Women’s History Month

A DMC Gem–Mrs. C.C. (Blanche) Holley

Did you know Des Moines Christian School was founded by a woman named Mrs. C.C. (Blanche) Holley? 

Mrs. Holley developed a deep Christian insight through personal experience, which provided her a keener understanding of the importance of spiritual emphasis in the education of a child. In the 1940s, she heard a local radio program featuring Dr. Mark Fakkema, General Secretary of the National Union of Christian Schools. Firmly  believing that education is the foundation stone for children, she contacted Dr. Fakkema immediately after the broadcast. They spent most of his remaining time in Des Moines visiting a neighboring Christian school and discussing the need for a faith-based education option in Des Moines. 

After this visit, 41 people interested in Christian education held a meeting at the YMCA in June of 1947 to hear from Dr. Fakkema. The group decided to start an evangelical Christian school. A board was formed, bylaws adopted, and a one-year planning process began. Des Moines Christian School was established in 1948. Classes first opened on September 7 in basement rooms of First Federated Church at Beaver and Adams Avenues with grades 7, 8, and 9. Mrs. Holley served as an original board member. 

Mrs. Holley was also a supporter of WWII efforts and women serving in the war. Fort Des Moines, Iowa, was selected as the site of the first Women’s Army Auxiliary Corp (WAAC) Training Center. Mrs. Holley was instrumental in opening the Victory Center, a Christian service center for the women training at the WAAC in Des Moines. She was nominated for the 1942 Tribune Community Service Award for her efforts. 

Newspapers from the time report that Mrs. Holley led the singing of patriotic songs and also taught beginner dancing lessons for enlisted servicemen who “desired to become proficient in the art of dancing.”

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Mrs. Holley (Ms Blanche Miles at the time) graduated from the University of Minnesota and spent most of her life in Des Moines. She taught physical education for girls at Morgan Park High School in Duluth, Minnesota, before moving to Iowa to marry Mr. Claud C. Holley. Mrs. Holley also taught in Des Moines schools. Her husband was president of L.W. Holley and Sons Stationer, Printing and School Supplies.  

Mrs. Holley was an officer of the Epworth League, a Methodist young adult association. She was also a member of the Des Moines Women's Club and the American Association of University Women.

Mrs. Holley passed away in 1981, leaving a legacy of faith that founded two Christian organizations in the Des Moines area, including DMC.