Peoples Settlement Association is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization. Our mission is to provide an array of comprehensive social service programs and to improve the quality of life for Wilmington residents. People's Settlement Association Timeline   1901 Sarah Webb Pyle, a graduate of Northfield Academy in Massachusetts, returns to her Native Wilmington to launch needed social programs in two rented rooms of a corner row home at Church and Taylor Streets.   1902 People’s Settlement is incorporated and i s quickly expanding with programs to serve all ages.   1905 In response to efforts headed by T. Allen Hilles and PSA backing, a Child Labor Law passes to prevent children from under 14 from working.   1908 PSA starts an ambitious capital campaign to finance a larger facility, bolstered by a Penny-A-Day Society and local corporate interest.   1912 Our stately $100,000 facility is dedicated as an educational and social center also containing the City’s first public health clinic and first gymnasium. This was made possible from a grant from Lamont Dupont.   1914 People’s Settlement opens the City’s first organized playground, destined to attract some 5,000 users per month.   1915 Woman’s Suffrage comes into focus at the Settlement with efforts organized by Florence Bayard Hilles.   1918 An emergency hospital sets up to help 100 babies during the Influenza epidemic.   1919 Some 50 young men affiliated with PSA are recognized as serving in World War I.   1920 Families of Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish faiths harmonize in Settlement programs for all ages, including Americanization and English classes for scores of immigrant neighborhoods.   1935 People’s Settlement starts to train National Youth Administration Workers.   1940 CEO Frederick E. Stone of Wilmington Trust begins as Board President.   1941 At 40th anniversary festivities Miss Pyle notes we had so far functioned without City or State appropriations and that some clients represent the third generation.   1942 Governor Walter Bacon joins our Board of Directors.   1943 The United War Fund (now the United Way) included People’s Settlement as an original member and the agency converts to coal to save oil during World War II.   1948 Our Board Presidency shifts to George Ayers.   1951 Founder Pyle retires in August with national and local honors after an astounding 50 years.   1952 A new executive director begins a nine year tenure and launches a Golden Age Club to involve Seniors over age 65.   1953 The Wilmington School Board dedicates the Sarah Webb Pyle School at 6th and Lombard streets, constituting the first time a school was named after a living person.   1954 Mrs. George A. Hyde is elected Board President.   1959 As the new Executive Director, Ken Larrabee launched a full-day summer camp in the racially changing neighborhood, a camp that continues today.   The founded Ms. Pyle passes away.   1960 As part of community beautification, PSA and Christina Community Center distributes 192 window boxes on the Eastside.   1961 Rector Richard M. Trelease of St. Andrews Church assumes the Board leadership.   1963 James H. Sills is selected Executive Director and is the first African-American to fill that role.   1967 Nikki Giovanni famed writer works at PSA during Graduate Studies at the University of Pennsylvania.   1968 Harmon Carey begins his eight years as Executive Director.   1973 Ted Blunt serves as Executive Director.   1976 Arthur Boswell begins eight years as Executive Director.   1987 In response to statewide lending discrimination, University of Delaware Professor James H. Sills develops the Delaware Community Reinvestment Act Council with PSA’s cooperation.   1989 Groundbreaking Ceremonies were held for the new Wing including a Child Care Center and Senior Center.   1991 The agency opens a ground-level Child Care and Senior Center wing.   1992 Otis Heady Youth Center is dedicated for area youth.   James Sills becomes mayor of the City of Wilmington.   1995 Parents of the Child Center break ground for a new playground.   1996 We welcome our current Executive Director, Keith Lake.   1998 PSA landscape, fence and renovate our parking lot.   O.A. Heady, Jr. passes in April.   1999 PSA welcomes and hosts educators from the continent of Africa as guests.   2001 The state NAACP recognizes PSA for long-standing community service.   PSA conducts a Gala to celebrate its 100 anniversary at the Christina River Club.   PSA receives recognition from President George W. Bush.   2002 PSA starts a CDC to improve the Agency.   PSA launches its first T.V. program on local cable T.V.   2003 Rev. Jesse Jackson and U.S. Senator Thomas Carper attends prayer breakfast at PSA.   2004 PSA receives its first Federal Grant.   2006 PSA launches the McLerin Transitional House for Men.