USA > Kansas > Sedgwick County > History of Wichita and Sedgwick County, Kansas, past and present, including an account of the cities, towns and villages of the county, Vol. I > Part 35
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"Believing that the Young Men's Christian Association is an instrument in the hands of God for doing good, and a means of grace of peculiar advantage to young men, and that our city needs such an organization, therefore we, a few of the young men of the various churches in Wichita, have called a preliminary meeting for the purpose of completing, as soon as possible, the organization, hoping, by the assistance of God and all good Christians, to be able to place the organization on a firm footing."
Those present :
A. A. Hyde, A. D. Morgan,
H. L. Smithson, F. A. North,
O. A. Delong, A. D. Phelps,
E. D. Kimball, Dr. W. M. Johnson, C. P. Mueller.
Mr. A. A. Hyde, who is now president of the association, was chosen chairman of the first meeting, and C. P. Mueller, still a prominent member, was elected secretary.
At this meeting the principal question was: "Do we want a Young Men's Christian Association in Wichita?" This was set- tled in the affirmative by a unanimous vote. This group of men went to work at once and on November 6, 1885, called a meeting for permanent organization. Mr. Robert Weidensall, of the International Committee, and now the oldest employed officer in America of the Young Men's Christian Association, was pres- ent and assisted in perfecting the organization.
The "committee on nomination" retired from the meeting and later reported the following "ticket," which was unan- imously elected, and these men became the first officers of the Young Men's Christian Association of Wichita :
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PIONEER CHURCHES OF WICHITA
President J. C. Rutan. Vice-President-A. A. Hyde. Corresponding Secretary-J. Y. Montague. Recording Secretary-Harry Evans. Treasurer-A. F. Rowe.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
W. M. Johnson,
William Kessel,
A. D. Phelps,
George C. Strong, Prof. Pence, H. L. Smithson.
Constitution and by-laws were prepared, and on November 27, 1885, the following thirty-nine men put their names to the consti- tution, thereby becoming charter members:
W. M. Johnson,
William Kassel,
C. H. Morehouse,
A. A. Hyde,
V. Y. Stanley,
J. E. Coulter,
C. P. Mueller,
Oscar DeLong,
D. S. Pence,
J. C. Rutan,
H. L. Smithson,
Edward Phillips,
David V. Walker,
J. K. Hollowell,
R. Byrony Hossor,
Fred L. Guthrie,
Sam F. Wollard,
L. W. L. Abbott,
George C. Meeker,
R. P. McPherson,
T. F. Kirshaw,
J. Y. Montague,
E. B. Philleo,
Charles L. Davidson,
Travis Morse,
J. H. Parks,
H. McKin Du Bois,
T. F. Stanshely, Charles Lawrence, A. F. Rowe,
George C. Strong,
H. W. Babcock,
Edgar J. Foster,
C. W. Barthalomew,
Walter G. Kraft,
E. D. Kimball,
A. D. Phelps,
Harry Campbell,
Ed. W. Smith.
Section 2 of Article I of this constitution, as prepared at that time, is interesting, inasmuch as it has not changed in the twenty- five years of growth. It is the "object" of the association, and ยท reads :
"The object of this association shall be the development of Christian character and activity in its members, the promotion of evangelical religion, the cultivation of Christian sympathy, and the improvement of the spiritual, intellectual, social and physical condition of young men."
Ways and methods of doing work have changed greatly, but the object of the Young Men's Christian Association will never change.
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HISTORY OF SEDGWICK COUNTY
Two rooms were secured in the Roys Block, over the Wichita Grocery, in which to carry on the work of the association. In December of the same year Mr. J. Y. Montague became the first employed secretary of the association, giving only a small part of his time to the work, and receiving a salary of $25 a month.
In March, 1886, Mr. Andrew Baird was called to become gen- eral secretary, giving all his time to the work of the association. Under Mr. Baird's leadership, the association grew into a large and aggressive organization. Its rapid growth seemed to demand larger and better facilities. Mr. C. H. Yatman, of the Interna- tional Committee, was invited to come to Wichita and consult with business men regarding a new building enterprise. A ban- quet was held, to which forty prominent citizens were invited. At this banquet about $20,000 was subscribed. At a union meet- ing, the following night, held at the First Methodist Episcopal Church, the subscription was raised to $50,000. Plans for a new building were immediately prepared. Before the completion of the building, however, the disastrous collapse of the boom period came, and many fortunes were swept away. Many subscribers were unable to meet their pledges, and when the beautiful build- ing at the corner of First and Topeka was finished and furnished, the association was $20,000 in debt. The only recourse was a mortgage, which was given for $20,000. Then came the terrible years of depression, not only in Wichita but the entire country, culminating in the national panic. Business men and former financiers gave up their individual properties under mortgage claims, and the association did what many of the best and wisest citizens did in their own personal affairs. The building was sold to the Masons for just enough to cancel the debt.
