Young Women's Christian Association (Bellingham, Wash.)

The Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) of Bellingham was founded in 1907 in Bellingham, Washington.

Throughout its history, the YWCA of Bellingham has provided crisis housing and other resources as part of its mission to develop empowered women and girls. The various clubs and committees of the YWCA of Bellingham focus on the economic, physical, and mental well-being of participants, while addressing concerns with issues including education, health and racism. Members met initially in the Bellingham homes of organizational leaders, until Charles X. Larrabee donated a building in honor of his wife, Frances P. Larrabee, and their daughter, Mary. Designed by architect Carl F. Gould, the building was completed in 1915, and placed on the National Register of Historical Places in 1979.

From the description of Young Women's Christian Association of Bellingham records, 1906-1996. (Western Washington University). WorldCat record id: 143663895

The Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of Bellingham was founded in 1907 in Bellingham, Washington. Following preliminary meetings in 1906, the Board of Directors held its first official meeting in May 1907. The YWCA mission was to provide housing and support for girls and women in crisis, as well as the necessary resources to help them become independent and successful. The YWCA of Bellingham echoed its national counterpart’s mission statement: to develop empowered women and girls, and to combat racism.* Throughout its history, the YWCA of Bellingham has provided support for girls and women through various committees and clubs which focus on the economic, physical, and mental well-being of participants. In 2007, the YWCA of Bellingham celebrated its centennial anniversary. The occasion was commemorated through stories in local publications and an exhibit at the Whatcom Museum.

In its earliest days, members met in the Bellingham homes of the organization’s leaders, then at various locales throughout the community. That remained the case until Charles X. Larrabee donated a downtown Bellingham building for the YWCA of Bellingham in honor of his wife, Frances P. Larrabee, and their only daughter, Mary. Construction of the building was completed in 1915 and it was dedicated in March of that year.

The YWCA building is located on the corner of Maple and Forest streets and is still used as an active residence hall. It was designed by the Seattle-based architect, Carl F. Gould. Gould is also known in Bellingham for his design of Eden's Hall and the Wilson Library on the Western Washington University campus. Frances P. Larrabee was instrumental in the creation of the local organization and remained an active participant for many years.

From the guide to the Young Women's Christian Association of Bellingham records, 1899-2007, (Western Washington University Heritage Resources)