I was born in Omaha, Nebraska, and one of my earliest memories was going to visit my uncle at Boys Town where he was a young priest at the time. My parents would load us up in the car, and we would drive down the highway and into the country, past acres of corn fields, until we reached the sprawling farm land of Boys Town.
In that random way of how certain memories from many years ago remain vivid, I remember my uncle’s apartment, which was quite nice. We lovingly called him Father Louie, and his furniture was the blonde wood from the late 50s and early 60s. But I especially remember that he spoiled us with ice cream sundaes and assorted toppings, a treat my mother never indulged us, which is probably why it’s still a fond memory to this day.
A few years later, we moved to western Nebraska, where I lived until the late 1980s. After I was married and had four daughters, we moved back to Omaha. It was during those years that Boys Town changed the most, and it is still evolving to this day as a powerhouse for medical care and mental health support for children and families.
It took me awhile to appreciate Boys Town, Fr. Flanagan, and his/their work with young boys, and later, young girls. Their move toward homes run by family teachers was hugely consequential and up-ended the norms of the foster care system. That is certainly a subject for another day, but in order to appreciate Boys Town, understanding its humble beginnings is a must.
HISTORY
Edward J. Flanagan was born premature in 1886 in Ireland to a devout, working-class farm family. It’s said that after little Edward’s birth, fearing he would die, his grandfather cradled him against his body, inside his shirt, and rocked him all night long in front of the fire. It’s believed this loving care is what saved Baby Edward’s life.
Flanagan emigrated to the United States in 1904, pursued his priestly studies, and was ordained in Austria in 1912.
Returning to America, he was assigned to the Diocese of Omaha, Nebraska, where he became especially moved by the hopelessness of men who’d lost jobs, homes, and families. Ironically, this first assignment was at St. Patrick’s Church, where Father Louie would eventually become pastor decades later.
In 1916, in a run-down mansion, he took these men in, found them jobs, and as he lived among them, realized that many of them were neglected as children. This fueled his passion to conquer delinquency of young boys who were pathetically poor, many orphaned and living on the streets.
In 1917, with $90 he borrowed from a friend, he rented a house and took in five boys, the first of many he would eventually care for. Believing “there’s no such thing as a bad boy,” Father Flanagan provided each with a nurturing home environment, education, job skills, and a focus of God in their lives.
It didn’t take long before they outgrew the house. In 1921, he purchased a farm ten miles west of Omaha, which remains today as the permanent site for Boys Town.
In time, he became an international figure, recognized by world leaders. In 1938, the blockbuster film Boys Town was released, starring Spencer Tracy as Father Flanagan and Mickey Rooney as one of the boys. The movie went on to win an Academy Award.
While on a mission in Europe, Father Flanagan died of a heart attack in Germany in 1948. He was buried at Dowd Memorial Chapel in Boys Town (where I have attended Mass many times). In continuation of his beloved legacy, the Catholic Church and countless thousands are prayerfully pursuing his sainthood.
Wouldn’t that be something?
And remember my drive into the country to visit Boys Town as a little girl? Those corn fields have long-since been lost to Omaha’s urban sprawl, and million-dollar homes, apartments, and office buildings have been built on those acres.
Boys Town, Nebraska, however, remains as the headquarters for Father Flanagan’s mission with a beautiful, sprawling campus, including a lake. Indeed, he probably wouldn’t recognize the farm that once had such humble beginnings, thanks to those who have ardently carried on his work.
Then again, I suspect he would never have suspected his work would continue throughout America, not only in Family Homes but also top-notch research facilities and clinics. His work in Social Reform continues as a model globally in transitioning youth behavior into responsible, successful adulthood.
Highly Recommend:
The Heart of a Servant, available for a nominal fee on Amazon Prime Video.
It’s really cool that one of the stars of the documentary is Jonathan Roumie of “The Chosen” fame, and Fr. Steven Boes, once the director of Boys Town, and now the Senior Associate Pastor at my parish.
Boys Town, starring Spencer Tracy and Mickey Rooney, also available on Amazon Prime Video.
Father Flanagan is revered throughout the world, but especially here in Omaha. If you ever travel to Omaha, I heartily invite you to visit Boys Town. There’s so much to see and learn!
Have you visited Omaha before?
Are you familiar with Boys Town? Father Flanagan?
Pam has written 30 romances, most of them historical westerns, but she's proud of her contemporary sweet romances featuring the Blackstone Ranch series published by Tule Publishing, too! Stay up on the latest at www.pamcrooks.com
I’ve heard of it and I’ve seen the movie, and I appreciate your personal insight into Boys Town.
I know you love to learn, Denise. I’m glad you enjoyed my blog.
Been to boys town in the mid 90’s still amazed at how it all got started.
I know, Kim! Most everything has humble beginnings, but Boys Town has only grown and endured over the decades – and will into the future, too.
I have never been to the mid west. I have heard of Boys Town, didn’t realize the history of it. Thanks for sharing.
It truly is an amazing history! I’m happy to share . . .
