History of the Boys and Girls Club of Northern Westchester

Click anywhere on our timeline to pick up the story:

In 1936, jobs in Mt. Kisco were scarce, opportunities for supervised recreation were sporadic, swimming took place in a series of forbidden mudholes; petty mischief and more serious offenses were a matter of general concern. In December 1936, a committee of local citizens was formed to explore the establishment of a permanent Boys Club. The opening date was set for March 1st, 1937.
On the first day, 85 boys enrolled. By the end of the week, there were 115 members and, in less than a month, total enrollment was 225. About 70 boys attended the Club each day for a variety of activities including volleyball, boxing, ping-pong, baseball, handball, and horseshoe pitching.

The boys of Mt. Kisco had a place they could call their own.

1940's
In May 1947, there was a long debate on whether a juke box and a soft drink machine were appropriate for the Club. Both were installed to the immense delight of the boys. Shortly thereafter, television made its debut at the Club and was given credit for an average nightly attendance of 150.

1950's
By fall of 1951, the Club needed a thorough overhaul, and the community responded enthusiastically. Local businesses, carpenters, painters, masons, electricians and plumbers contributed materials and labor - evidence that the community, as well as the boys, placed a high value on the Club. When a universal call for programs for girls arose, the Club took action. By May, 1956, 212 girls were registered members.

1960's
The 60's saw the introduction of a new element that changed the very nature of the Club - an indoor swimming pool. The only facility of its kind in the area, the pool brought users from miles around, and the Club continued to evolve from a social service agency for the underprivileged to a recreational center for all.

1970's
By 1975, the Club offered supervised recreational activities to more than 2500 boys and girls and about 1000 adults.

1980's
By 1980, the Club's users ranged from preschoolers to senior citizens - more than 75% of whom came from beyond the village of Mt. Kisco.

1990's
In the 1990s, with the successful completion of our 18,000sq.ft. renovation project, the club served 4,000 youth members with an average daily attendance of 650. Our new eight lane swimming pool, pre-teen drop-in center, teen center, expanded school-aged child care and pre-school child care program, administrative offices, and expanded parking area make the Boys and Girls Club of Northern Westchester one of the largest and most well equipped clubs in the country. The club also operates satellite units in Yorktown, and Tarrytown.

We will continue to evolve in response to the changing needs of our youth and our community. We believe we have found a formula that works to provide a safe, challenging and welcoming "Positive Place For Kids."