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Belvidere Family YMCA History



Belvidere Family YMCA History

In 1902, a group of interested businessmen formed the first YMCA in Belvidere and Boone County. This building and site were donated by Mr. & Mrs. A.W. Avery and turned over to the YMCA board of directors, under its first president, Mr. A.W. Fassett. Mr. John "Heinie" Harkless served as general secretary from 1915 until 1955.

The original building, at the corner of Locust and State streets, included swimming and gymnasium facilities - extensive features for a community this size.

In 1966, a strong organization of community citizens banded together and raised more than $700,000 for a new building. In February 1968, a modern new facility, including a swimming pool, gymnasium, locker and shower rooms, weight room, meeting rooms, game and club rooms, craft room, teen center and administration offices, was dedicated.

Fitness Center Renovations to the facility were completed in 1999. The $1.3 million project included new mechanical systems, cosmetic updating, space reallocations and the expansion of the fitness center.

The Belvidere Family YMCA has adapted to meet the changing needs of Boone County for many years. All ages, races, abilities and income levels are served. No membership is ever denied because of inability to pay.
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In 1844 George Williams, a young dry goods clerk in London, was appalled at the chaos and confusion of England’s Industrial Revolution. Concerned with the times and the way young people were living, Williams gathered twelve young men together and formed a society where they could meet to help themselves and others build a better life.
The name they chose was the Young Men’s Christian Association. Later Williams was knighted by the Queen for his work in founding the YMCA.

The work of the original Association filled such a need that visitors from America brought the "idea" back with them, and in 1854 two Associations were formed on this side of the ocean, one in Toronto and the other in Boston. The work or "movement" spread rapidly across this country as well as the world. Today the YMCA with international headquarters in Geneva operates in practically every country in the world.

Significant events in the life of the YMCA include:

  • First summer camping program organized at Camp Dudley, New York in 1885.
  • World Serve Program for financial help to foreign YMCA’s established in 1889.
  • Dr Neismith invented basketball at the Springfield, Mass YMCA in 1891.
  • Volleyball originated in the YMCA in 1895.
  • Health and fitness program started in 1856.
  • First gym constructed in this country in 1869 and the groundwork began for modern physical education programs.
  • First Learn-To-Swim campaigns and water safety programs launched in 1885.
  • Welfare aid and assistance in fighting men in 1861 initiated by the YMCA.
  • In 1925 Indian Guide program started in St. Louis.
  • First National Scout Executive was a loaned YMCA professional.
  • Camp Fire Girls founded by Dr. Luther Gulick, first National YMCA Physical Director.
  • Evening colleges and night school education pioneered by the YMCA.
  • First pro football team sponsored by the Latrobe, PA YMCA in 1936.
  • Youth and Government, a practical experience for your people in government, initiated and developed by the YMCA.
  • During the modern era of the YMCA, it has developed International Management Studies, Workshops, Seminars and Executive Exchanges.
  • International Travel and Exchange through campers, camp leaders, volunteer summer work projects and travel groups were established.
  • Decentralized programs both to suburbia and deprived inner city groups exist.
  • The YMCA has been instrumental in developing programs and staff to deal with race relations, community-police relations, drugs, unemployment, illiteracy and other social programs.
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