The Detroit times., 1909-02-06

Several citizens OF Detroit who
have been active in philanthropic
work for many years, some time ago
conceived the idea OF having an instl'
tuition where homeless boys might
have proper care and shelter. as well
as educational advantages, such as is
planned and carried out IN other Dig
cities OF the country.
After the Young Mems Christian as
sociation canvass for 100000 two
years ago and after the building was
planned, II was suggested by George
Peck and George o. Robinson that
there should be boys building. AZ
that time Ii had been intended that
the land at Witherell and Elizabeth
SITS, should be left vacant and boys
building erected at some time In the
future. II was decided. however, af-
ter consultaitn with Mr.. Peck and
Mr.. Robinson that the boys building
be put up In connection with the
mems building. 1t cost about $780,
900.
Mr.. Peck has a thorough knowledge
Of. and deep sympathy with, young
boys and their needs, through his long
connection with the Protestant Orphan
asylum, and he felt that the Young
Mems Christian association is well
qualified to undertake such work.
In all the large cities OF the coun-
try, much thought has been given by
those in charge OF the association
work, TO the welfare OF boys. ranging
In age from ~ to Is years, less ma
ture than the young men for whose
welfare the work was first planned.
The census statistics show that about
80 per cent of the boys of the country
drop out OF the public schools soon
after reaching IA years.
All of the modern association build
tngs provide place where such boys
enjoy social, educational and athletic
privileges, but II has been left 10 the
Detroit association TO introduce the
"boy home" feature.
The first plans of the new building
here made the usual provisions for
boys work In the same structure with
the mems, all under one roof, but the
tnsistence of Mr.. Peck that the work
should include sleeping and boarding
accommodation for homeless boys,
led the building committee TO provide
an entirely separate building for boys.
The space at the north end of the lot,
60x120 feet, which the original plans
left vacant, has been used for this
building. which, including the high
basement, has five stories. Like the
main building. from which 1t is sep
arated by heavy wall, 1t Is OF steel,
stone, brick and concrete construction.
II includes fine lobby, large room
for wholesome games OF all kinds In
which boys indulge. a well-lighted and
ventilated gymnasium, 42x60 feet.
locker room with accommodations for
600 boys, shower bath equipment, an
attractive dining room connected with
the kitchen OF the main building, five
school rooms, where day and night
classes will be held, and five spacious
dormitories where 90 boys can be ac-
commodated.
Towards the additional expense
which the association assumed sep
arate building for boys not being con-
templated when the fund OF 1923 600
was raised-Mr. Peck has contributed
$4,000. George o. Robinson like
amount, while another friend OF the
association and OF boys, who desires
not TO have his name mentioned, has
contributed $4,000.
BY excluding the boys departments
from the main building. the cost OF
the latter was somewhat lessened, so
; that with the three contributions re-
ferred to. aggregating $4,000 dollars,
there yet remains but $4,000 dollars
10 raise to provide for the one hundred
thousand dollar boys home.
The funds for the main building. in
Guiding all land and furnishings. were
provided for by the campaign OF May.
1906. and by the sale of the old build
ing. The directors have arranged not
TO open the boys building for work
(except for the educational classes
which are already In progress, until IL,
like the rest of the plant, is entirely
clear OF debt. when competent people
will be engaged TO look after the well
fare OF the homeless boys of the city
as we'll as to train all boy members
I'm the work for which the association
has made SO enviable record.
Buried 80 Days; Is Alive.
M II q u -.