OUR PROUD HISTORY
1878 The
Women’s Benevolent Association was formed which was to become the
Lewiston-Auburn YWCA.
1879 The
Women’s Benevolent Association organizes the first evening school in Lewiston
and establishes a reading Room at corner of Pine and Lisbon Streets, a
precursor to our Public Libraries.
1887 First
Police Matron in Lewiston is hired through efforts of Women’s Benevolent
Association.
1892 The
Purchase of Dr. Russell Estate on the corner of Bates and Pine Streets, for
$5,000. This house was the main building of YWCA for many years.
1904 The
Women’s Benevolent Association becomes a charter member of the National YWCA.
1910 The
Addition to the original building is constructed at 73 Pine Street.
1911 YWCA
Public Dining Room opens at Pine St. Building and international travelers come
to Lewiston-Auburn.
1912 Traveler’s
Aid Work is carried on by YWCA — residential services for working women
relocating to the “big city” — hair dressers, nurses, etc.
1918 The
International Institute does both casework and group-work with people of many
nationalities, most importantly during war years.
1920 The
Blue Triangle Club Rooms acquired on Main Street, Auburn
1925 The
first private bathing facility offered publicly to travelers and local
residents is made available for 25 cents.
1930 Kate
J. Anthony House is given to the YWCA.
1938 The
Rainbow Club formal is held for all Y members of French descent.
1957 The
YW Senior Citizen club named: Evergreen Club holds its first meeting.
1960 Camp
Chittenden at Tripp Lake is purchased.
1971 In
November, the pool building opens on East Avenue in Lewiston providing space to
expand health and recreational programs. Administrative offices moved to K.J. Anthony
House & the Pine Street residence and program center is sold.
1974 YWCA
starts its Adolescent Intervention Program.
1976 Original
Pool loan of $125,000 is paid off after 10 years of extra payments.
1978 YWCA
of Lewiston-Auburn celebrates its 100th Anniversary.
1980 YWCA
leaders gather to compose a long-range plan and determine facility needs to
expand.
1986 YWCA
holds a Capital Campaign and raises $900,000 for board-approved building plans.
1988 New
building opens with expanded programs and administrative space.
1992 Capital
Campaign for a major pool renovation. Renovation completed.
1995 YWCA
begins a national movement to have A Week Without Violence. Our local YWCA
collaborates with other area agencies to offer awareness and education about
violence prevention.
1996 Magic
Y World opens making the YWCA home to Maine’s first and only indoor water park
with huge inflatable floats offering fun for all ages.
1998 Our
name change to YWCA of Central Maine and K.J. Anthony House is sold.
2002 Our
memorial stained-glass window is dedicated. We
purchase our first, unique Magic Y World float.
2003 YWCA
of Central Maine celebrates its 125th Anniversary.
2008 YWCA
of Central Maine celebrates its 130th Anniversary.
2010 YWCA
announces closure and reopens after an outpouring of community support.
2011 To date
nearly $500,000.00 has been raised toward its $1,000,000.00 funding for the
future goal. Donate Now!
