New-York tribune., 1913-11-23

the dissolution of the association in 1861.
Inc early work of this first organiza-
tlon was largely of a general religious
ana literary character. Sermons by local
pastors, Union Sunday school prayer
meetings and the distribution of tracts.
together with lectures of a high educa-
uonaI order, constituted practically the
entire list of activities
On March q, 1868. the association was
reorganized with the following officers:
President, William f. Mapes: vice-presi-
dent h. V. X. Montfort; corresponding
secretary NJ. G.. Belknap; recording sec
retary, j. II. Martin; treasurer, William
NJ. Philips.
The association secured n fine suite OF
rooms in the Savings Bank Building. then
nearing completion. By the end of the
year the membership was 10
After three years in the Savings Bank
Building the association made its first
move-to the building corner Smith and
Sd streets, called the Law Building,
where two rooms were rented. The first
expressed desire for a building of its own
was made in 1873, when "a committee
was appointed to prepare a plan for the
purchase of some suitable building for
the association" The building did not
matcrialize.
In 1874 the first general secretary, Peter
Eager was appointed. There immediate
ly resulted from this appointment wider
scope Of work. owing doubtless TO the
fact that what had been largely every
body's business now became one mans
business.
4 dark year. 1878 nearly caused the dis
solution of the association a second time,
but a few stanCh friends, led by f. s. Tur-
ner rs president, rendered Invaluable ser
Vice which resulted in the rental of the
upper floors of the building Of Schoon-
maker, Mills & Weller, into which the as
sociation moved I'm February, 1879. These
rooms were occupied for two years. then
vacated for temporary quarters while the
building, the first home of the association,
was being erected at Sd and Smith streets.
After having made eight moves, sub
ject always to the annoyances that come
to all such organizations occupying rented
quarters. the association with thankful
ness settled down to render earnest and
efficient service to the young men and
boys or NeWburgh.
From the date Of the opening Of the Sd
street building the association was privi-
legged to influence the lives OF men and
boys 10 an extent possibly no; fully rea-
lized even by its best friends. There are
many men to-day in Newburgh who
frankly and thankfully attribute their
success to the training and help received
in the association. Ten years after the
building was dedicated it was cleared
from debt and an endowment fund
started.
For a period previous to 1911. officers
and friends Of the association realized
that the old building had become sadly
inadequate. With the change of business
conditions the building was left behind
and out of touch with young men in their
leisure moments. They became convinced
that TO secure good results good build
ing and adequate equipment In central
location were necessary.
The late William Y. Beal, al the time,
1910, a member of the board of directors
very generously offered as a gift. the
property uDon which the beautiful ana
efficient new home. the gift of the people
Of Newburgh now stands. with rare
courage and optimism two hundred men
gave generously of their time 10
make a ten-day canvass OF the CITY, ana
the people Just as generously and cour-
aGcously gave $1,000 10 make possible the
erection OF the building.