The Kellogg, Idaho YMCA, where I learned to take a punch - to get knocked down without breaking down. They say that the sense of smell has such a significant impact on memory that certain odors can bring back vivid images of past experiences. This certainly applies to me when it comes to this building.
I was young but what I experienced during the brief period I spent in this building left an indelible mark on my psyche. Certain sounds and odors have often taken me back to those moments spent here. These memories are punctuated with the image, sound and smell of an old worn out medicine ball - the heavy worn out leather type that boxers toss at each other's abs.
Much of my time here was spent acting in the role of a live punching bag for my older cousins. It seems my coach's idea of good training was to stick 'em in the ring and let 'em figure it out.
My cousins seemed to agree and demonstrated their support of this training method on me regularly. It hurt, a lot, but I was determined not to let it show.
The YMCA was closed in the late 1970's before I really learned to hit back. The building, built in 1910, has been for sale now for many years. My home town has turned into a veritable ghost town so I have my doubts it would ever happen but I hope, one day, someone will buy it and make something of it.