Bob Marks
Father Edward Flanagan, founder of Boys Town, is probably the most widely known of Omahaâs historical figures. He and his creation on West Dodge Road are recognized internationally.
A factor that may be underrated in the growth and good fortunes of his home for boys is ⦠Entertainment!
It wasnât long after the saintly Father moved the home out to âOverlook Farmâ in 1921 that he started inviting influential members of the public to visit. The boys guided the visitors on tours while others sang and played their second-hand instruments during lunch.
Soon Father Flanagan was organizing a traveling show with the most talented boys. For transport he bought two horse-drawn circus wagons and emblazoned them in red and gold with the words, âFATHER FLANAGANâS BOYSâ SHOWS â WORLDâS GREATEST JUVENILE ACTORS.â
Boys Town s earliest hits omaha.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from omaha.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.