So great became the interest in the success of the Boyville Newsboys’
Association that many additions were made to add to its prosperity,
through which the association became favorably known throughout the
United States.
A newsboys’ band of thirty-eight pieces was organized, the sellers
being in the majority. The expense of the band was borne entirely by
one of the enterprising dailies. The musical talent, discovered by
an efficient leader, in the newsboys, was remarkable. In less than a
year they were able to play some of the most difficult pieces, and the
general deportment of the boys surprised all who saw them.
The organization of the South-end Cadets was an event which proved to
be one of the most successful additions to the association. Their fine
personal appearance, their remarkable drilling, their good behavior
at all times and on all occasions, with the band, made Boyville
extensively and favorably known as the home of the best newsboys in the
world.
Nothing in the history of the work among the newsboys was as important
as the interest taken by the various churches, regardless of sect,
through their ministers, in holding special Sunday evening meetings for
the members of the association. All through the city the auxiliaries
were invited, and particular pains taken in the preparation of a
program suitable to all. When the boys were first invited, the
expression was frequently heard: “Gee wiz, we gets front rows.”
The illustration shows the boys marching to one of these evening
entertainments.
The value of these meetings cannot be estimated. The good attendance,
the close attention, the good behavior of the boys made them many
friends, and people began to look more kindly upon the newsboy.
With these improvements in the street-boy and the success of the
association naturally, the president received many letters from men and
women all over the land seeking information about the detail work of
the association.
With the view that this work may eventually be extended throughout the
country, the president conceived the idea that a convention of newsboys
and their friends might be held and a National association organized
through which much good could be accomplished. He therefore opened
correspondence with the managers of the World’s Fair, St. Louis, Mo.,
with a view of getting their consent and approval to set apart a day to
be known as Newsboys’ Day. This met with prompt reply and a most hearty
endorsement of the officials, and newspaper representatives generally
throughout the United States, and resulted in selecting Tuesday, August
16, 1904, as Newsboys’ Day.
That the convention might prove a success, particularly among men who
are familiar with work among newsboys, the aid of the circulating
managers of the newspapers was asked. At the annual convention of the
National Association of Managers of Newspaper Circulation, held at the
World’s Fair June 12, 1904, the president of “Boyville” appeared and
explained the methods adopted in this association. He satisfied them
that, not only did the association accomplish much good, through its
efforts to influence boy’s work, but it also proved to be a great aid
to the newspapers in increasing circulation. He therefore asked for
endorsement and support of the members of this organization in forming
a National Newsboys’ Association.
In recognition of this a resolution was unanimously passed endorsing
the movement; and a committee was appointed to co-operate with the
trustees of the Boyville association with the view of not only making
Newsboys’ Day a success but in organizing a National Newsboys’
Association.