About Us

The Mahaska County YMCA has been serving Oskaloosa and the Mahaska County area since 1866. Actual membership records dating back to 1898 still exist. History tells us President Roosevelt provided the dedication speech for the Y’s newly acquired, three-story building in downtown Oskaloosa (according to an April 29, 1903 Oskaloosa Herald). President Roosevelt believed in the Y’s missions and goals of commitment that the current YMCA adheres to today.

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,687 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors.

Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change.  For information about the YMCA in the United States, visit www.ymca.net.

YMCA History from Mahaska County Historical Society  

The Young Men’s Christian Association had its beginning in Oskaloosa back in the winter of 1866. There were difficulties and financial uncertainties during the first few years. The pioneer members merely existed. They met in rooms in the Herald Block, on First Avenue West. 

A new spark of life stemmed up on the 18th July 1887. At this time fourteen men met and became charter members. These pioneers were, A.F.N. Hambleton, C.C. Nichol, J.L. Avey, B.F. Andrews, C.A. Johnson, John A. Scott, L.L. Ledwick, C.P. Searle, W.H. Warriner, Ih Hedge, Wm. Burnside, and W.R. Cowan. 

Elected as officers were: A.F.N. Hambleton, chosen the first president; C.P. Searle as first vice-president; Wm. Burnside was second vice-president; A.C. Johnson as treasurer; Walter M. Pearson, the first general secretary. 

Rooms were secured at 218 First Avenue East, a membership drive was started, and at the end of the first year there were one-hundred and forty-five members. Membership was $2.00 each, indeed, this was a new beginning. 

In 1897, when W. Seymour Lacey accepted the position as general secretary, he found the need of a building. Building agitation flared with the building banquet in the Seevers hall. W.E. Kemble was named chairman of the building committee. At a annual meeting February, 1900, the report was made that $1,088 was in the building fund from bequests by Mary C. Bedell and Ann E. Crookham. 

A second banquet was held November 27th, 1900, in the Kalbach’s hall, with Gov. Leslie M. Shaw as speaker. Thomas D. Foster of Ottumwa, Clyde R. Joy and Llewellyn A. Hammil of Keokuk, Charles C. Michener of Chicago, and Major John F. Lacey, were among the guests. 

In 1900 the building fund contained $20,000 and a meeting of the businessmen of the town was held. The Ladies Auxiliary sewed a banquet in the Congregational Church. The movement now was an active one. 

Sunday, November 17th, 1901, was the red letter day. For three days before about sixty prominent business men had carefully canvassed the town asking pledges from citizens in the new building enterprise. On Sunday, under the direction of Dr. H.C. Breeden of Des Moines, the work was carried to a conclusion. There was a meeting at the Central M.E. Church—enthusiasm was at its highest. At the close of the meeting there had been raised by the association $37,500. The work on the new building was immediately commenced. 

The building committee consisted of H.L. Spencer, Ralph Burnside, Joe Beeson, Sam Baldauf, F.E. Green, Ben McCoy, A.P. Spencer, and C.M. Porter. 

The building contractor was J.P. Creeden and Son of Omaha, and completed just in time for dedication by the president, who was touring Iowa at that time. The dedication is written up in a separate story. 

The new building did not include a swimming pool, but this was added in 1916, after a special campaign. Shortly after Paul Hickman arrived in 1944, as Secretary, the bowling alleys were removed and the area converted to a Youth Center. Another change was the removal of the barber shop and its remodeling into the men’s locker room. 

The Oskaloosa Y.M.C.A. is a member association of the National Council of the Y.M.C.A.’s of the United States and through many of its members a contributor to the World Service program of the International Committee of Y.M.C.A. 

During the 1940’s plaster began falling, and the old building started down hill. Before long it was beyond repair. At first talk of replacing the old building was rumored, however the old building, located at 200 1st Ave. East was operated until the fall of 1969. Thus ended the activities at the “Y” President Theodore Roosevelt had helped dedicate. 

The Presidents of the Oskaloosa Y.M.C.A. between 1887 and 1969 were as follows: A.F.N. Hambleton, Manoah Hedge, R.A. McPherrin, R.H. Burnside, C.M. Porter, R.H. Burnside, Ross Newman, R.V. Porter, Ed Butler, Ivan Shiley, J. Wayne Douglas, Paul Taylor, Carroll Allsop, John Newman, Don Hemphill, Clifford Powers, Dr. Robert Alberti, Swanson, C.A. Williams, Jr., Garold Heslinga, Charles Russell, F.H. Blomgren, Jack Lamberson, James Mathew, Charles Gardner, and Jack Hunt. 

