Giving Boredom the Boot
History of the Thomasville YMCA
On May 7, 1903, a meeting was held at the Presbyterian Church in Thomasville, for the purpose of creating a YMCA. Ten days later, the Thomasville “Y” was officially organized. Property was deeded to the State YMCA, which in turn deeded it to the local YMCA. Within six months, membership had grown to 158 men and boys, and attendance at the Y activities totaled 3,278 for the half year. Like Thomas Sullivan, who founded the YMCA in America, the founders of the Thomasville YMCA imagined a movement devoted to putting Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
In 1904, the YMCA moved into its new building. It was only through the sacrificial giving of time and money by its members that the YMCA managed to stay open through the early years of its history in Thomasville. As late as 1933 in the very depth of the depression, a motion was made at one of the Board meetings to close the YMCA due to lack of funds, but it was the belief in the purpose of the YMCA that compelled the Board to defeat the motion and carry on.
In 1945, the Francis F. Weston center was established on Clay Street. That facility was instrumental in offering children and adults in the community many valuable programs.
As Thomasville grew, the YMCA and the need for better facilities grew. In 1957, the W.R. Milton Center was built in its present location. The name of the facility honored W.R. “Red” Milton.
The eighties and nineties continued the trend of more construction and new services, including programs for after-school care and full day care in the summer for working parents.
In 1999, the City of Thomasville and Thomas County governments contracted with the YMCA to provide the recreation programs for the community. This includes all sports programs (for adults, senior citizens and the Special Olympics) and events (such as the Rose City Run and Christmas parade).
In that same year, $8.5 million was pledged to build a new youth facility and to renovate both the Milton and Weston centers. Certainly, the Thomasville YMCAs have evolved and expanded with the decades. Under strong leadership, a strong staff and thousands of volunteers, the Y's mission is a strong now as it was in 1903. A tally of volunteer hours shows that more than 95,000 hours are given annually.
In 2002, the name of the Milton facility was changed to Everett-Milton Center to honor George Everett. Both men are recognized for their leadership and years of service as directors. The third center was also completed, and Butler-Mason Center was opened in January.
In addition to offering fitness programs, swimming and team sports, these centers have responded to other needs of area families. The Y Child Care and Weston Center offer working parents after-school care and summer programs.
Today, over a hundred years later, the Thomasville YMCA is stronger than ever and firmly committed to the traditional value that strength of body means little without strength of character.
Country Oaks Golf Course
Country Oaks Golf Course is a municipal golf course owned and operated by the City of Thomasville for the pleasure of residents and visitors. It is located just four miles from Thomasville on Georgia Highway 122 (Pavo Road). The warm, southern climate allows the course to be open year-round.
Country Oaks is beautifully located in a wooded setting accented by three lakes and surrounded by wild azaleas, dogwoods, pines, oaks and magnolias. The course is a par 71, and plays 6,207 yards from the blue tees, 5,709 from the white and 5,505 from the red. The course carries a USGA rating of 70.3 from the blue, 67.8 from the white and 69.3 from the red. The front nine is a par 35, and the back nine is a par 36. Water is in play on holes #2, #4, #6, #15 and #18.
The Country Oaks Pro Shop offers club rental, club repair, refreshments and a full line of golf merchandise. Lessons are available from PGA Professional Mike Owens for all skill levels.
Glen Arven Country Club
When Jay Wyman Jones and his wife, Salome Maria Hanna, moved to Thomasville in 1888, the New York lawyer and developer had visions for the southern community. Jones purchased the old Seward Tract, which consisted of 200 acres of undeveloped land in 1889. Naming the property Glen Arven Pleasure Park, Jones constructed a pavilion in 1890 that boasted a lookout tower and paths designed for carriage rides. Deer were introduced to complement the existing wildlife.
The park flourished and provided enjoyment for visitors. Jones enticed his friends to organize a country club in honor of the old Scottish game of golf in 1895. The group constructed a nine-hole sands greens course, and formed a corporation under the name of “The Country Club of Thomasville,” making it the sixth organized golf club in the nation. The Country Club of Thomasville reached a land lease agreement with Mr. Jones, and opened in 1896 with shares selling for $25 each.
In the following years, interest in the golf club faded, and the land was placed on the market. In 1900, some of the core members of the original corporation formed the Glen Arven Land Company, purchasing the property for the use of the golf club. This unified group held ownership of the land until 1984, when members purchased and renamed the facility Glen Arven Country Club.
Mr. John F. Archbold and Charles Chapin, local plantation owners, enabled Glen Arven Country Club to expand to a championship 18-hole golf course that exists today. Because of the expansion, Glen Arven is now known as the second oldest continuous golf course in America.
