Archives and Special Collections
92 Snell Library
360 Huntington Ave.
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 373-2351
archives@neu.edu

Archives and Special Collections Finding Aids

Printable Finding Aid. Back to Browsing Version.
Collection Overview
Title:	Young Men's Christian Association of Greater Boston records
Dates:	n.d., 1833-2003 (bulk 1851-1970)
Location:	73/3-4, 63/1-2, 61/4, FF5/D1
Call Number:	M13
Volume:	60 cubic ft. (84 boxes)
Scope and Content Abstract:	The records of the YMCA of Greater Boston document the organization's administrative, religious, social, educational, and community activities from 1833 to 2000, with the bulk of the collection dating between 1851 and 1970. Materials include correspondence, brochures, pamphlets, annual reports, meeting minutes, photographs, scrapbooks, committee reports, financial records, hymn books, newspaper clippings, newspapers, newsletters, publications, and fund-raising records.
Historical Abstract:	The Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) of Greater Boston was the first YMCA chapter in North America. It was founded in 1851 by Captain Thomas Valentine Sullivan (1800-1859), an American seaman and missionary. He was influenced by the London YMCA and saw the association as an opportunity to provide a "home away from home" for young sailors on shore leave. The Boston chapter promoted evangelical Christianity, the cultivation of Christian sympathy, and the improvement of the spiritual, physical, and mental condition of young men. By 1853, the Boston YMCA had 1,500 members, most of whom were merchants and artisans. Members paid an annual membership fee to use the facilities and services of the association. Because of political, physical, and population changes in Boston during the second half of the century, the Boston YMCA established branch divisions to satisfy the needs of local neighborhoods. From its early days, the Boston YMCA offered educational classes. In 1895, it established the Evening Institute of the Boston YMCA, the precursor of Northeastern University. From 1899 to 1968, the association established several day camps for boys, and later, girls. Since 1913, the Boston YMCA has been located on Huntington Avenue. It continues to offer social, educational, and community programs, and presently maintains 31 branches and centers.
Arrangement:	Organized into 7 series: 1) Administration; 2) Branches; 3) Camps; 4) Northeastern University and Affiliated Schools; 5) Subject Files; 6) Realia; and 7) Visual Materials.
Subjects and Contributors:	Boston Young Men's Christian Association. Day Camps--Massachusetts--Boston. Northeastern University (Boston, Mass.)--History. Outdoor recreation--Massachusetts--Boston. Vocational education--Massachusetts--Boston. Young Men's Christian associations--Massachusetts--Boston.
Restrictions:	The collection is unrestricted.

Processor:	Finding aid prepared by Archives Staff, Ellen Lassiter, September 2005

Scope and Content Note
The records of YMCA of Greater Boston comprise approximately 56 cubic feet of materials, documenting the organization's administrative, religious, social, educational, and community activities from 1851 to 2000. The majority of the records fall within the years 1851 and 1970. The role of former YMCA president Peter Post is well documented through extensive correspondence. Several branches, such as Dorchester, Huntington Avenue, Hyde Park and West Roxbury, and the Northwoods Day camp are also well documented. There is also some material relating to Northeastern University's early programs, such as the Evening Institute, the Automotive School, and the School of Law. Materials include correspondence, brochures, pamphlets, annual reports, meeting minutes, photographs, 35mm color slides, negatives, scrapbooks, committee reports, financial records, hymn books, newspaper clippings, newspapers and newsletters, publications, and fund-raising records. Researchers should note that Box 35 no longer exists, the materials were placed in FF5/D1.

Historical Note
The Young Men's Christian Association of Greater Boston (Boston YMCA) was the first YMCA chapter in North America. It was founded in 1851 by Captain Thomas Valentine Sullivan (1800-1859), an American seaman and missionary. He was influenced by the London YMCA and saw the association as an opportunity to provide a "home away from home" for young sailors on shore leave. The Boston chapter promoted evangelical Christianity, the cultivation of Christian sympathy, and the improvement of the spiritual, physical and mental condition of young men. The Boston YMCA first met in rooms rented on the fourth floor of a building on the corner of Washington and Summer Streets but moved in the following year to the second floor of the Tremont Temple. In 1872, the Boston YMCA purchased the Gymnasium Building on Tremont and Eliot Streets. It relocated in 1883 to a larger building at the corner of Berkeley and Boylston Streets. After a fire destroyed the Boylston building in 1910, the Boston YMCA launched a fund-raising campaign for the construction of its present home on Huntington Avenue. In 1911, President William Taft laid the cornerstone. In 1913, the Huntington Avenue building was opened for business. By 1853, the Boston YMCA had 1,500 members, most of whom were merchants and artisans. Members, who were evangelical Christians, paid an annual membership fee to use the facilities, including a library and reading room, gymnasium, parlor, and auditorium. The Boston YMCA also provided job placements as well as educational, religious, and social activities and services. Membership fees, donations, and funds raised through lectures and fairs paid for operating expenses. In its nascent years, the Boston YMCA was governed by two bodies: the Standing Committee, which consisted of two elected persons from each evangelical denomination represented in the Boston area, and the Board of Managers, which comprised 12 men from the Standing Committee. In 1888 the association abolished the Standing Committee and reorganized the Board of Managers as a 21-member Board of Directors with enlarged powers. Members chose the directors for a four-year term, and the Board selected the president and other volunteer officers. In the same year, men were allowed to join the Boston YMCA as active members without regard to religious affiliation. In 1936, women were admitted as members. One year later, the Boston YMCA created the General Assembly, which gave branch units representation on the governing bodies. Because of political, physical, and population changes in Boston during the second half of the century, the Boston YMCA established branch divisions to satisfy the needs of local neighborhoods. Some early units included: the German Branch (1880); the Tremont Row Branch (1884); Charlestown Branch (1891); the Boston & Maine Railroad Branch (1901); the Ruggles Street Branch (renamed Ford Branch) (1908); the Chinese Branch (1914); and the Army-Navy Branch (renamed the Army-Navy YMCA) (1918). By 1920, each branch had its own Board of Managers with its own branch council. The Board of Directors of the Boston YMCA became a citywide administrative body. From its early days, the Boston YMCA offered educational classes. In 1853-1854, it sponsored free literary exercises and Bible instruction taught by ministers and qualified lay people. In 1895, the association's educational classes were organized as the "Evening Institute of the Boston YMCA," a vocational school. In the following year, Frank Palmer Speare, Northeastern University's first president from 1917-1940, was appointed the director of educational activities. He urged the development of school facilities for people who could not afford college or who worked during the day. From 1903 to 1909, the Evening Institute opened the Automobile School, the Evening Polytechnic School, the Evening School of Law, the School of Commerce and Finance, and the Day Cooperative School of Engineering. By 1916, the educational department was incorporated as the Northeastern College of the Boston YMCA and in 1922, Northeastern became a university. In 1948, Northeastern University became a separate organization from the YMCA. The Boston YMCA was especially interested in providing strong moral guidance and leadership for its youth members. It sponsored social clubs and community service organizations; provided physical and athletic activities; and organized social events. In 1899, the association hosted its first camping season at Sandy Island Men's Camp (formerly, Camp Buena Vista) at Lake Winnepauskee, NH. In subsequent years, the Boston YMCA purchased or leased property to provide more day camps for its young members. Some of the camps included: Camp Ousamequin (1922), Camp Dorchester (1923), Camp North Woods (1928), and Pleasant Valley Camp (1968). Since its establishment in 1851, the Boston YMCA has enjoyed a long history as a charitable association dedicated to improving the mind, body, and spirit of its members. The association continues to offer social and educational activities and programs. In 1975, the Boston YMCA launched the Black Achievers Branch to recognize African American professionals for their career accomplishments and to develop a mentor program for its young black members. In 1984, the association established Training, Inc., a nationally recognized job training program for adults whose second language is English. The Boston YMCA opened the International Learning Center in 1990 to teach computer classes and provide English language instruction. The association presently maintains 31 branches and program centers.

