3-} «0.0-. AN EXPEMMENTAL STUDY OF THE REACTIONS OF TNSTITUTTONAUZED DEUNQUENT BOYS TO GUEDANCE ' ' . THRWGH {NTENSIFED GROUP ACTWTTY m A sax mum; moo . Thais ht the Dam of MA. - ' ‘ mama»: Mm comes. ‘ James MCI'QWM: ' A ‘ 195:4 ' This is to certify that the thesis entitled An Experimental Study of the Reactions of Institutionalized Delinquent Boys to Guidance Through Intensified Group Act- ivity in a Six Months Period. presented by James M. Crowner has been accepted towards fulfillment of the requirements for M A degree mm fir” Mswqxx ..\ Major professor “\~.. Date 791%44/75’f‘ ACIQTOWLEDGMENTS The author wishes to express his thanks to the late Dr. Albert J. Huggett, un- der whose supervision this study was or- iginally conceived. He is also greatly indebted to Dr. C. V. Millard who undertook the difficult role of advisor after Dr. Huggett had passed away. The study was placed in its final form under the direction of Dr. Millard. Grateful acknowledgment is also due to the staff and boys at Boys Vocational School in Lansing, Michigan who assisted me throughout my period of observation. AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF THE REACTIONS OF INSTITUTIONALIZED DELINQUENT BOYS TO GUID- ANCE THROUGH INTENSIFIED GROUP ACTIVITY IN A SIX MONTHS PERIOD A Thesis submitted to the School of Graduate Studies Mflchigan State College In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Arts by James M. Crowner= June 1954 747— W4 TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER PAGE I. THE PROBLEM AND DEFINITIONS OF TERMS USED . . l The problem . . . . . . . . . o . a . o . . Statement of the problem . . . . . . . . Importance of the study . . . . . . . . . Definitions of terms used . . . . . . . . . Reabtions o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o 0 t0 Kl t0 F' P4 l4 Institutionalized delinquent boys . . . . Guidance through intensified group activity . . . . . . . . . . . o a . o Six-months period . . . .E. . . . . . . . Organization of remainder of the study . . $~ (R N) t0 II. REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE ... . . . . . . . . Literature on guidance through group activity in the public schools . . . . . 4 Literature on guidance through group activity in the clinic . . . . . . . . . 5 Literature on guidance through group activity in the training school . . . . . 6 Limitations of previous studies . . . . . . 8 III. BACKGROUND AND GROUP METHODS WITH THE B.V.S. PLAYERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 History of the group . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Early organization . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Further deveIOpmental data . . . . . . . 12 Program. 0 o o o o o o o o o o o o r a o o 15 338866 CHAPTER Boys Vocational School . . . . . . . . . The B.V.S. Players _._ .V. . . . . . . . Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . COOperating institutional facilities . . Outside agencies . . . . . . . . . .'. . Players' facilities . . . .'. . . . . . IV} A SIX-MONTHS STUDY OF THE GROUP BY DIRECT OBSERVATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The anecdotal technique . . . . . . . . The rating 80319 c o o o o o o o o t o o The case h1Sthy o o o o o o o o o o o v. The study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS . . . . . . . . . . Progress appraisals of the group and individuals within the group . . . . . . Rating scale appraisals . . . . . . . . Mboney Problem Check List appraisals for B.V.S. Players . . . . . . . . . . Results as checked against control group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Progress of individuals within the group as evidenced in anecdotal record Conclusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BIBLIOGRAPHY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX ..................... INDEX OF TITLES AND AUTHORS PAGE 13 14 17 17 18 19 21 21 21 21 22 57 194 194 194 195 196 197 211 215 218 LIST OF FIGURES FIGURE FOLLOWING PAGE 1. Individual personality rating scales of sixteen members of the B.V.S. Players . . . . 193 2; Comparison of number of problems checked by B.V.S. Players members and non-members . . 194 3. Comparison between B.V.S. Players members and non-members of number of problems in Mooney Problem Check List not rechecked upon re-administration . . . . . . . . . . . 196 CHAPTER I THE PROBLEM AND DEFINITIONS OF TERMS USED I. THE PROBLEM Statement 9: the problem. The problem to be considered in this study is the measurement of behaviorial change due to guidance through intensive group activity for a number of soc- ially maladjusted, institutionalized, high school boys. Importanc§_g£ the study. Few areas of education present the challenge in ideals and in practice, to a teacher's imagi- nation that is contained in the treatment of the socially mal- adjusted child. Fewer yet, it would seem to the author, repay the conscientious teachers efforts with greater frustrations. For four years, the author, a teacher in a state train- ing school for delinquent boys, has acted as the group leader for an extra-curricular group of high school students who, with the ostensible motive of producing plays, met regularly as a formal organization. In this role, he came to observe certain phenomenon which, in the light of several previous years of experience in dealing with similar "outside groups, seemed somewhat distinctive. Group patterns were formed -- individual attitudes were affected -- but always there seemed to be that indiscernible difference. Clearly, the group was a potent guidance device, but in what respects?‘ And to what degrees? The study which is to follow was undertaken in order to shed a small measure of light on these questions. 2 Throughout, it must be remembered that it is the work of a teacher -- not of a clinician and therefore bears a lay- man's limitations. It has aided the author in his under- standing of his particular vocation. It is presented here in the hope that it will aid others in enriching theirs. II. DEFINITIONS OF TERNS USED Reactions. Following Webster's definition, "reaction? is interpreted as "Reciprocal or return action or influence." We are concerned then with the "influence" of a guidance media on a group of atypical boys. Institutionalized delinguent boys. In this study the term "institutionalized delinquent boys" shall apply in general to boys whose conduct in their home communities has been of such a nature that it has become necesSary for the Probate Courts to place them.under a special treatment program at a custodial institution, and in particular to boys committed to Michigan's Boys' Vocational School at Lansing. Guidance through intensified E3223 activity. The form of guidance under suhyeillance in this study is that incurred by placing direct and indirect emphasis on personality factors as they influence a group of individuals involved together in a more than ordinarily active, quasi-recreational activity. Individual guidance is included in this definition insofar as it becomes an outgrowth of the group contact or is directly related thereunto. Six-months period. The study extends over an arbitrarily 3 set six-months period beginning on May 15 and extending through November 20, 1953. Several entries precede the May 15 date so as to further orient the reader. The period selected for study was chosen without any particular distinction and is intended to present a typical group of boys in any typical six-months experience with the group. III. ORGANIZATION OF REIAINDZR OF THE STUDY Following a review of the literature covering the part- icular and related fields of guidance through group activity, this study will discuss the historical and organizational background of the B.V.S. Players.’ Case histories and clin- ical diagnosis of those boys included in the study are presented and the anecdotal record of the group for a six months period follows. An individual rating scale, prepared after the several meetings of the week, is attached to the end of the record. The study ends with an appraisal of the progress of individuals through the group and such general conclusions as the study provokes in regard to this type of program in an institution for delinquent boys. CHAPTER II REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE At the outset of this study, the author was forcefully impressed with the wide confusion of terms existing in the general area of group guidance and extending into such "speci- fic" areas as group guidance in the fields of education, psychology and psychiatry. As is the case with most educational and clinical innovation, (and it is clearly conceded through such reference as the author could uncover that group guidance in any sense of the term is an "innovation") our field of research was to wait through many years of primary study before arriving at an even moderately extensive discussion of "Group Guidance of the Socially Maladjusted." It is with this thought in mind that our review of the literature has fallen into several distinct categories -- each a necessary compliment of the other -- which shall be discussed here in their degree of relative importance to our Specific problem. Literature 23 guidance through gaggp 80t1V1tIi22_EEE public schools. The Encyclopedia of Educational Research1 lists several important factors influential to the deveIOpment of group guidance procedures in the secondary schools. These are (a) increased enrollments; (b) increased size and complexity of institutions; (c) advances in knowledge regarding individual differences and adolescent needs and problems; (d) recognition 5 through conseling of (1.) the many common and recurring human problems of adjustment and planning, (2.) the need for guided pupil study and learning with respect to these problems, and (3.) the values of extended observation of pupils in group situations as well as the interview for the understanding of their needs. Metcalf,2 through research and experience, gives evi- dence of the mental hygiene or therapeutic values of the study of common human problems and of wholesome ways of resolving difficulties through use of the group situation. It appears that, although group guidance has become fairly well accepted into the public school curriculum, here is a wide variation in programs, involving many combinations of informal discussion, social activities, administrative routine, and well-planned units or problems for study.3 These h programs are keenly evaluated in a study by Froelich and some valuable suggestions in techniques are offered by several auth- orities -- notably Bennett and Hand5 or Hamrin and Ericksoné. Literature 2g guidance through group activity $3 the clinic. The psychiatric approach to group guidance appears to find its roots in the idea of non-directive counseling first expressed by Rogers7 and later utilized in a much broader concept by a new school of counseling called "group psychotherapy".8 On the organizational level there are today in the United States three Schools of group psychotherapy. One is built around S. R. Slavson and the American Group Therapy Association. Ano- ther is the one maintained by Jacob L. Moreno10 and his associates, 6 and the third is that of group dynamics headed by Ronald Lippett. 12 11 In Chicago there is another movement led by Dr. Rudolf Dreikurs which practices group therapy on the pattern originally developed by Alfred Adler in Vienna, the originator of a school 05 psycho- logy. As in the case of group guidance on the educational level, an evaluation of these conflicting schools is made difficult by the fact that a bewildering array of techniques is included under the heading of group psychotherapy: lectures and discussions of symptomalogy, emotions, personality development, general psycho- logy, social psychology, current events, literature, music, movies, paintings, psychodrama, dancing, calisthenics, group progressive relaxation, hypnosis, and others.13 And again, as in classroom guidance, there are such widely divergent evaluations as Morano's contention that group thera- peutic procedures should not be considered merely as substitutes for individual therapy but as treatments in their own rightsl4, and, at the other extreme, Harms' View which considers group psychotherapy merely a fad or fashion, devoid of scientific basis, and possessing little value.15 Literature 3g guidance through ggoup activity £2 REE training school. In 1925, August Aichhorn, a disciple of Freud, published a significant volume on the treatment of behavior prob- lem children. The book, "Wayward Youth",16 is today a classic in the field and marks its author as far ahead of his time. Of special note here, was Aichhorn's contention that group work was 17 an important facet of the training school program. Nany years later, at a time when education and social work had expanded their horizons to include the advances of psychiatry and had applied these advances to their understanding of group work, we read in a report on an experimental program with street gangs, that "At the present time, they (training schools) are experimenting with methods of utilizing the construct- ive potentialities of the club within the framework of the institutional setting."18 In an investigation of published research on group work within the training school, the author was able to uncover only this latter evidence of what is being done outside of the field of Psychotherapy in the group work for the institutionalized delinquent. There is, however, some small material available on therapeutic group work within the training school. We shall, therefore, confine our review of literature on "guidance through group activity in the training school" to a consideration of those practices in therapeutic group work which are most applicable to the type of group work under consideration in this study. Gisela Konopka, supported by several references, 19’20’2L22 cites the need for a greater interest in group work within the training school and follows with an excellent anecdotal record of her work in a month's period with a group of younger delin- quents in the reception center of the Minnesota Youth Conser- vation Commission.23 It seems that in comtemporary group work with behavior problem children Fritz Redl is to psychiatry what Miss Konopka is to social work. Redl borrowed much of Aichhorn's theory in dealing with a group of maladjusted children at his "Pioneer House"_in Detroit.2h His patients, however, seemed more serious- ly disturbed than any of those described in this study. Beyond Lassner's use of playwriting and acting groups as diagnostic-therapeutic techniques at the Red Wing (Finn.) State Training School for Boys,25 there is little else recorded on group work within the training school. a a a a Related areas of group work might extend all the way from the modest role playing technique practiced in a special class in Los Angeles26 for delinquent and mentally retarded boys to the sudden rush of group discussiog7te§gniques practiced 2 in several of the country's reformatories. Limitations gf Previous Studies. The author has failed to find any previous studies referring to group work for the institutional delinquent which might more clearly define his role as a training school teacher directing an extra-curricular group activity. Footnotes 1. Monroe, Walter S, editor. Encyclopedia of Educational Research, Revised Edition. (New York: The Macmillan Company, 1950). 2. Metcalf, Harold H. "Group Counseling at the Eleventh-Grade Level, School Review, ShthOl-S, l9h6. 3. Allen, Richard D. and Bennett, Margaret E. "Guidance Through Group Activities." Thirt -seventh Yearbook of the National Society for the Study 2_ ducation. 37 (1933, Part 1) p. h. Froelich, C.P. "Teacher-Counselors versus Home-room Guid- ance." Clearipg House. 21:h1-3, l9h6. 6. 7. 9. 10. ll. 12. 13. 1h. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. Bennett, Margaret E. and Hand, Harold C. Group Guidance lg High School. (New York: McGraw-Hill, 1938), 111 pp. passim. Hamrin, Shirley A. and Erickson, Clifford E. Guidance in the Secondary School. (New York: Appleton-Centruy, 1939). h65pp. passim. Rogers, Carl R. Counselipg and Psychotherapy. (Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 19H2), h50pp. passim. Marley, Harold P. The Present Status pf Grou Ps chothera 1p Counseling. Unpublished paper, Commun y ChITd GuIdance Center, Chicago. Slavson, S. R. pgp Introduction to Group Therapy. (New York: The Commonwealth Fund,gl952), 352 pp. passim. Moreno, Jacob L. editor. Grou ngchotherapy. (New York: Beacon House, Inc. 19h6), pp. passim. Lippett, R. and White, R. K. "The Social Climate' of Children's Groups," Child Behavior and Development. R. G. Barker, J. S. KounIn andHiEFfTIFight, editors; New York: McGraw-Hill, l9h3), pp. 52-78. Dreikurs, Rudolf. Group Psychotherap . Unpublished paper read at the International Cengress o Psychiatrists, Paris, September, 1950. Luchins, Abraham S. "Methods of Studying the Progress and Outcomes of a Group Psychotherapy Program." Journal of Consulting Paychology. ll (July-August, l9h7), pp. 173:83. Moreno. pp. cit.,p. 27. Harms, E. "Group Therapy -- Farce, Fashion, or Sociologi- cally Sound?" Nervous Child. h:186, l9h5. Aichgern, August. Waypard Youth. (Vienna, 1925; Toronto, 193 Ibid. p. 1H3. Crawford, Paul L, Malmun, Daniel I, and Dumpson, James R. Workin with Teen-a e Grou s. A Re ort on the Central Harlem Street Club Tro ec . (New or :—I9SUT, pp. I5 . Schulze, Susanne. "Group Living and the Dependent Child." Proceedings of the National Conference pf Social Work. 19h6 (New York, 1W7), p0 3870 Deutschberger, Paul. "Case Work Failures and the Psychology of Restriction." Probation. April l9h6. 21. 22. 23. 2h. 25. 26. 27. 28. 10 "Report on Juvenile Detention." National Conference on Pre- yenpion and Control of Juvenile Delinquency. (Washifigton, D. 0., 19E6), p. 5, EU, 33. Hamilton, Gordon. Psychotherapy pp Child Guidance. (New York: 1914.7), p. 1690 Konopka, Gisela. Therapeutic Grou Work With Children. (University of Minnesota'Press, MEnneapolis, 19h9), I3hpp. Redl, Fritz and Wineman, David. Children Who Hate. (Glencoe, Ill. The Free Press, 1951), 253pp. Down, Genevieve R. and Pitkanen, Allen M. "Therapeutic Dramatics for Delinquent Boys." The ClearingHouse, 27: h23-h26. (March 1953). Bixby, F. Lowell and McCorkle, Lloyd W. "Guided Group Interaction in Correctional Work.’ American Sociological Review. 16:h55-h61. (August 1951). Finan, James. "Inside the Prison -- A Program of Social Education." Readers Digest. March 1950, p. 61. Friedman, Edwin I. "Institution Life -- A Program of Social Education." The Prison World. 2:1h (July-August, 19h9). CHAPTER III BACKGROUND AND GROU HETHODS WITH THE B.V.S. PLAYER I. HISTORY OF THE GROUP Epply organization. In 19MB dramatics was added to the recreation program of Beys Vocational School -- a training school for delinquent boys located at Lansing, Michigan. In its initial stages the activity operated from production to production with a new cast and crew recruited from the inmate population for each show. The first production had been a variety show. In it were presented pantomimes featuring the school's illiterates, "Speci- ialty acts", soloists, duets, quartets, a glee club, and several original skits presented by a group of boys who were intent on acting. All in all the show had a cast of 185. It was decided to make the variety show an annual affair, but, in casting for additional straight dramatic shows, it was the group in the skits who repeatedly volunteered their services. Soon a sense of comradie, natural to those involved in play production, had developed within this group. But though they were meeting more regularly than other school clubs, they had none of the status -- nor the priviledges (i.e. off-grounds trips) afforded other organizations. The test of their strength as a unit came when their leader left them to spend a two-week vacation in the North. ‘When he re- turned, he gathered the group that had presented the last show and brought them to the rehearsal room. On the way they seemed rather apathetic. One boy asked that the leader wait outside for a moment. 12 Upon entering, the leader found that the walls and ceiling of the room had been white-washed. The floors, too, had been painted. Now the quarters were festooned with crepe paper streamers. A large sign had been stenciled "Welcome Home Mr. Crowner", and a bottle of "coke" along with an ice-cream stick for each member of the group had been placed neatly around a fancy center-piece. It was a surprise party. The boys had pestered the adminis- tration into allowing them to arrange everything. For two weeks they had labored to please the leader and assure themselves of additional stage recreation. One boy had been hospitalized with lime rash. A week later the group was officially an organization. Further developmental data. The boys as a group had been approved by the Group Activities Committee. It was now their task to form a constitution. They took to it with gusto -- following an amusing make-shift "parliamentary procedure“. Many of their formal resolves were (happily), forgotten in the months that followed. This was the leader's first insight into the strict puritanical order these boys, when allowed to do so, impose upon themselves. ‘ As time went on new boys replaced the old. The leader became a member of the high school teaching staff and he found that most of these new members were his students. Because those few who did enter from the lower grades most often felt outclassed andfbund it more than a little difficult to memorize lines, it was eventually decided to limit membership, with few exceptions, to the high school boys. Traditions were introduced, but few other changes occurred 13 in the basic structure of the group. Time raised the status of the activity within the institution. Although the leader never had to defend the virility of "stage recreation" among the inmates, many of the staff had to be convinced. The prestige of the group increased among the boys and the staff with each succeeding project. II. PROGRAM Boys Vocational School. Boys Vocational School is known as an "open" training school. This implies a minimum security, custodial, institution. Inmates are committed under court order. They are under the legal jurisdiction of the school until they reach their nineteenth birthday, but can be paroled from the school at the dis- cretion of the administration. 'With good behavior, an inmate can be released in six months, however, the average stay is for an eight-month period. 'Upon his parole the boys is released to the surveillance of the court which committed him. A court probation officer is assigned to make a periodical check on his post- institutional adjustment. The school has no follow-up system. Within the institution, following a thorough diagnosis, a treatment program is outlined for the boy. Individual therapy is applied where a need is indicated, but the treatment program con- sists essentially of recreational, academic, and vocational exper- iences which are most condusive to the boy's social growth. Disciplinary problems are referred to the school's Case Conference Committee, a group of the school's administrators headed by the Chief Psychologist. Disciplinary action, in conference with the boy, may take any form from a mild reprimand to an extension 1h of the boy's parole date. If a boy's behavior is such that he must be removed from his regular group, he is placed for a limited time in one of the institution's cell-like rooms referred to in the study as "S". This same committee meets to discuss wich each boy his pro- gress within the program after a three and a five months period. At this time the boy's counselor collects and evaluates "progress reports" from all of the boy's supervisors -- his cottage parents, his teachers, and his detail (vocational or work assignment), supervisors. At the five-months "review" a parole date is set. As part of the recreation program, a number of clubs are maintained within the school. These include the Boy Scouts, Model Airplane Club, Chess Club, Hi-Y and B.V.S. Players. A special ad- ministrative committee, headed by the director of recreation, meets weekly to direct this program and to consider membership applications. After a month's stay in the institution, any boy is entitled to file an application to this "Group Activities Committee". The application blank is received from the cottage parent, filled out by the boy (Why do you want to join the group?"), processed with comments by the cottage parent through the counselor, who adds further comments, to the committee. In the case of applications for the B.V.S. Players, the forms are channeled through the group leader before reaching the Group Activities Committee. The Group Activities Committee determine the eligibility of a boy on the basis of the comments appended to the application and on the basis of his individual needs. The B.V.S. Players. The primary goal of the B.V.S. Players is 15 to provide to the individual member an insight into his personality problems through an active participation in an intensive group activity. In this respect, it seeks to utilize the gang instinct of the adolescent in providing a wholesome group experience for the socially maladjusted boy who is confined to a restrictive environment. The secondary goals of the organization can be enumerated as follows: 1. To provide the members with a creative outlet -- catharsis -- recognition, and again in some cases, personality insight through play production. 2. To provide the school population with active or passive recreation of a sort more intimately associated with their environ- ment than most standard entertainment media (i.e. movies or visiting "live" shows). Members are accepted on the basis of their need of the group and/or the group's need of them. Membership is generally restricted to boys who are at least of eighth grade achievement. The group is in no sense a "reward" for good citizenship, or, within the limits of objectivity, is it a group of the leader's favorite students. The group presents an average of six shows a year. Some of these are original or quasi-original productions. Traditionally, one is a Christmas show (a revised "Christmas Carol"), one is the all-institution variety show ("Off Detail" -- See Appendix 1), and one is a mid-summer comedy in the outdoor "Lemonade Theatre". Original one-act plays are drafted by the leader and "edited" by the group members. These are centered in social adjustment themes and are directly related to the inmates. (See Appendix2). 16 The group met on an average of three nights a week between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. In the last week of production, meetings were accelerated and included Saturday afternoon painting sessions. A week or two was allowed between the close of one production and the beginning of another. During this period the group met to "survey" itself and to "repair" its membership. Often, in or out of production, meetings consist of group analysis or "round robins"i in which the members are urged to offer one another constructive criticism. 1 Outside activities included attendance at entertainment of groups within the local area, trips to conferences, picnic outings, "weiner roasts", etc. For fear of exploiting the boys, the admin- istration has not allowed the Players to perform outside of the institution. The organizational structure of the group is loosely set. The members elect officers -- a president, a vice president (pres- ident elect) and a custodian. In this setting, these elections seem to be the only sociometrics necessary. The president is, unequivo- cally, the captain -- the vice president and the custodian are, very often, his lieutenants. The group operates in as democratic a manner as is feasible within the framework of a custodial insti- tution. It has tended to react more readily to traditions than to strictures -- emphasizing perhaps, that it is a fraternity rather than a boys' club. It is difficult to generalize the position of the group leader. He aspires to be an advisor but is, perhaps, accepted at as many levels as there are members in the group. Further data regarding the program of the Players shall be advanced as the anecdotal record unfolds. 17 III. FACILITIES Cooperating institutional facilities. The B.V.S. Players, as in most school dramatics, is dependent upon many other departments for its success. The relationship with the academic school has already been indicated in reference to source of members. Too, most group members are students in the leader's academic classes. Here, the leader's role is inseparably alligned to his role as a classroom teacher. The academic school is equally linked to the group through its service to the project. In providing released time, in covering classroom responsibilities for the group leader, it assumed the role of group sponsor as surely as did the recreation department. One of the greatest advantages of group work within an insti- tution is the constant availability of clinical services. The Psychological Clinic was indispensible in providing a diagnosis of each member and it was fortunate that their facilities, as well as those of the school psychiatrist, were at the disposal of the lead- er, whose formal training was, at the most, spotty as far as group therapy was concerned. Psychological services were rendered grac- iously by a department whose interest in the project was a genuine inspiration to its leader. Officially, the B.V.S. Players project was under the sponsor- ship of the Recreation Department. All expenses were assumed by its budget and all administrative problems were channeled through its director. This arrangement seemed valuable in establishing the activity as ostensibly recreational. The status value of the act- ivity might suffer greatly if it were characterized by a more 18 direct contact with the academic school. In the training school ' still has an ominous ring. "Stage setting the work "dramatics' Recreation" seems more in keeping with the virility strivings of the adolescent boy. From the foregoing description of interdepartmental coop- eration, it should be obvious to the reader that the project under study enjoyed more than ordinary support from the institu- tion's administration. Extended to include the Superintendent, the Deputy Superintendent, the Home Life Department and the Social Service Department, we have only begun to depict the over- all response to the activity by the staff. The anecdotal record which follows supplies further evidence to this response. In the state institution, where chain of command and rigid departmentali- zation are often the rule rather than the exception, stage recreat- ion at Boys Vocational School seemed almost to justify itself on this score alone. Outside ggencies. To the layman, the aura of social abnormal- ity which surrounds the delinquent and his training school are a never-ending source of interest. This is especially true today, at a time when the problem has become richly propagated through a more or less "social conscious" press. This interest is reflected in the ready assistance of many outside agencies and organizations to the Boys Vocational School program and, in this particular instance, to the B.V.S. Players. Two agencies had been especially valuable in furthering the cause of the group. Michigan State College and the Lansing Civic Players Guild were responsible for many worthwhile off-grounds trips. In every 19 instance their hospitality was extended graciously and intelligent- ly. Technical advice was provided on request. The Lansing Civic Players Guild often loaned its costumes and its properties to the group. In truth, it almost assumed the role of "god-father" to the group. Other agencies in the Lansing area contributed to the program by inviting the group to attend its entertainments or by their un- sparing cooperation whenever requested. The name of a department store under "property credits" of a Players program contained little selfish value for the benefactor. Players facilities. Headquarters for the group was a small room located on the ground floor of one of the vocational training buildings. This was the "scene shop" in which meetings were held and rehearsals were conducted. Two sides of this room were cover- ed with velure draperies behind which was stored much of the equip- ment. A third side opened onto the hall and was glass-paneled. Covering the wall of the fourth side were posters and momentos of past productions. There was a desk in one corner of the room and folding chairs wereplaced about the room in a large semicircle. Scenery was constructed and stored in the larger quarters of the "general shop" which was located directly behind the scene shop. Productions were staged in the school auditorium. In the years since its inception, the activity had acquired about $800 worth of lighting equipment. Most of this was portable and was carried to the auditorium along with the scenery and properties a night or two before a production. 20 For the most part these facilities were adequate to the needs of the group. CHAPTER IV A SIX-MONTHS STUDY OF THE GROUP BY DIRECT OBSERVATION I. INTRODUCTION Th3 anecdotal technique. The history which is to follow attempts to achieve an accurate and objective account of per- sonality interplay in a group of rather complex adolescents. In employing the anecdotal technique to this end. the author is aware of limitations which might have been avoided by the use of a more impersonal methodology. However, several im- portant considerations influenced his decision to use this approach: 1. The activity to be recorded was somewhat unique and demanded more than cursorary examination. 2. The behavior of the leader was extremely important to a comprehensive analysis of the group. So, it would seem, was his interpretation of the group as he saw it after each meeting. 3. The anecdotal method has a value all of its own for the leader. In making him more conscious of the group process, it surely contributed to his professional growth. TEE rating Egggg, The rating scale included at the end of this study was developed so as to keep the group leader more concisely aware of what goals he wished to achieve with each individual in the group. It was, as well, intended to provide the leader with a measure of individual growth. For many of the same reasons that the anecdotal record fails to achieve 22 total objectivity, the scale is, admittedly, a poor instrument. It was the best, however, that could be had under the circum- stances. The items on this rating scale were constructed from the psychologist's recommendations contained in each boy's in- take diagnosis. The case history. Only those boys who had at least one and a half months' experience with the group were singled out for individual analysis. The case histories for each of these follow in the next few pages. These histories are copied di- rectly from the institution's files -- with, of course, all identifying matter altered or deleted. They represent a part of the diagnosis prepared by the social worker from court papers and interview, and by the psychological staff from their tests and interview at the boys admission to the school. 