THE YOUNG WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.

The Young Women's Christian Association of Flint was incorporated in February, 1908. Its organization was the direct result of many preliminary meetings and conferences held by the women of the city, when the needs of Flint in this direction were discussed and the conclusion was reached that such an institution was imperatively required for the betterment of the community. The movement had its inception among the young business women, and one of them, Miss Nina Mills, especially, was untiring in her efforts to attain the end of the organization, subsequently achieved.

Mrs. Bruce J. Macdonald, who was particularly well qualified for the work, having been a member of the Oregon state committee of the Young Women's Christian Association, was made chairman and with the assistance of a committee of workers, was chiefly instrumental in securing the pledge of one thousand members. A board of twenty-one directors was chosen by the pledged members and Mrs. Macdonald was elected the first president of the association. Mrs. Fritz Miller, at that time Miss Louise Fenton, was chosen first vice-president and made the head of the religious department; Mrs. B. F. Cotharin was made second vice-president and placed in charge of the department of economics; Mrs. I. M. Eldridge was chosen third vice-president and headed the department of education and physical culture, and Mrs. John J. Carton was elected fourth vice-president and managed the social work. Mrs. E. A. DeWaters was made secretary of the board and Mrs. F. W. Swan, treasurer.

The foremost need was an association home and dormitory adequate to meet the needs of the young women members who required such accommodations. A gymnasium was also one of the features aimed at and secured through the efforts of the original board. The association obtained a lease on the property known as the Oren Stone homestead, at the corner of First and Harrison streets and, with the lease, took an option to purchase. this option was later closed and the property came into the possession of the association. Dining rooms were fitted up and a cafeteria established. It has been successfully conducted and its receipts, under the careful management of the committees in charge, have paid off a large portion of the debt that had incurred when the property was purchased. The old home has been remodeled by transforming it into a gymnasium and offices. D. D. Aitken, Fred A. Aldrich, H. H. Fitzgerald, Mrs. George C. Willson, Mrs. F. W. Swan and Mrs. J. D. Hotchkiss were the trustees chosen to hold the legal title to the property.

A summer camp, called the Betty Swan Camp, was later established, and the young women of the association were provided with a place for summer outings. It was first located on the river about five miles north of Flint, but it was afterward removed to Long Lake. Here the young women are offered the advantages of a brief vacation at a nominal cost, and the camp is one of the most important additions to the activities of the association.