Bibliography
Annual Reports (1994-1995). (Box 3, Folder 38) Black Achievers. Brochures (1997). (Box 3, Folder 55) Doggett, L.L. History of the Boston Young Men's Christian Association. (Boston: The Young Men's Christian Association, 1901) [BV 1050.B7D64] "Here's Y!" Newsletter (Autumn 1996). (Box 18, Folder 265) Whiteside, William B. The Boston Y.M.C.A. and Community Need: A Century's Evolution, 1851-1951. (New York: Association Press, 1951). [BV 1050.B7W5]


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Series:	1. Administration, n.d., 1852-2003
Volume:	14.00 cubic ft.
Arrangement:	Alphabetical
Summary:	This series consists of records created by Boston YMCA's governing and administrative bodies, such as the Board of Directors (formerly, the Board of Managers) and the Board of Trustees. Materials include minutes, acts and resolutions, constitution and by-laws, annual reports, and statements. The series also includes minutes from committees of the Board of Directors. General committee reports can be found in Series V. Subject Files (Boxes 13-14, 23, Folders 200-208, 331). Also included is a large block of correspondence from Boston YMCA presidents John Ferrell and Peter Post.
Box	Title				Date
1, 66, 82	Annual Meeting Minutes				1852-1870, 1917-1919, 1939, 1994, 1997
80	Annual Meeting Programs				1989-1998
1-3, 66	Annual Reports (with gaps)				1853-2003
3	Annual Reports and Convention Proceddings				1862-1965
83	Annual Report to the Secretary of State				1968-1977
63	Articles of Incorporation				1852-1977
22	Association: Minutes (2 folders)				1871-1917
	Board of Directors
		Committees
22, 66-67, 80			General (2 folders)		n.d., 1890-1903, 1970-1971, 1085-1997
67, 80			Buildings and Properties (2 folders)		1929, 1937, 1966-1967, 1987-1989
3			Educational		n.d., 1900-1904
3, 67			Executive		n.d., 1904-1905, 1946-1996
67, 84			Executive/Finance: Minutes of Comvined Meetings (12 folders)		1948-1959, 1988-1991
3, 67			Finance		n.d., 1901, 1906, 1983-1991
68			Genenral Assembly (4 folders)		1943-1991
3			Gymnasium: Minutes		n.d., 1904
3			Jubilee Executive: Minutes		1900-1901
68, 80			Personel (2 folders)		1970-1971, 1990
3			Physical Department: Minutes		n.d., 1902-1906
3			Standing: Notices		n.d., 1870
68			Strategic Planning (2 folders)		1982-1983
3, 68			Vacancies: Nominations (7 folders)		1918-1923
22-23, 66, 80, 84		Minutes (50 folders)			1852-1958, 1966-1997
3	Board of Management Statement				n.d.
	Board of Trustees
3, 23		General			n.d., 1916-1938
3		Acts and Resolutions			1887-1935
66	City of Boston				1979-1984
66	Clerk's Certificate				1981
3	"Concerning the Management of the BYMCA"				n.d.
3, 68	Constitution and By-laws (3 folders)				n.d., 1851, 1885, 1890, 1932, 1958-1991
	Correspondence
68, 80		General (2 folders)			1901, 1980-1981, 2000
		Presidents
68-70, 80			Ferrell, John (33 folders)		1991-1997
70			Post, Peter		n.d., 1989-1991
70	Executive Manual				ca. 1973
	Facilities
FF5/D1		Architectural Plans			ca. 1970-1999
70		Augmented Fire Service Availability			1983
70		Corporate Properties			1989
70		Custodial Services			n.d.
70		Hugh B. Smith, Inc.			1985-1988
83		Hughes Oil Co.			1988
70		Inspection Reports			1991
79, 83		Maintainence (2 folders)			n.d.
70		Management Guideline			1984-1986
83		Management Inventory			n.d., 1983
70		Property Assessment			1992
70		Property Inventory			1975, 1982
70, 83		Property Liquidation (2 folders)			1982, 1985
70, 83		Swimming Pools (2 folders)			ca. 1980, 1989
	Financial
70		General (2 folders)			1969, 1983-1984
70		Ambac Assurance Co.			1998
70, 80		Audited Financial Statements			1993-1998
70		Budget (Proposed)			1997
80		Capital Campaign			n.d., 1986-1989
83		Credit Union			1971
83		Crisis Letter			1970
70		Development Study			1985
		Development
70			Overview: Reading, MA		1985
			Study
70				Charles River Branch	1985
70				Waltham, MA Branch	1985
70		Endowment Fund			1993-1996
70		Financial and Executive Summaries			1985
		Fund Raising
70, 80			General (3 folders)		1951, 1977-1992
70			Grants: Charlesbank		1991
70, 80			"Keeping Families Strong" Campaign (2 folders)		1997, 2000
80		Operating Budget			1999
70		Pooled Income Fund (2 folders)			n.d.
70, 83		Reports (2 folders)			1990-1991, 1998
70		Standard and Poors Overview			ca. 1978-1980
70-71		Statements (2 folders)			1981-1996
		Strategic Plan: Focus 2000
71, 80			General (2 folders)		1996
80			Focus 2000 Plan Update		1999
80			Year 5, Association Initiatives Branch Plans		2000
83		Summary of Operating Units			1991
71		Tax Status (10 folders)			1933-1990
4, 71	General Assembly: Meetings (3 folders)				1943-1991
71	History, Administrative (2 folders)				1853-199?
71	Long Range Planning				ca. 1974-1976
71	Management Philosophy				ca. 1982
71	Mission Statement and Goals				ca. 1985-1987
4	New England Area Council of YMCAs: An Introduction to Organization and Operations				n.d.
71	Operation Manual				1981
71	Organizational Structure				n.d.
71	Pamphlets: "Religious Emphasis in the YMCA and the Association's Relationship to the Church"				ca. 1951
