The Harry Whiting Brown family established the community house in 1929 to create a multifunctional space serving Boy and Girl Scout Troops, Community Nurse activities, teacher’s housing, community meetings, museum purposes, children’s recreation, and even a bird sanctuary. Over the decades, while specific programs have evolved, the core mission has remained steadfast.
Today, the HWB Community Center continues to honor its founding principles through a thoughtfully maintained property. The original Victorian era main house now contains the community library and two apartments, while the Community House, Carriage House, and Mews provide dedicated spaces for community events and year round programming. The charming St. Edmunds Chapel, with its 50 hand-carved pew seats, offers a quaint and historic gathering space, complemented by the modern Peter J. Gruber Performance Pavilion. Volunteer trustees remain committed to preserving the Brown family’s legacy, ensuring the center continues to serve and enrich the Glendale community and beyond.
The Harry Whiting Brown Community House is established by the Brown family as a living memorial to Mr. Brown’s beloved Village of Glendale.
The Brown family transforms the property’s stables into a cozy Scout clubhouse before expanding the property to build a new hall connecting to the Village Square.
The first floor of the main house serves as a dormitory for the Community Nurse’s Association while the second floor serves as living quarters for single teachers working in the Glendale Public Schools.
Glendale joins seven small surrounding school districts including Crescentville, Evendale, Sharonville, Springdale, Stewart, Runyan, and Woodlawn to form the Princeton School District. The Glendale Public Library moves into the first floor of the main house.
St. Edmund’s Boys’ Chapel is moved from Chester Road to the Harry Whiting Brown property thanks to an army of volunteers and engineers.
The Peter J. Gruber Pavilion is added to host summer concerts, plays, and other outdoor events.
HWB Community Center continues to operate to this day, offering various community programs, activities, and events to the Glendale community and beyond.
