The Boys & Girls
Brigade History
1800
1883
First Brigade Company
William Smith, a former Sunday school teacher in Glasgow, Scotland, spearheaded the Brigade's expansion across Scotland, England, the British Commonwealth, and the US.
1887
First Boys Brigade Company in the U.S. was founded in St. Louis, Missouri.
1893
The U.S. counted more than 220 companies with more than 14,000 boys enlisted
1900
1900
The Boys Brigade is born
January 22: The Boys’ Brigade was born in Neenah. Reverend Chapin patterned the local Brigade, retiring in 1903. He induced men of his congregation to take leadership in the new Boys Brigade: Charles Johnson, Oscar Lindsey, George Jones, Frank Shattuck, and Captain Vernon Holden.
1901
New Leadership
Mr. Shattuck took over leadership for a brief period. He is apart of the Boys Brigade for 75 years helping out.
1903
Boys Brigade: The Mission Unveiled
“The object of the Boys Brigade shall be the advancement of Christs kingdom among boys, and the promotion of habis of obedience, reverence, discipline, self-respect, and all that tends toward a true Christian manliness”
1907
Brigaders Go Camping!
Brigaders scouted and discovered "Juniper" Island for their camping site. They secured permission to accommodate 25 boys in 1908, later expanding to more boys in 1910 and 1911.
1910
1915
Juniper changed to Onaway
Renamed from 'Juniper,' 'Onaway,' signifying 'awake' in the Indian language, marked the beginning. The Onaway Camping Association constructed its initial permanent buildings, including a mess hall, kitchen, and boat house.
1914-1918
World War 1
Twenty-two Neenah Bridgaders, whether volunteers or draftees, lost their lives during World War I.
1920
1920’s
Brigade & the Roaring 20’s
Even during the Depression, Neenah thrived, growing from 93 boys in 1925 to 103 by 1927, led by a team of 6 to 16 leaders.
1928
Property Acquired
The Brigade acquired property.
1930
1930
Electricity, but...
Electricity was added, but running water remained unavailable.
1940
1940
Brigade Mobilizes!
Providing buildings and leading civilian defense classes.
1946
Jack Casper entered the picture as Captain
Jack Casper joins as Captain, spearheading new Brigade programs to help its growth.
1950
1950
Brigades Golden Jubilee celebration
Draws thousands of Boys, Men, and Community Members to Brigade.
1956
Explosive Growth
The Brigade building and membership surge, tripling from 311 boys to 913 between 1956 and 1966.
1960
1960
Hello?
Telephone service installed at Onaway Island.
1970
1970
Latest Offerings
With new building additions the Brigade now offers an abundance of classes.
1973
The first Girls camp
1975
The biggest project Onaway had seen in years started.
They installed toilets.
1976
Mr. Shattuck passes away.
1979
Increasing number of girls at camp force the Brigade to kick off the sisters program.
1980
1980
A big year for the island as corrections for severe erosion around the cabins were put in place and natural gas was installed to the island.
2000
2000
The Boys & Girls Brigade turns 100!
2020
2024
The Boys & Girls Brigade launches a new brand, reinvigorating the dedication of its great members, volunteers and most importantly, youth.