	Personnel
71, 83		General (3 folders)			1971-1992
71		Benefits Guide			n.d.
83		Policies			1990
71		Retirement Plan (2 folders)			1978-1980
71	Public Policy (4 folders)				1989-1992
71	Public Relations				1976-1979
71	Self-Assessment				1982
80	Services Corporation				1974
71	Space Planning: 316 Huntington Ave.				1985
71	Space and Telephone Systems: 316 Huntington Ave.				187
71, 80, 83	Strategic Planning (8 folders)				ca. 1979, 1983-2001
83	Systems				1972-1973
83	"Tomorrow: Proposals for Consideration"				1967
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Series:	2. Branches , n.d., 1885-2001 (bulk 1959-1968)
Volume:	9.50 cubic ft.
Arrangement:	Alphabetical
Summary:	This series comprise minutes, histories, brochures, scrapbooks, member cards, contracts, reports, and publications and documents the activities of branch units. The Huntington Avenue Branch was considered the central unit of the Boston YMCA; some of its activities and programs were citywide, while some were branch-specific. Materials that particularly related to the Huntington Avenue Branch are organized in this series, while those that were citywide can be found in Series V. Subject Files.
Box	Title			Date
	Allston-Brighton
72		General		1989
83		The Children's Place		1987
72		Correspondence		1993
72		Facilities (2 folders)		1956-1987
72		Financial		1984
72, 83		Membership (2 folders)		1986-1987
4		Program Clippings		1948-1959
72		Renovation		1987
	Armed Services
72		General (2 folders)		1973-1984, 1996-1998
72		Background Information		ca. 1995
72		Board		1996
72, 83		Correspondence (3 folders)		1987, 1997-1998
72		Financial		1992-1997
72		Lease		1996
72		Membership		1997
4, 80	Black Achievers (2 folders)			n.d., 1981, 1997
	Central
72, 80		General (2 folders)		ca. 1913-1926, 1983-1991
80		Brochures		n.d., 2001
72		By-laws		n.d.
83		Facilities Renovation		1989-1991
72		Future Planning		1988
80		National Register of Historic Places		1998
80		Newsclippings		ca. 1950
72		Northeastern University		1976-1984
72		Survey Report		1988
	Charles River/Needham
72		General (2 folders)		1987-1991
		Facilities
72			General (2 folders)	1982-1986
72			Development Committee	1984
72, 83			Renovation (2 folders)	1988
83			Request for Capital Expenditures	1990
72		Greendale Land Sale		1982
72		Land Gift		1986
83		Long Range Report		1984
72		Meetings (2 folders)		1981
73		Merger (3 folders)		1979
73		Parking Dispute		1995
80		Porperty (3 folders)		1981-1994
73	Dedham: Community Study			1972
	Dorchester
73		General (2 folders)		ca. 1980
73		Board of Directors		1970
4, 73		Brochures, Clippings, Invitations and Programs (2 folders)		n.d., 1951-1980, 1992
73		By-laws		ca. 1986
FF5/D1		Community Youth Center Plans		n.d.
73		Facilities		1980
73		Financial		1971-1973
4		Histories		1942, 1951
73		Lot Purchase		1987
83		Newsletter: "Dorchester Family Branch"		1992
73		Overview		1985
73		Programs		ca. 1980
73		Renovation (2 folders)		1990-1994
83	East Boston: Healty Families, Healthy Communities Campaign			n.d.
	Huntington Avenue
4		Administrative Study		1932
80		Adult Education		1963
4		Annual Meeting Minutes		1922
4-5		Board of Directors: Minutes (15 folders)		n.d., 1923-1970
6, 23		Boys' Division (7 folders)		n.d., 1913-1939
6		Brochures		n.d., 1924-1925
6		Clubs and Organizations		n.d., 1919-1921, 1934
80		Committees		1965-1971
6		Committee of Management: Minutes (2 folders)		1920-1927
6		Corporate members		1929
80		Correspondence		1965-1971
6, 80		Events (2 folders)		n.d., 1889, 1921-1938, 1964
80		Executive Health Club		n.d.
6		Member Cards		1932-1935
80		Newsclippings		1965
80		Organization and Plans		1972-1975
6		World-Wide Extension Movement		n.d.
6		"Your News"		1946-1947
	Hyde Park
73		Annual Report		1968-1969
23		Bequests and Endowments		n.d., 1897-1930
6, 73		Board of Directors (4 folders)		1924-1929, 1971-1979
73		Budget		1974-1975
FF5/D1		Building Campaign		1929
73		By-laws		n.d., 1954
83		Correspondence		1987
		Facilities
73, 83			General (3 folders)	1973, 1983-1986
73			Roof Collapse	1984-1985
7, 23		Minutes (3 folders)		1904-1924
7		Minutes: Board of Managers		1885-1896
83		Newsclippings		1976-1978
73		Philip N. Simpson Trust		1988
		Proposals
7			Building Fund Campaign	1929
7			"Coaching the Hyde Park (Chicago) System," Robert E. Laveaga	n.d., 1995
7		Service Contract (2 folders)		1935
7		Trustees of Permanent Fund: Minutes and Accounts		1903-1923
83		Year-End Report		1976
73		Zoning		1986
	North Suburban
73		General (2 folders)		1978-1992
7		Capital Fund		1974
83		Personnel		1991
73		Planning Committee		1984
73		Reading: Planning (4 folders)		1984-1987
	Roxbury
7		Dedication Ceremony		1965
		Facilities
73			General (2 folders)	1987-1989
73			Building	1966
73			Oil Spill	1988
74			Reports	1988
	South Cove/Chinatown
74		General (6 folders)		n.d.
74		Board of Directors (2 folders)		1997-1998
74		Boston Redevelopment Authority (3 folders)		1984-1990
80		Brochures		n.d.
83		Capital Development Project Proposal		1981
83		Downtown Development		1997-1998
74		Energy		1984
