Ninth Street Branch YMCA - Columbus Georgia
N 32° 27.777 W 084° 59.117
16S E 689355 N 3593539
This Markers stands at the site of the Africian American YMCA that was first established in Columbus in 1907.
Waymark Code: WM44WH
Location: Georgia, United States
Date Posted: 07/07/2008
Views: 46
This block is now occupied by the Columbus Public Safety Building. The YMCA building was demolished in 1963 according to the marker.
The Text on the Marker is as follows:
Side One:
In 1901, George Foster Peabody and his brothers made an offer to the colored men and boys of Columbus to build a YMCA on the condition they raise $1,000, purchase a building lot and get membership of 300 men. On Sunday, April 28, 1901, a mass meeting at St. James AME Church was held and the Ninth Street Branch YMCA was founded with 178 men. About 1902 the lot at 903 Sixth Avenue was purchased. Mr. Peabody and his brothers donated $20,000 to the colored people of Columbus to build the YMCA in 1907. At that time, it was the second modern Negro YMCA building in the country and the first in the South.
Side Two:
The Ninth Street Branch YMCA was dedicated on Tuesday, October 8, 1907. The toastmaster for the evening was Dr. M.L. Taylor and the featured speaker was Dr. Booker T. Washington. Gertrude Pridgett "Ma" Rainey, accompanied by pianist Leila Price, performed "Lift Every Voice and Sing." This song would later become the Negro National Athem. The Ninth Street Branch YMCA entertained over 100,000 men, boys, soldiers and visitors during its existence. From 1907 until its demolition in December of 1963, more than 4,000 men held active memberships in the Association.
Erected by the Historic Chattahoochee Commission, Alfonso Biggs, and the Historic Columbus Foundation, Inc., 2002
Type of Marker: Building
Date: Erected in 2002
Sponsor: Historic Chattahoochee Commission, Alfonso Biggs, and the Historic Columbus Foundation, Inc., 2002
Marker #: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
Take a picture of the marker, yourself at the marker, your gps at the marker, or anything specific to the text on the marker. And don't forget to enjoy your visit.