Media Collection: Swan Island Child Services Center

The child care center was built on a thin piece of land linking Swan Island to the eastern shore of the Willamette River. The distinctive "spokes" of the classrooms are apparent in this aerial photograph. Parents could drop their children off at the center before joining the check-in line at the shipyards, and pick them back up on their way back to the wartime housing developments nearby. (Org lot 366, folder 1)

As a way to support working families, the Center offered a meal service. Shipyard workers could order meals in the morning and pick them up after their shifts when they came by to get their children. Women benefited enormously--they were relieved from the labor of cooking dinner for the family after a full-day's work in the yards. (Org lot 366, OrHi80373)

Teachers and staff of the Swan Island Child Services Center meet with parents to discuss ways to improve the center. (Org lot 366, OrHi80380)

The playground was in the middle of the center, a design feature that made it easier for child care workers to keep track of the young, active children. (Coll 366, folder 10)

The Kaiser shipyards produced a glossy brochure describing the many innovations in the child service center. The institution would eventually become nationally recognized for its design and services. (Org lot 366, folder 15)

This sign greeted shipyard workers as they walked or drove onto Swan Island. (Org lot 366, folder 11)

(Org lot 366, folder 11)

The child care center had a kitchen staff which prepared and served all the meals for the children. (Org lot 366, folder 11)

(Coll 366, folder 12)