74		Facilities (3 folders)		1986, 1988
74		Joint General Board		1987-1988
74		Planning (3 folders)		1993-1999
	South Station Railroad Branch
74		General		1970
7		Dedication		1953
74		Southwestern Suburban (3 folders)		1980-1982
7		Tremont Row		n.d., 1885
	Wakefield
74		General		1993
80		Correspondence		1991
80		15th Anniversary		1937-1938
80		Financial		ca. 1991-1993
74, 80		Merger (3 folders)		1991-1993
81		Minute Book		1903-1971
80		Newsclippings		1974-1978
83		Newsletter: "Wakefield YMCA"		1988
74		Programs		1941-1968
80		Statistics		1993
83	Walpole: Expansion Report			1981
	Waltham
74		Budget		1985
7, 74		Capital Project (5 folders)		1985-1991
7		Certificate of Stock Share		1887, 1975
80		Constitution and By-laws		1988
74		Development		1987
		Facilities
74-75			General (4 folders)	1970, 1984-1989
75			Ice Rink	1976-1977
75			Oil Spill	1989-1990
75			Sports Arena	1976
75		Fiske Estate		1926-1987
75		Historical		n.d., 1975
75		Land Sale (3 folders)		1983-1985
75, 83		Long Range Planning (2 folders)		1984-1985
83		Motorcycle Accident		1979
75		Planning COmmittee		1984
83		Site Evaluation		1982
	West Roxbury/Roslindale
75		Brochures		1950s
75		By-laws		ca. 1950
7, FF5/D1		Community YMCA Building		n.d.
		Facilities
75			General (2 folders)	1987, 1989
75			Dedication of New Building	1951
75			Roof Collapse (3 folders)	1989
75		Financial		ca. 1987-1988
75		Fund Raising		1948-1949
75		Historical		ca. 1982
7, 75		Programs		1950, 1958, 1986
7		Scrapbook		1947-1954
7		WHEELS Program		n.d.
	Westwood
75		Facilities (2 folders)		1987-1990
75		Landscape Plan		1986
75		Planning		1986
75		Property		1986
75		Wetlands Field Report		1986
	Woburn
75		Fiscal		1987
83		Newsclippings		n.d.
	Inter-branch
75		Directories (2 folders)		1993
75		Strategic Planning		1991-1995
75		Sustaining Membership		1971-1973
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Series:	3. Camps, n.d., 1901-1999
Volume:	6.50 cubic ft.
Arrangement:	Alphabetical
Summary:	This series documents the camps associated with the Boston YMCA and includes correspondence, scrapbooks, committee reports, forms, travel logs, brochures and pamphlets, prospectuses, legal documents, registration books, and publications. Of all the camps represented in this series, only Pleasant Valley Camp (Boxes 9, 23, Folders 141, 324) originally admitted girls. Sandy Island Men's Camp, the first Boston YMCA camp, was formerly Camp Buena Vista (Boxes 10-11, Folders 147-153; 23, Folders 326-327; 37, Folders 395-396; and FF5/D1, Folder 391). Additional information about camping activities can be found in SERIES II. BRANCHES - Huntington Avenue: Boys' Division (Boxes 5-6, 23, Folders 75-80, 321) and SERIES V. SUBJECT FILES - Departments: Youth Division (Box 14, Folder 215). The collection also contains photographs of the activities of the camps; they can be found in Box 9, Folders 136-139 and in SERIES VI. VISUAL MATERIALS - Camps (Photograph Boxes 2-4).
Box	Title			Date
75	Administrative			1985-1987
60	Camp Buena Vista			1901-1935
	Dorchester
7, 75		General (3 folders)		1926-1959, 1968, 1976
80		Brochures		ca. 1966
7		Correspondence		1934
84		Financial		1923-1973
7		New England Camping Association Conference		1967
7		New Hampshire Reports		1968-1970
7		Social Agencies Promotion Letters		n.d.
7		Scrapbook		1936-1938
	Halifax
75		General		1981, 1991
83		Audit Report		1981
83		Sale		n.d., 1987-1988
	North Woods
7-8, 80		General (6 folders)		n.d., 1929, 1935-1940, 1960-1961, 1982
8		32nd Reunion		1961
8		Applications (completed)		1962
8		Brochures		1932-1933, 1965
8		Camp Committee (2 folders)		1959-1961
8		Camper Information		1929
8		Canadian Camper Exchange		1961
		Correspondence
8			Johnson, Edwin	1960-1961
8			Roehring, G.H.	n.d., 1935
8		Counselor-in-Training Program		1960-1961
75		Development		1991
75		Director's Report		1991
75		Evaluation of		1986
8		Follow-up Form Letter		1962
8		Forestry		n.d., 1958-1961
8		Information Forms		n.d.
8		Junior Aide Information		1962
8		Letterhead		n.d.
8		Overnight Accommodations		1960-1961
9		Pine Island Tax Question		1955, 1961-1967
9		Premature Departures		1962
75		Property Sales		1986
75		Proposals		1985
9		Prospects		1964
9		Publication: "The Loon"		1938
9		Reports		1928, 1949, 1961
9		Tax Exemption (2 folders)		1964-1969
9		Travel Log		1933
9		Trips: Scrapbooks (4 folders)		1932-1935
	Ousamequin
9		General		1934-1937
75		Drowning		1975
75, 76		Sale (2 folders)		1975, 1988
	Pleasant Valley
10		Legal Documents		1963-1968
23		General		1968
76		Sale		1989
	Ponkapoag Outdoor Center
76		General (3 folders)		1977-1999
76, 83		Day Camp Collaborative (2 folders)		1983, 1988
76		Facilities		1982
76		Lease		1992-1998
83		Site Visit Report		1983
	Robert S. Hale Camping Reservation
10, 76		General (6 folders)		1958-1975
23		Agreements		1958-1961
	Sandy Island Men's Camp
10, FF5/D1		General (2 folders)		1925, 1936-1968
10		50th Anniversary Campaign: Prospects		1948
10		Accounts Book		1939-1940
11		Attendance Graph		1921
11		Brochure		n.d.
23		Daily Camper Log		1920-1927
76		Director's Report		1991
