About Us

Community. Fellowship. Enrichment.

The Purchase Community House is dedicated to providing exceptional youth programming that enhances the quality of life for our community members. Serving the residents of Purchase and the surrounding areas, we offer a curated selection of child care and youth mentorship year round. As a Non-Profit, we thrive on the generosity of our patrons and the investment of our community. Together, we foster fellowship and unite our community, creating last connections.

Our Story

The Purchase Community House was born from the vision of Mr. William A. Read; a man who recognized the need for a space where the residents of Purchase could gather for social and civic engagement. He approached the Purchase Property Owners Association with an inspiring proposal on October 7, 1915. He announced that he had purchased a saloon on Purchase Street and planned to acquire additional land to create what is known today as the Purchase Community House.

Mr. Read envisioned a vibrant hub for the community, complete with an auditorium, living quarters for a neighborhood nurse and school teachers, and a gymnasium for men and boys. Tragically, he passed away before he could bring his plans to fruition. However, his legacy lived on through his widow, who erected the William A. Read Memorial House. Upon its completion, this new center was leased to the Purchase Property Owners Association, marking the beginning of a community-focused journey.

When the association eventually canceled the lease, Mr. Carl Pforzheimer led the efforts to form an organization known as the Purchase Community. With Mr. Louis B. Ralston as its first president and Mr. Carl H. Pforzheimer as treasurer, the Community House was leased for just $1.00 a year. Mrs. Read generously covered the salary of the director, while the Purchase Community sustained itself through memberships and donations.

In 1926, the Purchase Community was officially incorporated, and the title to the Community House was transferred to the newly formed organization at Mrs. Read's behest. Her vision was clear: the Community House should foster fellowship among Purchase Residents and for wholesome activities which unite the neighborhood in loyalty and service to the community, the state, and the nation.

Today, Purchase Community, Inc. continues to manage and operate the Community House, upholding the spirit of collaboration and engagement that Mr. Read and his contemporaries envisioned over a century ago. Each year, residents over the age of 21 participate in electing a Board of Directors, ensuring that the voice of the community remains inclusive and strong. The Purchase Community House stands as a testament to the enduring power of community and the importance of coming together for a common purpose.