History - Stateline Family YMCA

The Stateline Family YMCA history in Beloit, Wisconsin dates back to December 20, 1881. Space was rented out for the YMCA for several years until finding its first permanent quarters upstairs in the Carpenter Block (now covered by the First National Bank and Trust Company at State and Grand).

In 1906 the YMCA rented 5 rooms on the 2nd floor and the entire 3rd floor of the Hanchett Block for $650.00 a year, using the third floor as a gymnasium. A physical director was authorized to serve for a year at $60.00 a month. In the spring of 1913 the YMCA received an eviction notice to vacate the floors used. The reasons for the eviction were that the YMCA's activities disturbed other tenants and water from the showers damaged theater equipment.

In 1913, three local supporters pledged $16,000.00 towards a new facility with a total of $102,000.00 being pledged by the community and the YMCA board approved the purchase of land on Public Avenue for the new facility. At that time the YMCA was the most expensive edifice ever to be erected in Beloit. On August 1, 1915 an open house was held to show off the new YMCA. The building was a roomy red brick and stone featuring a large gymnasium, swimming pool, two locker rooms, track, three bowling alleys, a cafeteria, banquet hall, club meeting rooms, game rooms, two lobbies, executive office and a dormitory for single men. The cafeteria was able to accommodate 70 guests. There were 35 showers, two billiard tables and a pool table.

The current E. H. Neese Memorial Building was built in 1964 when the Beloit community raised over $1 million in a capital campaign. As participation grew to 7,000 by 1980, the need for expansion also grew. Funds were provided to add a lower gym, free weight room, nautilus center, track, gymnastic center and two racquetball courts. In 1997 another expansion took place, which allowed for expansion of the Life Center, renovated locker rooms and the addition of a special needs/family locker room.

In 2001 the YMCA opened a branch in Roscoe-Rockton, Illinois and changed its name to the Stateline Family YMCA.