Skip to main content

Full text of "Recreation (Vol. 30, 1935)"

See other formats 


MacMurray  College  Library 

Jacksonville,  Illinois 


Dictatorship 


/ f Xo  T 

/ 


From  day  to  day  now  we  encounter  men  we  otherwise  respect  who  speak  with  long- 
ing of  the  order,  happiness,  internal  peace,  unity,  power  for  progress  which  they 
feel  is  being  achieved  in  other  lands  under  dictators. 

Under  modern  dictatorships  national  recreation  systems  can  apparently  be 
achieved  overnight.  We  have  always  known  that  the  King  of  Siam  could  by  royal  de- 
cree say — "Let  there  be  music  and  drama  and  laughter,  let  every  one  everywhere  sing 
and  dance  and  take  part  in  amateur  dramatics,  let  every  one  play  baseball” — and  it 
was  done.  But  not  until  recently  have  individuals  dared  to  suggest  that  such  a type  of 
national  planning  was  attractive  to  them  for  their  own  United  States. 

In  our  country  we  have  always  been  in  a hurry.  We  have  not  wanted  to  wait. 
The  speed  of  making  people  happy  through  dictatorship,  national  or  local,  has  a subtle 
appeal  to  the  American  temperament. 

For  myself  I would  rather  rot  than  be  forced  to  be  happy,  to  grow,  to  enjoy 
music,  to  live  in  a world  of  beauty,  to  be  one  of  a united  contented  people. 

Democracy  is  more  precious  in  the  realm  of  happiness,  of  recreation,  of  growth, 
of  art,  of  beauty  than  in  any  other  world. 

I want  at  least  to  appear  to  choose  my  own  ends,  my  own  ideals. 

Important  as  is  democracy  in  government,  in  economics,  in  industry — nowhere 
is  it  so  important  as  in  fun  in  living  itself.  I do  not  want  any  other  human  being  telling 
me  what  I am  to  enjoy,  what  music  I am  to  dance  to,  what  jokes  I am  to  laugh  at,  what 
poems,  what  books  are  to  command  me. 

I would  rather  wander  forty  million  years  in  the  wilderness  than  to  see  progress, 
happiness,  growth,  achieved  by  force. 

What  is  true  nationally  is  true  in  the  locality.  Though  poor  standards  will  never 
permanently  satisfy,  though  there  must  ever  be  for  youth  exposure  to  the  highest  and  the 
best  that  have  stood  the  tests  of  time  — yet  at  any  given  period  in  any  given  com- 
munity there  is  no  gain  in  attempting  by  force  to  establish  standards  of  taste  in  recrea- 
tion which  meet  no  answering  response  in  the  community.  Give  any  community  time 
and  gradually  it  will  come  to  appreciate  the  best.  But  until  then  and  always  let  the 
community  "be  itself.”  No  one  who  believes  in  forcing  individuals  or  communities  is 
qualified  to  be  a recreation  leader. 

Howard  Braucher. 


APRIL  1936 


6 b t 


1 


As  April’s  Slipping  On  By 


Photo  by  U.  S.  Forest  Service 


There  are  the  hills  and  there  are  the  valleys, 

And  there  are  the  running  streams; 

And  there  are  the  rocks  where  the  deep  brook  rallies 
And  whirls  through  a land  of  dreams; 

And  I like  to  look  at  the  young  trees  growing 
Or  turn  to  the  wide,  blue  sky; 

And  there  isn't  much  else  that  I feel's  worth  knowing 
As  April's  slipping  on  *y.  , . V L 

* — &rantland  Rice 


2 


*'  i i ORE  participants 
/ Y\  and  a larger 
number  of  spec- 
tators.” This  brief  re- 
port from  the  Depart- 
ment of  Parks,  New 
York  City,  is  indicative 
of  the  tremendous  in- 
terest in  the  recreational 
activities  conducted  by 
the  Department — an  in- 

Iterest  which  has  never 
before  been  so  great  as  in  the  past  year. 

