New Year Means 100 Years for the Skagit YMCA

The Skagit Valley Family YMCA is one of only 45 incorporations in Washington State created in 1911 to still be in existence today...100 years later! On April 20, 1911 members of the Skagit Valley Family YMCA travelled to Olympia (probably by horseback) and appeared before Secretary of State Ithamar Howell to formally incorporate.

While much of the history of Skagit Valley Family YMCA is unknown before the Fulton Street building was built in 1941, what we do know is the current YMCA was forged by the early members of Skagit Valley. Here are some details:

• In 1920, Thomas Barrett, a local farmer, willed his estate of $30,000 for a capital support of the YMCA in Skagit Valley. His estate was invested by trustees and by 1941 had grown to $60,000.
• With the help of WPA (Work Progress Administration) and the community, a small pool and gymnasium were constructed.
• That year (1941), the Y registered 600 members (today we serve 4,180 members and 1,062 program members)




A donation by Herman and Grace Anderson
made Camp Anderson possible.


• In 1958, Herman and Grace Anderson donated 40 acres on Lake 16 to create Camp Anderson, which serves more than 7,000 kids each year. Local clubs, including Kiwanis, Lions, and Rotary, have constructed  dressing rooms (1976), docks (1983), and outhouses (1990).
• In 1959, the YMCA Board of Directors sold bonds in order to build an addition onto the Fulton Street building. $42,000 was spent to add what is now the weight room, steam room, and locker rooms.
• In 1974, the name was changed from the 'Mount Vernon YMCA' to 'Skagit Valley Family YMCA' to reflect our true service area.
• In 1986 the new (current) pool was built and parking lot was constructed.
• In 2001 the YMCA purchased the Bakerview Indoor Soccer Complex in Bakerview Park, now known as the YMCA Sports Center.
• In 2001 the YMCA took over operation of the Oasis Teen Shelter, assuming complete financial responsibility for the program in 2005.
• In 2005, the YMCA took over the operation of 7 Best Place Early Learning Centers located in Mount Vernon, La Conner, and Anacortes.

As you can see, the Y truly is community centered. With the support of people like you, we can respond to the needs of our community. For 100 years the Y has had a presence in Skagit Valley, and we are committed to strengthening our community by providing programs and an environment that support Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.