Westport Weston YMCA Celebrates 100 years with member Y stories

100 YEARS OF MAKING AN IMPACT

Founded in 1923 by Edward T. Bedford, the Westport Weston Family YMCA has been an enduring and sturdy presence in Westport. Originally build in downtown Westport on the corner of Main & the Post Rd, it gave a space for men in the local community to gather. As time passed the WWFY has evolved and grown in an aim to support the needs of everyone in our community, developing and nurturing the potential of its youth, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility.

We are proud to have been part of the Westport & Weston communities for the last century and we look forward to the next 100 years.

LEADERS OF THE Y

Rosemary Halstead, Pete Wolgast, and Bonnie Strittmatter share their connections to the Y, and stories of passion, hard work, and collaboration.

WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

CENTENNIAL ‘SNEAKER BALL’ GALA

2023 SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

SHARE YOUR Y STORIES & PHOTOS

OUR HISTORY

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Y STORIES

Where we are today is defined by our history. As we mark 100 years, we have set out to share and preserve our communities Y stories. Over the next few months we will be collecting and featuring your pictures and stories. We would love to hear from you.

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Y-Story-Caitlin-W-Garden — Caitlin Wiederecht works on the Mahackeno Garden in 2011.

Olympic Gold Metal swimmer, Rowdy Gains, visits Westport Weston YMCA Water Rats swim team members in 2007 — Olympic Gold Metal swimmer, Rowdy Gains, visits Water Rats senior swim team members in 2007

Olympic Gold Metal swimmer, Rowdy Gains, visits Water Rats senior swim team members in 2007 — Rowdy Gains talks with senior members of the Water Rats swim team, 2007

Olympic Gold Metal swimmer, Rowdy Gains, warms up with Westport Weston YMCA Water Rats senior swim team members in 2007 — Rowdy Gains warms up with Water Rats swim team, 2007

Katy-helps-craig-with-gloves-1954 — Scott and Craig Kuhner's Sister Katy, help them get ready for Miss Comer's Dance Class at Westport Y in 1954

Scott-and-Christine-Theander-Miss-Comers-Dance-Class-1954 — Scott Kuhner sits with Christine Theander between dances at Miss Comer's Dance Class. 1954

Scott-and-Craig-Miss-Comers-Dance-Class — Scott and Craig Kuhner were featured in a Look Magazine article in 1954. Featured was their attendance at Miss Comer's Dance Class at Westport Y.

Scott-and-Craig-Double-Walloops — Scott and Craig Kuhner share a 'Double Wollop' with Noel Kleid and Sandra Clark, 1954.

Westport Weston YMCA History, Miggs Burroughs and fellow camper smile at camp mahackeno circa 1953 — Miggs Burroughs (right) & friend at Camp Mahackeno 1953

Miggs Burroughs & fellow campers around the fire pit at Camp Mahackeno 1953

Miggs-Mahackeno-03-1 — Miggs Burroughs at Camp Mahackeno in 1953

Miggs-Mahackeno-Full-Page-02 — Miggs Burroughs spent his summers at Camp Mahackeno

Make-Mahackeno-Happen-Group — The community comes together to rally to support construction of Bedford Family Center.

Make-Mahackeno-Happen-Young-Leaders — The young leaders of tomorrow gather to support development of the Bedford Family Center.

Joy-Green-Teaches-Swim-1990 — Joy Greene teaches Ben Grunow to swim, 1990

SUBMIT YOUR Y STORIES & IMAGES