The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1921-12-31
~ GYM CLASS
WORK LEADS IN
ALL ACTIVITIES
Extension Work With Fairgrounds
Is COmmendeG-AssOciation
Financially Strong.

Outstanding Accomplishment tniS
year in the Rock Island Y M. c. A,
has been the work of the physical
department In addition TO the
regular scheduled classes, much
has been done in extension work by
/ opening two community centers in
the gymnasiums of the Washington
and Franklin schools, where regu-
lar gymnasium practice and class
work is being given, without charge,
to large numbers.
This department also cooperated
throughout the summer with the
playground association in the var
ious Fairgrounds of the city, by
supplying instructors and furnish
ing the boys, who took part in the
activities, free swims in the asso-
citation pool after the exercises.
Aside from the weekly program
the association sponsored basket
ball leagues, volleybaIl tourna-
ments, indoor grade school ath-
letic meets and swimming cam
paigns. The tennis courts were
filled at all times during the SUM
mer and much interest was evil
denced in the horseshoe tourna-
ments in the fall VoIleyball has
proven to be one of the greatest
winter sports and is being PLAYED
by number of classes of business
men in the city. Gym work has
been received with great favor this
year and the department in charge
OF Willis Wood, physical director,
and his assistant, A. J. Record, has
had for its aim the keeping of men
ana boys of Rock island in
heGlthful physical condition.
Helps Boys.
The boys department of the as
sociatfon has been affected by the
depression, probably
more than any phase of the work.
Many boys have been unable 10
join because of lack of funds but
the association, realizing it's oppor-
tunity OF service to the boys of the
has admitted hundreds
FREQ to the many activities inciud-
ing the boys rooms with its games.
open house programs. swimming
pool ana shower baths. In many
cases 1t has been possible for
worthy boys to become regular
members by the assistance of those /
in the city interested in boys wei /
fare. On Oct. l. the department /
was put in charge of a new head. !
Henry l.. Best. who has had a wide /
experience in handling boys. ,
Each Thursday night an omen
house program is held for all the /
boys or the community. More than /
100 boys attend and join in the
group singing and the enjoyment ~
-wo reels of moving pictures. Moral
-alks by men of the city are given
Numerous clubs of various kinds
Ire conducted through the winter
months. The Hi-Y club comDosed
d boys from the high school has
oeen very instructive through the
discussion groups on Human
conduct, that are held alternate
wednesday nights. On the other
llghts speakers are secured 10 taIk
long the lines OF morality and the
-eep fundamental principles of life
included in the other clubs and
ccaslons Of the year. are the dorm
Tub, the bible class, glae cIub
hecker and chess club, salesman
MP and telegraphy classes, father ,
nu son banquetS, the annual cir
US, joint socials with the Y. W.
=, chicken fry, hikes, camping
Ups and special holiday programs
The public in general has made
GOD use of the building for com T
littee meetings and dinners of :
arlous organizations. A fine spirit /,
cooperation has been " manifest. +
elping materially in bringing an. .
her successful years work to \
ose.
Inc association at the present O
ne is III a good state of repair; its T
is practically normal. p
IS IN sound financial condition n
I'd Is entering the new years Il
DIX, that lies ahead. Hnder most +
Forable circumstances.