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Our History In the late 1890’s The Young Women’s Temperance Union became concerned for the welfare of young women coming to Lynn from distant points to earn their livelihood in the growing industrial city of Lynn, MA. Two members, Miss May B. Goudy and Miss S. Gertrude Mayo were able to interest a group of 276 men and women to serve as sponsors. Many churches throughout the city also became active. They located and furnished a “reading and rest room” on the third floor of a building known as Laster’s Hall on Market Street. This large room was equipped with tables, chairs, couches, gas plates (for cooking) and a piano. It was officially opened in November 1901 from 11:00 a.m. 9: OO p.m. Volunteers conducted classes in millinery, dress making, English and bookkeeping. An adjoining room became available and was converted into a gymnasium. It is estimated that in a single year 25,000 young women enjoyed the privileges offered at this Market Street Center. In 1906, we incorporated as the Lynn Home for Young Women, Inc. Mrs. Carolyn Engler; wife of the principal of English High became a member of the Board and in 1911 was elected president of the board. In 1912 she served as chairperson of a successful fund raising campaign to purchase the building at 144 Broad Street. She also continued to obtain endowments to insure future security. Many organizations of the day, including Simmons College Club, Camp Fire Girls and the Lynn Visiting Nurse Association used the premises for meetings and office space. The building was renovated and furnished as “home away from home” for young women. In 1935 the adjoining building was acquired and became “The Annex”. The following year another building was purchased and demolished to develop an attractive garden. In 1963 an extensive modernization merged the two buildings into an up-to-date facility known as the Washington Square Residence. In 1935 Miss Mayo became superintendent of the Lynn Home for Young Women, serving for twenty-five years until her retirement in 1960. A reception paid tribute to her and a scholarship was established to encourage residents to further their education, a practice continued to this day. |