77		Facilities		1987-1988
80		International Weekend Retreat		1991
23, 37		Registration Books (3 folders)		1910-1937
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Series:	4. Northeastern University and Affiliated Schools, 1856-1995 (bulk 1900-1930)
Volume:	2.15 cubic ft.
Arrangement:	Alphabetical
Summary:	Materials arranged in this series record the educational activities of the Evening Institute of the Boston YMCA and Northeastern University. They comprise course catalogs, flyers, brochures, prospectuses, pamphlets, and reports. Of special interest are reports, publications, and by-laws that document the early history of Northeastern University when it was part of the Boston YMCA (Box 12, Folders 180A, 181-182). Additional information about the relationship between the association and North can be found in Series V. Subject Files - Historical Information (Box 17, Folder 241).
Box	Title		Date
11	Aquatics, School of		1916
11	Association School		1900, 1909, 1937, 1983
	Automobile School
11		General	n.d., 1911-1912
11		Course Catalogs	1909-1915, 1922-1923
11	Commerce and Finance, School of: Course Catalogs		1912-1914
77	Community Schools		1984
11	Day and Evening Schools		1909-1915
11	Evening Institute: Course Catalogs (10 folders)		1896-1913
	Huntington School for Boys
11		50th Anniversary Commemorative Program	1959
11-12		Yearbooks (5 folders)	1917, 1920, 1929, 1940, 1955
	Law, School of
12		Course Catalogs (4 folders)	1898-1915
12		Examination	n.d.
12	Lowell Institute		1856, 1897
	Northeastern University
77		General	1995
12		Easements	1957-1965
12		"The Open Door"	ca. 1924
12		Reports	1927-1928
12	Polytechnic School: Course Catalogs		1904-1909
	River Street School (Hyde Park, MA)
77		General (2 folders)	1984-1985
77		Closing	1984-1985
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Series:	5. Subject Files, n.d., 1833-2003
Volume:	7.00 cubic ft.
Arrangement:	Alphabetical
Summary:	Materials in this series consist of correspondence, brochures and pamphlets, reports, scrapbooks, newspaper clippings, newspaper and newsletters, cards, fund-raising records, financial reports, hymn books, receipts, publications, legal documents, writings, prospectuses, and yearbooks. This series contains information about the Boston chapter's affiliation with national and state YMCA federations. Also present are several scrapbooks of newspaper clippings that record athletic, social, and general news of the Boston YMCA.
Box	Title			Date
12	Advertisement			1921
12	Advertising Books (2 folders)			1926, 1928
83	Advertising Guidelines			n.d.
23	Advertising Scrapbook			1924-1933
77	Affirmative Action (2 folders)			n.d.
7	American Laundry Machinery Company: Proposal			1912
13	Application Cards			n.d.
27-28	Athletics: Newspaper Clippings (Scrapbooks) (4 folders)			1916-1934
80, FF5/D1	Awards: Community Service			n.d., 1994
13	Basketball			1961
13, 23, 83	Bequests (3 folders)			1857, 1859, 1988
13	Bible (Carter, S.B.)			1877
13	Bible Institute			n.d., 1912-1916
13	Boston University School of Theology			n.d., 1968-1970
13	Boston Young Men's Society: Library Book Catalogue			1833
13, 80	Brochures and Pamplets (2 folders)			n.d., 1867-1876, 1881, 1941, 1990s
13	Business Cards			n.d.
77	Centennial			1951
77	Challenge Program			1985
13	Class Registers			1961-1962
	Clubs and Organizations
13		General		n.d., 1910, 1920-1938, 1976
13		Greater Boston Area Y-Wives: Minutes (2 folders)		1960-1971
13		Right Angle Club		1929-1937
77	Cluster Services			ca. 1970
77	Collaborations			n.d.
	Committees
13		General		n.d., 1873-1881, 1907, 1922, 1930
37		Army Committee		185
13, 23		Health Club Task Force (2 folders)		n.d., 1971-1973
14		Long Range Planning		1974
14		MBA Youth Ministry		n.d., 1969
14		Objectives and Long Range Plans: Report		1964
14		Religious Work Report		1900
14	Committee Members: Information Cards (3 folders)			n.d.
83	Community and Program Overviews			n.d.
83	Community Schools			1973
83	Contracts and Leases (12 folders)			n.d., 1986-1992
77	Corporate Fitness			1980
	Correspondence
14		General		n.d., 1851-1852, 1874, 1913-1924, 1949-1977
14		Boston Literacy and Historical Association		1911
77	Counseling Services			1981
	Departments
14		General		n.d., 1906, 1924, 1957
23, 32		Army Enlisted Men's Club: Cash Records (2 folders)		n.d.
14		Bible Study		n.d., 1901-1902
60		Boston and Maine Railroad Co.		1902-1903
14		Physical		n.d., 1897-1903
23		Religious Work: Scrapbook		1916-1919
14		Savings		n.d., 1912
36		Bank Books		1909-1913
14		Youth Division: Y-Boys Associates		n.d., 1938-1943
	Development
		Building Fund
23			$350,000 Huntington Building Fund Campaign	1952
14			"A Civic Movement to Meet a Great Civic Deed"	1909
23			Pledge List	n.d.
32			Scrapbook	1909-1926
15			"Spirit of the Fair"	1858
24, 33			Subscription Books	n.d., 1858
60			Tremont Temple	n.d.
15		Capital Funds Program		n.d., 1968
33		Contributors' List (2 folders)		1890-1911
24		Fund Raising Appeal: WHEELS		1971
24		Fund Records (2 folders)		ca. 1905-1911, 1923-1926
15		Kresge Foundation		1988-1991
