Women preserving history at the George Washington Carver Center
BOWLING GREEN, KY.- The George Washington Carver Center was organized in 1946 and was originally located on 7th Street. During urban renewal, the center relocated to State Street, where several women are now working to preserve and share its history.
“It’s more than history here,” Hattie Page, assistant treasurer at the George Washington Carver Center, said. “People don’t realize that. And to fellowship with the ladies here, that’s our main thing, getting together and sharing different ideas. The fellowship really means a lot.”
The women who currently serve at the Carver Center were also inspired by the women in their own lives.
“My mother raised 13 children, and what I can say about her is she strived, even during her second marriage, to make sure we had what we needed, not just what we wanted,” secretary Anna Beason said.
“Growing up, we were around these ladies and they influenced us. By influencing us as a younger generation, they made us want to keep the Carver Center open today and let people know what it’s all about and its history,” Bettie Turner, vice president of the George Washington Carver Center, said.
At its peak, the Shake Rag District forged life-changing experiences for Beason, Turner, and Page, leaving a lasting impact that echoes through future generations.
“I feel good about it, just wonderful. That’s why I’m still here,” Page said. “If I can do something to help somebody, that’s what I’m trying to do — to teach people, even young girls, how to work, take care of themselves, and want to have something I couldn’t have.”
Maintaining history while also making history ensures the past isn’t lost or forgotten.
“The reason we need to preserve it and let the community know we are proud of the ladies at the George Washington Carver Center is because of what they put into it,” Turner said. “How hard it was back then to buy this building makes it something we can celebrate today. We want to keep what our ancestors started years ago in Bowling Green.”