23 "WARREN" Negro Born: h-7-36 Adm: 3-19-51 Weight: 125 Height:5'5" Eyes: Dk. Brown Hair: Black Comp. Black Build: Medium PROBLEM: ‘Warren first appeared in court on September 20, 19h9 for truancy from home. On January 3rd Warren again appeared be- fore the court for breaking and entering a store and stealing a wallet and a pipe therefrom. This led to his coming to BVS on January 2h, 1950. After an 11 month residence here Warren was released to his parents in a large city on December 2, 1950. On March 19, 1951, he was returned to BVS for truancy from school and home after taking two dollars from his mother's purse. His explanation for skipping school is that he let two other boys talk him into it and then he was afraid to return home. So he got a job as bus boy in a restaurant and slept in cars at night. BACKGROUND: Warren was born out of wedlock. The mother, age 31, lives in the south and had custody of the child until two years ago. According to Warren there are many men in her life and her habits are quite irregular. The boy tells that his mother never provided well for him,often leaving him home alone to cook his own meals. The relationship between the two seems very inadequate. The father, age 35, moved to a large city in19hl from the south. He attended school through the 12th grade and worked in steel mills in the south prior to coming to this large city. He was married to his present wife in 1939 while in the south. There are no children of this union. At present the father is an em- ployee in a large factory. His habits are to be considered reg- ular. The stepmother, age 27, was born in the south, received a ninth grade education and seems interested in the boy's welfare. She is employed as a cook in one of the public school lunchrooms. Warren indicates that his father and stepmother did all they could for him but he could not break his habit of truanting and getting into trouble. Warren was born on h-7-36 and spent his first ten or eleven years with his mother in the south. The mother worked days (type of work unknown) and spent her evenings away from home essentially in the company of men whom the boy considered persons of irregular habits. During this time the boy was alone, unsuper- vised and often without food. Warren states that he had many quarrels with his mother about her activities, at which time she would remind him to mind his own business. These conflicts apparently were cause for his several truancies while in the south. His last truancy was an extended one in that he was away from home for about three months. He was successful in finding employment in a restaurant where he earned $7.00 per week. Boy reports that he was finally picked up by police and taken to the Detention Home in the south where he remained for three months before his father came for him. ‘Warren is obviously an unhappy, deprived child who has not known emotional warmth and who has developed many undesirable habits and attitudes as a result. EDUCATION: WArren last attended a large school at the 8th grade level. He was not eager to tell of his school experiences, although he did indicate he faced little difficulty in academic work. He feels he is most successful in math and about average 21L in other areas. MEDICAL: On 8-19-50 Warren severed his right index finger at the first joint while working at the BVS storeroom when he turned on the grinder without permission. Boy has weakness in inguinal area and is to be excused from fieldhouse and heavy lifting. PSYCHOLOGICAL: In January, 1950, our psychologist reported: "We have a boy of very good mental ability, and good mechanical insight, and who does not possess a great deal of skill with his hands, and is not retarded academically to any great degree. There are no serious personality maladjustments or emotional involvements. I think that it is quite evident that Warren's difficulties have arisen out of his failure to adjust to his stepmother and father after having lived for a long time with his mother in the south. He is reported to have been incorrigible there, which necessitated his being brought to a large city, and probably has developed attitudes of resentment toward the adult figures in his life since he is emotionally deprived. It appears from the record that the mother was not an emotionally adequate person for the boy and that the stepmother had difficulty in accepting him into the situation at home. His offenses involved largely stealing and running away from home. I believe the boy's essential prob- lem is a matter of inadequate relationships with understanding adults. ACTIVTTIES: Although Warren was not active in organization while in the south, he became a member of a Scout group upon establish- ing residence in a large city. He enjoys reading, particularly comic books and adventure stories. He hopes to get on the base- ball team when the season opens. This boy is also interested in track. His work experience includes working in a grocery and in a restaurant. ‘ r . , RECEPTION COTTAGE REPORT: " good attitude toward boys and adults is observed.". , . PREVIOUS RECORD AT BVS: During an 11 month residence Warren was assigned to Washington and Virginia Halls, 8th grade, and store- room. Except for attempted sodomy on one occasion, his conduct record here was good, and he took an interest in his school work and vocational assignments. BEHAVIOR YOU SHOULD WATCH FOR: 1. A tendency to avoid responsibility and to run away from the results of misdeeds. 2. Becoming too friendly and influenced by undesirable boys. WHAT THIS BOY NEEDS: 1. To be convinced that adults are honestly interested in him and are his friends. 2. To be persuaded that he can trust adults. 3. To learn that he can count on adults helping him. 25 "DANNY" White Born: 2-5-36 Adm: 2-11-52 Weight: lhé Height: 5'8 3/Lfi Hair: Blond Eyes: Blue Comp. Fair Build: Slender PROBLEM: Danny, a sturdy, blond lad who wears glasses, has been known to the court since January 19h8 for breaking and entering, several car thefts, assault and battery on a boy, and school truancy. He has been given many opportunities by the court but has repeatedly violated his probation. Court records show that he has stolen at least 9 cars and is adept at putting stolen license tags on cars. FAMILY BACKGROUND: Danny is a middle child in a family of h boys and 3 girls who range in age from 5 to 23. A brother has been known to the court. One brother is in the Army. Both parents are at home. The father, age 52, is a laborer at a Motor Car 00. He was born in Ireland but came to this country 2h years ago. He is said to drink to excess. The mother, age hl, was born in the south. She is not employed outside the home although she has been a factory worker previously. The family lives in a fairly large town. Danny claims to get along well with each parent although he says his mother is less strict with him. He speaks well of them, says he has a wonderful home, and is quick to assert that home conditions had nothing to do with his re- peated delinquencies although an older brother accompanied him in some of his escapades. His parents have become fed up with his car thefts and late hours. When they talk to him about it he has said, "I am going to BVS anyway so what's the difference." When eligible for release Danny wants to return home and show his parents that he can go straight. His 9 car thefts and other felonies over a h year period, however, lead one to question his sincerity. SCHOOL: Danny last attended high school in a fairly large town. He was in the 10A. He says his studies were not difficult but he truanted over 130 days this past semester. His objection to school was that he was not permitted to be in any classes with his friends. He wants to go to school at BVS and plans to com- plete high school. HEALTH: He claims to be in good health and says he has had no serious illnesses. He has had surgery for an eye condition. He wears glasses. INTERESTS: His work experience is limited to helping with land- scaping around homes. He says he earned 75 cents an hour. He has no vocational plans for the future but wants to complete high school. He likes athletics but has never been on a team through an entire season. He was a member of Hi-Y Club and the YMCA. He denies any interest in girls. He has been in thick with a group of co-delinquents, two of whom are at BVS. He is Protestant. RECEPTION COTTAGE REPORT: "Danny is good natured boy but takes his problems very seriously. He has shown a good attitude toward 26 other boys and toward supervision." PSYCHOLOGICAL: "We are dealing here with a 16 year old of at least high bright normal intelligence. This youngster is con- siderably disturbed and has indications of strong anxiety. Furthermore, this boy admits that he gets himself into fights very easily and is very much worried about this fact. It is, therefore, felt that it is quite possible that he will have difficulty in adjusting to the situation at BVS. There is a strong feeling of guilt in regard to his being placed at BVS, he is preoccupied about what his friends will think of him. His motivation in returning to school, which he wants full time is a good one and this boy undoutedly will have no difficulty in doing good schoolwork if properly motivated. BEHAVIOR YOU SHOULD WATCH FOR: 1. Will get himself into fights if provoked. 2. Watch for withdrawal, since this boy feels very guilty and is very anxious. WHAT THIS BOY NEEDS: 1. Warm interest on part of cottage mother in particular. 2. Encourage his school work, since this boy can do excellent work if well motivated. 3. Encourage to join group activities, since he may easily withdraw. h. Encourage possible mechanical interests, since he is mechanically very superior. 27 "RICHARD" White Born:12-21-35 Adm. 1-7-52 Weight: 153 Height: 5'11" Hair: Brown Eyes: Hazel Comp. Fair Build: Slender PROBLEM: Richard first became known to the court in August 19h8 when it was charged that he was incorrigible in the home. The boy was placed on probation and apparently got along favorably for about a year. In June l9h9 he again came to the attention of the court for breaking school windows. Before the matter could be scheduled for hearing, Richard was involved in UDAA and truancy from home. Several boarding homes followed and between March 1950 and time of commitment the boy truanted from the state and participated in several B&E's. About his commitment Richard states "there's nothing else the court could do." FAMILY BACKGROUND: Richard's parents were divorced when he was about one month old and the mother boarded the boy out, calling for him on weekends, until 19h9 when he was placed in the first of three court homes. Considering both the independent and court boarding homes, the boy has lived with other persons 13 out of 16 of his years. Also the 3 years spent with his mother have been on an intermittent basis. The boy states that it was necessary for his mother to board him out due to the necessity that she work. A sister, age 17, was raised and is still living with an aunt. Richard was made a ward of the court and placed in court homes as the result of involvements. He could not make an adequate adjustment in any of the three homes and the court finally felt it necessary to send him to BVS. The few times he has been with his mother he has experienced interpersonal diffi- culty and met this problem by running away. He says on these occasions he was heading in the direction of his father, who is supposedly living in the south. Although at times Richard ex- pressed hostility toward his father for never paying alimony, he feels he may have been seeking a home with him when running away. Richard knows very little about his dad and is ambivalent in his feelings toward him. He claims that the present relation- ship with his mother is good. She lives in an apartment in the same building with the aunt who has raised his sister. A tavern is situated on the ground floor of this building. Although de- nied, sibling rivalry is noted. Richard rather feels as though his sister has had the better break by being nearer to his mother and having had many material advantages from the aunt. EDUCATION: Richard last attended high school where he was in the 11th grade. Although the boy voluntarily quit, he registers some interest in attending our school. He realizes he is weak in english and math and now feels he would like to complete high school. MEDICAL: Richard describes his health as good. He has never had serious illness, but broke his left arm at age of 10. 28 PSYCHOLOGICAL: “We are dealing here with a 16 year old of apparently good average intelligence, who has a somewhat hot temper and is somewhat impatient when encountering situations that are frustrating to him. He apparently has been deprived of any adequate father or mother relationship and has been in various boarding houses since he was two weeks old. Consid- erable resentment towards the father, whom he has not seen since two weeks old and has refused to form any relations with him and returning mail to him that has been sent, has result- ed in considerable resentment toward the father. Furthermore, his relationship with the mother, being a more adequate one at this time, is still an unhighly stable one, if one consid- ers the fact that he has not had any stable mother relation- ship. There is sibling rivalry against the 17 year old sis- ter. One gains the overall impression that his overall re- actions toward the world are yet rather immature ones, he is quite insecure in dealing with people and has a habit of covering his insecurity and immaturity by assuming an air of smartness which, however, breaks down quickly when encounter- ing a threatening situation, at which time he becomes quite suggestible and can be easily led." . INTERESTS: Except for scouts, Richard has not belonged to any clubs. His hobby is handicraft work with leather and wood. He likes most sports, especially swimming, boxing and tennis. Employment has been mostly limited to farm work, although he has had some experience working in a greenhouse owned by a friend of the mother. Robert also likes photography and shows some interest in our photo club. RECEPTION COTTAGE: Richard has not made a good initial adjust- ment, according to this report. He is described as being "arrogant" toward cottage parents and as having a generally poor attitude regarding rules and regulations. No abnormal behavior noted. BEHAVIOR YOU SHOULD WATCH FOR: 1. Getting into fights, since admits losing temper occasionally. 2. Rather tense, which he covers up by appearing "smart". WHAT THIS BOY NEEDS: l. A permissive cottage, in which the father especially takes interest in the boys, since this boy lacks any father identification. 2. Encourage school activities, since he is planning to do school work to enable him to return to 11th grade when released. He has sufficient intelligence to warrant high school graduation. 29 "GENE" White Born: 5-10—36 Adm: 3-7-52 Height: 131 Height:5'6 8/?" Hair: Lt.Brown Eyes: Hazel , Comp. Fair Build: Average PROBLEM: Gene was committed to BVS for stealing from a pocket- book. His previous offenses include B&E where Gene denies taking anything; stealing money from wallets in a church; and for B&E of a house where he took jewelry. In addition, Gene has admitted to counselor that he had stolen things from the lockers in the school. BACKGROUND: After an illness of about 2 years duration, Gene's mother died from cancer of the throat. At one time, Gene was placed with his grandparents, but couldn't adjust. He was then placed on several farms and couldn't make a satisfactory adjust- ment here. Gene stated that he didn't like farm life as his movements into town were restricted. Gene claims that he gets along with his dad, but is jealous of the attention given to the younger children. EDUCATION: Gene stated that his school marks were not very good. "It wasn't that I couldn't get the lessons, but I didn't care to." He further remarked that he and the super- intendent couldn't get along. The superintendent would not let Gene return to school because of his stealing. Gene claims that he was in the 10th grade. He would like school all day. HEALTH: Gene appears to be in good health. PSYCHOLOGICAL: "Gene is a neat, friendly 15 year old boy with superior intelligence, low average tool dexterity and normal school achievement. He was committed to BVS for petty thievery and B & E. The dynamics of this boy's difficulties seem to originate in a situation of sibling rivalry, of which he is partially aware. His thievery is an attention getting device, which significantly began at home when his younger sister was an infant. He is quite hostile toward his father. The prog- nosis for this boy is good considering his high intelligence and ability to gain insight which makes him a good prospect for therapy." PSYCHIATRIC: Dr. Asselin reports: "Gene has been caught twice breaking into homes by himself. He has also been showing progressively less interest in school, resulting in poor marks. Home situation apparently has been satisfactory although his mother died six months ago. He has high normal intelligence and there is no evidence of psychosis or epilepsy. He is a seclusive boy, having a few close friends and generally pre- ferring to remain by himself. His personality is flat, speech low and he lacks self confidence. Since being at BVS some- body suggested that he go to college. Gave him a great deal of ego satisfaction that some adult should consider him cap- able of doing college work. He will need a great deal more of this type of psychoterapy." 3O RECEPTION COTTAGE REPORT: "Good attitude, works well in din- ing room." ACTIVITIES: Gene worked in a bowling alley during the nights. He enjoys working on cars and reading. Plans to join the service after he leaves here. BEHAVIOR YOU SHOULD WATCH FOR: 1. Petty thievery. WHAT THIS BOY NEEDS: l. Mainly recognition of his own individuality. 2. He needs warm motherly attention to make up a gap suffered through his own mother's death. 31 "ROD" White Born: 7-h-35 Adm. 1-7-52 Weight: lhl Height: 5'8%" Hair: Brown Eygs: Grey Comp: Fair Build: Slender PROBLEM: Rod is a small boy of 16 with a slight acne condition on his face. He appears outwardly friendly and cooperative and verbalizes easily. He first came to the attention of the court in January, l9h9, on a neglect charge and was placed under the supervision of a Home in a large city. Subsequently, in the fall of 1951 Rod came to the attention of the court for incorri- gibility in school and at his married sister's home where he was placed. Rod feels his brother-in-law is responsible for his aggressive acts in the home which culminated in a physical struggle over possession of a gun. He tends to blame others in general and feels somewhat persecuted. FAMILY BACKGROUND: Rod's mother is deceased and the whereabouts of his father according to court reports, is unknown. Rod has spent some time living with relatives in the south but ran away because of neglect. Rod at the time of his commitment was living with his sister and brother-in-law in a small town. The brother-in-law is a linoleum layer and after Rod's expulsion from school attempted to teach Rod the trade and pay him a certain amount while learning. Rod denies receiving any wages and described cruel treatment at the hands of his brother-in- law. He definitely does not wish to return to this home and named one of the other sisters as the one he preferred. Upon release from BVS Rod expressed a desire to join the Air Corps. Although the court report states the whereabouts of the father is unknown, Rod describes hunting with him frequently in the south. SCHOOL: Rod appears to be of average intelligence, verbalizes fluently and has good vocabulary. He appears to be somewhat retarded in school due to incorrigibility in classes and con- flict with his teachers. HEALTH: Rod reports good health and physical condition. PSYCHOLOG CAL: "Rod is a boy of normal I.Q., irregular school retardation and good or better tool dexterity. He is here fa: threatening his brother-in-law's life after being rather badly abused by him. Other delinquenCies reported by the boy himself were running away and stealing. These seem to be the result of depressive circumstances. The boy seems to have adequate ego strength and an aggressive inclination which he seems able to control and direct. There are indications of impulsivity and inability to concentrate. He may also be lacking in group feelings. These also may be in the normal range. His pre- dominant drive seems to be becoming independent and toward intellectual attainment, this will probably make for a good adjustment at BVS. Indications of suppressed aggression and further personality difficulties were not clear and additional investigation is recommended." 32 RECEPTION COTTAGE REPORT: "Good attitude toward boys and very good towards cottage parents. Nervous tendency of nail-biting. Rod is rather negative and timid. Mixes little with other boys. He likes to read and is pleasantly cooperative in working in the kitchen." BEHAVIOR YOU SHOULD WATCH FOR: 1. 2. 3. WHAT THIS 1. 2. May lie to get himself in good with the group. Lose temper easily. If nothing else works, may become a gang leader. Also may run. BOY NEEDS: A chance tolearn that he can live a fairly orderly and worthwhile life. To realize that he is not out for himself. , , . _ , A __ y 33 "ELDON" White Born: 5-15-37 Adm: 3-12-52 Weight: 158 Height:5'll" Hair: Brown Eyes: Blue Comp: Sallow Build: Slender PROBLEM: Eldon, a large, fourteen year old boy, was committed to this school for larceny of a revolver valued at $71.00. The court papers describe him as being a "lone wolf" and mention in passing that he has also truanted from school. According to Eldon, he had previously been involved in breaking and entering a cottage and larceny of merchandise from a store in company with another boy. For this he was placed on probation. He also claims to have truanted from school often for which no court action was taken. Eldon doesn't seem to have guilt feelings regarding his delinquency and, regarding his commitment, stated that he had it coming.‘ BACKGROUND: Prior to his commitment Eldon lived with his parents and four younger brothers in a modern eight room house that has recently been refurnished. The father, age 39, owns a 350 acre cherry and dairy farm, which is his sole means of employment. The mother, age 35, is a housewife. Eldon's younger brothers are 8, 7, and twins age 2. Regarding the parents, the court papers state "the parents appear like nice people and have a good reputation." According to Eldon, the parents don't drink alcoholic beverages, treat the children well, have belonged to the Eagles until fairly recently, and attend church irregularly. While this boy has had occasional minor arguments with his fath- er, this doesn't seem to be a serious problem for him. From the information given by Eldon, it might be said that the home and family situation is adequate. No serious problems are evi- dent in this environment. EDUCATION: This boy stated quite frankly that he doesn't like school. Although he claims to have had no difficulty with either the pupils or teachers, he just "can't get interested." Eldon didn't like english. However, science, woodshop and machine shop were more to his liking. He seems quite willing to attend school while here. Prior to his commitment he had truanted from school frequently. MEDICAL: Eldon has had a broken right wrist, an appendectomy and the usual childhooddiseases. At present he states that he is in good health and has no complaints. PSYCHOLOGICAL: "Eldon is a boy of average intelligence, very high hand tool dexterity, and a ove average motivation. School achievement is about average except in the areas of arithmetic computation, where the boy was probably working under pressure and seems to have fallen down in grammar. Commitment to BVS was for the theft of a new .22 pistol from a store. This and probably other delinquent conduct resulted directly from school truancy which left the boy alone with a great deal of unoccupied time. Eldon--from his description of his home--may also have 3h a favorite child, somewhat spoiled, and unconcerned with the property rights of others. Eldon seems to require recognition and appears highly motivated to achieve it. We should capitalize on this." BEHAVIOR YOU SHOULD WATCH FOR: 1. May show unexpected aggressions against both property and people, but in general if environment is well con- trolled, this may not occur.‘ 2. In general, highly motivated, friendly boy. WHAT THIS BOY NEEDS: ' 1. Relatively firm, but friendly, cottage parents. Real parents were probably too lax. 2. Needs recognition, is highly motivated. Praise fre- quently to gain his confidence. 35 "FLOY" White Born: h-5-35 Adm: 3-6-52 Weight: 135 Height: 5'h 7/8" Hair: Sandy Eyes: Hazel Comp. Fair Build: Averagefi PROBLEM: Floy and his family first came to the attention of the court due to poor home conditions. In January 1952, Floy, in company of his father and another boy, broke into two theaters. Floy has also been involved in three other B & E's and has stolen chickens from a YMCA Boys Farm. Floy stated that the thefts were committed because he wanted to be a "big shot." BACKGROUND: Floy's home life has been unsatisfactory. In May 19h? he was removed from the home and placed on a'YMCA Boys Farm. In April 19h? parental rights were terminated. One of the girls was adOpted by a maternal aunt and another was placed with an aunt. Floy was permitted to visit an aunt out west for the pur- pose of adeption. These plans did not come through and Floy was returned to a YMCA Beys Farm. The boy stated that his aunt didn't even know the persons with whom he was placed. From the conversation, Floy left the impression that he was to have been used as a worker on a farm. His aunt complained that the boy had sexual intercourse with his younger sister, but Floy denies this. He stated that his sister was the aggressor, but he never committed a sexual act with her. Floy's paternal grand- father, who lives with the family, was reported to have taken' liberties with a neighbor girl according to Floy. This grand- father is staying with Floy's mother at the present time. Floy stated that his father and mother have been separated "off and on" for about three years. According to Floy, both parents enjoy their own friends, male and female. Floy stated that fafier is not his real father. Floy's mother has told the boy who his father was. The boy was born two days after the marriage of his mother. 'When Floy was first taken from his home, he did not want to have anything to do with his family. He said "I just wanted to forget about them." He has since changed his opinion. He new states that the family situation is satisfactory. EDUCATION: Floy stated that he was in grade 9 when he quit school. He stated that he was 7 when he first enteres school, but he never attended regularly. At age 12, Floy stated that he was in the third grade. He attributes this to the fact that he had been shifted around from place to place. HEALTH: Tonsils and adenoids have been removed. Health appears fine. Sister has a history of rheumatic fever. RECEPTION COTTAGE: "Good attitude and adjustment. Works willing- ly, is pleasant and congenial." ACTIVITIES: Floy is interested in mechanics and electronics. He was not a member of any club. In his spare time the boy would fool around with cars. Would like Bldg. Maint. and Barber Shop‘ for details. Other choices: Shoe shop and Machine Shop or Farm. 36 PSYCHOLOGICAL: "This 17 year old is of fair average intelligence. Conditions of the home situation is this boy's case are severe enough to warrant the statement that any change away from the home is bound to be an improvement. This boy has never known his real father, while he reports that his mother has lots of boy- friends, While his two sisters and one brother, while being his mother's children, are not necessarily those of his step-dad, adding furthermore that his folks get along fine as long as each can just do what he or she really feels like doing. It is of little surprise that out of such a confusing home situation, this boy has On hand a considerable amount of insecurity and anxiety when confronted with people and on the other hand has developed a quite friendly yet superficially shallow emotional tone when dealing with people. ‘While his adjustment at BVS seems quite good prognostically, one should not eXpect any real devel- opment of feelings toward other people." BEHAVIOR YOU SHOULD WATCH FOR: ' 1. Actual behavior toward other boys, since he struck this ‘ examiner by his somewhat shallow, yet friendly manner. WHAT THIS BOY NEEDS: ‘ l. Sympathetic cottage parents, since he has had neither ' adequate mother or father figure. 2. Encourage his various efforts, at play as well as work, to instill confidence this boy seems to lack. 37 "TONY" White Born: 2-1h-36 Adm: 1-22-51, 11-30-51 Height: 5' 8" Weight: 176 Hair: Dk. Brown ggyes: Brown Comp: Fair Build:Heavy F!«*"~.“:'J PROBLEM: Tony first came to the attention of the court in March, l9h9, on a complaint filed by his father charging disobedience. The boy was placed on probation which was terminated March, 1950. On November 20, 1950, the father filed another complaint charg- ing disobedience, school truancy, late hours, no respect for parental supervision, desertion of home, and abusive treatment of siblings. As the result of the last complaint, Tony was committed to this school. After a 7 month residence at BVS Tony was released to his parents on August 30, 1951. On/November'BO, l951'he“was returned to BVS for breaking and entering two gas stations. “"‘“ ’ it <»-ivrw.v’ FAMILY BACKGROUND: Most of Tony's difficulties seem to stem from his extremely poor relationship with his father, a man of uh who was born in Italy and who attempts to live and conduct himself by old world cultural standards. The owner of a small store , he operates it seven days a week and evenings. Tony says all his dad thinks about is mone , expects every family member to work for little or nothing. 'My father is strict and old fashioned and expects me to have to do things as he had to when he was growing up in the old country." Tony traces his difficulty to the time he stole money from his father two years ago because he didn't receive any allowance. The boy also claims that when he worked outside the store, his father took most of his earn- ings away from him. Tony clearly prefers his mother, age 3h, also a native of Italy. The mother also works in the store but usually manages to get home by the time the children get out of school. Tony says his mother is kinder, will occasionally give him money for a show. Sibling rivalry is also evident and court papers mention abuse of his brother and sister. Tony is the middle child of this family of 3 children. The boy feel that the father treats the siblings much better, although he stated that they have to work in the store after school, Saturdays and Sundays, for as little as $2.50 a week. The family owns a two family flat located in an area of medium risk which is congested and populat- ed by mixed nationalities. Tony says his father also owns other property. As can be expected, court papers state that the econ- omic status of the family is good. EDUCATION: Tony last attend school in the 8th grade. He did not like school, showed a poor attitude toward teachers. The boy states he hated school because he was too far behind in grade level as the result 0f moving and one failure. Because of his problems, the boy truanted a great deal. HEALTH: Tony describes his health as good and tells of no prev- ious serious illnesses. He states, however, that he was rendered unconscious when hit by a car at the age of 5. 38 PSYCHOLOGICAL: In February 1951 our psychologist reported: "Here is a boy of high average mental ability, achieves at a 6th grade level in reading and a 10th grade level in arith- metic computation. In terms of the general population Tony is about u years retarded in reading. However, in terms of his school opportunities actually he is about two years ad- vanced in arithmetic and two years retarded in reading. He has high tool dexterity. Apparently this boy was reacting to a very rejecting and distrustful father, and there was several intercultural conflicts within the home. The boy is keenly resentful because of the treatment he received within the home. The boy.is keenly resentful of his father and shows strong resistance to authority. He seems to lack the capacity to have any insight into the cause of relationships in his behavior at this point. The fact that ecglish was not spoken in the home until he began school probably accounts for the reading difficulties." PSYCHIATRIC: Dr. Asselin reported in February 1951: "Tony here for the first time because of disobedience at home, truancy, and stealing. The boy has been in difficulty during the past two years. He attributes this to failure of his par- ents to meet his demands. They want him home at 8 o'clock and give him little spending money. He stays out late selling papers. The stealing has ayparently been the result of these late hours. The boy is of high normal intelligence and there is no evidence of psychosis. It appears to be in part a cultural problem with conflict between the parents and the boy's interpretation of a pattern of living. The boy expresses a great deal of hostility directed toward his father and reacts to this hostility against authority by his delinquent pattern. tor in his residence at BVS. I recommend that he be placed sexthat.the authority figure isn’t too dominante" PREVIOUS RECORD AT BVS: During a 7 month residence at BVS Tony was assigned to Virginia Hall, 8th grade, farm, store ram, and machine shop. He adjusted reasonably well to the program except at school where he was often negative and unruly. ACTIVITIES: Tony says he was a Cub Scout for 12 years. He likes to make model airplanes and hopes to make them here. The boy is not much of a sports enthusiast but does like .swimming and football. He is interes ed in music, hopes to continue trombone instruction here. Tony is Catholic but att- ends church irregularly. He claims he didn't attend because his parents never attend. BEHAVIOR YOU SHOULD WATCH FOR: 1. Outbursts of temper. 2. Resistance toward authority and feelings of resentment and sullenness when given routine work assignments. 39 WHAT THIS BOY NEEDS: 1. This boy did not learn to speak English until he began to attend school at the age of 5. His home is strong- ly old world, both parents having been born in Italy, his father is a sort of rugged individual who came to this country at 1h, earned an adequate living, gave his own parents obedience and expects the same sort of obedience from children in this country. There is a conflict then between the father who wants to raise his child as an Italian in the old world and a boy who wants to live as an American boy in the city. He has not been involved in serious delinquent behavior, but the father is so strict in his rules and is so distrustful and rejecting of the boy that the boy has become strongly resistent to parental or the authority of his father. It is probably impossible to hope that in the short period we have this boy, to change the relationship that exists between him and his parents, could conceivably change his attitude toward his father to the point where we could get him to accept paternal authority realistiéally for the period he is going to remain in the home. ho "FRED"'White Born: 9-25-35 Adm: 5-2-52 Weight: 125% Height:5'8 3/h" Hair: Brown Eyes: Brown Comp. Fair Build: Average PROBLEM: Fred was committed to BVS for truancy from his guardian. He has a record of motor-bike thefts and truancy from school. Fred said that he left his guardians because they had been com- plaining too much. He blames his behavior on the fact that he had no father to keep him straight and that he associated with the wrong people. BACKGROUND: Fred's parents were divorced in 19h8. There were periods of separation long before this time, however. Fred said that his father was lazy and wouldn't support the family. As a result, the boy's mother went to work. There are three other children in the family, all of whom are older and are living away from home. Fred was placed with guardians and he claimed that he got along with them at first. However, when he entered school in the fall, the guardians expected big things from the boy as far as academic grades were concerned. This couple was childless. EDUCATION: Fred was in the 10th grade. He claims that english, grammar and mathematics gave him some trouble. He would like to continue school while here. HEALTH: Fred denies any serious illnesses or Operations. Ap- pears to be in good health. PSYCHOLOGICAL: "We are dealing here with a 16 year old of aver- age intelligence, who has given some evidence of anxiety, of considerable amount of tension, while on the other hand there are some suspicions here that this boy may be having some diffi- culty in properly identifying with the appropriate sex. This boy's family background has been a fairly inadequate one, his parents are divorced, he has expressed considerable hostility to- wards the father, but the relationship with the mother is a very good one. There is not much evidence of maturity in this boy and there seems to be a tendency on the part of the boy to put blame for his actions on others. Inasmuch as he has previous- ly run from guardian's in another town, there may be a possibility that we may have a truancy risk." RECEPTION COTTAGE a:roh : "Fred has a very good attitude and is trying hard to make proper adjustment." ACTIVITIES: Fred claims that he had no hobbies or outside interests. He plans to enter the Air Force after finishing high school. BEHAVIOR YOU SHOULD WATCH FOR: 1. Fighting, since admits occasionally loses his temper. 2. Truancy, since has truanted from guardians home. hl WHAT THIS BOY NEEDS: 1. Special interest on part of cottage father, since this boy has been deprived of an adequate father figure. 2. Encourage his school activities, since he has intellect- ' ual ability to profit from remedial techniques. 