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HISTORY OF THE KINGSPORT SENIOR CENTER The idea of a club for Kingsport's residents of retirement age was conceived by the Kiwanis Club in 1959. A community senior citizen committee was organized and after much planning, the first actual Senior Citizens Club meeting was held on October 27, 1960, in the Fellowship Hall of the First Presbyterian Church. All the ministers of the Church Circle churches agreed to help lay the foundation for the club. There were 19 members present who determined that the Senior Citizens Club would have the purpose of "utilizing the talents and experience of our senior citizens." The first regular weekly meetings were 2 hours long and held in the basement of the Waverly Road Presbyterian Church. 
By June, 1961, the membership had grown from 19 to 120 and the Kingsport club became affiliated with the national Senior Citizens of America (click on photo to enlarge). They were the second club to be organized in the state, and the 142nd to be organized in the entire country. Three members of the club appeared on a local TV program that generated interest in their group and also stimulated the origination of a Senior Citizens Club in Johnson City. The first issue of a monthly newsletter, SENIOR CITIZENS NOISE, was printed and distributed on July 6, 1961. In October, the newsletter reported the following weekly meeting schedule: 10/5 Covered dish luncheon; 10/12 High Knob Trip 10 AM; 10/19 Game Day; 10/26 Dent K. Burke Associates will provide a speaker on the subject "Texas". On the club's first anniversary, a Proclamation was made by the Mayor of Kingsport:
WHEREAS, our senior citizens of Kingsport
are the parents of many of our people and neighbors and
friends to all the citizens of Kingsport; and |
The organization grew slowly through the 1960's and moved to a new location at the Mayfair Methodist Church.
Bylaws of the Kingsport Community Senior citizens' Club were adopted January 10, 1963, which stated: "The object of this organization shall be to provide senior citizens of the Kingsport Community with opportunities to continue leading useful and happy lives through 1. Social contacts, 2. Recreation, 3. Development of creative abilities, 4. Service to the community."
The group celebrated their fourth anniversary in 1965, and were enjoying activities such as shuffleboard, bridge, singing and bingo. There were 140 active members with 50-60 members coming to the meetings each week. They were also taking about four bus trips per year to local destinations such as Roan Mountain, Natural Tunnel, and Davy Crockett's birthplace.
By 1968, the club members began feeling cramped in the confines of the church basement. C. Slaughter, past president of the club told a newspaper reporter: "We're grateful for what we have, but for some of our members it isn't enough. They'd like to learn crafts to occupy their time, but there isn't time in the two hours, nor space, since the church has its own use for the building."
The group approached the City on December 2, 1969, requesting support for their activities. From the Board of Mayor and Aldermen minutes:
Mr. Jackson C. Raulston, President of the Kingsport Kiwanis Club, along with Mr. Ed McMann, Mr. W.E. McClain, Mr. Frank Hall, and Bob Delius, made a formal presentation requesting that the City establish a Kingsport Senior Citizens' Commission for the development of a senior citizens' program for Kingsport. A copy of their written formal presentation will be filed for the record. The Mayor stated that their recommendations will be studied and considered at a later date.
In the early 1970's, the Club's home moved to three rooms in the basement of the Sevier Recreation Center, paying the City only a token rental fee. It was here that the Club merged with the Golden Age Club of Kingsport. Community interest in the elderly was beginning to emerge and a donation of $2,000 was obtained from the Community Chest. The new bylaws set dues at $1 per year. In a newspaper clipping, Mrs. W. C. Harr, president, said the club consisted of doctors, lawyers, businessmen and other people, who, after retirement, still wanted to remain active. She said this club offered the "finest fellowship" as well as many activities for these people.
In October, 1973, a nutrition program with noon meals was established at the Center, funded through the Tennessee Commission on Aging. The suggested contribution for the meal was $.35. Also during this time, representatives of the club approached the director of Recreation requesting a City sponsored program of some nature. After much negotiation and consideration, the Recreation Advisory Committee recommended to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen that the City provide and operate a Senior Citizens Center and hire a full time director. This issue was brought to the City's Board of Mayor and Aldermen on February 19, 1974:
Mrs. Grace Good, President of the Senior Citizen's Club was present requesting that the Board give financial asistance to their organization. She stated that they now have 240 members and the club has many activities which the elderly enjoy. The club serves a very useful purpose in promoting activities which enable its members to avoid loneliness. She especially requested that the board provide a meeting place for their group and furnish a portion of the director's salary or a full time director.
Mr. Frazier also was present stating that he had been attending the club for fifteen months and he has worked most of his life with youth groups and is aware that most cities, including Kingsport, spend thousands of dollars for recreation for the youth. He thinks the older people should be honored and receive some financial support. He cited other cities which provide space and other assistance for their Senior Citizens Clubs. Mr. Frazier also pointed out that twelve per cent of Kingsport's population is in the Senior Citizen age group, whereas nationwide only ten per cent. He cited recreational needs such as pool tables, ceramic kilns and secretarial help for their organization. He also pointed out and quoted passages from the Bible stating that we should honor our father and mothers which is another way of saying the elderly should have an honored place in the community.
