More than Broccoli & Jogging by Susie Hulst

This summer marks the 100th anniversary of the Albert Lea YMCA. In preparation of this milestone, I have been combing through hundreds of old photos as I search for the perfect ones to use for our promotional materials.

Through these photos, the history of the organization in which I call home has come to life. I now have a greater understanding and appreciation for the YMCA and its magnitude of influence it has had on the Albert Lea community.

I found tattered edged photos of the Y’s Men’s Club building cabins at Camp Moraine on a hot summer day. These pictures made me realize that many people worked hard to provide recreational facilities and opportunities for the youth of Albert Lea. Many children benefited from the hard work of these men.

There were photos of excited high school students dressed in bellbottoms and bouffant hair in front of our nation’s capitol. They were so excited to be there. Throughout all these years, the Y has provided educational and memorable opportunities for youth that otherwise may not have existed.

There were black and white photos of parents and their children in old-fashioned swimwear. No matter the era, learning to swim has been valued skill. It’s because of the Y many children and adults in the Albert Lea community have learned to swim.

Some of my favorites were snapshots of members from the YMCA weightlifting club and running club. Even then, before the obesity epidemic came into play, people valued fitness. These people were onto something.

The most impressive were photos of past YMCA leaders. Past executive directors, past board presidents, past committee chairs, and all those involved with any advancement of the YMCA. There was so much hard work, sacrifice and leadership that went into providing thousands of Albert Lea residents with recreational opportunities and a higher quality of life. Did these people realize the impact they had on present and future Albert Lea residents?

As I continue to comb through these photos, I think about how cool it is and how proud I am to be part of an organization that has so much impact on the community. The Y is a place where community members can find a somewhere to belong, a place to grow and develop, and a place to make memories that will last all their lives.

Please visit our website or call to learn more about our 100 Days for 100 Years Anniversary Celebration that starts June 2!

 

Susie Hulst is the fitness director at the Albert Lea Family Y and is an American College of Sports Medicine-certified health fitness specialist. Her column appears monthly.