3. Expressed preference for print shop and might consider this. R2 "GARY" Negro Born: 1-27-36 Adm: lO-S-HQ, l-lO-Sl Weight: 151 Height: 5'?" Eyes: Dk. Brown Hair: Black Comp: Brown Buildzmed. PROBLEM: Gary, a plain appearing 1h year old boy, was first sent to this school for indecent eXposure and sex assault on a 10 year old girl. He had previously_been known to the court since June, 19h7, for truancy from a boarding home and destruction of prop- erty. He denied the indecent exposure charge and said the other sex offense occurred just for a lark. He denied any other inci— dents of sex play with girls or boys. On June 3, 1950, Gary was released to an aunt and uncle in a large city. On January 10, 1951, he was returned to this school after haVing been pick- ed up for school truancy, investigation of purse snatching, lar- ceny of money from home, gang fights, gambling, being intoxi- cated, and carrying a switch blade knife. Gary is inclined to minimize all of these activities. BACKGROUND: This boy comes from a disorganized home situation marked by criminality, illegitimacy, desertion, and mental ill- ness. The father, age 50, was born in the south and after his first marriage served a prison term for incest. He was released from prison in l9hl and now resides in an eastern state where he runs a restaurant and‘is a pastor of the Church of God and Saints of Jesus. The mother, age 37, one of 16 children, was born in the south. She married at age 15. In 1932 she moved to New York while her husband was serving a prison term. She was sup- ported by a welfare help until 1937 when she became mentally ill and was committed to a state hospital. Since January, 19u7: Gary has been in two boarding homes under care of a Children's Aid Society. In each home he failedto adjust, truanted without apparent cause, engaged in stealing from the home and neighbor- hood, and sneaked into the boarding mother's bedroom at night. Gary claims he got along well with his aunt and uncle and hopes to return to their home. EDUCATIONAL: Gary last attended the 8th grade sdhool where he was described as very aggressive and quarrelsome. He was finally expelled. MEDICAL: In l9h6 Gary fractured both legs and his left arm in an auto accident. Otherwise he says his health has been good. PSYCHOLOGICAL: In October, l9h9, our psycholOgist reported: "Here is a boy of average mental ability, who has low mechanical insight, and high capacity for tasks involving manual dexterity. He could be placed at an 8th grade level in school, and is capable of 8th grade school achievement at the present time. His level of mental functioning is uneven and erratic, either because of tension, or definite lack of motivation. He is capable of good work, but will probably do indifferent work with an occasion- al period of superior production alternating with inferior pro- ductions. The early home life of this boy must have been extreme- Y #3 insecure and must have been productive of a great deal of inner tension and anxiety. The father, who also has a criminal record of a sexual nature, denies paternity of the boy, and rejects him completely. The mother has been an inmate of a mental hospital since this boy was a small child. During the earlier years of his life the family was on relief. Hence, the early formative years were spent in an environment marked by tremendous insecur- ity and tension. This boy has probably never known a satisfact- ory relationship with any adult. He badly needs a strong, kindly, accepting father person, and equally is in need of a strong, accepting, kindly mother person. He is inclined to be withdrawn and evasive, and he appears to be disinterested and indifferent. For this reason, it will probably be very difficult to establish good relationships with the boy, or to provide him with a satis- factory socialized outlook. This boy was essentially sent to BVS for sex offenses. These offenses seem to be rather impulsive actions and reflect a good deal of the boy's impulsivity and im- maturity, and lack of realistic control. As such they may rep- resent one of the means of dealing with his anxiety. The boy tells us that he was also a member of an adolescent gang, who found keen delight in going out and picking fights with other boys. These sexual and physical aggressions together may re- flect a good deal of the tremendous need that this boy has to assume a masculine role in the world." Rorschach test indicated "weak super-ego, emotional infantilism, and impulsiveness." A psychiatrist in August, l9h9, diagnosed Gary as having a psychopathic personality. ACTIVITIES: Gary expects to work for a building contractor or in a factory when he is older. He has done this type of work before and has also been a messenger for a doctor and a grave digger's helper. For recreation he likes athletics and likes to sing. He tells of winning prizes as a singer in amateur contests. He is a Protestant but has no active church connect- ion. PREVIOUS RECORD AT BVS: During an 8 month residence Gary was assigned to Colorado Hall, 7th grade, and mending room. He was aggressive, childish and unruly during the first few months, then settled down and made much progress in his social adjust- ment. In school and work assignment his record was above average. He enjoyed participation in chorus, dramatics, and in weaving. BEHAVIOR YOU SHOULD WATCH FOR: 1. Aggression, such as picking fights, arguments, bullying, and other similar acts. 2. Any evidence of withdrawal such as refusing to associate with the general cottage group. 3. The inability to establish friendly relationships with other people. Tendency to renain by himself rather than mix with others. A. Impulsiveness, such as doing things on the spur of the moment without thinking about the consequences. S. We may find that this boys impulsiveness usually manifests itself in aggressive acts. Any type of homo- sexual behavior should be closely observed and reported. Attempts to identify with males, in other words, is he trying to be a man. 7. We would like to know if this boy is capable of WHAT THIS 1. 2. 3. making normal, usual emotional responses, that is do the things make him sad that ought to make him sad, and do the things make him happy that ought to make him happy- BOY NEEDS: To establish a firm, understanding relationship with adults, to haze an opportunity to work up his masculine strivings. An opportunity to work out the deeper things which are bothering him. To face life realistically, using mature, adult control of his behavior. 1+5 "DUANE" White Born: 11-9-36 Adm: 6-8-119, 12-31-§1 Weight: 135 Height:5'h" Hair: Dk. Brown Eyes: Brown Comp: Fair Build:Hedium PROBLEM: Duane was first sent to bvs as‘a result of a series of minor thefts, and for stealing a tractor. He had not been on probation and has been known to the court only since the early part of 19h9. There seems to have been considerable difficulty in adjusting favorably to the school situation. ”After a 12 month stay at BVS, Duane was released on June 30, 1950, to his parents. On December 31, 1951, he was returned to BVS for stealing and for fighting with an older man. BACKGROUND: Duane claims that he was born in a large city and lived there until the family moved to a small town several years ago. The father is said to be a factory worker but is now in a mental hospital as a result of "drinking to excess." The boy claims that his father was constantly drunk which fact made it difficult for the family to get along. Duane is one of five siblings, he being third oldest in the fraternity. His mother is a housewife and is now receiving ABC for support of the child- ren. A brother is reported to have had considerable difficulty and was known to the court for theft of cars. Another brother recently graduated from high school and is now living with the grandmother who owns a farm nearby. Two other brothers, age 7 and l, are living with the mother. The boy claims that there was considerable friction between the father and his mother as the result of excessive drinking. He mentions that there was economic insecurity and that the parents were hard pressed to make ends meet. He indicates that his difficulties in the community, which were thefts of small articles, was an effort to gain some of the things which he felt he needed. It is interesting to note that the boy stole only things of an insig- nificant sort, namely, candy bars, cigarettes, and , at one time, a bicycle. The mother is said to be congenial in her dealings with these children and her habits appear to be regular. EDUCATION: Duane claims that he last attended high school at the lOtn grade level. He reports that he failed the last time as the result of skipping school and being inattentive while in school. He claims that difficulty with teachers was a result of their blaming him for things which he did not do. PSYCHOLOGICAL: In June our psychologist reported: "Duane is a boy of dull normal mental endowment, very low mechanical insight and average manual dexterity. The boy is known to the court for a number of minor thefts and the stealing of a tractar. Certain- ly much of the boy's difficulty stems directly from the financial inadequacy of the family. Duane resorted to stealing as a means of obtaining those smaller luxuries which his family was unable_ to provide. There is also, in the boy's past, a considerable amount of insecurity (and shame) due to the father's separation from the family and commitment to a mental hospital. An older as brother, who has a delinquent history, probably acted as a deviant pressure--at least indirectly. The change of schools, when the family moved from one town to another, caused consid- erable adjustmental difficulty and the boy apparently became a behavior problem. Once on the "outs" with society, Duane seems gradually to have accepted his position and intensified his delinquent activities.h ‘ PREVIOUS RECORD AT BVS: During a one year stay at BVS, Duane truanted once and was reported numerous times for minor infract- ions. He proved to be a likable boy, who got along well with people. ' ACTIVITIES: Duane claims that he participated in extra curriCular activities and found sports, particularly boxing, softball, base- ball, swimming, quite interesting. He registered some enthusiasm for scout activity here at BVS. PEDICAL: Except for minor ailments, Duane's health has been good. BEHAVIOR YOU SHOULD WATCH FOR: 1. Running away. 2. Suggestible. 3. Easily led. WHAT THIS BOY NEEDS: l. A detail for which he alone is responsible. 2. Encourage to take up a hobby. ‘ ” 3. Encourage to participate in group activities. ‘ u? "NEAL" White Born: 6-9-37 Adm: 3-18-52 Weight: lhO Height: S'hé" Hair: Lt. Brown Eyes: Blue Comp: Fair Build: Small PROBLEM: Neal is a rather short, stout, pleasant-appearing boy of IA, who has been known to the court since March 1952 for BhE of a resort building in company with another boy. From this building Neal procured several blank checks, which he cashed to the amount of $500.00. Prior to this he was involved in a less serious 3&3 and has been habitually truant from school. Neal appeared friendly and cooperative and does not seem hostile toward anyone. FAMILY BACKGROUND: Neal is the first child in a family of four living with his father and step-mother. The father runs a tavern, which has a Very poor reputation and is called Mother's kitchen. The father is occupied a great deal of the time there and conse- quently finds little time to spend with this boy. The step-mother works in an office and apparently is able to do no better in terms of affection or adequate supervision. His small stature and phys- ical inferiority, coupled with his rejection by the other children because of his father's occupation, have probably contributed greatly to this boy's delinquency. SCHOOL: Neal last attended the 9th grade where he is capable of doing satisfactory work. He was reported last year as a habitual truant, but this appears to be remedied. Neal's problems do not appear to center primarily around the school situation. INTERESTS: Neal stated he would like print shop while at BVS and does not seem overly interested in Sports. He apparently has been neglected and alone a great deal of the time and has quite under- standably turned to delinquent aetivity, in view of the lack of other constructive opportunities. HEALTH: Neal appears healthy and robust and did not complain of any illnesses or accidents. PSYCHOLOGICAL: "Neal is a boy of above average intelligence, low’ hand tool dexterity and adequate school retardation in some areas. He was committed to BVS for forgery and the malicious destruction of property. Certain factors -- such as the boy's height andzphys- ical incapacity and the father's occupation —- contributed to his rejection by other children. At the same time, in the right sit- uation and among similarly rejected children, Neal undoubtedly possessed leadership qualities which may well have displayed them- selves in the BmE of the tourist cabins. It seems that Neal has never really identified with any constructive adult in his environ- ment. Much of the time he was neglected and alone in the world. In this confusion, he probably has never acquired loyalties to any other persons or adopted a code of satisfactory behavior. If places among small boys he may represent a problem to the institu- t on. h8 BEHAVIOR YOU SHOULD WATCH FOR: 1. Leadership qualities, especially among younger boys. 2. Feelings of hesitancy and withdrawal in the presence of adults. ' 3. Intelligent, capable boy if properly motivated. WHAT THIS BOY NEEDS: 1. Strong identification witn an adult figure whose values he can assume. 2. Warm, rather friendly people but who will have a clear- cut control over him so he understands limits he may go. 1+9 "HERFAN" White Born: 10-17-36 Adm: 5-9-52 Weight: 151 Height:5'10" Hair: Brown Eyes: Hazel Comp: Dark Build: Slender PROBLEM: Herman is a tall, slender, good looking 15 year old boy. He has been known to the court since last fall for purse snatching, UDAA and running away from a similar institution. Herman was c00perative throughout the interview but somewhat reserved. He definitely did not like it at this other institution but could not point to any particular reasons. He did display an interest in our program. FAMILY BACKGROUND: Herman's home life has been extremely unstable. His real father, a laborer, was divorced from his mother, a practical nurse, in 1938. She remarried in 19h8 and was divorced again in' January of this year. There was no father in the home from 1938. Herman states that his step-father Often beat his mother. As a result of this and the step-father's continual accusations of delin- quent behavior against him, Herman did not get along with his step- father. This boy has one older sister currently married with whom he states a good relationship. SCHOOL: Herman last attended the 10th grade where he reports con- siderable trouble with his teachers. He found english and science quite difficult but likes art. ACTIVITIES: This boy likes football and baseball, is very fond of drawing and art work. He requested hospital detail and will be going to school half a day. Herman plans eventually to join the service, preferring either the Marines or Air Corps. He has no particular hobbies or other activities. HEALTH: Herman reported some trouble with his teeth and feet. No major illnesses or operations were reported. PSYCHOLOGICAL: ‘"Herman is a good looking boy of bright normal I."., about 3 years scholastic retardation and good tool dexterity. Emotional disturbance is apparently preventing function at the optimal level. There are no overt signs of stress, however, The mother, a practical nurse, was divorced in 1938 and again in January of this year. There was no paternal figure in the home from 1938 to l9h8. The boy seems to be very dependent upon the mother. He has developed a normal interest of boys his age but seems to have been given little in the way of constructive guidance. He has a somewhat skeptical attitude toward the program at present but will probably change this and become absorbed in it when he settles down to a predictable routine." BEHAVIOR YOU SHOULD WATCH FOR: 1. Fighting. 2. Homesickness. 50 3. May be a little hard to get along with at first but if this is the case he will probably thaw out soon. WHAT THIS BOY NEEDS: 1. Help in straightening out his goals and values. 2. Stable routine which has enough in it to hold his inter— est. 3. To have advantages of school effectively pointed out. 51 "BART" White Born: 6-28-37 Adm: 11-2-52 Weight: 156 Height:5'6" Hair: Brown Eyes: Brown Comp: Fair Build: Ned.Stout PROBLEM: Bart comes to us because of incorrigibility in the home and indecent liberties with a 16 year old sister (adoptive, no blood relation), a 9 year old sister (an actual half sister) and other girls in the neighborhood, according to court papers. To what extent these things were verified is unknown. The boy admits having relations with the 16 year old sister, but does nt discuss the other sister or neighbor girls. He was apparently only in court once (this April), had never been on probation, but committed largely in the petition of the father and advice of a doctor. Bart appears to have considerahle guilt about his behavior and a positive attitude toward BVS. FAMILY BACKGROUND: 'Bart's natural mother died when he was an infant. The boy, only child of the union, was placed with various relatives during the next few years. The father's second marriage apparently lasted only a very short time. Then, when the boy was 5, the father married his present wife, who Was once previously married, and brought Bart to live with them. The stepmother also brought her daughter of her prev- ious union and in 1950 the father adopted the girl and the step-mother adopted Bart. There are also three other children, two girls and a boy, which were born to this present union. Bart, who is the second oldest of the children, claims a good relationship with all of them, as well as his parents. He says he got along well with the latter, as long as he did as he was asked. Court papers state that the boy would not do the chores on the farm as ordered. Apparently, the father felt the boy should do them while he worked as a machinist in a factory in a state nearby. Bart claims his father had to do this to pay off the large mortgage and verbally justifies his father's actions. However, parental relationships seem rather weak and one gets the impression that Bart resented being tied down to the farm work, rather than being able to participate in sports, etc. EDUCATIONAL: Bart last attended a fairly large school at the 9th grade level. He says he truanted, but once, in school and found most of his studies easy. He says he likes school and hopes to finish high school. - MEDICAL: Bart says he is in good health and tells of no serious illnesses or injuries. PSYCHOLOGICAL:‘ "Bart is a boy of superior intelligence, average tool dexterity, and no overall scholastic retardation. He was committed to BVS for no direct offense against the state but for general incorrigibility in the home. He comes from what is an adequate home situation. His father is attempting to buy a large home in the neighborhood of a fairly large city and the 52 boy has been working on this farm in his spare time. The father, in his effort to pay for the farm, has taken work at one of the near-by factories and as a result the boy is left to handle many of the chores which he neglects. Not only does he neglect these chores, but has proven to be quite incorri- gible within the home situation. He is also charged with offenses of a sexual nature, he apparently has been sexually aggressive against the sister by marriage who is approximately his own age, and possibly against a younger girl, a sister by marriage, and also the boy has been known to be quite a philanderer in the neighborhood. In general, the boy's troub- les appear to be those of the usual adolescent sort and probably the most satisfactory solution to them will be a short stay at BVS where some effort should be made to acquaint the boy with firm control and where he should be forced to live some time at least a regimented existence. In general, time will probably take care of the problem he has and the best we can do is temporarily detain him here until he has a chance to mature somewhat.‘ PSYCHIATRIC: Our psychiatrist reports: "Bart was sent here because of sexual play with his 16 year old sister. He denies other forms of delinquency. His school record has been satis- factory. It finds no evidence of abnormal sexual develOpment or other deviation. If the boy's account is accurate, I see no special problem. While at BVS should be placed in routine program." BEHAVIOR YOU SHOULD WATCH FOR: 1. Tendencies to be aggressive and incorrigible at times. 2. Hesitancy in doing the work he is required to do. 3. May show no interest in routine tasks of any kind. h. Possibly aggressive against other children at times. WHAT THIS BOY NEEDS: 1. Contact with a particularly likeable male figure who at the same time will be a firm, friendly counselor to the boy. 2. Should not be permitted to escape from assignments and tasks which have been given to him, but should be re- quired to complete them all. 3. Some effort should be made to challenge the boy's interests and get him interested in the reading of books or other equally engaging past times for a boy of superior intelligence. 53 "LEO" White Born: h-15-36 Adm: 3-13-52 Weight:l50 Height:5'7%" Hair: Brown Eyes: Blue Comp: Sallow Build: Medium PROBLEM: Leo, a sturdy, 16 year old, was placed on probation in February 1952 for stealing two cars, one of which he damaged. Within a few weeks he was brought back into court and sent to BVS for another car theft and schdol truancy. He says he has . stolen four cars in the past year. He takes a rather helpless view toward his delinquencies. He claims that when he sees an Opportunity to make off with a car he has to follow the impulse. Leo has been known to the police since February 19hh for break- ing windows, fighting, and having stolen property. FAMILY BACKGROUND: Leo's parents were divorced in 1939. The father drifted out of the family picture entirely at that time and has not been heard from although he was supposed to pay alimony. The mother, are 37. married again in 19hO.’ She has full time work as a manager ofga dairy bar. The step-father, age h2, is a factory worker. Leo Speaks in highest terms of his parents, although they do not have too much time to spend with him. Court papers state that Leo is helpful, cooperative, and never quarrelsome at home and there is no animosity within the family. The parents are at a loss to explain his behavior. Leo is a middle child in a family of three girls and three boys. The oldest sister is known to the court for neglect of her four children who were later placed in boarding homes. A brother, age 18, is self-supporting. The home is well-kept and is in a neighborhood where the delinquency rate is low. There is no financial trouble at home. SCHOOL: Leo last attended Junior High school where he was in the 8th grade. He is a poor student, hates school, and truanted some. He tells of no specific reason for his dislike of school. The Children's Cneter in his town recommended that he be permit- ted to get a work permit. HEADTH: He appears to be in good health and says he has had no serious illnesses or injuries, although he has had a number of minor accidents. INTERESTS: Leo's vocational plan is to join the Navy. His work experience included being a stock clerk in a dime store and working in his mother's restaurant. He has always had ample spending money. He has a girl friend and tells of goind to dances and school entertainments. He has not been mixed up in any gang activities. He likes music and claims to be a tenor soloist. He likes baseball and track and hOpes to follow up these interests at BVS. RECEPTION COTTAGE REPORT: "Leo has shown a good attitude so far. 51; He gets along well with other boys and with staff members. No unusual behavior has been noted.‘ PSYCHOLOGICAL: "Leo is a boy of dull normal to normal intelli- gence, high hand tool dexterity and considerable verbal-schol- astic retardation. He was committed to BVS largely for the UDAA. Leo lives with his mother and step-father with a younger brother and two half sisters. Both the mother and step-father work outside of the home and there is no contact with the real father. In general, the root of the boy's problem appears to be in the school. "His limited verbal abilities created a very ‘ unhappy school situation and presented a rather severe conflict, which the boy sought to avoid by truanting. The automobile thefts appear to have arisen as a consequence of the truancies. With limited activities to occupy his time and associations which encouraged delinquent conduct, Leo was almost certain to get in trouble. A further problem may center around the aggres- sive element involved in the thefts. The marked difference be- tween verbal and performance scales indicates considerable un- tapped potential if the hostility toward school and negativism can be overcome." BEHAVIOR YOU SHOULD'NATCH FOR: 1. Signs of unhappiness and hostility when in competition with other children in the intellectual areas. 2. May be a leader, it is difficult to say at this time. WHAT THIS BOY NEEDS: 1. Specific trade training. 2. Encourage to get further training in the school area since there are some indication that he may have a capacity for achievement beyond that which he has shown at this point. ' 3. Praised and encouraged by cottage parents and given a sensed achievement and have built up his feelings of adequacy and worth. _ SS "COLIN" White Born: 8-28-35 Adm: 5-20-52 Weight: 180 Height:5'7 3/h" Hair: Brown Eyes: Brown Comp: Fair Build: Slender PROBLEM: Colin is an average-sized, tow-headed, nice appearing boy of 16. He has been known to the court for about a year. While at another institution Colin and another boy ran away and committed several BLE'S. Colin was then placed in a juvenile home where a similar incident occurred. Colin stated the Judge ’informed him of a possible release on Colin's 17th birthday, 8-28-52, if the boy has a good recOrd during these three months. Colin was aware, however, that this was not a promise and appeared to be resigned, if necessary, to a longer commitment. He was cooperative and friendly throughout the interview and seemed to be sincere in his desire to make a good adjustment. FAMILY BACKGROUND: Colin has been the victim of a highly mobile and unstable home environment. His real parents separated when he was two. Since that time he has lived monthly with his mother in a small town, but has spent about three years with his father in'a large city. Colin states he did not get along with his- father who was a strict disciplinarian and beat him severely on several occasions. After this separation, the mother received custody of the children -- Colin and two older sisters. During this period Colin spent about three years in various boarding homes, including a home in another state. He later returned to his mother and sisters. The mother remarried around l9h5, but at present is separated from the step-father. Colin states he did not get along well and often fought with his step-father, who runs a gas station in a small town. Colin has subsequently spent about 2% years in another institution, which apparently was his mother's idea. She also has encouraged him to join the Air Corps, which he plans to do when he is 17. Colin feels that no one has cared about him, except his mother, who seems some- what rejecting also. SCHOOL: Colin attended high school in the 11th grade, where he reports receiving B's and C's. His plans include finishing high school and obtaining some advanced training in civil or mechan- ical engineering. Colin would like to attend school all day, if possible, and apparently likes to read. 'In high school, economics seemed to be his favorite subject, while he had some trouble with algebra. ACTIVITIES: Swimming appears to be Colin's favorite sports and pasttime. He also likes baseball and is very interested in guns and hunting. Colin tells of going rather steady with one girl, but having other dates also. He feels he has adequate sexual information, but has never attempted sexual relations. He does play a trumpet and was a member of a band. 56 HEALTH: Pneumonia at a very early age was the only serious illness or accident reported by the boy. RECEPTION COTTAGE: Reception cottage parents report that Colin has a good attitude so far. They also report evidence of nail biting. PSYCHOLOGICKL: "This is'a boy of superior or above I.Q., very high tool dexterity and advanced scholastic achievement. He has been a chronic delinquent since an early age. Offenses have been mostly B&E with some vandalism and truancy. The boy's home life has been very disorganized and apparently consider- able emotional stress is present there. The mother is suing for a divorce from her second marriage. The boy seems to be finding difficulty developing any stable goals or relating to others. There seems to be a considerable amount of covert hostility and defiance. He has been placed in another similar institution but truanted and did not adjust well. The psychological test- ing so far is inconclusive but it appears that we have here a rather deeply disturbed boy who is not willing to accept help." BEHAVIOR YOU SHOULD WATCH FOR: 1. Keeping to himself too much. 2. May steal. 3. Not being able to work out goals what will keep him ‘ interested. ' h. Losing his temper. 5. Reporting peculiar behavior to the clinic. 6. May defy authority in small ways. WHAT THIS BOY NEEDS: 1. To participate in the group and find companionships. 2. To become interested in going through college and plan for this. He does not seem adequately stimulated at present. II. THE STUDY April g2, 1952 The boys were anxious to finish rehearsal early tonight as they had been promised a hike to the farm if there were time. It was a fine spring evening. Rehearsal went well, and having agreed not to become excessively rough with one another and to stay within sight, the group started leisurely out the back road. Today Larry learned that, after a year's stay at the school, a farm placement in Marquette county had been found for him. He followed by the leader's side and could not talk enough about it. Most of the boys crowded around and -- as was generally die rule on such outings -- they had all sorts of things to speak of concerning past experiences in the woods, plans for the fut- ure, etc. They seemed anxious for attention, but eventually, most of them ran on ahead -- leaving Larry and the leader to talk alone. The leader suggested that he be honest with the people with whom he was to be placed -- putting his "cards on the table" and confessing his weaknesses as soon as possible. He agreed to this. He asked the leader to come and see him some day or send him a picture of the Players. The group walked the length of the farm and returned along the highway side of the Boys Vocational School property. The boys enjoyed themselves -- group spirit seemed high. May 2, 1952 The group seemed hypersensitive tonight -- still feeling the tension, perhaps, of the previous week's Jackson Prison riot. 53 At the Scene Shop, the leader reported on plans for an off-grounds trip -- the group was enthusiastic. The leader had picked up a new boy, Floy, who was painfully shy -- the boys were eager to take advantage of his blushing. Richard had re- turned to the group after several days in "S" (discipline cell) for having a minor part in an attempted mass runaway. The leader had an hour's conference that afternoon with Richard on his problem. He seemed determined to do better. The leader seized upon this opportunity to improve relations within the group. Three Players from Virginia Hall (Gene, Eldon and Ray) were having much difficulty in adjusting to one another. Con- sequently, there followed a "Round Robin" on adjustment prob- 1ems with all of the boys contributing to an analysis of the behavior of the other. The leader summarized the group's feelings as follows: Richard: Needed help because of his suggestibility. The group decided they must try to keep him from giving in to the wrong boys. Floy: Was obviously "modest" which was good, but needed more self-confidence. The group could help by not teasing him. Eldon: Seemed far too much on the defensive and too sensitive to challenge. Really a fine fellow but the group needed to understand why he seemed hostile. The group was sure that Eldon would improve if everyone was patient and help- ed him. Leo: Doing fine. Was quite conscious of his size, (he was only 15). and like Eldon (1h) he evidentally had trouble finding friends among his own age group. The Players might 59 be the answer to his problem. Ray: ("Tell him now! Tell him now!" said Eldon) Ray needed help in overcoming his pride. Too many boys have accused him of being "lippy" and too aggressive. He needed to begin to take others more seriously. The group could help him by ignoring his excessive horseplay. Danny: All agreed that this boy.had improved a great deal since the group had talked with him a week ago about his glib "fooling around", but the group decided they could still help him more by understanding that he was nervous, sensitive, and short on attention. The boy asked for further assurance that he had improved -- and got it. Rod: He needed to try to get his feet on the ground. He no longer needed to use tall stories in order to get attention and was making great progress. (He was pleased). Gene: This boy was the non—violent type, (The leader claimed he was the same), and was a little confused by the rough-house ways of others. He needed to take great care in not provoking conflicts in an effort to be "just one of the boys". Warren: This boy was missing tonight, (off—grounds), but the boys were reminded of the improvement he had made while a member of the Players. The group took all of the comments nicely and for the moment, all was again "sweetness and light". They were told that the group-ideal must stand before any single member. They must exercise a "fraternal spirit" in their relations with one another. The leader included himself in the "Round Robin", 60 telling them that he probably expected too much of them; that they could help him by "humoring" him, and also that he "talked too much." Rehearsal went along nicely. Tom had been the first to memorize all of his lines. Others were doing well. Larry had elected to scrub flats as he wanted to make a contribution to the show before he went home the following Wednesday. A The boys were in high spirits as they returned to their cottages. The leader promised one of his used neckties to any boy who had his lines memorized by the following Monday. M lg: 1952 Ray was dropped a week ago -- climax to a general apathy. He did not come to a rehearsal, and denied later that he had been told of the meeting. This was quite untrue. Today he went AWOL from the academic school, thereby betraying a confidence with the leader that he would not run. As a matter of fact, he very nearly ran from the leader. Clinic diagnosis of “deep feelings in inadequacy" had been misleading. Larry had written from his placement. He seemed satis- fied but wanted to know the date of the Player's next production. The group went last Wednesday evening to a musical comedy presented by a local adult group. Despite rainy weather, the boys had a good experience. I a: a? as as as a: :3 Tonight the leader outlined plans for the group's visit the following Friday to Michigan State College. The boys were eager. The leader spoke at length on problems they might en- counter with girls, etc. Danny asked that the group handle 61 offenders at a later meeting because "it would be pretty dirty for one boy to mess us all up". Rehearsal went well. They had been promised that the leader, in conference with the members, would set a produc- tion date that evening if most of the lines were learned. They were anxious for this. Many planned to ask their parents to come. This was a long one-act and the trend was to become restless half way through rehearsal -- present- ing a slight problem in motivation. The leader held a private conference today with Tom. The leader had been told that he had "hot-feet". The boy said that he had had -- but had no more. He had been "on the skids" in school. Michigan High School Drama Day at Michigan State College offered a highly constructive experience for the boys. The Speech Department treated the Players well and, having few expenses, the group had adequate funds for plenty of extras -- ice-cream, pool, bowling, and more ice-cream. As six of the group were ex-farmers, they seemed to enjoy most of the livestock quartered on the college farm. Here, Richard was in his glory. 