FATHER EDWARD J. FLANAGAN - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 11/22/1943 - HFSID 140208

FATHER EDWARD J. FLANAGAN
As founder Boys Town he sends a letter regarding funraising money to help clothe, feed and provide housing for the men of Boys Town
Typed Letter Signed: "Father Flanagan". 1p, 8¼x10¾. Fundraising letter on Christmas letterhead of Boys Town. Boys Town, Nebraska, 1943 November 22. Signed on verso. In full: "My dear Friend: I have always believed that the homeless, destitute and unwanted boys who come to us at Boys Town have as good stuff in them as any American boy ever had. If I needed further proof to substantiate my belief, I could find it in the following words from a letter addressed to me by our 1943 graduating class: 'In a few days, we the Senior Class of 1943, will be leaving Boys Town to go out into the world that a few short years ago did not want us, took no interest in us, and left us to shift for ourselves. Since that time, we have been in training in Boys Town for a job that will take a life-time to complete. It is the job of continuing the development of those qualities for which Boys Town is known throughout the land - a man's-sized job of being real men and real citizens of our beloved country. You have given us the opportunities, you have given us the tools, you have given us the example of the way we are to work - to you, we owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude. This we promise you, ours will be lives of which you may be justly proud; ours will be deeds which will portray to the world the training you gave us; and ours will be the pleasure of being products of Father Flanagan, real Men of Boys Town.' 5,000 of these neglected boys of all races and religious creeds, from every section of the country have found their first real home at Boys Town. Here they have been educated in the classroom, trained in the workshop, and given the opportunity to develop civic responsibility by conducting their own municipal government. They have become good citizens, and the country is better off because of the early training they have had. Hundreds are in our armed forces, and ten have already lost their lives in the service. There are many boys growing up today who will be left homeless because their fathers will not return from this war. Strange ideas will be conceived in their minds, and will flourish unless we fortify them with a good home and proper training. After 25 years' experience, I believe we at Boys Town are equipped to be of constructive service in this emergency. It costs only 50 ¢ per day, or about $4 per week to feed, clothe and house a boy here at Boys Town - and every penny must come from our friends, for we receive no support from any Church, State or Federal Government, or Community Chest. Will you kindly provide for a boy for as many days or weeks as your heart and your purse may dictate? Any gift you send me will be of great assistance in making my boys' Christmas dream come true, and will help me provide for my large family through the coming year. A self-addressed envelope, which needs no postage, is enclosed. Thank you- and God bless you! Sincerely, (printed signature) P.S. In return for your kindness, my boys will elect you an Honorary Citizen of Boys Town, and I will send your Certificate with my acknowledgement. E.J.F." (signed on verso) Father Edward Joseph FLANAGAN (1886-1948), an Irish-born Catholic Priest, founded Boys Town in Omaha, Nebraska in 1917 to care for abused, abandoned and neglected children. Now serving both boys and girls, the program continues to flourish, with 19 centers in 14 states. Father Flanagan was portrayed by Spencer Tracy in the popular movie Boys Town (1938). Lightly creased, with vertical and horizontal folds, with some browning at folds. 1/8" tear in upper right of signature side, near signature. Ink note (unknown hand) on verso. Otherwise, fine condition.