Omaha daily bee., 1902-06-07
HOME FOR (. ". C. A. NEEDED
Open Letter to the Public from the Officers
Of the Association.
WANTS AND EXPECTATIONS EXPLAINED
Necessity for More Extensive Quarters
and better Accommodations for
the work Now Being
Carried On.

OMAHA, June 6.-To the Public: The
Young Women Christian association ap
peals to the citizens Of Omaha to proyida
the means to procure e suitable property
for Its work. The association was organ
lied nine years ago for the social, physical,
mental and spiritual welfare Of young
women Of our city. From a good beginning,
located in comfortable central rooms, 1t
has grown to a membership Of 500 TO
1000. occupying one floor in the Paxton
block. This is divided by temporary par
%titions, giving an office, two rest rooms,
lunch room, kitchen and gymnasium. Be-
tween 400 and 500 women and girls visit
the rooms daily. More than 400 every noon
avail themselves Of the opportunity Of Sc
curing a we'll cooked meal at a moderate
price and resting in the %parlors, supplied
with couches. easy chairs, papers, maya
zines and books. The number would be
larger IL they could be accommodated. The
gymnasium, because Of the low ceiling and
broken floor space. but poorly accommo.
dates the 200 members. During the evening,
when classes are held in the gymnasium,
II is impossible to have more than two
other classes, so that the educational work
is very much limited.
The present place is outgrown. For lunch
purposes twice the floor space Is needed,
and as much for gymnasium, with twice the
height of ceiling. There should be three
to FIVE private class rooms for educational
purposes, with larger parlors and two
ONCE rooms.
Because Of the varied needs, requiring
irregular architecture. it is difficult to
adapt an ordinary building to the needs OF
the work. For the same reason II has
been impossible to rent a building suitably
constructed.
what is Now Needed.
Because OF these two conditions, It be-
comes necessary TO come to the public and
ask for a home for this important work.
1t is necessary to have Offices. p%arlors,
class rooms, lunch rooms, kitchen, gymna-
stun, bath rooms, and 1t Is desirable to
have a small auditorium, a natatorium and
bowling alley. The location must be CEN
trail to accommodate the patrons Of the
lunch, as that is a source of income. II
ought to be within the boundary of Sew
enteenth and Fourteenth, Dodge and Har-
ney streets. A corner lot would be ideal,
affording the best light and ventilation. An
inside lot not less than forty-four feet wide
could be used.
To supply these needs in a modest way
It has been estimated that the minimum
sum Of $50, 900 will be required. This esti-
mate is made for an inside lot and pro-
vision for present necessities. The asso-
citation has no debts, is opposed to contract
ing any, and will not undertake this enter
prise until two-thirds of the amount re-
CURED is pledged.
The question as to how the money shall
be raised has been variously answered.
One large-hearted friend proposed thai
twelve to twenty business men OF the city
meet and while at lunch settle the matter
by contributing the amount needed" ThaI
would be a great relief; 1t would leave thu
women free to give their strength to the
construction OF the building at once anc
would enable the association to celebrate
Its tenth anniversary at home
Another suggested "that some liberal mar
or woman give half the required amount
as a memorial to the departed or the
living That would give an inspiration
to quickly secure the balance.
Another, that Eve persons be found
each giving $1,000"
The suggestions prefaced with the words
al will give" in the amounts above men
toned, OF in good round sums above $1,000
will be most gratefully received.
What the Women May DO.
Are there not a number Of good womel
of the city who will give in a $500 class,
class numbering ten to twenty?
A class of 500 gifts numbering fifty per.
sons would add we'll.
Fifty more giving $50. and 100 givinl
$25 each would equal it. All classes arr
open.
A few years past the women were aske(
to defer their building enterprise and hell
with the exposition. which they cheerful!
did. They responded to the requests t
help with the Auditorium; they have beef
loyel to every public interest.
This loyalty will be recognized in a prac
tical way by a hearty, generous responsl
to this appeal for a building worthy tn
city of Omaha. ereditable in comparison
with similar buildings in other cities, an
worthy the association. which stands 70
constructive, formatory work, for tn
browning glory OF our advanced civilization
q well-rounded. perfect young womanhood
LILLIAN r. HARTFORD, President.
IDA V. TILDEN, Vice President.
EMMA f.. BYERs. General Secretary.