The History of South Mountain YMCA

South Mountain YMCA, operating as an independent YMCA since 1982, has been providing youth recreational and educational programs for over 55 years (previously under the direction of the Reading Berks YMCA). Camps Conrad Weiser and Bynden Wood Day Camp provide the primary backdrop for all activities, however program opportunities today stretch into areas of Outdoor Education and Environmental Education programs, curriculum training, Corporate Conferencing, kindred group retreats, Church Retreats, Parent/Child programs, and more.

The YMCA serves over 8,500 individuals annually with participants largely drawn from the local area and surrounding communities. Many summer campers come from the Mid-Atlantic states and other regions of the United States and other international communities. This web site is designed to provide prospective parents and campers, students and teachers, volunteers, alumni, contributors and friends with an opportunity to learn more about the various programs, employment opportunities, alumni news, future plans and current events.

The History of the Mountain

The history of South Mountain and its resort-era can be traced back to the last half of the 19th century. Homes used as retreats by the wealthy, and several large mountain resorts were constructed on the mountain to take advantage of the curative water, the charming natural setting and clean, cool air. The almost 500-acres currently owned by the South Mountain YMCA were acquired and developed in two parcels.

Adolph Tafel became enamored with the mountain air, as it relieved the asthmatic condition he developed while serving in the Union forces. On a 100-acre Cushion Peak parcel purchased in 1887, Adolph Tafel built a 16-room mountain retreat. The magnificently furnished home stood on the foundation that is now the grassy field with the climbing tower. Mr. Tafel also constructed the large barn on Cushion Peak Road where he kept poultry, horses, cattle, and pigeons. Several covered and heated gazebos were placed at points on the property where the magnificent vistas of Lancaster and Lebanon valleys could best be enjoyed. A wind pump was used to force the sparkling mountain spring water all over the main house.

Mr. Tafel died in 1884. From that time on, the sight of the home where they had spent so many pleasant days together awakened memories that were painful for his wife and children, so the shutters and doors were locked. George Freeman, an honest and trusted head workman remained on the property and cared for it. He and his family had a splendid house of their own near the mansion. One of his daughters, Elsie Freeman-Scheetz, was born in the house that still stands today, the Crossroads cottage. She later became a benefactor of the South Mountain YMCA. Upon her death in 1983, part of her estate was made available to the YMCA for camperships and capital improvements.

In 1888, John Tolbert of Philadelphia purchased the property. It was used as a summer residence until his death in 1896. For the next two years, Mr. and Mrs. William Luden of Reading used it as a summer residence. In 1898 the property was converted into a summer resort and operated by the Tolbert heirs.

In 1905, Dr. Octavia Krum, a physician from Pottstown, purchased the property and operated the mansion as a small sanatorium until 1920. Dr. Krum, a proud and independent woman beset by financial difficulties, refused help offered her by Mary Morton, a friend and former patient. Miss Morton, the daughter of Levi Parsons Morton became the recipient of a large inheritance when her famous father died in 1920. Levi Morton was a banker, a former Governor of New York, Congressman, Minister to France and Vice-President of the United States from 1889-93 under Benjamin Harrison. Although Dr. Krum refused Miss Morton's help and would not sell to her directly, Mary eventually succeeded in acquiring the property through a third party, thus helping her friend, Octavia, recover her investment as well as acquiring what would soon become known as Bynden Wood.

Miss Morton, attentive to the economic plight and social restraints that unmarried professional women faced, decided to operate the property as an estate at which these women might vacation. Given the fact that professional women of the times were poorly paid, she expected to lose money. She engaged Mrs. Rightson, the widowed sister of her nurse, to manage the resort. Mrs. Rightson proved to be an expert manger and the venture was profitable. Most of the cottages were built at this time, including one for Miss Morton who was a partial invalid suffering from epilepsy. At the same time Bynden Wood Lodge was constructed as a Tea House and Gift Shop. During the period of time that Miss Morton owned the property; it was again used primarily as a summer resort. In 1947 the Wyomissing Foundation purchased the property and presented it to the Central Y.M.C.A. in Reading. It is currently being used as Summer Camp.