About Us
About The Pittsfield Community Center
The Pittsfield Community Center has been a cornerstone of the community for generations, serving as a welcoming gathering place for residents, families, and organizations.
Since its founding in 1949, the Community Center has provided a space where people come together—whether for celebrations, meetings, events, or community programs. It continues to be a vital part of Pittsfield’s identity, offering a place where traditions are honored and new memories are made.
Today, the Community Center supports a wide range of activities, from family gatherings and civic meetings to community organizations and special events. With ongoing improvements and updates, the facility remains committed to meeting the needs of both current and future generations.
Our History
A Legacy in Pittsfield
Original Building Constructed
The building at 224 West Washington Street was constructed as the home of the Strauss family, who also operated the Strauss Department Store in Pittsfield.
Gifted to the Community
After Isaac Strauss’s death, Dr. Sidney Strauss gifted the property and building to the community, along with $10,000 in seed money to help establish a community center.
Community Center Dedicated
Following a major community fundraising effort, including a large white elephant sale, the Pittsfield Community Center and its Teen Center annex were officially dedicated on September 7, 1949.
A Hub for Pittsfield Gatherings
The Center became a busy gathering place for local clubs, business meetings, family celebrations, meals, teen dances, birthday parties, and other community events.
Upstairs Spaces Reused
The upstairs, which had been seldom used for years, found new purpose when the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints rented the building for services and office space.
Major Building Updates
The Board of Directors updated the building with new siding, refreshed porches and spindles, and upgraded heating and air conditioning systems.
Annex Repurposed
After the Two Rivers Art League moved out, the annex was leased and remodeled to serve as office space for the Chamber of Commerce, Main Street, and Pittsfield Visitor’s Center.
Continuing the Tradition
Today, the Pittsfield Community Center remains a nonprofit gathering place supported by rentals, fundraisers, and donations, continuing its long tradition of serving the Pittsfield community.
Origins as the Strauss Family Home (1888)
The building at 224 West Washington Street, which we now know as the Pittsfield Community Center, was built by the Strauss family in 1888 and served as their family home for 60 years. The Strauss family owned and operated the Department Store located on the west corner of Madison and Washington Streets. Mr. Strauss was an immigrant who loved the community in which he lived. Isaac continued to live in the house after his brother left to pursue his life in Chicago.
A Gift to the Community (1948)
When Isaac died, his brother, Dr. Sidney Strauss, said that the house they had lived in ceased to be a home. Then what to do with the house? They consulted with Sam Jenkins and the idea was born that perhaps the community would like to have it. That is how in 1948 the property and the building were given to the community, along with $10,000 as seed money for necessary remodeling. Initially there was a shed behind the house that the Board of Directors planned to remodel into a Teen Center. Unfortunately, the shed’s condition was so poor that remodeling proved impossible. Instead, the Board decided to build an addition onto the east side of the building. The Teen Center was to include a fireplace, a snack bar, tables, booths, and a dance floor.
Building the Community Center (1949)
Charles Behrenmeyer of Quincy was the architect with Hicks Petty the contractor. This was going to cost $25,000. To supplement the original $10,000 seed money, the Board decided to sponsor an enormous white elephant sale. Every family living in Pittsfield and every family living in the adjacent area was asked to donate something to the sale, which raised the needed $15,000. The addition was built. On September 7, 1949, the Community Center with the Teen Center annex was dedicated. Over 1,000 people attended the dedication, where Dr. Sidney Strauss was the keynote speaker. M.D. King was the first President of the Board of Directors. At the dedication he told the audience, “We want this to be your Community Center and hope you will use it accordingly.”
A Hub of Community Life
After its dedication the Center was busy every day. Leand Powell was the first manager. Women’s Club, Rotary Club, Business and Professional Women met there originally. Women’s Club, Rotary Club, and Book Club still hold their meetings there. Meals were served both at noon and in the evening. Other community members and organizations have also used the Community Center through the years. These have included several bridge clubs, business meetings, family celebrations and many others. In earlier years the Manager lived upstairs. Later managers lived off site, and the rooms upstairs were used by the Scouts and other organizations for their meetings.
Pittsfield Teens spent many hours at the Teen Center. There were birthday parties every Sunday, dance classes, square dancing on Fridays and teen dancing every night.
Changes, Updates, and Continued Use
As time went on and more places became available for folks to gather, the Community Center was used less. The upstairs was seldom used until 1998 when the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints rented the building for its services. Two rooms upstairs were remodeled for their office and meetings. The main floor served for their church service on Sunday.
The Teen Center closed, and the Two Rivers Art League moved into that area. In 2001 the Board of Directors decided to update the building. It was re-sided, the porches and spindles were updated, and new heating and air conditioning systems were installed. When the church moved into its own building, the upstairs was remodeled into a two bedroom apartment.
The Two Rivers Art League moved from the annex, and in 2005 the City leased it and remodeled it to make office space for the Chamber of Commerce, Main Street and Pittsfield Visitor’s Center. In addition, the Garden Club has been very supportive in beautifying the grounds.
A Community Resource Today
The historic Pittsfield Community Center is a non-profit corporation, which is funded by rentals, fundraisers and private donations. The Board of Directors remains committed to maintain the Community Center as long as the community of Pittsfield continues to use it. It is a beautiful old building that continues to provide a very nice setting for a wide variety of meetings.