This iron rail spike connects the YMCA of Greater Moncton to one of the earliest and greatest Canadian dreams: a transcontinental railroad. In response to the needs of Grand Trunk and Canadian National Railway employees, 19 YMCAs across Canada provided recreation, literacy support, reading rooms and accommodation -- healthier and necessary alternatives to the saloons and other diversions found along the rails.
This pioneering work earned a place for the YMCA in the hearts of many railway men and their families, not only in the nation's history books. When a new YMCA facility was built on land reclaimed from Moncton's old CN yards, this spike was unearthed. It was presented by the Canada Lands Corporation to the YMCA to acknowledge this historic partnership.
This spike commemorates the YMCA's role in realizing a national dream. It is evidence of the YMCA's responsiveness to changing needs and its strength as a community anchor.
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