I drove the half hour north and came upon an ominous cluster of drab red brick
buildings in a field, high on a hill surrounded by an eight foot high link wirre fence.
The sign said “Training School for Boys”. The look of the place was foreboding. It
was obviously designed to keep boys in and away from society. It made methink of
a neighbor family I’d known as a boy. They kept the crazy uncle in their attic. My
mother told me he wasn’t crazy at all, but retarded. He never went to school and was
an embaressment to the family. Mother said in those days people thought the family had
sinned in some way and was being punished by God.
I got out my I D as I drove up to the gate and rolled down the window so I could
talk to the guard. I told him who I was and showed him my I D . He said, “We’re
expecting you sir” and directed me to one of the buildings. “ I’ll call ahead and you
will be met.” I couldn. help shuddering when the heavy gate clanged shot behind me.
I drove into the suggested parking place and half expected a Boris Karloff look
alike to be waiting for me rubbing his hands.
I was pleasantly surprised to see a young man prematurly waiting on the porch. He
camedown the stepsandheld out his hand as I got out of the car.
“ I’m Tom Martin a resident leader and I’ll serve as your host and guide.”
“I’m Chris Holbrook the district executive for the N.Y.O. Nd I’m here in response
to your directors request.”
He said he was familiar with our program having been a member as a boy. “ I hope
you can find a way to helpour boys.”
Prologue
“ I’ll do the best I can, Tom. How many of your boys are goingto participate?”
“ We have over two hundre boys here. I’ve selected fifty that I think could be
successful. Others may join as we getmore experience with your program.
“ Tom, it sounds like you’ve done your homework. Let’smeet the boys.’
Tom lead me into a large gymnasium that also served as ameeting hall. There were
about fifty boys seated there and talking quietly among themselves. It a moment after
we entered there was silence.
Tom lead me to a table and helped me get seated before he turned to address the
boys. “ This afternoo we have a special guest from the National Youth Organization.
His name is Chris Holbrook and he’s hear to tell you about their program and ask
you whether or not you want to join,”
I studied those young faces while he was talking to see if I could get a clue about
what would apeal to them. I had deliberatelykept my coat on so I knew I’d make a
colorful entrance but what should I say? How much would they comprehend ?
Tom finished his introductory remarks and gave the stage tome. “Thank you Tom.”
I slowly sliped the coat off my shoulders andl et it dropped to the chair. The effect
was immediate all of the colorfull badges,patches, the gold cordaroundmy left shoulder caused an audible gasp from the boys.
“ I am wearing the uniform of the N.Y.O. which all of can wear if you chose to join
our program.”
dooleytales 