Cliff Smith YMCA Postcard Collection

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The Cliff Smith YMCA Postcard Collection is comprised of nearly 10,000 rare postcards dating from the 1890s that depict YMCA buildings, events, and activities in the United States and abroad. It provides a unique and valuable understanding of the significance of the YMCA around the world. The postcards represent the only remaining images of many YMCA buildings of the past. In addition to architectural history, the collection also addresses such other topics as camping, aquatics, youth work, armed services, fitness and athletics, World War I, African American YMCAs, and Springfield College (formerly the International YMCA Training School).