The Inn at Lincoln Square

During World War II, the Gettysburg YWCA became the south-central Pennsylvania headquarters for the National U.S.O. Every Friday night, the “Y” held a dance for the soldiers stationed at Gettysburg College and Camp Colt. The members cared for the soldiers like they were family; they would help with any mending, invite them into the “Y” to talk and write letters home, and on Sundays they would take the soldiers to church and then invite them into their homes for Sunday dinner.

In the 1950s, the YWCA worked to end racial segregation. It held public speeches and meetings continually restating their message of acceptance and unity. They combined their Maple Leaf Club—a group for black girls—with their Girls Reserves to form the “Y-Teens” in the early ’50s. The Y-Teens spearheaded a local sexual education initiative in 1956. In the ’70s, the “Y”—which was now flagging in popularity—revitalized itself by offering a variety of new programs and courses such as yoga, auto repair, photography, skiing, and first aid. It sponsored public affairs luncheons and gave workshops on personal growth.

THE INN AT LINCOLN SQUARE

With its recent development and growth, the YWCA could no longer operate from the confines of the Danner House. Ground was broken for a new facility on Fairfield Road in August, 1980. On December 8th, 1989, after the new YWCA was completed, the organization sold the Danner House. Now, in 2010, we at the Inn at Lincoln Square open the Danner House’s doors and invite you to stay with us and experience Gettysburg in its finest, from its center, on Lincoln Square.