While the association was without a building, it was also out of debt and continued its organization. Mr. Baird resigned in 1893 to become state secretary of the Young Men's Christian Associations of Kansas. Mr. W. M. Shaver was elected general secretary and served in this capacity until July, 1895. In Sep- tember, 1895, John Caldwell was called to the secretaryship and served until January 1, 1897. In June, 1898, Mr. George F. Fuller took up the work as general secretary, and was connected with the association continually until October 1, 1905, when Mr. Arthur G. Pearson became general secretary. To Mr. Pearson and the board of directors who were elected at the time his admin- istration started is due much of the credit for the present beauti-
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ful home of the association at the corner of First street and Emporia avenue. This property is valued at $110,000. The build- ing was erected in 1907 and would be a credit to any city.
The officers and directors of the association at the time of the erection of the present building were as follows:
OFFICERS.
President-A. A. Hyde.
Vice-President-C. S. Sargent, D. D.
Recording Secretary-O. A. Boyle.
Treasurer-H. W. Darling.
General Secretary-A. G. Pearson.
DIRECTORS.
C. Q. Chandler,
C. E. Potts,
H. W. Lewis,
R. P. Murdock,
W. C. Edwards,
E. Higginson,
R. E. Lawrence,
O. H. Bentley,
C. L. Davidson,
I. W. Gill.
H. Comley.
Chairman Business Men's Committee-Hiram Imboden.
Chairman Young Men's Committee-Tom Blodgett.
Secretary Young Men's Committee-Will K. Jones.
FINANCE COMMITTEE.
C. S. Sargent, O. H. Bentley and H. W. Darling.
The physical work of the association is under the direction of an able physical director, who has had special training for this work. The purpose of the gymnasium is to develop men phy- ' sically through the regular "gym" classes and recreative games, that they may reach the highest degree of health and efficiency.
The gymnasium is one of the finest to be found in the Middle West. It is well lighted and ventilated, and its equipment is the very best. The floor space is 42x70, and there are no posts to interfere with games. There are two large individual exercise rooms, fitted up especially for those who wish to exercise while some game is in progress on the main floor. There is an inclined cork running track around the entire gymnasium, thirty-two laps
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HISTORY OF SEDGWICK COUNTY
to the mile. Teams in basket ball, volley ball, indoor base ball, tennis, etc., are organized by this department. A physical exam- ination is given by the physical director to all who take the physical work.
The bathing equipment is the very finest that can be afforded. There are eleven shower baths, the best of the modern baths, always supplied with an abundance of hot and cold water. Mar- ble tubs are also provided. The swimming pool is lined with white enamel tile and is 20x60 feet and 8x3 feet in depth; it is filled with clear running water, and kept at a uniform temper- ature. A great many boys and men learn to swim in this swim- ing pool.
The educational classes are provided for young men who are employed during the day and who wish to increase their earning capacity and to live more useful lives. The following subjects are taught: Bookkeeping, Business Spelling, Penmanship, Commer- cial Arithmetic, Business English, Commercial Law, Stenography and Typewriting. Practical talks are given by business and pro- fessional men of the city under auspices of this department. The reading room contains daily papers and all leading magazines.
Our aim is to give religious work first place in our activities ; however, religion is not thrust upon anybody. It is all whole- some and manly. A spiritual life demands a clean, strong body and a healthy mind, and the association idea is to develop the three-spirit, mind and body. Men's meetings are held every Sunday afternoon at 4 o'clock, in the auditorium. Good music and live addresses by speakers who know how to speak to men.
A supper is served each Sunday following the men's meeting. Strangers in the city are invited to stay for "tea" and meet members of the association. A charge of 10 cents is made for this lunch. A twenty-minute Bible study follows the luncheon.
Bible classes for all groups and ages are arranged by the Religious Work Department.
"Meet me at the Y. M," is a popular expression often heard among our members; it's the meeting place for hundreds of young men, and the one place where they can meet under the best of environment. The Social Department aims to maintain a feeling of good fellowship among its members, and give a wel- come to the "stranger within its gate."
The lobby, with its cozy fireplace, is a great social center. The parlors are elegantly furnished, and are at the disposal of mem-
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PIONEER CHURCHES OF WICHITA
bers. There is a separate department for the boys of Wichita. There are over 400 members of the department. They do the things boys like to do. They are always in charge of a competent Boys' Work Director.
