History of Our Y

February 1913  First Committee meeting on Community Boys’ Work – D.B. Johnson, W.J. Roddey, Alexander Long, Lueco Gunter, George Beach, J.R. Miller, John London, J.A. Barber and J.P. Kinard.
1913-1924  First President D.B. Johnson served
April 1913  First Secretary for Boys’ Work reported
1913  YMCA Headquarters located in the offices of J.P. Hollis (over Rock Hill Hardware Store)
   First organized playgrounds conducted by YMCA
   First organized camping sponsored by the YMCA
February 1914  First United Church Institute held
1914  First boy Scout troop organized by YMCA Secretary
   Associated Charities organized by the YMCA
1915  YMCA moved offices over Good Drug Store on Hampton St.
1917  Offices of the YMCA moved over Ratterree’s Drug Store
   YMCA, in cooperation with other organizations, sponsored Chatauquas for many years in Rock Hill
1920  Thrift Week sponsored by the YMCA
1924  YMCA offices moved to Friedheim Building on Trade St.
   Committee appointed to study possibilities of erecting a permanent YMCA Building
1925  Effort made to raise funds for Building did not materialize
1928  Offices moved to basement of Citizens Bank (now Rock Hill National Bank)
1931  Building Fund Campaign committee recommended $55,000 goal for a building, but it was decided not to make the effort at that time due to conditions
1932  Offices moved to second floor of Rock Hill Gas Co.
1941  Facilities of municipally owned Confederate Park turned over to the YMCA
1942-1945  City Playgrounds directed by YMCA
1943  Joined Rock Hill United Fund
   Service Center opened and operated by YMCA
1944  Girls’ and Women’s Work added to YMCA program
   YMCA first organized softball, volleyball and baseball leagues in Rock Hill
1945  YMCA offices moved to Huey Building on Caldwell St.
   YMCA War Memorial Building Fund Campaign started
1946  Operations began at Camp Cherokee in Kings Mountain State Park
   Offices of YMCA moved to 233 Hampton St. (old Gettys Residence)
1949  Incorporated with the Secretary of State’s Office of South Carolina
December 22, 1950  Moved into new YMCA Building at 402 Charlotte Avenue
January 7, 1951  Rock Hill Community YMCA Building Dedicated

Angie Smith

Angie Smith, is a gifted writer, encourager and loving mother of four. Together with her husband, former NFL player Steve Smith, they established The Steve Smith Family Foundation, which is dedicated to providing hope and inspiration to those in need while advancing causes  close to the family’s heart – Promoting family health & wellness as well as the awareness and prevention of domestic violence.

In 2022, The Steve Smith Foundation and Mecklenburg County partnered to create Charlotte’s first behavioral health urgent care, a 24/7, 365 urgent care facility dedicated to mental health and substance abuse needs.

Angie’s commitment to her family, transparency and unselfishness, by putting other’s needs before her own, is an inspiration to all of us!

Alan Tyson

Alan Tyson is the President Architech Sports and Physical Therapy. He was the former Vice President of Sports Performance and Rehabilitation for OrthoCarolina. He is a physical therapist board certified as a sports clinical specialist, a certified athletic trainer and certified strength and conditioning specialist. He has worked with the Charlotte Knights (AAA affiliate of the Chicago White Sox) and continues to serve as a consultant to the team. Alan is also a consultant with the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Eagles.

Alan has spoken regionally and nationally on various training topics including the foot and ankle, spine care, hip and knee rehabilitation, and he has developed two continuing education courses on the shoulder. He has written 3 books and developed specific training programs for the female athlete, the baseball pitcher, and for football players preparing for the NFL combines. Alan is also an associate editor of the National Strength and Conditioning Journal. He co-hosted a weekly radio show “Health Headlines” on 1110AM WBT with Stacey Sims and Dr. Russ Greenfield for 3 years.

Antoinette Johnson

Meet Antoinette Johnson, the inspiring culinary star of “America’s Test Kitchen: The Next Generation” Hailing from Lexington, KY, she transforms simple, humble ingredients into extraordinary dishes, all while championing the use of fresh, locally-sourced produce. Through her triumph on “America’s Test Kitchen: The Next Generation,” Antoinette’s unwavering perseverance catapulted her career, proving that with passion and determination, anything is possible. With a heart dedicated to community and a love for supporting local farmers, Antoinette’s journey is a testament to embracing change, fostering growth, and inspiring others to follow their culinary dreams.

Beyond her culinary triumphs, Antoinette is a firm believer in the power of evolution and perseverance. She stands as a shining example of how one can constantly evolve, change, and grow on their journey to success. Antoinette’s story is one of resilience and determination, inspiring others to follow their passions despite any challenges they may encounter.

Now, with a cookbook deal and cash grand prize, Antoinette is forging ahead on her culinary adventure, driven by the desire to prove herself and inspire her daughter.