Far surpassing the goal of attracting 250 members, 900 boys joined during the first year under the leadership of the first director, F.M. (Hank) Kline, a former staff member of the Boys Club of Boston. Kline and the first assistant director, Gary Jackson, along with the following directors; Horace Richardson, Robert Atwood, Bob Baugh, Bill Baker, Joe Klumpp, and Jim Jackson made the Club a “home away from home” for the members. They offered athletics programs, fun activities, annual member events, and a week-long summer camp along the banks of White River.

With the help of sponsorships from Tindal’s Hardware, the Elks Club, and Stone City FOP, the first Annual Awards Dinner was held in 1942 at the Greystone Hotel. The highlight of the event was the “Boy of the Year” recognition, first awarded to Bob Butterfield.

The founding of the Mother’s Auxiliary was an important step in the success of the Club. First led by Maxine Hurd, the Mother’s Auxiliary held chili suppers, sock-hops, other events, and auctions that produced funds to purchase equipment and, even a time or two, bail the Club out of tight financial spots. In addition to their ongoing financial assistance, the Auxiliary made a major contribution to the fund for the new facility that was needed due to the aging of the existing site and the growth in membership.

Through tireless efforts of Jim Guthrie, the President of the Club's Board of Directors, Rollie Tindal, the Fund Drive Chairman, and Ray Snapp, who wrote numerous articles raising awareness, money was raised over a five year period to complete the new facility located on the northeast corner of Thornton Park. It was reported to be the largest local undertaking ever for a single fund drive. With thousands of dollars in donated materials organized by Gene Kenworthy, volunteered labor by the community, and donated legal work from Robert Short, the cost of the project was estimated to be more than $150,000 and was considered to be the finest facility in the country.

On February 27, 1957 the new Boys Club was dedicated in memory of E.B. Thornton, whose family had made the original donation of the family home and continued their support through the years. John M. Gleason, National Director of Boys Clubs of America, gave the opening address and Mayor Ivan Brinegar accepted the building on behalf of the city. The event featured a performance by the Bedford High School Band and was covered by the major area television stations.

By June 1964, growing attendance and program participation had overtaxed the new building. The Club President, Arch Voris Jr., worked with the Board of Directors to raise $30,000 for a proposed addition to include an all purpose room and extend the existing game room. The goal for the first phase of this expansion was reached by September 1964, and by spring of 1965, construction began by Cunningham Construction with volunteered assistance from board members Ed Charles, Frank Hardesty, Bob Lee, Keith Peterson, Farrell Robbins, George Troy,  Arch Voris Jr., Jim Wilson, and Darrell Zink.

With construction costs exceeding the original estimate, good fortune smiled once again on the Boys Club through the influence of Maxine Hurd. Maxine Hurd had often spoke with Lillian Melton Owen, who lived on Lincoln Avenue close the original location of the Club, about the fine work being done for boys from the area. In her estate, Lillian Melton Owen bequeathed $50,000 to the Boys Club and in appreciation, the new addition was opened as a memorial to her.

Six year later, in 1972, the game room expansion was completed under the leadership of the Club President, Ron Watson. The additional space gave the Club room for more activities and program options. Most of the cost of the project was covered from a bequest from Eugene B. Crowe, a charter board member and long time supporter of the Club.

Membership soared through the years to more than 1,400 boys. “Biddy” basketball, Babe Ruth baseball, “Pop Warner” football, soccer and Little League baseball were added to the athletics programs, which became one of the finest Boys Club programs in the state. A well organized “All Star” program took boys with special skills to cities and communities through the country, providing them with opportunities otherwise unavailable to the youth.

With unwavering financial support from United Way of South Central Indiana, donations from community members, countless volunteers working tirelessly, leadership from the board of directors, and selfless commitment from the tenures of the seven Club Directors,the Club produced many success stories. Alumni from the Club continue to return and participate throughout the year or have gone on to lives in other parts of the country, sharing the values they learned at the Thornton Memorial Boys Club.