Thunderbolt in Chatham County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
The History of Victor B. Jenkins Jr. Memorial Boys Club
Photographed By Mike Stroud, May 3, 2012
1. The History of Victor B. Jenkins Jr. Memorial Boys Club Marker
In a modest garage apartment building at the corner of Jefferson and 35th Street, the Jefferson Athletic Club for Boys was founded in 1933. The nation was in the throes of a great economic depression. The need arose for organized activities for boys. Victor B. Jenkins Jr. sensed the need and organized the club. He was a friend, counselor, and a mentor to the boys of the club from the beginning, directing the activities of the J.A.C. until his death.
The Exchange Club of Savannah adopted the J.A.C. as its principal project in 1934 and founded the Coastal Empire Fair Association in 1950 to help support the growing needs of the club.
Judge Jenkins was born in 1905 in Guyton, Ga. and died August 4, 1962 in Savannah, Ga. He touched the lives of thousands of young men throughout his life.
The J.A.C. was renamed the Victor B. Jenkins Jr. Memorial Boys Club by the Board of Trustees in 1963.
Herschel V. Jenkins, and later, his daughter Victoria Jenkins, gave substantial endowments to the club.
In 1985, this premier youth recreational facility in Savannah was built on Waters Avenue. The Boys Club has
Photographed By Mike Stroud, May 3, 2012
2. The History of Victor B. Jenkins Jr. Memorial Boys Club Marker
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. A significant historical year for this entry is 1933.
Location. 32° 2.58′ N, 81° 2.637′ W. Marker is in Thunderbolt, Georgia, in Chatham County. Located in Bonaventure Cemetery near Walz Way. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 330 Bonaventure Road, Savannah GA 31404, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Fred Wessels, Senior (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Colonials at Bonaventure (approx. 0.2 miles away); Solomon's Lodge No. 1 (approx. 0.4 miles away); Roger Lacy (Lacey) (approx. 0.8 miles away); Savannah State College (approx. 1½ miles away); Walter Bernard Hill Hall (approx. 1.6 miles away); Roll of Honor (approx. 2.4 miles away); American Grand Prize Races (approx. 2½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Thunderbolt.
The Exchange Club of Savannah
3. Victor B. Jenkins Jr.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, May 3, 2012
4. The Victor B. Jenkins Jr. Memorial Boys Club
Photographed By Mike Stroud, February 5, 2012
5. Victor Brandon Jenkins, Jr.
Aug. 4, 1962
Photographed By Mike Stroud, February 5, 2012
6. The History of Victor B. Jenkins Jr. Memorial Boys Club
Jan. 13, 1913
July 4, 1997
Photographed By Mike Stroud, February 5, 2012
7. Herschel Vespasian Jenkins
Apr. 12, 1960
Herschel V. Jenkins gave generously to the Victor B. Jenkins Jr. Memorial Boys Club, United Way of the Coastal Empire, Herschel V. Jenkins High School, Armstrong Atlantic State University, Eugene Talmadge Memorial Bridge and Savannah Exchange Club Citizen of the Year for Community Development. His philanthropy to historical, civic, cultural, and educational undertakings continue to benefit our citizens. This legacy exsists as a tribute and testiment to an outstanding Savannahian and Georgian.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 16, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 1, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 859 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 3, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 3. submitted on May 2, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on May 3, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.