In answer to a question as to how many of their group was from the County, Mr. Frazier stated that there were not very many at this time due to transportation difficulties.
The Mayor (Bevington) stated that he had recently met with J.T. Parker and Mark Alexander, who are interested in aiding the Senior Citizens and they have been requested to make specific recommendations.
Vice mayor Stout pointed out that there might be some Federal aid and someone should check with the First Tennessee-Virginia Development District. It was pointed out that in order for the club to receive Federal funds it must be in operation for at least one year prior to application.
Mrs. Lou Temple reported that the club had actually been in operation for the past fourteen years.
One member in the audience stated that they had learned that there were no Federal funds available at the present time.
Alderman Hammond stated that he had discussed this problem in an "Open Door" session with Mr. Frazier and had referred him to the Recreational Advisory Commission. Mr. Frazier stated that they contacted the Recreation Advisory Committee and did not get any concrete results.
The Mayor stated that their request would be taken under advisement and also the possibility of Federal funds will be looked into.
Alderman Lay stated that he thinks we should pursue the request further.
In July, 1974, the program, as recommended, was placed in the Department of Parks and Recreation. The city-operated center marked the first time Kingsport had tailored a public recreation program specifically for senior citizens. The City Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved $10,000 for the program and City Recreation Director Gabe Prescott indicated he was searching for qualified applicants to operate the program. Leon Dutka, who had been a minister in Elizabethton, was ultimately hired as the full-time director, replacing Jane Frazier, who had directed the Senior Citizens Center until the City took over its operation. The City budget of $10,000 per year was supposed to pay Dutka's salary and provide funds for the Center's operation. The members began selling crafts in order to supplement these funds.
At this time, the Senior Citizens Club was still functioning independently within the Center. Past presidents of the Senior Citizen Club had included Norman Brough, D. E. Carter, Tom Beatty, S. Kappa, R. J. Pierce, C. Slaughter, Nora Harr, D. G. Tiller, Dora McContha, James Jones, Marie Fields, Nan Duncan, Charlie Sizemore, Grace Caldwell, Tom Deakins, W. K. Nelms, Jr., Sadie Hobbs, Albert Simcox, Herman Horton, Jim Comer and Alice Jones.
Activities at the Center in 1974-1975 included square dancing, shuffleboard, bingo, noon meals, billiards, ping-pong, loom weaving, board games, ceramics, art classes, ballroom dancing, a beginning theatre group, and a "country store" where used items and crafts were sold to help generate funds for the Center's operation. The physical facilities consisted of five rooms plus a hallway for shuffleboard.
In March, 1975, the Kiwanis donated a 12-passenger van to the Senior Citizens Club. A Senior Center sponsored trip to Disney World followed by a Caribbean cruise took place in April, 1975. A few months later, Vicki Bragg was added to the staff to assist with the rapidly enlarging program schedule. Her responsibilities were many and varied under the title of Activities Coordinator. A request for State Title XX funds was made in January, 1976, at which time the Club had 650 members and was said to be growing at the rate of one member per day. A second Caribbean cruise took place in March, 1976. Activities at the Center had enlarged to include watercolor painting, exercise classes, macrame, sewing, theatre, and the first senior competitive men's softball team in Tennessee. Membership had risen to 750 by the fall of 1976.
On April 19, 1977, there was another appeal from the Senior Citizens to the BMA:
Mr. W.K. Nelms appeared on behalf of the Senior Citizens of the City of Kingsport. He thanked the Board for what has been done to this date. He stated the Senior Citizens were in dire need of a new Senior Citizens Center and would appreciate all the help the Board could give in obtaining new facilities. Mr. Nelms pointed out that Johnson City has four full-time and seven part-time employees. Mr. Nelms indicated some doubt that Senior Citizens should be under the Recreation Department. In response to question by Mayor Bevington as to how the 1,000 membership was constituted as to inside and outside the city, Mr. Nelms stated that approximately seventy per cent are city residents.
Mayor Bevington stated that it would probably be well for the Senior Citizens to take their request to Sullivan County Court for some participation by them on behalf of members residing in the County.
Mr. C. R. Sizemore, 2329 Jennings Drive spoke for the Senior Citizens stating that their current facilities could not accommodate their membership and reiterated the request for new facilities. Mr. Sizemore also expressed appreciation to City Manager Clark for his recent talk to the Senior Citizens.
After contacting all 48 Sullivan County magistrates, a large senior citizen delegation appeared before the court's Administrative Committee to press their case for an increased appropriation for their center. Impressed by the size of the membership and the diversified programming provided, the court awarded the Senior Citizens' Center a total of $4,800 for fiscal 1977-78. Membership in the Kingsport Senior Citizens Center had grown significantly by this time to approximately 1200. The center also received a $5,000 grant from the Tennessee Commission on Aging and a Title XX grant of over $20,000 in federal funds, to be used for transportation of the elderly.
