakewood Day’s 50th Anniversary in
1971. Mrs. Butler was a member of the Advisory Committee.
Lakewood Historical Society Newsletter
5/02
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