Webb City ‘Y’ lacked  a succession plan

The Webb City Y.M.C.A. served the community for many years on Daugherty Street in the first block west of Main Street (adjacent to Express Rx).

It offered a public library, a reading room, several game rooms, gymnasium, swimming pool and restrooms. Sunday services and Bible classes were held there.

Local organizations, such as the Boy Scouts, often held their meetings there.  The exact year that the Y.M.C.A. closed is unknown.

The building’s downfall began when the last member of the Board of Directors died without leaving a way to pass on ownership of the building – or the responsibility to maintain it. It was sold in 1986 at the Jasper County delinquent tax sale, but the sale fell through.

The city became responsible for the building, and in 1988, the City Council tried to entice a purchaser by waiving the back taxes. The building was sold in 1989 for $1. It changed hands a few times until David Hudson, of Bruner Pharmacy, bought the structure, which was adjacent to his.

By then, the building had been declared unsafe. It was demolished in September 1992.

From the Webb City Daily Register:

Oct. 8, 1901

Ground will soon be broken for the new Y. M. C. A. building in this city, and with the coming of spring a stately edifice will adorn the town. It will be a lasting monument to those whose generosity made it possible.

No matter whether we are saints or sinners, we must all concede that the Y.M.C.A. people are doing a grand work for humanity. Every temple they build is a lighthouse to the young men of this country.

Nov. 7, 1901

A. R. Nesbitt finished the stone work at the new Y.M.C.A. building today at noon. Mr. Nesbitt has made excellent time on this work having worked just 17 days at it.

Smith Bros. finished laying the first floor joists this evening, and the building will be ready for the brick layers Monday morning.