League of Catholic Women Building facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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League of Catholic Women Building
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| Location | 100 Parsons Street Detroit, Michigan |
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| Built | 1927 |
| Architect | Smith, Hinchman & Grylls |
| Architectural style | Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals, Colonial Revival |
| MPS | Cass Farm MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 97001093 |
| Added to NRHP | September 22, 1997 |
The League of Catholic Women Building is a historic place in Midtown, Detroit, Michigan. You can find it at 100 Parsons Street. This building is also known as Casgrain Hall or the Activities Building. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997 because of its important history.
Contents
A Helping Hand: The League's Beginnings
In 1906, a group of women in Detroit started a club called the Weinman Club. They wanted to help immigrants who were coming to Detroit. These women were connected to the Catholic Church.
From Club to League: A New Name
The club changed its name a few times. In 1911, it became the Catholic Settlement Association. Then, in 1915, it was reorganized and renamed the League of Catholic Women.
Helping Young Women Find Jobs
By the 1920s, fewer immigrants were coming to the city. So, the League changed its focus. They started helping young women who were moving to Detroit to find jobs. These women often needed a safe place to live.
Casgrain Hall: A Special Building
The League of Catholic Women decided to build a special place for these young women. They spent over $1,000,000 to build it. This money was raised by the League's 12,000 members.
Honoring the Founder: Anastasia Casgrain
The building was finished in 1927. It was named Casgrain Hall to honor Anastasia Casgrain. She was the person who founded the League.
What Was Inside Casgrain Hall?
Casgrain Hall was a big building with many features. It could house 250 young women. These women were usually between 18 and 30 years old. They earned less than $150 each month.
The building also had offices for the League. There was a cafeteria where people could eat. It had a chapel for prayer and a library for reading. There was even a ballroom and an auditorium for events. A rooftop garden offered a nice outdoor space.
The Building's Later Life
Over the years, the League of Catholic Women changed its goals. They started opening community centers. They also offered neighborhood services to help more people.
Housing for Nursing Students
In the 1960s, the League began providing housing. They helped women who were studying nursing at Wayne State University. This made it easier for students to live close to their school.
Updates and New Uses
The building was repaired and improved in 1972. In 1982, it was changed into 82 apartment units. These apartments were for elderly people or those with disabilities. They received help with their rent.
A New Name for the Organization
In 1994, the League of Catholic Women officially changed its name. It became Metro Matrix Human Services. The League continued as a part of this new organization. In the early 2000s, the name changed again to Matrix Human Services. Matrix Human Services is still a large non-profit group today. They continue to help the city of Detroit. Matrix Human Services stopped using this building in 2018.
See also
In Spanish: League of Catholic Women Building para niños
