The Old Railroad Y.M.C.A. served as a recreation and hospitality center for early Childress and was built in 1903 in the Spanish Mission Revival style after citizens led by R.H. Norris and Dr. J.H. Cristler attracted the Fort Worth & Denver Railway shops and division offices there. Among those who donated funds was Helen Gould, philanthropic daughter of rail magnate Jay Gould. Y.M.C.A. use ceased in 1934, and veterans' groups have owned it since 1938.