'Warren, on the other hand, a Detroiter, had much fun ridiculing the others. The boys had learned to control one another on these outings. Gene momentarily strayed and teased by hanging far over a bridge. Warren and Rod firmly reprimanded him in a whispered caucus with the boy. The group seemed genuinely distressed that Danny could not be with them. He had been taken to the hosp- 62 ital the previous night with a high temperature. He had been eager for this experience and was quite disappointed. The boys asked that the group hold a surprise party for him with the money left over. Warren and the leader dropped in at the hospital to tell him of all the day's doings when the_ group returned to the school at h:30 p.m. He listeneden- thusiastically and seemed pleased that the group had thought of him. Danny had become one of the group's most loyal mem- bers. Tonight's meeting was devoted to "blocking out" the show -- on stage. The group entered into this with a great deal of zeal -- finding "props" everywhere and enjoying each others' characterizations. ‘Prior to the rehearsal Warren took it upon himself to reprimand Eldon who had made un- charitable remarks to another member. Warren made an issue of this sort of thing -- insisting that this was not prOper in the Players. Again he referred to the spirit of the past group. The leader reminded the boys that Eldon had made some improvement -- that the group must be patient with each other. Nevertheless, the group wanted -- "if necessary" -- a demerit system for boys who were "unfraternal" with tempor- ary dismissal for those who emassed too many demerits. Eldon took this quite well. In rehearsal, Warren began to "hem" and upset rehearsal several times. He had been the acknowledged leader of the group and other members overlooked his behavior. The leader 63 reprimanded him mildly while walking with him alone to the honor cottage. Tom, who was very serious about rehearsal, had tried to "diplomatically" kid him out of this on more than one occasion. Elsi El, .1253 A private conference was held today with Gene. One of his teachers reported that he broke into tears when repri- manded in his class the day before. Gene seemed to have reached some sort of peak and was currently quite confused. The leader and he had their conference sitting out on the lawn under the trees. The previous day, Gene had passed the leader, quietly, an autobiography which exhibited much guilt regarding his mother's death. ("He had gotten drunk the night of her funeral.") The leader reminded him that his current apprehension might well be very healthy as it might lead to a deeper insight into his behavior. Gene claimed that he had difficulty in talking about these things to others -- that he felt secure in talking them over with the leader, who suggested that he talk more thoroughly with the school psychologist. At Boys Vocational School he could take advantage of services that he might never again have. He agreed that he would contribute more to the therapy be- gun a week before with the school's chief psychologist, Dr. Shelly. Later, the leader spoke to Dr. Shelly and Mr. Pittman (Gene's teacher) about the matter. Dr. Shelly said he would call theboy in soon. Warren presented the leader with three letters today 61; asking that the errors in them be corrected. He had been very concerned about his English (which was really quite poor). One letter was to Bill (a former Player) who wrote to the leader the previous day inquiring of Warren's wel- fare. He wished to send Warren a gift box. This brotherly interest had elated Warren. .He wrote that he wanted Bill to avoid trouble and "be a good boy". Another of'Warren's letters was to his mother thanking her for her interest in him as expressed in correspondence to his counselor. In a somewhat pathetic note, the boy ask- ed for another last chance with his mother who had for so long rejected him. He told her of the progress he had made at the school -- president of the Players, Honor Cottage, etc. This evening's meeting was a "surprise party" in honor of Danny who had missed the Players M.S.C. outing. The boys planned carefully to surprise him, hiding behind curtains, etc. They were enthusiastic about it all. The leader pur- chased ice cream andcandy with the money left over from the outing. Danny was pleased and attempted a short speech of gratitude. It was amusing to watch the boys share the candy, which Warren had arranged neatly in the middle of the desk. ‘While gobbling the ice cream which Warren distributed to them, they each eyed the candy carefully. Finishing the ice cream they "casually" sidled up to the desk and took hand- fuls of candy. Each boy made an accurate mental count of the portion taken by other members and tried to avoid being "uncharitable" when one took one piece more than his share. 65 Tom was one of these. "Group pressure" prevented him from taking the last few pieces. However, he offered them to the leader before slipping them into his pocket. Return- ing from their party they challenged the Hi-Y to their annual soft-ball game -- some time in early June. Tonight's meeting was shadowed by the knowledge of Tom's AWOL. He ran from the cafeteria last Friday. He had been picked up last night in Webberville and was currently in "5". None of the group was too surprised. He had hinted to Warren and the leader that the thought of running was not entirely out of his mind. He was aware that he would be drOpped from the group if he ran away. In the light of this condition to membership, the action seemed justifiable. The boys seemed disappointed that he should have taken membership so lightly. It was a positive blow to group morale. Re- placing him in the cast meant further delay in producing the show. The group picked a new member to replace Tom -- Larry, a student in the ninth grade English class. He joined the group the following Wednesday. The group discussed business concerning: 1. Dr. Shelly's college radio broadcast which used Players under Pseudonyms for interviews on "why boys get into trouble." 2. Tom's AWOL. 3. The desirability of readmitting a past player -- a P.V. -- who was anxious to rejoin the group. The Group 66 Activities Committee agreed depending on the group's feelings. The boys seemed favorable to his returneven though it was contrary to the club's policy. h. The following Thursday evening's trip to Eastern High School. 5. This study. The leader gave the group a somewhat detailed account of what he would be trying to do for the re- maining months of their stay in the group. They seemed int- erested. Rehearsal was brief and not too successful. Tom was missed in his role. Spirits seemed to improve as the members returned to their cottages. On the way to Pennsylvania Hall, Warren asked that the group drOp in to see Danny who was confined to the hospital again with a bad throat. (He seemed improved and pleased to see the Players. Warren gave him his membership card. ‘Warren had been distributing them through- out the day. Boys were quite proud of these tokens. The leader had a conference with Richard the previous Friday. Mr. Hoover, his teacher, had reported some small difficulty with the boy in one of his classes. The leader was a bit disturbed but it appeared that the affair was of small consequence. Richard has a stubborn streak. His pride had been hurt. In this, and in so many other ways, this boy showed his basic immaturity. His guilelessness, his simple wholesomeness was a redeeming factor. His progress with the Players was more than the leader had imagined it would be. He had thoroughly identified with the leader and taken well 67 to guidance. His near miss with major trouble several weeks before and the group's talk about his suggestibility immed- iately after, had had a sobering effect on him and he insist- ed that he was determined to pull through. mania. The boys were plainly disappointed to find that their off-grounds trip this evening was to be shared by the Boy Scouts and the Hi-Y. The entire affair, in fact, proved to be a let-down. The Players attended an Americanism rally sponsored by the local American Legion. It was cold and the outdoor show was dull and poorly attended. The Hi-Y leader and the Boy Scout leader were along. The Players especially resented one leader's insistence on regimentation even before the public. The Players had been asked to keep an eye on the other groups, but as it was, the Players were no better than the worst of the others. They rushed to the top of the stad- ium and complained loudly through most of the show. Never- theless, spirits were high through the first part of the program. The leader joked and exchanged sarcasms with the boys up to the point where he felt they might be taking advantage of the situation. Danny and Gene were most up- setting in this respect. This was not an uncommon situation and the leader could not help but realize that he had a great share in allowing this sort of difficulty to arise. Again, he was forcefully reminded that it was next to im- possible for most, if not all, of these boys to grasp the 68 subtle difference between the leader's being "just one of the boys" and his being a sympathetic or friendly supervisor. Danny, especially,had this to learn and he seemed puzzled when the leader appeared to reverse roles and expect him to concede to his demands. A major responsibility of the group leader here, seems to be the regular re-interpretation of authority in this sort of fraternal setting. This single problem seemed greater, for this leader, than almost any other in the group process. Gene was the source of more than a little concern this evening. He insisted on sitting next to a group of outside boys. His motives were clear enough, (he intended to ask for cigarettes on the Q.T.), but Rod, irritated by this, asked him to come sit with him "to keep warm" -- he had given his coat to Danny. Gene finally did, begrudgingly. But, when the show was over, he slipped over to the other part of the stands to pick up an "erb" (cigarette butt), and the leader scolded hin roundly -- exhorting him to become more trustworthy or lose his membership. He had never rated high with the rest of the group and they were demanding some sort of showdown. Gene is rather weak. A "showdown" could either help or hinder him. If the group means as much to him as the leader thinks it does -- it will probably help. ‘Another blow to group morale cane yesterday when Larry, the boy who had replaced Tom, ran from the school. It was interesting to note how the boys reacted to these 69 set-backs. They seemed compelled to console the leader, through greater "esprit de corps", closing in upon him in school and making a great show of group feeling. The leader was inclined to feel, however, that they themselves had lost considerable confidence when one of their number had gone AWOL. mania The boys seemed jubilant tonight. Two graduate students from a sociology class at Michigan State College visited the group. They were attractive young ladies and made quite a hit with the Players. The guests acted as prompters in a line rehearsal. Following this, they were invited to question the boys regarding their activity. Questions and responses (mostly through Warren), were of the usual nature: "Why doyou belong to the club?", "What are you getting out of it?", "How do you select your casts?", "What don't you like about Boys Vocational School?" Warren and the others had developed pat answers to these questions which seem, for the most part, to represent their honest opinions. Richard was woefully shy. Floy was indifferent. Gene was aggressive. Warren was professional. Rod attempted humor. Eldon was impassive and Danny was preoccupied with thoughts concerning a visit home the day following. The girls visited with the boys on the way back to their cottages. The leader was pleased with their behavior. All in all, it was a good experience-- raising again the question of the value of more heterosexual contacts. The 70 Players reaction, however, could not be considered typical of the entire institution. Tonight's line rehearsal re-emphasized the narrow attention span of the group. Half-way through, the boys became restless and it was a struggle to keep them at it to the end. ‘ a... 2., 1952 No meeting was scheduled for tonight but there were several important contacts throughout the day. A conference with Danny provided the leader with additional insight into his personality. The leader attempted first to re-interprest his position with the group in the light of its ill-gotten experience of May 28. Danny appeared to respond well to this but was eager to talk more of his own problems. He claimed that he had been practicing the self-analysis the leader had spoken of before with much profit and had avoided several conflicts by using it before giving vent to his emotions. He seemed encouraged by his progress but had lately become more and more apprehensive about his future. He wanted to take a Kuder Preference Record (later that afternoon, he was given one). He expressed a great deal of guilt ~- especially in relation to his mother. He became sentimental here -- almost crying. He did not feel that he could afford to Complete high school because of the need for his assuming "More responsibility toward his family. At this point he cIanided (with a slight trace of shame) that his family 71 was "poor". He seemed to have difficulty in expressing all this but the leader was pleased that he had come as far as he had. The leader congratulated him on having assumed a mature attitude toward his family's welfare but expressed a doubt that he would have to give up his high school educat- ion. He asked that he be introduced to his folks when they came to visit him the following day. Later in an afternoon class which contained many of the Players Richard and Rod with mild support from Danny and Gene, began to tease about the group, insisting that they wished to drop and did not want to be picked up for the next meeting. Here was another obvious attempt to gain an expression of the leader's dependence upon them. This sort of thing had become typical especially of Richard, who had, if anything, over-identified with the leader. Since his remarks were presented in a joking way -- the leader responded in the same spirit, claiming that he would drop him if he liked. Here he became adamant. "I'm serious. Don't pick me up tomorrow." VO.K., now get back to your work." "But, I mean it!" etc. All of this appeared to the leader as further evidence of Richard's immaturity -- and his tendency to identify the entire group in the person of its leader. The problem needed more attention. £11.92 L.» 1952 A conference was held with Richard this afternoon.- «Again the leader tried to interpret his role in the goup. ilt was "his" club, not the leader's. His joke about 72 dropping might indicate that he felt that the leader was per- sonally dependent upon him whereas, the group was depending upon him to carry through his part of the show -- even though this project, as well as allothers, was only a secondary function of the organization. He reverted to his nervous laughter and seemed to want to change the subject. Richard and the leader talked for a while about school ad- justment and the prOgress he had made in coming to under- stand himself better. He expressed concern for his release, fearing that he might not be strong enough to avoid the pit- falls that had sent him here. He claimed to be quite de- pressed today, (at times, he was near to tears), but later, while discussing his lost father, (he wanted to contact him again), he became much less depressed. _This boy has felt badly the lack of guidance in the past. ‘When in a poor mood, he mentioned his fear of confiding in others andhis‘ basic distrust of people. He has come to recognize his in- security and seemed interested in getting to the bottom of his problems. His ability to avoidvbad influences" over the past few months seems to have given him a lift. The Players mean a great deal to him. At this evening's meeting, (on stage), the leader was forced to stop rehearsal and point out the general apathy which seemed to have seized the group in relation to this show. The group has worked on it too long and their senti- ments were understandable. Nevertheless, when given a (:hoice, they preferred to see it through. Before beginning 73 again, the leader asked that they remember the importance of getting along together through understanding, (Richard exhibit- ed a mounting aversion toward Eldon). _Warren and the leader exchanged stories cencerning internal upsets of the past. The boys returned to their work with new zeal and had a good rehearsal. Danny was anxious throughout the evening to corner the leader. His visit today apparently provoked further think- ing regarding his problems. 'When finally he had the chance to talk, he expressed enthusiasm over yesterday's conference, claiming that it had done him a great deal of good. He suggested that the leader have a good talk with Rod, whom. he felt could benefit greatly by something of this nature. The leader said that perhaps Rod's problems were of a dif- ferent sort, nevertheless he would see what could be done» to help him. He was somewhat surprised to have Danny single out this boy for extra attention. Few of his problems have come to the surface. It struck the leader that George had strengthened his status with the group tonight. He has been inordinately interested in our new SRA adjustment materials lately. Also, Dr. Shelly claims that his radio interview with the boy on Monday had been quite successful, indicating a renewed in- sight into many of his problems. . Floy seemed ripe for further investigation. The leader must arrange a conference. He had no contact with him out- side the group as Floy is not in high school. _ . a mega. In the light of Rorschach findings as well as the com- ments of the psychologist, the leader found that Rod might benefit from further guidance without, as suspected, further endangering his emotional balance. Tonight the boys were extended an invitation to attend the M.S.C. Water Carnival. _It came as a surprise to them. They seemed delighted. Mrs. Vaughn, music therapist, and Mr. Hoover, high school teacher, drove the group out. .The Players were seated with the Percy Jones Hospital veterans and accorded special recognition over the P.A. system.vahe boys reacted well to this, displaying pride in their organ- ization rather than shame in their circumstances. This came in direct contrast to a previous situation several years ago when the group was announced from the stage at a Lansing Civic Players production and were extremely embarrassed. Thegroup seemed to enjoy the program but grew weary at the end and left before the finish. Warren's behavior on this outing was interesting. He. seemed driven to overcompensate for his color through delibe_ erate attention-getting devises, loud talk and general horse— play, apparently intending to become the self-appointed court jester. Even underthese, often-irritating situations his high-status position limited repercussions from his peers. Occasionally, the leader was concerned with the impression that the others of the group might get from his pretended indifference to this behavior -- fearing that it might in- 7S voke a charge of favoritism from them. As yet there had been none. More than once the leader volunteered a con- fidential explanation of Warren's behavior to those who at other times had expressed an open prejudice toward the colored race, (Richard). ‘The leader was in hopes that their tolerance of Warren wasevidence of better understanding of the problems faced by many sensitive colored people.‘ At any rate no one had yet openly challenged Warren's leadership position in the group. His manifest loyality to the "cause" was probably an important deterrent to such achallenge. Going to the cars, the Players walked across a darkened campus and several of them remarked that if this were another B.V.S. group -- especially Delaware Hall, (from which there have been many runaways during the past month), few of them would complete the trip. This tendency to underline their trustworthiness was rather typical, especially among newer members, and seemed to be directed toward gaining prestige. Ch the other handit might have been a subtle indication of still latent impulses. Rarely does an older member make mention of runaways on outings. They are given to believe that such an offense would be unthinkable. Tony's membership application was approved by the Group Activities Committee today. Because he had been a serious behavior problem in the institution, the committee was not prone to make a hasty decision. The leader was a bit snummimxh nonetheless pleased, by their action. Tony was a student in one of his classes for many months. He seems to 76_ be a good example of the "pseudo-socialized" urban gang boy. 'As such, he is capable of strong group loyalty involving the gang brand of "honor".‘ Many boys of this type have benefited from several months experience with the Players. Often, however, the carry-over value was somewhat limited. Tonight Tony behaved as wasexpected. He was anxious to please all, yet cautious so as not to appear overbearing. The group, of course, was pleased. His membership carried quite a bit of prestige value as he is a favorite among the boys here at the school -- a "cool cat". Some of the group used this occasion to show off a bit. Tony was very obviously avalum" and they delighted in the temporary advantage of seniority they held over him. Even.Warren, whose leadership might soon be threatened, seemed pleased, if only slightly apprehensive. about Tony's adjustment in this highly idealistic setting. Warren found it easy to forget that he himself was once in a class with this boy. The leader held no misgivings over Tony's ability to rise to the most idealistic situation, if he was at all true to type. The group had once again completed the castand a special line rehearsal was held so asto better acquaint the new "Mr. Huston" with the script. The indifference with. which the other members of the cast rattled off their lines was to be expected. Following their rehearsal, Danny, Rod and Warren con- ducted theiruinitiation". This was a mock affair intended to strike fear into the hearts of new boys, and was accomplished 77 by a build-up starting weeks before. Each boy was grilled privately and then led to expect the worst by having the boys bend over a chair and brace themselves for blows that never came. A great noise was made, however, andsfiter carefully hiding the last "victim", another "pledge" was led with great solemnity into the same ordeal. Throughout Warren's merciless inquisition ("Why did you join the Players?" "Answer with Sir!" "How do you expect to use us?"), the leader was struck with each boy's sincerity. Their response sometimes betrayed a rare depth. The setting could be held at least partially responsible. The boy was seated directly before a large floodlight which was dimmed up to full inten- sity while the questions were shot from the darkness behind. The leader was a passive observer to these cross-examinations but 000perated fully in providing the buildeup. The boys were warned not to become as "violent" with the new initiate as they had been with the last and warned not to use "steel pipes" again. Exploiting the guillability of the boys might be deemed a questionable tactic, but the ritual involved had so strong a solidifying effect upon the group that it seemed toover- shadow this consideration. Richard today was made school office boy, an honor accorded only to the better boys. Warren took such an assign- ent last week. In addition Floy was made an electrician's assistant this morning. These advancements have boosted the morale of the boys considerably. The group seemed to feel 78 that their membership helped to promote these advancements within the institution. ‘ June 12’ 1952 The seasonal conflict with baseball reached epic pro- portions this evening. Long before, the boys had agreed, (a membership condition), that the group took precidence over allcther recreational activities on grounds. Cottage inter- murals are in full swing now and though the members leave the field to join the leader in his rounds, throughout our out-of-doors rehearsals, (as the weather currently necessitates), the boys are preoccupied with the games on the field and the show must struggle against overwhelming odds. When it be- came apparent that the newcomer, Tony, was the only member of the group at all concerned for his next line, the leader called a halt and a show-down. When asked whether they had enough interest to continue the production, the boys admitted that they didn't but that with a change of pace, they might. Warren advised that we: I. begin working on scenery, 2. set a definite date for the show. “Speaking for the group, he claimed that line rehearsals were becoming very dull and that most of the boys knew their lines but were no longer interested in the show. The boys concurred on all that Warren had said -- and of course, they were right. The lead- er explained that the situation was surely bad but the fault of no one but the two runaways who had delayed the group weeks beyond a production date. Rod asked if this were the worst group the leader had ever had. The leader assured him that 79 it wasn't but that he couldn't recall when he had had such trouble keeping a cast. As a matter of fact, he had determin- ed that if one more boy took off he would have to throw up his hands and start all over again. The boys quickly respond- ed that none of them intended on leaving in the near future. At this point, the leader asked if they would like to begin scrubbing scenery tomorrow. All of them seemed enthusiastic. This evening's session may have provided the conflict situation the leader had been waitingfor -- the first in a series that would be climaxed by theshow and, if handled properly, should help solidify the group. gramme. All of the scenery was moved outside behind the scene shop and scrubbed down forgninting. Warren and Rod, who were transferred to the Honor Cottage last night, could not be with the group. Their cottage parent needed them for an intramural baseball game. They came later in the afternoon. Gene did not come at all. ‘He too, was involved in a baseball game. These boys would have joined the group under pressure but wern't really needed for this afternoon's work. The leader anticipates further difficulty in this area however. After a hot afternoon of messy work, the leader took the group in for a swim. They had worked nicely together. Easily the most zealous worker was Danny who was lost in a frenzy of energy. He is not too strong and his labor must have been an effort. He is an extremely tense and anxious youngster. Yesterday afternoon, the boy asked to speak to 80 the leader again. A conflict situation had arisen with a larger more agressive boy who had threatened Danny to a fight "when I get you back tothe cottage". The leader assured him that this sort of threat meant nothing and would not material- ize, (it didn't). The leader felt that this might be a good chance to discuss with the boy other problems related to this sort of thing. He explained that he needn't feel the weaker for not becoming envolved in such conflicts. His greatest battles would be with himself. He was congratulated on his adaptability here at B.V.S. He had won many friends with- out compromising his principles. Danny appears to gain something from these discussions but continues to evidence tremendous anxiety whenever they come about. Immediately after today's discussion, the leader re-read Danny's case history. So much of the initial diagnosis has failed to hold true here. The leader went directly to the Psychologi- cal Clinic and requested a Rorschach on the boy. Most of this evening's meeting was devoted to deciding the fate of Gene who had gone to the fieldhouse on a meet- ing night. Following in the wake of last Friday's high re- solves, this offense, along with his absence on Saturday afternoon, (and the poor acceptance accorded him by the other members of the group), compounded a breach of conduct so great as to have the entire membership against him. The leader suggested that the group call the boy in and get the facts straight before doing anything drastic. Above all, 81 the group must remember to do what was best for Gene. .If they felt that the group could no longer help him, that his motives were insincerene, he should be quietly dropped -- . regardless of the show. (A date had been set for Friday, June 27.) Butsince all of us have our weaknesses and we are banded together for the single intent of helping one another, we must not release Gene until we are absolutely sure that he is beyond our help. The boy left the field house at 7:00 o'clock and Warren brought him directly to the shop. “The group had requested, and were refused, the formality of a chair in the center of the room on which the accused was to sit. Warren, of course, acted as "grand inquisitor". They were all quite solemn and after the leaders remarks, which must have seemed somewhat disappointing, they hurled a barage of charges. Everything looked thoroughly dismal to Gene until Warren and then Danny in a weak moment suggested that the boy, as he claimed, may actually have forgotten the meeting. It would have been obvious to anyone less gullible that the entire group heped with all their hearts that the subject would relent and exhibit enough loyalty to save face for all of them. Butit was part of the ritual that he must be tormented. The boy was asked to leave the room while a verdict was being reached. Again with profound seriousness, and with Warren obviously glorying in his position at the helm, thewhole question of loyalty was re-discussed. Their own past sins were confessed. The group was defined anew in the minds of most members. Everyone contributed something. 82 Even Tony was excited. Floy, the most unagressive of ther . all, occasionally put in that "this is very serious". At last it was suggested that the leader leave the room so that they might sound out the boy more intimately. After exhorting them again to use "justice tempered with mercy", the leader called Gene back into the room and left. The boys continued their questioning "sotto voce" for over hald an hour. Finally they sent the boy out while they took a final vote. He sat down and began to cry quietly. The leader assurred him that regardless of the verdict, the boys had wanted him. Still, he must remember that group membership implies responsibility and that he had been quite remiss in this direction. He said nothing. Gene and the leader were called back into the room and, in a "coup de grace", Warren informed the boy that he must count the ballots -- which had been neatly staeked so that the final decisive vote was to the affirmative. After he had finished, the entire group descended upon Gene and congratulated him (with much back-slapping and hand-shaking). Sentiment was at a peak. The boys clapped their hands and shouted for the finish of the initiation, which had been de- layed from last Wednesday. Richard and Tony underwent the same treatment afforded the others last week. It was 8:00 o'clock. The boys were returned to their cottages in very high spirits. Already the leader had recourse to Tony's leadership ability. In a private conference this afternoon Tony was 83 asked to assume responsibility for the "socialization" of a bright, though thoroughly outcast, boy in his cottage. (This lad, Colin, later became a Player.) It was the leaders first conference witthony as a Player. He explained to him the basic ideals of the organization -- that it was devoted to self-help and to mutual assistance in social adjustment. He was told that he, having acquired a great deal of status for himself, was now in a position to use this status in helping others. Consequently, the leader had chosen a subject for him whom he knew that he and his cottage peers despised. This would be a good test of his ability -- and his sincerity. It would be the leader's own little "formal initiation" and, even if the experiment failed, it should be a good experience for him. The boy seemed flattered and eager to begin. This project was to be held in strictest confidence. The intrigue obviously appealed to him. In another private conference this morning, the leader spoke at length with Eldon regardinghis personal and group adjustment. This fellow seems difficult to "get next to". He seems to have developed a type of cynicism to protect himself from being hurt. As he is still both wholesome and terribly young, the affectation.falls flat and he is largely misunderstood by his associates. When the leader speaks to him seriously about these difficulties or any other of his problems, he tends to look away and resort to a peculiar short laughter. Nevertheless, he has agreed to a two-point pro- gram for self-betterment. First, he will attempt to check - 81+ any impulse to nasty rejoiners. Second, he will attempt to_ literally laugh off any verbal challenge. In this morning's conference the boy was less reticent than usual and admitted to his lonliness. At this evening's meeting three new boys were taken into the group, Gary, Duane and Fred. The leader had no previous contact with either Duane or Fred. Gary, however, had been a student in the leader's social adjustment class. He had taken a great interest in this subject and had made a marked recovery after a poor start in this, his second committment to B.V.S. The Players had approved of him for precisely this reason. Warren was impressed that Gary had dragged himself from the "lower depths" of Ohio Hall (disci- plinary cottage) as he himself had done. Duane enjoyed a high status position among the boys. An honor cottage boy, he should be leaving soon. Apparently with several prominait members now in the group, the Players have developed much prestige and are attracting more and more of the institution's "jazzy", pseudo-sophisticated social arbitors. Fred from all appearances, is the reverse type. .He is quiet, sensitive, bright, and it can be easily established that he will be- come a member of that segment which includes Danny and Gene and carries the "greater depth". The group painted all of the scenery and conducted a complete out-of—doors rehearsal. With additional members, all of whom are eager to please, and late privilege, they were 85 able to accomplish much on the show. After the regular "informal initiations" were held and, since feeling was running high, the leader spoke to the new boys before the group about the history and purposes of the organization. This seems to please the older members. Tony reported initial success in his campaign to be- friend Colin. In proving himself capable of this sort of thing he seems to have developed a new enthusiasm for it. He acted genuinely surprised to find that by the simple gesture of offering Colin a few "drags" off his cigarette he had quickly elicited the boy's acceptance by the rest of his cottage-mates. Eldon too, has displayed the fruitful results of today's conferences. He was actually amiable.l In a bit of horse play, his nose was bloodied and he could hardly restrain himself from laughing long enough to stop it. With such a windfall of new members, the boys tonight were expected to present a gay picture of comradie. ‘ seen. nag Warren had devised a rather unimaginative variation on a favorite trick of group members. When the leader phoned for him to be released from the honor cottage, his cottage mother asked that the leader go along with a gag that Walter had asked her to work upon him. She was to have told the leader that Warren was in "5" for talking back to the deputy superintendent and could not be with the group. When the 86 other boys were collected they were told exactly what the cottage mother asked that they be told and what our other honor cottage boys, (Rod and Duane), had not too cleverly advanced. Arriving at the scene shop - where the leader knew that Warren would be in hiding - he suggested that the group all be good to the boy when he "gets out of "S" because he had made such great progress and, since he had been here so long, a blow-up was to be expected. Then, in order to drive him out of hiding, the leader asked that the group use this opportunity to discuss, among themselves, their feeling about the president. One single, flattering remark by Gary and Warren came bounding from behind a door. Here, the leader admitted that he was aware all along of the game he was playing - that the tip-off came with the unconvincing performance of Red and Duane 5 anyhow, "thatsort of thing coming from Warren was a little hard to swallow". The vignette had added significance. Warren still cannot bear the thought of adverse criticism from those with whom he had won rapport. His hurts are very deep. The other day, in speaking of the Players with the school principal, the leader was aware that Warren, in the outer office, could not help but overhear the conversation. Nothing was said in reference to the boy but, even though it meant deserting his station, the leader knew that he had quietly slipped out the door. It would have been a fine opportunity for him to eavesdrop, and he would have - had he the courage. 