Description

The Evening Press Newsboys' Association was formed in 1894 and was made up of the Newsboys' Band, the Newsboys' Athletic Club, the Pony Cadets (a Newsboys Military Company), the Newsboys' Library Association, and "Happy Hour" (meetings for cultural and educational programs put on by community leaders for the betterment of children). 

Each Evening Press building contained special areas for the newsboys like gymnasiums, pools, and classrooms. Most newsboys missed school due to work hours conflicting with a regular school schedule so in 1895 the Press hired a teacher to teach the newsboys at a special time. This continued for 30 years. There were also many other classes provided to the organization by the Press such as dance, sewing, and swim classes. The Press even provided a houseboat for the newsboys' in 1903 which was used until 1909. 

In 1913 the Evening Press became the Grand Rapids Press, therefore changing the name of the newsboys to the Grand Rapids Newsboys' Association. The Newsboys' Band continued to operate until 1923 after the passing of their band director, John Wesley Lafferty. Happy Hour was discontinued in 1929 after many of its functions were taken over by other agencies. As time passed, the extracurriculars provided to the newsboys by the Press began to cease due to schools and other programs providing the same services. 

Alternate name

Evening Press Newsboys