100 years ago today, an Irish immigrant, Father Ed Flanagan, opened Boys Town as a home for wayward boys in Nebraska. After arriving in the US, he became a social reformer as a priest—trying to change how America cared for its children. With nothing more than a $90 loan from a friend, he bought an old boarding house and began welcoming Omaha’s homeless boys, regardless of race or religion and even child criminals in prison for serious crimes.
Soon they outgrew the home with 100 boys getting a new start, and even electing their own government. WATCH a short bio… (1917)
The 1938 film Boys Town, starring Spencer Tracy as Father Flanagan, was based on, and some scenes were filmed at, the now-famous home. Tracy won the Oscar for Best Actor and his entire acceptance speech sang the praises of Father Flanagan. The Catholic leader…
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