“And  why  not?”  might  well  be  the  response  of 
the  interested  onlooker  who  has  seen  the  special 
events  which  the  department  arranged  during 
1935- 

Outdoor  Dancing 

There  was  a program  of  social  dancing  on  the 
| Mall  in  Central  Park — perhaps  the  most  popular 
■ of  all  the  special  activities.  The  announcement 
^ was  made  by  the  Park  Department  that  the  ex- 
periment was  going  to  be  made  of  conducting 
social  dances  twice  a week  on  the  Mall.  On  the 
first  night  there  was  an  attendance  of  2,000  danc- 
ers and  4,000  spectators.  “It  can’t  be  done,”  said 
the  pessimists  who  were  sure  the  difficulties  of 
supervising  and  controlling  such  large  numbers  of 
dancers  would  be  insuperable.  “You  will  have 
improper  dancing,  and  the  dances  will  attract 
rowdies  and  undesirable  people.” 


But  those  in  charge 
of  the  activities  were 
fully  cognizant  of  the 
fact  that  this  experi- 
mental activity,  to  re- 
flect credit  on  the  Park 
Department,  must  be 
conducted  according  to 
the  highest  standards. 
Accordingly  twenty- 
five  playground  direc- 
tors were  put  in  charge, 
and  the  following  rules  and  regulations  were  laid 
down : Girls  were  not  to  be  permitted  to  dance  to- 
gether ; only  couples  would  be  allowed  in  the 
dance  area ; men  must  wear  coats ; the  dance  area 
must  be  cleared  at  the  end  of  every  dance ; the 
dance  must  end  with  a waltz ; no  cutting  in  would 
be  permitted  and  no  improper  dancing  allowed. 

There  was  a reason  for  every  one  of  these  rules, 
and  although  there  was  considerable  discussion  as 
to  the  value  of  some  of  them,  the  success  of  the 
dancing  program  testified  to  their  efficacy.  So 
popular  did  the  Mall  dances  become  that  soon 
there  were  requests  for  social  dancing  in  neigh- 
borhood parks.  It  was  impossible  to  comply  with 
all  these  requests  because  of  the  fact  that  not 
enough  orchestras  were  available  from  WPA. 
The  department  did,  however,  extend  the  pro- 
gram to  five  or  six  other  centers.  During  the  win- 
ter months  indoor  dances  were  conducted  in  the 
field  houses  of  the  parks. 


By  James  V.  Mulholland 

Superintendent  of  Recreation 
Department  of  Parks 
New  York  City 


I 

Playing 

in  the 

Parks 

of 

New  York 


There  are  activi- 
ties to  suit  every 
taste  in  the  play 
program  which  is 
being  promoted  in 
the  parks  of  Amer- 
ica’s largest  city 


3 


4 


PLAY  INC,  IN  THE  PARKS'  OP  NEW  YORK 


A Portable  Farmyard 

Then  came  an  amazing,  almost  incredible  ven- 
ture— a portable  farmyard  ! Playground  directors 
had  reported  that  many  children  of  congested  dis- 
tricts had  never  seen  farm  animals  such  as  cows, 
calfs,  goats,  pigs,  ducks  and  turkeys.  This  would 
never  do,  the  Park  Department  decided,  and  so 
plans  were  made  to  construct  a barn  on  wheels 
and  to  truck  this  barn  to  the  various  playgrounds 
in  congested  neighborhoods.  The  barn  was  built 
with  a runway  and  portable  fencing,  and  the  ani- 
mals were  permitted  to  remain  in  an  area  adjoin- 
ing a playground  for  a period  of  three  days.  A 
former  stableman  of  the  Department  of  Parks 
was  assigned  as  caretaker  or  “farmer’’  and  one  of 
the  playground  directors  played  the  part  of  the 
farmer’s  daughter. 

Many  children  learned  for  the  first  time  just 
what  certain  animals  look  like.  They  saw  the 
process  of  milking  a cow  and  made  the  surpris- 
ing discovery  that  the  eggs  which  they  ate  at  home 
came  from  chickens.  There  are  many  interesting 
stories  told  in  connection  with  this  farmyard. 
Perhaps  one  of  the  most  interesting  is  that  of  the 
boy  who  pretended  that  he  wanted  to  find  his  ball 
inside  the  farmyard,  and  when  allowed  to  go  in- 
side, suddenly  reappeared  with  an  egg  which  one 
of  the  chickens  had  just  laid. 

It  was  also  found  that  adults,  particularly  those 
who  had  spent  a large  part  of  their  lives  in  the 
country  or  who  were  natives  of  some  foreign 
land,  were  greatly  interested  and  would  stand  for 
an  hour  watching  the  antics  of  the  animals. 

More  Portables! 

