USA > California > San Diego County > San Diego > City of San Diego and San Diego County : the birthplace of California, Volume I > Part 33
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The Young Men's Christian Association of San Diego, began its existence March 17, 1882, when George W. Marston called a meet- ing in his store at 5th and F streets. At a meeting held in the following month the following officers were elected : George W. Mars- ton, president ; W. W. Terry, vice president ; C. H. Hubbell, secretary, and K. J. Ware, treasurer. The organizing members named in the minutes of the third meeting on April 27, 1882, were: A. C. Dobyns, George W. Marston, F. Redley, Chas. H. Hubbell. Joseph H. Winches- ter. K. J. Ware, H. A. Chase, F. N. Pauley, R. V. Dodge, Jr., E. F. Maxfield, W. W. Terry, and W. E. Williams. The meetings were held in Hubbell's Hall next to Marston's store, and then at the rooms of the Society of Natural History over the Consolidated National Bank. In June, 1884, after nearly two years of inactivity, reorganiza- tion took place in the old Masonic Hall on Fifth Street, which was rented for $5 a month.
In August, 1885, C. L. Sturges was called as general secretary and from that time to the present with only brief interruptions the quarters of the association have been opened to the young men of the city. On the resignation of Mr. Sturges the directors called J. A. Rogers, who was engaged as secretary at the small salary of $35 a month and the use of a room. The new secretary, although not a young man, took a deep interest in the young men of the city and when the great boom was at its height proved to be equal to the demands made upon him. The exciting days of 1887, and 1888, brought large numbers of people to the city and the cramped quarters of the Association in Dunham Hall on Fifth Street proved too small for the Sunday meetings and many other gatherings. In 1888, a move was made to a building on Seventh Street just north of G Street.
The quarters up to that time had been very bare and humble, and anything but inviting. It was a constant struggle to keep life in 258
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the little organization, and the few faithful men who stood by it in calm and storm must have had prophetic glimpses, through the clouds of adversity and discouragement, of future triumphs and achieve- ment.
The minute book of the association shows that the principal activities in the early days of the association work were religious and educational. The associations of the country were just beginning to get a vision of the importance of educational work in the program of the association and Secretary Rogers threw himself into the work of arranging classes in elementary subjects with enthusiasm. His principal work, however, was the definitely religious work in which he sought to make the association a vital factor in the life of the young men of the city.
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Y. M. C. A. BUILDING, EIGHTH AND C STREETS
During the eighties here were hundreds of young men in San Diego who had been attracted here by the great boom, and there were few homes to which they were invited, so the association had much to do. Among those who were active in the association in 1887. are George W. Marston, Philip Morse, M. T. Gilmore and Fred Stephens. Many men who were later very prominent in the civic life of San Diego were active in the affairs of the association.
From its earliest days up to the time of entering its present building the association had many headquarters. For some years it might have been called a wandering association, so many buildings has it occupied. President George Marston says that it is difficult to trace all of the various locations which the association had during the pioneer days. In 1889, after a brief stay in the Hoffman House at Eighth and G streets, a move was made to 840 Sixth Street. There is a vacant lot, with basement excavated, at Seventh and G streets
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that gives mute testimony to the valiant efforts of the directors to provide a suitable home. Thirty thousand dollars was paid for this lot and, due to financial difficulties, it was later sold for $10,000.
It appears that there was a Y. W. C. A. organization in the early days which acted as a Ladies Auxiliary to the Y. M. C. A. These ladies were a very vital factor in the life of the association, assist- ing in preparting banquets, entertainments and other events. The present Y. W. C. A. was established within comparatively recent years.
Surviving the boom days the Y. M. C. A. passed through many troublous times. The financial stringency of the late eighties caused much curtailment in the associations plans. In October, 1889, a complete change was made in the directorate, the following being elected : J. E. Hall, J. C. Packard, Henry Siebold, W. E. Howard, Dr. Hurlburt, John P. Lewis, and L. P. Davidson. J. E. Hall was elected president and served only one month, when he was succeeded by C. D. Todd, who served only a few months ; his place was taken by W. E. Howard, who served until the end of the association year.
