115 - John C. Proctor Recreation Center
Easily one of the top ten jaw dropping buildings in all of Peoria. You absolutely must see this in person to appreciate it. As happens quite often here at NTPL, I stumbled across this place accidentally and until I got home and looked it up, I hadn’t a clue what it was. A grand and gorgeous building plopped right smack in the middle of a residential neighborhood.
At the time of his death in 1907, John C. Proctor’s will directed a group of trustees to build the “John C. Proctor Recreation Center and Public Baths” to provide “free baths for the worthy poor of the city” and to enhance “the physical, social and moral welfare of our community.”
It was built to great fanfare in 1913, covered two city blocks, and consisted of a wading pool, showers, two gymnasiums, a swimming pool, a bowling alley, an auditorium, a billiards room, a library, a track, a baseball diamond and tennis courts, among other features.
The depression forced the closure in 1932 until the Peoria Park District took control and reopened it in 1935. How important was this place to the community? A local referendum allowing the Park Board to raise taxes to help fund the center passed 10 to 1. You don’t see that too often.
The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
The postcard that I’d seen many times but didn’t realize the place actually still existed, especially in such pristine form:
Links:
Historic Peoria
Peoria Park District
Illinois Parks and Recreation, Sept/Oct 1980
National Register of Historic Places
Map
Postcard courtesy of www.peoriahistory.com
January 2nd, 2007 at 2:08 pm
House on the even (big) side of Moss.
January 3rd, 2007 at 11:35 pm
Sorry, Josh, not on the big (or little) side of Moss.
January 4th, 2007 at 2:16 pm
Proctor Recreation Center?
dunno
January 4th, 2007 at 10:24 pm
Yay JW! Always wondered when this would make it on NTPL … this building is one of my all-time Peoria faves.
m.
January 5th, 2007 at 10:57 pm
A site for a new District 150 school?
January 8th, 2007 at 9:26 am
Where is that?
January 8th, 2007 at 11:23 am
If you take Western down below the bluff, hang a left just past Aldi’s on Martin Street, or the next street which is Kettelle St. It’s a few blocks in.
Be forewarned- the neighborhood is absolutely horrible and it only gets worse if you continue on towards MacArthur Hwy.
January 9th, 2007 at 7:49 pm
Think about how the Proctors changed Peoria … this building, the hospital and the Proctor Endowment Home (currently expanding) on Reservoir & Sterling.
This recreation center is in a rough area, it’s true, but it’s also close to Roosevelt Magnet School, a gem in itself. My other favorite South Side place is a little park near 474 / Harrison Homes. Best viewed in broad daylight.
I wish the Peoria Historical Society would arrange a tour that celebrates the South Side.
m.
January 10th, 2007 at 9:50 am
Thanks for the tips, m, I’ll have to check them out. The problem I have is not necessarily driving in and around these areas, but I feel that there are some places in town where a white guy in a pickup truck shouldn’t be snapping photos if he knows whats best for him. Exactly the reason why I don’t have a shot of the back of this building, which is way cooler than the front. I considered it, but then I got honked at and given a nasty look as I was turning around, so my smarter, more paranoid side took over and I decided that it really wasn’t worth it.
I had a similar thought when I was taking photos of the shuttered East Peoria Richland Bottoms school; There was a guy staring intently at me through his screen door and I swore at any minute a pit-bull was going to come charging. If you’ve been over there, you know what I mean.
August 3rd, 2007 at 4:40 pm
I am a descendant of John C Proctor and recently visited the Recreation Center for a tour. The Center is a beautiful legacy to Uncle John, as he was known, the Endowment Board entrusted to build the Center, and the Parks District and users for their continued usage and care. I have a number of current photos of the facility which I would be glad to share if you would like them. Please let me know. Appreciate your interest and publicity regarding the facility. I shared your suggestion about having an open house with the staff, but would also encourage anyone interested to call about scheduling a tour on their own. Very nice staff. Dave
August 5th, 2007 at 9:48 am
[...] #115 - The John C. Proctor Recreation Center I am a descendant of John C Proctor and recently visited [...]
August 18th, 2007 at 11:22 am
[...] featured as Peoria Landmark #115 where you will find additional history and [...]
June 21st, 2008 at 2:55 pm
[...] My Photo, NTPL #115: [...]