The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1909-02-25
Y. N. c. A Directors Talk Of Pos.
sibility Of New Building in
kenosha in Near Future
FOX PRAISES ASSOCIATION
Insists That the Association is Doing
a Great Work for the Young
Men of the City
and the Country

Of the Young Men s Christian Associa
ton was held at the auditorium of the
Y. M. G. A. building on Thursday even
ing for a general discussion Of the
needs of the association in Kenosha
and while no immediate plans for
changes are announced it is thought
that in a short time some steps will be
taken to secure new home for the
association. The Kenosha Association
building is one of the best in the state,
but it is proving all too small for the
big work that is being done and the
future development Of the work will
demand larger building At the
meeting last night short addresses were
made by G. FL. Curtis, president of
the association; Attorney A. E. Buck
master, the Rev. E. T. Farrill and
General Secretary Lyman Fox.
There seems to be no way for the
enlargement of the building now occu-
pied by the association and it is just
possible that the directors will seek to
sell the property with a view Of build
ing at some other place in the down
town district.
One Of the most interesting addresses
of the evening was delivered by Secre-
tary Fox who spoke Of the work Of the
association. He said in part:
"Nearly every man we meet is an
official Of some society or lodge. He
is thereby responsible for carrying out
some ideas that are intended to be of
benefit to society in some way or
other. Indeed most of us have official
responsibilities in many organizations
and the question we are often asking
ourselves is whether or not we must
not drop something.
"The permanent success of any
business enterprise depends largely up
on the REIMBURSEMENT, year by year, of
that business to the rapidly changing
demands Of the public. Long ago the
Y. M. G. A. would have passed out of
existence if it had not proven adapt
able to the needs Of men from decade
to decade.
Fifty years ago the population Of
the city was very small in comparison
with touay and therefore the needs to
minister to the social life of a young
man was not nearly as great as
it is now. One of the great
est needs Of this time is to pro-
vide adequately for the hours be-
tween the time the young man lays
aside his hammer or his pen at night
until he takes it up again and begins
another day Make that non produc-
tive period considered from com
mercial standpoint) just the ideal for
every man Of every class and grade of
wage earners and every problem, com
mercial, social and moral sinks into
insignifcance. And all these societies
and clubs which claim our attention
and strength are aiming at this ideal.
"The Y. M. c. A. fifty years ago
started as a prayer meeting; now it is
one Of the giants among all organiza-
tons of men because it's principles are
right and it is constantly proving it.
self attractive to larger numbers Of
men and boys.
"The elements of it's strength are
mainly social and the reason why it
does not conflict with other organiza-
tions is because it is so inclusive in the
personal of it's membership. The fact
that young man may be rich or poor
does not necessarily determine that his
social life is right; there is great need
in all classes Of society for more
sane way Of living and no society is
as well fitted to meet this need as the
"Nothing should interfere with the
claims of home and church and school;
these are everlasting institutions and
every effort should be made to make
their influence more effective; but
there are "tago ends Of time that
need attention and the Y. M. G. A. !
seeks to supplement these institutions
in building the best sort Of character.
And nowhere is the association justified
in having any other than a supplement
tai relationship.
"And we may safely say that as
soon as these institutions are freed of
their present defects the Young Men s
Christian Association will cease to ex-
list.
ut is well known that the associa-
ton depends upon its members to car
ry on its work And who is member?
He who pays his five dollars and gets
all he can for his money-not he, in
deed. The member is the man who sees
the need of the other fellow and tries
to help him in any way he can; he is
a booster.
In some towns it is a fact that the
business men will not stand together
for the promotion of the business in
terests of the community; wherever
this unfortunate condition exists the
Y. M. G. A. offers splendid opportuni-
ty to get together where no personal
interests are involved and where the
interests Of the community can be