YMCA

The Salem branch of the YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association) was established in 1858, and from 1884-1898 was located at 20 1/2 Central Street.

Though originally built for affordable housing, the present-day YMCA (corner of Essex St. and Sewall St.) is a light brick and freestone building built in 1898. Its second floor auditorium is named Ames Hall, in honor of George Leonard Ames, a benefactor of the Association. The building is on the site of the Sanders homestead, where Alexander Graham Bell perfected the telephone when he was working with their deaf son.

In 2010 the YMCA of the North shore underwent a name change and the organizations will be known as the Y.

In recent years, there has been a campaign to restore historic Ames Hall built in 1898, with a capital campaign that began in 2010. The North YMCA Theatre Company is based at the Y and stages several performances every year. The marble staircase and stained glass windows will hopefully be renovated as well as heating and air conditioning improvements.

It was announced in Dec. 2012 that the new creative arts center will be named for the local Zoll family; The Samuel and Marjorie Zoll Creative Arts Center will be open to all children.

See Also

• Postcard Photograph courtesy of CardCow.com

• Salem YMCA Website

• Young Men's Christian Association YMCA, 1904 (contains photographs)

• Architecture in Salem by Tolles, p. 104

• Visitor's Guide to Salem 1953 ed., p. 195

• "Sewall Street home to fort, reservoir and today, Salem Y" (letters to the editor) Salem News, Feb. 23, 2011, p. 11

• "Y to name arts center for Zolls" Salem News, Dec. 15, 2012, p. 1