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Our Story
The International Young Women’s Christian Association movement began in London, England in the late 1800s. In the early 20th Century, the YWCA movement impacted Springfield, Illinois when in April 1909 a meeting was held in the music room of the Executive Mansion to discuss the formation of a Springfield YWCA. On May 11, 1909, nine Springfield women signed the Charter that created the Springfield YWCA. The organization opened in the vacant Springfield News building at 409 East Adams Street in 1909. Early YWCA programs included Bible classes, education courses, gymnasium classes, chorus and sewing. On May 27, 1912, ground was broken for a YWCA building to be erected at the current site at 5th and Jackson. By March 23, 1913, the new building was completed. It’s clubrooms; lounges, offices, swimming pool and gymnasium reflect the wide range of programs offered by the organization. For many years it was the only place in Springfield for single and workingwomen to socialize and have a place to rest, read and eat lunch. The women-only swimming pool was considered one of the best in its day and was heavily used by members.
In 1949, the YWCA suffered a terrible fire and the building was closed for two years. In the late 1970s the State of Illinois brought a lawsuit against the YWCA so that a court complex could be built on the block. From 1980-87 the YWCA went through multiple legal wrangles to determine the fair market value of the building. Finally, after seven years of litigation, the Supreme Court blocked the State’s efforts to buy the site.
The YWCA has, at various times, organized clubs for girls in Springfield’s grade schools and high schools, and business women’s groups such as the Victory Club which was formed at the end of the first World War. In 1953 a club for older women was inaugurated and became one of the largest groups. Education courses have ranged from arithmetic, foreign language and history to cooking, sewing and sign language. Physical education courses including swimming instruction and aerobics have been instrumental in providing services including bible study, the Women’s Resource Center, Rape Information and Counseling Service, preschool and self protection classes. The building has been the meeting place for such fledgling organizations as Parents Without Partners, Sojourn House and Prostitutes’ Options, Referrals, and Alternatives (PORA). The R. W. Troxell Chapel has been used for many weddings through the years. The club building has also been use for theatrical performances and lectures.
The YWCA has adapted to the changing needs of women in Springfield. A 1982 YWCA pamphlet notes, “Our programs are initiated according to needs and response to the community.” Club and programs are offered to meet current needs and end when the need becomes obsolete or is filled by other community organizations. Typically, the YWCA was involved in many home-front activities during World War II. It was instrumental in forming the first local USO organization and cooperated with the Red Cross in the promotion of defense classes. A day camp was offered for children whose parents worked in the ordinance plant at Illiopolis. A room registry was available for girls in defense groups.
A youth center was opened in 1945 to provide a recreation area for boys and girls and included dancing, refreshments and games every day after school and on Friday and Saturday nights. Known as the “Sky Ranch”, it was located in the basement of the YWCA building. Membership in Sky Ranch quickly filled up and it grew in popularity with teens from all parts of Springfield.
The Springfield YWCA was also the first multi-racial organization in the city. It has sponsored black clubs in its Girl Reserve Program and the Phyllis Wheatley Club, a black businesswomen club. The purpose of the YWCA has expanded to include “eliminating racism and working towards peace, justice and dignity for all.” The YWCA building provides the facilities necessary for the development of this purpose to its fullest extent.
Throughout its 94 year history the YWCA and its building have made a major social impact on several generations of women in Springfield. It has a long tradition of successfully initiating programs to meet the changing needs of the community. The YWCA’s building is an integral part of meeting these needs. It was designed specifically for the varied programs and activities of the organization. The building is still the focal point of much of these activities. The YWCA has been a leader in the fight to eliminate racism. The organization through its religious education, social and physical education programs continue to influence the lives of many young women. Education and training provided help to build leadership qualities in women to the benefit of Springfield. Historically, the Y was one of the first organizations to draw members from across abroad, socially and culturally diverse Springfield. The club has enjoyed a long association with prominent Springfield women and governor’s wives who were instrumental in its formation and early leadership. It has also been a haven for workingwomen, housewives, mothers and others who came to rest, eat and learn. It has reached into the schools of Springfield to form girls clubs. The YWCA building representing the organization’s continued service to the diverse community of Springfield is worthy of the designation of local landmark status.
In 1990, the fate of the building was again uncertain when this location was considered the preferred site for a new Lincoln Center. By the time this proposal was abandoned in 1994, the damage had already been done. During the years of uncertainty, the building was not well maintained and membership declined steeply. The years since have been a time of rebuilding and recovery as staff and board work to revive the YWCA. |
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YWCA of Springfield ● 421 E. Jackson St. ● Springfield, IL 62701 ● Ph 217.522.8828 ● Fax 217.522.8820 |
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YWCA 1960-70’s |
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YWCA - Today |