A portable  theater  also  attracted  much  atten- 
tion. Actors  and  actresses  from  the  Service  Di- 
vision of  the  WPA  were  assigned  to  give  per- 
formances at  night  for  adults.  Such  plays  as 
“Uncle  Tom’s  Cabin,”  “A  Midsummer  Night’s 
Dream,”  “Brother  Mos  e,”  “ The  Rivals,” 
“Tommy,”  “Earthly  Paradise,”  and  such  Gilbert 
and  Sullivan  operettas  as  “The 
Pirates  of  Penzance”  and 
“Pinafore”  were  given.  These 
productions  attracted  audi- 
ences of  from  2,000  to  5,000 
persons,  depending  upon  the 
neighborhood  and  the  facilities. 

A schedule  was  arranged  so 
that  this  portable  theater  could 
visit  many  of  the  larger  parks 
in  the  city. 


Portable  puppet  and  marionette  shows  and  a 
traveling  troupe  for  the  playgrounds  were  or- 
ganized for  the  entertainment  of  the  children. 

Events  on  the  Mall 

In  arranging  the  recreation  program  consider- 
ation was  given  to  the  recreational  desires,  inter- 
ests and  needs  of  the  neighborhood,  the  interests 
of  the  various  races,  and  the  ages  of  the  partici- 
pants. Their  interests  were  found  to  be  varied, 
and  accordingly  a broad  recreational  program  was 
arranged  for  all  the  playgrounds  and  parks  of  the 
city.  There  was  need,  it  was  discovered,  of  hav- 
ing one  place  in  each  borough  where  special 
events  could  be  held  for  a large  group.  Arrange- 
ments were  accordingly  made  to  have  a special 
event  on  the  Mall  in  Central  Park  each  night  of 
the  week.  Two  nights  were  given  over  to  social 
dancing,  one  to  drama,  and  four  nights  to  con- 
certs. This  year  there  were  larger  audiences  at 
the  concerts  than  ever  before.  This  was  due  per- 
haps to  the  fact  that  the  general  public  had  come 
to  know  that  there  was  something  special  taking 
place  in  the  larger  parks  each  night  of  the  week 
and  they  could  walk  or  ride  to  the  places  where 
these  events  were  held  instead  of  spending  their 
leisure  time  at  the  movies  or  in  idleness. 

Some  of  the  events  at  Central  Park  were  a Ve- 
netian water  carnival,  a harvest  festival,  a dance 
festival  and  an  American  ballad  contest. 

American  Ballad  Contest 

The  ballad  contest  attracted  considerable  atten- 
tion. Eliminations  were  conducted  in  each  of  the 
boroughs,  the  finals  being  held  on  the  Mall  with 
fourteen  quartets  competing.  All  members  of  the 
contesting  quartets  were  dressed  in  garments  of 
the  last  decade  of  the  nineteenth  century  and  the 
Mall  was  appropriately  decorated  as  an  old-time 
barber  shop.  Definite  rules  were  issued  regarding 
the  songs  to  be  sung  and  the  methods  of  judging. 
Some  of  the  selections  which  were  sung  were 
“There’s  a Tavern  in  the 
Town,”  “Drink  to  Me  Only 
with  Thine  Eyes,”  “Oh,  Eve- 
lina,” “I’ve  Been  Workin’  On 
the  Railroad,”  “Wait  ’Til  the 
Sun  Shines,  Nellie,”  “My 
Mand-y,”  “Way  Down  Yonder 
in  the  Corn  Field,”  and  “Ken- 
tucky Babe.” 

Mayor  Fiorello  H.  LaGuar- 
dia  and  Commissioner  Robert 


The  activities  mentioned  in  this  article 
are  only  a few  of  the  special  events 
promoted  by  the  Department  of 
Parks.  Routine  tournaments  in  bas- 
ketball, field  hockey,  softball,  soccer, 
football,  checkers,  jacks  and  similar 
activities  are  conducted  in  the  ap- 
propriate seasons.  Finals  in  these 
contests  attract  much  attention.  The 
Department's  band  usually  officiates 
at  championship  events. 


PLAYING  IN  THE  PARKS  OF  NEW  YORK 


5 


Moses  were  the  honorary  judges;  other  judges 
included  ex-Governor  Alfred  E.  Smith,  Luther 
C.  Steward  and  Sigmund  Spaeth.  The  head  bar- 
ber was  Monsieur  Henri  Grechen  of  the  Hotel 
Brevoort  who  is  famous  as  a tonsorial  artist.  For 
years  Mark  Twain  visited  his  barber  shop  and 
would  only  permit  Monsieur  Grechen  to  act  as 
his  barber.  There  was  an  attendance  of  approxi- 
mately 20,000  persons  at  this  American  ballad 
contest. 