87 Just before one of his classes today, Danny went into a blind rage when another boy called him "four-eyes". Prev- iously, Danny had confided that he could not tolerate teasing reference to his eyes. Even though there is no longer any noticeable defect, he had been crosseeyed as a child and he was particularly sensitive in this area. All this week, in- doors and out, he had worn dark glasses. Casually, the lead- er discussed the situation with the boy before his class- mates in our "Social Adjustment" class. When the question } of Danny's appearance was put before the group, they quickly conceded that he looked much better with glasses than withe out. This seemed to please him and he admitted that it was foolish for him to worry about his eyes any longer. This episode might bear out the boy's earlier contention that, in his "high risk" neighborhood, he was, "as a child", rejected by his peers and that at least some of his delinquent behav- ior was of a compensatory nature. June g9, 1952 The sky was overcast -- it was the end of the week -- and it was the beginning of summer vacation for most outside boys. These factors, along with a general apathy for the script, illicited an indifferent, if not sour, reaction from the boys, (perhaps the leader), at this evening's on-stage rehearsal. Richard was noticeably hostile in his reaction to the leader's direction. He is weak in memorizing lines and doesn't like to have the fact pointed out before the group. This coming week should "make or break" him in an 88 all-out test of his ability to accept criticism. Gene, too, whose adjustment here has been erratic, to say the least, was irritable when he was corrected for a poor stage crossing. This boy's behavior in the classroom seems to have grown worse by degrees and today the leader was forced to correct him for serious insolence. It is hard to believe that he is not tak- ing advantage of an intimacy necessarily restricted to a relationship in the Players. The leader had htped that his experience the other evening would have a more sobering effect on him. Before returning the boys to their cottages the leader told them that he was disappointed in tonight's rehearsal and suggested that if any of them resented his direction this evening, they would have to brace themselves for nest week when the leader would be forced to apply more pressure than ever. Their was little or no spirit left in them. They crossedthe campus in little broken groups of two's and three's. £59192 Attendance was not compulsory at this afternoon's painting session and only four of the boys were not involved in intermural baseball. After last night's meeting the leader was curious as to how many would join the group if they were urged. Danny, Tony, Floy and Gary worked hard from 2:00 to 5:15 p.m. Danny as usual, expended the greatest energy and urged others on when they lagged. This boy often puts even.Warren's group loyalty to shame. At times the poor 89 attitude of other members appears to hurt him more than it does the leader. On such occasions he will glance in the leader's direction and nod -- as if to apolOgize for what was happening. This afternoon's session was surprisingly productive. The boys seemed in good spirits when brought to the audi- torium for their rehearsal. Warren and Rod hung behind, deep in discussion, but upon arrival at the auditorium Warren asked that he be allowed to speak to the group privately and that the leader wait outside until they were ready to begin. After about five minutes the leader was ushered into the auditorium to find a sober-faced group of boys removing their shirts and standing on stage ready for work. They had collected make- shift props. The overall impression was one of stony determin- ation. There followed a flawless rehearsal. Rising to the occasion the leader threw himself into the thing with all the energy he could muster. A fresh perspective was given to the show. The cast found laughs where they had never known them to exist. After three of the most successful rehearsal hours yet, they had exactly enough. The group returned to their cottages with tremendous optimism for a production which only a night or so before seemed doomed to fail. The leader had congratulated the group but private honors were reserved for Warren. "I hope that coercion wasn't part of your secret formula." "Coercion, nutsl I just told them that if they didn't get down to business tonight, I'd beat the hell out 90 of them!" £122,322 Rehearsal tonight was held out-ofedoors next to the school building -- site of Friday's show. Despite noise and distraction on the playfield directly behind them, the group did a workmanlike job. There followed an on-stage rehearsal which lacked enthusiasm. At an interval, the leader commented on the reactions of several members under the presure of the last few days. Richard's lines and his attitude continue to be bothersome. Eldon, too, needs to curb a fast temper although some strides have been made in this direction. All the boys still resent Gene and they are quick to note his slightest blunders. Tony now that he is more firmly oriented, has come to show his true colors. Because he is aware of the leader's sentiments toward a close friend of his -- an apparent- ly incorrigible youngster who recently attempted to lead a cottage riot -- he has not been able to completely accept the leader. As Tony feels feels fiercely loyal to peers, this must be something of a struggle for him. Too, a baser quality has come to the surface. With all of his instinctive affabil- ity, he can be brutally rejective of the weaker boy who seeks his approval. He displays a great deal of pessimism toward his future and is convinced that he is "Jackson bait", (destined for prison). The boy has been placed in a cottage where the cottage parent appears to tolerate a modified "line boy" system with Tony, too often, accepting the role of disci- plinarian. This boy has his roots deep in gang codes, gang 91 sentiments, gang mores. At this point, his adjustment within the group seems dubious. massage Prior to rehearsal, the leader read aloud to the group the rating scales which are being kept for this study. He had mentioned them last night and the boys asked that they be dis- cussed this evening. There appeared to be little interest and it was suggested that they forget them. They insisted that the leader continue. For the most part each boy stood up well to this public declaration of his shortcomings. Danny was heard to whisper disagreement to a companion. Warren seemed a little piqued, not for being tabbed as "overbearing" or "irresponsible" but, strangely enough, by being called "moody". He teased about it for some time after. If anything, the session seemed to have a unifying effect. Emphasis had been placed on "group identification", "group acceptance", and "identification with the group leader" and, perhaps, here were areas in which they were immediately able to prove our rating scale items to be unfounded. In a line rehearsal, they found a place on the grass and formed a "pile" -- laying their heads on one another's stomachs while they recited. One could dismiss this posture as insignificant if it had not produced such "strange bedfellows". Eldon and Gene, whose pathetic attempts to-win group favor have for so long been frustrated, were left undisturbed while rest- ing their low-status heads on some very high-status stomachs. Danny, who takes his rehearsals seriously and often prefers his own thoughts, remained by himself. Tony and Richard were 92 in the scene shop finishing up their painting. Fred has been ill and was lying on the grass some distance away from the group. At one point Warren slipped away from his group and came over to lean on the leader. Finishing their rehearsal, the boys threw themselves into what used to be called "nigger pile". This time all of the group, with the exception of Fred who seemed amused but, be- cause of a headache, kept his distance, piled on one another and inflicted what they term "Indian torture" on one another. Eldon was given a good going-over and he must have de- lighted at the attention. There followed the same treatment on nearly every other member of the group -- including the group leader. "Indian torture" consisted of pinning the victim to the ground, beating on his chest and tickling his bare feet. Roughouse can be flattery at B.V.S. if the victim has the dis- gression, and the stamina, to bear it. In good spirits, the group crossed the campus to the auditorium where the boys had elected to run through the show again. As was the case last night, a second rehearsal was too much. When things began to drag they stopped where they were and returned to the cottages. The boys have their lines fairly well learned now. Richard,probably to compensate for last night's problems, was eager to please all day and had gone over his script three times before coming to rehearsal. Danny had a sqirmish with a cottage mate this morning and came to school with blackened eyes and bruises. He seemed abashed but insisted that "everything came out fine". The fight 93 had not been seen by a supervisor. The chief psychologist reported today the close of his M.S.C. radio interviews with members of the group. He claims that they were very successful and that each of the boys he had used was spontaneous in his enthusiasm over the group and its adjustment-centered program. Floy especially expressed a healthy reaction. lama-72192 All afternoon, Danny, Rod, Gene and the leader gathered properties for tomorrow's show. The temperature soared above 90 degrees and the work irritating. Danny was once more in one of his hell—raising moods. He shouted into the cell windows of "S" and otherwise incurred administrative wrath by wisecrack- ing about certain supervisors in a tone that could be easily overheard. The leader chided him several times. His mood was discourageingly reminiscent of his first days with the group. Rod and Gene bickered over who was carrying the bigger load, etc. The store room was cooperative, loaning an empty celery box and a condemned raw beef steak. The general shop, in which the group sometimes paints scenery, loaned a discarded wash stand but expressed bitterness over a newly polished chest which had been besmerched with some scenery paint. Tony had been lectur- ed previously and had secretly washed up the mess the night before. The business office loaned an old cot but refused a requisition for a clothes line, (to be used in lashing scenery), because it was too expensive. 94 In the evening, the group rehearsed until 10 o'clock when, after exhorting the boys to further individual study and denying them additional rehearsal, the leader returned the boys to their cottages. man/s2. During my morning free period, the leader cut the stencil for the programs and in the afternoon he called out all of the available boys to work on the scenery and the collection of a few last remaining properties. The group was given a great boost when the Catholic chaplain took upon himself the last minute responsibility of costuming the show. The boys had been resigned to makeshift outfits until the priest got on the tele- phone and got a promise of six new cowboy outfits from a downtown department store. 'When he and the recreational music assistant arrived loaded down with colorful clothes, the boys could hard- ly believe their eyes. As anxious as they were, a few nonethe- less resisted wearing the togs for fear of getting them soiled. The school office secretary had been busy too. He had found us a saddle and a bridle in a used goods store. The boys were overwhelmed. The outdoor set was built in record time dispite l) a high wind that almost carried away their ramshackle scenery, 2) the threat of a rain storm and finally, 3) the discarded bits of twine they were using for lashing. For the most part the boys worked well together. Tony took much of the initiative in giving orders. 95 After an early dinner in the cafeteria, (the group saved out much of their meal, hiding it in their shirts or wrapping it in napkins to be eaten later on the stage in the show), the ”boys reassembled, dressed, checked over their properties and, in an attempt to settle nerves, the leader conducted a line rehearsal. As curtain time approached, tension mounted and the boys, for good or for worse, resorted to their own characteri- stick behavior. Danny fussed and fretted over the food, which, in his role as the cook, he was to bring on stage. It was by this time a bit grimy but he guarded it carefully. Warren arranged his two pieces of fish, (the school's main course this evening), at one corner of a platter and went about to the other members of the cast warning them not to touch these on stage. Eldon and Gene elicited scorn for their monumental tactlessness. Assigned to a job, they would wander off. They paid little or no attention during line rehearsal and countered every criticism with a nastyrejoiner. Warren, as the old Pro, had the situation well in hand. Richard was frantic with anx- iety. His parents were here on a visit and this only compli- cated matters for him. Floy was tremendously excited but as noncommittal as ever. Rod assumed a cool air (which collapsed during the show and left him with a bad case of stage fright). Tony seemed restrained but eager to work out a deal with Duane to get into the school office to make stage coffee and, probably to get a look at the school records. Gary seemed a bit wistful. He would like to have been playing a role. Fred was confined to 96 an isolation ward of the hospital with a high fever. At 6:30 the audience had assembled and the Glee Club be- gan their concert. All of the boys were at peep holes in the curtain. They were stirred to further apprehension when, in addition to a set that seemed determined to cone crashing down upon theu.and an increasingly forboding sky, the leader noticed that the refreshments, promised by the kitchen had not yet arrived. Duane was dispatched at once. A half hour later, just before the curtain was to open on the play, he returned with the distressing news that the kitchen had complet- ely forgotten the refreshments. Rising to the occasion Duane had prepared several gallons of a mixture of pineapple juice and water which, he assured the group, would arrive at any minute. The leader stepped before the curtain and asked the audience to be patient and quiet as the boys were going to begin the show, (a light sprinkle had started), and refresh- ments would have to be served while the play was in progress. Returning to the stage, the leader suggested that the boys say a prayer to themselves -- they did so at once. Places were called and the leader took a post in the wings to begin prompting. The curtains opened. Danny, who was first to appear on stage, blasted out his first lines and immediately thereafter delivered the rest of his dialogue in a hoarse stage whisper. Despite this he did a convincing impersonation of "Cookie" -- one which certainly rewarded his conscientious attitude throughout rehearsals. Warren was heard all the way 97 on the other side of the campus. Nevertheless, the show was received warmly by the thirsty audience. The boys received the leader's congratulations. Everyone had done a "wonderful job". All of the top administration and many of the staff rushed up to add their praise. Other boys looked on enviously. The situation was enormously stimulating but in a half an hour the group was ready to tear down the scenery and get to the scene shop for their own evaluation of the program. There they sat about in a circle, (the leader passed out cigarettes as a special treat), and went over every detail of the performance. They were very pleased and had difficulty in waiting to be heard. Someone made a short speech and the leader was applauded. June 30, 1952 The group was involved in the clean-up of the scene shop this evening. With surprising enthusiasm and few orders, the boys mopped the floor, washed the windows, cleaned paint cans, etc, each taking upon himself a specific chore. Last Friday night Neal joined the group and he was active again this evening. This is a bright, cleverly quiet youngsteh a student in the leader's 9th grade and now the youngest member of the group. In school, dispite his age, he has shown a marked talent for getting along with all of his older classmates. He has managed this by carefully riding the fence in all intra- personal dealings. This afternoon Richard announced that during his Friday visit his mother had suggested that he be given another farm 98 placement rather than return home as there seemed to be so mudi trouble in the town now. She would prefer that he graduate from another high school. Richard's parental problems have always been confusing to me. His mother appears to be an in- ordinately refined woman, smartly dressed and clearly anxious to please her son. She brings him anything he asks for and, according to the boy, she is financially independent. Still, Richard has lived little of his life with her and none of it with his father. Richard's feelings towards his mother have never been clear. Having made encouraging progress in person- ality adjustment while with the group, this now seems to be hrs greatest problem. Eldon has had a difficult day. In class he again over- played his hand at sarcasm and, as usual, he reacted poorly when reprimanded. Later in the afternoon the boy returned for assurance that he would be picked up this evening for Players. With the group, he beganegain his peculiar brand of wisecracking, indulging this time in a running by-play with.Warren. Warren soon got the upper hand and teased Eldon until he was furious. When returned to the cottage, he refused to speak to any one. Warren insisted that he apolOgize but to no avail. Tony has responded well to an exhortation that he improve his behavior in Sunday morning catechism class. His instructor was having a great deal of trouble with him. Following the clean-up of our headquarters, the leader took the group for a swim in the pool. Except for the Eldon- 99 Warren conflict, spirits were high. enema Tonight an unforeseen conflict situation arose which per- haps might become even more meaningful than last Friday's show. The occasion was the annual Player's-HifiY sotfball game. The Hi-Y Club has always been a friendly rival here at the school and this evening's game was eagerly anticipated by both teams. A new part-time recreational assistant from the college was assigned to umpire. It was his first game in this setting and he was a bit unsure of himself. Because the leader was ignorant of the most elementary rules of baseball, he asked Warren to manage the Player's team. He chose to pitch. At first, when the Players seemed to be getting all of the breaks, ItS‘ team, lead by its manager, took the umpire's decisions \ with good-natured jibes, but later, with the Hi Y putting up a winning fight, Warren‘s remarks to the novice umpire were deliberately meant to unnerve him. They were no longer fun and Warren was asked to stop. He refused to do so, still pretending amiability. Throughout, he seemed determined to play the star in a comedy which was becoming increasingly unfunny. A Hi Y boy struck a single and slid into first, intentionally or other- wise, knCCking our first baseman, Duane, unconscious. The Players were very upset. When the man on first was declared safe -- and legal -- Warren threw a nasty fit of temper and the leader was forced to restrain him from attacking the umpire. 100 In the process, the leader forfeited the game to the Hi Y and, in an effort to divert his attention, he told Warren that he was through. Warren stormed off the field toward his cottage. Several boys, among them Richard, Danny, and Tony followed him. The rest of the group returned on their own volition to apologize to the bewildered umpire. At one of thecottages these met the dissenters, excepting Warren and it was suggested that they hold a meeting at once. The boys asked that Warren be sent for. The supervisor of this evening's recreation program came to the shop and asked for an explanation. Warren arrived and along with the other members of the group began to tell the story. Gary felt that the group was at fault -- Gone felt very strongly that they were. Most of the others went along with this but Danny and Tony insisted that the umpire was in error. Richard believed that the Players had made a mistake but that Warren should not have been dropped. The leader explained that Warren had been told he was through only so as‘ to divert him from further violence. The leader insisted that the group -- and especially their leader, who, under the cir- cumstances, was most responsible -- had disgraced the Players by a show of poor sportsnanship -- that it now remained for Warren to place the interest of the group above personal pride and render a genuine apology to the umpire. Adamately on the defensive, Warren disclaimed most of the responsibility for the situation and intimated that the leader was making unfair demands on him. In time, however, it seemed apparent to him 101 that he would have to concede the leader's demands before his group status was lost altogether. He agreed to apologize but, although he knew that he was in the wrong, his consession was insincere. It was Danny who finally took him off the hook by suggesting that, after all, the entire group was at fault and that all of the boys should apologize. Together the group went to the umpire and, with mixed emotions, extended their apologies. Warren took the lead and made a production out of his own show of sincerity. While the leader returned the boys to their cottages, Danny apologized for taking a poor attitude, Tony said that he was sorry for having hurt the umpire's feelings, Richard insisted that all he was interested in was Warren's membership status. Neal waxed profound stating that he was glad that all this had happened and then, a little impulsively, he shook the leader's hand. Alone at last with.Warren, the leader tried to point out the real significance of the eXperience. He took it quietly and, well. The test will come when he is forced to answer tomorrow's rebukes from the rest of the institution. Private conferences were held yesterday'and today with Danny, Richard, Neal and Rod, who was off-grounds tonight. With us this evening, sharing a "baptism of fire" with the much maligned umpire, was a new Player -- Herman -- who should make a better member for having been a part of tonight's fiasco. 102 £111.22 Warren was absent from this evening's meeting. He asked that the leader be told that he felt unworthy to attend -- that if it were another member who had disgraced us last week he, Warren, would have insisted that he be dropped. The group took this news with little distress and the leader couldn't help feeling that Warren would have teen disappointed had he been with us. Danny was in another of his difficult moods, Noisy and unruly, he was asked again and again to refrain from interrupt- ing business with horseplay or nonsensical remarks. His be- havior was at its worst while the group was in session out on the lawn. It was suggested that the meeting move into the shop so as to maintain better order. This was done and the remaind- er of the session had a somewhat constructive tone. The leader explained that for many weeks now he had seen the need for a bit of group introspection. The show had curtailed such an affair but last week's baseball game made it compulsory business. He asked that each member suggest possible improvements. The boys took to the idea with gusto. Chiefly, they were interested in higher standards for membership -- stronger disciplinary measures, and more thorough orientation of new members. In response to these suggestions the leader pointed out that: 1) though many members had not received everyone's approval when they were brought into the group, they had since been accepted by the membership and this was as it should be. As 103 a matter of fact this sort of thing was what the group was working for. 2) discipline shouldn't be a problem of the group leader instead, each member should learn to assume a personal responsibility for the group‘s reputation. One boys mistake could place all of the group in an ugly light before the institution. .If the leader were to become the sole discip- linarian, the group would be no more than one more supervisor- boy detail. 3) older members were inclined to "show off" before new members in order to convince them that we were a "liberal" outfit. Danny was frequently an offender in this respect. Here the boys admitted that they had certainly been given the wrong impression when they first joined the Players and that it was only after one or two experiences with the group that they were convinced of its high-mindedness. Some contended that last week‘s trouble on the ball field was enlightening in this respect.— The leader was encouraged by the sincerity expressed by the boys this evening. Sentiment seems to lean toward the reacceptance of Warren. Richard had made a point of asking whether the leader believed that Warren had benefited through his membership. The leader assured him that he had, though, in the light of last week's display, many of the staff, part- icularly the recreation supervisor, believed that he had not. It seems that he had displayed the same behavior on the ball field before and had been sent to "S". The group returned to their cottages in good spirits. 10h Julv 2, 1952 Private conferences were held this afternoon with.Warren and Rod. ‘Warren was asked to join the group this evening as this will be his last opportunity before he is paroled. Rod seems anxious to sentimentalize his relationship with the Players for the past few days. He, too, is leaving the school tomorrow and assures the leader that he will never be in trouble with the law again. He insists that the Players have been a great help to him, etc. etc. It remains to be seen just how sincere this great new show of identification has been. The meeting tonight commensed with a pleasant walk to the farm. There, after picking and eating their fill of rasberries, the boys held a caucus beneath their giant "ceremonial" tree. Plans were discussed for an outing which will be held a week from Saturday and Warren was given a chance to speak a farewell to the group. He spoke affectionately of each boy present, expressing the feeling that, although he had been sure that he could never feel the same toward this new group as he had toward the last, his attitude had changed and he felt as close to the current membership as he had to any. At the insistence of the boys he was asked what he thought of the group leader and heresponded that he owed a great deal to him and would always appreciate what he had done for him. He added, and it was a struggle, that he was genuinely sorry for what had happened last week. The boys strolled back to their cottages in what seemed 105 a lofty aura of fellowship. JUlE 1, 1952 This evening's meeting was begun with a mild reproach to those members who were endangering the reputation of the group by "messing up" in school and about the grounds. It had been explained that the moment a boy became a member he was referred to thereafter around the grounds as "one of the Players", (this was ture enough) and the leader was pleased to hear one-of the boys mention this now. Rod and Duane had both been removed from the Honor cottage yesterday for being mixed up in illicit smoking. Rod claims that the affair had taken place some time ago and was revealed only yesterday when ahother boy "squealed". Nevertheless, his release date has been set for a week later. Gene who has had a consistently poor record in school, was sent to the "spud" room this morning as disciplinary action resulting from misbehavior in another of his high school teacher's classes. The leader, himself, had been forced to send him from his room the day before. Gene has a trick of "working" his supervisors and when frustrated in these attempts he becomes sulky and abusive. He left the leader's class so infuriated that he was in tears and this is a typical reaction of his. On the other hand, his behavior in the Players has improved considerably and the boys seem impressed with what they deem the direct results of the "get tough" policy initiated a month ago. Eldon and Herman have become a serious problem in the leader's classroom contacts with them. Eldon has been 106 more tactless than ever in his remarks to classmates and often to the teacher. Herman has adopted a total apathy to the classroom. Eldon claims he will begin a change at once and, under group pressure; Herman was led to understand his re- sponsibility to the group. Warren left the school this morning, bidding the leader "goodbye" and the promise to write soon. He wishes a profound to join the group at next Saturday's outing. The membership referrals of two boys were discussed. Both have very poor reputations among the inmates as a whole, but Danny, with the support of most of the group, felt that they should be given the chance of securing the help of the club. This was an endouraging development. Had the nawes of these boys come up tto norths ago, a howl of protest would have made their acceptance in the group an impossibility. Perhaps Warren's experience, which he has recounted here so often lately, had helped dissuade them. In his farewell speech the other evening he had orce more mentioned the great advance from the disciplinary cottage to the honor cottage which he attributes exclusively to the group. New officers were elected. The boys have viewed much of the Republican national convention this past week and they were inclined tonight to put a lot into their nominating speeches. Tony sponsored Danny, Duane nominated Richard and Floy spoke for Gary. With a great fanfare, Danny defeated Gary by one vote. The election seemed interesting to me 107 because of the seriousness with which both the nominating speeches and the acceptance speeches were delivered. Gary was unamiously elected to the vice-presidency and Richard, by another unanimous decision, was named the custodian. Of interest, too, was the popularity Gary has won in the short time he has been with the group. On the first ballot he had won more votes than either of his competi- tors. He is now, as was the last president, the only colored boy in the group. It appears that Tony, in this evening's election, be- trayed a repressed desire to dominate the club. The leader sensed a problem here. In his classroom contact with this boy, he had lately come to realize the real extent of his malad- justment. Tony's new sense of security permitted him to confide some alarmingly anti-social attitudes to the leader. He ad- mits how greatly he loves to seal, "even a pencil", for the thrill. He admits also to a very deep bitterness towards supervision at the school -- a bitterness which he has suc- cessfully hidden for many months. Danny and Richard were approved for release in early August and were in fine spirits today. They aspear to have begun their third, and most significant, period of anxiety at the school. Having passed successfully through their insti- tutiOnal adjustment and five months review (in which a release date is set), they are now hearteninsly concerned about their ability to avoid further trouble on the outside. Anxiety is 108 second nature to both of these boys and it is hoped that, once greater emotional stability is achieved, it can somehow be directed toward their rehabilitation. "Initiation" of Herman and Neal concluded this evening's meeting. Heal was very gullible -- endearing himself even more to the membership. This boy has an oddly reticient method of personal identification. Again tonight as the leader took him to the door of his cottage, he turned and awk- ardly shook his hand. As much as he differs from the more aggressive, "gang-type" boys in the group, the leader is led to wonder whether he is a type more likely to derive construct- ive value from the experience than the others. Rod was not allowed to join us for this evening's meeting. His cottage parent refused to release him from a baseball game. Another "round robin" occupied much of this evening's meeting. Finishing a few bits of business (i.e. limitation of membership to 12; plans for Saturday's outing; discussion, pro and con, of boys seeking membership), the members took to ex- amining one another in regards to their respective value to the group. In general, the session was a constructive one. Aware of possible retaliation, each boy passed gentle jud ment on his peers. Eldon fared poorest. Several members suspect him of stealing a cigarette from the leader today, (he had an opportunity), and took this chance to question his loyalty. Gene, for all the old reasons, came in a close second and 109 Herman took many digs for his "childishness". The boys seem to have developed more insight than when last they conducted this type of activity. Typical was their criticism of Herman who was cautioned for his awkard, attention— getting devices. One of the boys commented that "Gary might clown too much bue he can get away with it because he's a ham, but Herman, you do crazy things and it doesn't look good on you!" Neal had a good work for Eldon. {e claimed that, al- though they had not been in trouble together, he knew him better than the rest of the group because he had gone to school with him on the outside, and he thought that he was a fine fellow. The leader was pleased by the regular comment "when he came in I didn't like him at all -- but now that I know him, he's okay". Because of the intense interest and apparent honesty of the boys during this session, the leader was con- vinced that few of the comments were stereotyped and that the socialization process has at least been advanced to the point where most, if not all of these boys, have won some acceptance. Danny, the new president, though troubled by his first test of group leadership, was determined to be as candid as possible. Eldon, the last of the boys to speak, shocked us by refusing to counter the charges leveled at him by the rest of the boys and praised most of them. Coming to himself he ad- mitted quietly to all of the charges -- temper, mean cracks, 110 etc., but claimed to be at a loss regarding the charges of disloyalty. The leader promised to speak with him the next day as time was running out. In his appraisal of the group leader, Eldon had said "Mr. Crowner is one of the finest men I know". Only the day before he had cursedhim for sending him from his classroom to the office. Eldon has never under any circumstances been disposed to flattery. The leader was now forced into the delicate position of determining whether or not Eldon stole the cigarette, without shattering what might possibly be a stubbornly-concede rapport. The leader summarized the session by suggesting im- provements that each boy might make "not alone as a member of the Players, but what is most important, as a citizen working toward success on parole." He congratulated them on the constructive tone of their criticism and followed by attempting to highlight for each what had been mentioned concerning his problem this evening. As is customary following one of these sessions, the group's return to the cottages presented a convincing pict- ure of "esprit de corps". Yesterday, the leader was shown a letter which Danny had attempted to send through the regular channels. It was written to a sailor who had once been a close friend of the boy. Danny suggested in the letter that when they meet again they "get a drunk on and pick up some girls". Danny is not aware that the letter has been intercepted nor that lll his counsellor has shown it to the leader. No official action will be taken. Danny has often spoken to the leader both of the sailor and his desire to "raise hell" with him. It was therefore, not too difficult for the leader to warn him again of such entanglements when he is released. The boy is quick to admit the temptation, but in moments of greatest anxiety over his chances for readjustment, avows that he can say "No." when the time comes. ‘ MH:}3§§ Yesterday, the leader told Eldon why he had been accused of disloyalty. Eldon denied the charge and added that Herman had urged him to take a cigarette. When he refused to do so, Herman, he reported, teased him before other boys for being a "chicken". The leader turned the problem over to Danny who, along with Richard and Rod as well as any others of the group who were available, could make a great issue of the affair. Today, Eldon came to the leader and admitted taking the cigarette. The leader eXpressed disappointment in Eldon and explained that the problem of what was to be done would remain in the hands of the Players. They would decide his fate as they saw fit. Consequently, Eldon and Herman were on trial at this evening's meeting. A lengthy inquisition was held culmin- ating in a unanimous decision to give the boys a choice between going with the group on the Saturday outing, after which they would be dropped from the group, or staying at the school. In the "jury's" decision-making process, 112 Danny, Gene, Neal and Floy were inclined toward clemency. All the rest, led by Tony, favored the firmest measures. It might be mentioned here that Tony is a leader of forces most rebellous to the institution authority. A gratifying note was injected into the proceedings by Danny who, acting as "judge", "chairman", or what-have-you, made an appeal to the group-that they hold to a purpose of "helping, not breaking" the boys under fire. "Two wrongs don't make a right", he insisted. The leader kept as much out of the picture as possible, at one time leaving the room to have a cigarette. His chief duty was to see that the issues were clearly presented: 1) the act was most certainly a disloyal one; 2) the boys had obviously made their mistake by attempting to win status. Eldon doesn‘t smoke and had taken the cigarette in response to Herman's dishonest challenge. Where should a boy draw the line between fair and unfair attempts at recognition? 