New Britain herald., 1916-02-01
HATS OFF FOR THE 
 '. VIC. A. BIRTHDAY
She's Fifty Years Old But LiVeier
 Than at Sweet Sixteen


 sary of the founding of the Young Woman's Christian association, which throughout the United States will be celebrated in one manner or another occasion. In many cities elaborate plans have been formulated for the celebration.
 In 1866 in the city of Boston, Mass, thirty earnest young women met to consider the needs of girls who came to that city seeking employment. It was through these that the organiza- tion which has broadened into such a vast institution where public good is the slogan, began it's successful career. The formation of the Y. w. c. w, was completed on March 8, 1866.
 Miss Mary Foster was chosen first secretary and the association consist ed of an employment bureau, but la ter educational facilities were added for teaching vocational, cultural and religious training
 Second Association in Hartford.
 The second association was formed in Hartford the year following and the organization was quickly expanded to Pennsylvania where branches were started in Pittsburg and Alleghany. One was opened in Providence, R. I. Many similar associations adopted the name of Y. w. c. A., in the Mississippi Valley. On October and 10, 1871, delegates from nine associations met in Hartford where the International Conference of Woman's Christian as- sociations was formed. The year fol- lowing the first building of the asso- citation was erected in Hartford. The first summer home was built in As bury Park, N. J., in 1874.
 At the present time there are 947 Y. W. c. A. organizations in the United States, with a membership of over 340,000 women and girls
 While the local Y. w. c. A. is what might be called in it's infancy, enjoying but six years of existence, still it has made wonderful progress. The rapid gain in membership speaks of the results.
 It boasts of one of the most won derful association homes in this sec- tion of the country, it's recent addition of a gymnasium adding greatly to some of it's efforts in prom oting gym natic training among it's members.
 
 celebrations of other cities an ex- tenSive program of services, enter tainments and exercises in the gym naslum has been arranged by the of ficers. Commencing tomorrow eve- hing swimming meet will be held in the spacious tank. The event will be featured by feats by many girls who, when they joined the classes last Oc- O ctr On February Il, an old fashioned cir GUS will be held, at which freaks of all sorts will be portrayed by the mem bers. This event promises to be one of mirth provoking character. Mem- ories of colonial days will be wildly pictured on Washington's birthday, February 22, when a Patriotic party will be held. The girls will be cos- tuned in dresses of colonial days and special dances such as were in vogue in Revolutionary days will be given.
 Vesper Service Topics.
 Special vesper services have been arranged for Sunday afternoons dur ing the month, commencing next Sum- day At each of these services in- structive topics relative to the work of the association will be given. The program is as follows: February 6, topic, "Our Heritage" Miss Elizabeth Eastman and Mrs. William Blair, will tell in talks the history of the organ ization in the United States and this city; February 13, topic, Our Com panship," by a committee of members, who will tell what the organization means to them; February 20 topic, Our Privileges,' by Miss Sara Jones, physical director of the association, who will tell what the organization does for girls in foreign lands; Feb ruary 27. topic, Source of Our Pow er," by Mrs. Dwight Potter of the fac ulty of Hartford School of Missions. Mrs. Potter will outline the various workings of the organization She has spoken in this city on previous oc- casions and is an able exponent of Y. w. C. A. work and 1t accomplishments