West End Community Center Oral History Project

Earlier this year, the Historical Society of Moorestown was awarded a $25,000 Inclusive History Grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission. This grant supports the West End Community Center Oral History Project, an initiative aimed at preserving and sharing the history of the West End Community Center (WECC). The grant program, part of a statewide effort to explore under-represented narratives, seeks to expand inclusive, community-centered interpretations of historic sites.

The project was conceived by Moorestown native Richard Gray and focuses on gathering oral histories, photographs, and artifacts related to the WECC. From 1944 to 1968, the center served as the social and cultural hub for Moorestown’s segregated West End neighborhood, fostering deep community ties and a sense of belonging. The center was managed by Black residents who created programs and events that strengthened their neighborhood, offering a joyful refuge from the discrimination that barred African-Americans from using the Moorestown Community House on Main Street.

The WECC stood at 425 N. Church Street, where Yancy-Adams Park is now located. It occupied a repurposed township building originally constructed in the 1920s. Over its 25 years of operation, the center provided essential recreational and social opportunities for thousands of children and adults. However, following the eventual integration of the Community House, the WECC closed in 1968 and was demolished around 1975.
Today, the importance of documenting the WECC’s legacy is urgent, as many individuals with firsthand experiences of the center are aging. As Richard Gray noted, “The goal of this project is to make sure that this important part of the history of Moorestown is not lost.” The West End Community Center Oral History Project will preserve the memory of this vital community institution and honor its enduring significance in Moorestown’s history.

The project team are in the process of collecting personal stories, photos, correspondence, and newspaper clippings about the WECC. On December 3rd from 7-8:30pm, the Historical Society will have recording and scanning equipment at the Moorestown Library to document any treasures you may want to contribute to this important project. Materials can be scanned and returned immediately. The team is specifically seeking materials from the 1940’s and early 1950’s, but will gladly accept materials from any time period. Alternatively, materials can be submitted online here.

Richard Gray is Director of Community and School Development for the Center for Collaborative Education and a lecturer at the Columbia University Law School.

To watch Remembering the West End Community Center lecture with Richard Gray on February 20, 2024, click here.