Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1918-11-23
THE ATLANTIC CITY Y. M. O. A..
AND q. M. GAIN.
(By Mary J. Washington)

On last Thursday anu Friday eY-
enings, representative citizens crowd
ed the Arctic Avenue Y. nj. G. A.
Building to honor tho retiring secrc-
tary, MIR. G. M. Cain. 1t became
generally known only II few days ago
that Mr.. Cain was preparing to leave
tho city for Camp Taylor, Kentucky,
having resigned his position to enter
tho military service as u Chaplain.
In view of the splendid work that
Mr.. Cain has accomplished during
his five years here. feel that at this
time tho public should DO informed
rs to some Of the changes that have
taken place at tho local institution.
For several years the Arctic Ave-
nue Branch Of tho Y. NJ. G. A. was
represented by a rather dcsolate
looking building, which was practi-
cally unfinished. AS 1t was lacking
in attractions or comforts, men were
not drawn to its rooms, as had been
primarily hoped, so that it was q
much debated question as to whether
or not tho Young Mems Christian
Association were u worth while feat
uro of Atlantic City life.
With Mr.. Gains arrival, however,
there was slowly but surely an
awakening in tho work of tho Y. M.
G. A. Backed by Mr.. Walter Buzby,
Of tho Hotel Dennis, to whom too
much credit cannot DO given for the
progress Of the Arctic Avenue Branch
the now secretary had the old build
ing remodclled, giving Atlantic City
a "Y" of which she Is modestly
proud. Tho expenses incurred in
this venture, rs we'll as tho debt OF
six thousand dollars on tho original
property have all been paid; current
expenses haye been met year after
year and there is balance In tho
treasury.
The building Is a two-story franc
structure with complete housing
accommodation for thirty-two men.
1t is attractive, and annually several
hundred men visit its cheerful rooms.
There is an exchange and a reading
room, which is supplied with current
magazines and newspapers. The
amusement room containing four
pocket billiard tables, draws young
men from all parts Of the city; while
the library Of Il thousand volumes
has its own distinct appeal.
The committee rooms answer a
pressing need for the various clubs
Of the city. Ladies arc no longer
dcbarred from the Y. NJ. G. a. rs in
former years, and they find the we'll
appointed dining room and kitchen
Il pleasing asset. The building is
we'll heated, and is equipped with
ras and electric lights and shower
baths. A piano and Il victrola add
to the pleasures of the "Y.'
Besides his work i'm connection
with the Association, Mr.. Cain has
interested himself in all other social
and religious activities of tho resort.
In the past two years, he has becn
instrumental in introducing TO tho
people OF Atlantic City some OF tho
countrys most famous Negro mus
zeal artists. He has redeemed many
boys and given good advice to all
who have come in contact with him.
In France. our boys tell of the
rousing patriotic meetings held in
their honor, but not every ono knows
that tho Y. NJ. c.. a., under tho lead
orship OF Mr.. Cain, is responsible for
those cheerful demonstrations that
start our boys off to camp IN such
high spirits. Under Mr.. Gains lead
crship, the Arctic Avenue Branch OF
the Young Mems Christian Associa-
ton has proven itself to be n most
potent factor in tho social and spiT-
itual development OF Atlantic City
life.
There arc between sevcnty-five and
q hundred members with the colors,
and today, Mr.. Cain adds one more
to that lengthening Roll Of Honor.
While wo regret to lose him, we
realize that he Is answering the ira
ditional impulse of manhood In Of
fering himself at his nations need
He leaves us a very sacred trust
tho now Arctic Avenue Y. NJ. G. A..
Let us keep its fires burning, while
he kindles the fame upon another
hcarthstone.