HISTORY OF THE SCC

The Senior Citizens' Center of Oak Park and River, the oldest Senior Citizens' Center in Illinois, has been a place for lifelong learning in Oak Park for over 70 years.

In 1954, about thirty-five residents of Oak Park asked the Park District to start a program for older adults, ages 55 and over. Initially the group met in some of the local churches. The original activities included Men's Club, needlecraft, weaving, and Meeting of the Minds. Within a few years, the group applied for a charter, and also incorporated and applied for a 501C-3 status.

After growing in members, the Center was moved to the Farson Mills House on Pleasant and Home in Oak Park. They met there for over thirty years. There, activities included wood working, weaving, sewing, Mills Orchestra, Belles and Beaux singing group, investment club, language classes, and lapidary. We had annual Holiday Sales, where items, made at the Center were sold, with the proceeds going back into our programming. Giving back to the community was also important, through making 300+ tray favors for different holidays that would decorate food trays at West Suburban Hospital.

After being with the Park District of Oak Park at the Farson Mills House, we were located for more than 20 years in the Oak Park Arms. While there, we added classes that included stained glass and art history. We also started our annual fundraising dinner: The Ulyssean Award dinner, which honors community members who have a commitment to lifelong learning.

In 2019, we began a wonderful partnership again with the Park District of Oak Park and moved to the Dole Center. Here, we have been able to expand our class offerings as well as serve more members of the community. The SCCOPRF supplies equipment and materials for classes, brings in special programs, and supplements the non-resident membership fees so that everyone pays the same amount for a year long membership no matter where they live.

Throughout the years we have received funding from the Economy Shop, Rotary Club, Illinois Council for the Arts, the Oak Park Art League and more. Currently we are receiving grant funding from the Economy Shop where we are in charge of the volunteers in the Housewares Room. We are extremely grateful for the support in helping to keep our programs running.