Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1903-01-20
ANNUAL BANQUET.

i've a0u nelpIul reading matter, all
this comes out of the general fund of
the association. This reading room is
absolutely free TO all boys, whether
they hold a ticket or not. 1t also has
game rooms where chess, checkers,
ping pong and other games are played.
The parlors and kitchen upstairs are
used for social entertainments and
gatherings. 1t is the aim of the associ-
alton to cultivate the social life among
the boys as much as possible, and from
the number OF such gatherings and the
attendance | believe this part of the
work is eninently successful.
The gymnasium, as you will see, is
fully equipped with apparatus. A well
trained physical director is employed
by the year Under the care of this
physical director comes the direction of
the many classes of boys graded by age
and having their regular days and
hours. By the latest scientific system
of exercises their bodies are developed
and strengthened. A we'll patronized
class of business men is one of the feat
ures of this part of the work, and if
saving wood does not keep some of
you in sufficient exercise, | would rec
ommend that you join this class. An
other feature are the shower and tub
baths. Plenty of hot water soap and
clean towels are always ready for use,
and are much used and enjoyed by the
members.
| have authority from the board of
directors to say to you, gentlemen, that
should any of you ever feel the ne sss-
ity of taking bath you are welcome
here
The work of the association is divided
into four divisions-physical. social,
educational and religious ] feel free
to take it for granted that all of us,
without exception, are in one way or
another tied to some religious body,
and feel that the Christian religion is
safe corner stone and firm sheet anchor
for this institution. Its doors are open
to, and its privileges are extended to
all. be he Catholic or Protestant, jew
or Gentle, rich or poor, all are equally
welcome.
1t would be impossible for me to 90
over all the details, but the grand OBJ
ject of this association is to help boys
and young men, particularly during
the formative period Of their lives along
good, clean lines When we stop to
consider that in few years the boys of
today will do the voting, handle our
finances, manage our mercantile and
manufacturing establishments and
guide the affairs of city and state, the
Importance of developing strong
moral character is self evident. | know
that the development of a strong moral
character and social purity are aimed
at and worked for by the president oil
our school board, Mr. Jones, by Mr..
Mathie, Mr.. Parlin, in fact by every
teacher in public orsparochial schools
Even men are not barred fsom its be-
nign influences, and | am glad to say
that some striking results in this drec-
ton have been obtained By their
faithful attendance at the Y. Nj. G. A., |
such men as Neal Brown, James Mont |
gomery, q. d. Jones, Fowler p Stone |
and others have been saved, and are |
now good, clean, upright citizens.
The educational work of the aSsOcia- |
ton is also of great Importance. 1t is
the aim to help the boys, whose educa- |
ton for various causes has been neg |
lected. A paid teacher is employed |
and regular classes maintained.
The railroad companies have GER |
tainly never been accused of having an |
overdose of religious or moral senti-
ment, but what do you find today-rail |
road company after railroad company |
building and equipping Y. M. c. A.
buildings and maintaining them at |
their own expense Why? Because |
they have found that under this banner, |
men of all sects and creeds can rally |
and have a chance to develop their |
best qualities and give the railroad |
companies efficient and faithful service, |
which from the very nature of the bust
ness is necessary and reduces the risks. |
This is radical change from Is to 80
years ago, when man who could
swear the loudest and drink the most
whiskey was considered the best rail
road man. | only bring this to your
notice to show that the development of
a good moral character and sentiment
is important even in commercial life,
and we should all feel it duty as well
as privilege to assist by action, deed
or financial support, or all of these.
No one can deny that the I M. G. A. is
a great factor for the betterment of
morals of this city of which we are so
proud. We feel warranted in saying
that-t this institution has developed and
progressed steadily with the progress
of the city. 1t has left its indelible
impress on hundreds of young men,
and has ever sought to do good without
interfering or pushing itself forward
and invites the cordial support of you
all. If mistakes have been made they
have been errors in Judgment, and not
of the heart
The price of membership tickets is so
low rs to be within reach of all and for
this reason the income from this source
will only supply about one-half of the
revenue necessary for its support, the
balance comes from friends of the insti-
tuition by voluntary subscriptions.
No worthy boy, however, too poor to
buy membership has ever been de-
nied its privileges, and many poor
boy has heen given a ticket entirely
free of charge.
We are glad to note the progress of |
the city and ever stand ready with our
support for good improvements We |
glory with you in the prospects for a
new government building, new library, |
new city hall, public park system,
Marchetti's good roads and other
things to come, but hope to come in
somewhere with very much larger
new \. NJ. c. A. building equipped |
with swimming tank, large auditorium, |
sleeping rooms, bowling alleys and all |
modern equipment for the physical, |
intellectual, social and religious welfare |
of the boys and young men.
Now, gentlemen, in closing | wish to |
say, while possibly your boy does not |
belong to the Y. NJ c. \. and your girl |
cannot, still the 300 members of this |
association must and do have good |
influence on the community and must |
influence yours to some extent Wau- |
sau is proud of her boys, and the gen
eral secretary. Mr. Campbell, is ever |
ready to help or assist boys or young |
men. Drop in on him often talk mat
ters over and encourage him in the
good work Man making IS the best |
business. Wealth, talent. time CT n be |
put to no better use than the building
of life.
A selection followed, sung by quar-
tette, composed of the following named
young men Walter Flieth, Homer
Sampson, Chas Hooker and Leonard
Fraser 1t was pleasant feature of
the evening.
NJ A. Hurley aud r. f PareLer gave
interesting talks. the former on the