The Filson Historical Society Digital Projects

Dutchmans Lane 1955-present

Mounted color facsimile of an architectural rendering of the Jewish Community Center (JCC) on Dutchmans Lane in Louisville, Kentucky, circa 1955-1963

Due to population growth and movement after WWII, by 1950 the YMHA had once again outgrown its building. The new immigrants of a generation prior had managed to find economic and social footing and were departing the city to growing eastward suburbs. The YMHA followed, changing its name to the Jewish Community Center (JCC) and in 1955 opening a modern new home (also by Joseph & Joseph) at 3600 Dutchman’s Lane, where it continues activities and services today.

Signing ceremony for Dutchman's Lane property, 1951
Photograph of Jewish community leaders signing the purchase for property on Dutchmans Lane to build a new YMHA, December 17, 1951
Groundbreaking Ceremony of new JCC, 1955
Photograph of the groundbreaking ceremony at 3600 Dutchmans Lane as construction of the new Jewish Community Center began, 1955
Exterior of JCC building, circa 1965
Photograph of the exterior of the Jewish Community Center building at 3600 Dutchmans Lane, circa 1965

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Activities

JCC Swimming Pool, circa 1960
Photograph of a crowd of people enjoying the JCC swimmming pool, circa 1960
JCC Youth Baseball Team, 1958
Group photograph of the JCC Youth Baseball Team, 1958.
Jewish Community Center of Louisville Junior League Baseball, 1950s
Photograph of the Jewish Community Center Little League baseball team The Yankees, circa mid-1950s
JCC teen club dance, 1959
Group photograph of the JCC teen club dance, 1959
Inside page of JCC 75th anniversary celebration pamphlet, 1965
Page from the JCC 75th anniversary pamphlet (1965), featuring drama and music programs throughout the years at the JCC
Jewish Community Center Orchestra
Photograph of the Jewish Community Orchestra playing on the handball courts of the JCC, circa 1980

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https://filsonhistoricalimages.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/17_75-anniversary-commemorative-pamphlet-cover-1965.jpg

JCC 75th anniversary celebration pamphlet cover, 1965

Photograph of Pauline Pearson being honored for JCC and Community work, circa 1963. Pictured are Norbert Friedman, Alex Berman, Lewis Cole, Pauline Pearson, Samuel Steinfeld, Joseph Kaplan, and Morris Kling.

From 1941 to 1979 Pauline Pearson (1914-1994) served as Executive Secretary to the presidents of the YMHA and the JCC earning her the lifelong nickname “Miss JCC.” Described in the community as an “indispensable gal Friday,” Ms. Pearson supported nearly every aspect of the organizations’ operations and leadership. The JCC rendering (above) is inscribed to Pauline.