3) the members should ask themselves first, what they would have done under similar circumstances and second, how they would expect the others to react if they themselves had made the blunder. The leader pointed out that Warren had effect- ively demonstrated this sort of reasoning only a few days before. The great question as the boys saw it was the sincerity of the offenders in their desire to remain a part of the group. This could only be resolved by the test with which 113 they finally emerged. Richard had suggested that the group forgive and forget in case they chose to remain at the school Saturday, but this plan was discarded because of its decept- ive nature and, more realistically, as Tony's faction pointed out, it might be exactly what the two boys expected. At this point, Fred called the leader aside and confided that, in truth, that was what Eldon expected. When Fred disclosed this infor- mation to the group, they decided at once on the firmer dec- ision. Both boys appeared to take the verdict well and it remains to be seen if they still expect a last minute rep- rieve. Gene felt that it might be fair if he stayed behind Saturday himself as a month ago he, too, had been placed on probation. The group assured him that he had succeeded on probation and was entitled to the outing. Among other things, it should have become clear to the boys this evening that a sham trial as used in dealing with Gene can ultimately backfire. Eldon could have expected the same treatment. £211 is. 1952 The music therapist and the office secretary arrived at 8:30 this morning to take the group on their long-awaited summer outing. At Big Portage Lake, located in a state recreation area near Jackson, the boys changed at once into their state-issue swim suits and hurried to the beach. The group was given the 11h use of a row boat to assure maximum water safety. Finding a secluded spot in the woods and overlooking the lake, the boys were dispatched to bring the provisions. They came laden with trays and baskets, picking their way across the pebbles and sticks -- chattering as expectantly as little girls on a Sunday school picnic. Throughout the day, as the leader observed them going about their self-appointed activities, this impression, as none other, held in his mind. Before their first swim the group collected and the leader exhorted them once more to rigorous self-discipline, reminding them that one boy's carelessness might ruin the day for the entire group. They were to stay in sight, take no chances, and refrain assiduously from fraternizing with the girls at the beach. In the water the"buddy" system was put to use with two boys posted alternately to keep watch over the others. The beach was fairly crowded but~ the boys traveled in a pack. Their striking enthusiasm and uniform swim suits attracted quite a bit of attention. One curious woman asked if they were "explorer scouts". The leader answered only that they were from a boys school. One game after another was invented to keep them from ven- turing out past the boat. In their excitncnt anything would do. The call of dinner was all that could bring them from the water. Returning to the camp-site, the leader noticed that a soft-spoken animosity had developed between Danny and 115 Gene. Danny was called aside and asked for an explanation. He accused Gene of having thrown mud at him. The leader told him that he would not tolerate an open conflict and if one should arise, they would all pack up and return to ILansing. Danny hurried over to Gene and shook his hand. .Later he apologized and the two boys chose each other as "buddies" for the remainder of the day. The music therapist supervised the preparation of dinner, assigning each boy to a specific chore. Cube-steaks, fried potatoes, buttered :peas, pineapple and milk made up the dinner menu. Half of 'the group ate while the other half served and brushed away 'the flies from the table. Following a general clean-up, the boys rushed once rnore down to the lake. Four of them chose to take the row looat up the shore to collect water lilies. Four others elected to wait along the water's edge collecting specimens ‘for science class. Gary decided to stay behind with Mrs. 'Vaughn, the music therapist. There was no beach along the section of the lake the boys took to exploring and with each step in the water one Sunk to his hips in the muck. The boys were delighted. Theychased one another through the water pretending a battle and tossing mythical hand grenades. 'When "struck Eur mortar" they threw themselves down with a great splash. Inthis group were Gene, Danny, Neal and Fred. Rowing Quietly along side, leaning dangerously far out to pick water 116 lilies, were Tony,'Richard, Floy and Duane. Here it seemed were natural groupings, Again, the striking feature was the uninhibited childishness - especially of the first group. Arriving at an isolated spot, they took off their bathing trunks, hung them neatly on a pole and unconsciously re- inacted the swimming scene from "Dead End". Back at the beach, they continued to frolic for a few hours more, pausing only long enough to have their pict- IAres taken. At 6:00 o'clock, a lunch of hot dogs and potato salad ‘was prepared. While the group was still at table Danny stood amid asked for attention. He gave a speech, apparently plan- 118d several days before, thanking the therapist, the secretary sand the leader for such a good time. Following, in turn, each 'boy stood and added his own formal thanks, and received the ayplause of the group. This was followed by a response from 'the supervisors. The leader took the opportunity to ask the 'boys to remember the day because it represented fellowship 111 a completely wholesome situation. He thanked them for their "splendid cooperation". Packing away the equipment, they'hurried off to change into their school clothes. A game of "capture the flag" had been promised. There was here, as elsewhere throughout the day, a noteworthy eager- ?ness on the part of the boys to busy themselves at self- imposed chores. Danny grapped up a frying pan and furiously scrubbed it clean. Duane laid out all of the bathing trunks 117 and towels and rolled them into meticulously neat little bundles. A vigorous game in which everyone except Tony, who felt that it was "kid stuff", acquired bites and aches was followed by a five—minute dip and group singing around Hrs. Vaughn's auto-harp. The swim came after Danny's somewhat overbearing insistence — - not in response to his demands, but in spite of them. The boys needed a shower. Riding back to Lansing in the dark, the boys sat quietly staring out of the windows or speaking dreamily of‘past experiences. Duane talked more than he has in all ‘the time he has been with the group. At one point the conv- ersation shifted to religion. Almost all of those in the «one car, (Duane, Richard, Danny and Gene) came from strict fundamentalist backgrounds -- though none seemed to have taken religion very seriously. Danny was "fascinated" by the sermons of an evangelistic pastor. Duane had been raised a Menonite. But their favorite topic was speed on an open highway. One of the boys had been with a buddy when he Was killed in an accident. Very near all of them had been in one or more crashes. At 11:00 o'clock the group reached B.V.S. where a Zlight lunch was waiting in the cafeteria. All in all, the outing had been an overwhelming success. July gg, 19:2 On Sunday a serious conflict situation arose between 118 Tony and the leader. This evening's meeting was devoted to resolving it. As a volunteer supervisor of catechism classes, the leader had begun a standard interview with the boy when the homelife director entered and, apparently in the belief that he was discipling him, charged Tony with becoming a ring- leader in the cottage. He gave Tony a choice of transferring to another cottage or staying where he was at the risk of being sent, sooner or later, to the disciplinary cottage. {The chaplain who, it seems has also had trouble with the lacy, came into the room and added his own reprimands. The Ileader was placed in the awkward position of being forced ‘to "take sides". He did his best to interpret Tony's dif- .ficulties in the kindest light possible but it was no use. IHe included everyone in one sweeping ananthema. The following day, the leader was informed by a Player that Tony had announced his intention of dropping from the group. Danny was placed in charge of an investigation. Ifany of the boys worked privately on Tony but he refused to give in. Today the leader approached him during a library Iperiod and asked if he wished to be picked up this evening. fie half snarled his response. The leader reminded him that he had been quite active in defending group loyalty when Gene, Eldon and Herman were brought to "trial". The boys might think him to be something: of a hypocrite if he dropped from the group without any sort of explanation. It might 119 seem to them that he had used the group only for the outing. These suggestions apparently had a devastating effect on his stubborn resolve and he appeared when the leader called for the boys this evening. At the Scene Shop Tony slumped in his chair behind a table of lighting equipment. When asked, he preferred that the leader leave the room while he made an announcement. Very shortly the leader was invited to return and present his side of the story. This he did, adding that the group rule for limiting inter-personal disputes to the area in which they arise ic effective as mutual protection. The leader could see no reason why any of the group should drag personal differences into the Players. This was a good case in point. Supposing the "shoe were on the other foot", and the leader was to drop boys who were poor citi- zens in his classroom? At once the boys unleased a volley of protest to Tony's reasoning. Neal pleaded that he con- sider that the leader was acting only in his best interests -- that he talkato all the boys about their problems -- that if he didn't like Tony, he wouldn't have talked to him at all -- and that he personally would be very disappointed in Tony if this were all that the group meant to him. (Tony has "big-brothered" Neal in the group). Duane used much the same argument but it was, surprisingly enough, Floy who took the lead and, after a long series of frank and sensible re- marks, left the boy with no other alternative than to stay 120 with the group or lose face altogether. None of the boys had given him any sympathy. The leader had mentioned that the group wanted Tony because, for good or for bad, he was a leader and, perhaps through Players, he would emerge on the side of the angels. This same argument was used again and again by the boys. The leader tried to make it clear that he did not condemn him for being a "ring-leader", but rath- er that he had sought to channel his leadership abilities into more wholesome areas. The boy at last agreed to "try it out for a couple of more weeks" -- a decision he doubtedlessly wanted to make the moment he sensed that he did not have the group's support on his former decision. The initiation of a new member, Bart, occupied the rest of the evening. Danny asked that Tony again act as "Grand Inquisitor" -- which he did with only a slight loss or his former zeal. Bart is a most unpopular youngster and the boys would have enjoyed making a reality of the sham they were allowed to practice in this ritual. Following the initiation, Floy, feeling that group spirit warranted the chance he was taking, dumped a bucket of water on Tony's head -- with good natured consequences. It appeared that not even his violent reaction to authority could stifle Tony's basic drive to achieve group acceptance. Again tonight the leader was struck by the amazing insight with which these boys solve problems when they are 121 to do with their own kind. M23» 1321?. Danny is to leave us tomorrow morning and, in what has grown to be a custom, the group walsed back to the farm and under the "Ceremonial Tree” bade him "Goodbye". The leader praised him highly and sugrested that the group could all learn a lot ahout winning friends and influencing people by 'following the example he set. There was polite applause and then, with many jests from his auditors, Danny made a brief, quasi-profound response. As the vice president auto- matically assumes the office of president, nominations were in order for Cary's old position. Of course, Tony was the unanimous choice. Danny himself conducted what amounted to a "slave state" election. The group took the long way back to the cottages affording the boys a chance to play in the weeds and cavort together while Danny mingled among them for a final word. The boys were treated to a bottle of coke at the Administration Building. Thev offered a toast to their deoartino preside t and he reciprocatcd. Returning to the cottages the leader overheard Danny in conversation with Tony. He was pleading with him to take the straight and narrow so as to avoid "Jacktown" (State Prison of Southern Richiean). Heading across to the honor cottaNe, tho leader was left to speak his farewells to Danny. He explained that it was now left to him to determine how really successful his 122 Players experience had been. If he could exercise enough strength to see him through the problems he faces —- probl- ems which he had so often discussed with the leader -- then the group would have been of infinite value to him. The group intended that it should prove to him that wholesome group activities could be just as much fun as any other sort -- and even more fun. Aupvst g, lggg The leader returned from a week's vacation and the group seemed happy to be meeting again. Tony has asked to be dropped from school. The leader now has no contact with him in this area. The boy seemed friendlier this evening than he has at any other time since the conflict. Richard was more aggressive than usual. The leader found him strong-arming several of the boys in horseplay. He will be released next Friday. Since Danny has left, Richard seems to want more attention. Some of the script for "Off Detail", the group's next production, was read. The boys seem anxious to begin pro- duction. After many tries, Leo, who is in our eighth grade, was finally admitted to the group. He made a gullible victim in his initiation tonight. This boy is not too bright and the other members exploited his naiviety to a point at which he was close to backing down. Gary and Duane acted again as the "come-on" with a polish that has become almost profess- 123 ional. Tonight's meeting pleased the leader in one important respect. The spirit within the group is apparently strong enough to survive more than a week's inactivity. In fact, the group seemed as enthusiastic tonight as they have been immediately following a production. August 1, 1952 Under pressure, Neal was prevailed upon to present his magic act before the group. His performance was amateurish but the boys took it good-naturedly. There followed a series of pet card tricks. Floy contributed the best, offering a clever running commentary. This boy seems to have conquered the shyness that marked his first weeks with the group. The evening, however, belonged to Richard, who will be leaving tomorrow morning. Because of the entertainment, the group did not take their customary trip to the farm. Instead, the leader gave a laudatory speech pointing out the advances Richard had made while a member, his bontributians to the group, etc. Richard countered with a few shy remarks on how he would miss the group and how much he had enjoyed the activities. The leader read a letter received the previous day from Danny and mentioned that he had heard from two other past Players--a letter from one and a long distance call from another who had been a hemher two years before and had 12h just returned from Korea. News of these messages, especially Danny's seemed to please Tony, who may have strong doubts as to the sincerity of the members of the group. The boys asked that the group continue the type of im- promptu entertainment which they had devised this evening. When asked to volunteer to take charge of next week's pro- gram, nearly all the boys responded. Gary and Ploy-were chosen. The boys were uncommonly noisy and rough this evening. Because of the nature of the meeting, the leader reserved comment. He plans, however, to speak of it at a later meet- ing. August lg, 1952 Football practice has begun. This usually means a sharp decline in the ranks. Duane, however, was the only member who stayed behind. Football practice will be held every evening until September, when an afternoon schedule begins. The boys cannot participate in both activities. Three of the group, (Leo, Bart and Herman), besides Duane were affected. All of them decided to stay with the Players. Tomorrow the leader will callThawafrom his detail and ask if he wishes to drop—out of the group. Already a letter from Richard had been received and was read to the group. A vote was taken and the boys elected to begin scrubbing 125 down scenery. Some would rather have gone out to the farm to eat grapes, but Tony, along with the majority felt that the group's trips to the farm should be reserved for farewell cere- monies. Changing into old clothes,(Floy clowned around in a wig costume), the Players took to their job in good spirit. Tony, Gary, Neal and Leo were outstanding. Bart, perhaps expecting D privilege for having foregone football, was oi little help. Gene, Floy and Herman were full of horseplay while Fred and Eldon preferred talking with the leader on the sidelines. Gary, as the new president, asserted himself several times in an attempt to keep the group busy and in order but, for the most part, his efforts were to little avail. The group spoke for a while of bad language -- Bart had let something slip. Several of the boys were quick to point out how careful they had been since joining the Players. Fred was reproached months before and apparently hasn't for- gotten the episode. The situation was more or less typical, The boys take advantage of every opportunity to let the leader know how well they are doing in comparison with the other in- mates of the institution. Fred, in particular, seems eager to win approval through this method. The practice, (of which.Tony, of course, will have no part) might be directed toward one or more of the following goals: personal reassur- ance of adjustment progress, membership security by pleasing the group leader, or interpersonal status. 126 Old clothes, a hose and a natural inclination conspired to make the rest of the evening a wild exhibition of rough- house. Eere, as in most group situations at the school, it would seem that the great challenge lies in determining the point at which a boy's native response to horseplay becomes mis- behavior and must be halted. Unfortunately the leader's groups, it seems, must know he is really disturbed before they will take his reprimands seriously. In such instances a sermon on "Self Discipline" would mark him as pretty much of a bore. Neal, soft-spoken and conscientious, seems rore concerned in this situation that the leader. August lg, 1222 In a conference with Duane yesterday the leader was forewarned of this evening's crises. Upon questioning his intentions, the boy quietly admitted that he had lost int- erest -- that many of the boys with whom he had been attached, Notably Richard, were gone and he felt a little "left out" in the group. The leader suggested that he give himself a little time before making a decision. He explained that it was natural for him to feel a little let down but that it had been the leader's experience that these feelings are only temporary. This satisfied him for the moment and the rest of the discussion was devoted to personal adjustment. Duane is a strangely quiet youngster with some difficulty in verb- alizing his problems. He seems to feel the absence of a father figure in his background. He is self conscious and, 127 without the acceptance of his peers, melancholy. Host of the leaders comments were directed toward his building a greater sense of personal worth. he is a nice appearing boy but ment- ion of this made him blush. The leader is anxious to keep him in the group. This evening, after working for some time on the scenery, the boys assembled in the shop to change back into their school clothes. Tony commented on his own lack of interest, suggest- ing that it would be better that he drop before he caused the others to become disheartened. Other members admitted to the same general attitude. They felt that they were no longer as stimulated by the club as they had been and that it was be- coming in fact, hard for them to work up enough enthusiasm to come to the meetings. Tony, with the support of others, claimed that his apathy was due to a personality conflict with other members, notably Bart and Fred, whom he accused of "uh-friendly" respectively. At this being "over—friendly" and point, the leader mentioned his discussion with Duane and ex- plained again that a let-down now was a natural reaction to the loss over the past few weeks of several good members. These same boys had gone through a similar let-down when others before themtad left. At the time they too, had blamed it on each other just as the group was doing now. Danny had been no more popular than Bart appeared to be tonight. (Bart by this time had taken a great deal of criticism.) The leader added that if they were dispirited it might well be that they had 128 forgotten to try to accept one another for what they were, while helping one another to become what they would want them to be. Danny had been admired and was sorely missed tonight because he had devoted himself to this goal -- the real spirit behind the group and the most worthwhile thing they could get from it. Again each boy volunteered to express his feelings toward the club. In a consensus most were, by degrees, in agreement with Tony but felt that they were anxious enough to regain their former sentiments to make an effort to become compatible. It was suggested that Texas Hall members; Bart, Fred, Gene and leon, get together and act as entertainment for the next meeting. They were chosen for the assignment because, as it had been pointed out, they argued so much among themselves. Returning to the cottages all, with the exception of Bart and Fred, walked with their arms locked -- as a sign of determinted solidarity. Bart and Fred hung behind talking together. They had been raked over the coals and Fred, for one, felt a little abused. ___...A22 use 2.0., 12.9.5.2. Bart, for the past few days, has been more surley than ever in the leader's classes. Tonight, when the boys were called for, he was absent and according to his cottage mates had taken the material for the act with him to football pract- ice. They insisted that his action was deliberate. Fred felt that all was lost and that he would prefer to drop. He came 129 along, however. At Tony's cottage the group found that he, too, was dropping. Leo, as well, had gone to football pract- ice, but only because he had not been told that Players were meeting. Last night's meeting had been unavoidably cancelled. The rest of the group seemed eager to get to the Shop. They were anxious to know how the leader would tdce this sudden turn of events. The leader suggested that the group first determine what was to become of Bart. All agreed that he should be dropped (before he drop himself?). This settled, the leader pointed out that he felt the group was feeling too "sorry for themselves" -- that the group should nolong- er attempt to retain certain members but that the group was bigger than any or even all of the boys in it. It would con- tinue to function even if it should become necessary to re- cruit an entirely new membership. The boys seemed delighted and the leader became re-aware of his role within the group. It was obvious thet Fred was not convinced and when the leader asked that they declare themselves, once and for all, he, with hand shakes all around, asked to be returned to his cottage. The rest expressed their firm determination to stick it out. The leader realized that what he had left was all those boys with whom he had won a stable rapport in the past. Herman, surprisingly, had sounded the most optimistic note of all. Prior to entering the shop the leader heard him remark to the others that "I don't care who drops, I'm going to stick it out". Later the leader suggested that all the boys imitate Herman's spirit. He responded, self-righteously, that he 130 figured he could be helped by the group and wasn't going to let anyone interfere. Herman is a new boy here but in an election which follow- ed, it was Floy and Neal who won offices. The first as cust- odian and the latter as our new vice-president. The vote was a draw and was decided by tossing a coin. The Players straightened the shop and with a show of comradie which was amusing and by turn, oddly embarrassing, the boys chose to walk arm in arm back to the farm -- the setting in which they seem to feel their closest kinship. Duane dropped back to the leader's side and in a great flow of words discussed many of his doubts and apprehensions about the future. Returning to the cottages, he was regularly inter- rrpted by other members who had bits of news to share. Among this news was word of Danny. He is said to be getting into trouble again. The leader returned home with mixed emotions. It might be pointed out here that the past few meetings have exposed two increasingly distinct camps within the ranks. Gene, Fred, Eldon, Bart, Neal and Herman are boys who are, for the most part, unsophisticated. The degree, of course, ‘varies but by virtue of past environments, academic records and/or temperament they seem opposed to Tony, Ploy, Duane and iiichard, who represent more adequately the "world-wise" gang 'type youngster. Danny, it would seem, was the key-stone here 'beoause he, while temperamentally best suited to the first group 131 had, perhaps as a result of working to compensate for his childhood eye defect, won a standing in the latter group. The group's current problems might well be due to the loss of Danny's pivotal position within the organization. It is hoped that Tony, who is a leader but not a diplomat, has helped break the tension by leaving. Bart, too, was a strain at the group structure. The loss of Tred , however, is regrettable. éggE§§.gl9.l25§ The entire meeting tonight was given to a re-trial of_ Bart, who, with great vehemence, claimed that he was not inf formed of last night's meeting and that he was more interest- ed in remaining a Player than ever. Gene insisted that he had told Bart of the special meeting and further that when he was told after that he had been dropped for failing to attend, Bart had publicly hurled an ananthama upon us all. Sending Bart from the room the boys lost no time in discounting all of Bart's story and asking that their original judgment stand. However, it seemed to me that Gene's reputation for stretching the facts might justify further discussion, pro and con, on Part's case. The leader asked that they consider what the boy stood to gain by his tenacious desire to stay with us. {Thinking for a moment, Gene suggested that he may have heard that the group would soon be going off grounds. At once the boys were satisfied with this. The leader asked to leave while they came to a decision. He went to Bart, who claimed that the leader was misled by his classroom behavior and that 132 he had faithfully followed the Player's rulf as envoked in Tony's case. Here, following the familiar pattern, he began ;..|. to cry. 'The leader expressed h s regret that Bart should have to learn in this hard way to curb his temoer and his tongue but that this could be a constructive experience for him if he would allow it. The leader assured him that, regardless of the outcome, he would remain genuinely interested in his pro- gress. At this point Duane asked that the leader return to the shop. He told the group that he found Bart in tears. The lead- er was asked to express his opinion of dart's sincerity. In- stead, the leader asked that everyone speak his mind on his own feelings toward the boy. None seemed well disposed toward him but the leader was anxious that Gene betray his special pre- judice for all the group to see. After he had done so ("I have never liked him from the beginning.") the leader asked that the group remember that they had accepted him with the lofty purpose of helping him to become more acceptable and that this could hardly be accomplished unless there were some dei feelinj toward him along the way. After all, he hadn't broken any rules while with the group. Floy interposed that behavior outside the group reflected on Players in‘irectly. Admittin: this, the leader noted, however, that members could not die- count the boy's determination after reoeated discouranement, to remain a member. Could it be that our‘Iexas hall boys, led by Gene, were n'akinT an effort to force T“art out? If 133 so, leon and Gene, both of whom had made mistakes themselves, were in no position to remain objective in :assin judgment on Bart's sincerity. Duane suggested that these two join Bart on the outside. Again there were profound remarks ex- changed. Herman seriously questioned his right to remain as he had forgotten to tell Leo of last nimht's meeting. The others comforted him by declaring that it was the inter- \_J. nal corruption of our Texas delegation that was under f_re, not he or Leo who w re the best of friends. In the present situation, the leader could not help but notice how poorly Gary's leadership stood in comparison with Danny's. Tuane and Floy seem to have taken command. Duane asked that all three boys return to the room for final questioning. Dart, with the chips down, did a brilliant job. We declared humbly that, althoueh he wanted desperately to stay with the group, (because he felt that it could help him), he perhaps should leave after all because -- and this was his "ace-in-the-hole" -- Gene had just told him on the outside that if he were allowed to remain a member, he (Gene) would resign. The group was aghast. Quickly, Gene, with his own status now seriously duesti ned. drew about himself a cloak of humility and made an easy mark for the leader's three-minute lecture on tolerance. Duane suggested that all of the Texas Fall boys be I-Jo placed on probation with a convinc ng show of brotherhood the only condition to its removal. All agreed. Later Eldon and Gene were discovered in a private hand shaking caucus with Part. 13h It was past eight o'clock and the boys returned to their cottages again in hifh Spirits. Stranaely enough they placed Gary on their shoulders and sang "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow." Aneust'gé, lggg A conference with Fart this morning added further in- sight on his case. He had no difficulty in verbalizing and seemed alltogether willing to discuss any of his problems. In general his attitude toward the institution and his future, as well as his past, seemed wholesome. His interest in the Players, it appears, is a somewhat selfish one. He simply enjoys actirc. He is willing to submerge his nersonal dis- tastes for some of the members in order to apfear in the group's productions. Kevin? enjoyed good relations with both parents, (he claims that a doctor forced his father to send him to us), he does not appear anxious at this time to strengthen his dealings with me. At this evening's meeting the leader introduced an ex- Player to the boys. He remained throughout the rest of the session which was devoted tonight to scrubbing flats. An active and enthusiastic member in his time, he now chose to stay close to the leader and admitted later that he had felt somewhat awkward. The boys were friendly toward him (Bart ad{- ed if he could remember his group going through the painful reorganization that they were now experiencing), but his only comments were soft-spoken words of advise about sticking by the leader "and you can't go wrong". A Korean veteran of 19, the "old grad" in this hoydenish atmosphere confessed to 13S feeling about "50". Nodding profoundly, he explained that the leader's only trovble was the he was "too easy on them". Floy was released today. An unexpected placement was made available to him in Flint. Some of the group volunteered "make the grade". an opinion that he would Aurplst _2_E_, E3 This was Duane's last evening with the group and so the group moved back to the farm. As is the custom, the leader Spoke a word of praise (hardly heard above the munching and spitting of grapes) and Duane, thouqh he had been released of the obligation of a formal statement, replied with a prepared speech. He insisted that he was happy that he had stayed with us ("whence all but he had fled") because he had come to enjoy t‘e companionship (the boys continued to greedily consume their grapes) of the remaining boys. Before anything more could be said, the boys begged to "go to the melon patch now". The behavior of most of the boys this evening was pro- voking. Their antics tended heavily to the selfish side. Gene despite a stern lecture this afternoon on his progressively poor showing in school, paid little attention to exhortations this evening. Bart was louder and more self-seeking than ever. And to top it off, Herman and Leo, under the guise of return- ing a stray kitten to the power house, kept the group waiting in the mosquito-infested fields, while they took time to steal a smoke. Gene, in his usual tactless way, cam running to in- form on them. Eldon, now self-righteously housed in the honor 136 cottage, insisud that his former cotta:e mateves deliberately attempting to break up the group. The leader commented coldly "US ing" to the two offenders that it seemed that they were the group. They are both "strong" members and it is hoped that this little "knuckle-rap" will suffice. September ;, 1952 The Players have been asked to prepare a show for the forthcoming National Training School Chaplains Conference to be held at the school. The boys will do a revival of a social "Street Corner". Readings were held tonight. adjustment drama A guest was brought to the meeting and he was asked to sit in on a casting committee along with Eldon and Neal who are leav- ing next week. The boys were anxious to please. Gene in particular, had his eye on an important role and was very well behaved. The visitor, a Korean war veteran who had formerly taught Sunday school at the school, may also have accounted for the extraordinary deportment of the boys. Otis, a tall colored boy, was taken into the group this evening. He is a friend of Gary's and was approved by the en- tire group. Gary had met him in Ohio Hall, the disciplinary cottage. September 5, 1952 Upon stopping for the Texas Hall boys, the eader was approached by Fred, whose solicitious attitude bore out the stories told that he was anxious to "return to the fold". The leader asked if he was ready to come back. After a few 137 modest remarks concerning the "fairness" of his readmittance, he gave in to the urging of Gene and followed the aroun to the Scene Shop. After a caucus with the casting committee, roles were assiened for the show. Gene was noticeably disappointed for having been assigned to a lesser role than he had read for. The leader explained that the parts had been eiven to the boy; on the basis of their choice alon: with the unanimous choice of the casting comrittee whose sole interest was to select a cast that would make the most of the show -- and the group's reputation. Apparently Gene was unimpressed. In a moment he was threatenind to do violence to Part, his arch enemy, who had been eiven the role Gene soucht. This was in response to Bart's good-natured die at Gene's new false teeth. The rest of the group seemed satisfied with the select- ions of the committee and took to a run-throuvh of the show with real zest. Gene remained in a sour mood throushout the rest of the meeting. \3 n Srmtemher 9, 1 ,? Football intermurals have begun and Bart had to be sent for. Later he was scolded for havind gone to play ball on a meeting nidht. He was told that if this should happen again the Players would be forced to recast his important role. Last word was received from Tony who was released the other day. Cary resorts thrt he promised to write to the erouo. It is doubtful if he has any intention of doinc so, hut r1ary 138 seemed anxious to assure the cronp of his friend's lin~erin3 attachment to the club. Herman was detained in his cottage this evening. He has been having trouble in school where childish behavior has re- sulted in a trip to case conference. His cottame mother felt that he was too upset to do out and that he might be inviting a run-away problem. She claimed that he expressed"disinterest ' and would "like to cry if he could". His dis- in everything' interest did not, however, extend to the Players, according to his cottage mother. Authorities at the school plan to send him to "S" for a day or so - for his own protection. Discuss- ing the situation briefly with the Players, the members ex- pressed sympathy recallin: similar personal experiences. Gene has asked to be relieved of his role in the play so that he might take charge of the lighting. This afternoon he told the leader that he still despised Bart. Earlier Part confided that they had nearly come to blows the day before in their cottage and tonight he suggested that his part be given to Gene since it seemed to mean so much to him. The leader ex- plained that casting was a completely impersonal affair, that it would be foolish to endanger the success of the show because one boy was dissatisfied with the i rt he was playinj. Fr'd was assigned Gene's role. Despite these internal clashes, there was no open conflict evidenced durina the eveniny and the line rehearsal was thoroush- 1y successful. Gary seemed intent on maintainina "esprit de 139 corps" by his clownina bafoonary. He was serious for a mom- ent, however, when he announced that he was more than willing (+- ty the noment it interfered with H. to drop any athletic ac iv the show. He asccd that the entire croup follow his example. He followed this announcement with a really fine interpretat- ion of his role and inspired the rest to do the same. News that Danny had written the leader and that another ex-Player and his wife and child had visited him that merninp .) seemed to brighten the boys' spirits. l\) September 11, 195 A — Five new boys, four of them with their membership pend- ing, were picked up this evening. They were added to the eroup to complete the membership before production plans for "Street Corner" were completed. Leo was confined to the hospital with a shoulder injury incurred at football practice and Neal wa off-grounds from the honor cottage. Eldon was released un- eXQectedly from the institution last Friday 1ornin3. His par- ents had come from a great distance north to take him home. Perhaps none of the group has felt a breater aversion to the B.V.S. environment than has this boy. It appears, however, that even in this respect he has made some procress during his stay. After a general introduction, the new boys were told of he purpose, the ideals, the traditions of the group and were exhorted to make a sincere attempt to uphold all this in their stay. If at any time they felt that they could no longer bene— lLlO fit from what the group had to offer, they were to drop quiet- ly from the ranks as the members would prefer not to publicly reject any of them. The leader added that the eroup had no more to offer than, in order of importance, 1, fellowship; 2, play production; and 3, some small outside recreation ("blood, sweat and tears"). When this last item was questioned, the leader told them that the group went off grounds "only once in a great while". Bart was quick to add: "Eut we always have recreation when we're together." Blesmna him silently, the leader went on to explain that the Players, a "secret" organ- ization, is intended to be a "haven of refuge" in the insti- tution's regimentation. It is completely divorced from the classroom (four of the new boys are the leader's students) and the relationship between the leader and the members is as a "friend amone friends" -- not as a supervisor. All problems must be solved within the group. Gary was called upon to add a presidential welcome. True to form, he opened with a "ruling" that no one in the group was to be as conceited as he was. Then, waxing profound, he added that he didn't know a boy in the organization that didn't like and that the best thing he could wish for the new boys was that they would get as much from their membership as he had gotten from his (liberal applause). Gene was already busy fussine with the lights. The leader x-) hastened to inject a final word of warnin LQ that the new boys pay no attention to the old timers for the next few nifhts as lhl they would be busy no doubt with making a great display of themselves so as to impress the newcomers with their deviltry. A line rehearsal completed the session with all our stoic "pledges" given a chance to read parts. Each was then assigned a small role or an understudy part. The new boys present an interesting array of personal- ities. Dick is the youngest and was eSpecially recruited to play the role of "Gimp". Several months before he had asked the leader to be his sponsor in Confirmation and he has long wanted to join the "Players". He will be going home the 20th of next month. Dick is a naive, pleasant-aioearing youn§Ster OJ an Gary's history, with a mention of homosexual behavior, has made for a slightly apprehensive situation. Terry is new to the school. He appears to be somewhat withdrawn and has had some difficulty in adjusting to h’s class- mates. He seems misplaced in the institution setting. Colin is the lad whose "social rehabilitation" took place in the expert hands of Tony some months back. He has become an out- standing student and has won almost universal acceptance here. Kenneth, a P. V., and the only one of the new :roup to have been approved officially by the Group Activities Committee, is a tall, goodnatured colored boy who is sure to give Gary a great deal of competition. Joe, another P. V., is a cottage- mate and silent admirer of Kenneth. Mild mannered and retiring, he seems content to ride on the crest of Kenneth's popularity. Returning to the cottages, the old members ganaed up on lh2 Fred (Gene again) and hid his shoes and socks. A wild chase followed. The leader stopped them long enough to point out that the new boys were standin: aside and looking a bit bewild- ered. nary was asked to see if he could put a stop to the display and he did so at once. A private conference was held today with Herman. He appears now to have recovered from his meloncholy. The leader reminded him of the criticism that the Players had made of his behavior in the past and expressed pleasure that he had come at last to some sort of "inner crisis". He smiled and said that things would be a lot different from now on. His be- havior tonicht corresponded to this prediction. He had mem- orized all of his lines and has never before presented a more mature attitude. September l5, l9?2 In a conference with the psychologist it was sujgested that, in order to avoid a possible sex problem between Gary and the new boy Dick, another more stable boy be assigned as "big brother" to the youngster. None has as yet been selected and so the leader asked that Dick stay close to him this evening. However, any fears stemming from Gary's interest in the boy A k: last Thursday were dispelled at tonight's meeting. ary seemed completely absorbed in an ever improving interpretation of hi1. role and he gave little attention to Dick or anyone else. His behavior this evening proved to be typical of the entire group and the group emerged with an exceptionally fruitful rehearsal. 