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WHO
WE ARE |
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Brockton Day Nursery (BDN) had its origin in the
charitable work of the “1894 Club,” an organization of
young women guided by Leila Delano Richmond and devoted
to the needs of children whose mothers were forced to
work outside the home for support of their families. In
1900 a number of ladies met for the purpose of
organizing the Brockton Day Nursery as it is known
today, and it was incorporated in 1907.
In 1908, former Governor William L. Douglas,
appreciating and endorsing the work in which the
organization had been engaged, presented the Brockton
Day Nursery with a building and land on Everett Street
and an endowment for the continuance of its mission.
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The
first City Baby Clinic was established at the Nursery in
1916, with a Milk Station in the basement. The
first Kindergarten in Brockton was conducted at the
Nursery. Practice-teachers from Bridgewater Normal
School gave their services in 1917 and this was followed
by a summer Kindergarten for children of all
nationalities. The Americanization Classes also
originated in the playground |
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of
the Brockton Day Nursery. In 1918 when the
epidemic of influenza swept the city, the Nursery became
a relief station where children in good health remained
while their families were recovering.
BDN remained on
Everett Street
until October 1968, when the building was included in
the Urban Renewal Area, and demolished. BDN was then
housed in three rooms at the local YMCA until 1972, when
the program was moved to a new building on Bolton Place
through the generosity of many benefactors, including
long-time devotee May Quinby Clough.
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Due to increased child care needs in the community, the
BDN Board of Directors began the process of relocation
and expansion. A beautiful new building opened on May
8, 1978 at the 243 Crescent Street site. In 1982, an
addition was built to expand programs to infants and
toddlers. |
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In 1986, eight additional classrooms were leased at St.
Colman’s School at 37 Erie Avenue to expand the toddler
and preschool programs further. Cuts in state funding
forced the closing of the St. Colman’s center in 1991.
In March of 1991, Brockton Day Nursery became the first
early childhood program in the greater
Brockton
area to become accredited by the National Academy of
Early Childhood Programs.
In 1994, a School-Age program was added at the Crescent
Street site, adding before and after school care to BDN
programs.
As the community demand for quality services for
children and families changes, Brockton Day Nursery
continues to adapt its programs to match those needs.
BDN continues today in the proud tradition of the women
of the “1894 Club” in providing quality child care to
children from all economic strata, of all races, creeds,
and beliefs. |
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