[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 20 (Tuesday, February 24, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E189]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF NORTHWEST 
               INDIANA THROUGHOUT ITS 50 YEARS OF SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 24, 2004

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor and pleasure that 
I stand before you today to recognize the many accomplishments of the 
Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana throughout its 50 years of 
service to the Northwest Indiana community. As the citizens of Lake 
County, Indiana celebrate the 50th Year Jubilee of the Boys & Girls 
Clubs of Northwest Indiana, we are reminded of the dedication and 
valiant efforts that have been made to incorporate education and 
community leadership in the region.
  Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana began in the early 1950's 
when Mr. Paul Guist, Mr. Sid Holub, Mr. Robert Salvaggi and several 
other Gary businessmen decided that the children of Gary needed a place 
to go, complete with worthwhile activities, to help keep kids from 
spending time on street corners. Their efforts led to the incorporation 
of the Steel City Boys Club of Gary, Indiana on August 17, 1954.
  The Boys Club was incorporated in 1954 when it operated in the 
hallways, auditorium, gymnasium and one room in the old Beveridge 
School in Tolleston. Its official name became Steel City Boys Club. In 
1956, another club opened in the Webster School Gym located in Glen 
Park. This was the year that the organization also became a United Way 
Agency. An additional club eventually moved into the basement of the 
Assyrian Church where it remained until a permanent location at 7th and 
Adams was established through the efforts of Mr. John Will Anderson of 
the Anderson Company. Through Mr. Anderson's gift, the Old Moose Lodge 
building at 7th and Adams was purchased in 1965. Mr. Anderson and the 
Anderson Company donated the money and manpower to see that the 
building was completely renovated and ready for operation in October, 
1967. The New Boys Club facility officially opened on October 23, 1967, 
appropriately dedicated as the John Will Anderson Boys Club.
  Another Boys Club was opened in 1969 in the Salesian Prep School in 
Cedar Lake, and in November, 1976 that club moved to West 133rd Avenue. 
In 1982, the new Cedar Lake Club was built on Fairbanks Street where it 
remains today. In 1973, Katherine House and the East Chicago Boys Club 
merged to form the East Chicago-Katherine House Boys Club and became a 
unit of the Steel City Boys Club organization. In 1976, the John Will 
Anderson Club moved to the former Young Men's Christian Association 
building on 5th Avenue in Gary where it remains today. In 1977, the 
Steel City Boys Club corporate name was changed to the Boys Clubs of 
Northwest Indiana. In March of 1979, the Hammond Boys Club was 
established in the Miller School of Hessville, and today a new building 
built in 1994 proudly stands on Calumet Avenue. The Lake Station Club 
was opened in July of 2001.
  In 1988, Boys Clubs of Northwest Indiana officially changed its name 
to Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana--as girls were recognized as 
official club members. In spite of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest 
Indiana's growth and changes, their philosophy has never changed--to 
inspire and enable all young people, especially those from 
disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as 
productive, responsible and caring citizens.
  Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in honoring and congratulating the Boys & Girls 
Clubs of Northwest Indiana, as well as its staff and community leaders 
on their 50th anniversary. Their many great accomplishments and service 
to Lake County, Indiana will forever be cherished and commended.

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