A “Non-Stop”  Program 

The  recreation  program  of  the  Department  of 
Parks  of  New  York  covers  the 
winter  months  as  well  as  the 
other  seasons.  There  are  such 
events  as  a winter  sports  carni- 
val, Christmas  festivals,  one  act 
plays,  and  snow  sculpture  con- 
tests. One  week  before  Christ- 
mas, Christmas  festivals  were  ar- 
ranged in  many  of  the  larger 
parks.  In  Central  Park  the  Mall 

A section  of  the  audience 
at  one  of  the  very  popular 
song  contests  on  the  Mall 

was  appropriately  decorated  and 
lighted,  and  a Christmas  show 
was  arranged  to  take  place  dur- 
ing the  mornings  and  afternoons. 

The  program  of  this  show  con- 
sisted of  an  address  by  Santa 
Claus,  acts  by  Minnie  and  Mickey 
Mouse,  the  Three  Bears,  a ma- 
gician, and  clowns  and  Brownies. 

These  shows  proved  very  successful. 

During  the  winter  months  the  department  or- 
ganized a traveling  troupe  consisting  of  a magi- 
cian, clowns  and  a demonstration  by  Jiggs  and 
Anna,  two  chimpanzees  dressed  appropriately  in 
winter  sports  costume.  They  rode  a bicycle,  ate 
at  a table,  tumbled  and  did  other  stunts.  These 
shows  lasted  approximately  an  hour  and  were 
given  in  the  field  houses  of  the  various  parks. 

The  Department  of  Parks  believes  in  “non- 
stop,” all-year  playgrounds  and  operates  its  fa- 
cilities 365  days  of  the  year.  Thus  it  secures  con- 
tinuity of  interest  and  greater  attendance  at  all  of 
the  activities. 


A Few  of  the  Activities  Planned  for  1936 

Among  the  activities  planned  for  1936  are  the 
following : 

Snow  sculpture  contests  and  winter  sports  carnivals  • — 
January  and  February  (City-wide  contests) 

Roller  hockey  tournament — February  and  March 

(An  intra-playground  or  local  tournament  for  boys 
19  years  of  age  and  under) 

Activities  of  the  Junior  Park  Protective  League — Febru- 
ary, March,  April  and  May 

(A  composition  contest  with  five  compositions  from 
each  borough  eligible  for  competition  and  award,  and 
a poster  contest  on  the  same  basis) 

Basketball  tournament — February  and  March 

(Limited  to  representative  teams  from  the  public  gym- 


nasiums under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Park  Depart- 
ment. The  program  will  consist  of  intra-gymnasium 
tournaments  for  men  and  women  over  18  years  of  age) 

Gymnasium  demonstrations — February 

(Team  games,  group  games,  gymnastics,  apparatus, 
tumbling,  stunts,  and  club  work) 

Stunt  contest — February  and  March 

(A  local  event  conducted  on  the  playgrounds) 

Soccer  football — February  and  March 

(A  district  tournament  organized  in  the  local  boroughs 
for  boys  under  16  years  of  age) 

Outdoor  basketball  tournament — March  and  April 

(A  city- wide  tournament  for  boys  under  16  years  of 
age.  Medals  awarded) 

Handball  tournament,  singles  and  doubles — March  and 
April 

(This  tournament  is  scheduled  for  boys  under  16  years 
of  age  and  also  for  boys  from  16  to  21  years  of  age 
(Continued  on  page  41) 


Let’s  Make  Something” 


The  age  old  desire 
to  create  has  led 
Salt  Lake  City  to 
incorporate  a new  hand- 
craft venture  in  the 
summer  playground  program. 

Comparatively  simple  woodcraft 
and  metal  craft  projects  have  been 
an  integral  part  of  the  boys’  sum- 
mer program  for  a great  many 
years,  but  the  lack  of  proper  facilities,  equipment 
and  tools  has  been  a decidedly  limiting  factor.  Ad- 
vanced projects  requiring  powered  machinery  and 
a great  variety  of  tools  have  been  for  the  most 
part  an  impossibility.  Some  of  the  larger  centers 
have  been  fairly  well  equipped  and  supervised  but 
the  smaller  centers  have  usually  been  cared  for  by 
itinerant  instructors  with  portable  tool  kits. 

