The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1915-10-20
HOW TO FORM A BOYS CLUB.
Barre People Informed by W. Parkyn
Jackson In an Interesting Talk.

JdCkSou III an Interesting A~"'
Something of the spirit that must per-
force be factor in the proposed boys
club Of Barre il that projected institu'
ton is to become a reality was endemic
among a representative gathering OF
women and fair-sized sprinkling OF
men in Rowland hall last evening as w
Parkyn Jackson of st. Adams nnfolded
the revealing story of how a successful
boys club is being conducted in the Reii-
road city. Through the efforts OF the
Barre Woman's club, in the minds Of
whose members there has long fingered
desire to establish clearing house
for the development of recreative ten
denotes in the boys of the city, Mr.. Jack
son was persuaded TO speak OF the work
which is being carried on at the Strana'
han Memorial under his direction.
| That the Woman's club has certain
well defined plans in view, which, II
worked out will be the means OF making
beginning, is not part OF the present
story, but Mr. Jackson's interesting re-
view of his own observations and ex-
periences only served to intensity the
belief among his hearers that boys
club in Barre is needed. Briefly, the
speaker described the inception OF the
st. Adams club, referred TO the muniii'
cence of public-spirited people whose
generosity made possible start along
modest lines and told OF the success
which has marked the first few years
of organized effort. A conveniently ar
ranged building for the work was pro-
yided and equipped at the outset. No
difficulty was encountered in getting
boys to enroll and by closely studying
the needs of those for whom the club
was established, many OF the obstacles
that ordinarily confront the sponsors for
boys clubs in the beginning were speedl-
ly overcome.
A boys club must be as broad as a
schoolhouse and very liberal policy
must be pursued, said Mr.. Jackson
There are churches enough in Barre, he
continued, to look after the spiritual
welfare OF some 1000 boys who might
be accommodated in club, and there.
fore this aspect Of the work should be
left to the churches. Some of the most
generous supporters OF the st. Adams
club, he said, are those who are usually
classed as sinners" They are the peo-
pie who realize most keenly the value
of the club for boys. In the course OF
his remarks, Mr.. jackson brought to the
attention of his auditors several in
stances in which young men and boys
under his care had made rapid progress
in the direction of preparing for col
lege. To many the wholesome influences
OF the club had brought new desire to
live clean and honest lives.
ANY body of people endeayoring to
start boys club, the speaker went on,
must not establish barriers in the form
of creed, color or occupation. At the
outset, too, ii must be understood that
club cannot be supported solely from
the dues collected from the members
nor by a system of public subscriptions
any more than a church can be support
ed by a system of voluntary offerings.
The Instructor or director should not be
asked to Join in raising money for the
work of the club, as he should be given
free rein In handling the boys and
permitted % devote his whole time TO
them. Speaking of the qualifications 10
be found in directors who are equipped
for the stern task Of directing boys and
young men, Mr.. jackson said that the
place needs a man who can remember
what he did and what he shouldn't have
done at the age of ~ years, IA, or 10,
He must be wise enough TO know when
TO be deaf, blind enough to know when
to keep his eyes shut and to pursue
policy Of silence when that policy is sure
TO work out for the best.
Frequently the speaker made tell.
ing point that the audience applauded
heartily Most Of the time, however, his
hearers were 10 be found listening most
intently. At the close Of the speaking,
a number Of people had the pleasure of
meeting Mr.. Jackson and questioning
more in detail concerning his work.