Austin YWCA Finds HQ in Downtown Austin in 1906

More on the early history of the YWCA of Austin, founded in 1906, from a report written in 1956 by Helen Baird Vance.
"Of major concern was the acquiring of headquarters. So, for $20 per month rooms were rented over the Bassler Clothing Store. The Austin State Bank and the Gildner's Clothing have replaced the Bassler Clothing.
In 1909 Miss Mayme Robinson, who was State Secretary at that time, extended the work to the County through a gift of $1,100 from Miss Helen Gould of New York. In October of 1910 the YWCA of the USA issued a charter to the YWCA of Mower County and the local organization became affiliated with the National Organization. It became incorporated under the laws of the State of Minnesota in 1919.
May 23rd, 1910, Mrs. F. I. Crane was elected president, succeeding Mrs. C. L. West, with Mrs. W. R. Terry, vice president, Mrs. J. H. Carstens, secretary and Miss Helen Banfield, treasurer. Mrs. Crane served as President until 1919. A Woman's Exchange was added to the activities and was a great success until the First World War, when it was discontinued. [Editor's note: a woman's exchange was a cooperative retail store where crafts and other homemade goods could be sold to the public.] In 1911, "The Gypsy Rover," a charming light opera with Mrs. P.D. Bealieu in the leading part was given as a benefit for the "Y." This was the first of many generous boosts."

Photo above shows downtown Austin in 1914.