History of the Tyler Day Nursery

Founded by the Tyler Council of Church Women in 1936, the Tyler Day Nursery was established to assist in the care of small children from households with insufficient income to meet their needs.  In June of that same year, a duplex house was secured for the Nursery and an unknown benefactor paid rent for the first year.  Opened on August 10, 1936, the Nursery was licensed to accommodate 30 children.  The house stood on the grounds where the present-day City Hall stands, and the Nursery occupied it for two years.

Early financial needs of the Nursery were met by charitable donations of men and women concerned for young children left unattended during the day.  Other finances were attained by selling subscriptions to Curtis Publications, refunding milk bottles in stores and restaurants, two horse shows and a garden party at the Tyler Women's Building.

The second home of the Nursery was a small dwelling near the railroad crossing on North Bois d'Arc Street where the city of Tyler's bus station stands.  This home was owned by Blanche Jurney and she donated the first three months rent.

The present building was started in February 1939.  The entire cost of the building was $11,000 and on June 1st of that year, the Nursery moved into its present home. 

In 1940, the Nursery became an agency of the Tyler Community Chest, now known as the United Way Agency.  The Tyler Day Nursery has been the recipient of several bequests and Memorial Funds.  Substantial donations to the Nursery in its' early years included a donation from Sally Goodman Legrande and the establishment of the Mae Kyle Grelling Fund.  In 1939, Ms. Legrande willed $1,000 to the Nursery.  The Mae Kyle Grelling Fund was established by friends and organizations in memory of Louise A. Grelling.  The money was used to erect a fence around the playground of the Nursery and a memorial plaque was placed on the front gate.

Another noteworthy donation was from Annie H. Lasseter who willed her home on N. Bois d'Arc to the Nursery.  On February 5, 1946, the property was sold for a sum of $6,000 and the "Annie Lasseter Memorial Fund" was created. Because of the fund, the house was completely renovated and redecorated.  The baby wing was named for Mrs. Lasseter and a bronze marker at the entrance honors Mrs. Lasseter and her generous gift.