General Secretaries between 1887 and 1971 were: Walter Pearson, C.H. Maxon, C.C. Michener, Alvah Negus, S.R. Breish, H.E. McGrew, E.W. Hearne, O.E. Elliott, W.S. Lacey, J.A. VanDis, E.L. Moeller, H.O. Glasure, Harry Henness, W.E. Dietrich, G.R.D. Kramer, G. Meyer, Harry Goodrich, Emil Plambech, Paul Hickman, Ted Hawkins, George Lundgren, Joe Markuson, Larry Hartog, and Amos Larsen. 

How a “Million Dollar Dream” Came True, “Y” Community Center 

“The Mahaska County Community YMCA Center serves all ages, all races, and both sexes. Our primary aim is to help persons develop Christian character and to aid them in building a Christian society by the maintenance of such activities and services that contribute to their physical, social, mental, and spiritual growth”. This was a quotation of Bill Ryan, Executive Staff Director. 

The new Y began with the dream of a few community leaders and in March, 1965, the YMCA Board of Directors initiated action to find a suitable location for a new building. This location was at the northeast corner of C Avenue East and North Third Street where some eight residential properties were acquired and moved or razed at a cost near $100,000, all made possible by McQuiston trust money. 

It was in 1966 that Oskaloosa YMCA directors, having searched for a man who could spearhead a campaign to finance a new community center, secured the services of E.J. (Amos) Larsen. A big boost was the late W.L. McQuiston Trust of some $300,000 in stocks and bonds as a start. Mr. McQuiston, prior to his death, left wishes for this money to be used to serve the community. Others donating were: the Army Board of Trustees, giving $50,000 from money accumulated from national guard armory rental; the Girl Scouts, Inc., $40,000 from the Oskaloosa YWCA; there were 700 separate pledges donated which totaled out to another $40,000. The annual money from Seymore Lacey’s trust fund was another big boost. 

When the drive passed the $1,000,000 mark, it meant they had gone 13.7 percent over their goal but the building cost had increased 15 percent so the new goal for the Mahaska Community Center was $1,200,000. A new campaign drive was started. Other donors at this time included Mr. Henry Luce of Time Magazine who sent his “home town” a check for $2,000 for the Y fund. Mr. Luce was born in Tengchow, China, of missionary parents. Now you may wonder how this could be. While speaking once at Penn College he remarked about having no home in America, and indicated it would be nice if he could simply say his home town was Oskaloosa, Iowa. By the action of the council, soon after that speech, Henry R. Luce became Oskaloosa’s most distinguished citizen. 

Another outstanding donor I’d like to mention is Bill McMains. Most of this community will remember Bill McMains as an accomplished organist. He was from Oskaloosa, but was well known throughout the country for his concerts. On May 10, 1967, Bill held a concert he called, “Night on the Town”, with the proceeds being donated toward the “Y” building. 

The contract for the work was awarded to Roth Associates of Storm Lake in May, 1968. The Roth firm got an immediate start following ground-breaking ceremonies on July 8, 1968, and promised to make the center available for occupancy in the fall of 1969. The building was designed by Wetherell, Harrison, Wagner, and McKlveen, Architects. 

Sub-contractors working under Roth were H.G. Brown and Associates of Oskaloosa, in charge of the heating and plumbing; and Vanden Berg and Electric Co., in charge of the electrical contracting. Robert Engdahl, in charge of building and standards, and Daniel J. Flanagan, in charge of interior decorating—both of the Y building and furnishings service, worked as coordinators on the project. 

Among the features of the new Center is the swimming pool, which meets with all AAU and UMCA standards. The size is 25 foot by 75 foot, and it has a one meter diving board and two starting block boards. There are four lanes for competitive swimming. 

The gymnasium measures 95 by 66 foot. Markings were made to accommodate basketball, volley ball, badminton courts and a softball diamond. An electric score board is also available. The gym can easily seat 200. 

There is a lounge area, as well as the adult lobby. In the youth lobby there are bumper pool tables and pingpong tables, as well as many other games. In the Teen Center, located on the ground floor we find pool tables, ping pong tables, a juke box, storage room and snack bar, to name a few. This room is 45 by 35 foot, and can accommodate dances or club meetings. 

