Our YMCA Association has a rich local history and tradition that spans more 125 years!
Following is a brief history lesson in our local YMCA,
along with some significant milestones and accomplishments of the YMCA Movement as a whole.
HISTORICAL TIMELINE OF THE MIDDLETOWN YMCA
1882-1929
• 1882 - Middletown YMCA opens its first site in a private home serving
just male population with mostly a religious emphasis.
• Middletown YMCA is incorporated on March 6, 1882.
• 1900 - The Y moves to Gothic Hall on North Street, Middletown.
• Y Introduces physical fitness, basketball, gym class, small business club.
• 1902 - YMCA adds a track team.
• 1906 - Women and young girls are admitted, with limitations.
• 1st quarter of 20th Century – The Y continues to serve the greater community
through programs that build a healthy “body, mind and spirit.”
1930-1944
• Summer camp is going strong servicing the region at Camp Orange.
• 1st large Youth Conference for boys and girls held.
• Ladies Auxiliary is established (1st leadership roles for women).
• YMCA’s first preschool opens.
• 1931 - The YMCA has a record 193 Members.
• 1933 First permanent home for the Y is at 62 West Main Street, bequeathed by Mrs. Sarah Bailey.
1945-1982
• 1945 the Clemson family donates the “Clemson Mansion” to the YMCA, bringing the Y to its long-time home on Highland Avenue.
• Physical activities, dances, socials and Community Leaders clubs flourish at the new YMCA.
• Religious themes are still emphasized: “the central purpose of the YMCA is the development
of Christian Personality and a Christian Society.”
• 1954 - Ground broken in February for a new addition to Highland Ave location. In December
the new physical facility is dedicated.
• The addition adds a swimming pool, cafeteria, High-Y Clubs, dancing and a dormitory with 18 resident beds.
• June 1972 - Preliminary proposal submitted to raze Clemson Mansion and build an addition to the Middletown YMCA.
• 1974 - The Building Campaign begins.
• 1976 - Construction of new addition is complete.
• 1982 - The Middletown YMCA celebrates 100-Year Anniversary!!
1982 – Present
• 1998 - An addition is constructed to add a beautiful new Wellness Center, Administrative Offices, Welcome Center, and a new front façade.
• September 2007 - Basement-level of new addition is built-out to include Group Exercise studio, dedicated area for free weights, and new Base Camp area.
• November 2007 - YMCA of Sullivan County opens for business with a satellite Wellness Center in the Monticello High School.
• 2008 - YMCA begins operating Town of Thompson Summer Day Camp.
• 2008 - The Y launches Beat the Streets program targeting local Teens.
• 2009 - Y beings operating ‘YMCA at Nana’s House’ daycare center in Rock Hill, NY.
• 2009 - Camp Discovery opens in Harriman State Park.
• 2010 - YMCA begins true Family program push: creates family locker room, series of Family Fun Nights, constructs new Youth and Family Fitness Center.
• February 2011 - The Y’s newest branch opens in Monroe, known as the South Orange Family YMCA.
Accomplishments of the YMCA Movement
| Invented by a YMCA… | Started at a YMCA… | YMCA Influenced… |
| Volleyball | Racquetball | Softball |
| Basketball | Gideons International | Swimming/Aquatics |
| Staff Certification | Father’s Day | Group Child Care |
| Student Work Study | Negro National League | Higher Education |
| Professional Football | Toastmasters | Camping |
| Rags & Leathers Program | Boys Scouts of America | Residences/Shelters |
| Non-Church Retirement Fund | Association for the Study
of Negro Life & History USO | Camp Fire Girls Peace Corps |
To this day the YMCA of Middletown continues its long tradition of supporting and partnering with many area non-profits, providing space for Jewish Family Services to offer family support services, hosting Orange-Ulster BOCES to provide English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) programs for the community, partnering with Big Brothers / Big Sisters and most public school districts in Orange County.
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