Downtown Shreveport proudly congratulates the YMCA on an incredible milestone…100 years of service, community, and impact. The centennial celebration blended fun and education, offering a meaningful look at both the YMCA’s legacy and the rich history of the land it calls home.
Guests first heard from Robert Trudeau, who shared the fascinating history of the site at the corner of Travis and McNeill and the history of the once owner, Edwards Jacobs. Long before today’s YMCA building stood there, the location was home to the Edward Jacobs Mansion, built in 1886. The home was designed in the Queen Anne Victorian style and was one of the many grand mansions that once lined Downtown’s streets. The mansion was torn down in 1923 to make way for the YMCA building that still serves the community a century later. Next time you drive by, take a moment to imagine that impressive home standing on the corner once again.
The program continued with Chris Chandler, who explored the origins of the YMCA in Europe, its purpose for development, and its evolution as it spread to the United States. He also highlighted the “seven wonders” of the current building, reflecting on its historical architecture, peaceful courtyard, and how an organization that once served a select few has grown into a place for everyone…