The  need  for  more  intensive  handcraft  pro- 
grams during  vacation  months  was  solved  last 
summer  when  the  Board  of  Education  turned  over 
to  the  Recreation  Department  the  manual  train- 
ing shops  of  all  the  junior  high  schools  for  use 
during  the  summer  months.  This  concession  on 
the  part  of  the  Board  was  granted  on  one  condi- 
tion, which  was  that  the  instructor  in  charge  dur- 
ing the  school  year  should  be  made  responsible 
for  the  summer 


Salt  Lake  City’s  Board  of  Education 
and  the  Recreation  Department  co- 
operate in  a crafts  project  for  boys. 


By  Ray  Forsberg 

Superintendent  of  Recreation 
Salt  Lake  City,  Utah 


program.  Lost  or 
stolen  equipment 
was,  of  course, 
to  be  replaced  by 
the  Recreation 
Department,  but 
the  presence  of 
the  regular  in- 
structor promis- 
ed to  make  this 
expense  a negli- 
gible item. 

The  school  in- 
structors greeted 
the  plan  favor- 
ably when  it  was 
discussed  with 
them.  A prelimi- 


nary survey  in  all  the 
schools  of  the  city  indi- 
cated that  there  were 
over  1,000  boys  inter- 
ested in  registering  for 
the  experimental  summer  courses. 
A fee  of  50  cents  was  decided 
upon  for  the  weekly  classes  to  be 
held  on  Monday,  Wednesday  and 
Thursday.  Each  class  was  to  be 
three  hours  in  length,  lasting  from  9:00  a.  m.  to 
12:00  noon,  and  was  to  be  divided  into  two  equal 
periods — one  for  beginners  and  one  for  advanced 
students.  One-half  of  the  fee  of  50  cents  was  to 
be  used  for  the  purchase  of  minor  supplies  such 
as  glue,  brads  and  jig-saw  blades,  and  the  other 
half  was  to  be  paid  the  instructor  as  a bonus  salary. 

Approximately  600  boys  registered  for  the 
course,  or  an  average  of  almost  100  boys  at  each 
of  the  centers.  This  represented  practically  a ca- 
pacity load  at  each  center.  Every  type  of  wood- 
craft article  was  made.  Simple  materials  were 
furnished  by  the  department  but  the  boys  making 
larger  articles  furnished  their  own  materials. 
\\  rought  iron  and  tin  can  articles  were  made  in 
the  metal  craft  shops  adjoining  the  woodcraft  cen- 
ters. Boy  Scouts  availed  themselves  of  the  oppor- 
tunity to  secure 


merit  badges. 

Everything 
considered  the 
experiment  was 
gratifying.  Next 
summer  a more 
extensive  pro- 
gram along  the 
same  line  will  be 
attempted,  and 
the  department 
feels  sure  that 
another  example 
of  cooperative 
effort  between 
school  officials 
and  the  Recrea- 
tion Department 
will  be  successful. 


6 


Summer  Playgrounds  of  1935  in  Action! 


IN  reporting  on  last  sum- 
mer’s playground  pro- 
gram one  activity  stands 
out  as  universally  popular. 

In  large  cities  and  small  com- 
munities handcraft  — “mak- 
ing things” — stood  highest  in 
the  estimation  of  playground 
participants. 

' First  of  All  — Handcraft 

Handcraft  projects  used 
on  the  summer  playgrounds 
maintained  by  the  Playground  and  Recreation 
Association  of  Wyoming  Valley  fitted  in  with  the 
Early  American  theme  which  was  woven  into  the 
entire  program.  These  included  furniture  mak- 
ing, a doll  house  project,  hooked  rugs,  tin  can 
dishes,  bead  work  and  Indian  craft,  and  mario- 
nette making.  The  construction  of  sun  shades  out 
of  cardboard  and  wallpaper  was  a favorite  pro- 
ject for  hot  afternoons.  Bracelets  were  made 
from  ice  cream  quart  cylinders  covered  with  yarn, 
while  waste  paper  baskets  were  created  from  gal- 
lon ice  cream  containers  covered  with  wallpaper. 

