Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-02-03

CONTRAST BY YEARS
What Association Has Been Doing
During Half Century And Its
Wide Spread Influence Told
BY Committee.

The national committee in charge OF
the semi-centennial of the Young Wo-
mems Christian association in prepar-
ing the people for the big event that is
to be observed March 8 throughout the
United States, is sending out stories OF
the achievements and work Of the as
ISOLATION contrasting the years that the
Y. ". C. A. has been in existence.
The local association like every 9th
er branch throughout the country n
abroad, is making special preparation
for fitting observance of the fftteth
anniversary of the organization. Some
OF the entertainments and meetings
have already been held and more will
follow in the hope Of creating a great
er and more active interest IN the as
ISOLATION work. The following en-
titled, "Y. w. c. A. milestone OF con-
trasting the years." is sent out py the
national committee:
Fifty Years Ago-1866-!s76.
Fifty wears. A long look backward,
hut how golden may be the achieve
ments of such a period of time.
Fifty years ago in the classical city
Of Boston, thirty earnest women mel
to consider the needs of girls VINO
came to that city to seek employment.
The needs of these girls led to the or
SANITATION of the first Young Womens
Christian association in this country,
which was effected March 8. 1866.
Down town rooms were opened.
Miss Mary Foster was called as the
first general secretary and the WORK
was launched.
The work at that time was largely
that of an employment bureau, put
educational classes, both vocational
and cultural and religious meetings
were also held. |
Hartford. Connecticut; Providence,
r. T.; Pittsburgh and Allegheny, Pa, IN
1867. and Cincinnati and Cleveland,
Ohio and st. Louis, Missouri. in 1858
followed by forming similar societies
called Women's Christian association.
Others i n the Mississippi valley took
the name Of Young Women's Christian
association.
On October 9 and 10, 1871 delegates
from nine Women's Christian associa'
tions me- at Hartford and formed what
latter bore the name OF the lnterna'
tional Conference of Women's Chris
tian associations.
YE~EINC HESl OullS w ol1Ch ,
association building was erected In
Hartford, Connecticut In 1872. Here
tofore they had been purchased n
remOdeled.
The first student association was or
ganized at Normal, Illinois In 1873.
The first summer home was opened
at Asbury Park, New Jersey in 1874.
Today Feb. II, 1916.
Today there are PAS city associations
with a membership Of 273.234. Ninety |
three associations placed 52,4lo girls
in positions last year.
Practically all of these city assocla-
tons now have down town rooms.
There are 1863 secretaries on the
employed staff Of the Young Women's
Christian association. There are also
many volunteer workers.
Today the subjects taught in the
educational classes range from those
found on the curriculum Of schools
from the grammar grade to the univer-
sity. The latest enrolment gives:
Bible study 4i,s5o
Educational classes ........... 4o,4l5
Domestic art and science ...... 26,964
Employment bureau placements 52,41O
The last national convention was
held at Los Angeles, California. May
5.11, 1915 with an attendance Of 1926.
Today the associations own 189
buildings. with a property valuation Of
$9.162.147.
There are 721 student associations
with a membership of 65.34S. !
Today thousands Of girls in relays
ioyfully HE themselves to n of the
100 summer homes in various parts Of
the country for country air, rest, quiet