Starting the Honolulu Branch
1900s
April 23, 1900 – Article from “a working woman” urging a place for women like YMCA
April 24, 1900 – An article responding to “a working woman” announced a meeting a “woodlawn” corner of Beretania and Punahou streets on April 30, 1900 at 7:45
April 30, 1900 – About 60 women met to organize the purpose of YWCA in Honolulu at Mrs. B.F. Dillingham’s cottage home. Now, the Atherton Chapel. Topics covered: needing a physical space for working women and newcomers and a gymnasium with swimming baths
A motion was made that “we organize a YWCA here in Honolulu.” It was approved by the majority.
April 25,1900 – an article was published to describe the sentiment of the meeting and the determination of our founding members. “The need of a pleasant place where ladies could take luncheon was also vigorously and almost unanimously expressed, and different speakers urged the desire for classes in Hawaiian, Japanese, Chinese and domestic science.”
May 1900 – Meetings were conducted at the YMCA Hall located at Hotel and Alakea Streets
As they searched for the first YWCA office space in Honolulu, the board placed importance on having enough lights to make the rooms “bright and attractive.” Our board minutes dated June 4,1900 also mention that “Inquiries for a lunchroom are still coming in and it was decided that at least, our headquarters should provide a place where women might eat a basket lunch and where a cup of tea might be served.”
Fall 1900 – Moved to Progress Building on Fort and Beretania.
During the next months until the new year, health and wellness grew to basketball, swim courses, etc.
1904
Mrs. E. W. Jordan was the first president with 128 charter members. Its headquarters was a small room in the Elite Building on Hotel Street. As membership increased, YWCA moved to two rooms in the Boston Building on Fort Street.
1906
YWCA O‘ahu joined YWCA USA as an official charter and offers recreational and athletic programs including tennis and swimming classes.