Although  handcraft  tools  on  the  Oklahoma  City 
park  playgrounds  were  limited  to  a hammer,  a 
coping  saw,  tin  snips,  scissors,  and  a few  paint 
brushes,  countless  articles  were  created  during  the 
summer  months  and  a program  was  carried  on  in 
soap,  wood,  clay,  tin,  wire,  paper,  glass,  cloth  and 
cardboard.  Prominent  store  windows  were  filled 
with  articles  every  few  weeks  during  the  summer 
giving  thousands  of  residents  a chance  to  see  what 
was  going  on  in  the  parks.  Each  park  was  sup- 
plied with  at  least  one  specialist  in  handcraft.  In 
addition,  a member  of  the  recreation  staff  visited 
the  parks  giving  detailed  information  on  the  con- 
struction of  certain  projects.  A well-known  Okla- 
homa artist  and  sculptor  was  engaged  to  give  in- 
structions in  soap  and  wood  carving,  and  clay 
modeling.  The  season  closed  with  a city-wide  ex- 
hibit held  in  one  of  the  city’s  largest  high  school 
buildings  at  which  almost  3,000  products  were 
displayed.  Winners  in  the  various  classifications 
were  awarded  ribbons  by  the  Recreation  Com- 


mittee of  the  Chamber  of 
Commerce. 

Ham  string  belts  were  a 
popular  handcraft  venture  for 
both  boys  and  girls  on  the 
summer  playgrounds  of  Salt 
Lake  City,  Utah.  The  belts 
are  made  by  tying  square 
knots  in  ham  string,  which 
makes  an  idea  cord  for  the 
purpose.  It  is  wide,  flat,  is 
not  shiny,  and  makes  belts 
heavy  enough  for  boys  but 
sufficiently  “dressy”  for  girls.  It  may  be  pur- 
chased in  assorted  colors.  Thirty-eight  yards  of 
string  make  a 32  inch  belt  tied  loosely  on  an  inch 
and  a half  buckle  with  twelve  strings.  The  two 
outside  cords  (double)  are  cut  eight  yards  long; 
the  four  inside  strings  are  cut  in  lengths  of  five 
yards,  six  inches.  The  string  for  a 32  inch  belt 
costs  approximately  8 cents. 

The  Hawaiian  leis  made  by  children  proved 
valuable  additions  to  the  Recreation  Department’s 
costume  shop. 

In  making  the  leis  a roll  of  crepe  paper  is  cut 
in  strips  one  inch  thick.  (It  is  advisable  to  use  a 
paper  cutter  so  that  all  edges  will  be  exact.)  Nine 
one-inch  strips  are  needed  for  one  lei.  Thread  a 
thin  long  needle  with  a piece  of  number  20  thread 
about  one  yard  long.  Tie  a heavy  knot  in  the  end. 
With  small  running  stitches  sew  down  the  center 
of  the  crepe  paper.  With  the  fingers  push  the 
crepe  paper  along  the  thread,  gathering  it  tight. 
With  one  hand  hold  the  knot  end  and  with  the 
other  twist  the  gathered  paper  around  and  around 
so  that  a one  inch  cable  of  paper  is  made.  The 
straighter  the  stitches  down  the  center  of  the 
crepe  paper  and  the  tighter  the  paper  is  gathered, 
the  more  attractive  the  lei. 

Another  handcraft  project  popular  in  the  older 
girls’  and  women’s  handcraft  classes  was  wood 
fiber  flowers.  Beautiful  corsages,  head  bands, 
potted  plants  and  flowers  were  made  from  wood 
fiber,  which  may  be  washed.  Materials  cost  ap- 
proximately 20  cents  for  the  flowers  which  make 
ideal  Christmas  gifts. 


Through  the  assistance  of  workers 
associated  with  ERA,  WPA  and 
other  governmental  agencies,  the 
summer  playground  season  of  1935 
was  an  unusually  active  one,  with 
greater  participation  and  a broader 
program  than  many  cities  have  ever 
experienced.  We  report  here  on  a 
few  of  the  many  activities  carried 
on.  There  may  be  suggestions  here 
for  your  next  summer's  program. 


7 


8 


SUMMER  PLAYGROUNDS  OF  1935  IN  ACTION ! 


Each  summer  sees 
an  increase  in  the 
number  of  chess 
players  on  the  pub- 
lic playgrounds  of 
Milwaukee 


awarded  a be- 
ginner’s book  of 
chess  personally 
autographed  by 
Isaac  Kashdan, 
a member  of  the 
United  States  in- 
ternational chess 
team. 