1&3 Prior to a run-through of the show the leader pointed out that tonight's meeting represented the total new working membership. (Neal was released this morning), and that the group could look forward to many interesting eXperiences as well as many difficult situations with each other during the weeks to come. The member's first experience, the leader ex- plained, would be a food test of the croup's durability, for they would have to have "Street Corner" ready in only a week —- "if it can be done". Gary interrupted with: "What do you mean 'if'? -- it will be done!" The leader offered a cake as a reward for a successful show and intimated that many fine things, outside shows and a fall outing, awaited the group if they preserved their solidarity. Gene volunteered to begin on the scenery and took a group of boys to the shop from which thereafter emerged the happy sound of hammer and board. The boys had made real advances on their script. Kany had memorized most of their part. The understudy rehearsal, held while the regular cast busied themselves with individual study, was a success as well. Department was splendid. The leader had mildly chided the older members for their excessive horseplay of last Thursday and, again insisting that rouah house could ruin the group faster than bad memories, the loader asked that Gary take full control of behavior problems. All in all it was a heartening session -- somehow "too good to be true". Sente fiber lg, 1952 f“? -A H- Amonm the matters discussed at this eveninq's meet prior to rehearsal were: 'I‘ .o nart's fractured nose, incurred while fiahtin: with H O a cottage-mate and necessitatina an indefinite stay in the hospital. Colin has taken his role in the play but the boys aaain insist that he be dropped for "conduct unbecoming to a Player". The leader mentioned the aroup's rulinc which assures immunity in matters outside the group, but they are adamant. The leader insisted on least a fair hearing. 2. Kenneth's sudden departure —- he left the school this morning on a stolen bicycle and was returned by the police shortly after. In keeping with the group's well-de- fined regulation about runaways, they insist that he be drop- ped -- even thoueh he has already achieved high popularity. It was interesting to note that Gary spoke for the group on this point. 3. A long distance call from an ex-president who had " in a done a fine job of the leadinp role in "Street Corne- former production. He had heard that it was being done ajain -- rush order. He had phoned at once to volunteer to study up on his script so as to repeat his performance. He was willing to bring Warren along as well to play his old part. The leader had assured him that Gary and Leo were doing a yood job but invited him to come anyway -- to see the perform- 1’6 ance. In case of an_emeraency the leader promised to phone him. This knowledje had an inspirational effect on the cast in more ways than one. Both Gary and Leo completely mastered their scripts before the night was over. h. Gene's confinement to a detention cell for five minutes this afternoon. He had been discovered "out of bounds" while on his assignment as office boy to the academic school. This information was pertinent in an off-handed de- fense of Bart. Gene had been doing a good job as foreman of the construction crew and few boys would consider his offense as grounds for dismissal. 5. A rebuke from the deputy superintendent. Complaints had been received from the carpenter shop that things were not in good order this morninp. The boys were again urged to take extreme precautions while working unsupervised, as at times they must be, in the shop -- or at any other time they were representing the group. Dick announced that the barber, whose shop is located across the hall from our headquarters, had tol him this morn- ing that he was offended by the odor comin: from a large box of costumes stored at the far end of our room. Rehearsals and set construction this evening were a model of group cooperation. September if, 1952 A minor incident on the way to the shop this evening seemed to indicate that Fred has not yet advanced beyond lho some of his nastier shortcomings. Waving asked several times that he stay away from the windows of other cottages on our way (the boys often use this Opportunity for clandestine meetings), the leader was ignored until he spoke rather sharp- ly. He turned and, glaring fiercely, denied that he had heard the leader. On the rest of the journey, he walked a- head, mutterine disconsolately to himself. He recovered quickly, however, and hardly winced when the leader insisted before the group that, (again for the group's protection), everyone hereafter refrain from going near windows. The leader explained that cotta~e parents had a perfect right to resent such intrusions. He added that he was here than I usually tired this evening and would appreciate their self- control. After all "this, (self-control), is all that dist- inquishes us from an ordinary detail". The leader suqaested a plan for the evening. He would work with the painters in the back room (carpenter shop) while Gary would assume the initiative in a line rehearsal in the shop. All of the boys approved, Before breaking up to go to their respective jobs, the]ea&n° was asked what was to be done about Bart. He has requested a script to study in the hosp- ital. The leader answered that he felt that it might be best to assign the role to Colin,if he showed signs tonight that he could memorize the scipt. He was evasive about Bart's member- ship status hoping that time would allow the proup more object- ive attitude toward the issue. 1’47 At their work only a few small unpleasantries marred an otherwise serene atmosphere. Fred jokingly ribbed Gene on his painting abilities. Gene took it badly. The boy has worked hard for the past few days and probably his acid response was due to an injured self-rightiousness. Fred countered with an under-handed appeal to the leader for censure of Gene "now see, I didn't say anything about his teeth this time, I was just trying to joke with the guy. He's a sore headt" etc. The leader suggested that Gene sacrifice a bit of his sensit- ivity for group spirit. Fred, wanting more blood, continued to plead his cause but was cut short. Later Herman bejan twirling a rope narrowly missing Fred's face. Fred spoke harshly to him, but the process was soon reversed when Herman threatened Fred for idly pulling at his hair. The rest of the group were hitting it off beautifully. Gary has assumed more and more responsibility for directing their behavior and quickly dispells any fears of his becoming aloof by all manner of mimicry. He is really very clever at this sort of thing. He has a mania for improvising numerous little acts and has endeared himself to the boys by playing the role of clown prince. The mock braggidocio that he has adopted for his trademark must surely be a compensatory device but he pulls it off beautifully. The group seemed more than ordinarily rowdy on their way to rehearsal, and the leader was led to expect the worse. This is the third straight day of cold, overcast weather and out- v'llll’ [.0 I. It lh8 door recreation is at a minimum. Bart has rejoined us - much to the chagrin of the other members. He seemed dismayed at being dropped from the cast. The leader explained that the group couldn't afford to take chances at this late date and had given his part to Colin. At once, he asked to be named assistant technical director. De- spite Gene's scornful glances, he was piven the position. The leader could not restrain a chuckle when, looking up, he found all the members following Bart's cheerful discharge of his new-found chores with stoney disdain. At the auditorium, there was much to-do over the lights. Bart seemed to play his new role as if he were the producer flaunting every rule of Dale Carnegie. In rehearsal, Fr:d grew irked at standing in position for a long period. He became a bit surly about it and had to be told to either co- operate or relinquish his role to someone else. Surprisingly, he reacted well to this. Calling a five-minute break, the cast rushed to the basement. In a minute, Gene came up to whisper in the ear of Gary. The leader was asked to leave while the group held a private conclave. Apparently someone had been discovered smoking. Ten minutes later, the leader was called back to find a somber group — ready to begin a second run-through. Shades of tarren's reighl With Gary and Leo in a match to outdo each other in their leading roles, this second rehearsal went nicely. Later, the leader was forced to reproach Herman and Colin who were ex- FBI} lull: 112.9 changing bitter threats. In strone terms, the leader chided them for their pettyness in the face of the man-sized job of cooperation the group had in store. Again, the rracti n was better than expecttd. The Players returned to their cottage at 10:30. It became apparent tonight that Gary has now fully as- sumed Warren's old role as undisputed captain of the group. Bart remains, more than ever, the black sheep. It would be interesting to know how long it has taken him to form his hard shell of indifference to social acceptance. His last words tonight were that he was "bitter" when he heard that he had been replaced in the cast, but that he wasn't any more. Dick was teased while returning to the cottages for his "Juvenile Walk". He seemed to misinterpret the term and snapped a retort at his accusor. The boys explained at once that "Juvenile" stood for "Detroit Juvenile Detention Home" where a bouncy, hands-in-the-pocket, walk was the style. Alone with the boy, the leader sugfested that he make an attempt to rid himself of this and as hany other affectat- ions as he could before he returned to his community. Gene announced today that his P.O. (Probation Officer) had visited him and had intimated that his home report would be bad. The boy seems unimpressed. He confessed that he doesn't mind staying on for a while. Already, he has plans for the next show. 150 September 22, IQFZ On Saturday afternoon, a Group of the memhers were pick- ed up to paint scenery and clean up the shop. With the ex- ception of Gary, Joe and Leo, the boys were not able to accom- plish much and so these three asked to finish the work on Sun- day evening. The leader's wife came along to sew up a few rents in the curtains the boys have hung around the shop. The boys had little to say in her presence and Joe bulked at even working in the save room with her. He claimed, however, that he was shy only with "older girls". This fellow seems more than ordinarily concerned with boy-girl relationships. He has borrowed an elementary psychology text from the leader's adjustment class library but more often, he asks for materials related to courtship behavior. Tonight, with the scenery finally completed, the boys hurried the equipment over to the auditorium for dress rehear- sal. The leader's wife prepared coffee and cakes to serve the boys later in the evening. A most productive session seemed in evidence. Costumes were assigned and the cast dressed themselves 'with a great deal of enthusiasm. This is always a high point of a production. The boys are eager to wear something other than their drab khaki uniforms. The leader left the cast for a moment to tend to a const- ruction problem backstage. Over the years, the leader has be- come conditioned to making "sub-conscious" counts of the boys 151 in his charge. It was therefore, in spite of the fact that the boys were scurrying about in all directions, with a cer- tain vague uneasiness that he returned to the auditorium to become surely aware of an absence in the ranks. When he saw one boy pick up a shirt that had been assiened to Fred, he knew at once that the boy was missing -- and Terry too. Realizing that outside clothes are the first goal of a runaway, the leader suspected that this had been the moment that they had been waiting for. However, it was soon dis- covered that Fred had gotten back into his institution clothes before leavinj. His outside suit, Players' property, had been neatly placed over a chair. Here was another example of the paradoxical "moral judgement" of many of the boys. The remaining boys covered their excitement with a ve— neer of grim determination and searched the entire huildinc. But both Fred and Terry were gone -- and it remained only for the leader to phone the switchboard and have them "put on the air" so that the city and state police could begin to look for them. The group had been dealt a "mortal blow". nary rose to the occasion and admonished the boys to rise to even greater heights. In order to preserve their prestige on nrounds they must make "Street Corner" a smashing success tomorrow. Nevertheless, it was a rather demoralized cast, (with Bart substituting in Fred's minor role), that mot back to the business of rehearsal. All had been in very high spirits but 152 were a bit stunned by this sudden turn of events. Later, it was suggested that Fred's behavior at the last rehearsal might have been a clue toward his intentions. It was disclosed that the boys' secret caucus was directed toward correcting his sur— ly response to the leader. The Players went through the show several times, each time with little spirit. The leader then admitted his dis- appointment in what had happened earlier, pointing out that many times it is possible to emerge a closer group for these experiences. With this in mind the group must surely do as Gary had suggested. Fred and'Terry must not come to think that they were indispensible. Again, though, it took Gary to put the group back on their feet. "You know, Mr. Crowner, my mother told me when I was a little boy, that disappointment is like being forced to use salt instead of toothpaste during the depression. After the trouble is over, you have come to like salt so well that you never go back to using tooth paste any more." And so at 12:00, after rehearsing the show five times - and still a bit wistful - the boys were returned to their cottages. The runaways were picked up by the police of a small town some 50 miles away - at 3;OO a.m. September 2;, 1952 In very wood order, "Street Corner" was presented this morning to the National Conference of Training School Chaplains. 153 The boys had been called out an hour before they were to perform. There was a nice exciting air of expectancy, but the boys prepared for the play in an amazinply easy manner and, even with their voices breaking nervously as they delivered " their lines, teamwork was exceptional while the show was on the boards". The audience rushed backstape to conyratulate the cast - which was discovered in a characteristic pose - awkwardly standing about awaiting plaudits. It was unfortunate that the group was forced to disband soon after the curtain closed. They would have enjoyed fur- ther discussion. September 35, 1952 The show was repeated again this morning for an all- institution assembly. The experience seemed a bit anti- climatic and, for the group, lacked much of its former luster. In the evening they took to dismantling the set and clearing the stage. Back at the scene shop, Gene sueéested that the group conduct another "Round Robin". He was, ap- jparently, piqued by the behavior of someone in the group. fiowever, the session produced few rebuffs and it appeared ‘that whatever Gene had on his chest was soon foréotten among 'the pleasantries exchanged by the other members. It was {flDOd to hear a few charitable remarks directed toward Bart. .A1J_ of the boys felt that he had improved considerably. Per- 15h. haps his deficiencies have been minimized in the lipht of the shocking disloyalty of the runaways. Gene appears to be disturbed by a sign: "Gary - President", which Gary had made and placed on the office desk. He, (Gary), insists on sittinq here and no one else is to take tie place. Gene has hurridly made his own sign and placed it alonp side Gary's: "Gene - Custodian", Still in all, Gene seems to have made much progress over the past few weeks. September g2, 1952 Herman asked if it were necessary that he come tonight. Since the leader planned to have the boys take a group test, he asked him to come. Colin confided that Herman wanted to drop. At the shop, the boys having finished the test, they de- cided to finish the "Round Robin" had started during the last meeting. Leo and the leader had not yet made their contribut- ions. Herman's troubles were soon unearthed. Leo, upon reach- in@ him during his turn at the Round Robin, admitted that they had their "ups and downs" - and that he was sorry that he had "Plowed into him" earlier this evening. Otherwise, he loved everybody. The leader summarized the comments on each boy: Gene: Truly he had made a remarkable come-back but he Still needed to restrain himself a bit in his horseplay. His jealousy as revealed in the name plate episode, suggesting 155 that he avoid pushing himself too much. Herman: He must, in effect, seek a healthier emotional level. His childishness has just about been licked tut he still had moody spells as evidenced by his desire to drop from the group tonight because of the bad feeling that had develop- ed between Leo and himself. Otis: He is an admirably modest fellow. The boys were impressed with his determination in seeing his role in "Street Corner" through - even though it was obviously hard for him (an understatement, the boy was terrified). However, because he is a bit shy, he must be careful to avoid being "led around" by more aggressive boys. (Otis continues to worship Gary.) Colin: He has made great strides in developing wholesome intra-personal relationships. Also, he has displayed an un- usual sensitivity. (This morning the leader had found him turning his eyes from a boy who was sinjin: a solo for the high school assembly. Upon questioning, he admitted great discomfort at times like these. Colin has come to relate rather strongly and confides freely about his girl friend, plans for the future, etc. Of better than average intelli- gence, this boy presents some of Danny's characteristics.) Gary: He must be careful how he uses his braggadocio once he is removed from those who have come to know how little it means. He interrupted to eXplain that though he had begun this sort of thing as a sort of joke, lately he was coming to believe himself. 156 Leo: He must guard against situations such as he had created today with Herman. (Actually, on the basis of past records, Herman had probably been at fault). Otherwise, Leo is doing nicely. Bart: He has improved greatly since the production of "Street Corner". He has the capacity to recognize his short- comings - but this is hardly enough unless he is prepared to do something about them. This past week has proven that this is possible. It was past 8:00. The boys had listened intently for over an hour - therrby setting sore sort of record. These discussions have come to be regarded as an important part of their activities. October l, £252 The script to "Off Detail" was read to the boys and they expressed enthusiasm for its disrespect for institutional pro- tocal. Tonight, however, they were intent on initiating Colin. All of the rituals were repeated with a few new garnishes. Gary made an excellent inquisitor and Colin was thoroughly hoodwinked. Herman seems to have lost all of his bitterness and entered tonight's activities with well-controlled zeal. Per- haps Leo's absence had something to do with it. He is in the hospital with a bad shoulder. October 1, 1952 The group met tonight with apparently no loss of spirit 157 because of the week's delay in meeting. Leo was in the hosp- ital again. For the past two days the Players have been preparing scripts for "Off Detail". Colin cut the stencils and Gene ran the mimeograph machine. The scripts were distributed tonijht and readinfis were held. Their appetite whetted by the last production, comp- etition for parts were more intense than usual. Bart and Gene again are anxious for the same part and, of course, Bart does the better job. There was some bitterness between the two when it came to choosing between them for a first crack at the part. Gene won out on the basis of being the first to request it. Herman seemed in very high spirits. Returning to the cottages there was much talk about plans for after release. The boys savor the idea of going home now that their re- leaseC o_ ' v ' ' .I u . ‘ . a .. I (I - o . - . . ~ .... ..., .0 w . ' ' n‘r. ... . I' ' . .. v. . _ '7 - t4 3 ~.' ‘ ' I . . . ' . . . a u .- . . ‘ . . -L ’1- ' s . I \ ‘ ‘ ~ 1‘ - I I 4 nc' d. ' .; 8 I l ‘3 '— kt’j ‘ . ' - . wt ~ .. I .‘_. CUTHBERT: Stopl No? v» fri-udu _ the giui‘tv of mercv is not strained. I shall not bring~fcron ‘v v;;; as“ to bsar LpJD these poor, ignorant people. after all, then dad not hq:u uhe intalizgence to recognize uv superiority. Because of mv great kindness. I a amend that,thev be set free and given 20 .I- (X minutes to gather their belrngjdqs and get out of townll (The supervisors rush to CUTHBERT « kissing his hand and smothering him gratitude. The others are all cheering him madly.) 151,3: CUTHBLhT CAHOON . . . 2nd 3: The greatest men in the world! let 3: CUTHBLhT ChHOON . . . Egg 3: Cur Pero; (The lights are beginning to fade) let 3: Cuthbert Cahoon . . . 23g. 3: For President: 11;. 3: Cuthbert Cahoon o o o VOICE: (From far off! 0 growing louder) Cahoon - Cahoon - Cuthbert Cahoon (LLL on stage are freezing in their positions until the stage is conpletelv dark and there is heard nothing but the voice.) CUTHBEnT CnHOONl ROLL OUT: BLACKOUT n p c I o u e . o . t a o. o x c o I l \o‘ r |~ i n. v n . .. n . u r u I . O . C. p. a. . I . . . f i, . . (I . .. ' ‘. I Q .- . o . CUTHBERT CAHOON ”9* THIS rtfif=7L::t1.l (Scene - the office of Mr. Wiener. Mr, Wiener is discovered busv at his desk. An office bov enters.) OFFICE BOY: CUTHBERT CAHOON to see you, sir. IR. wxsnm: on, yes. Send him in please. (Bov exits). CUTHBEHT: (Entering dressed in verv flashy clothes and smoking a big cigar. He speaks loud and cockelV. - sits on the desk and blows great clouds of smoke in Mr. Wisner's face at frequent intervals.) (Slapping Mr. Wiener on the back roughlv) - Well, Well, Well, - Breetings, chiefi How's tricks! in. wxsusn: (With scorn) Hello, cannon: CUTHBERT: It sure is great being back in this old dump! Things don't seem to have changed very much. - still the same old suffer mill it always vast (Laughs loudlv and slaps Mr. Wiener on the back), MR. 'ISNER: (13 white heat) YBBBBBBoc00000000900000... CUTHBERT: Well, old men, ain‘t vs gonna ask me how I'm doin' and all that stuff? MR. WISNLK: Ummmmmmmmm..... CUTHBEhT: (Vsrv arrogantlu) Well, sir,- I'm makin' ‘2.50 an hour turning a wheel dn~s machine in a fcctOrV down home - Probablv that's twice as much as vou're making. and I'm running a little Bookie on the side - clean up as much as 8200 a weeklii Paint the town red every night! Everv tomato in the town is running after me). Here have a cigar: m. MSNER: (Coldlv as he picks up the) No thank you. CUTHBERT: 0.K.’, OAKo, if that's the kind od s.guy570u are: Well, I gotta race off now, - I've got a Caddv parked outside - picked it up in Bay City last week - I'm...... Saw, who are vou phoning! Mk. WISNEh: Hello, “ichigan Hall - please make room for another bov. CUTHBH‘T CAHOON 4 POVQcccocoooo BLACKOUT .- ... (3'- C o‘o'l‘eo-‘l ' )9 I ‘rhr . ,g. ... y. b '0 Id vs-v 0'. u o o‘ I 9 1 v9 ' r .L I coo-0'.- APPENDIX III THE MOONEY PROBLEM CHECK LIST MOONEY PROBLEM CHECK LIST .. JUNIOR 1900 HIGH REVISION ROSS L- MOONEY SCHOOL FORM V’fi‘fi— Bureau of Educational Research Ohio State University S HF Age .................... Date of birth .............................................................................. Boy .............. Girl .............. Grade in Name of school ............................................... school ............................................................................................... Name of the person to whom MWF you are to turn in this paper ........................................................................................................................ Your name ........................................................................................................... Date ...................................... BG DIRECTIONS This is a list of some of the problems of boys and girls. You are to pick out the problems which PC are troubling you. Read the list slowly, and as you come to a problem which is troubling you, draw a line under it. For example, if you are often bothered by headaches, you would draw a line under the first item, like this, “1. Often have headaches.” When you have finished reading through the whole list and marking the problems which are SC troubling you, please answer the questions on Page 5. TOTAL Copyright 1950 30-1241. The Psychological Corporation d in U.S.A. 522 Fifth Avenue, New York, N. Y. Page 2 DIRECTIONS: Read the list slowly, and as you come to a problem which troubles you, draw a line under it. Often have headaches Don’t get enough sleep Have trouble with my teeth Not as healthy as I should be Not getting outdoors enough Getting low grades in school Afraid of tests Being a grade behind in school Don’t like to study Not interested in books . Being an only child Not living with my parents . Worried about someone in the family . Parents working too hard . Never having any fun with mother or dad . Spending money foolishly . Having to ask parents for money . Having no regular allowance . Family worried about money . Having no car in the family . Not allowed to use the family car . Not allowed to run around with the kids I like . Too little chance to go to parties . Not enough time for play and fun . Too little chance to do what I want to do . Slow in making friends . Bashful . Being left out of things . Never chosen as a leader . Wishing people liked me better . Being nervous . Taking things too seriously . Getting too excited . Being afraid of making mistakes . Failing in so many things I try to do 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 5]. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61. 62. 63. 64. 65. 66. 67. 68. 69. 70. Too short for my age Too tall for my age Having poor posture Poor complexion or skin trouble Not good looking Afraid of failing in school work Trouble with arithmetic Trouble with spelling or grammar Slow in reading Trouble with writing Sickness at home Death in the family Mother or father not living Parents separated or divorced Parents not understanding me Too few nice clothes Wanting to cam some of my own money Wanting to buy more of my own things Not knowing how to buy things wisely Too little spending money Girls don’t seem to like me Boys don’t seem to like me Going out with the opposite sex Dating Not knowing how to make a date Being teased Being talked about Feelings too easily hurt Too easily led by other people Picking the wrong kind of friends Getting into trouble Trying to stop a bad habit Sometimes not being as honest as I should be Giving in to temptations Lacking self-control Page 3 71. 72. 73. 74. 75. 76. 77. 78. 79. 80. 81. 82. 83. 84. 85. 86. 87. 88. 89. 90. 91. 92. 93. . Wanting to know more about girls 95. 96. 97. 98. 99. 100. 101. 102. 103. 104. 105. Not eating the right food Often not hungry for my meals Overweight Underweight Missing too much school because of illness Not spending enough time in study Too much school work to do at home Can’t keep my mind on my studies Worried about grades Not smart enough Being treated like a small child at home Parents favoring a brother or sister Parents making too many decisions for me Parents expecting too much of me Wanting things my parents won’t give me Restless to get out of school and into a job Not knowing how to look for a job Needing to find a part-time job now Having less money than my friends have Having to work too hard for the money I get Nothing interesting to do in my spare time So often not allowed to go out at night Not allowed to have dates Wanting to know more about boys Wanting a more pleasing personality Being made fun of Being picked on Being treated like an outsider People finding fault with me Not having as much fun as other kids have Worrying Having bad dreams Lacking self-confidence Sometimes wishing I’d never been born 106. 107. 108. 109. 110. 111. 112. 113. 114. 115. 116. 117. 118. 119. 120. 121. 122. 123. 124. 125. 126. 127. 128. 129. 130. 131. 132. 133. 134. 135. 136. 137. 138. 139. 140. Often have a sore throat Catch a good many colds Often get sick Often have pains in my stomach Afraid I may need an operation Don’t like school School is too strict So often feel restless in classes Not getting along with a teacher Teachers not practicing what they preach Being criticized by my parents Parents not liking my friends Parents not trusting me Parents old-fashioned in their ideas Unable to discuss certain problems at home Choosing best subjects to take next term Deciding what to take in high school Wanting advice on what to do after high school Wanting to know more about college Wanting to know more about trades No place to entertain friends Ill at case at social affairs Trouble in keeping a conversation going Not sure of my social etiquette Not sure about proper sex behavior Awkward in meeting people Wanting to be more like other people Feeling nobody understands me Missing someone very much Feeling nobody likes me Being careless Daydreaming Forgetting things Being lazy Not taking some things seriously enough Page 6 Page 4 141. 142. 143. 144. 145. 146. 147. 148. 149. 150. 151. 152. 153. 154. 155. 156. 157. 158. 159. 160. 161. 162. 163. 164. 165. 166. 167. 168. 169. 170. 171. 172. 173. 174. 175. Can’t hear well Can’t talk plainly Trouble with my eyes Smoking Getting tired easily Textbooks hard to understand Trouble with oral reports Trouble with written reports Poor memory Afraid to speak up in class Family quarrels Not getting along with a brother or sister Not telling parents everything Wanting more freedom at home Wanting to live in a different neighborhood Needing a job during vacations Needing to know my vocational abilities Needing to decide on an occupation Needing to know more about occupations Wondering if I’ve chosen the right vocation Not knowing what to do on a date Girl friend Boy friend Deciding whether I’m in love Deciding whether to go steady Getting into arguments Getting into fights Losing my temper Being stubborn Hurting people’s feelings Feeling ashamed of something I’ve done Being punished for something I didn’t do Swearing, dirty stories Thinking about heaven and hell Afraid God is going to punish me 176. 177. 178. 179. 180. 181. 182. 183. 184. 185. 186. 187. 188. 189. 190. 191. 192. 193. 194. 195. 196. 197. 198. 199. 200. 201. 202. 203. 204. 205. 206. 207. 208. 209. 210. Nose or sinus trouble Trouble with my feet Not being as strong as some other kids Too clumsy and awkward Bothered by a physical handicap Dull classes Too little freedom in classes Not enough discussion in classes Not interested in certain subjects Made to take subjects I don’t like Clash of opinions between me and my parents Talking back to my parents Mother Father Wanting to run away from home Afraid of the future Not knowing what I really want Concerned about military service Wondering if I’ll ever get married Wondering what becomes of people when they die Learning how to dance Keeping myself neat and looking nice Thinking too much about the opposite sex Wanting more information about sex matters Embarrassed by talk about sex Being jealous Disliking someone Being disliked by someone Keeping away from kids I don’t like No one to tell my troubles to Sometimes lying without meaning to Can’t forget some mistakes I’ve made Can’t make up my mind about things Afraid to try new things by myself Finding it hard to talk about my troubles HPD HF MWF BG PG SC TOT-AL DIRECTIONS: When. you have finished marking the problems which are troubling you, answer the questions on page 5. QUESTIONS 1. What problems are troubling you most? Write about two or three of these if you care to. 2. Would you like to spend more time in school in trying to do something about some of your problems? 