Keokuk Young Women's Christian Association Building facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Keokuk Young Women's Christian Association Building
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 Location in Iowa
Location in the United States
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| Location | 425 Blondeau St. Keokuk, Iowa |
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| Area | Less than one acre |
| Built | 1913 |
| Architect | Harry A. Ratcliffe |
| Architectural style | Late 19th & early 20th Century American Movements |
| NRHP reference No. | 04001140 |
| Added to NRHP | October 12, 2004 |
The Keokuk Young Women's Christian Association Building is a special historic building. It is located in Keokuk, Iowa, in the United States. This building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004. This means it is an important place worth protecting.
Contents
What is the Keokuk YWCA Building?
The Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) is an organization. It helps women and girls grow and learn. The local YWCA group in Keokuk started in 1905. At first, they rented rooms for their activities.
Building a Home for the YWCA
A man named Gerard Huiskamp gave the land for this building. Construction finished in 1913. A local architect, Harry E. Ratcliffe, designed the building. It shows a style of architecture from the early 1900s.
Design and Features of the Building
The building has two stories and is made of brick. It also has a full basement level. The basement is made of concrete. It was designed to look like real stone. The building also features cool Art Deco style tiles.
History of the Building's Use
For many years, the building was a busy place. It was not just for the YWCA. It was also a center for many social events in the community. The YWCA used this building for almost 50 years.
YWCA and YMCA Join Forces
In 1953, the Keokuk YWCA joined with the YMCA. The YMCA building was right across the street. Both buildings were used by the combined group until 1975. That year, a new, modern building was built. The old YMCA building was torn down.
From Community Center to Courthouse
In 1976, the first floor of the YWCA building got a new purpose. It was changed to become a courthouse. This courthouse served the southern part of Lee County. Later, in 1994, the court moved again. It moved to the former United States Post Office and Courthouse building.
