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A History of the Building
by Elizabeth G. Block

(Editor's note: I found this brief article on the back cover of Eleanor Sharp’s pamphlet, A History of the Guild. I estimate the date of writing at late 1951.

Like its companion piece, this document was typed in a small-caps font. In a couple of places, the typist had typed his/her corrections right on top of the errors, rendering those passages difficult to read.)
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We find in digging into the past records that some forty years ago, our Theatre Guild building was the center of Webster Groves’ activities.

Back in 1907 it was used by the Fourth Ward Improvement Association. They nominated Webster’s first mayor here. Then Miss Mulroy sought the building for her "Mulroy School of Music." The building was also used by others for their musical programs and recitals. Dancing classes were held here for both young and old -- also gym classes. Yes, and at one time kindergarten classes for tots.

Later it was known as the "The Suburban Hall" and became well-known, as it was THE PLACE for all the evening dances and parties given by the school clubs, young peoples groups and various organizations. And many used it to put on their entertainment and plays.

Several of the churches rented it on Sundays for their services while their own structures were being completed. The churches also held their suppers, bazaars and programs here.

Later it was used as a Polling Place as well as by some of the early Boy Scout Troops. In 1922 the building was sold and turned into a printing shop and remained so for years until bought by the Theatre Guild of Webster Groves (1951).

Now we hope it will again become a center of interesting and worthwhile activities.

Elizabeth G. Block
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Compare with A Stroll Down Theatre Lane by Kathleen Flood