15		Metropolitan Boston YMCA Centennial Fund		1944-1948
15, 24		Pledge Lists (2 folders)		1871-1872, 1913
		Publications
60			"A Decade in Giving"	1989
15			"You Can Help Youth in the World of Tomorrow"	n.d.
15		Woodbury Memorial Trust Fund Book		1908-1926
15	Devotion Book			n.d.
77	Devotions			n.d.
83	Econoler/USA, Inc.			1986
	Employment
29-30		Employee Files		1913-1924, 1942-1946
60		Employee Lists		1937
15		Job Description		n.d., 1970
15		Personnel Policy		1943-1963
15		Retirement Fund		1968-1973
FF5/D1		Salary List		1925
24		Salary Payments		1925
24		Salary Records (2 folders)		1905-1917
83	Employment Resources, Inc.			1986-1987
16	Ethier, Napoleon			1883-1919
	Events
16		General (5 folders)		n.d., 1852-1939, 1964-1988
16		Bazaar of Nations		1873-1874
16		Centennial		1951
16		Cornerstone Laying Ceremony (Huntington Avenue Building)		1912
16		International Jubilee Convention		1901
80		150th Anniversary		2001
80		Red Sox Hall of Fame Dinner		2000
24		Scrapbook		1883-1886
24		Unidentified		n.d.
77, 83	Families in Transition (2 folders)			1985, 1987
	Financial Reports
24		General		1912-1932
24		Audit Reports (4 folders)		1913-1932
25		Audit Northeastern University (2 folders)		1924-1931
25		Building Fund		1912-1915
25		Cash-Treasurer Records		1885-1889
34		Cash Records (2 folders)		1903-1913
65		Departments		1916-1931
80		Huntington Affordable Housing Limited Partnership		1998
65		Huntington Avenue Branch		1925-1931
28		Ledger		1912-1913
17		Receipts and Expenditures		n.d., 1918
65		Treasurer's Books (2 folders)		1882-1888
83	First Non-Profit Risk Pooling Trust			1980
77	Fitness Centers			1990
17	Franklin Square House: Pamphlet			n.d.
77	Grants			1986
17	Guest Book			1942
77	Harvard Pilgrim Community Health Partnership			1996
	Historical Information
17, 80		General (2 folders)		n.d., 1918, 1926, 1946, 1975-1994
60		Boston Association History		1901
83		Collection Contents		1975
79		History Notebook		n.d.
83	Hopefield Schools Landgrant			1968
80	Huntington House			1996
	Hymn Books
17		General		n.d., 1852, 1872
77		Civil War Soldier		ca. 1861
17	International Conventions			1881-1882, 1894, 1916
	International YMCA Training School
17-18		Association Outlook (3 folders)		1899-1900
18		Association Seminar (4 folders)		1901-1903
18	Introduction Cards			n.d.
77	IRS Regulations, Opposition to			1987-1989
83	Legislative Agents			1991
18	Library Cards			n.d.
83	List of Massachusetts YMCAs			n.d.
18	List of Topics			n.d.
77	Liquour Liability			ca. 1986
18	Management			1974-1975, 1984
18	Massachusetts and Rhode Island YMCA (2 folders)			1851, 1873, 1880
83	Massachusetts Right to Know Law Training			1985
83	Mayor's After School Time Task Force			2000
18	Meeting Notices			n.d.
	Membership
18		General		n.d., 1852-1896, 1935, 1975, 1978
39, 77		Certificates (2 folders)		1864, 1927, 1990
80		Handbooks		n.d.
39		Life Members		n.d.
18		Promotion Plans		1926-1930
39		Registrar		1852-1977
77		Sustaining (2 folders)		ca. 1971-1981
18	Memorandum			1922
77	Mergers and Consolidations, Guidelines			n.d.
18	Metropolitan General Secretaries YMCA: Conference			1918
18	Miller, ?: Correspondence			1873, 1952
18	National Council of YMCAs			1930-1931, 1951
83	National Contact Information			n.d.
	Newsletters
18		General		1877, 1886, 1893, 1921, 1978
80		The Commitments		1992
60		Guideline		1967-1969
18, 80		Here's Y!		1996-1997
60		Nexus		1986-1991
80		Y's Eyes		1988-1991
	Newspapers
31, 40-41		Boston Young Men's News (23 folders)		1888-1932
18, FF5/D1		Clippings (2 folders)		ca. 1887-1952
26-27, 63-64		Scrapbooks (11 folders)		1921-1934
83	Organizational Analysis			1990
	Physical Plant
27		Berkeley and Boylston Streets		1883, 1885, 1903
18-19		"Contracts and Specifications for Buildings for Boston YMCA" (4 folders)		n.d., 1911
19		Fritchman Property		1966-1969
		Huntington Avenue
27			General	1913-1914
FF5/D1			Blueprint	1909
19			Facts	n.d.
19-20			Invoices and Receipts (5 folders)	1913-1914
37			Mortgage Deed	1912-1913
20			Postcards and Clippings	n.d.
80			Property Appraisal	1985
37			Tremont and Elliot Streets Building Mortgage Deed	1879
20	Plan for Living			1939
83	Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act			1991
	Programs
77		General		1991
77		Black Acheivers (3 folders)		n.d., 1984-1996
83		Introduction to Program Position Statements		1985
77		Minority Recruitment		1985
77		Resources		1978-1981
77		Youth		1984
77		World Services Program		ca. 1951
20, 60	Prospecti (7 folders)			n.d., 1884-1909
	Publications
20		"After Eighty Five Years"		1936
60		"Association Outlook"		1921-1923
20		"Association Record"		1886-1887
20		"Build Youth into Boston's Future"		ca. 1956
20		"Building a Career"		n.d.
20		"A Clearing House for Young Men"		n.d.
20		"Conservation of Power"		n.d.
20		"The Gist of It"		n.d.
0		Scrapbook		1934-1935
80		"Summer Fun at the Greater Boston YMCA"		1960
80		"Teenagers at the Greater Boston YMCA"		1991
20		"Thirty Thousand Builders"		n.d.
83		2000 Monthly Planning Guide		2000
80		The Y Coloring Book		1960s
20		"A Young Man and His Opportunity"		1908-1909