In 1890, the association began to develop physical activities on a larger scale when O. E. Hoeh was made physical director, and the association moved into the Turnverein Hall on Eighth Street, between G and H. There was a well equipped gymnasium, and ex- cellent work was done. General Secretary Rogers resigned in July, 1890, to accept a pastorate in one of the country churches. In October, 1890, George W. Marston again assumed the presidency, and John Mc- Taggart was elected general secretary; he filled the position with ability and devotion for the next four years. Owing to the exertions of the secretary and many faithful members, reports at the annual meet held in 1891 showed that there was a large membership and that all financial obligations had been met. During the latter part of Mr. McTaggart's service the association used rooms in the Express block. In September, 1891, Mr. McTaggart left for service elsewhere, and W. E. Neelands served in his place until May, 1895, when George A. Miller, who afterwards became a prominent Methodist minister in the Philippines, took charge of the association work.
The association now entered upon its real period of development when it obtained a lease on the second floor of the building at Sixth and Broadway, now occupied by the American Legion. The owner, U. S. Grant, Jr., generously arranged the rooms as the association desired. There were a lecture hall, gymnasium, baths, reading rooms, and several social and class rooms. This was the home of the asso- ciation for ten yers. In the fall of 1896, J. P. Smith, a graduate of the Y. M. C. A. college at Springfield, Massachusetts, was elected general secretary and filled that position until March, 1903, the longest period of service of any secretary up to that time. Under his experi- enced hand the association became a growing power in the com- munity. Every phase of its program was developed, and it became one of the outstanding associations of the state, the four-fold pro- gram being carried out in every phase.
Fred A. Crosby, a San Diego boy, was employed as physical di- rector in June, 1898, and proved to be just the man for the place ; his work will be long remembered by those who knew him. He
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stayed five years. Mr. Crosby is now one of the leading association workers among boys, with headquarters at Chicago.
In the year 1899, George W. Marston declined election to the presidency, having served in that capacity since the organization of the association, with the exception of one year. However, he still remained as a member of the board of directors. Philip Morse served as president during the association year ending in 1900, and, follow- ing him, William H. Holcomb began a term of office which lasted from the fall of 1900, to the fall of 1907. In March, 1903, J. P. Smith resigned as secretary and in his place Roy H. Campbell, now pastor of the First Congregational Church, became the general secretary, and E. A. Merwin was employed as physical director. Mr. Campbell threw himself into the work of the association with all of his enthusiasm and made many important changes. He was especially successful in the raising of money for the association activities and it was largely due to his exertions that the association was able to purchase, from Dr. F. R. Burnham, the fine residence property at Eighth and C streets for $20,000. The new quarters were occupied in October, 1905, and within a few months a gymnasium, costing $6,000 was built on an adjoining lot, and for the first time the work of the association was carried on in its own quarters, the total cost of which, including current expenses for two years, amounted to approximately $32,000.
In the fall of 1905, Secretary Campbell was obliged to resign his position on account of ill health brought on by his exertions. In January, 1906, Earl D. Smith was elected secretary, and A. N. Morris, physical director. Secretary Smith and physical director Morris served until March, 1908. J. P. Smith served until the election of J. J. Heilman in the fall of that year. During the years 1908 and 1909, Dr. H. N. Goff served as president of the association and in 1910, was succeeded by G. A. Davidson. Mr. Davidson enthusiasti- cally led the association until 1915, when he was elected president of the Exposition.
The association had not been in its new quarters very long before it became evident that they were entirely inadaquate to the demands of a growing city that was destined to become a place of large popula- tion and importance. As early as May, 1909, a committee headed by Jerome C. Ford reported on plans which called for a building costing twenty-five thousand dollars. For various reasons action was delayed until the coming of Fred D. Fagg, who succeeded J. J. Heilman as general secretary in 1910. Mr. Fagg had already had experience in the building of two association buildings in the East and not long after his arrival the board of directors began to take steps which at a special meeting of the board on December 15, 1910, came to the definite decision that it was now time to plan for a building that would be adequate for the demands of the members and a credit to the city.
