Edward H. Nabb Center for Delmarva History and Culture, Salisbury, University, Salisbury, Maryland
| Identifier |
SC2013.085 |
| Creator(s) |
Young Men's Christian Association (Y.M.C.A.) |
| Acquisition |
Acquired by Dr. Beatriz Hardy (Dean of SU Libraries and Instructional Resources) in 2013. SC2013.085 |
| Language(s) |
English |
| Use |
Records are open for research. Copyright, including literary rights, belongs to the author(s) or their legal heirs. Permission to publish or reproduce must be obtained from the Nabb Research Center which extends beyond "fair use." |
| Preferred Citation |
"Item, collection title and identifier, box # and folder # (if applicable), Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History and Culture, Salisbury University, Salisbury, Maryland." |
| Attribution |
Finding aid written by Margaret Long. |
| Related Materials |
None |
| Separated Materials |
See Nabb Center Staff |
Administrative History The Young Men’s Christian Association (Y.M.C.A.) is an organization that was founded in London, England by George Williams. The organization describes its aims as putting Christian values into practice by developing a healthy body, mind, and spirit. Williams and his associates were concerned that there were limited social options for young men outside of taverns and brothels. The Y.M.C.A. was believed to be an opportunity for recreation that would protect men from temptations.
The Pennsylvania Railroad branch of the Y.M.C.A. began in the 1870’s in Philadelphia. The stated goal was the improvement of the lives of men who worked on the railroad. Initial attempts for the program were unsuccessful and the Association was disbanded. It wasn’t until 1886 that efforts were revived. This time the Association gathered the necessary support and its branches spread. President Grover Cleveland praised the Railroad Department of the Young Men’s Christian Association as “promoters of industry, sobriety, trustworthiness, and thrift” and described the organization as being “in close alliance with the best business and material interests of the country.”
George Latham Pugh was one of the secretarys for the Pottsville Pennsylvania Railroad Y.M.C.A. George was born on May 1, 1884 in Mechanicsville, Pennsylvania. He was the son of John Pugh (1849 – 1920) and Mary Latham Pugh (1851 – 1920). George was married to Mary Rebecca Keller Pugh (1884 – 1957). The couple had six children. At the time that George was secretary for the Y.M.C.A. he was working as a ticket agent for the Pennsylvania Railroad. George died on March 21, 1942 at the age of 57. He is buried in the Schuylkill Haven Union Cemetery in Schuylkill, Pennsylvania.
William Yeager was a Chairman for the Pottsville Pennsylvania Railroad Y.M.C.A. William was born on August 23, 1845. He was the son of George Yeager Sr. (1813 – 1881) and Mary Ege Yeager (1813 – 1899). William married Elizabeth Susanne Deibert Yeager (1852 – 1932) on January 23, 1868. The couple has 9 children together. William worked as a blacksmith for much of his life. William died on December 6, 1922 at the age of 77. He is buried in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Pottsville, Pennsylvania.
Frederic Chalmers Currier, or Fred, was the first President of the Pottsville Pennsylvania Railroad Y.M.C.A. Frederic was born on June 11, 1849 in Fredericton, Canada. He was the son of David Currier (1800 – 1893) and Margery Barker Currier (1824 – 1903). On December 20, 1877 Frederic married Lizzie Wiley Currier (1853 – 1935). According to the ledger, Frederic stepped down as president for the Y.M.C.A. on April 1, 1917. Fred died on April 20, 1935 at the age of 85. He was buried in Charles Baber Cemetery in Pottsville, Pennsylvania.
Arrangement Statement See Nabb Center Staff
