YOUNG WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION (Y.W.C.A.)

Young Women's Christian Association (Y.W.C.A.)

YOUNG WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION (Y.W.C.A.). In February, 1902 those interested in established a Y. W. C. A. were very pleased at the response they had received. As reported by the Dubuque Telegraph Herald, sixty women had indicated they would join as soon as the organization was established. It was intended to get one hundred interested in the organization before inviting the state secretary to visit the city. Active members would be charged annual dues of one dollar while "sustaining members" would pay $5.00 "for the "good of the cause." (1)

The intention of the Y. W. C. A. was to offer many of the advantages of the YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION (Y.M.C.A.). At the new Y. W. C. A. there would be exercise classes, art, "fancy work," and rooms for rent instead of forcing young women into going "to boarding houses of questionable environments." Meals would also be provided. (2)

The first Y.W.C.A. business meeting in Dubuque took place on May 23, 1902. The first General Secretary, Edna Kyle, prepared meals, led the devotions, and upholstered chairs for the organization. Mary Neuhaus served the first meal to thirty-seven women at 567 Main Street. Nonmembers were charged two cents more than members for a meal in which roast beef and potatoes each cost three cents.

During the first year of its existence, the Y.W.C.A. sponsored many social events including picnics at Stewart's Park(later UNION PARK), noon prayer meetings, spelling bees, and musicals. A representative of the American Y Board, visiting Dubuque in 1902, was amazed at the large membership, then three hundred.

Young Women's Christian Association (Y.W.C.A.) decked out automobile in local parade. Date unknown.

Membership soared to 529 in 1903, the year the state convention of the Y.W.CA. was held in Dubuque.

In 1906 an event of citywide interest was the performance of the opera, Egypta. Sponsored by the Y.W.C.A., the performance starred many of the city's leading citizens. In November, Miss Esther Anderson, head of the religious work department of the organization with headquarters in Chicago, visited Dubuque to meet with members of the board and devote time to the new junior branch of the local organization. (3)

Growth in the organization led to plans for a permanent home. In 1907 a site was chosen at the corner of Locust and 6th Street and the opportunity for a wealthy person to donate $50,000 for a "spacious building...which could house 200-300 women" was presented. (4) Members planned a "mile of dimes" to raise $8,000 but were disappointed to achieve only $800. Higher bids on remodeling and labor strikes led the board of directors to rent the building until April of 1908.

Fund-raising efforts, including a public restaurant during Dubuque Homecoming Week in 1908, proved successful. An open house in the new headquarters was held on January 24, 1909, with the national secretary of the Y.W.C.A. as the speaker. In 1911 the Rogers property adjoining the Y.W.CA. property, was donated to the organization. In 1912 Traveler's Aid was introduced. Girls traveling through Dubuque could come to the Y.W.CA. for a room for the night, financial help, or assistance in making changes in transportation.

Parlor of the Y.W.C.A. at 6th and Locust

The Y.W.C.A. site at 6th and Locust was sold in 1930 to the United States government for $75,000 as the location for a new post office. The purchase was finalized in 1931.

In 1932 the Y.W.C.A. moved temporarily to 116 1/2 West 13th. Boarders were roomed in private homes, and furniture was stored until the Association moved in November to 11th and Iowa. In December, the Association sponsored its first Christmas party for children living at MOUNT PLEASANT HOME. Two lots were purchased for future building plans.

Dubuque witnessed its first youth conference in 1936. Sponsored by the Association, the conference was led by the psychologist from the University of Iowa. A Stay-at-Home Camp was offered for girls who could not attend an established camp. The Dubuque Y was again a leader when, in 1936, it founded the "Town Meeting of the Radio."

Aiding the war effort in 1943, the Association offered sugar to anyone willing to bake cookies that were then sent to the Savanna Ordnance Depot. Girl Reserves sold war stamps and Newcomers performed a play with the profits used to purchase war bonds.

In 1946 the "Y-Teen" name replaced the name "Girl Reserve." Shortly after this change was announced, the first All-Iowa Y-Teen World Fellowship Worship was held in Dubuque.

Cooperative planning began with the YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION (Y.M.C.A.) in 1956-1957. In 1958 a two-week Day Camp for seven and eight-year-old boys and girls was begun. A new building addition was dedicated in 1958, helping to ease overcrowded conditions. The teen program was increased with an estimated four hundred attending Teen Town Dances.

In 1966 a tutoring program was started with the DUBUQUE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT using the Dubuque Area Economic Opportunity Act. Representatives of the Y.M.C.A. and the Y.W.C.A. held a panel discussion on a Capital Funds Campaign and began consideration of a joint building by visiting such a facility in Rochester, Minnesota.

In 1968 an option was signed for the Frudden property on Dodge Street as the site for the combined Y.W.C.A.-Y.M.C.A. building. Wayne Andrew NORMAN, Sr. was named the campaign chairperson. Bids for the building were let in August 1969, and construction began in 1970 with Mrs. Marvin Stamp elected as chairperson of the building committee.

The new home of the Y.W.C.A./Y.M.C.A. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding

The Y.W.C.A. and Y.M.C.A. moved into their new building at 35 North Booth in 1971. An estimated six thousand people toured the facility during the Open House. Additions to the building were made in 1980 and 1986.

See: YMCA/YWCA

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Source:

1. "New Y. W. C. A.," Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, February 2, 1902, p. 3

2. Ibid.

3. "Y. W. C. A. Worker Comes This Week," Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, October 7, 1906, p. 5

4. "The Y. W. C. A. Needs Support of People," Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, December 22, 1907, p. 19