YMCA

YMCA Young Men's Christian Association
YMCA of Hamilton

On June 2, 1889, the Hamilton YMCA was formed at a meeting held in the lecture room of the Presbyterian church. On November 18, of the same year, the Hamilton Association was incorporated. The committee in December, 1889, secured the residence of James Maxwell, located on the corner of Third and Dayton Streets, as permanent quarters.

Third and Dayton Streets
YMCA, 1889-1914; YWCA, 1914-1930

To implement the YMCA physical program a gymnasium was added. It was at this location that the oldest existing youth program in Hamilton was established -- the Boys Gospel Regiment.

YMCA Cross Country Run, Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1909,
beginning on Dayton Street between Second and Third Streets

Those photographed include:
Runners: Armin Jacobs, Al Horwitz, William Glaugh, William Reed, John Kirk, Sam Blumenthal,
Louis Krebs, two unidentified, Fred Roth, unidentified, Joe Avey, Timberman.
In the background: Art Hill, Mr. Faber, Mr. Roth, and Dr. Louis Frechtling.

In 1905 Herman Chase was elected General Secretary and the idea of a new building was promoted. From 1905 to 1910 the Board of Trustees worked to secure community support. In October of 1910, a committee of 100 was formed and successfully secured $150,000 for the building fund. This was the largest amount ever raised at that time for a community project.

In 1913, the foundation forms were set, but the flood waters played havoc and it was many months before construction resumed. The building was completed and dedicated on September 20, 1914. Of the years following, 1926 was a big year for the YMCA in Hamilton. Mr. Homer Gard donated to the association the camp now bearing his son's name, Campbell Gard. The fifth floor was also added to the present building, increasing the dormitory to a total of 125 rooms.

YMCA, 105 North Second Street

(Source: Hamilton YMCA, 75th Anniversary, 1889-1964)

The YMCA Gypsies, 1928
The group took a trip to the Rockey Mountains

YMCA pool, Dayton Street, the only outdoor pool in Hamilton at the time

This site was created by the Butler County Historical Society
Those with questions, comments, or additional information are encouraged to contact the Society.

On June 2, 1889, the Hamilton YMCA was formed at a meeting held in the lecture room of the Presbyterian church. On November 18, of the same year, the Hamilton Association was incorporated. The committee in December, 1889, secured the residence of James Maxwell, located on the corner of Third and Dayton Streets, as permanent quarters.
	Third and Dayton Streets YMCA, 1889-1914; YWCA, 1914-1930

This site was created by the Butler County Historical Society Those with questions, comments, or additional information are encouraged to contact the Society.

This site was created by the Butler County Historical Society
Those with questions, comments, or additional information are encouraged to contact the Society.