3. Would you like. to talk to someone about some of your problems? APPENDIX IV OPINIOTT AVD CORJESPONDLXCE O? B.V.S. PLAT:BS ’IPBZRS FCLLOH HG PAROLE NOTL: Along with the correspondence received from ex- memhers, the response of members to the question; ”hhat do you like most about the group?" is included. This question appeared on the check list "Looking at Groups" which was administered to the members while in he institution and again after parole. Other than these responses, the results of the check list were of little significance and it was decided to omit them from this study. CORRESPONDZUCE AID OPINION WARREN . . "What I like most about the group." No replies July 11, 1952 Detroit, Michivan Dear J. C. Well I finally made it and boy do I feel good. I have not had time to do much and I can't get into any of my clothes. About that trip, I think I can make it but I'm not sure, but you let me know when and where it is. Tell all of the players I said "fiello" and I hope Rod gets out soon. . I can't think of much to write so I'll cut it off here. But if you come to Detroit drew in an“ see me. Your pal, December 13, 1952 Dear Lr. Crowner: I am sorry that I have not written you before this, but you know that writing is not one of the things that I like to do, and everytime I sit down to write you a letter something else comes up that I have to do, but I will try to tell you how I have been getting along so far. 4 hhe I first got out, I got me a job and worked the rest of the summer. When school started, I entered Northwestern high school. That's where I am writing this letter. Tell everyone I said "Hello" and tell the players to keep up the good work. I know thft they are doing good work, and tell your wife that I said to keep up the good cooking because I will try to set down there Christmas and if I do I will be good and hungry. ' i talked to Les (a former Player) the other day over the telephone, and if I come he mijht come with me, down there for Christmas. by telephone number is ----. Well that's all for now. Yours truly, DADDY . . "What I like most about the group." From the institution "The unity, friendliness and warmth that was shown by each other. The feeling of success that came with each venture entered in. It was and still is a helleva rood group in my estimation." From parole "As forrer president of the Players, I had a deeper interest in the club (this interest wasn't spurred on by the presidency) and I can see no flaws in the club at all. I liked the idea of tightness in the group -- feeling close to every players -- the prestige involved." July 28, 1952 hr. Crowner: 'hell I'm home and pretty settled now so I guess it's safe to write now. I just got out of work and am pretty tired. I tried to avoid my buddies but last Saturday I ran into one of them when I went to change a tire at a gas station. He has a convert and I have a weakness for converts so we went out that night. Cruising around the town getting used to things again. hell I guess it's time to say what I really thouah of the Players. From the beginning I was interested in the group. i am at a loss for words to express my feelines for the oroup at this time so I'll just say that is the only thing I miss from B.V.S. I am driving quite a lot lately as I got my license and there are four cars at my disposal. Tell everyaody I said Hi and tell Tony he'd better be Good as a vice president or there will be an impeachment. The people I work for don't seem to let my little escapade interfere with my employment as I have more work than I can handle. well for that matter nobody seems to hold it against me. 'hell, got to so now so I'll close Write soon P.S. For the good of the players take my advice and execute 'Gary'. Ha Ha. I'm sorry for not having written sooner but as I can offer no acceptable excuse I will just say I'm sorry. I quit school and as you so bluntly put it, it was as much my idea as my Dad's. I have a good job and a car??? and as yet I have felt no desire to so out and raise hell. I haven't seen too much of my old buddies which explains the aforesaid sentence. Not putting the blame on the, but they are easily talked into most anything. I congratulate you and 'our' ?.V.S. Players for a suoerb performance on the re- vival of the play entitled "Street Corner"as I know it was a huge success. I was sorry to hear about Les (a former Player) but I'm sure he'll pull through as from mv previous experience with him he seemed to possess the strength and will power to pull yhrough a downfall like this. I wrote a poem back in April about ?.V.S. I will send you a copy as soon as I can locate it. I was planning on coming up and take you up on that Sunday dinner you promised me but my car isn't going too well so it will have to wait as will the continuation of this letter as tomorrow is a work day. Hoping to hear from you soon. Till then, October 17, 1952 Fr. Crowner As of yet I haven't found out anything about this accel- erated school program as I've been too busy. I got home after work, phoned and he was gone (Fr. Ryder). I am roing to ask Haley (I've forgotten his first name to ask hr. Ryder about it. 'Floy' works at the same place I do as of today. He seems to have forgotten the players already by his words to me. Can think of nothing else to write so I'll say so long for now. from a true friend to a true friend, November 1, 1952 Mr. Crowner I'm going to go to night school, hat's definite, but Tuesday I find out what course, I think 'Floy' joined the harines last week so he doesn't work at Iv place anymore. h I guess you owe me some sort of congratulations as be- fore I got out we made some sort of pact that if I was still out by Oct. 2Fth you would treat me to a chicken dinner. Well look at the calendar. Tell Gene I said Hi and lots of luck. Is 'Gary' still as conceited as ever? It's about time for elections amain isn't it? The Players ought to impeach him. hell how's everything up there? Is Les (a former Player) or 'Warren' still writing. I hope everything is ok with your family. I got a ten cent raise or did I tell you in my last letter? Tell Woody I said Hi and be good. I have to put a clutch in my car tomorrow and in a way I'll be glad and sad. Glad, because I'll have transportation and sad be- cause that heap makes an awfully bi: dent in my pay check. I was lookin: over my old membership card today and it really brings back fond memories. hell Er. Crowner I am running low in the thoucht de- partment and I've got to get a letter off to Jim (another B.V.S. staff member) yet, too. Write soon v‘ be good. December 2, 1952 f Ir. Crowner Sorry not to have written sooner, but I'm working pretty late from 8:00 to 5:30 from 7:00 to 11:00 so you can see I've had my hands full. I enrolled in hight school but was too late. I'll start in January. I enjoyed the Supplement (B.V.S. Newsletter). I even found my name. It makes me feel Food to know the Players think of me. I am sorry to hear of all the guys I know coming back. How's Woody doing? Tell all the Players I said keep up the good work and give them my congratulations for a swell job of "Off Detail". hoody pot in the play one way or another. Don't know about that weekend as yet. I would like to come up in my car and I'm Coins to have it fixed next week. I'll bet hrs. Vaumhn is tickled pink about the Glee Club's new robes. hell it's about one and tomorrow is a work day, so I'd better say mood ye for now. Have a hood Thanksaivinc. Your friend, Tell everyone Hi. ha February 5, 1953 Br. Crowner I offer no excuse for my not writina. Every time I would prepare to correspond I would get waylaid. But I will try to bring you up to date on the doinss in this part of town. I see no chance of 70in? back to school as the term has already beaun and there are still a few debts to answer to. Jim killer (B.V.é. office staff) writes that you are sick with the flu. I hope this letter will find you in better health. I had hopes of visitins you this Saturday but the future looks dim. I met Guy P. (a former Player) and he is in the Air Force. How are thin s at The Place? I am still workine at Advance Llectric as a stock boy. Cne more year and I'll be able to get an electrical apprenticeship. Tell all the Players I said 3.110 (past and present). Tell woody (a former Player) to take it cool. Has anybody else I knew come back. You recall Like K. don't you? I saw him downtown a while back. what a cocky little shit. Tell your wife I said Hello. How is the reducinfi treat— ment cominé along? Has it showed results? then are you rein; to have another show. with 3 members it will ”e rather dif- ficult even for a one act play. well sive my best to all the faculty and the few resain- ing boys I know there as tomorrow's a work day. in... n - ~ lug? irieno \Tl RIC . IL . . ”slat I like most about the froup." Lo replies Auyust 9, 19‘ Dear hr. Crowner Arrived home about seven o-clock last niéht. Had to pick up my Dad from work at six o-clock. Got into Flint at 11:30 yesterday noon. Went downtown and bouqht myself a pair of double stitch suedes. Bought them on sale for 3h.9h . . Pretty cheap, huh. Last nisht I stayed home and played records until 2: 30 a.m. Dad ooue ht a new record player and radio. Ionda; I am aoinc downtown to s-e about eithcr setting a job or getting into Gznera l Potors Tech. Th; Genesee county scent is working on it for me. I am also foin" to see myp .0. Londay. Sorry I didn't set over around school yesterday morninp, but kr. Preadmore said that I cidn' t have any time to run around over there. I was down at the bus station by a quarter to nine. Ask Jim Miller (both 1r. Preadmore and Ir. killer are B.V.S. staff members) if he sot the money I left in the business office for him. I as ”oin? to go to Kass and Communion tomorrow for sure. I think i will be moi to Uhesar in” to church. Ir. Crowner, someday I hope to cc aole to come back and pay you. a Social Visit. I enjoyed my association with you 5 M3 slay rs. :3 Q: {1. Yours truly, September 3, 1952 Dear hr. Crowner I»... CO 0 5:. ct H Sorry I haven't answered your letter before th- just didn't get around to it until tonisht. verythin is comine alonq fine now. “obody safs any- thin; any moi e. I am getting alonm exceedinely well. Yo trouble at all. acts will I am eoi i Economics, back to school tomorrow. 1y suhj be w.n;:_.."';!.ish L 5 no; +' Dv - ... .... -. r: 1. . u IhySics, usometry, soveiment anw 6 re tty rou h subjects, but “ottpi ve them in order in June. They put me in the twelfth :rade. Joe, the guy my ion noes with, (his) folks own a farm so he bou ht a tractor and tools so I could work it. I will be workine every niaht after school and on Saturdays. Pretty nice, eh. Very glad to hear that the Players phalled or t of the rut. You got som :ood boys as members now. That is just w‘at you want for the '00C of the Players. I sure miss them. I am not coin; with the :irl I was when I was over there, the red head any more. I not tired of her. I am roina with a very nice girl in Clio. She is just about 5'1”, short job. dell, hr. Crowner, I have to close for now and work for school tomorrow. Ans swer soon please TeTl F I said Dear Ir. Crowner Sorry I haven't written before this but I have been busy. I was workine thirteen hours a day on construction. bakina 92.02 an hour. Pretty good, eh. Got layed of ° from that company thoueh. Now I think I am coin? to worli for another company that pays "2.75 an hour. I want to finish my auitar course and get my own hillbilly band eoinq. That is what I want. I have that form filled out. Am mailinr it with this. How are the Players cominq? Pine, I hOpe. well, so lone for now. It is 2 a.m. Goodnifht On Christmas card Dear hr. Crowner Just a few lines to let you know I am ok. How is every— thine with you a d the Playe 3. Tell them I wish them a Kerry Christmas. I have mot en me a new doe now. German Shepherd and Collie. )Ky other not to be so mean that he would even take a sna at me. ‘well Jim that is all for now. Be seeing yo; soon maybe. Blessings, Uni t ed St at es [3.]?er Avril 25, 1953 Ti ya i'Lr. Crowner well I joined the Army. i tried to call you one day but yr. Taber (B.V.S. staff member) said you had gone to Heston on a convention. Sorry I didn't get to talk with you. But I kill come up to see you after i get out of the Army. I mean after Basic Training. Ne haven't started yet butye will as soon as we get ten more men to fill our company of two hundred men. It sure is beautiful country around here. (Tacoma, hash- inqton). :13 tall pine trees, mountains with the peaks cover- ed with snow. Real pretty sifiht. The time I spent in B.V.S. sure has helped me in the Army. I have learned to accent discipline as it comes and to hold my temper. we have a real nice Platoon Sergeant. He is a colored fellow. hever jumps on anyone unless he has to. How are the Players aiming alone? I hope they are still perkina and still have the same standina as they did when I was there. nave you heard from 'warren' or any of the others that were in the Players when I was there? I he to Kass every Sunday and try to make Communion too. Well Jim I have to go now. Please write back soon. Glad to net all the mail i can. Your Godson, GIVE . . "What I like most a out the group." From the institution "We all have some of the same interests. There's always a friendly feeling somewhere in the group." From parole -- November "I like (it) because when you have troubles there are al- ways people willinq to help you with them. Also there is a warm feeling amons the boys which i have not felt elsewhere." On Christmas Card Dear r--r. Crowner I'm sorry I haven't written sooner but I am very busy. I'm working nine hours a day in a furniture factory. I'm making 95¢ an hour. I'm doing very well and am very haopy. I hope you and the Players are all well and I hOpe the play is coming along ok. I'm sorry I won't be able to see it but I know I can't set down. well I'm not a very good writer so I'll close now. Yours truly, l-" P.S. Tell the Players I wish them best of luck with the r Play. I hope they got a new president. ALDOH . . "what I like most atout the ¢r0fl?-" From parole "that I like most about the Players was that most of them understood you and you understood them so that you could help each other on their problems and you could talk freely and naturally.” October 18, 1952 Dear hr. Crowner and Players well I have been home one month and six days now and am getting along fine. The Players sure helped me a great deal. I realize that now more than ever. hell I'm qettinq along good in school this year. I'm in the llth. The other day I boucht a 1950 Rercury club coupe convertible but I feel confident I will notget in trouble over it. I sure hope the frouo stays in hood spirits throughout the show and I wish them success. Say Hi to everybody for me. By the way have you heard anything ahout 'Danny'? I often wonder what happened to him. And how is 'Richard' getting along. Okay, I hope. I sure miss all the boys and meetings. Did the play 'Street Corner' for the Chaplains come off okay? Well as I am no hand at writine I guess I'll sifn off for now. Best regards, 'Jldon' Always the Player TONY . . "what I like most about the group." From the institution "when I first got in it was a group. Kost everyone thought the same way. Doing it together." From parole "We helped boys that we could help and had fun doing it. Tome boys took advantaqe of the group and used the group for their own enjoyment.” November h, 1952 Br. Crowner Received your envelope, glad to hear from you. Sorry I had not written sooner. How are all the Players and everyone? I'm workina as a machinist runnina a lathe at Springfield Fanufacturine, makini a dollar eiehty-one an hour. I assist a die maker in makins dies in and for a punch press. Ralph (a Former classmate) lives down the street now and he's doinh fine. He owns a souped up forty Ford. Ralph and I will be com_nq up in a couple weeks soon as I set my car fixed. I threw the transmission by power shifting from third back to second. well see you soon. 'fhanks, P.S. excuse the writing. Kovember ll, 1952 fr. Crowner Glad to hear from you and the boys. I'm sorry about 'Warren' and 'Gene'. (Their home resorts were not approved). I had to quit where I was workina and I'm roinn back to school -- night school. I'm workina for a contractor on a winter job. I'm movinq into -----in another month. 1y Dad boupht a house in a nice section. I don't see much of Ralph. He sot another job working afternoons. I was wronc about that kid. I thouaht he wouldn't last, but I guess everybody's wrons once in a while. 'Lhanks. Glad to hear from you. A Player, P.S. Say Hello to the boys. IO phgr . . "What I like most about the ?PODP-" From parole "I think the Players are a fine qroup and I think they can help a hey, if the boy wants to be helped.” GARY . . "What I like most 3 out the group." From the institution "Our group is composed of a vely likeable croup of boys. And somethine hoes wron: with one boy and he has a wrohlem, we all net toaether and try to help him solve it. hut most of all we don‘t try to solve it for him, we try to help him solve it for himself.‘ From parole "Jhat I like most about our eroup is that somehow we banded together to make a solid group. It was something that I can't explain. Sit it was there becagse I could feel it. It was like part of me and part of everybody in the group put together to make one thing.” DYANE . . "that I like most about the group." From parole ”I liked the way the troup worked together and everybody was enjoyinp themselves. I liked to so to the meetinfis H , also. October 13, 1952 Dear Lr. Crowner: I was very clad to hear from you and clad to know you are ‘fine. I am sorry about not writin; sooner but I have been so busy since I have been home that I haven't had tine for any- thing. I am writins to three of my buddies in the Navy and one of them is comina home on leave in eieht more days. I am also elad to know that the Players are running smoothly aeain; tell all of them I said Hi and wish them a lot of luck on this play. I am going to school and playiny football but we haven't been doinq much this year. Cur first came was with Buskegon St. Lary's. T'ey beat us 33 to 21. Then we played erinmton, St. Simon's. we won that one 1h to 0. Then we played our first conference name of the season aeainst Kontaeue and lost 13 to 7. Then last Friday nifht we played another conference game with Scottville and lost aéain 12 to O. but you have to admit they have all been close fares. I made two touchdowns aeainst St. hary's. Yours trul 7: , td P.S. Oh yes, tell the pro p to kick uary' out of office. HggL . . ”hhat I like most about the group." From the institution "we were a hood eroup and had a mood time all of the time we were toeether. It was sort of a brotherly fellowship. I truly had a fine time while I was a member." ’ ‘1 L L4 rom parole "It was the first and best club I have ever been in. A thoufih it sometimes not a little dull and some of the life came out of it, I couldn't think of belong to better H club. October 31, 1952 Dear Lr. Crowner, hell, I guess it's about time I'm writing you, I receiv- ed your letter a couple of weeks aqo but just didn't get around to writinq, but, I got your card the other day so I euess I had better yet this out riqht away. How are you? I'm fine. Tell all of the Players Hello, also Hrs. Crowner. by Mother and I extend an invitation to you if you are ever in or around Detroit, you are certainly welcome to come and stay with us. In school I'm takinn: Enelish, Biology, Ancient world History, Eachine Shop and Citizenship. I'm only doing in the morninq so I have a lot of spare time. I've applied for a job in a Super Rarket thouch to take up some of my time. About 2 weeks aeo I was browsinr throuyh a "Lapic Shop” and I met the man I used to work for. He invited me to dinner with two other maeicians, Howard Thurston and Percy Abbott, so we traded tricks. I really had a fine time. Say, I meant to ask you, How come 'Gene' is still there? When is 'Gary' gettinm out? well I can't think of anything else, so will cose for now. Sincerely Your Godson, P.S. I hope you will accept our invitation. 12 On Christmas Card -- December 18 Dear Ir. Crowner, well, I haven't heard from you for quite a while now. How are you? I'm fine now. How is hrs. Crowner? Tell her Hello. Have the Players been doing anythine lately? Tell them all Hello. I haven't been up to Traverse City since I got out. But I'm going up Christmas Day. If you are down around Detroit, stop in -- and see us. well I can't think of anythind else for now. Sincerely, Your Godson P.S. Write soon and often. they . . "what I like most about the group." From the institution "When you have any troubles you can always turn to them. 9/29. "They try to talk each others' problems out." 11/10 From parole "It gave a guy a chance to get acquainted with others' problems. And the others tried to find a solution for them." November 25, 1952 Dear Ir. Crowner, I have a few minutes to spare so I decided to Sit down and write you a few lines to let you know that I am ok. I got home last Thursday niaht at 7 p.m. I am going to try to get a job. I went over to school the other day and they said that if I come back to school I would have to no to school for a full day and I wouldn't be able to take machine shop. I went hunting over the weekend and didn't get anythinq. I was close enough to a doe to hit it over the heai with my gun but I didn't want to take any chances and get caueht and get sent back. I am doing to go out again this week so I hope I can fill my license. How are the Players coming alone? If 'Gary' is still president, ask him for his resifnation. Tell the rest of the ll: 33" . 13 boys to make qood and yet out. I am not much of a letter writer so I will close and hOpe to hear from you soon. East Player, BART .. “What I like most about the erouu." No replies December 2;, 1952 Dear lr. Crowner: I guess I've waited a long time before writing tn‘s letter. I finally decided to write you and your Players a letter. I sure miss the old gang of Players. 'Gary' especially. Tell him I said Hello. Well how did your show come off in November? Did every- one remember their parts? Hone so. well Kr. Crowner I guess you more than anyone are resoonsible for my success at home here outside of Kr. and Nrs. Coppack (cottage parents). I think your talks helped me a lot. I made the honor roll at school. I got an A in English and an A in machine shop and 2 B's besides. even surprised myself. hell pot to so now. Got to do some last minute wraiping. Sincerely yours, P.S. ’hill be up to see you so day unofficially, of course. LEO . . ”what I like most about the :roup." From the institution "The things I liked most about the Players is that I can get along very well with eroup leader and the boys. we all get alone very fine and I hose to stick with them until I so home.” From parole "It's hard to know what to say because, everythinq we did in the group was to my liking. But there is one thin: and that is that we're loyal to each other. And I'm glad I was in the B.V.S. Players." November 1?, 19E2 Dear Pr. Crowner, hell I huess there really isn't much to say as of yet. I want to thank you very much for my start as a Player. 'what I mean is, as far as we know now I'm a member of the Pit and Eelcony, a big players aroup here in Sa“inaw. And I'm also in the Sacinaw Civic Choir and St. Peter and Paul's Church Choir. Nell Kr. Crowner I really haven't much to say. Oh, I was goind to :oinq to so back to school, but I was talking to my P. 0. about going into the Navy in April. If my mother would Sign, which she said she would, and he thouaht it would be good for me. So I'll be going in April. I'm workinq at a restaurant now at 50 cents an hour, but will be at Reliable Linen for 70 cents an hour next week. Nell tell the group I said Hi. Yours, as a Player CCLIN . . "what I like most about the group." From the institution "It is a very interes tine aroup and it also gives you self con: idence." 9/29 "It C"ives you sometb hing and it helps to readjust yo: to outside life. :esid (es, it's fun.” ll/lO From parole "I think that it's a very fine hroup because it fave me the initiative to do what I couldn't do before. It helps to re-establish a boy who has run afiainst thinrs out in society that he didn' understa 10. December 2, 1952 Dear Pr. Crowner, Just a few lines to let you know that everythina's okay. I will be startiny back to school this coming londay. I can get a 3 weeks marking period before the sewester ends. I talked to my principle and he said I have enouch credits to "raduate this June! boy will that ever feel “ood. I'm making twen 7 dollars a week workinr in the sas station here at home. So I'm really settins alone fine. Oh, by the way, I filled out that little test you wanted me to, so yeu'll probably get it the same time as tdis letter. I went deer-huntinn hut I didn't set anything. (Darn the uck, anyhow). l? l 0 I'm not fioiné with that yirl anvm re. I Cuess that she likes another boy better than me, so I'll jJst h vs to "st another one. well, I wish her the est of l1ck a;yhow. I'm buyin* a car next month. It's vein: to be a lxdel A Ford. I'm seine to cet a better one as soon as I can er“ ord one. Put that's cuite a we3s off iust yet. How are the Players COMIDT alone? Any new Nembe rs yet? P03, I sure WIS" that I was back ohere to be in the play. Ky Lather says she thinks it's really nice. She sa"° that she'd like to see it. But that's out of the enestion right LCL. Phe Seniors are going to Washington, D. C. this year. It's really Going to be a good trip. (I hope). I'm going to see if I can find a girl (Senior) to go with. Then we can so on the Senior Trip to- gather. Nost of tb' other kids in my class have girls that are soinq to co with them, so I'm ronna try too. (wish me luck, I may need it) 11 I'm workino by myself tonieht, but there isn't too much doina rirht now. So that's why I'm writinc this letter now. I melelly don't ‘ave much time. jut I've yet some now, so I mlirht as well use it. 'who finally took the orrt of Scroooe? I can't remember it were David or tLlEt other kid. dell, I have to clean up Station now, so write to me and tell me how everythinr's 0min: alonf. And say Hello to the kids for Le. (Lspecially Jim Killer) (member of the office staff). fours truly, I! t P.S. Pest oi luck with the Players!!! INDEX OF TOPICS AND AUTHORS A Academic School, 17, 175, 180 Staff, Hoover, Albert, 66, 74; Miller, James, 113, 116; Pittman, Jess, 63; Vaughn, marion, 74, 113, 115, 116, 117, 164, 176, 178, 180, 181 Adler, Alfred, 6 Adolescence, 4 Aichhorn, August, 6 American Group Therapy Association, 5 American Legion, 67 Anecdotal record, 194; technique, 21, 197 Apathy of members toward group, 127, 128, 131 Attention span of members in group, 70, 168, 170 Attitude of members in group, (also see appendix IV), 1, 62, ea Authority within group (also see discipline), 68; reaction to, 107, 112, 126 Automobiles, attitude of members toward, 117 B Behavior, measurement of, 1; inmate, 13, 62; of members outside of group, 132, 138, 144, 145, 157, 160, 161,164, 168, 169, 171, 186, 189, 207; patterns, 158, 165, 180; paradox, 151, 185 Behavior problem children, treatment of, 6 Bennett, Margaret E., 5 Boy Scouts, 14 Boys Vocational School, 2; admission policy, 13; administration, 18, 181; recreation program, 11; program, 13; staff, 13; services, 63; Shelly, Ernest (Chief Psychologist), 13, 63, 65, 73, 93, 142, 176, 207, 210 B.V.S. Players, 3; activities, 15; application for member- ship, 14; constitution, 12; election of officers, 106, 130; eqiupment, 19; facilities, 19; membership, 12, 209; goals, 14; requirements for membership, 15, 102, 106, 108; membership cards, 66; meetings, 16; "parliamentary procedure", 12; organization, 16; structure, 13; trad- itions, 12, 173; quarters, 11, 19; C Case Conference Committee, 13, 138, 182, 186 Case Histories, 22-56 Casting, 11, 136, 137, 141, 157, 158, 160, 161 Catholic Chaplain, 94, 118 "Ceremonial Tree", 104, 121 Chess Club, 14 Classroom behavior of members, 105, 107, 110, 119, 122, 128, 131, 138, 164, 168, 169, 172, 173 Cliques within group, 116, 130 Comradie of members, 11, 59, 68, 85, 88, 104, 105, 110, 116, 128, 130, 134, 138, 151, 174, 177, 182, 184, 204 Conflicts, within group, 100, 131; intra-personal, 114, 115, 127, 145, 147, 148, 149, 153, 154, 155, 156, 159, 160, 177, 178, 187; with leader, 118, 128, 131, 132, 133, 137, 138, 146 Conflicts of club activities with other school activities, 124, 137, 139, 145, 159, 176, 205 CoOperation among members, 115, 116, 153, 182 Counselling, 5 Cottage parents, 14, 138, 146, 160, 164, 167, 170, 179, 185, 186, 205, 207, 208 D Detail supervisors, 14, 179 Detentipn Cell ('5’), 14, 58, 65, 85, 93, 103, 138 Development of insight and tolerance in members, 106, 109, 120, 127, 128, 131, 132, 133, 166, 167, 168, 170, 184, 199, 200 Discipline, 13, 62; within group, 80, 81, 89, 102, 103, 111, 112, 114, 126, 131, 132, 159 Disciplinary Cottage (Ohio Hall), 84, 106, 136, 182 Dreikurs, Rudolph, 6 E Eastern High School, 66, 158 Encyclopedia of Educational Research, 4 Entertainments, impromtu, 123, 124 Envy of members, 154, 178 Erickson, Clifford E., 5 Extra-curricular activity, 1 F Five Mbnths Review, 14, 107 Follow-up (also see appendix IV), 13 Freud, Sigmund, 6 Froelich, C. P., 5 G Gangs, 7, 76, 90; types, 130 Glee Club, B.V.S., 11, 96, 175, 176, 180, 181, 209 Gleuck, Sheldon and Eleanor, 170 Gratitude as expressed by group members, 116 Group, patterns, 1; situations, 5; activity, clinical, 5; psychotherapy, 5; dynamics, 6; in training school, 6; understanding of, 7; Group Activities Committee, 12, 14, 66, 75, 141, 160 Group introspection, 102, 128, 159, 168 Group loyalty, 75, 76, 77, 100, 102, 105, 106, 110, 111, 112, $52, 123, 124, 129, 130, 135, 143, 144, 157, 174, 200, 204, Group pressure, 60, 61, 64, 65, 106, 125, 131, 133, 169 Guidance, through intensive group activity, 1; definition, 2; individual, 2; through group activity in public school, literature on, 4; group, 5, 67; individual, 83 H Hamrin, Shirley A., 5 Hand, Harold C., 5 Harms, E., 6 Health problems, 175 Heterosexual contacts of members, 69, 150, 174 Hikes to the farm, 57, 104, 121, 123, 125, 130, 135 Hi-Y, 14, 65, 67; ball game with, 99 - 101, 197, 191 Home visit with "Danny", 161 - 164 Homosexuality, 141, 142, 178, 186 Honor cottage (Pennsylvania Hall), 79, 84, 86, 105, 106, 161, 164,166,167 I Identification with group leader, 108, 110, 118, 129, 130, 155, 159, 162, 185, 187, 189, 197, 199, 200, 202, 205, 207, 208, 210, 211 Iddividual differences, 4, 83, 86, 87, 90 Individual goals, 21, 58, 62, 83 Institutionalized delinquent boys, definition of, 2; personality factors of, 170 Integration within group, 109, 127, 128 Interview, 5, 63 Kon0pka, Gisela, 7 Kuder Preference Record, 70 L Lansing Civic Players Guild, 18, 60, 74, 164 Lassner, 8 Leader's attitude in relation to group, 21, 59, 66, 67, 71, 78, 80, 82, 85, 88, 89, 92, 96, 99 - 101, 110, 112, 119, 120, 125, 126, 129, 130, 146, 169, 172, 173, 182, 192 Lippett, Roland, 6 "Looking at Groups" Check List, 161, 167, 204 M’ antal hygiene, 5 Mentally retarded, 8; illiterates, 11 Metcalf, Harold, 5 Michigan State College, 18, 60; Drama Day, 61; visitors, 69, 173; Water Carnival, 74; radio interviews, 93; JournalistDay, 164, 166; football game, 170 Minnesota Y0uth Conservation Commission, 7 Misbehavior, within group, 102, 135, 136, 142, 149, 157, 158, 159, 160, 164, 171, 200 Mbdel Airplane Club, 14 Nboney Problem Check List, appraisals, 195, 196, 197 (see appendix III) Nbrale of members, 65, 77, 151, 152, 173 M0reno, Jacob L., 5, 6 N National Training School Chaplains Conference, 136, 152, 153 0 Off-grounds trips, 60, 61, 67, 74, 164, 165, 211; summer outing, 104, 108, 113, 183, 204 Orientation of new members, 76, 82, 85, 102, 103, 108, 120, 122, 139, 140, 156, 165, 167, 172, 192 P Parents, relationship of members to their, 61, 64, 70, 72, 95, 97 ' Parole, 13, 167, 208, 211; "Richard's" concern with, 72, 104; adjustment on, 107, 110, 111, 155, 157, 151 - 164, 168, 183, 187, 200, 212 (see appendix IV) Parties, 12; surprise party for group leader, 12; types of, 16; for member, 62, 64 Peer status, 80, 85, 103, 108, 111, 112, 120, 133, 161, 167, 171, 184, 188, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 209, 210 Percy Jones Hospital veterans, 74 "Pioneer House", 8 Probate Court, 2, 13 Probation, membership, 113, 133 Probation officer, 13, 149 Problem, statement of, 1 Productions, schedule of, 15; "A Christmas Carol", 15, 91; date setting, 61; ”Lemonade Theatre" ("Summer Comes to the Diamond 0"), 15, 95 - 97; "Street Corner”, 136, 139, 151, 152, 153, 156, 209 (see appendix I); Variety Show (”Off Detail"), 11, 15, 122, 156, 157, 158, 173, 175, 176, 179 - 182 (see appendix II) -Profane Language, 125, 197 Progress reports, defined, 14 Psychiatry, 4, 7 Psychology, 4, 63 Psychological Clinic, B.V.S., 17, 22, 60, 80, 194 Psychotherapy, 5; group, 6, 7 R Racial differences, 74, 75, 107, 144, 175, 175, 198, 199, 205 Rating scale, 21, 91; appraisal, 194, 195 "Reactions", definition, 2 Recreation department, entertainments, 15; contact with Players, 17, 179, 180 (also see Boys Vocational School) Red Wing State Training School for Boys, 8 Redl, Fritz, 7 Reformatory, 8 Religious experiences of members, 117 Rewards, 60, 97, 98 Rogers, Carl R., 5 Role-playing, 8 Rorschach, 74, 80, 201 "Round Robin", defined, 16; 58, 108 - 110, 153, 154, 156, 178, 186, 191, 122 Runaways, 60, 65, 68, 75; from group, 150, 151, 152, 154 S SRA adjustment materials, 73 Secondary schools, 4; enrollments, 4 Self-analysis, 70, 83, 168 Self-imposed order of members, 12, 143 (also see group pressure) Self-discipline, 146, 147, 148, 174 Slavson, S. Re, 5 Social Adjustment Class, 87, 150, 168, 172 Social maladjustment, treatment of, l ”Spud Room“, 105, 165, 168 Stage recreation, 13, 18 State Prison of Southern Michigan (Jackson), riots, 57; 121 Study group, ”Arthur", 171,173,174,177,178,187,188,192 "Bart", case history, 51,120,124, 125, 127 - 135,137, 138, 146, 148,149,151,153, 156 - 161,164 - 166, 168 - 171,184,208,209 "Colin", case history, 55,141,144,146,148,154 - 156, 159 - 161,164 - 169,173,178,186 - 188, 192,210 "Danny", case history, 25; 59 - 61,64, 66 - 70,71, 73, 76,79 - 81, 87,88, 91 - 93, 95, 96, 100 - 102,106, 107,109 - 112,114,115,117,118,120 - 124,12L 128, 130; 131,133,139,155,161- 164,165,167,177, 198 "Dick, 141, 142, 145,149 "Duane", case history, 45;84,86, 95, 96, 99,105,106, 115,117,119,122,124,126,127,130,132,133, 135, 165,205, 206 "Eldon", case history, 33; 58, 62,69, 73,83, 85, 9O - 92, 95,98,105,108,109 - 111,113, 118, 125, 128, 130, 133‘ 135,139,165, 201,207 "Floy, case history, 35; 58, 69, 73, 77, 82, 88, 93, 95, 106,112,115, 119, 120, 125 - 125, 150, 152, 155, 155, 202; 204 "Fred , case history, 40; 84, 92, 95, 113, 115, 125, 127c- 131,136, 138, 142, 145 - 148, 151, 152, 184, 185, 205, 204 "Gary", case history, 42; 84, 86, 95, 100, 106, 107, 115, 121, 122, 124, 125, 155, 154, 158 - 138, 140, 142 - 146, 148 - 152, 154 - 156, 158, 159, 181, 164, 167, 169 - 175, 175, 176 - 178, 181 - 184, 188, 192, 204 "Gene , case history, 29; 58, 59, 61, 63, 57 - 69, 71, 79, 80, 82, 88, 91, 95, 95, 100, 105, 108, 115, 115, 117, 118, 125, 128, 150 - 155, 155 - 158, 140, 142, 145, 145, 147 - 149,155, 154,157 - 185 - 171, 175, 177 - 179, 184 - 187,191 - 195, 200, 208 "Herman", case history, 49; 101,105, 108, 111, 118, 124, 125,129, 150, 155, 155, 158, 142, 147, 148, 154 - 157, 159, 160, 165 - 169, 175, 184, 189, 191, 207 ”Joe",14l, 150,160,165,168,173,175,179, 189,182 "Kenneth" , 141,144 “Leo", case history, 53; 58,122,124,125,129,133,135, 139,144,145,148,150,154,156,159,164,169,171, 175, 177,178,183,185,209, "max" 171,177,178,189, 191,192, "Nealfi, case history, 47; 97, 101, 108, 109, 112, 115, 119, 123,125,126,130,143, 208, 207 ”Otis", 158,155,158,184, 187 "Richard", caselhistory, 27; 58, 61, 66, 69, 71, 75, 75, 77, 82,87, 90 - 92, 95,97, 98, 100 101,103,106, 107, 111, 115, 115,117,122 - 124, 126, 150,199,207 "Rod", case history, 51, 51, 68, 69,71, 75, 76, 79, 88, 89, 95,95, 101, 104, 105, 108, 111, 200 "Terry", 141, 151, 152 "Tony“, case history, 37; 75, 76, 78, 82, 85, 88, 90, 91, 95 - 95, 98, 100, 101, 106, 107, 115, 115, 117 - 122, 124 - 128, 129 - 152, 157, 183, 184, 205 "Warren", case history, 23; 59, 61 - 63, 66, 69, 73, 74, 78, 78, 79, 81, 84 - 88, 88, 89, 91, 95, 96, 98 - 104, 106, 144, 148, 149, 197 - 199, 204, 205 "Wayne", 187 - 170, 175, 174, 178 - 178, 181, 182, 185, 189 Uniforms, 150, 179, 181, 193 Virility strivings of members, 13, 185, 190 Work habits of members, 125, 134, 143, 147, 150, 153, 170, 174, 175, 180 - 182 ”I” g -. . .1 ._ ..- ~,' JUL 1 6 581’3‘3'1384} Aug .4, '571 QM 1n ":6 Nov 4 '5” W H ’58 fl APB4 '53 rip." .3 ’58 .7 . . n [“111 fl ‘4 ~ .-‘ 7.74.1 ? 1‘ .4... .1. ~._ g 7' h' $.13 "' . .. . t. 7 g 1331 V ..., fl, .7 ' 7 J 4 Ii . .... i f H 1 _ . . f o; tiLa o] .L 1' . . a - .r ! ‘N.. »t\ u. r“ . .I. o I .7 a . u . . \| 3‘. a .- ’o‘v A. x .. t1 t. x 1 t: \ 5 . r ) ’ n. if 0 r ‘l. 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