Archives West Finding Aid

Funded by private donations, the Free Kindergarten Association was established in Salt Lake City in 1894. The aims of this organization were to "provide instruction for underprivileged children; to come into closer touch with parents in poorly regulated homes; to raise standards of living, and to provide, when necessary, food and clothing."

The first kindergarten was opened in the Odd Fellows Hall with one teacher and fifteen to twenty children. However, the school quickly increased in size making a new and larger location a necessity. During the following ten years the Free Kindergarten moved to various locations throughout the city, seeking larger quarters and locations closer to the populace it served. Finally, in 1910, a piece of property was obtained on Seventh West and First South and a new building constructed. The Free Kindergarten Association was reorganized and incorporated in 1911 under the name of the Neighborhood House, a name that better reflected the goals of the organization.

At this point of its existence, the organization sponsored not only a kindergarten, but a day nursery, library, mother's club, children's club, and sewing classes. In addition, the Neighborhood House frequently sponsored lectures and music and literary programs for the entire community. Over the years the organization has continued to expand and the number of people it serves steadily increases. Presently the Neighborhood House is located at 1050 W. Fifth South and is funded by government contracts, private fees, and the United Way. In addition to the programs the organization provided in its early years, the Neighborhood House now offers a well-baby clinic, dental clinic, and classes for senior citizens.