The Businessmen’s Club, which was designed for comfort, is equipped with carpet, comfortable chairs and vending machines. Also they have a sauna room and vita-ray accesses. 

The Armory all-purpose room is located on the north end of the building and can seat 300. Various activities have taken place in this room. The board or committee room is located to the right of the main entrance. The interior of the Y is light and colorful; the furnishings are the latest and well planned for comfort, and is a pleasant place to spend a few hours. 

Dedication Days of the New Mahaska Community YMCA-YWCA Center was held on the 10th, 11th, and 12th of October, 1969. The first two days were open house with a chance to use the gymnasium and swimming pool, special times were indicated for the age levels. On the close of the 10th was a senior high dance in the Teen Center, and on the 11th was the junior high dance. On Sunday, October 12th was the Dedication Service, Charles A. Williams, Jr. presiding. The Oskaloosa Municipal Band, under the direction of Ivan D. Kennedy, opened the dedication at 1:30 p.m. The Presentation of the Flag was by the American Legion, and the Invocation was by Dr. Duane O. Moon, President of William Penn College. The Greetings were from the Mayor of Oskaloosa, Carl E. Johnson. 

Following introduction and Announcements, keys were presented to Tim Sedrel for the YM, Karen Berkmeir for the YW, Laura Webster for the Girl Scouts, and Goethe Broyles for the Senior Citizens. 

The Dedication Address was given by an Honorable guest, Theodore Roosevelt McKeldin—McKeldin is the grandson of Theodore (Teddy) Roosevelt, who gave the dedication address at the old Y in 1903. McKeldin was born in Baltimore, Maryland, where he served as Mayor from 1943 to 1947. 

Litany of dedication: E.J. Amos Larsen, the executive director of the YM; The Benediction, given by Dr. Merne Harris, President of the Vennard College. With more music from the band, the cornerstone ceremony was held, followed by a reception and open house. The very last event was a canoe demonstration in the pool. 

There had been a large number of persons involved in committees, campaigning for funds etc., they all were included in the dedication. 

The board presidents between 1969 and 1984 have been George Walker, Bob Barnhouse, Bill Davis, Dick Wilke, Martin Bernstein, Cal Van Arkel, Jerry Reese, Chuck Cunningham, Ken VanGilst, Rex Blom, Ed Butler, Dick Cousin, and Larry Heisler. 

The YMCA General Secretaries between 1969 and 1984 have been Amos Larsen, Paul McCray, Fred Krogle, and Bill Ryan. 

The Y carries a full variety of sports and activities, covered basket dinners, crafts, and we don’t dare leave out the day camp, held at Lake Keomah, made possible by the Y Mens Club. 

Young Women’s Christian Association 

In about 1921 a movement to organize a branch of the Young Women’s Christian Association began in Oskaloosa. The first big step was taken on October 10th, 1924, when a group of women who had been working on the project filed Articles of Incorporation. This was in compliance with the will of Sarah E. Ryan which allotted $2,000 for the YWCA, provided it was permanent and legal. 

Officers were elected: Jennie Good Corlett as President; Sara Graves Kalbach, Vice-President; Vida Laughrey, Secretary; and Anna Cruikshank, Treasurer. The purpose of the organization was outlined in four main objectives: (1) to associate young women in personal loyalty to Jesus Christ; (2) to lead them in to membership and service in the Church; (3) to promote growth in Christian character and service through physical, social, mental, and spiritual training; (4) to become a social force for the extension of the Kingdom of God. 

Strong support was provided in every way by William Penn College and John Fletcher College (now Vennard) as they were anxious to have a strong YWCA. The nucleus was made up of the Business, Professional and Industrial Women’s organization. At first this group met in the Public Library, but during the 1940’s they moved their meetings to the Y. 

A change was made in 1928, when the YW moved to the second floor of the YMCA building, with a separate entrance being made for convenience on the side of the building. This arrangement was met with severe criticism in regard to the morality of having both groups under the same roof but in time this objection faded away. 

At various time Churches which have been in the process of building or redecorating have held their services at the YWCA. The YWCA of today offers classes in physical fitness, slim living, exercise under water, swimming, crafts, and camping, to name a few. Plans are currently being made, however, to shift the emphasis from athletic fitness to social functions. 