20		"The Young Man of Purpose"		n.d.
	Rent
77		Control		n.d.
77		Equity Board		1984
	Reports
20		"Survey of Boston"		1926
60		"The YMCA of Greater Boston: A Survey of Image Perceptions"		1994
80	Revenue Bonds			1998
80	Rose Kennedy Gateway			2003
77	Service Providers			1975
77	Services Corporation			n.d., 1974-1982
20	Slide Inventory List			1991
20	Songs			n.d.
	Speeches
20		Adams, Wilman E.: "The Program Philosophy of the Boston Young Men's Christian Association"		1940
20		Russell, Charles Theodore		1852
20		Taft, William H.: Address at Cornerstone Laying		1912
20		Winthrop, Robert C.		1859
21	Statement to National Board YMCA			1951
77	Strategic Planning			1985
77	Tax Status			1984-1985
83	Telecommunications			1985-1986
77	Training, Inc. (3 folders)			1981-1990
37	Trust, Declaration of			1858
21	Trust, Dissolution of			1935-1936
77	Tufts Associated Health Plan/YMCA Eastern MA Fitness Collaboration			1986-1987
83	Tufts International Research Center			1990
	United Way
77		General (4 folders)		ca. 1989-1999
78		Allocation		1989-1992
78	Values Education			1960s-1980s
21	Vocation Bureau			1947
78	Volunteer Leadership			1981
83	Washington Park Urban Renewal			1962-1964
60	WHEELS Outreach Program			1972-1973
27	Williams, George: Portrait			1844
78	Winning Farm			1989-1990
83	Workers Compensation Reform			1991
78	World Communique			1951
	Writings
21		"Christian Commercial Travelers"		n.d.
21		Towland, L.P.		n.d., 1881, 1921
21		"Tobacco: Letters to a Young Man," by J.B.T. Marsh		1881
21		"Why Join the Church," Charles Jefferson		n.d.
78	"Y" Boy Associates of Boston			1951
21, 80	Yearbooks			1951
	YMCA
21		Central Atlantic Area Council of YMCAs		1960-1967
21		International Student Project: "A Guide to Greater Boston for Foreign Nationals"		1967
		North America
21			General	1901, 1944, 1968
21			Association Hymn Book	1909
27			International Convention: Resolutions	1907, 1910
21		Outside Boston: Publications		n.d., 1918-1921, 1976
21		USA		1988, 1996
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Series:	6. Realia, n.d
Volume:	1.00 cubic ft.
Arrangement:	Alphabetical
Summary:	This series consists of buttons, a tambourine, and a wrist bracelet.
Box	Title	Date
79	Buttons	n.d
38	Tambourine	n.d.
38	Wrist Bracelet	n.d.
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Series:	7. Visual Materials, n.d., ca. 1900-1995
Volume:	4.50 cubic ft.
Arrangement:	Alphabetical. Organized into 3 subseries: A. Photographs and Negatives, B. Slides, and C. Videotapes.
Summary:	Contains visual media of the activities and programs of the Greater Boston YMCAs.
Box	Title				Date
	A. PHOTOGRAPHS AND NEGATIVES
		Activities and Programs
54			Active Older Adults		n.d.
80			Archery		n.d.
80			Baseball		n.d.
42			Basketball		n.d., 1932, 1959
80			Bicycling		1900
54			Black Achievers		n.d.
80			Boxing		n.d.
54			Contact Sheets		n.d., 1984
42			Dance		n.d., 1976-1978
80			Diving		n.d.
42			Education		n.d., 1911, 1915
FF5/D1			Evening Institute, Telephone School		n.d.
42			Fencing		1965
54			Fit Family		n.d.
80			First Aid		n.d.
42, 80			Fitness (2 folders)		n.d., 1965-1992
42			Football		n.d.
			General
49				Photo Album	n.d.
42				Unidentified	n.d.
80			Golf		n.d.
42, 80			Gymnastics (2 folders)		n.d., 1965
80			Handball		n.d.
42			Hiking		n.d.
80			Lifeguarding		n.d.
42			Martial Arts		n.d., 1965, 1978
80			Massage		n.d.
54			Outdoor Center		1975
54			Reach Out		n.d., 1991
80			Rifelry		n.d.
80			Scuba Diving		n.d.
42			Skiing		n.d.
42			Squash and Rackeball		n.d.
54			Strong Communities		n.d.
			Swimming
54				Children	n.d., 1965-1991
54				Infant	n.d.
54				Toddler	n.d.
42			Teen		n.d., 1982
80			Tennis		n.d., 1924
55			Toddler		n.d., 1982-1990
42			Track		n.d.
55			Training, Inc.		n.d.
55			Volleyball		n.d., 1965
55, 80			Weightlifting (2 folders)		n.d., 1982-1983, 1992
42			Wrestling		n.d.
59			Youth and Government Program Filmstrip		n.d.
55			Youth Basketball Association		n.d., 1977-1979
		Branches
55, 78			Allston-Brighton (2 folders)		n.d., ca. 1990
55			Central		n.d., 1992
			Dorchester
55, 80				General (2 folders)	n.d., 1983, 1990-1992
56				Contact Sheets	n.d., 1985-1987
56			Eastern Middlesex/Reading		n.d., 1989-1990
56			Hyde Park		n.d., 1983-1990
56			Needham (Charles River)		n.d., 1985-1991
56			North Surburban		n.d., 1990-1992
56, 78			Roxbury (2 folders)		n.d.
56			Physical Plant		n.d., 1988
56			South Cove: Ted Wong		n.d.
56			Waltham		n.d., 1988
57			West Roxbury		n.d., 1983
		Camps
57			General		n.d.
43			Camping Service Branch		n.d., 1990
43			Camp Dorchester		n.d.
43			Camp School Allston		n.d.
43-45			North Woods Camp (4 folders)		n.d., 1959
49			North Woods Camp Photo Album		n.d.
80			Ousamequin		n.d.
45			Pleasant Valley		n.d., 1983
45			Sandy Island Camp		n.d.
45, 80			Unidentified (2 folders)		n.d.
		Celebrities
57			General		n.d.
57			Boston Celtics		1990
57, 80		Children (2 folders)			n.d., 1976-1990
		Clubs and Organizations
42			General		n.d., 1912, 1965
57			Heritage Club		n.d.
45		Departments and Offices			n.d.
		Events
