The CCC began as a handful of informal traditions that took place during the summer in private places around town. On Mondays, the Masons hosted a sing-along; on Wednesdays, the Leventhals showed movies in their basement; and Curly Carroll fiddled and called square dances at the Cornerway. Then, in 1956, through the efforts of the Town Affairs Council, an association of summer and permanent residents, and a gift of land from Roger Baldwin, a building was erected to house all these activities and more.

The Opening Day of the Community Center building was on June 30, 1957 and you can read the Vineyard Gazette’s coverage of it below. In its sixty-seven years, the Center has grown in scope of activity and membership, but it has not changed significantly in style. It remains a spontaneous and informal place where families gather, and older and younger children interact with ease. But, drainage on the tennis courts has improved! It also has an old-fashioned budget. The fees for the summer program are set to cover estimated operating costs. Capital improvements are funded through voluntary contributions and appropriations as voted by the residents of the town.

The CCC is a source of pride in Chilmark. It is important to remember that our program involves a little less structure than some camps, but programming that includes a range of choices for kids and accountability. It is quite simply a familiar Island place, where there is no sense of entitlement, and where the privileges of summer may be enjoyed in full.