The Later Years.
There were mixed feelings among the committee about moving from Corio Street to East Geelong, but there was no doubt it had been a boon for basketball which is the main emphasis of club activities today. Woodwork classes are still held but scouting is waning in popularity.
When it was discovered the old home of the Brigade was to be demolished to pave the way for the Bay City Plaza development, Jack Kroger approached the owners, Myer, to rescue the wooden scout "dens" in the basement of the building. These were carefully numbered and stored until the new scout hall in East Geelong was built and they once more came to life.
In 1995 Jack Kroger decided to step down after forty-two years as president due to failing health but agreed to continue as a committee member.
Jack Kroger
President, 1953-1995
After Percy Wilk's death in 1955 Jack Kroger became president - a position he held for the next forty years. Kroger, now aged 94, was born soon after the Brigade was founded. He joined the committee in 1942; today the Try Boys' headquarters - the Jack Kroger Sports Centre - is named after him in honor of his contribution.
A tall, distinguished man, Kroger maintains the Try Boys' philosophy has always been "…win or lose - but do your best. And if you give your best eventually you'll win something."
He has seen thousands of boys benefit from their time with the Brigade and remembers the days when he saw them devouring meat pies while waiting for the doors to open after selling 'Heralds' for a penny a week. He believes the club has survived for a century because of careful management by those who have donated their services. This valuable voluntary work has always enabled charges to remain moderate.
Dr. Rod Taylor assumed the mantle of president with Peter Bain and Evan Burns as vice-presidents. Other personnel today comprise: Mrs L. Green (basketball club-G.A.B.A.- Try Boys club), Miss J. Jewel (basketball competition), Mr. L. Allen (cub/scouts group leader). Mr. D. Burns (woodwork class).
Administration of the Brigade has altered little since it began 100 years ago. The original procedures are still used including standing for the Lord's Prayer at the start of each meeting. Although the basic aim of the Brigade remains it is carried out with a different emphasis.
Influential citizens have continued to support the Brigade's work and many have joined the committee over the years. Since its foundation there have been only five managers: J. Yeowart (1897-1899), P. J. D. Stevens (1899-1945), J. E. Tilley (1945-1956), Clive Long (1956-1982), and Evan Burns (since 1987). For almost six years from 1982 to 1987 Jack Kroger was president, manager and secretary.
Tradition has played a major role in the Brigade's name. In spite of the fact that girls and boys, as well as men and women, are part of the membership, the committee insists the club will always be known as the Try Boys.
By the mid-nineties the committee decided to approach the C.S.I.R.O. with the aim of purchasing the land on which the sports stadium stands. Peter Bain held talks with the land owners who agreed to sell the land and it was bought in the centenary year of 1997.
Centenary Committee
The committee during the centenary year comprised:
M. J. Kroger (1942)
Mr. A. E. Burns (1965)
Mr. P. Bain (1972)
Mrs L. Green (1983)
Mr. D. Baker (1985)
Mr. R. Carr (1986)
Dr.R. Taylor (1987)
Mr. L. Allen (1987)
Mr. M. Osborne (1989)
Mr. B. Parker (1993)
Mr. C. Kerger (1994)
Mr. D. Burns (1995)
Explore the distinct Chapters in the history of The Geelong Try Boys' Brigade