Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
DUBUQUE BOYS' CLUB
DUBUQUE BOYS' CLUB.
In 1906 the Boys' Club was founded in the United States. In 1944 the organization had an estimated quarter of a million members ranging in age from 6 to 18. The first object of a Boys' Club was to mold character. During the hours after school, the doors of the organization were open to anyone without restriction on race, religion, or nationality. Fees were kept low to allow anyone to join. In 1944 the Dubuque Club with 710 members was one of 24 member clubs of the national organization. (1)
The Dubuque chapter was founded by Miss Kate Keith VAN DUZEE on January 15, 1900. At the golden anniversary of the organization in 1950, David Armstrong, head of the national organization, noted that the Dubuque club was older than the national and praised the club's growth from thirteen members to nearly 1,200. (2) Miss Van Duzee was honored with the organization's silver award, the highest presented to laymen in Boys' Club work, at the same event. Judson Keith DEMING received a bronze keystone award for his role as a member of the board of directors since 1908. (3)
The Club has met in many locations throughout the community. The first meeting of thirteen boys occurred in Van Duzee's home on 14th and White STREETS. From there the Club moved to 9th and Main over a store. In 1908 the location changed again to 8th and Bluff over Kerper Electric. The following year, the Club's location was in a building on the southwest corner of 5th and Main. From 1911 until 1924 the Club occupied the G.A.R. rooms of the DUBUQUE CITY HALL. The Club then moved to the High School Annex Building on 12th and Central. The Dubuque Boys' Club purchased a building at 9th and Iowa in 1934. (4)
In 1952 thirty-five BB guns found a second use at the Club. Found during a housecleaning at the police station, the air rifles were given to the Club with the understanding that they would be only used under the supervision on the Club's indoor range. (5) Boys involved in the program were eligible for membership in the junior section of the National Rifle Association and could win prizes for marksmanship.
Beginning in 1960 the second annual recognition dinner was held to honor outstanding public service in support of the Club. The same year a Boys Club "mayor" and "council" were elected. Those elected met with the city manager and regular city council for dinner at the Club. (6)
A campaign for raise $500,000 was announced in 1965 for the construction of a new building. (7) In 1966 a proposal was made to purchase land at the northeast corner of JACKSON PARK and then acquire private property adjacent to it. A masonry building for the Club would be constructed on the site which contain about 1/7 of the park. The proposal listed as benefits that it would place 31.2% of the current 1,170 members within 1.5 miles of the center, 47.6% within 3/4 of a mile, and 65.4% within one mile. (8) In 1967 property was purchased on both sides of West 13th Street for a new building when the facility at 9th and Iowa streets had to be demolished for urban renewal. The city agreed to close the street between the two lots, and the present building, south of the RYAN HOUSE, was built.
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Source:
1. "Celebrate Boys' Club Week," Telegraph Herald, April 9, 1944, p. 23
2. "Boys' Club Marks Half Century," Telegraph Herald, January 18, 1950, p. 18. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=aEyKTaVlRPYC&dat=19500118&printsec=frontpage&hl=en
3. "Youth Leaders Given Challenge,"
4. Ibid.
5. "BB Guns Careless Boys 'Lost' Now Used by Others on Range," Telegraph Herald, November 9, 1952, Dubuque News, p. 1
6. "Boys Club Elects Mayor, City Council," Telegraph Herald, November 13, 1960, p. 5
7. "Pledge by Mail," Telegraph Herald, June 4, 1965, p. 22
8. Thompson, Dave, "Boys' Club Offers Jackson Park Improvement," Telegraph Herald, January 16, 1966, p. 4
