YWCA of WNY

History: Living, Working, Playing

The YWCA of Western New York was organized in 1870 to seek out and provide for the wants of the poor of the city and to furnish a boarding home for young girls and women. The YWCA of WNY and its members have gone though changes through the decades, and they were often ahead of their time. Courtesy of Western New York Heritage Press, these links illustrate some of our rich local history.

Millard Fillmore's first address in Buffalo was 180 Franklin Street, where he lived with his wife Abigail. The Buffalo YWCA constructed its new building at 190 Franklin Street in 1952. It was three-story, 70,000 square feet, and included a swimming pool, gymnasium, weight room, locker rooms, a ballroom with a stage, commercial kitchen, offices, and classrooms...