They say from tiny seeds great oak trees grow and this was indeed the case with the virgin land he bought by pleading, begging and bargaining with the owner who originally had no intention of selling the land. But God works in strange and mysterious ways and through the persistence and faith of Fr. Flanagan, the City of Boys Town officially began on October 22, 1921. The boys were transfered to the new property and, sleeping in tents while they worked to help develop the property it became a labor of love. All of Omaha responded with Masons, Jews, Atheists and Catholics lining up to help.
Compassion knows no walls.
Graduates of Boys Town spread the word as well and in 1936 Boys Town became an official city in the State of Nebraska. Flanagan had begun a Boys Town Choir that gained recognition when he asked newly ordained Father Francis Schmitt , a singer and accomplished organist to take over as director. Soon the Choir became famous for their melodious sounds, reverence and professionalism. If there was anyone not familiar with Boys Town, that would change in 1938 when Hollywood stars Spencer Tracy and Mickey Rooney , two of Fr. Flanagan's fellow countrymen, agreed to screen Fr.