Nacirema Club facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Nacirema Club
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| Location | 6118 30th Street Detroit, Michigan |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1920 |
| Built by | Medard Libbrecht |
| Architectural style | American Foursquare |
| NRHP reference No. | 11000867 |
| Added to NRHP | November 30, 2011 |
The Nacirema Club is a special social club located in Detroit, Michigan. It was the very first social club in Michigan created specifically for African American people. The club was recognized as an important historical place in 2011.
Contents
The Club's Story: A Place for Community
In the early 1900s, many African American families moved from the southern United States to cities like Detroit. They hoped to find new jobs and better opportunities. This movement was part of a big change called the Great Migration.
As more families arrived, the African American community in Detroit grew very quickly. They started moving into new areas of the city. One of these areas was near Tireman Avenue. This neighborhood became a lively place with many homes and shops.
How the Nacirema Club Began
As the neighborhood grew, people wanted places to gather and connect. In 1922, two men named Raymond H. Menard and Julian Archer had an idea. They decided to start the Nacirema Club. It was a place for successful Black men to relax and meet others.
The club was designed to be like other well-known clubs in Detroit. These included places like the Detroit Athletic Club. The name "Nacirema" is "American" spelled backward. This was a special reminder. It showed that African Americans were proud to be Americans, even when facing unfair treatment.
Growing Strong: The Club's Early Years
The Nacirema Club became official in 1932. It started with 21 founding members. These members included doctors, lawyers, teachers, and factory workers. Edgar Houston was the club's first president.
In 1923, the club bought a two-story brick house. This house had been built just three years earlier. They turned it into their clubhouse. Over the years, they made changes to the building. A new section was added to the back in 1949.
The clubhouse had a ballroom, a dining room, and a large lobby. It was a popular spot for many community events. People held wedding receptions, school proms, and anniversary parties there.
Special Events and Changes Over Time
One of the most exciting times for the club was "Nacirema Week." During this special week, the club hosted many fun events. These included a racetrack party, a boat ride, a picnic, and a fancy dinner dance.
For many years, only men could be members of the Nacirema Club. But in 1998, women were finally allowed to join. This was a big change for the club.
Today, the area around the club has changed a lot. But the Nacirema Club is still there. It continues to be an important part of Detroit's history.
The Club's Home: A Look at the Building
The Nacirema Club is located in a two-story house. It is built in a style called American Foursquare. The house is covered with reddish-brown bricks. It has a roof that slopes gently.
The front of the house has a porch with a similar sloped roof. Some of the windows on the first floor have been changed over time. The second-floor windows are tall and have two sections.
This building is the largest one on its block. It is also the only one made of brick. The houses around it are smaller and made of wood. Some empty spaces are now next to the club.
The addition built in 1949 goes all the way to the back alley. It is made of concrete and brick. This addition covers what used to be the backyard.