A major drama production by the Senior Center theatre group, under the direction of Joan Hensley, marked 1977. This was a unique play depicting the problems of aging. After playing in Kingsport, it was requested to be the first show staged at the newly remodeled Lemar-House Bijou Theatre in Knoxville.
On September 18, 1979, the BMA made the following resolution:
Upon motion of Alderman Cunningham seconded by Alderman Watterson to accept the low bid as recommended by the City Manager of Little Construction Co., for $45,800 for the renovation and modification of the Senior Citizens section of Sevier Recreation Center as previously approved in the 1978-79 budget, and funded by Title V Grant with matching funds from the city, all present voting "aye".
During the 1980's several more improvements and renovations were made to the Senior Center facilities. In July, 1990, the first Senior Center Advisory Board was appointed by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen. Up to this time, former directors of the Center had included Joe Fuller, Tim Holland, Joan Hensley, Leon Dutka, Jerry Derrick, Brenda Merritt, Gabe Prescott and Kittie Frazier.
In July, 1990 the Senior Center Advisory Council was first appointed by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen. Also in that year, the City of Kingsport began an extensive remodeling of the Old John Sevier building. During this construction period, the Senior Center moved to temporary quarters provided by the American Legion. When the renovation was complete, the Senior Center moved back into the old school building. On April 7, 1991, the John Sevier Recreation Building was renamed the Kingsport Renaissance Center in a ribbon cutting ceremony. The Area Agency on Aging applied for and obtained space in the new facility for a Nutrition Program. Also around this time, the Kingsport Senior Theatre Association merged with the Senior Citizens Center. Mayor Hunter Wright attended the Senior Center Advisory Board meeting in July, 1991, and stated, "the Advisory Board was established to help study the needs of over 11,000 seniors in this area and then report to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen their thoughts and ideas. This will help the Mayor and Aldermen to work toward enhancing the quality of life for all of our senior citizens."
In 1993, a formal Senior Focus Session was held to allow senior members to voice their needs and wishes. Many suggestions were made for improving the Senior Center addressing the facility itself, programming, and specific budget requests. These ideas included Atrium furniture, a swimming pool, a fitness center, additional classes and trips, a pottery wheel, horseshoe pits, a putting green, tennis courts, a croquet court, a picnic area, a Wellness Center, and organization of a "Friends of the Center". Senior Center Director Nancy Hicks reported on the Senior Focus Session to the Advisory Council in June, 1993, stating the seniors intended "to create a Senior Wellness Center that will be the greatest health spa in the world."
Subsequent Focus Sessions were held in 1994 and 1996. These were effective in making many minor property and program improvements, however, a swimming pool was never realized. In February, 1996, the membership age was reduced to 50 in order to accommodate Senior Olympic participation.
Director Nancy Hicks reported in December, 1996, that the staff had suggested standing committees as part of the Senior Advisory Council structure. The staff felt that this would allow more senior input into the center. The following committees were formed: Wellness, Educational, Recreational, Cultural, and Administrative & Property. Each committee had two Advisory Council members and at least three Senior members.
A computer lab with 5 computers was opened in March, 1998. Computer classes were offered the following January, and were so popular that a lottery was required to select class members. By September, 2001, the lab had expanded to 13 computers. Work began on an internet website in July, 2002, and it was up and running by April, 2003.
The director's report to the Advisory Council in January, 2003, noted "the balancing act that most senior centers are going through now, as they struggle to maintain services for an increasingly needy older population while trying to attract baby boomers. The baby boomer mentality is very different from their parents and grandparents -- they come to senior centers to learn, to exercise, and be entertained. A well-rounded Level IV senior center should accommodate everyone."
By November, 2003, the Friends of the Kingsport Senior Center was finally in operation, accepting memberships and donations in order to assist the Center with capital improvements and programming. The first few years of the new century were fraught with budgetry cuts, loss of staff positions, and a decrease in the operation hours. After much discussion, this finally led to an increase in membership fees (resident fee from $5.00 to $15.00) for the 2004 fiscal year.
Today the Renaissance Center is owned and managed by the City of Kingsport. Most of the first floor is assigned to the Kingsport Senior Center, while upper floors house such organizations as the City's Cultural Service's Division, Arts Council of Greater Kingsport, Kingsport Theatre Guild, Kingsport Symphony Orchestra, Kingsport Art Guild, and Suzuki Talent Education of Appalachia. Meeting rooms, the Atrium, a 350-seat theatre and other facilities within the building are managed and leased by the Renaissance Center Administration for business meetings, parties, receptions, classes, showers, performances, and athletic events.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Thanks to the senior pioneers who spearheaded the development of the Kingsport Senior Center, and who carefully annotated their efforts and progress with scrapbooks, news clippings and pictures. Thanks to Jeff Jenson, City Archivist at the Kingsport Public Library, who made available the above documents. Thanks to Liz Gilbert, City Clerk, who helped with the search and retrieval of BMA minutes and other documents related to the Senior Center. Photos courtesy of the Kingsport City Archives. |
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