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Fund Raising Promotional Map for Father Flanagan's Boys Town

This illustrated map represents Father Flanagan's Boys' Home, known as Boys Town, situated in Nebraska, with a testimonial and fund raising appeal letter on the verso.

The map provides a vivid depiction of the institution's expansive campus as it existed at the time of printing, as well as planned future developments.

In the center of the image lies the Chapel, a focal point of the complex, with a series of four apartment buildings directly behind it, signifying the extent of Boys Town at the time of the map's creation. To the right of the Chapel are additional structures, marking the currently established facilities.

The left side of the Chapel shows a series of proposed constructions, symbolizing the growth and ambition of Boys Town's building program. Upon completion, these additions are expected to offer a comprehensive range of services and facilities for 1,000 homeless boys, including modern homes, dining areas, educational institutions for different levels, vocational training in practical trades, a field house, various athletic fields, a swimming pool, and an administration building. This development aims to provide for the boys' needs comprehensively, catering to their care, training, and education irrespective of their race or creed. 

Boys Town

Boys Town, originally known as Father Flanagan's Boys' Home, was founded by Edward J. Flanagan, a Roman Catholic priest, in 1917. It started as a home for wayward boys, regardless of their race or religion, at a time when such inclusiveness was not the norm. Father Flanagan's philosophy was that every child could be a productive citizen if given love, a home, an education, and a trade. He believed that children should be taught to right from wrong and that the tools of good citizenship should be placed in their hands.

The history of Boys Town is one of expansion and evolution to meet the changing needs of America's youth. From its humble beginnings in a rented house in downtown Omaha, Nebraska, Boys Town grew rapidly. By the time of the map's creation, Boys Town had become a fully developed community with its own schools, churches, and other facilities.

The institution gained national attention when MGM released the film "Boys Town" in 1938, starring Spencer Tracy as Father Flanagan and Mickey Rooney as one of the boys. The film was a hit and won two Academy Awards, bringing even greater awareness and support to Father Flanagan's work.

By 1950, when this map was produced, Boys Town was already a nationally recognized name in child care, and Father Flanagan's vision had helped shape the way the nation cared for its children, especially those without homes. The map indicates the plans for expansion that would allow Boys Town to accommodate and educate 1,000 boys.

The Boys Town model has been adopted by caring institutions worldwide and continues to represent a beacon of hope for troubled youth. Father Flanagan's Boys' Home remains a living legacy, with its main campus still located in Boys Town, Nebraska, continuing to serve the needs of children and families.

Rarity

This promotional letter map is very rare.  

We note only a single example listed in OCLC (University of Kansas).