History:
THE ONSET YOUTH CENTER, INC
"Help Build a Brighter Future for the Youth of Our Communities"
First began October 23rd,1950
The Incorporators of the Onset Youth Center, Inc., being more than seven in number, and having waived all requirements of the General Laws of Massachusetts for notice of the first meeting of the organization, held their first meeting at #1 West Boulevard, Onset, in the Town of Wareham, Massachusetts, on October 23rd, 1950 at 7:30 p.m.
The meeting was called by LeRoy A. Besse.
Elected members to the Board of Directors were LeRoy A. Besse, Merrill W. Hammond, Lawrence L. Richardson, Fred W. Braun, James N. Allaire, C. Kenneth Rider, Leroy P. Ellis, Thomas Henderson, Jr., and James J. Bento,
December 18, 1950
Talk centered around Disaster Fund of $600.00 now on hand, funds given with stipulation that when building is built a plaque be erected in some part of the building stating that the land was bought by funds donated in memory of the persons killed or injured in the explosion in Onset.
Members of Disaster Fund Committee, Mr. Merrihew Pres., Mr. John Delsey Treasurer, Elwin Morse, John MacDonald, Mrs. Norma Fraser, Sam Stevenson.
Motion made by LeRoy Besse that a rising vote of thanks be given this committee for its donation.
Lot purchased 493(492)park lot, Plan book #1 Folio 58, Plan of Onset Bay Grove Ass’t.
April 19, 1951
Attorney Bento reports deed to property is all cleared and deed ready for recording and property paid for!
September 10, 1951 The building was started. It took a lot of time and effort of many people to make this community project happen. They finally finished in November 1961
Dura Higgins showed a design for a symbol emblem for the Youth Center.
Red & White
October 20, 1961 Boy Scout Troop 35 under the direction of Scout Master William Joyce Received a award for the work that they did at the Onset Youth Center.
Oct. 24, 1960
A survey program was presented.
Dancing - Friday Record Hop 33 Age 8 -11
Weight lifting - 22
Tap Dancing -
Tumbling and Aerobics - 25 boys, 5 girls 20 1- 6 20 1 - 6 (grade)
Archery - 25
Rifle - 25 signed up Sgt. Weygandt in charge
Ceramics - 5 no teachers (Ruth Rogers - Mrs. Walker, Mrs. Clark)
Model planes - 5
Trains - 5 some men
Boxing - 14 14 -17 yrs. (Have gloves on hand)
Wrestling - 15 Suman on Monday if we have mats.
Judo - 12 (Man at the Dairy maid
Baseball League
Basketball - Outdoor court at Onset School Tues and Thurs town school
Tappit club or hot rod club. Thursday, they would like to meet here and wonder if we could sponsor them as such. They would make a donation. Agreed they could meet here but no cars. Mr. Tracy will be in charge of this group.
THE ONSET YOUTH CENTERS GRAND OPENING
We will be open for inspection and open house Nov. 28, 1961 from 7 - 9 pm. Adults, youth and children are invited. Cranberry juice and crackers - light refreshments will be served.
November 1961 Boy Scouts are to be held on Friday nights with William Joyce and Cub Scout Pack 35 Cub Master D. Vernon Austin Held there pack meeting at the youth center.
March 2,1962 the first record hop was held DJ by Lenny Lopes well known at Wareham High Athlete.
Meeting opened at 7:30 pm. with Mr. Merrihew presiding.
It was voted to have a “March for Youth” drive March 30 starting at 6 p.m.
Areas to be covered are all children to where Youth Center tags.
March 31,1962 Cub Scout Pack meeting was held at the Youth Center by Cub Master D. Vernon Austin, Asst. Cub Master Henry Bumpus, Den Mothers Mrs. Bumpus, Mrs. Austin, Mrs. Charles Semple, Mrs. William Joyce and Mrs. Edward Ellis
Aug. 4,1962 will be the beginning of Sat. night record hop. The 1st night Eddie Butland and Beverly Ouellette will be the adult supervisors. Signs will be posted around town. Dura Higgins is the General Chairman (temporarily)
Members with cards to pay 25 cents; non-members - 35 cents
Age group - 12 years and up; time 7:30 to 10:00 pm.
Mr. Dura Higgins will be the officer on duty.
