The late Judge Victor B. Jenkins started the Club in 1933. It was known as the Jefferson Athletic Club for boys until his death in 1961. During those 28 years under the directorship of Judge Jenkins, and the sponsorship of the Exchange Club, the main emphasis was on athletics — baseball, football and basketball. This was needed because of the lack of athletic programs in the public schools.

 

As the public schools developed athletic programs, membership in the club dropped. Much thought was given by Judge Jenkins prior to his death, on changing the club from principally athletics to other programs beneficial and interesting to boys, especially younger boys.

 

Judge Jenkins left his entire estate to the club. Without this generous inheritance, it would have been impossible to keep the club going. Under the terms of the Jenkins Will, the club must be operated by a Board of Trustees.

 

In 1985, the Boy’s Club building, located at 35th & Lincoln Streets was sold. Former President of the board, Wade Evans, led the Trustees into the most progressive building program in its history. The current building represents an investment of $410,000.

 

On May 31, 1985, S.A. (Cy) Wright announced his resignation as Executive Director, after having served for 22 years. Billy Covington, current Executive Director took over on May 1, 1994. Billy is a Savannah native and an alumnus of the Boys Club. He is a graduate of South Georgia College, married, with two daughters.

 

The age limit for membership is 6 through adults and membership dues for summer camp are $50.00 per week. Funds for the operation of the Club are derived from the dues, contributions from the Exchange Club, individual Exchangites, the Coastal Empire Fair, operation of a Food Booth at the Fair, an Annual Golf Tournament and from Judge Jenkins’ and Mrs.Victoria Jenkins’ estates — a total amounting to over $220,000 annually. There are presently more than 500 active members in the Club