YWCA of Binghamton and Broome County, New York records

Collection

Identifier: BUSC-2014-004

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection includes administrative and other records of the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) of Binghamton, New York. Records include meeting minutes, membership books, annual reports, and correspondence, and well as documention of various YWCA programs and initiatives.

The collection has been divided into several series based on topic: Administrative Records; Building Campaigns; Community and Welfare Services; Programs and Events; Newsletters, news clippings, and scrapbooks; Photographic Material; and Ephemera.

Dates

Creation: 1892 - 2012

Creator

Young Women's Christian Association (Binghamton, N.Y.) (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research use and has no known restrictions.

Historical Note

The Binghamton chapter of the Young Women's Christian Association was founded in 1892, and was first housed in rented rooms on the top floor of the Strong Block in downtown Binghamton. The chapter maintained a reading room, and held classes on various topics, including typing, crafts, music, and more.

Among the chapter's first initiatives were the establishment of a boarding house, an employment bureau, a continuing education program, and a "Housekeeper's League," to lobby for improved pay and working conditions. In 1905 a house on Lewis Street was purchased to provide a permanent location for the YWCA; the following year an attached gymnasium was added.

The YWCA relocated to a former hotel building on the corner of Hawley and Exchange Streets in 1919, adding a swimming pool in 1926. Major renovations were undertaken in the mid-1970s and in 2008.

Other programs and initiatives undertaken by the YWCA included Camp Y-De-Lite, a summer camp for girls; the Travelers Aid Society, which provided assistance to travelers in need; various job training programs; and an emergency shelter for women and girls in need.

The Binghamton chapter of the YWCA changed its name to the YWCA of Binghamton and Broome County in 1966.

Extent

9 Linear Feet (several oversize items in Map Case 25, Drawer 12)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection includes administrative and other records of the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) of Binghamton and Broome County, New York. Records include meeting minutes, membership books, annual reports, and correspondence, and well as documention of various YWCA programs and initiatives.