There are four regulation bowling alleys. There are forty- five bachelor apartments, accommodating seventy-five young men who are away from home. They are furnished to suit the tastes of young men. There is a telephone in every room. These rooms are in such demand that there is a waiting list the year around.
The dining room is a delightful privilege of membership, and a distinctive feature of its work. Any man of good moral char- acter may become a member of the Wichita Young Men's Chris- tian Association. Church membership is not required. This building has been provided by the public-spirited citizens and dedicated to the young men of Wichita, hundreds of whom use the building daily and testify to the development which they receive, physically, mentally and morally.
The officers and directors at the present time are:
President-A. A. Hyde.
Vice-President-W. S. Hadley.
Treasurer-H. W. Darling.
Recording Secretary-T. M. Deal.
Directors-H. Imboden, C. E. Caswell, M. D., W. R. Dulaney, C. E. Potts, C. A. Magill, H. Comley, H. W. Lewis, E. Higginson, W. C. Edwards, C. Q. Chandler, J. N. Haymaker.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS.
General Secretary-Clifford Pierce.
Boys' Work Secretary-Foster M. Heaton.
Physical Director-Anthony C. Knehr.
Assistant Secretary-Daniel W. Binford.
Assistant Secretary-Clarence I. Vessey.
Assistant Secretary-Max Pierce.
The presidents of the association and years they have served since the organization in Wichita are : 1885-1887-J. C. Rutan.
1887-1888-Robert E. Lawrence.
1888-1889-H. Imboden. 1889-1890-A. A. Hyde. 1890-1891-W. J. Coner.
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HISTORY OF SEDGWICK COUNTY
1891-1892-R. P. Murdock.
1892-1893-H. H. Dewey.
1893-1896-W. E. Stanley.
1896-1898-H. H. Dewey.
1898-1900-A. W. Sickner.
1900-1900-W. J. Frazier (part term; Mr. Frazier declined re- election).
1900-1902-J. W. Laidlaw.
1902-1906-J. M. Knapp. 1906- -A. A. Hyde.
THE SALVATION ARMY BARRACKS.
Some years ago the Salvation Army in Wichita, and through the liberality of the Wichita people, established permanent bar- racks on North Topeka avenue on a valuable lot. A very pre- sentable -building was built, and in the building a debt of $5,000 was left upon the structure. The enterprising and public-spirited men of the Chamber of Commerce, headed by ex-Governor W. E. Stanley and others, conceived the idea of lifting the debt. To that end a campaign was laid out and a popular subscription of $10 per capita was started. A few days sufficed and the debt was cleared, and the Army today has the best Salvation Army barracks in the state of Kansas, free and clear of any debt.
CHAPTER XXXII. CITY FEDERATION OF CLUBS.
By RUTH FRASIUS.
The Wichita City Federation of Women's Clubs, although new in comparison with like organizations in other cities of the same age, has accomplished a great deal of good. Its undertak- ings have not been many, but what it has undertaken has been carried to successful completion. Its pet project, and probably the one that has accomplished the most good, is the visiting nurse. Since this work was started, Miss Amy Smith has been in charge of it, and has met with wonderul success. The nurse is sup- ported by subscription. She works among the poor of the city, who otherwise would not have proper treatment while ill. The city federation established a North End library for the benefit of the working people of the packing-house district, who could not get good books to read without coming down town. They were instrumental in getting trash cans for the streets, so that now the public thoroughfares are kept much cleaner than they were formerly. It was at the instigation of the club women that a humane officer was appointed. The club women went to the mayor of the city and prevented a roping contest that was to have been held here. They had a cleanup day in the spring, and also secured two men who are scenic artists to give a course of lectures in the city. The federation is composed of women, rich 'and poor, but who are alike in the respect that they have the best interests of the city at heart. Last year Mrs. J. D. Berto- lette was president, and under her leadership the work of the federation flourished. The constitution allows a president to hold office but one term, so that the honors for the different clubs may be more equally divided. Mrs. W. T. Johnson, of Twentieth Century Club, will be the president this year.
