jan 1, 1921 - Argentine Parish House

Description:

In 1921, the Argentine Parish House was built from donated materials, including a discarded steel bridge, and with volunteer labor organized by a coalition of six Protestant churches and community volunteers. The effort was led by Rev. G.W. Durham of the Methodist Episcopal Church. For nearly 65 years, the Parish House was a center of community activities, including athletic contests such as boxing and basketball, as well as social activities such as dances and club meetings.

After the 1951 Flood, the Parish House became a focal point for Mexican-American youth due to the efforts of Joe E. Amayo, who spent nearly four decades teaching young men to box in the Parish House basement. The rich history of the Parish House as a focal point of community life and pugilistic contests is celebrated in the Argentine mural at 34th and Metropolitan Avenue. Source: https://khri.kansasgis.org/