High Ridge YMCA
High Ridge YMCA Soundex Code Y520
High Ridge YMCA, was constructed in 1952, ending an 18-year-dream of a community YMCA for West Ridge. The groundbreaking was at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 21, 1952, on the $280,000 facility. Many local families joined the "Y", including a large number of Jewish families. High Ridge provided gym classes, basketball, children's activities, and programs and recreational opportunities for adults, as well as "Camp A Homa", a summer day camp. To support the "needs" of girls, "Teen 'Y' Charm" was presented. The class, geared to seventh and eighth grade girls addressed "...care of hair, skin, teeth and nails, posture, good grooming, etiquette, clothes and accessories, personality, and poise." It was expected to serve an estimated 25,000 men, women, boys, and girls.
The building was dedicated on Sunday, January 10, 1954.
The one-story structure was expected to contain a large all-purpose room which could be used as a gym, five club rooms, including the Hewitz memorial room, a fully equipped kitchen, locker rooms, showers, and offices. Prior to the erection of the new building, YMCA classes were held in schools, playgrounds, forest preserves, private homes, parks, and pools.
Chairman of the High Ridge YMCA was W.L. Summers.
The YMCA's offices,during its formative years when the capital campaign was running, prior to the construction of the new building, were located at 2409 W. Lunt Avenue.
Ten years after opening, a unique pool was added to the building. This covered pool had sliding glass doors on two sides which, when opened in summer, created the feel of an outdoor pool.
The High Ridge YMCA is credited with starting the Pop Warner Football League team, the High Ridge Chargers.
Listed in: Rogers Park 2016, ad: page 36; listing, page 35.
Photos
RPWRHS photo C043-25885 shows the High Ridge YMCA in 1955 as it looked before the addition of the swimming pool and the relocation of the main entrance.
RPWRHS photo C043-32274 shows High Ridge YMCA Bus with children, circa 1945.
RPWRHS photo T008-0019 shows High Ridge YMCA, 2424 W. Touhy Avenue, Breaking ground. 1952.
