Old Railroad Y.M.C.A.
Childress, Childress County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Recreation and hospitality center for early Childress; in Spanish Mission Revival style architecture. Built 1903, after citizens, led by R.H. Norris and Dr. J.H. Cristler, attracted Fort Worth & Denver Railway shops and division offices here. Among funds donors was Helen Gould, philanthropic daughter of rail magnate Jay Gould. Use by Y.M.C.A. ceased in 1934; owned by veterans' groups since 1938. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark-1962
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
When Childress landed the Fort Worth & Denver Railway shops and division offices, the town built this Spanish Mission Revival hall in 1903 as a recreation and hospitality center for railroad men. Civic leaders R.H. Norris and Dr. J.H. Cristler led the effort, and donors even included Helen Gould, philanthropic daughter of rail magnate Jay Gould. The YMCA left in 1934, and veterans' groups have owned the building since 1938.
Why it matters
Railroad YMCAs were a hallmark of the rail era, giving traveling and shop workers respectable lodging and recreation in towns the railroads built.
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Related people
- · Helen Gould
- · R.H. Norris
- · Dr. J.H. Cristler
Themes & tags
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