History

Family YMCA of the Glens Falls Area

Founded in 1887

Glens Falls YMCA was organized in 1887 as a charitable, not-for-profit, by a group of men from local churches in response to the need to keep young men busy and out of mischief. Rev. George L. Collyer, of the Methodist Church, and Mr. William McEchron, led a discussion of clergy and laymen from the Baptist, Presbyterian, and Episcopal churches and Society of Friends on how to respond. In 1888 the YMCA obtained its charter “for the improvement of the Spiritual, Mental, Social and Physical Condition of Young Men.”

The first building was constructed in 1892, on Glen Street thanks to a $50,000 donation from Jones Ordway. With a gymnasium and meeting rooms, the YMCA established a number of innovative programs, including basketball, football, track & field; choral, bicycle, and camera clubs.

The first YMCA endowment bequest was received from William McEchron in 1906.

With growing participation, a gymnasium, swimming pool, locker rooms and bowling alley were added in 1909. Popular programs included gymnastics, summer camps and free swimming campaigns, which continue today.

The Glens Falls YMCA established the Boys Conservation League and planted thousands of trees in Crandall Park, served as the local representative for the Red Cross, formed the first Boy Scout troop, and organized church baseball and basketball leagues. In 1931, service was extended to girls and women.

In 1969, to meet the needs of its’ growing constituency, the YMCA opened a new facility in Crandall Park with land provided by the Crandall Trust and generous support from its members and community. Racquetball courts were added later. The 1990 campaign for renovations and debt retirement enabled the YMCA to allocate more resources to youth programs.

Today the YMCA operates in a newly expanded facility. The YMCA serves nearly 21,000 people through its programs and services both on-site and at off-site locations. It’s a community resource for around 100 schools, churches and organizations. With increasing demand for YMCA services, a building expansion project, the second phase of which is under construction, has been undertaken to expand facilities and innovative programs for youth and families in the 21st century.