Our 125 Year Legacy

About

The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Haverhill (formerly the Haverhill Boys' Club) is one of the oldest in the United States. Opened in 1900, it was the 43rd Boys' Club in the US. Our building is more than 120 years old, and has fed, taught & raised the youth of Haverhill. Our Club has been a home to countless families and children and strives to continue to do so into the future. As of January 5, 2009, we opened our beneficial services up to all youth 6-18 years old regardless of gender. Our club has served over 75,000 youths in the past 125 years. 

​A Boys and Girls Club provides: A safe place to learn and grow, ongoing relationships with caring, adult professionals, and life enhancing programs and character development experiences

​Our Mission

To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.

​Our Core Beliefs

The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Haverhill is for everyone. No matter where you come from, what you look like, or how you identify, you belong here. We believe that to inspire and develop the next generation, we must help all children develop the skills that will help them fulfill their potential.

We will continue to play our part in building a more inclusive and equitable world, starting with our own organization. We welcome and celebrate everyone at our Club.

HIGHLIGHTS OF HAVERHILL BOYS CLUB HISTORY

125 Years of Service to the Community

Scroll through our interactive timeline to explore the rich history of the Haverhill Boys Club, from its humble beginnings in 1897 to the present day.

1897

Mr. Elmer W. Welch, a printer, unofficially founded the Haverhill Boys Club. His home on the corner of Observatory Ave. and Washington St. became the first clubhouse. He assumed sole responsibility of operations at an annual cost of $300.

1899

Quarters were moved to a vacant store on the present site of St. Michael's church.

1900

The Haverhill Boys Club officially became the 40th Boys Club in the United States. Now there are over 4000 Clubs.

1906

On January 22, the Club was incorporated in the State of Massachusetts and became affiliated with the Federation Boys Clubs of America.

1910

Membership and activities grew rapidly; therefore, a building of our own became inevitable. On May 5, 1910 an anonymous person donated $1 to a building fund and 25 cents as a starter of a permanent endowment fund.

1915

The citizens of Haverhill rallied to aid the Haverhill Boys Club cause, by conducting a capital fund drive. Mr. Bailey and the Board of Directors raised $85,000 in only 10 days, a massive amount at the time.

1917

The Directors bought the property of Albert H. Whittaker at 57-59 Emerson St. for $13,000.

1918

In November the Haverhill Boys Club was dedicated.

1919

Camp Tasker, at Country Pond Newton NH, was founded through a grant of $5,000 by the widow of Mr. Orin W. Tasker. It became a 7-acre camp with 11 buildings, a large playground and waterfront facilities that became a pioneer in youth development.

1936

President Herbert Hoover led the country out of the Depression and in his post presidential life he served as the Boys Clubs of America chairman from 1936 to 1964. He told all, "There are millions more of these pavement boys and girls for whom we should reach. Their dynamic instincts and energies can be directed to channels of prevention far more effective than by punishment." His goal of 1000 Clubs serving 1 million boys was reached in 1972.

1940's

During World War ll, the Club became the boys' "Home away from Home." In order to adapt to the times, many programs for the times were initiated such as shoe repair.

1950's

Disasters struck - First, the Headquarters cottage burned down in the off season and then the recreation hall totally collapsed under extreme wind and heavy snow. Haverhill Trade School provided manpower and construction know-how to rebuild. $40,000 of building was obtained for only $4,000 in materials.

1960

Capital drive for gym expansion, but only $75,000 of a $250,000 campaign was collected.

1970's

The Haverhill Boys Club offered many new programs. Core Programs included: The Arts, Character & Leadership Development, Health & Life Skills, Education & Career Development and Sports, Fitness and Recreation.

1980

The $75,000 raised for the failed 1960 Capital Drive was carefully and successfully invested over 21 years and amounted to $350,000 by 1980. President Arthur C. Morrow and the Board of Director voted on March 28, 1980, after many studies, to expand the gym and facilities for $425,000.

1981

President Alfred J. Cirome and the Board set a goal of an additional $75,000 to go along with the accumulated $350,000 to reach $425,000.

1982

On May 16, 1982 a greatly enlarged gym and additional facilities were dedicated.

1986

The Haverhill Boys Club becomes affiliated with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Its local name remained Haverhill Boys Club, but the Board has a long-term goal to become the Greater Haverhill Boys & Girls Club.

2009

The Haverhill Boys Club invited girls and became the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Haverhill.

2025

The Greater Haverhill Boys and Girls Club celebrates 125 years of history!