Old Poughkeepsie YMCA facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Old Poughkeepsie YMCA
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YMCA building in 2007
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 Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Location | Poughkeepsie, NY |
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| Built | 1908 |
| Architect | Jackson & Rosencrans |
| Architectural style | Renaissance Revival |
| MPS | Poughkeepsie MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 82001171 |
| Added to NRHP | November 26, 1982 |
The Old Poughkeepsie YMCA is a historic building in Poughkeepsie, New York. It's located on Market Street, a main street in the city's downtown area. This building stands out because its front is covered in special glazed terra-cotta. It's the only building in Poughkeepsie that uses this unique material.
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What is the Old Poughkeepsie YMCA?
The YMCA is a worldwide organization that helps young people grow in spirit, mind, and body. The Poughkeepsie branch started even before it was called the YMCA. It was first known as the Young Men's Christian Union. They used to meet in an office on Union Street.
When Was the Building Constructed?
The current building was finished in 1908. It was built in the Renaissance Revival style. This style was popular for grand buildings and is quite rare in Poughkeepsie.
Who Paid for the Building?
A generous man named William Wallace Smith helped pay for the building. He was famous for making Smith Brothers cough drops. Smith was a member and supporter of the YMCA. He gave a large gift of $265,000 for the building. This gift also included money for an office building next door, which is no longer there. The architects who designed the building were Jackson & Rosencrans from New York City.
What Does the Building Look Like?
The Old Poughkeepsie YMCA building has many fancy details. These decorations are typical of the Renaissance Revival style. You can see a molded cornice (a decorative top edge) and quoins (corner stones that stick out). There is also a fancy frieze (a decorated band) and a balcony on the second floor. The windows on the first floor have a cool domed shape. The top railing, called a balustrade, has an elaborate cartouche (a decorative shield-like shape) in the middle.
What's Inside the Building?
Inside, the building has sliding double doors and dark-stained wood. There are also brick fireplaces. It was designed to be a welcoming and functional space for the YMCA's activities.
What Happened to the Old Poughkeepsie YMCA?
The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. This means it's recognized as an important historical site. The YMCA eventually moved to a new location a few blocks away. It is now known as the Dutchess County YMCA.
Today, the Old Poughkeepsie YMCA building is connected to newer buildings on both sides. It is now used for different purposes. Some offices for the county government are located there, along with a few private businesses.
