In 1932, an association “ Le Patronage du Livre Parisien” was created within the “Syndicat du Livre” whose president was rotativist worker, Marcel MAILLOT. He would organize, for the children of the journal, patronage activities on thrusdays and Sundays and, in summer, holidays associations in France.
In 1951, Marcel MAILLOT, faced with the influx of settlers and the lack of financial resources of the Book, created another association, “L’HORIZON”, whose administrative structure is made up of representatives of important Works Councils such as Pathé Marconi, SITA, SKF, La SAMARITAINE, KODAK PATHE… of which he is also the President HORIZON acquires land or property.
We find these 2 associations at the same head office in Paris.
In 1960, Marcel MAILLOT, tries his 3rd experience by creating a new association “Les compagnons des Belles Etapes” of which he is also the President.
It is no longer a question of keeping teenagers in a fixed camp for a month, but of sending them in small groups of about twenty abroad to camp or youth hostels. Thus, in 1965, about sixty circuits were organized