CHAPTER XII.

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CHURCHES, RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES, HOSPITALS AND CHARITIES

YOUNG WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION

    The association was organized in May, 1891, and incorporated the following December.   The aim of the work has been to promote the interest of young women in spiritual, educational, physical and social work.  At first meetings were held in the G. A. R. Hall; later, rooms were secured in the old library building, from there the association removed to a private house on Washington avenue and still later to a swelling house on Madison avenue.   For the past five years the association has occupied quarters in the Root Block on Center Avenue.   There are sic rooms - office, assembly room, library, rest room, dinning room and kitchen.   Following is a list of the secretaries, each of whom held office about ayear: Miss Humphrey, Miss Obernauer, Miss  Alice Pierce, Miss Belle Lemon, Miss Carey, Miss Strong, Miss Mary Augevine and Miss Myrtle B. Mills, who took charge as general secretary in 1904 and is still in office.   Of these, Misses Alice Pierce and Belle Lemon were volunteer workers of the local association.
    In addition to the religious meetings, regular classes are held in the common English branches, and in drawing, plain sewing, shirt-waist making, millinery, cooking and a limited amount of gymnasium work.   All the best magazines are to be found on the library table, and on the shelves many standard works of literature and the best of the late books, of which the members have free use.   During the past year 9,105 lunches were served.  The total attendance at the rooms, including classes, Gospel meetings and calls, was 21,833.  The total membership is now 500.  The work is supported by memberships and subscriptions.