The campaign for the new building enterprise was successfully conducted in April, 1911, when 1,706 persons contributed $155,000 Ground was broken on October 9, 1911, and on March 10, 1913, the beautiful new structure was opened, with elaborate ceremonies, for the use of the men and boys of the city. The building was soon conceded to be among the best equipped in the country. The officers of the association at the time of completing the building were G. Davidson,
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president ; John S. Akerman, vice president : Frank C. Spalding, trea- surer : E. G. Dehm, recording secretary. Other members of the board of directors were: C. N. Andrews, S. M. Bingham, W. D. Crum, B. M. Frees, John Fleming, H. N. Goff, M. T. Gilmore, F. A. Garetson, J. W. Going, J. P. Haddock, Roscoe Hazard, W. M. Herbert, L. D. Jones, W. E. Kier, G. W. Marston, J. P. Smith, and W. H. Strong. The building committee was composed of W. M. Herbert, chairman ; J. C. Ford, J. S. Akerman, and H. N. Goff. The architect was George W. Kilham who had associated with him Messrs. Bristow and Lyman. The secretarial staff was composed of Fred D. Fagg, general secretary ; N. B. McPherson, associate general secretary; George S. Chessum, boy's work director; Irving W. Larrimore, physical director ; Lucius H. Markham, assistant physical director.
Since occuping the new building with its fine gymnasium, swim- ming pool, bedrooms, game rooms, boys' club rooms, sun parlor, classrooms, auditorium, etc., it has been a hive of activity from which hundreds and thousands of boys and men have gone into the struggles of life physically, mentally and spiritually helped. Those who are best acquainted with the program which is carried on recognize that it is one of the most potent factors in the life of the city. The association is controlled by the Protestant churches and members of the various denominations are represented upon the board of directors.
The more recent history of the Y. M. C. A. is familiar to San Diegans and they have loyally supported the work with funds and their interest. After eight years of strenuous work which greatly affected his health, Secretary Fagg resigned in the spring of 1918, and it was not until the fall of the year that his place was filled. A. L. Ward of Chicago took hold of the work just as the war was closing and in this critical period featured by the influenza epidemic and other problems, helped to get the work into peace time shape.
In the spring of 1919, the directors decided to campaign for enough funds to pay off the building bonds and for two years current expenses. This great effort took place in May, 1919, under the direc- tion of E. L. Mogge of the International Committee of the Y. M. C. A. and was a complete success. George W. Marston, elected president every year since 1915, saw the dream of years accomplished when sufficient money was subscribed to reach the total of $150,000.00. This campaign removed a great load from the association and cleared the way for greater progress in its work. Much credit is given by the association for the unselfish spirit shown by business men and others during the campaign. Rotarians and others gave up their regular meetings in order that the time might be devoted to raising the much needed funds.
Secretary Ward resigned in July, 1920, and became educational director at Washington, D. C. From the time of Mr. Ward's leaving until the arrival of the new secretary, the work was in charge of J. P. Smith, former secretary. In November, 1920, Herbert H. Holmes of Peoria, Illinois, began service as general secretary. In 1921 he was in active charge of the association work and was vigorously engaged in promoting its program. Other members of the staff were Fred A. Nordquist, physical director ; Theodore F. Smith, boys' work director ; W. L. Ashleigh, assistant boys' work director ; B. H. Haddock, activ-
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ities secretary; H. G. Glasgow, dormitory secretary : Alex Johnston, business secretary ; Harold Dibb, assistant physical director.
In the spring of 1920, announcement was made that the late Captain Benjamin M. Frees, formerly a member of the board of directors, had left $100,000, to the San Diego Y. M. C. A. Captain Frees had always been a warm friend of the work and had subscribed to it quite liberally, but few were prepared to hear that so large an amount had been left to the association. When this money becomes available it will help solve financial problems which already have arisen.
It is fitting in closing this sketch of the history of the San Diego Young Men's Christian Association to pay a tribute to its founder, George W. Marston. He has been to it what George Will- iams was to the London Association and John Wanamaker to the Philadelphia Association. No amount of time or money was too great if it contributed to the welfare of the young men of the city. If there is one institution which owes its existence to one man it is the San Diego Y. M. C. A. Members of the association have every right to feel as they do regarding Mr. Marston. He embodies the genius of the movement, and the association is proud of him. He is the only surviving member of the group which organized the asso- ciation in 1882.
