CENTERVILLE YOUNG MEN'S CLUB EMBRACES ATHLETES OF DESERVED REPUTATION

# CENTERVILLE YOUNG MEN'S CLUB EMBRACES ATHLETES OF DESERVED REPUTATION *The Butte Daily Post, Friday, December 16, 1910, p. 30. (Page header "THE BUTTE INTER MOUNTAIN".) Half-page photograph captioned "GROUP OF MEMBERS OF C. Y. M. C. OUTSIDE THEIR GYMNASIUM."* To Miss Anna M. Sullivan belongs the credit for organizing one of the best young men's clubs in the state. Mainly through her efforts, with the assistance of John K. O'Rourke, a group of young men of Centerville met at the Hibernia hall, early in October, 1908. Miss Sullivan called the meeting in order and acted as temporary chairman, in which capacity she continued for some time, instructing the boys how to handle the affairs of the club in an able manner. At the opening this idea of organizing a permanent club for the betterment of the youth of Centerville bore fruit. At first the boys would assemble at the Hibernia hall... [transcription glosses occasional sentences here]. ## A Second Meeting. The next meeting was called for October 23 at Hibernia hall. At this meeting many of the young men, who, observing the idea was well thought, were enrolled. Temporary organization was effected and committees were appointed to draft a constitution and bylaws, which were adopted at the next meeting held October 30, when permanent organizations was perfected, the club named the Centerville Young Men's Club, and the following officers elected for the ensuing six months: President Mr. Kelly; vice president, John L. Sullivan; recording secretary, John Butler; financial secretary, Tim Harrington; assistant secretary, Frank Sullivan; treasurer, Frank Leahy; marshal, Otis Lee; sentinel, J. D. Murphy; vice president, J. P. Kennedy. ## Interest Brennon and Gillie. The next committee was reappointed with instructions to discuss the matter with James Brennon, superintendent of Mountain Con and Great Mountain mines. Mr. Brennon, who is a staunch supporter of any movement for the betterment of the young men, heartily endorsed the movement, promised his everlasting support, and referred the committee with his recommendations to John Gillie, general superintendent of the Amalgamated Copper company. The committee was received by Mr. Gillie and he promised to look the matter over, and make a later appointment with the committee. In the meantime, Mr. Gillie consulted himself with the conditions facing the boys, and through the recommendations of Miss Sullivan, Mr. Brennon, and other well known residents of Centerville, he decided to use his influence to help the young men. So when the committee called on Mr. Gillie for the second time, he informed them that the company officials had decided to donate the use of the Mountain Con compressor room for their pleasure and enjoyment. The Mountain Con compressor room was donated in preference to the Great Mountain compressor room, owing to its proximity to the residence district. Since the compressor place had been closed down, the building was used as a store-room, in which the old machinery, which the company officials ordered moved to the Belmont mine. Mr. Gillie asked the boys at what hour they would wish the inside remodelled, and the general gymnasium, which is one of the finest in the northwest, is the result. ## Club Takes Possession. The club took possession of the building in December, 1908, but a formal opening of the gymnasium was not held until March of the following year. Under the careful eye of President Kelly and other members who had previous experience in gymnastic work, the boys became proficient in the use of the gymnasium apparatus. At the close of the meeting in March, came a large number of next exhibitions were put up. ## An Appreciative Bunch. The object of this entertainment was to show the public that the young men appreciated the favors bestowed. On this occasion the gymnasium was nearly filled, and was crowded to its utmost capacity. The appreciation was of a high class character, consisting of speeches, leading by some of the most prominent citizens of Butte, and musical and athletic numbers by members and friends. The next regular election was held in June, 1909, and the following officers were elected: President, Mr. Kelly; vice president, John L. Sullivan; recording secretary, James McGrath; financial secretary, Tim Harrington; assistant secretary, Frank Leahy; marshal, Dan Sullivan. During this administration there was noted an increase in membership as the club flourished in every way. The election held in December, 1909, resulted in the following being elected: President, John J. Butler; vice president, J. D. Murphy, Jr., recording secretary, Emmett McGrath; financial secretary, Frank Leahy; assistant secretary, Frank Sullivan; marshal, Mike Fitzpatrick. ## Present Officers. The present officers of the club are: President, John J. Butler, vice president, Otis Lee; recording secretary, Emmet McGrath; financial secretary, Frank Leahy; assistant secretary, Frank Sullivan; treasurer, Gus Kelly; marshal, Mike Fitzpatrick. The club at the present time is in a very prosperous condition and has very large turnouts. [The floor space amounts to 4830 square feet, the building being 53 feet wide, 70 feet long and 18 feet high. The Floor is built of standard Oregon fir and has been oiled with the best floor oil obtainable in order to make it more durable.] [The gymnasium is well lighted, having a large windows and an juvenile power electric lamps. In the west part of the building a handball court is partitioned off, occupying 19x44 feet. The northeast part of the building contains a plunge and locker rooms, in feet wide and 14 feet long. To this room are five shower baths, two plunge baths, two parallel bars, two chest weight machines, a row of standing rings, three counter sets of pulley climbs in various sizes, three dozen pairs dumbbells, of which one dozen pair are of wood and used for form exercise, the remainder are of iron and weigh from one to five pounds. In this portion also are lockers, one of which is used for keeping gloves, punching bags and foot balls, handlebar bag, and other apparatus to baseballs and basketballs, and similar athletics equipment, and when having have always furnished themselves as required.] [While at work in the gymnasium the members wear the regular club gymnasium suit, which consists of a soft and white jersey, bearing the club's initials, and lvory pants, with a white stripe. These stripes are tight to the gymnasium, the previous founding suit, defrayed every team of the club ranking, and the rapidity and prevention. There were and finished and the most of person within close debate, two of which were inverted by debating the The Three M's and Meskerville teams. The third defeat was administered by the over-professional team of Anaconda, which finished the season in high-class form, carrying off the championship of the city league. Foot prints look bright for the season 1910...] [*(Continued on Page Thirty-One.)*]