Tillamook YMCA

For more than 65 years, the Tillamook County Family YMCA has served as a nerve center for community members of all ages by offering programs that focus on healthy living, social responsibility and youth development. The following is a timeline of the local Y's history. 1948: Local businessman Arthur Beals challenges the community to raise $75,000 i... n one month. He matches the contribution to start the original Tillamook YMCA. 1950: The Y purchases the old Tillamook High School building and hires John Gardner as its first full-time employee. 1960: A capital reserve fund is created. 1967-69: Creation of the International "Y to Y" connection is made with the Kobe, Japan, YMCA. 1969: The YMCA secures the site for its present facility. 1976-77: Construction of the pool and locker rooms is completed. Jim Daughn is hired as the CEO, after which he serves until 1985. 1980: Volunteers build racquetball and handball courts. 1981: The Building Endowment Fund is established. 1982: Classrooms and offices are built, along with a second-floor fitness center enabling a full-service YMCA. 1984: The YMCA Auction becomes the Gala YMCA Auction and Ball. 1986: Mike Ellis becomes the fourth CEO of the local Y. He serves until 2001. 1989: A capital campaign for gym funding begins. 1990: The gymnasium opens. Dedication ceremonies take place in 1991.Read More