The Y. M. C. A. building was thronged with service men from April, 1917. until after the war. Being the only Y. M. C. A. build- ing, down town, it was the headquarters for much activity. George H. Chessum served as war secretary for one year, beginning February. 1918, and carried on a varied program. The association offered the use of the swimming pool and gymnasium and other facilities and also provided a list of more than 1,000 homes where men could sleep during periods of leave from camp. All of these facilities were greatly appreciated. More than 160 members of the local association served with the colors, and six of them lost their lives in the service of the country.
The activities of the Y. M. C. A. in Camp Kearny and at other posts in and near San Diego in war times were many. It is impossible within the space available to do more than sketch those activities and to name a few of the Y. M. C. A. men who did good work at the time. At one time there were eight Y. M. C. A. buildings at Camp Kearny. Y. M. C. A. work was also carried on at the naval training camp in Balboa Park, the 21st Infantry camp at the park. Fort Rose- crans, Battery Whistler. Rockwell Field, the naval air station, Camp Hearn, Ream and East Fields, San Ysidro, Campo and other points.
The local association in May, 1917. appointed J. P. Smith as a secretary for the naval training camp in Balboa Park. F. A. Jackson of San Francisco later was appointed secretary for the San Diego district. In the fall John Voris took charge at Camp Kearny, and John Fechter became director of the work at all camps in and about San Diego. In the spring of 1919, Voris was transferred and Fechter took his place at Camp Kearny. Others active in the local war work were Roy H. Campbell, now pastor of the First Congregational Church ; Thomas Giffen, F. W. Wetmore and Orno E. Tyler. On January 1. 1920, the Army and Navy Y. M. C. A. was, established at 942 First
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Street. In September, 1920, the association leased the hotel San Remo at State and E streets, providing a hotel and other conveniences for service men. A new building for this work has been planned. The association also has opened a large athletic field on the reclaimed tide- lands at the foot of Broadway. Orno E. Tyler is general secretary of this branch of the local Y. M. C. A. work, and Edwin M. Cooper is physical director.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
The Order of the Knights of Columbus was organized, under the laws of the State of Connecticut, on March 29, 1882. In addition to providing a system of insurance, the order is of a social, fraternal and patriotic nature. It seeks to organize men of the Catholic faith, and to inculcate in their minds and hearts a love of God and country, and awaken a sense of personal duty and responsibility in the discharge of the duties of citizenship.
San Diego Council No. 1349, of the order was instituted in San Diego on Sunday, June 28, 1908. The institution of the council was under the official direction of district deputy John P. Burke, of Los Angeles, assisted by Hon. Joseph Scott. The following are the names of the charter members of San Diego Council : Rev. Henry A. Lehrke, Joseph Henry Menke, Thomas Purcell, Edward Callaghan, Paul V. Valle, Patrick Martin, Edward James Kernick, Walter S. Risk, Will- iam B. Conniry, Thomas J. Prendergast, Arthur Shaw, Maurice Keane, Stephen McAuliffe, John E. Golden, Chas. Callaghan, Robert J. Walsh, John E. Hayes, Frederick Manke, John F. Nolan, Edward R. Guinan, Wm. A. Menke, Frank Gallagher, Dominic M. Comandich, Bartholo- mew Skarpa, Thomas A. Jennings, Jr., James F. Delaney, James P. Quinn, Albert H. Weitkamp, Bartholomew Moriarty, John B. Mannix, William Sick, Peter Byrne, John Conroy, Henry Menke, Max Sick, William Behrens, Robert P. Guinan, Frank J. Snyder, Michael D. Cremer, George H. Gallagher, John J. Dolan, Joseph Romer, Chas. J. Pusch, James M. Kiley, James E. Connell, Christof Wolf, Henry Hecket, Harry A. Lees, Wm. E. Bailey, Charles R. Weldon.
The office of Grand Knight of the Council has been filled, for one or more terms, by the following: Patrick Martin, John B. Mannix, John J. McGuinness, Wm. L. Morrison, Frank J. Laengle, William C. Wilde, Stephen McAuliffe, Maurice V. Moriarty, Albert H. Weite- kamp, Frank L. Hope, William F. Ahern, and Nicholas J. Martin (the incumbent ).
