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Media Contact: Michelle Breslin
Date: December 30, 2003
Release Date: January 2, 2004
Cedar Knolls --- For the last 130 years, the Morris Center YMCA (previously known as the Morristown Y) has been integral past of the fabric of the Morris County Community. Through mind, body and spirit, the Morris Center YMCA has provided people a place where they always felt welcomed, fit and be healthy, and a place where people made long lasting friendships have been established throughout the years.
Our archives are filled with articles and photos of our rich history including an article from the Daily Record written on January 3, 1924. The article headlined as “The Morristown YMCA celebrates 50 years with 4 Original Founders Present”.
According to the Founding Fathers, Dr. Fredrick W. Owen and Rev. Thomas E. Souper, they had a vision for the young men of Morristown. ‘They believed that the young men could do many things of good instead of evil if there was a concentrated action--- what power against evil could be exerted if all the young men of the town would act together’.
The first meeting was held in the Baptist Church on Friday, January 2, 1874. This church was located at the corner of Park and Speedwell (on the Green). The meeting lasted till midnight and the birth of the Morristown YMCA took place.
The first Morristown Y was located in rented rooms on the 2nd floor of the Wood Estate at Park Place. The Y was only open during evening hours due to the cost. It consisted of 4 rooms, a library, a reading room, a social room and a prayer/business meeting room. The Y was growing tremendously and a new home was in need. So a building fund was established. A lot was purchased on January 14, 1881. During this same year, (located in the 1st home) a night school was created that taught men and boys reading, writing, spelling and arithmetic. This expense was covered half by the Y and half by the Morristown Board of Education.
In 1883, the Ladies Auxiliary was formed by Mrs. Jacob L. Sutplen.The women played an active role in raising money for the new building. In fact , the auxiliary raised $30,000 .It wasn’t until World War I , (1914) that the building was finally opened to women and girls on a “part-time” basis. The Ladies Auxiliary had total control of classes. Ladies and girls were admitted to the gymnasium during certain times of the day. One brochure stated that the new building described the gymnasium as one of the most complete association gymnasiums to be formed in any town of 10,000 inhabitants in the country. The room was well ventilated and lighted by electricity. The bathrooms were supplied with both tub and shower baths with hot and cold water. Other features included classrooms, a bowling alley, dressing and game rooms.
In 1884, the Y began the publication of a monthly paper, the ‘Morristown Y Bulletin’. This publication circulated news and other information throughout the community. This was often the only way soldiers of WWI and WWII communicate with each other. Letters from soldiers who were stationed all over the world and wanted the Y to publish their whereabouts for their family and friends are part of the Y’s archive.
During April of 1884, the Board of Directors decided to make a move since membership was growing steadily, and purchased a lot for $3700. The location was 13 South Street (by DeHart Street.)The building was erected and opened on October 10, 1888. This location still exists and is occupied by the Palm Grill Restaurant today. This location was a popular place with 17,878 visitors passing through during its first year. In addition to usual religious work, there were gymnasium classes and a boy’s branch was added. At this time, both men and women enjoyed the Y with their families.
The Y was on the move again, with a third home lot purchased for $14,000. The year was 1909. The location was 60 Washington Street and Western Avenue. The building was erected and opened in December of 1913. The money was raised by subscriptions from the generous men and women of Morristown This building had a swimming pool, a bowling alley, and a full gymnasium.
In 1924, the Camp Washington was created. It was located ‘On Top of Schooley’s Mountain’ in Long Valley. The camp had 106 acres and was purchased by the Morristown Rotary Club and formally presented to the Morristown Y in 1925 for the youth of Morristown. In 1925, the Kellogg Lodge was built, housing a meeting room, a broad dining porch and a modern kitchen with extensive facilities, donated to the camp by Mrs. Frederic R. Kellogg of Morristown. In 1930, the Kiwanis built the ‘infirmary’ and in 1938 the boathouse was started but took until 1946 to be finished due to lack of funds. In 1947, the ‘open air’ chapel was finished by local mason, William H. Ward. As of 1952, over 3000 boys had enjoyed the summer camp. Camp Wa Wa Yanda (girls camp) was held on opposite weeks from the boys. This began in the 1930’s.
The fourth and current Y home is located at 79 Horsehill Road situated on 8 acres. This building was erected and opened November 1, 1981. The building was considered state of the art in 1981 with an olympic sized pool, indoor track, double gymnasium, 4 racquetball courts, 4 locker rooms with saunas in the men’s and women’s.
The Morris Center YMCA would like to find out some history on the actual members that utilized the Y over the years. Is there a member that has some interesting stories to tell? Did a member meet their husband or wife at the Y? If you should have a story that you would like to share, please call Michelle Breslin at 973-267-0704 x21. We would love to hear the stories!
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