These people have served as directors of the YWCA through the years: Mabel Howell, Lucy Gregory, Gladys Ver Ploeg, Betty Barnhill, and Marcella Brock, with the office currently being vacant following the resignation of Mrs. Brock. 

Y’s Men’s Club 

Oskaloosa’s Y’s Men’s Club is affiliated with the YMCA. It is made up of energetic young business and professional men with a flair for getting things done. The Y Men’s Club organized in 1953, and became chartered at a dinner on September 22nd of the same year. The first president being Charles Kentfield. 

From the very beginning they have been doing things for the youth of the community. This group played a large role by their help in getting the new million dollar Center. Their major contribution in recent years has been in the construction of the “Christmas Tree Lodge”, located at the day camp site at Lake Keomah. The lodge is a modern building which serves as the focal point for day camp activities of many boys and girls. 

The Y Men’s members provided the big share of labor on this project as well as financing from their own treasury and securing gift materials from the local businesses and industrial plants. Credited with much of the impetus in the project is Bruce Sedrel, who at one time was the president. 

Many other projects have been sponsored by the group over the years, including a county-wide fifth and sixth grade spring track meet, an annual spring all sports banquet honoring members of local high school squads, junior golf and tennis tournaments, and teams in both Babe Ruth and Little League baseball. To finance these many programs, the organization has sold Christmas trees in space provided by the Easter’s Grocery Store. 

by Dollie BeDillon 

PRESIDENT THEODORE ROOSEVELT AND THE DEDICATION OF THE Y.M.C.A. IN OSKALOOSA 

President Theodore Roosevelt of the United States was the honored guest of Oskaloosa Tuesday evening (April 28, 1903). He came to the city from Des Moines on a special train via the Rock Island. He was met at the station by a committee, escorted to the new Y.M.C.A. building on High Avenue East, where he delivered a dedicatory address, and spent in all something over a half hour in town. 

He was welcomed by a great crowd of people, perhaps the greatest that the city has ever seen, variously estimated at from 25,000 to 30,000. The plans of the committee on arrangements were carried out almost as originally intended and our people paid the honors due the chief executive of the land in a very graceful and gracious manner, which was courteously acknowledged by the president and his party. 

The day was somewhat dark and threatening, as regards the weather, but the rain held away until after all details of the program had been carried out. Despite the lowering clouds the people came from all parts of the county, the district, and from great distances—even from parts of Illinois—to see the President. The great crush began about 3 o’clock when it seemed as though there was no longer standing room in the streets. 

Entertainment was provided for the people during the afternoon in the shape of a concert in the park by the Iowa Brigade and the Buxton bands. The military display was also a feature of the day. 

It was not known just how the program would be carried out as to the President’s visit to the city until sometime after dinner. Telegrams announcing the fact that the President would drive up town and dedicate the Y.M.C.A. building were received about dinner time and the news was quickly on the wing. It spread to all parts of the city, and the people received the news with greatest satisfaction. 

As the hour for the arrival of the special trains drew near the streets became seas of living human faces and the reception that was tendered the President as he drove through the crowd must have been gratifying. He bowed in gracious acknowledgement of the salutations as he was driven rapidly through the lines of waving flags and cheering people. 

The “pilot train”, an engine and a coach bearing the operating officials of the Des Moines Valley division of the Rock Island, came ahead of the Governor’s and the President’s special train. The “pilot train” arrived in the city at six o’clock and was quickly turned, took water and was out again for the south before the Governor’s train had left Leighton. The special train bearing the Governor’s party came about fifteen minutes after the “pilot train” had left. 

The President’s special train pulled by two Rock Island passenger engines followed about fifteen minutes later. The train pulled past the station so that the rear of the train was stopped near the east end of the passenger station. The President was formally received by members of the local committee and was hurried into a waiting carriage, surrounded by the mounted guard. The party was driven rapidly through the streets that had been cleared by the soldiers to the new Y.M.C.A. building. The carriage was stopped at the corner of the building. The President spoke almost fifteen minutes standing in the carriage. 

