Pennsylvania Railroad YMCA

The Pennsylvania Railroad YMCA in East Canton, Ohio served railroad workers for the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway (PFW&C). It provided overnight lodging, baths, meeting space and other accommodations for railroad workers. The PFW&C was operated by the Pennsylvania Railroad Eastern Division.

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In September 1918, the Pennsylvania Railroad, under its western lines division, awarded a contract to the Walbridge-Aldinger Company of Detroit, Michigan to construct an engine house, engine terminal facilities, and support structures, including a YMCA, in East Canton. ¹ The YMCA was completed in 1920. ²

After the YMCA’s closure, the building was used as part of a junkyard and vacated circa 2012. The complex was demolished in 2017.

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Further Reading

1. A 1998 view of the Pennsylvania Railroad YMCA at the Ohio Railroad Page

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Sources

1. “Construction News.” Railway Maintenance Engineer. Vol. 14. Chicago: Simmons-Boardman, 1918. 322. Print.
2. “Data For Parcel 239729.” Stark GIS. N.p.: n.p., n.d. N. pag. Stark GIS. Web. 18 Dec. 2015. Database.