The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1891-12-31
YOUNG MEN CHRISTIANS.
What They Are Doing for the Rising
Generation.
The New Reception, Reading and Gym
nasium- Rooms-Open House on
New Years Day.

The Young Mems Christian Associa-
ton has been in existence in this city for
some years, and, like many other organi-
cations, it has had varied experience.
Sometimes those in charge have felt that
it was almost impossible to accomplish
what was intended, and that, perhaps, it
would be as well to give up. But, in
spite of the many discouragements and
universities that the organization has la
bored under, much good work was done
that is now bearing fruit.
For some time past the association has
been growing in popularity, and its
membership has rapidly increased. The
State Convention, held here in October,
gave to the general public a clearer idea
of the work, and brought to their notice
much that before had passed unobserved.
The present management have taken
the position that the rooms Of the associa-
ton should be one of the most attractive
places OF resort in the city, and that if
they are made so young men Will show
their appreciation OF them. That this is
the correct idea is already satisfactorily
demonstrated to those having the matter
in charge, and one only needs to drop in
of an evening to see how well the rooms
are patronized.
In November competent Physical
Director was secured, the gymnasium rem
ovated and new apparatus put in. This
is now a veritable hall of health, the asso-
cations idea being body building, rather
than the training OF athletes. Ten classes
in physical culture are organized, meet
ing each week night evenings except
Thursday, some on Monday, Wednesday,
Thursday and Saturday afternoons, and
one Saturday morning. Beside this, indi-
viduals may be found exercising at var-
Gus hours during the day-sOme under
medical advice, and others to develop
some weak part of the body.
Not only has the physical department
received attention, but the reading matter
has received many additions. so that now
all the leading magazines and illustrated
and scientific papers can be found on file,
together with number of daily papers.
IT has been found necessary to rearrange
the rooms, so as to make the reading
room more retired for those who use it,
and to provide an office and reception
room.
This work has been undertaken by the
Woman's Auxiliary, through whose in
terest and untiring efforts the rooms have
been furnished, and the social work of
the association kept up.
The changes that have been made have
added very much to the attractiyeness of
the rooms, and now, instead of entering
through a cherries hallway, one steps
from the street into handsome recep-
tion-room and office, from which a view
can be obtained of the parlor, reading
room and gymnasium. A small portion
of the reading-room has been sacrificed
TO get the space needed, but that is more
than made up in comfort to those who use
the reading-room, as they viii not have
to be disturbed by the conversation of the
Office, nor annoyed by the memb erS pass
in0 fbronUh into The Gymnasium
The repairs are about completed, and
on New Years Day tomorrow the
rooms will be ready for use. The assoc
citation will keep open house on that day,
and the men of the city, young or old, are
cordially invited to call. The Woman's
Auxiliary, assisted by a number OF young
ladies, will receive the visitors. Refresh
ments, music, and social companionShip
will be the order of the day from L to
o'clock.
1t is hoped that many of our citizens
who have never visited the association
rooms will do SO at that time. A special
invitation is extended to the business
men and others who so generously con-
tributed to the support of the work, that
they may see something of what is being
done. At s O'Clock a musical, literary
and gymnastic entertainment Will be
given, for which fine programme has
been arranged.
One of the features of the evening will
be gymnastic exhibition, participated
in by one ofthe classes of young men and
class from the junior department. An
admission fee of twenty-five cents will be
charged for the evening entertainment,
which will go to the auxiliary furnishing
fund.
The association rooms are boon to the
young men. They are open every day in
the year. The attractions there are so
great, the privileges so many, and the
a very profitable investment from a
money standpoint, and the membership
ought TO be, and undoubtedly will be,
double what it now is in six months
time