Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-04-21
IN ITS NEW HON E
Rapid Advances Made by Young
Mems Christian Association.
The WORK OF PHYSICAL CULTURE
ParIor and Reading Room Open to
the Members.
THE COURSES STUDY

Handsomely established in its new quar-
ters the Young Mems Christian Association
Of Washington city is now in perfect work
ing order, equipped for its labors In the
field of character building and for the up
lifting and proper training of the youth or
the capital city Of the nation. The story or
| the Y. NJ. C, AS purchase of the old Co
lumbia Athletic Club property on u street
between 18th and 18th streets. and Its re-
moval to the handsomely refurnished build
Ing is familiar to all within the DIS
trict of Columbia. After many adVer-
stiles and misfortunes the association mas
secured a comfortable and well adapted
home The success already attained and
the bright future that it would seem is
before the Y. M. c. A. more than meet the
expectations entertained by the officers and
board of management when the radical
move was advised
Young men of various pursuits, OF dlf-
ferent ages and religious faiths, and those
not connected with the church In any way,
have joined the association since the doors
of the new building were thrown open The
advantages to be gained by full connec-
ton with the Y. NJ. c. A. are described as
manifold. The association is founded upon
the principle. to a large extent, that the
perfect man, physically, will eventually be
come the better man morally and religious
ly. The sound body brings q like condition
of the mind. Thus 1t tSas always been
leading feature Of the Work of the orgdni-
cation to have it's members go through an
especially prescribed course of physical Gull
ture, calisthenics and gymnastic exercise
The gymnasium work is OF course optional
The Daily Routine.
Now that the affairs of the association
are running along smoothly something of
the daily work it has in progress will be
of interest. The several branches of Chris
tan, educational and athletic tutelage have
grown during the short time since their
formation, until the entire building Is oc-
cupied. visit during any evening, with
the single exception of Sunday, Will give
an excellent idea of what is being accom-
plished by the energetic application of all
interested in the association. There Is noth-
ing to indicate that the structure was not
built especially for and under the super
vision of the organization. From its gym
nasium, unsurpassed by any in the south,
down to the smallest class room, the c. A.
c. building was found to be admirably
suited to the needs and work of the asso-
citation. Since the completion Of the i'm
provements advised by the board there is
nothing to be desired.
But of the building little need be said.
Briefly speaking, it Is situated in an his
tor al and central vicinity, being but
short distance from the White House and
the uptown departments Situated near so
muCn city lie ana dCtlNlty, tIc Quilting
is still secluded and removed from the noise
of the street. permitting of restful study
and recreation In the midst of the greatest
conveniences From the cupola of the
square corner tower float the American
stars and stripes and the Y NJ. c. A. ban
ner. happy combination of the patriotic
and God-fearing.
The first floor which is on a level with
the street, is fitted out with cloak room,
bowling alleys and Turkish bath rooms.
At the end of the central corridor Is the
swimming pool claimed to be the finest
and largest in this section. The poo
tends the entire width of the building and
the water Is graded In depth and tempera-
ture according to the necessity Of the
bather.
The offices of the association, includ-
ing that of Secretary Sleman. the re-
ception rooms and parlors, furnished in
varied colors and hung with rich tapes
tries, are located on the second floor. Here
the walls have been refrescoed and the
woodwork done over. New carpets, chan
deliers and furniture have also been en-
ployed IN adding to the natural beauty of
these spacious and well-arranged rooms.
Work In the Gymnnsium.
The reading room and various class rooms,
bath rooms and lockers are on the third
floor, while the gymnasium occupies the
fourth and uppermost floor. The gym
has already become a decidedly popular in
stitutfon Two trained instructors are in
constant ATTENDANCE ulTSCeiliS classes IN
physical work and giving private instruc-
ton to those members who are unable,
either from physical disQualifcatio OF
lack of time, to participate in the regular
and more beneficial drills. The immense
room, with Its wealth OF apparatus. arched
roof and balcony running track, is abun-
dainty ltghted-better lighted, it Is said,
than any gym" in the United States.
The excellence of the c. A. c, gymnasium
was a weighty consideration. In the pur-
chase Of that club'S building by he NJ
c. A. 1t is without doubt the most attract
i've room for muscular work and develop
ment to be found anywhere. Upon enter
ing into membership In the association the
candidate Is given thorough examination
by Mr.. NJ. B. Rideout. the physical direct
or, Measurements of different parts of the
body are taken, and in an individual book
the weaknesses of the member are pointed
out. A written prescription Of exercise is
given. and the boy or man, as the case
may be. Is turned over to Mr.. c. A. Holton,
the assistant physical director, or gymnas-
tic apothecary, who carries out the instruc-
lions and directs the exercise The aim of
the physical department is to place within
the reach of all members health and har-
monious development of the body The
members strength or weakness, in what
ever organ the defect may be, Is taken into
consideration, that no harmful results may
come from overexertion. The gym" work
Is very entertaining to the looker-on. and
both interesting and helpful to the particle
pant jn tbs exercises,
Various classes OF beginners, and of all
grades, in fact have been formed under the
direction of Messrs Rideout and Holton
Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays respect
lively, at $3.50 pm, there Is a class for stu
dents, at which such work as the growing
boy and young man need and demand is
taken up. First, short and energetic
calisthenie drill is given to overcome de-
fects in the posture and carriage of the
body, to strengthen the shoulders and give
elasticity to the muscles; then Interesting
and pleasing work on the various appara.
tus. finishing with recreative game, such