Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-12-04

Thanksgiving was gala day At the
rooms Of the Young Mems Christian Associa
ton. More than Is young men were there
either enjoying the social atmosphere of Their
finely furnished parlor, or developing their
Drawn aud muscle in the gymnasium. Pos.
sibly few words would not be amiss lust at
this time, concerning the grand good work
this association is endeavoring to accomplish
taken IN all its phases. the young men are
oenentted in every geographically, social
ly. physically and mentally. A statement a.
above would quite naturally lead one to ques-
ton what work il being done in each depart
ment. and will reply in order. First, the
spiritual welfare of young men must be con-
sidered, and to meet this want the association
carries on . crowded meeting every Sunday
to which, (though free to all, more than so
young men attend. At the close of this meet
ing one for young men only is held in the
porlor; this is . free informal gathering of
young men, several of whom give brief prac
tical talk. showing the advantage one has
who leads Christian life In addition to the
above there is that which 10 accounted above
all other means, viz: Personal work. Surely
the association looks after the young men
spiritually, but what of their social qualities 2
And what is being done tn draw young men
10y NV" ohiidto hoits Auu TtsOftS
Of vice! From my limited knowledge
will endeavor to reply. have stated
that Thanksgiving was a gala day at
the Y. N. c. A. rooms and if any who
doubted the social qualities of Y. NJ. c. A.
boys could have but been present on that
day as 1.-The boys" PLAYED checkers gsz.d
longingly at chess. tryed their skill at pitch
ing rinRs, OF gave vent to their vocal powers
in good old plantation songs, such an one
would have departed feeling that . jollier
set never existed. One great advantage of
the NJ. c. A. work is that it is not only to
entertain but to instruct, and anyone after
spending pleasant hour at "the rooms, +"
can 60 away feeling that he has learned
something. The parlor is open from 9 A. NJ.
to p. NJ. and anyone who visits this
room receives a most cordial welcome, be he
stranger or not.
The physical department 10 one that 10
needed in every city. cannot but feel that
too little attention is given to the develop
ment Of the muscles Of the body. Man is
one sided, the left side being always weaker
than the right, and there is no reason Why
with judiciOus exercise he should not be
strong in the entire body. Clerks very often
have no other exercise than the walk to and
from the Office or store in which they are en-
ployed, and great many become what is term
ed '.half built boys" when with one half
hours exercise in the gymnasium each day
they would become strong, we'll built men.
This the association endeavOrs 10 do, and
many young men who practice daily in the
gymnasium of the association Of Tour town"
walk more upright, feel better, are stronger.
and move the ideal man apd can give better
protection to the weaker sex when called
upon than he who is content with no regular
exercise. Twas very much surprised on Wis
iting the association gymnasium to find 30
complete apparatus for developing all muscles
of the body. Special instruction is given in
the gymnasium of ''our town. which I con-
cider q great advantage rs one is very liable
to overdo when left to himself.
new come to the last phase of the work
which is to enlarge the mental capacity; and
one method employed is by means of the
reading room in which | counted some 80
different periodicals. Here are the best Illus
trated papers published, the finest
magazines, and any one may here
converse with the best writers of the day.
As another means of enlarging the mind, a
course of Familiar Talks" 10 arranged for,
and some Of our most prominent business
men will give practical ideas on law, mer-
camille affairs, history and science.
/ have endeavored in this little article to
give some idea Of association work from my
own observation and experience. There are
many things left unwritten which have not
space nor time for, and if any desire to know
more of Young Mems Christian Associations.
call on the general secretary, and | know he
will be most happy to explain the work in
detail LONE OF THE Boris"