Exhibit On Boys School In St. Charles Opens Friday

ST. CHARLES, IL —The St. Charles History Museum’s next temporary exhibit, The Good, the Bad, the Ugly: The Boys School of St. Charles, will explore the history of the local reformatory school and its impact on the boys who attended it. In 1902, the Illinois State Home for Delinquent Boys, which today is the Illinois Youth Center, was established by John “Bet-a-Million” Gates, Samuel Allenton and Henry Weaver, according to a news release from the history museum.

The men believed that delinquent young men could be rehabilitated and reintegrated back into society in a home-like setting that focused on schooling, hard work, and discipline.

While the school helped some boys find their way, others remained unchanged, choosing to continue a life of crime. One such example is the famous Midwest Gangster Lester Gillis, also known as “Baby Face Nelson”, who resided at the school during his teen years and went on to become Public Enemy No. 1 in October of 1934, according to a news release. The exhibit will explore some of the most interesting stories from the school’s 100-plus years of history.

“While the Boys School has an interesting reputation in St. Charles, it is important to note the School was based on the philosophy of rehabilitation and the teaching of life skills, not punishment,” said Executive Director Alison Costanzo. “We look forward to sharing some of the fascinating stories of this historic facility.”

The exhibit will be on display through the end of the year and will open with a special gathering from 5 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 25.

More information via the St. Charles History Museum website.