Before consolidation of the city’s YMCAs, there were five local branches in the Tri-Cities. The Central YMCA, the first branch built, was established in 1909 as the first industrial YMCA in the South. In 1917, the Leaksville Y was built and the North Spray YMCA opened its doors in 1918. The Draper Y began operations in 1919, and Henry Street Y opened in 1944. Industrialist B. Frank Mebane supported the opening of the Central Y, and his mills managed it.The Central YMCA, first Y branch, was a community center that offered pool tables, bowling alleys, and religious and physical education programs. The branch operated for 61 years.The Leaksville branch grew in its early years, but fire destroyed the original building in 1936. Another site was founded that year, and it housed the Leaksville Y until it became the Boys Club of Leaksville.