Elizabeth Ackerman (seated right) is pictured here with fellow chairmen planning a YMCA fundraising event in 1958. Founded by Mrs. Ackerman, the Elmhurst YMCA celebrated its 60th anniversary on May 1, 2020.
A salute to founder Elizabeth Engstrand Ackerman (1907 – 2000)
If you are a member of the Elmhurst Family YMCA today you are familiar with the numerous programs and exciting activities the “Y” has to offer. The building, which has been renovated over the years, is a landmark located at 211 W. First Street.
But there was a time our community had no YMCA, and most people today wouldn’t remember the one person who initiated the efforts to bring a Young Men’s Christian Association to Elmhurst.
Her name was Elizabeth Ackerman. On Thursday, February 23, 1961 an Elmhurst Press headline read, “Local Woman Works for Dream – Mrs. Ackerman is YMCA Heroine.” The article went on to explain how Mrs. Ackerman was directly responsible for bringing the “Y” to Elmhurst. And if that herculean effort wasn’t enough, she continued to champion almost every future fund-raising campaign, from selling candy mints to hosting carnival events like, “Visit Bombay at the YMCA.” Elizabeth Ackerman was committed to making the YMCA successful!
Elizabeth was born on February 23, 1907 in Wheaton. She enrolled at the University of Illinois where she met her future husband Joseph Ackerman. They were married in 1930. The couple had four children and moved to 399 Poplar Avenue in Elmhurst. Her priorities always were family, church and community service. Both Elizabeth and Dr. Joseph Ackerman felt very strongly about their children getting good educations. Joseph was elected President of the Elmhurst School District 46 Board of Education. He served one of the longest terms on record (1945 – 1967). Elizabeth was elected President of the Washington School PTA. In 1948 Elizabeth was Chairman of the Education Committee for the American Association of University Women. The topic selected for study was Community Recreation. The City of Elmhurst at the time had a population of about 21,000 citizens. Elizabeth thought that a viable recreational organization with a good solid reputation and track record was definitely needed in the community. After much research it was concluded that the Young Men’s Christian Association would be most appropriate for Elmhurst.
Mr. Irwin Ruby, owner of the clothing store Ruby’s of Elmhurst on York Street, was the first businessman Elizabeth was able to interest in the project. Meetings with other community leaders soon followed at Mr. Ruby’s home.
Next the first Elmhurst YMCA board members were selected. They were: Alben Bates, Sr., Norman Hanson, Marvin Pollard and Elizabeth Ackerman. Then a charter was requested from the Illinois Area Council of YMCA. At an Elmhurst meeting on April 22, 1952, Mr. Keith Boys was hired as the first Executive Secretary.
The first location of the Elmhurst YMCA office was on the second floor of the building at 109 W. First Street. The “Y” quickly grew by leaps and bounds. By the end of the first year, there were 532 members. At the time it was one of the fastest growing suburban YMCAs in the country.
Within six months the office was already cramped and a larger space was rented at 155 W. First Street. An all-out effort was made to raise funds for a new building.
On January 11, 1955, Mr. & Mrs. Alben Bates, Mr. & Mrs. Albert H. Glos and Mrs. Mabelle Larkin donated property on First Street between Elm and Maple Avenues for the site of the new YMCA. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on December 7, 1958. The million-dollar facility opened its doors to an excited Elmhurst public on May 1, 1960. It was an exciting day for Elizabeth Ackerman, too, who had initiated the YMCA quest many years before.
Thanks to the efforts of Elizabeth Ackerman, the Elmhurst YMCA celebrated its 60th anniversary on May 1, 2020. Unfortunately for the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic, the YMCA has been closed and will remain closed until the community is declared safe. Perhaps at that time, a formal celebration will be forthcoming.
In the meantime, Happy 60th Anniversary to the Elmhurst Family YMCA!
Portions of this story appear in the book, “The First Ladies of Elmhurst,” which was originally written by Genie Urick, who revised it for this salute to Mrs. Ackerman and the Elmhurst Family YMCA on its 60th anniversary.
