The Center for Hearing and Speech was originally known as the St. Louis League for the Hard of Harding. The League formed at a meeting held on 12 October 1920 at the Central Institute for the Deaf. In 1924, the League formally incorporated. The founding members outlined the league’s objectives in the first constitution: 1) To promote social intercourse among its members; 2) To assist the deafened and hard of hearing in the matter of procuring and retaining employment; 3) To provide free and part scholarships in lip reading; 4) To aid and further in each and every way possible any helpful work among the deafened and hard of hearing; 5) To maintain offices and rooms for the business of the organization and the convenience of its members; 6) To encourage any other activities that may be to the general interest and benefit of the deafened and hard of hearing.

The League consisted of members who paid annual dues. From the membership, a Board of Directors (with six to twelve members) and officers were elected to oversee the general management, funds, and property of the League. Later, the League hired office staff, including an executive director who reported to the Board of Directors. The League held board and general membership meetings throughout the year. An annual member meeting provided League members the opportunity to vote for the Board of Directors and its officers. Since its founding, the month of the League’s annual meeting changed from October to May to January and back to May once again.

In 1964, the League changed its name to the St. Louis Hearing and Speech Center and increased the maximum number of Board of Directors from 12 to 21. The Center added audiologists and speech pathologists to its staff, including an audiologist dedicated to its new mobile testing unit that debuted in 1969. The mobile unit visited pre-schools, schools, community centers, social service agencies, and industrial sites in an effort to identify, and then assist, individuals with hearing loss. The organization altered its name once again and is presently known as the Center for Hearing and Speech.

From its founding, the League placed emphasis on social activities such as group outings, bible class, sewing club, bridge, and evening parties. This aspect of the center’s original purpose continued into the 1990’s with members’ social opportunities including themed luncheons, dinners, and specials events. To promote communication and activities with its members, the League began publishing League Life in 1924 (see the MHS Library).

Operating club rooms was also an important aspect of the League’s social objective. It has had several homes over the years, beginning with the Central Institute for the Deaf. By 1924, the League incorporated and had a room in the Ohio Building. Its quarters increased in size when it moved into the Academy of Science Building in 1927, and again when it moved to 5099 Westminster Place around 1930. In 1934, the League purchased its own 16 room headquarters at 4527 Westminster Place. The League remained here until 1960 when it moved to 3600 N. Grand. With its earlier name change and added professional staff and services, in 1973, the Center moved its headquarters to 9526 Manchester and it also opened a satellite office at 601 N. Grand. In 1980, the satellite office moved downtown to 915 Olive Street; it closed about 1986. In 2000, the Center opened a location in St. Peters to serve St. Charles County.