I have heard of Boys Town but have never been there. thanks so much for such a wonderful post.
I hope you get to visit Boys Town some day, Debra. You could spend all day there, there’s so much to see and learn.
I watched Boys Town many years ago on TV. Thank you for the history.
You’re welcome. Spencer Tracy and Mickey Rooney truly made the movie memorable.
I loved learning this history, Pam. Such a godly man with a heart for helping young men. It just goes to show that we should never be afriad to start small. If God blesses the work, there’s no telling how many lives will be touched by it.
Well spoken, Karen. From going to a tiny, premature baby to a man that will always be remembered as larger than life, he truly devoted his life to God’s work. He deserves sainthood!
Thanks for stopping by, my friend.
I’ve heard of Boys Town, though I’ve never watched the movie. I haven’t been to Nebraska, either, though I’d like to visit!
I hope you get to come to Nebraska some day, Trudy. And if you have Amazon Prime, I hope you watch the movie. It’s quite memorable.
Good morning Pam! Thanks for this article! I’ve heard of Boys Town. Seen the movie too. I haven’t been many places or all the states. Just a few. Never been to Omaha. But would love to go!
Best wishes always!
Some places are truly worth the effort as a destination visit, Tracy. I know you would be moved by visiting Boys Town. People come by the busload from all over the country – literally!
I have never been to Omaha, and I don’t think I have ever heard of Boys Town.
And now you have, right? 🙂 Do check out the movies – they are so worth watching.
Good morning, no I have never been to Omaha and yes, I have heard of Boys Town, Father Flanagan and I watched the movie. I really liked the movie. Thank you so much for sharing this info. with us, I enjoyed reading it and learning even more. Have a great day and a great week.
Same to you, Alicia. I’m happy you enjoyed the blog!
I have been through Omaha lots of times when traveling. I even flew out of the airport once in 1981. We never stopped to do any sightseeing though.
Hi, Barbara. Omaha and the state of Nebraska is one of those sleeping giants where we don’t get the attention some of the states do, but we really do have a lot to offer, Boys Town (in my opinion) being at the top of the list.
Maybe you’ll be able to come back and sightsee some time!
Yes, I have visited Omaha, but not to go to Boy’s Town. I have heard of Father Flanagan for many years as I grew up in Iowa. It is quite a feat, the way he helped to lift up those in desperate need of love and care. Anyone can obtain these things if GOD is in it with them. GOD blessed this endeavor, to the good fortune of many young boys/men.
Ah, an Iowa girl! With Omaha right on the river, Iowans don’t have far to come in to see the city.
Maybe you’ll get to see Boys Town some day. Well said about God’s influence. So true. Those boys/men (and later girls) were truly blessed to have been helped throughout their lives.
I have stopped in Omaha while traveling across the country. Our sightseeing goal was the stock yards area when it was still active and again in 2004 when it was hardly recognizable with its office buildings and shops. I have heard of Boys Town and seen the movie many years ago. I am on their fund raising list and have their 2025 calendar hanging in my home office space.
Oh, wow, Alice! I applaud you for helping Boys Town financially. They have thrived because of their benefactors, and I heard the Boys Town alum are especially generous.
I remember the Omaha Stockyards. They were such an important market for cattle, but time and money changed the process. But the building still stands as the Livestock Exchange Building and is a popular place for wedding receptions, etc. My 3rd daughter had her reception there, and I loved being surrounded by the history – and beauty!
We have been to and through Omaha several times, usually for Air Force related events. We never had much time to do much site seeing. Of course I know about Boys Town, but didn’t connect where it is. Next time we are out that way, I will be sure we visit.
We did visit the SAC Museum near the Air Base and the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium . They were not quite finished with a major section when we were there. It is one of the best zoos we have ever visited, if not the best. I would love to get our granddaughter into the summer classes they have at the SAC Museum. The zoo has some fun overnight programs.
The chapel is lovely. I did not realize they were working on gaining sainthood for Father Flanagan. He certainly provided a necessary service to the people he helped as well as for community
As always, Pat, you are so knowledgeable. You are right about the Henry Doorly Zoo. It’s amazing and they have been acclaimed as being the best zoo in the country. SAC is fascinating, and it’s so cool to see the planes hanging from the ceiling!
Yes about Father Flanagan’s sainthood. I certainly hope it happens for him. He did so much good for those who needed help the most, certainly a strong qualification, right?
I do hope you make it back to Omaha to visit Boys Town. You would love it!
What an amazing legacy, to have had a family member be involved in such an important and world-changing project! Thanks so much for sharing that history with us.
Right, Elissa? Like I said, I didn’t quite appreciate it when I was younger as much as I do now. I wish Father Louie was still alive – I would love to have that conversation with him. 🙂
Pam, that is so cool you’re related to Father Louie and visited with him at Boys Town!
As far back as I can remember, my parents would receive the Boys Town mailing and reply with a donation.
Money well spent, Lynn!!!
I also live in that area. Go past Boys Town all the time.