One of the notable events in the council's history was the holding in San Diego of the annual state convention of the order in 1912: this event was a most successful and enjoyable one, and brought to the city hundreds of members of the order, with their relatives and friends : the entertainment program, consisting of sight-seeing trips, a banquet, grand ball, and various other entertainment, rendered the occasion a very happy one for all.
The local council has at all times shown a spirit of hearty co- operation with other organizations and citizens in matters of a civic or patriotic nature. One of the pleasant remembrances of the members is the ceremonies and exercises in connection with breaking ground for the Panama-California Exposition ; the members joined with their
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fellow-citizens in this important undertaking, and assisted in the pro- gram, especially in the Mission parade, which was one of the features of the occasion. The Knights in San Diego have also co-operated with other local organizations in raising funds to defray the expense of converting one of the Exposition Buildings in Balboa Park into a fine civic auditorium.
The local officers and members, co-operating with the national officers aim to arrange an appropriate program each year in observance of Columbus Day, and on the anniversary of the birth of Washington and Lincoln, and thus perpetuate the memory of these illustrious men. Similiar co-operation has been shown in arranging for lectures on subjects of a patriotic and civic nature. Prominent lecturers, such as Peter W. Collins and David Goldstein, have spoken in San Diego under the auspices of the order.
During the great World war, considerable work devolved upon the local council, which was entrusted with the supervision of the war welfare work of the Knights of Columbus in San Diego and vicinity. Due to the presence of thousands of service men in and around San Diego, K. of C. welfare buildings were constructed and furnished and all arrangements for the construction and equipment of these buildings in San Diego and vicinity were attended to by committees selected from the local membership. The work involved an expenditure of nearly $100,000. Throughout the war local civilian members were also very active in connection with war welfare work, arranging dances, entertainments and various events for the men in the service.
The council has recently purchased ground, and in the near future plans to erect a modern club-house, which will include assembly rooms, auditorium, gymnasium, reading rooms and other conveniences.
It was in the World war that the Knights of Columbus came prominently before the public as a welfare organization, and the work of the organization, so well done on the Mexican border, and duly approved by the military authorities, gave the order its opportunity to demonstrate its fitness to help in the big problem of sustaining the mor- ale of the fighting men of the army, navy and marines. History has accorded the "Caseys" a place second to no other organization for the splendid, patriotic service rendered both in this country and over- seas during the critical period of the country, when every one of the 2,000 councils and the individual members worked and sacrificed for the men that went forth at their country's call. At the beginning the su- preme directors stressed the fact to Provost Marshal General Crowder that under no circumstances would they support the plea of any man in their service for draft exemption.
As the great concentration camps were opened in different parts of the country, huts were built or quarters rented that served as gathering places for the men when relieved from duties of camp. Secretaries were in charge and these in turn were aided by the volun- teers from the councils that were near of these camps. Camp Kearny offered a field for usefulness for the members of San Diego council of the Knights of Columbus, and local club rooms were opened at 846 Fifth Street and maintained for the benefit of all the men in the service, during the entire period of the war and until after the signing of the armistice.
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Practically every member of San Diego Council 1349 took a prom- inent and patriotic part in supporting the work of the city club rooms that occupied two entire floors and in addition rendered valu- able aid to the regularly organized forces that were in charge of the huts at Camp Kearny, Balboa Park, Rockwell Field, North Island, and Fort Rosecrans. Buildings were erected at all these military posts and local members were delegated by the supreme board to assist in the drawing of plans and the building of the many huts required for the K. C. work.
In the local club, pool and billiard tables were installed, a com- plete library furnished and daily entertainment given in the spacious hall on the third floor of the building. Co-operating with the local members of the Knights were the wives and daughters, who lent valuable aid in providing entertainment and furnishing food and other delicacies to the men in the service. And this was all volunteer work on the part of the members of San Diego council, who in addi- tion were assisting the national organization in its drives for funds and generously contributing to all appeals for money to carry on the patriotic work on behalf of the men of the army, navy and marines.
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