Greenpoint YMCA records

Greenpoint is an industrial area in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, close to the East River. The first Greenpoint YMCA was established in 1869 but ceased operations a few years later. In 1885, Jacob Titus Bowne, who soon after became General Secretary of the YMCA, tried again, and another association opened with property valued at $12,000 at 752 Manhattan Avenue. However, the Greenpoint YMCA did not associate with the Brooklyn YMCA until 1903. In 1907, the branch opened its first building at the corner of Meserole Avenue and Lorimer Street. The building was extensively renovated in 1926-1927 and is still the home of the Greenpoint branch.

The Greenpoint area of Brooklyn was the destination of many Polish immigrants, so much so that it became known as "Little Poland." Italians and Russians also found their way to Greenpoint. The branch, which quickly became an integral part of the neighborhood, was known for its active outreach programs that included helping secure a school and a playground in 1914 and working with men in the factories and workshops that dominated the area. In 1915 the branch established a home for orphans and street children. In 1917, more dormitory rooms were added. In addition to its outreach efforts, the branch was known for the prowess of its bowling and billiards teams.

Today, Greenpoint continues to be a central part of its community. It provides substantial programming for children and in 1991 won a city-wide award for its substance abuse and outreach program for youth. It continues to offer rooms, welcoming visitors from around the world.

From The YMCA at 150: A history of the YMCA of Greater New York, 1852-2002by Pamela Bayless, 2002; History of the Brooklyn and Queens Young Men's Christian Association 1853-1949by E. Clark Worman; and from the collection.