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The foundation stone of the Excelsior Boys' Home was laid in December 1886. The home was to be constructed in the yard of William Groom's own property in Elwood Street, North Brighton (previously, the Grooms had housed boys in their home). A newspaper article in 1886 reported that much good had already come from Mrs Groom's 'self denial and motherly attention to the poor waifs'.
William Groom had previously been involved in Try Excelsior classes in Melbourne and Richmond, which aimed to provide alternatives to 'larrikinism' for boys and young men.
The object of the Excelsior Home in Brighton was to provide temporary accommodation for boys until they could be placed in suitable situations (generally in the country). A newspaper article from 1887 reported that:
'Every lad, as he proceeds to the country, carries with him a letter, stating to his employer his previous character and the particular temptation which it is advisable for some time to keep out of his way. If he has played the part of a thief, a larrikin, or a criminal of any sort, the farmer is duly warned.'
Boys generally came to the Excelsior Home from the courts, and the Home was mainly funded by government payments towards the maintenance and reform of its inmates.
In the late 1880s, Groom was given land in Mulgrave to establish a farm for the boys.
