Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-05-13

the young men OF the world In the
month of November.
While the Young Mems Christian
association is a distinctlvely religious
institution, other lines are employed
and their value recognized in the
building up of all around Christian
manhood.
The physical department under
Harry Franks as physical director,
has maintained it's usual activities
throughout the year. Features of the
work nave been the tennis tourna-
ments during last summer, by five
tennis teams, when games were play
ed with Geneseo, and the Augustana
college team; four baseball teams
among men and boys, were also en-
gagged in outdoor activity during the
season. Regular systematic class
work was conducted in the gymnas-
ium for the following groups, young
men, business men, employed boys,
students and juniors and the follow
ing class work is recorded: different
members using the physical depart
ment, II men and SO boys, total 1863;
enrolled in classes, 81 men and 80
boys, total 147 total number of class
sessions, III men, 1873 boys, total
254; total attendance at all class
sessions, $50 men, 2,419 boys, total
1905, with total attendance at all
physical department privileges, in
Guiding tennis. box ball, ETC., 1924.
Forty-nine matched games of bas-
ket ball, baseball and tennis were
played.
The two As foot box ball games
have proven to be popular, as shown
by the large attendance at bowling,
LILO is the recorded attendance of
men and boys using these games
Thus it is seen that no small interest
has been taken in competitive work
The association men claim two of the
best tennis courts in the city at
Ninth avenue and Twenty-first street.
These courts were put in two years
ago, and are in excellent condition.
Doors Open All Day.
Unlike the churches which are OPP
en- for use only on stated occasions,
the doors of this eminently practical
institution, which seeks to admins
may be, and at any time of any day,
its doors swing open daily from
morning until late at night
Over so men have been directed
to suitable boarding houses during
the year. A large number of men
have been directed to employers, who
were searching for work, many of
whom fouAd positions through the
agency of the association. No rec
ord has been kept of the large num-
Der of men who have applied to the
association for and who have obtain
ed temporary relief from its Sec
retaries. No table of figures could
adequately represent the amount OF
good that has been done to the tran
have come within the doors of the
building.
On the reading tables are to be
found the best of reading matter OF
a religious and secular nature, SO
| magazines and periodical for men
and four for boys have been on file
during the year.
The association helpers have rem
dered valuable service to the Y. Nj
G. A. through the serving of numer-
Gus banquets and suppers to various
| classes. No little value is placed or
, this service, which has meant sc
| much in the conduct of the work.
During the year most of the rent
able floor space has been rented ou
for business purposes, while two
rooms have been fitted up for dormi
tory use. and are occupied at the
present time with tenants.
| business Men Generous.
This report would be incomplete
| did it fail to make mention of the
generosity of the business men, a:
well as many noble women of oul
city, who have so freely and willingl,
| contributed of their means toward!
the maintenance of this work durin&
the year. The association desires t.
| thank those and all others who have
helped in the conduct of it's work.
| 1t may be said that the present
building, though situated on one Of
the most valuable corners in the
| downtown portion, is out of date fol
modern and up-to-date association
use, and though very gratifying re
suits have been obtained in tn,
years passed, what Rock Island nov
needs and ought to have. too, is
new and modern plant, equipped
with swimming pool, dormitories
bowling alleys, and facilities for ed
ucational work. May the day sool
come when our citizens can look witt
pride and boast of such home 70