Cal Farley

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Cal Farley (December 25, 1895 – February 19, 1967), called by some "America's Greatest Foster Father,"[1] founded in 1939 the residential childcare facility known as Boys Ranch, located near Old Tascosa, a largely otherwise abandoned community in Oldham County north of Amarillo in the Texas Panhandle.

Farley has been honored by the United States Postal Service in its Great Americans series of postage stamps. In 1989, the City of Amarillo renamed the Amarillo Civic Center coliseum for him.

Farley also founded Girlstown, U.S.A. near Whiteface some forty-five miles west of Lubbock.

In 1944, Farley launched the annual Boys Ranch and Girlstown rodeo held over the Labor Day weekend.

The facilities have a strong spiritual program, with nondenominational Sunday morning chapel services and weekly Bible studies offered. The children are encouraged to participate in music ministry, read scripture, offer prayers, and serve as ushers.

Bill Sarpalius, a former Democratic member of the Texas State Senate and the United States House of Representatives, attended Boys Ranch.

The public is invited to tour the facilities with prior arrangements encouraged.