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Washington Square West Civic Association records
The Washington Square West Civic Association was formed and incorporated in Philadelphia in 1935 as the South Central Civic Association. The organization's name was changed in 1952 to the Spruce Street Area Improvement Association, and changed again to its present-day title in 1964. Among the g...
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| Collection: | Washington Square West Civic Association Records |
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| Collection Number: | 4502 |
| Format: | Manuscript |
| Language: | English |
| Physical Description: |
9.5 Linear feet 7 boxes, 1 oversized item |
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| Summary: |
The Washington Square West Civic Association was formed and incorporated in Philadelphia in 1935 as the South Central Civic Association. The organization's name was changed in 1952 to the Spruce Street Area Improvement Association, and changed again to its present-day title in 1964. Among the group's founders was the city's first female real estate broker, Pauline Fuiman (1906-1991). The association was originally established help improve the neighborhood bounded by Walnut Street, 7th Street, South Street, and Broad Street; it has since expanded its reach north to Market Street. Today WSWCA continues that mission, and it provides support for its residents and businesses, tackling issues such as voting, zoning, crime prevention, and safety.
This collection of WSWCA records is made up of a variety of administrative papers, including copies of bylaws; meeting minutes; project files, among which are items on Kahn Park, Spruce Street Improvement District, the proposed historic district, and community gardens; grant files; records of the Washington Square Trust; various financial and legal papers; and correspondence with local residents, business leaders, and government officials on numerous issues affecting its neighborhood. The collection primarily document WSWCA's activities from the 1950s to the 2010s, though there are some pre-1950 records in the collection, as well.
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