YMCA Restoration
Labor of Love Restoring Historic CF&I YMCA
"Designed by architect William W. Stickney for the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company, and constructed in 1917. The imposing Italian Renaissance Revival-style brick building was, and still is, the centerpiece of the Sunrise community."
PAST
On August 18, 1917, a remarkable milestone was achieved with the opening of Wyoming's very first YMCA! Built with an impressive budget of $32,000, this rugged buidling stands as a testament to the vision of the Colorado Fuel and Iron Co. and the generosity of John D. Rockefeller Jr., offering a wealth of amenities.
Over the years, it blossomed into the vibrant cultural hub of the community, featuring a three-lane alley, a theater, a basketball court, a movie hall, a soda fountain, a pool room, and even a barbershop!
This incredible space has welcomed diverse nationalities by hosting "Americanization" classes, along with high school basketball games, lively dances, and political rallies. What a legacy of joy and unity!
Present
The Sunrise Historic and Prehistoric Preservation Society (SHAPPS) proudly owns this magnificent historical monument and is dedicated to its restoration! Thanks to our amazing members, generous donors, and enthusiastic public support, we've made incredible strides in restoring the building's structural integrity, but there's still so much more to be done!
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We've re-shingled the roof to keep water damage at bay, and the interior is on its way to becoming a stunning museum and educational facility.
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We need your help to bring this vision to life! Whether it's painting, masonry, decor, framing, gardening, plumbing, or heating, there's a job for everyone to make a difference!
Future
There's so much exciting work ahead to restore this historic building to its former glory!
Sunrise Skilled Trades, an incredible youth skills camp led by Troy Reichert, is hard at work repairing and replacing entry doors and old windows.
Thanks to the generous sponsorships from Harbor Freight, Reiman Corp, the Daniels Fund, Associated General Contractors of Wyoming, Education Initiative Trustees U of W, Skills USA of Wyoming, and 5R Construction, we're making amazing progress!
YMCA History in Pictures
1920s YMCA Interior
Check out this amazing 1927 magazine photo showcasing the vibrant main lobby of the YMCA! Just look at the charming soda fountain on the right, and don’t miss the billiard room in the back, complete with its timeless old fireplace that’s still standing strong today!
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Much more is needed!
Get ready to relive the nostalgia at our fabulous three-lane bowling alley on the first floor! With its charming old manual pin-setting apparatus still in place, this alley is a blast from the past for those who remember the thrill of setting pins in their youth. We've even salvaged some of the original flooring to keep the memories alive.
Now, the SHAPPS organization is on a mission to fully restore this gem to its former glory! We’re excited to host old-fashioned bowling tournaments that will introduce today’s youth to the joy and excitement that their grandparents and great-grandparents experienced. Let’s keep the tradition rolling!
1920s YMCA Exterior
Check out this amazing exterior shot of the spectacular YMCA! It had a fantastic three-lane bowling alley and shower rooms in the basement. On the middle floor, you’ll find a lively lobby featuring a barber shop, a refreshing soda fountain, a billiard room, and offices. And don’t miss the third floor, home to a thrilling movie projection area, a stage for performances, and a basketball court!
What can you help with?
Welcome to the vibrant third floor gym and stage area!
We're thrilled to share that on July 8th, 2005, our YMCA building and the Sunrise Mine Historic District earned a spot on the U.S. Department of the Interior National Register of Historic Places! This prestigious recognition encompasses a remarkable collection of 20 buildings, 14 sites, and 5 additional structures spotlighting the area’s industrial, domestic, social, and transportation history.
The YMCA is more than just a building—it’s a hub of significance, connecting the rich tapestry of industry, engineering, community, commerce, ethnic heritage, and social history!
Transforming Into Museum and Learning Center
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Jewett Mammoth Site Collection (Archaeology)
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Fisher Site Collection (Archaeology/Anthropology)
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Sunrise Mine Collection (Mining /Geology)
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Buffalo Bones Collection (Archaeology/Anthropology)
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Fluorescent Minerals Display (Geology)
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Manos & Metates Display (Archaeology/Anthropology)
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Dr. George Frison Life Display (Ranching/Archaeology)
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Cheyenne Deadwood Stage Route Display (History)
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Hunting and Trapping Display (Archaeology/Anthropology)