The object of the federation, in the words of the pledge, is:
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HISTORY OF SEDGWICK COUNTY
"We, the club women of Wichita, in order to form and perpetu- ate a union, whose highest aim shall be to establish a lofty stand- ard of citizenship and culture, to promote the general welfare of our city and especially in every department that influences the sanctity of the home, and to assist in securing the blessings of an ideal civilization to ourselves, and to our posterity, do ordain and establish this constitution of the Federated Clubs of Wich- ita." The oldest club in the city, and perhaps in the state, is Hypatia, which was organized in 1886. There were nine charter members, six of whom now reside in the city. They are Mrs. Louise Henderson, Mrs. Emma Hills, Mrs. George McCoy, Mrs. Nerius Baldwin, Mrs. Mary Todd and Mrs. George Strong. The object of the club is "literary, artistic and scientific culture, en- tirely free from sectarian and political partisanism." Of the twenty-four past presidents only one, Mrs. C. Emerson Clarke, is dead. The club meets every alternate Monday, for either study or a program. The biggest event in the club year is the "club annual," which occurs on the twenty-third of January. This is the birthday celebration and something original is always given. The club colors are purple and gold, and the pansy is the flower. The course of study for this year will include a systematic study of France and the live issues of the day, such as the child labor question, white slave traffic, woman's suffrage, and the conserva- tion of natural resources. Under France they will study its his- tory, leading characters, customs, manners, etc. The year books will be out October 3.
In the past, Hypatia has not been identified with social reform work, only through the city federation, but this year the members will make civic improvement one of the main features in the course of study.
Twentieth Century Club. Organized January 3, 1899, is a club with an unlimited membership, and now has over 100 mem- bers. It is divided into four departments: Shakespearean, Art, Domestic Science and General. Meetings are held once a week. Mrs. Lionel Trotter is in charge of the Shakespeare department, which is probably better attended than any other meeting. Mrs. O. A. Keach is chairman of the art department, and under her leadership the club members have learned a great deal of the old masters and their works. Last year the study was chiefly of the Venetian school. The domestic science department this year will be ably presided over by Miss Estella Barnes, who is the
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CITY FEDERATION OF CLUBS
lunch room secretary of the Y. W. C. A. Miss Mary Noble will again have the general programs, which have become popular features.
Last year Prof. Trueblood, of Friends University, gave a course of lectures on sociology. The Rev. Bruce Griffith, A. E. Jacques, Rev. Day, Mr. Wood, Mrs. William Larkin, Mrs. B. E. Rowlee, Mrs. C. E. Bradt and Miss Amy Smith were on the gen- eral programs for talks along sociological and civic improvement lines.
The club has four large social affairs during the year. A re- ception, a musical, a buffet luncheon, and a banquet. The club colors are green and white, which lend themselves admirably to decorative purposes. The flower is the carnation. There have been but three presidents of the club: Mrs. R. P. Murdock, Mrs. Arthur T. Butler and the present president, Mrs. E. B. Jewett. The object of the club is intellectual, moral and social develop- ment of its members. Each meeting is opened with current events, lead by Mrs. A. C. Race, then follows the business to be transacted, and then the programs.
Wichita Musical Club is composed of 125 women, who are either musicians or are interested in music. The musical club belongs to the eighth District Federation of Women's Clubs, and also to the city federation. It was organized in 1894, by Mrs. Lillian Hamlin Garst, who now resides in Chicago. Among the charter members were Mrs. Hubert Childe, Mrs. George Strong, Mrs. Leathe, Miss Leida Mills, and Miss Jessie Clarke. Mrs. Leathe was the first president. Last year the club met every week at the homes of the different members, but it has been decided that it will meet in a hall this year. From a social stand- point the year was a great success, but the members feel that they can do more real studying if the meetings are held in a hall. The club has two departments, choral and instrumental. Miss . Jessie Clarke has charge of the choral department, and Mrs. E. Higginson has charge of the piano department. Last year the club made a special study of women composers. They gave pro- grams every month, and besides this assisted in "The Messiah," which was presented at the First Methodist Episcopal church, and gave two cantatas. Mrs. David Smyth is now the president of the club.
The South Side Delvers was originally composed of women who live on the South Side, but so many of the members have
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HISTORY OF SEDGWICK COUNTY
moved, that the south part of the name is no longer appropriate. "Dig" is their motto, and the club emblem is a pick ax and shovel. The colors are purple, lavender and white, and the club flower is the white carnation. Mrs. Lawrence Staker, at whose home the club was organized about eight years ago, has been its president twice. She is the oldest member in the club and is one of the most enthusiastic. The club is limited to eighteen mem- bers. Although they have discussed, at many of the meetings, the advisability of becoming allied with the city federation, they have never yet taken the step that would bring them into the broader club life. Until last year the club studied only Shakes- peare, but now its members devote half of the time to Browning. They have a critic, whose duty it is to criticise them on the use of the English language, and thus they gain much.
