The Community House (1922-1966)
Jacob Kindleberger, who founded the Kalamazoo Vegetable Parchment Company in 1909, wanted to create a model village for his workers and its centerpiece was the Community House. Constructed in 1922, the building had a full-size auditorium and a dining hall. It was used for meetings and concerts and served as the village's first church. It was expanded in 1935 to include a wood shop and a gymnasium. The building was demolished in 1966. On the site today is a PNC bank at 317 S Riverview Drive, immediately north of the Parchment Community Library.
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Shortly after construction in 1922.
The Community House as photographed from the top of the KVP smokestack in 1935
A women's organization photographed in the 1930's in front of the Community House. Note the front porch has been enclosed.
A Christmas celebration in the Community House auditorium dated January 3, 1926.