Reclamation, Restoration and Reuse: The Masonic Temple
 
  Building History In 1935, the Women's Association of the Women's Progressive Club purchased the land and buildings where the current structure sits. The original buildings sustained two fires and were later rebuilt into one edifice in 1941. Now, in 2011 the Oberlin Underground Railroad Society (O.U.R.S.) endeavors to buy and restore the former Phillis Wheatley Community Center Building and make it a place the entire community would want to support. Architecturally Speaking The newly restored structure will reflect the Colonial Revival style architecture of the existing building, including a symmetrical facade, double hung windows, rectangular shape, brick and wood siding, gable roof, temple-like entrance, paneled doors with sidelights and center entry-hall floor plan. The new building design will eliminate the columns, pediment and pre-cast concrete staircase, which were added later. The exterior will closely resemble the early 20th century Rosenwald Schools of the south and include 6 over 6 windows and cedar wood staircase. Proposed Building Use The interior will be designed to house exhibit space on the first floor; staff offices, an oral history studio, and commercial kitchen on the second floor; along with space for art shows and other public events. In April 2009, Rebecca Steadwell, African-American Honors Student at Oberlin College produced her show "My Sisters Kitchen" in the basement of the building. Right then we knew the buildings' potential. The building has also been legendary for having "great food". The image of blackmen barbequing at "tailgate" parties was a common thing in the 1990s. Now, high school students want to learn how to bake bread and cook gourmet foods. Giving To purchase the property and begin restoring the building, OURS has initiated a $25,000 building fund campaign through November 2011. Donations can be made online at: oberlinundergroundrailroad.org or mailed to O.U.R.S. at P.O. Box 426 Oberlin, OH 44074. Specify Building Fund donation. Also consider donating online using your Paypal account! O.U.R.S. promotes the history of Oberlin and the Underground Railroad through presentations, educational tours, research, publications, and living history projects. The organization further supports community development through affinity groups committed to historic neighborhood development, urban agriculture and local foods, art, history, culture, and other initiatives. O.U.R.S. is a 501 C (3) non-profit and charitable organization. For more information contact Tracie Haynes at 440.774.6968 or oberlinundergroundrailroad@yahoo.com |
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