South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-02-23


Improvement in the city have come
ever increasing opportunities for
community service OF the highest
nature, and IN answer to the need,
the local bodies Of the great inter
national organizations. the Young
Mems Christian association and the
Young Womens Christian associa-
ton. have expanded their organiza-
lions 10 meet the increased demands
IN such an efficient manner az to
become recognized factors in South
Bends development Although es-
tRblished IN comparatively recent
years both institutions are so firmly
grounded in the life OF the COM
munity that II would seem as IL they
were inseparably identified with the
first growth OF the city.
In 1903 a small group OF women.
interested in the welfare OF the girls
and women OF South Bend, deter
mined that the establishment OF
Y. w. g. A. in the city was vital
necessity because Of the increasing
industrial activities Of women in To-
cal factories and business houses.
With the strength OF their convic-
tons the women proceeded TO make
the association possible by obtain
ing sufficient financial support, and
shortly after the initial organization
was effected the association was
housed in a structure at 1913 n.
Michigan ST.. where the work was
done by two secretaries and where
a very few girls made their home.
Wyman's Give Building.
The opportunities OF the Y. W. G.
A. influence soon outgrew the limits
OF the original building. Realizing
this condition and wishing 10 con-
tribute some concrete offering TO the
city's betterment, Mr.. and Mrs.
George Wyman gave the present as
ISOLATION building which is located
at 12I n. Lafayette blvd. Construc-
ton began early in 1906 and the
structure, the site and equipment
were turned over to the Y. w. c. A.
in entirety as soon as the building OF
modern three story design and cost
ing 100000 was complete. Dedi-
Gated 70 the wOmanhood OF the city,
serving fits four-fold purpose OF
mental. spiritual, moral and physi-
cal development, the association is
entering into another year of service
better fitted than ever before to ex-
tend Christian fellowship TO every
girl and woman who may seek II.
At present the association has s72
members enrolled and through its
various departments is reaching
many times that number in South
Bend. Under the direction Of seven
secretaries work in every phase OF
industrial, business, social and school
life I'm which women and girls take
a part, the association is reaching
and doing its work successfully. II
offers a home TO transients. fl opens
its building TO all girls. regardless of
religious creed or sect. and affords
them the best Of home-cooked food
gymnasium and recreational work,
clubs and Bible study. and educa-
tiOnal advantages Of a high order
In addition free telephones, the Ii
brary. the sewing room, the electric
iron. and the baths are at all times
at the disposal OF the Y. w. G. As
girls" Through the courtesy OF
the Y. VI. c. A. the association also
has the privilege of a 10 days sum-
mer outing at Camp Eberhart, Corey
lake, Mich. where association girls
enjoy all the pleasures of camping
out" with an association secretary
as their leader.
Club Department Active.
During the past year more than
100 women and girls in three fac
tories OF the city have been reached
the club department of the Y. w
O.. ~. through noon meetings and
similar activities. while in the bust
ness and professional work three
clubs are actively organized and are
taking part in the club nights held
at the association every Thursday
evening. A phase Of endeavor which
Dromie - even greater accomplish
ments in the future is the organiza-
ton OF the grade and high school
and young employed girls OF South
Bend. There are 60 active members
in the high school club. and over
$50 In the grade school organiza-
tons conducted under the direction
OF the club secretary. and when plans
now under consideration are per
fected. the young. employed girls
clubs will also offer unusual oppor-
tunities TO those enrolled. Gymnas-
ium work OF the highest order is a
popular factor in the association
vantages.-thrOugh six public
classes and five private classes the
gymnasium director is reaching 155
pupils each week and this number
il being constantly augmented by
the arrival OF new members who
have become interested perhaps
through some other phase OF the
Y. w G. A. work.
Administration OF association af-
fairs IS carried on under the super
vision OF a board. composed OF "a
women identified with some Protes-
tant Evangelical church, an advisory
committee and a board OF trustees.
who I'm cooperation with the eff
cient stan Of secretaries are seeking
20 give the women and girls OF
South Bend what they want and not
what they are popularity supposed
20 need. In doing this the Y W.
-. A. IS taking part in the great ma