University YMCA

World War I was a force that “stimulated growth of the Branch in one respect and impeded it in another,” because the Y opened an army hut for servicemen in training at the University, but many student leaders of the Association left UC for war. After the war, a small room in McMicken Hall became the center of all Y activity.[iii]

Between 1915 and 1926, the annual enrollment of the University had grown from 2,298 to 6,865 students, yet the facilities for spiritual growth and social activities had not increased at all. At that time, many believed that “the potential value of this student body [was] largely determined by the extra curricular atmosphere and influences on the campus,” so students as well as faculty were eager to have a YMCA building on campus. Although the YMCA was established on campus in 1915, it hadn’t a permanent place to call home. Student organizations, student government, and the various clubs all struggled to find space on campus in which to hold meeting and conferences. The YMCA also

was responsible for providing religious instruction to Catholic, Jewish, and Protestant believers. Memorial Dormitory housed nearly 300 students, but had no facilities for social and religious expression. While the YMCA programs had grown tremendously over the decade, from committees of 50 people to over 300, there was not adequate space for the growing variety of activities and events.[iv]

The estimated budget for constructing this building was $400,000. The construction was made possible by the generosity of Mrs. David B. Gamble and her 3 sons, Cecil H., Sidney O., and Clarence J. Gamble. The Gambles’ “Thanksgiving gift” of $400,000 was recorded in the YMCA board of directors minutes as the “largest single gift from any source coming to the YMCA of Cincinnati in its history and the largest sigle gift made to any student Association at any time.” Students rasied $4,000 in 1929 for a dedication mantle in memory of the Gambles’ generosity. The building opened March 8, 1930.[v]

Designed by Zettel and Rapp, the finished YMCA building was regarded at the time as “architecturally perfect in every detail, beautifully furnished in the most appropriate taste and admirably fitted to serve the needs of all students in their social, cultural and religious life on the campus.” The building features a Collegiate Gothic style of architecture of the Tudor period; it is made of rough textured brick of mellow browns, dull reds, and buff colors, Bedford limestone trimming, and roofed with rough variegated slate. The exterior is very picturesque and enhancing to the landscape, matching also with the gothic styling of Memorial Hall. The interior design is in general agreement with the exterior; it was modified to create an “enveloping atmosphere of welcome, friendliness, coziness and warm pleasure.” The clubroom of the Y is the most notable space in the building, with its large homey fireplace directly opposite the entrance off the main floor hallway. This clubroom connects through arched openings with a generous enclosed loggia looking north over the campus. The Calhoun Avenue entrance leads to the staircase and spacious hall, as well as the men’s lounge. The building also contains many smaller rooms for committee meetings, literary meetings, religious meetings, lectures, conferences, and receptions. The large hall was used primarily for banquets, dances, and other events, and special dinners and luncheons, served from the kitchen. The headquarters of the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) could be found on the lower floor, which also contained a large women’s lounge, an office for the secretary, a committee room, a dressing room, a rest room, and a check room.[vi]

During WWII, the Y again operated as an Army Service Center, providing recreational and religious activities to soldiers in training at the University of Cincinnati. 94 Army Air Force and Army Specialized Training Program students were housed in the clubroom on the lower floor of the building.[vii]

Through its years, the YMCA at the University of Cincinnati offered students a wide variety of services and activities, such as sponsoring an international club, couseling students, offereng employment opportunities, providing financial aid, holding religious meetings, and publishing the student handbook for the University. Beginning in the 1940s, it served as a cafeteria to students as a dining option on campus.[viii]

While it was open an operating on campus, The Y was open for service from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 1:30 to 7 p.m. on Sundays. Special groups could hold events by appointment.[ix]

Laying of Cornerstone, 1929

(UC Archives and Rare Books Library)