Where Art Thou, YWCA?

The YWCA existed as its own entity in Terre Haute until 2006. Its program had an illustrious history; so what caused it to end?

Terre Haute YWCA was founded in 1902, within Samuel Early’s residence on Ohio Street. Six years later, the founders purchased and built their facility on 121 N. Seventh Street. For the next sixty years, it was the central fitness and living hub for thousands of Wabash Valley women.
Firmly placed in the community, the YWCA has a long history of aiding its members. In the 1930’s and 40’s, YWCA offered fitness classes that included exercise, baton, dance, and swimming lessons. Females could also sign up for classes in knitting, handicrafts, bridge, and foreign languages. The YWCA also offered housing for female students attending ISU. In 1956, it housed over ninety students on the third floor. The facility also supported the WWII effort. The YWCA allowed USO (United Service Organization) to start a chapter using their facilities. USO trained women as air raid spotters and wardens.

In 1980, the YWCA left the Seventh Street building for a newer facility in Fairbanks Park next to the Wabash River. Sadly, the old building was demolished; causing a piece of Terre Haute history to be lost forever. In 2007, a parking garage was built over the old site.
In 2006, the Terre Haute YWCA and YMCA merged. The union of the two programs was for their economic survival. By combining administrative costs, utilities and insurance, both programs hoped to increase funds for programs. Although the building remained the same, the renamed Terre Haute Family Y could no longer claim the identity of YWCA. In a world of co-ed living, the business model for separate fitness facilities was outdated and obsolete.