Temple in Bell County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Former Site of Y.M.C.A

Photographed by James Hulse, November 18, 2025

1. Former Site of Y.M.C.A Marker

Inscription. In 1898, the Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe Railroad chartered a Young Men's Christian Association and in 1899 erected a 3-story structure across the street from this site to furnish lodging and recreation for railway workers. The facility also served Temple citizens and pioneered in providing athletic activities for youth. The principal community leaders of the "Y" were W.S. Rowland (1866-1940), Dr. A.C. Scott (1865-1940), Dr. J.M. Woodson (1868-1930), Dr. R.T. Wilson (1884-1965, Walter R. Humphrey (1964-1971). The first Y.M.C.A. building burned in 1934 but was rebuilt the next year. In 1942. The facilities were given to the USO.

Erected 1975 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 5920.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. A significant historical year for this entry is 1898.

Location. 31° 5.683′ N, 97° 20.589′ W. Marker is in Temple, Texas, in Bell County. It is at the intersection of S 1st Street and W Avenue B on S 1st Street. The marker is located at the Santa Fe Park (corner of Avenue C & S. First St.). Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Temple TX 76504, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Texas.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Temple Daily Telegram (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bernard Moore Temple

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(approx. 0.2 miles away); Site of Organization of the Texas Forestry Association (approx. 0.2 miles away); City of Temple (approx. 0.2 miles away); Knob Creek Lodge No. 401 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Pool of Tears Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Temple Public Library (approx. ¼ mile away); Grace United Methodist Church (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Temple.

The view of the Former Site of Y.M.C.A Marker at the Santa Fe Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, November 18, 2025

2. The view of the Former Site of Y.M.C.A Marker at the Santa Fe Park

The view of the marker at the entrance to the Santa Fe Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, November 18, 2025

3. The view of the marker at the entrance to the Santa Fe Park

The marker is located at the left side of the park entrance.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 18, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 18, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 62 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 18, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.