Eunice Sterling Chapter is perhaps the strongest chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Kansas. The ob- jects of the chapter, as set forth in the constitution, are: "To perpetuate the memory and spirit of the men and women of the American Revolution, to record the hitherto unwritten history of the ancestors of the Eunice Sterling chapter and to encourage and maintain true patriotism and love of country." The Eunice Sterling chapter erected a handsome monument to mark the Santa Fe trail at Lost Springs, Kan. In the new high school building they will put a bronze tablet of Lincoln and his Gettys- burg address. They have made quite a sum of money in the past year from the sale of flags. In addition to the pecuniary side of this arrangement, it promotes a spirit of patriotism in the city. They have furnished a room in the Carnegie library, and have placed in it a great many curios. They keep a chest filled with baby clothes, that the visiting nurse uses in her work, and do a great many other charities, besides their regular work.
Fairmount Library Club. In October, 1894, some Fairmount women and teachers in the school met in one of the class rooms to devise ways and means to secure for the college a good work- ing library. The institution was not Fairmount College, how- ever, till several years after, but was known as "Fairmount Insti- tute." Among those present at the first meeting were: Mrs. Mary C. Todd, Mrs. J. M. Knapp, Mrs. A. E. Helm, Mrs. George C. Strong, Mrs. Isabella Clough, Mrs. W. J. Babb, Mrs. Mary B. Graves, Mrs. Albert Ellis, Mrs. R. M. Tunnell, Miss Marie Mathis, and Miss H. Rhea Woodman. In the election of officers Mrs.
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CITY FEDERATION OF CLUBS
Mary Brooks Graves was made president, Mrs. R. M. Tunnell, vice-president, Miss H. Rhea Woodman, secretary, and Mrs. J. M. Knapp, treasurer. The object of the club, as stated at the meet- ing, was, "primarily, to furnish a library room and add to the library; and, second, to aid, in general, the entire work of the college." The only qualification for membership, as laid down in the constitution, was "showing a willingness to work in the interest of the college." Later, it was decreed that the meetings be held the first and third Tuesdays of each month ; that the name be the "Library Club"; that the motto be those fine words of Berthold Auerbach, "Help yourself to further growth-that is, the best"; and that the club colors be the old Rubric colors-red, white and black.
The first study was American literature, followed by a study of French literature and art, a four years' reading course in English literature, outlined and ably conducted by Miss Flora C. Clough, dean of the English department of the college. Miscel- laneous topics have been considered, and last year there was given a course in American art, under the efficient leadership of Miss Elizabeth Sprague, head of the art department. The study for the current year will be on Ireland-the history, art, music, and literature, while studies in sociology and science will be given by members of the faculty. This club was formerly federated with the district and state organizations, but at present with the city federation only. Some of the most valuable books of the library have been contributed by this club, in addition to cement walks laid, walls decorated, and subscriptions made to the endow- ment fund, the emergency fund, equipped and maintained for two years (1901-2, 1902-3) a domestic science department at Fair- mount College. It is now furnishing the museum with cases. Through the kindness of the trustees and faculty the use of a beautiful room in the Carnegie Library building has been ten- dered, and all regular meetings are now being held there.
The club officers are as follows: President, Mrs. Minerva Clough Babb ; vice-president, Mrs. Jennie May Brown; secretary, Miss Mary B. Dimond ; treasurer, Mrs. Harriet Ellis Swartz.
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CHAPTER XXXIII. FRATERNAL ORDERS.
YORK RITE ZIASONRY.
Wichita is noted as a Masonic city. Probably no city in the country has a larger percentage of its citizens who are members of this fraternity. Every known organized body related to the Masonic institution has a local organization here, and every one of these organizations is in an active, flourishing condition. In numbers this institution stands head and shoulders above any other fraternity ; in personnel it is equally prominent ; in capital invested in buildings, paraphernalia, etc., it has no peer, and its influence is felt through its teachings in a myriad of ways in every movement that has for its object the upbuilding of this city. Masonry has ever been, in all ages and all climes, an influence for the uplifting of mankind. Its origin is lost in the mists of antiquity. Many theories are advanced as to the exact time of its foundation, the most popular one being that it was the result of an organization of the workmen employed in building the temple of Solomon. However, all these theories are founded on tradition, as no authentic history of the fraternity goes back beyond the middle ages. It was then an organization of operative or actual stone masons. Later, its symbolical or speculative fea- tures attracted men of wealth and rank to its membership, and gradually it became what it is today, "a beautiful system of morals, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols."
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