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Below is a brief historical timeline of the Sidney-Shelby YMCA.

  • April 6, 1966
    Sidney Chamber of Commerce President Bob Ruther appoints Dick Henke to chair a committee to research establishing a YMCA in Sidney/Shelby County.
  • 1967-70:
    Dick Henke serves as first YMCA Board of Director’s President.
  • January 25, 1968
    John Toncray hired as Executive Secretary (Director).
  • 1968
    YMCA opens office in Ohio Building in downtown Sidney.
  • April 5, 1968
    Local YMCA receives national charter.
  • January 1, 1969
    YMCA moves into National Guard Armory at 304 S. West Ave. in Sidney. Facility provides gym.
  • December 1969
    Bill Ross Jr. and Mr. Folkreth agree to terms for five-acre Folkreth Junkyard. Ross plans to buy land and donate to YMCA for purpose of building full facility building.
  • September 1971
    John Dunathan replaces John Toncray as Executive Director.
  • November 1971
    YMCA Board hires Ketcham, a Pittsburgh-based fundraising firm, to launch capital campaign to raise $850,000.
  • February 24, 1972
    Frank Gleason Jr. agrees to chair capital campaign.
  • May 1973
    Ferguson Construction Co. of Sidney is low bidder for building 35,000-square foot facility.
  • November 2, 1974
    YMCA officially opens with building dedication held February 2, 1975.
  • December 1975
    Dick Tokar hired as Executive Director replacing Dunathan who resigned in July of 1975.
  • February 18, 1980
    Dennis Ruble named Executive Director replacing Tokar who resigned in December of 1979.
  • March 6, 1981
    Under the leadership of Board President John Garmhausen the YMCA burned its mortgage debt. Although the capital went over its goal, inflation in the early 1970s drove building costs 18% higher than originally planned causing the debt.
  • January 1984
    YMCA opens its first childcare center with four children enrolled. By 2008, the center was serving over 260 children.
  • October 1986
    YMCA adds new addition to building including second gym, running track, another handball court and whirlpool/spa.
  • 1987
    YMCA starts foundation through Heritage Club which today has over $2 million.
  • April 30, 1991
    YMCA dedicates new Y Knot Center to serve local youth. YMCA is now 68,000 square-foot facility. Y Knot Center today known as “300 Parkwood”.
  • January 2005
    Ed Thomas Named Executive Director replacing the retiring Ruble. Ruble retired after 39 years with the YMCA and 25 as Sidney-Shelby County YMCA Executive Director.