As he concluded, the carriage was turned back into First Street, and he was driven rapidly to the station. The train had been turned on the Y and the rear of the President’s coach was standing ready to receive him and those of the party who had been with him. He stepped down from the carriage, turned and reached up to shake the hand of Walter Paris, the man who had driven the landeau. He spoke to members of Company F standing near as guard and escort, shook hands with Captain Fred Moore of Company F, lightly sprang up the steps of the coach followed by the secret service men, members of the party, and train officials. Word was sent forward to the engineers, the train moved from the station, and the visit of President Roosevelt to the city of Oskaloosa was an event in local history. 

The local reception committee was made up of the following representative gentlemen of Oskaloosa: Mayor John C. Williams, Hon. John F. Lacey, Judge L.C. Blanchard, Geo. W. Seevers, E.H. Gibbs, C.M. Porter, H.L. Spencer, John R. Barnes, W.C. Sheppard, Sam Baldauf, A. Rosenberger, W.H. Kalbach, Phil Hoffman, Richard Burke, I.W. Cook. 

The departure of the trains from Des Moines were delayed thirty-five minutes on account of the length of the time of the program that had been arranged by the committees of that place. The trains were not permitted to make any run above that scheduled on account of the condition of the track, which was thought to be rather soft for the heavy service comprising the President’s train. The waiting crowds received the word that the President’s train would not arrive in the city until 6:30 o’clock, a half hour late, with some show of impatience but, the crowds that filled the streets only grew denser in the meantime. 

The Governor’s special train was first into the station following the “pilot train.” Governor Cummings was not with this train, having been called back with the Presidential party. Major Joe Beeson, for the Governor, came forward to the committee immediately upon the arrival of the train and made known what would be required by the Presidential party making the drive to the city, and it was so ordered. 

With the arrival of the President’s train, a number of members of the party alighted from the coaches. As the rear of the train reached a point even with the carriages, it was stopped. Major Lacey entered the coach accompanied by Mayor Williams and greeted the President. He came from the coach immediately and entered the waiting carriage. 

Col. J.F. McNeill of this city was chief marshal of the day and his successful management of the policing of the city and guarding of the highways through which the President passed was very favorably commented upon. The streets and the platform about the Rock Island station were roped off, and none were permitted within the enclosure except those entitled to be there. But thousands of people were gathered together outside of the restraining wires. First Street was kept open and clear by the guards of soldiers. Company F of this city did excellent service at the Rock Island station. The great gathering of people seemed to stay amassed about the streets and had little desire to move about. All the streets were packed and jammed with humanity and so stayed until the President’s departure. 

The carriage driven from the station about the park to the Y.M.C.A. building contained President Roosevelt and with him were Governor A.B. Cummings, Mayor John C. Williams of the city of Oskaloosa and assistant secretary to the President, Mr. Barnes. A secret service officer rode on the carriage with the driver. 

The President’s carriage was in the lead surrounded by a mounted military guard. Major Lambert and his adjutant, Dalzelle of Newton, Major F.E. Wetherell and Adjutant H.K. Spencer of Oskaloosa, and Col. J.F. McNeill and aides, Captain W.H. Keating and Sergt. Frank Riggs, who was with Roosevelt and General Joe Wheeler at San Juan Hill in Cuba. 

The arrangements at the Y.M.C.A. were most complete. The Uniformed Rank, Knights of Maccabees, were stationed opposite the building on both sides of the street. The local post of the G.A.R., about 200 strong, and each carrying a large flag, were stationed as the guard of honor, in command of Captain John N. Martin, Officer of the Day, from the corner of North Second Street to the court house on both sides of the street. A detail of the city police were stationed about the building, at convenient points on High Ave., to the court house. The three companies of militia, Company F of Oskaloosa, Company L of Newton and Company K of Grinnell, were stationed around the square and on the South First Street to guard the crowd and preserve order and keep the streets clear. Strict orders had been issued and they were carefully carried out. 

When the President’s escort arrived at the square, they passed quickly around the south, west, and north sides to the new Y.M.C.A. building. When near Second Street the detail passed to the right side of High Avenue and made a sharp turn which brought the carriage of President Roosevelt directly opposite the large tree on the corner near the building. Immediately his special mounted escorts and four secret service officers surrounded the carriage and thus kept the crowd off at a proper distance. 

The windows of the new building were occupied by the ladies of the auxiliary and the officers and directors of the Association. The side streets were crowded with carriages and every other available space was occupied by the crowd. At the close of the address the lines were quickly reformed and the President was rapidly taken to the train. 

The above article appeared in the Oskaloosa Saturday Herald of May 2, 1903. by John Jacobs