LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 125th Anniversary of the Madi-
son Square Boys and Girls Club

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 125th Anniversary of the Madison Square Boys and Girls Club on
Wednesday, August 12, 2009, in New York City; and
WHEREAS, The Madison Square Boys and Girls Club is a nonprofit charity
supported by donors and volunteers that share the goal of saving and
enhancing the lives of New York City children; and
WHEREAS, Since 1884, the Madison Square Boys and Girls Club has been
providing after school and summer programs that help build happy, heal-
thy and productive lives for thousands of New York City's most vulner-
able kids; it does this by providing education, recreation and guidance
programs in a safe and nurturing environment that many children consider
a second home; and
WHEREAS, A founding member of the Boys and Girls Club of America,
Madison Square Boys and Girls Club currently serves 5,000 youth ages six
to 18 at seven Clubhouses in the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens and at Camp
Madison in Kingston, New York; and
WHEREAS, In 1884, Dr. Charles H. Parkhurst, Pastor of the Madison
Square Church and President of the Society for the Prevention of Crime,
suggested a Boys Club as a means to address the problem of youth gangs
in the city's toughest eastside district; in response, a club was found-
ed in a vacant store on First Avenue and 37th Street; operating as a
mission of the church, the club relocated within the community several
times before becoming an organization independent of the church in 1902;
and
WHEREAS, In the early years, trustees took turns opening the club and
supervising recreational and vocational programs which included crafts,
dramatics, sports, lectures and trade classes; the club carried out its
mission in a variety of buildings including public schools, private
houses and church basements; it was not until 1939 when Herbert Hoover,
then Chairman of the National Association of Boys Clubs, opened the
first youth dedicated facility at 29th Street in Manhattan; and
WHEREAS, While girls participated in club programs from the very
beginning, their involvement was limited to dramatics, swimming and
socials; the trustees recognized the need for girls' programs and were
instrumental in founding the Girls Club of New York; it was in 1984 that
the clubs were officially opened to both girls and boys and the organ-
ization was renamed the Madison Square Boys and Girls Club; and
WHEREAS, Albert B. Hines served as the Boys Club Director from 1912 to
1953; his contributions to the growth of Madison and the early Boys Club
movement were many; he is best remembered for laying the foundation for
his successors, Sherwood Ernenwien, Chuck Lawley and current Executive
Director, Joseph Patuleia who have developed Madison into one of the
Boys and Girls Club of America's flagship organizations; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, the Madison Square Boys and Girls
Club's distinguished record merits the recognition and respectful trib-
ute of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 125th Anniversary of the Madison Square Boys and Girls
Club; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Executive Director, Joseph Patuleia and Myles D. Gillespie,
President, Madison Square Boys and Girls Club.