Van Wert County YMCA

The YMCA of Van Wert County was incorporated on April 6, 1914. Mr. John Strandler left one third of his estate for a building and an endowment fund to be used to establish a local YMCA. Along with the Strandlers, several other Van Wert residents donated funds and land for a YMCA. Those residents included the Woodruff Family, the Priscilla Buckimgham estate, Mr. Earl Gleason, D.L. Brumback, John P. Reed, C.A.L. Purmort, E.I. Antrim, and C.F. Wassenberg. The building was dedicated on April 15, 1917.

Early activities at the YMCA included: The Strandler Club, Ward Baseball League, Boys Pioneer Club, Bicycle Hikes, Tumbling Classes, Hobby Fairs, and Bowling Leagues. The first bowling alleys in Van Wert were located in the YMCA.

The YMCA of Van Wert County added women to its membership in 1971. The first Family Membership was established in 1975.

The YMCA remains at its original site, though five major additions have been made since the initial construction—Racquetball Courts, Pool, Gyms 2& 3, Gym 4, Gym 5 and the Fitness Center.