Since 1844, the YMCA has aimed to put Christian principles into practice by empowering individuals to develop a healthy body, mind, and spirit. In the years since the Y’s establishment, chapters have spread throughout the world.
Our own Y, BLAIR REGIONAL YMCA (“BRY”), was organized in 1912 as the Hollidaysburg Area YMCA. Our name was changed to better reflect the primary local region we serve – Blair County, Pennsylvania. From our original building at the corner of Walnut and Penn Streets to our new facility on Hewit Street, the Y has enjoyed a proud history of serving the community.
The Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) was founded by Sir George Williams in London, England (UK). Along with likeminded friends, Williams organized activities to help combat unhealthy conditions and address the needs of young Londoners by empowering them to improve their lives.
The first YMCA opened in the United States with the Boston, Massachusetts chapter founded by American seafarer and missionary, Captain Thomas Valentine Sullivan.
James Dysart invited ministers and laypeople to launch a financial campaign for $26,000.
James Dysart purchased the J. B. Hemphill home located at the corner of Walnut and Penn Streets in Hollidaysburg, PA. The property was donated to house the newly formed Hollidaysburg YMCA.
Construction began on the old Hemphill property
Original YMCA Building at Walnut and Penn Street dedicated
By deeds, Mr. Dysart gave the Hewit Street property (formerly known as Dysart Park) in trust for use by the Y. The property would remain vacant for more than 60 years.
Original structure remodeled and enlarged at a cost of $80,000
Women’s Auxiliary holds first meeting
Dorm facilities opened for ladies.
YWCA, organized in 1914, ceased operation and merged with YMCA. YWCA and YMCA women’s groups merged to form one club with main purpose to raise funds for the Y, as well as to stimulate interest in Y programs and provide a friendly fellowship for women of the community.
Served as a “USO” headquarters during WWII
Four bowling alleys were completed.
Physical activities caused the “walls to bulge.”
Y Board and Auxiliary “Follies” hit the headlines.
First “County Fair” is held on Walnut Street – proceeds: $2,800
At a special meeting of the Executive Committee, Representative Carolyn Routch of the Hollidaysburg Women’s Club (HWC) challenged the Board to consider a new building. HWC financed a feasibility study which determined that a new Y building would better serve the needs of the Y than renovation of the Penn Street building.
First “Pancake Dinner” held
Board felt they could raise $300,000. Walter Campbell proposed a 10,300 sq. ft. building at a cost of $350,000. Roy Brumbaugh appointed General Campaign Chairman with a goal of raising $400,000.
Steering Committee holds 6:30 AM regular breakfast meetings at Howard Johnson’s to keep the new building campaign on track.
Board decided to include a pool in the building plan; Cost of new building now estimated at $557,521; goal increased to $600,000
Total pledges received $377,884
Total pledges received $414,000; Board reconsidered prior decision and decided to put the pool on hold
Christmas came early. Bids lower than expected; pledges at $463,000.
Pledges reach $505,000
Cornerstone and foundation laid at new building
Dysart Park facility dedicated under the direction of President Pat Large
We made it! Kick-off at new facility
KinderClub Program initiated
Phase II Building Expansion in the works
Phase II fund drive commences, chaired by Roy Brumbaugh. Goal: $425,000– Pool, Weight & Activity Rooms
Youth Basketball League started (Co-ed & Elementary)
75% of Phase II Goal reached with pledges of $308,000
Bids let for addition
With Walter Campbell heading up the building committee, groundbreaking held for pool shell and extra rooms
Dorothy Campbell Activity Room, Dr. Neil Delozier Weight Lifting Room, and pool shell completed
Phase IIC – Go for Pool Construction
Completed facility with pool and new section dedicated
New North American Game Room added
New playground equipment provided by Donald Woomer, Sr., and Linda Despot. Latchkey Program is underway. First Annual Triathlon is held at Canoe Creek State Park.
Outdoor lighted basketball court added; Weight Room expanded
Y Auxiliary sponsors first Chicken Bar-B-Q
Computer age touches the Y in accounting and programming
Y becomes a service provider for the “Latchkey” program in the elementary schools
The Hollidaysburg Area YMCA President, Vicki L. Wertz, and Board of Directors held a Heritage Celebration to recognize the people who made the Hollidaysburg Area YMCA Dysart Park facility a reality and celebrate 15 years of steady growth in membership and programming.
Women’s Auxiliary to the Hollidaysburg YMCA celebrates 60th Anniversary
$100,000 Repair Project on Pool, Locker Rooms and Heating System addresses major capital issues
Old Dysart Park Tennis Courts converted to Roller Hockey Rink
YMCA opens Children Center in Old Frankstown Elementary School Building
Harrison & Margaret Snyder Pavilion erected on playground
Youth Job Service Program recognized with Department of Health Award
Handicap Accessible Locker Room constructed on Pool Deck
Lynnette Williams Court Renovation Project repaves outdoor basketball and hockey courts, new basketball hoop supports, player benches and scoreboards.
Y Heritage Club for Endowment Fund created with 22 charter members
Strategic Planning process identifies facilities as Critical Issue
Women’s Auxiliary celebrates 70 years of service to the YMCA
Expansion Project organized and first gift received
Launched Community Wellness Challenge Series
Phase I Expansion Project Dedicated
Computer System upgraded to local network with server, work stations and new Trinexum and Quick Books Professional software to better manage the Y’s first $2,000,000 budget.
Extended parking lot with the addition of 120 gravel surface spaces
Membership for All Policy initiated to better honor Y Pledge of not denying access or participation due to financial limitations.
The use of Social Media established as Y Facebook achieves first 1,000 friends
Program for All Policy launched to compliment Membership for All and to assist families with financial constraints
Discussions of Phase II begin at Board level
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