This Saturday, November 21 from 11:30am to 1:00pm Jim Hanley's Universe will be holding a special event at the JHU Underground at our Manhattan Location: In celebration of the release of Madison Square Memoir: The Magic and History of the Madison Square Boys & Girls Club (available exclusively at JHU, see press release below) Jim Hanley's Universe will be holding a signing and discussion with the book's author Irving Harris.
Joining Irving will be alumni from over 70 years of men and women who have benefited from this great organization. So if you or someone you love has been affected by the Boys & Girls Club, or just love local New York City history, then come on down for an afternoon of memories and fun, Exclusively at Jim Hanley's Universe!
Jeff
The press release follows the jump.
Press Release
MADISON SQUARE MEMOIR, THE MAGIC AND HISTORY OF MADISON SQUARE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB By Irving Harris IS NOW AVAILABLE
NEW YORK, NY November 19, 2009
Irving Harris, alumnus, former staffer, and TV talent coordinator has written a book of memories and early history of the Madison Square Boys Club, which became the Madison Square Boys and Girls Club in 1984. His 240 page book, which has been in the works for a number of years has a delightful foreword by alumnus and actor, Ben Gazzara, and is filled with numerous color photos and charming anecdotes about the club. The book covers six decades, focusing particularly on the 1940’s, 1950’s and 1960’s right up to 1999. The book is helping Madison celebrate its 125th Anniversary, which by no accident, falls on the exact day of the book launch, November 21st.
Irving Harris, at the age of 7 in the early 1930s, saved five pennies so he could join the Boy’s Club and attend the free movie night. For many years Irving has been compiling stories, anecdotes, and photos of his fond memories, which include his once in a lifetime experiences ranging from Herbert Hoover’s ribbon cutting ceremony at the opening of Madison’s brand new 5 story building on East 29th St. to his childhood memories of marching in the Raggamuffin Parade. He also tells of his early involvement with Club member celebrities such as Ben Gazzarra and Patty Duke, plus a host of others that all entered through Madison’s doors. There is even a classic photo of the founding Executive Director Albert B. Hines milking a cow on the sidewalk of the 30th Street Clubhouse.
At the close of the book is an epilogue by Joseph Patuleia, the Executive Director of Madison, who brings us up to date on happenings since 1999. Madison’s mission remains true to its roots, which was to save and enhance the lives of New York City’s kids. Today over 5,000 boys and girls are enjoying what the Club’s have to offer, just as the kids in the book did in their day.
This book is a must have for anybody who has ever been a member of a Boys & Girls Club or who has an interest in history during the 1940s through the end of the century. You will find the book sold in print at: www.madisonsquare.org or Jim Hanley’s Universe, 4 West 33rd St., New York, NY 10118
About Madison Square Boys & Girls Club
Since 1884, the Madison Square Boys & Girls Club has been providing after school and summer programs for thousands of children in New York City’s most disadvantaged communities. By providing proven education, recreation and guidance programs in a safe and nurturing environment that many children consider a second home, we help our young participants lead happy, healthy and productive lives. A founding member of the Boys & Girls Club of America, Madison currently serves over 5,000 youth ages six to eighteen at four clubhouses in the Bronx, Brooklyn and at Camp Madison in Kingston, New York. For more information, visit our website at www.madisonsquare.org or call 212.760.9600. Headquarters is located at 350 Fifth Ave, Suite 912, New York, NY 10118.
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