John Deere YMCA in 1918

The Moline YMCA was first organized on February 10, 1885. The first building was erected in 1888-1889, but it was soon destroyed by fire. On January 1, 1903, the Association moved into quarters, where it remained until opening the John Deere branch in October 1918, on Third Avenue and Thirteenth Street.

The three-story building included a lobby, assembly hall, lunch counter, dining room, tobacco store, billiard room (with four tables), kitchen and bathroom on the first floor. The second floor and third floors contained sleeping rooms and classrooms, with accommodations for nearly 150 men.

John Deere YMCA demolition, 1930

Night school classes included arithmetic, algebra, penmanship, spelling and grammar, “English for Swedes and Greeks, in both elementary and advanced courses.” Advanced classes in architectural drawing, electricity, bookkeeping and other trades were also taught.

According to Historic Rock Island County, published in 1908, the “Moline Young Men’s Christian Association has made a place for itself in the city of inestimable value."

-The John Deere Magazine, October 1918
-Historic Rock Island County, Kramer & Company, Publishers and Engravers, 1908

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