45, 80			General (2 folders)		n.d.
45			50th Anniversary (Huntington Avenue Building)		1962
57			Annual Meetings		1989, 1991
57			Auctions		n.d., 1982-1990
57			Awards		n.d., 1983-1985
45			Awards Night Banquets		1947
45			Boston Pops at Symphony Hall		n.d.
45			Branch Council and Leaders Recognition Dinner		n.d.
57			Camp Day		1988
45			Christmas Party		n.d.
58			Employee Recognition Luncheon		n.d.
58			Golf Tournament		1996
58			Healthy Families Symposium		1991
58			Higgins-Hood Awards		n.d., 1982-1989
45			Honorary Member		n.d.
45			Honors Night Dinner		1938
45, 80			Huntington Avenue Cornerstone Ceremony (2 folders)		1911
45			International Y Men's Convention		n.d.
45			Labor Management Forum		1946
45			Mayor Kevin White's Visit		1968
45			Membership Drive		1933, 1964-1965
45			Meserve, George: Tribute		n.d.
45, 80			Mobile Exhibit (2 folders)		n.d.
58			Participation Challenge		1989-1990
58			Picnic		n.d.
45			Roberts Gulick Award Reception		n.d.
58			Rocking Center Dedication		1982
58			Running Races and Triathalons		n.d.
58			Tufts Associated Health Plan 10K for Women		n.d.
45			Salon Exhibit		n.d.
46, 58, 80			Unidentified (7 folders)		n.d., 1965
46			YMCA Week		n.d.
58, FF5/D1		Friends			n.d., 1978
		Physical Plant
46, 80			General (2 folders)		n.d., 1912-1914, 1951, 1991-1996
78, 80			Gymnasium (2 folders)		ca. 1916
48			Photo Albums (2 folders)		1911-1912
		Schools
46			Automobile School		n.d.
46, FF5/D1			General (3 folders)		n.d., 1949-1950
47			Huntington School for Boys (7 folders)		n.d., 1918-1948
		Staff/Administration
46, 58-59, 80			General (12 folders)		n.d., ca. 1938, 1948
59			Board Members A-M (7 folders)		n.d., 1984, 1991
FF5/D1			Presidents		n.d.
59, 83		Unidentified			n.d., 1989-1992
46		Negatives			n.d.
	B. SLIDES
50		Slide Inventory			n.d.
		Activities and Programs
50			General (7 folders)		n.d., 1983-1986
50			Athletics/Fitness (2 folders)		n.d., 1984-1986
50			Developmentally Challenged		n.d.
50			Education		n.d., 1984-1986
50			Presentations (2 folders)		n.d.
51			Swimming (2 folders)		n.d., 1975-1986
51			Together We Can		1987
51			Work with Refugees		n.d.
51			YMCA of Greater Boston BAA Marathon		n.d.
51			Youth Basketball Association		n.d.
51			Youth Gymnastics		n.d., 1982-1984
51		Branches (4 folders)			n.d., 1984-1990
51		Camps (5 folders)			n.d., 1984-1986
52		Events (13 folders)			n.d., 1984-1986
53		Physical Plant (3 folders)			n.d., 1981-1986
53		Staff (2 folders)			n.d., 1976-1987
	C. VIDEOTAPES
61		Adopt a Fifth Grader			1 Dec 1994
62		Annual Meeting			1994
61		Campamento Hispano			29 Jul 1994
62		Chicago Midnight Basketball League			199?
62		Dorchester YMCA,WCVB TV			8 Feb 1995
61		Greater Boston's Roxbury Branch – interview with Frances Nkrumah, summer youth programs; Allston/Brighton Family Branch – YMCA after school program including Governor Weld speech supporting after school programs; Greater Boston's Waltham Branch – summer camp			7 June 1994, 8 June 1994, 9 June 1994
61		Greater Boston's Dorchester Family Branch – youths and teens enjoy Franklin Park Zoo with WBZ-TV's Jack Williams			12 June 1994
61		Greater Boston's Dorchester Family Branch – Dorchester Family Branch offers youth and teens a safe alternative this summer with Teen Nights and other activities			18 June 1994
61		Greater Boston's Dorchester Family Branch – Dorchester teens learn the value of teamwork, peace, and summer employment as they complete their summer mural project in Codman Square; Greater Boston's Roxbury Branch – Roxbury Family Branch Teen Camp run by teens for teens seen as effective means for teaching kids about issues, responsibility, and each other			26 Aug 1994, 23 Aug 1994
61		Greater Boston's Pleasant Valley/North Woods Summer Camp – Summer residence camps featured as a tried-and-true vehicle for bringing the true meaning of summer to hundreds of inner-city kids			16 Aug 1994
61		Greater Boston's North Suburban Family Branch – North Suburban teens offer their views on education reform in Massachusetts			13 Sept 1994
61		Tipping the Scales			9 Nov 1994
62		Training Inc. Chronicle			20 Sept 1991
62		WHDH – N Volleyball			8 Feb 199?
61		YMCA Winter Vacation Camp			29 Dec 1994
61		YMCAs, WBZ News 4			26 Jan 1995
62		The YMCAs of Massachusetts: The Y is...			1993
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Archives and Special Collections 92 Snell Library 360 Huntington Ave. Boston, MA 02115 (617) 373-2351 archives@neu.edu

Archives and Special Collections Finding Aids

Printable Finding Aid. Back to Browsing Version.

Series:

1. Administration, n.d., 1852-2003

Series:

2. Branches , n.d., 1885-2001 (bulk 1959-1968)

Series:

3. Camps, n.d., 1901-1999

Series:

4. Northeastern University and Affiliated Schools, 1856-1995 (bulk 1900-1930)

Series:

5. Subject Files, n.d., 1833-2003

Series:

6. Realia, n.d

Series:

7. Visual Materials, n.d., ca. 1900-1995

Archives and Special Collections
92 Snell Library
360 Huntington Ave.
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 373-2351
archives@neu.edu