Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-11-22
Superintendent Tells
OF Usefulness of
Local Boys Club

Superintendent j. F. Goodrich OF
the Waterville Boys club stated on
Saturday that this organizations
which has been engaged in the man
ufacture of manhood from the raw
material known as boys" for the
last two years, is now planning 10
operate at high pressure, so that the
coming men of this vicinity, the men
of tomorrow, give promise of being
a superior product. manhod or Dig
caliber, adequate to cope with the
tremendous problems that loom
ahead in our commercial and social
life. Quoting Mr.. Goodrich:
Manufacturing manhood is the
industry in which the Boys club is
engaged. A distinguished American
statesman has said that by far the
most important problem of our ma
ton today is that of the under
privileged boy, that great army OF
American boy power that represents
thirds of our boy population.
These are boys who have not a
chance for the better things that
America offers; who hampered by
environment, are unable through
their families to enjoy the birth
right of every growing boy-a place
to play games, study, read, meet his
chums, to develop materially and
normally; to have those inalienable
advantages of boyhood that produce
sturdy men.
"They come for the most part from
homes in the congested part of the
city, homts where opportunities are
scarce, as their living quarters are
crowded. Perhaps the boys parents
are foreigners, they may not speak
English, they may be totally unac-
customed to American life and man
ners. They lack the means for pro-
viding for his needs. They have
neither time nor opportunity to SUI
pervise his playtime, the time Of
paramount importance in determin-
ing his character. Those are the lads
whom the Boys club consider its
special charge.
"a visit to any congested part OF
our city, from the north end to the
south end affords q glimpse OF how
these two out of three boys in Amer
lea live and what are their problems.
Here you will find the boys who Will
man our factories, drive our cars,
cast our votes and pillow our farms
tomorrow. What they do and think,
how they grow, and what ideas OF
life they form, will be determining
factor in the life of our community
tomorrow.
"If their surplus energy as youths
is to be spent in destructive ways,
the citizens of Waterville and vicin-
ity will have to pay the bills. But
if they are given a chance to do
some of the things that lie close to
the hearts of growing boys, we will
find them developing into men of re-
sponsibility. b
"The social side of a boys life,
combining every form of whosesome
and instructive amusement, nurtures
the boys love of play, and develops
his ability to get on with his fell
lows. Various social and hobby
clubs whose members are united be-
cause of their common interests, fos-
ter the boys love of participation In
his own particular organization. rms
gang formation is no longer mem
ace, for it's energies are directed into
interesting athletic activities debat-
ing, speaking, music. The boys US
ually select their own leader. ana II
is these group clubs that the worker
gets closest to his boys. Once admit
ted to the mysteries of the secret
code. he is admitted to the very
heart of the gang.
THUS the Boys club carries on
Irrespective of Humanitarian ana
patriotic motives. the best invest
ment a community can make Is 10
organize and maintain boys ciuo'