The Walnut Street YMCA and YWCA opened in September 1940 to much excitement and anticipation within the African American community in Wilmington, Delaware. Jeanne D. Nutter, PhD, an oral historian, has compiled two other books on African Americans in Delaware. She has amassed an array of historical images from the archives and collections of the Walnut Street YMCA, the Delaware Historical Society, the Washam family, and numerous members of the local African American community.
During segregation, the building became the center of cultural, athletic, and civil rights activities of African Americans in the area. Both youth and adults benefited from the numerous offerings. The activities were impressive, with an award-winning basketball team and an expansive swim program that produced outstanding swimmers and divers. The beautifully designed facility offered an indoor swimming pool, bowling alley, auditorium, cafeteria, library, gymnasium, workshop, game room, meeting rooms, and dormitories. Care was taken to enhance the interior with paintings by noted African American artist Edward Loper Sr. and others. The exterior was adorned with sculptural friezes that paid homage to such luminaries as Marion Anderson, Booker T. Washington, Paul Robeson, and George Washington Carver. The illuminated clock tower became a beacon for the community.