Mason City YMCA facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Mason City YMCA
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in Iowa
Location in the United States
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| Location | 15 N. Pennsylvania Mason City, Iowa |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1926 |
| Built by | Madsen Construction Company |
| Architect | Tyrie and Chapman |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival |
| Part of | Mason City Downtown Historic District (ID05000956) |
| NRHP reference No. | 02000426 |
| Added to NRHP | May 2, 2002 |
The Mason City YMCA is a special old building in Mason City, Iowa, United States. It has a long history of helping the community. The YMCA group in Mason City started way back in 1892. For many years, they moved around to different places in the city.
People really wanted the YMCA to have its own building. They worked hard to get land for it, even trading properties. Finally, they got the spot where the building stands today from St. John's Episcopal Church. A local leader named Charles McNider helped raise money and lead the effort to build this amazing place.
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Discover the Mason City YMCA Building
The Mason City YMCA building was designed by an architecture firm called Tyrie and Chapman from Minneapolis. They created it in the Colonial Revival style, which looks like classic American buildings. Another company from Minneapolis, Madsen Construction Company, built it. It's cool to know that many of the materials used to build it came from right there in Mason City!
Building Features and Early Days
The building was finished in late 1926. But it stayed empty for a little while. Why? Because they had to wait until all the money promised for its construction was collected. Once it opened, the YMCA was a busy place! It had areas for sports and exercise, a restaurant, offices, and even rooms on the top floors where people could stay.
Famous Visitors and Fun Events at the YMCA
The Mason City YMCA has seen many interesting events and people over the years. It's not just a place for sports; it's a part of local history!
A Visit from a Sports Legend
In 1937, a very famous track star named Jesse Owens came to the YMCA. He was known for winning many gold medals at the Olympics. Jesse Owens played in a special basketball game right there in the building! Imagine seeing a sports hero like him play in your town.
Community Fun: The "Hi-Dive" Dances
The YMCA was also a popular spot for community activities. In the 1940s, teenagers loved going to weekend dances held there. These dances were so popular, they even had a cool nickname: "Hi-Dive." It was a place where kids could hang out and have fun together.
A Historic Landmark: The YMCA's Recognition
The Mason City YMCA building is important because of its history and architecture. It has been officially recognized as a special place.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
In 2002, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's considered a significant historical site in the United States. It helps protect the building and its history for future generations.
Part of the Downtown Historic District
Later, in 2005, the Mason City YMCA was also recognized as a contributing building to the Mason City Downtown Historic District. This means it's an important part of a larger area that has many historic buildings. It helps tell the story of Mason City's past.
