Save The Boys
He accosted a lad in the street, and asked where he worked. The boy replied, “Shut up, and mind your own business,” and he did so, for he felt it his business to find out something more about the lad. He therefore asked the boy if he would like to come to his place of an evening and have a game of quoits, etc., and the boy replied, “Rather.” (Footscray Independent 24 August 1901)
An interesting account of the humble beginnings of the Try Society.
Accustomed to the problems of the time for the numerous boys who made the streets their playgrounds, William Forster was prompted to do something practical to assist the more unfortunate lads of the community.
William Mark Forster founded; the Toorak and South Yarra Try Society, the Gordon Institute for Boys, the City Newsboys’ Society, and some minor institutions devoted to the welfare of boys.
The Try Society had its own mouth organ band in the early twentieth century all resplendent in their sailor outfits. Perhaps the Crackajack Mouth Organ was the instrument of choice due to their Sailor Jack promotion and being sold by Allan’s of Melbourne.
The Try Boys would regularly hold Mouth Organ Competitions throughout the years (as early as 1893) for just the lads, but during the 1930’s they held a prestigious competition for all and sundry. Many high class artists and bands fought for the generous prizes on offer.
Happy New Month Riff Raffers.
Let’s hope all the horses make it home safely.
The Ol’ Harp Hound Hisself
Harmonica Riff Raff 