Booker T. Washington Center for Servicemen

Booker T. Washington Center for Servicemen

  • <p>Cartoon mentioning the Booker T. Washington Service Center. The Lincoln Star, 26 Aug 1945, p56. </p>
  • <p>Corner of Bay and Sands Street - site of the Booker T. Washington Service Center. Courtesy of Google Earth.</p>

The Booker T. Washington Center for Servicemen, located in Stapleton on Staten Island, New York City, opened in 1943. The Center received funding from the New York City Defense Recreation Committee and operated much like a USO club. It provided welfare and recreational facilities for black soldiers and their families who were stationed on or visited Staten Island. (Description provided by the NYPL Archives & Manuscripts Department).

The first site of the canteen was the Bethel Community Church. Located near PS 16, this was the most active canteen on Staten Island.

Inez Washington entertained at the center on at least two occasions. Listen to one of her most well-known pieces, "Run Away Baby," recorded in NYC on March 29th, 1954 here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3NUj4RElRk.

Some records for the center are available at the NYPL Archives and Manuscripts Division read the scope and content note here: https://tinyurl.com/y4ymxbd5.

  • <p>Booker T. Washington Center Notes. The New York Age, 15 Sep 1945, p7.</p>