It was 1915 when a young evangelist had a dream: to create an organization to nurture “the mental, physical and spiritual welfare of girls and women whose desire is to help, unselfishly and intelligently, all girls and women in the community.”
Women’s suffrage was still a few years away, when Marie Brake started the Young Christian Women’s League in Bradford for the increasing number of women working outside the home as office workers, store clerks, telephone operators and businesswomen.
Within less than a decade, the league would become chartered as the Young Women’s Christian Association of Bradford and the rest, as they say, is history.
Plans are under way to mark this 100th birthday with several events under the banner, “YWCA 100, Strong, 1915-2015.”
The early days of the organization included classes on Bible study, dressmaking, china painting, cooking, first aid, home nursing and dramatics. There were gym classes taught at the high school, a hiking class and choral singing.
The organization’s first office was in the Pennzoil building with a residence for women at 36 Boylston St. After the devastating flood of 1946 and 1947, the YWCA moved to a brick mansion at 24 E. Corydon St. which was renovated and eventually expanded to serve its ever-growing needs.
The agency included the Triangle Club, the Mothers Club, YW Wives and held various fundraisers such as an annual strawberry festival, rummage sales, card parties and an antique show.
Changing needs in the community meant a change in the local organization’s focus over the years as programs began to revolve around child care and aid to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, including a sheltered residence.
A homeless shelter occupies much of the second floor of the current building. The agency also offers a Mental Health and Independent Living program and, most recently, began operating the community Meals on Wheels program. It also operates a food pantry one day a week.
The local and national organization operates under the mission, “Eliminating racism, empowering women.”
The 100th anniversary is being celebrated with several events throughout the year. Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, a promenade of high-heel-wearing men down Main Street, kicked off events on April 23.
The annual Leader Luncheon — a traditional event held to recognize women leaders in the community — is slated for June 17 at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. This year, the YW’s past executive directors and board presidents will be recognized at this historic event.
New this year will a special 100th birthday party to include a tea party and fashion show — but not what you might expect. The event will feature iconic women’s styles from throughout the past hundred years of Bradford’s — and women’s — history including placard-waving suffragettes, sassy flappers, and bra-burning hippies, among others. The organization hopes this event will be a humorous and enlightening display.
A special birthday celebration is set for Oct. 24, with plans to be announced as they develop.