In  spite  of  the  fact  that  not  more  than  $3.00 
was  expended  on  material,  there  were  640  articles 
on  view  at  the  annual  handcraft  exhibit  held  in 
Oak  Park,  Illinois,  on  All  Sports  Day.  The  ma- 
terials used  included  scrap  lumber,  all  donated, 
plaster  of  Paris,  clay  fabric,  crepe  paper,  raffia, 
tin,  oilcloth,  and  wool.  Such  novel  materials  were 
used  as  dried  peas  for  jewel  cases,  a beef  bone  to 
serve  as  a flower  holder,  and  tin  for  masks  and 
jewelry.  A special  award  went  to  the  play  leader 
whose  playground  submitted  the  largest  and  most 
interesting  display. 

Something  New  in  Contests 

For  the  past  two  years  children  of  the  munici- 
pal playgrounds  of  Milwaukee  have  delighted  in 
playing  chess.  Last  summer  on  16  of  the  city’s 
65  playgrounds  1,068  children  were  enrolled  in 
the  classes — an  increase  of  more  than  18  percent 
over  the  1934  registration.  P>ecause  of  the  cost  of 
the  equipment  for  the  game,  the  children  made 
their  own  chessmen  in  the  handcraft  periods  from 
the  spools  on  which  camera  films  were  wound, 
with  pasteboard  or  wooden  chessmen  inserted  in 
the  slit  in  the  spools.  A contest  open  to  boys  and 
girls  of  all  ages  was  held  in  the  making  of  these 
sets.  Requirements  were  that  the  sets  must  be 
completely  handmade,  no  turning  lathe  work  be- 
ing permitted,  and  that  they  must  be  made  in  part 
on  the  playground.  It  was  necessary  for  a play- 
ground to  have  ten  entrants  in  order  to  have  a 
contest.  Sets  were  judged  on  the  basis  of  work- 
manship, originality,  use  of  waste  material  and 
practicability.  The  winner  of  each  contest  was 


Music 

The  Playground  and  Recreation  Association  of 
Wyoming  Valley,  Wilkes-Barre,  conducted  a most 
interesting  music  program  centering,  as  did  the 
handcraft  activities,  around  the  Early  American 
theme  which  carried  through  the  entire  play- 
ground program  last  summer.  Each  playground 
organized  a glee  club  for  boys  and  girls,  and  a 
music  week  was  scheduled  for  the  week  of  August 
8th  when  all  of  the  grounds  gave  a community 
concert.  The  songs  which  received  special  atten- 
tion were  the  following: 

Appalachian  Ballads — Sourwood  Mountain ; Old 
Gray  Mare ; Pop  Goes  the  Weasel 
Mining  Ballads — The  Door  Boys’  Last  Goodby; 

When  the  Mines  Start  Up  Full  Time 
Southern  Melodies — Were  You  There?  (Spirit- 
ual) ; Old  Black  Joe;  Carry  Me  Back  to  Old 
Virginia 

Sea  Shanties — Shenandoah;  Cape  Cod 
Cowboy  Songs — Home  on  the  Range ; Old  Faith- 
ful ; Last  Round  Up 

Pennsylvania  German — Ach  Ja;  I Love  Little 
Willie;  Broom  Dance 
Flemish — Rosa  Let  Us  Be  Dancing 
Irish — rGalway  Piper 

A splendid  children’s  band  was  organized  con- 
sisting of  young  musicians  all  under  fifteen  years 
of  age.  A band  for  children  of  high  school  age 
was  also  organized.  A leader  was  provided 
through  FERA,  and  the  Y.M.C.A.  gave  the  as- 
sociation free  of  charge  for  rehearsals  the  use  of 
the  auditorium  of  the  old  building. 


SUMMER  PLAYGROUNDS  OF  1935  IN  ACTION! 


9 


tion  centers  in  the  city  with  an  instructor  in 
charge.  The  squadrons  meet  twice  a week  for  a 
two  hour  period  of  building  after  school.  In  ad- 
dition to  the  city  dromes,  about  twenty-five 
dromes  have  been  established  in  the  county 
through  the  cooperation  of  the  Santa  Clara  County 
School  Department.  The  instructor  of  the  drome 
is  called  the  drome  commander  and  he  aids  the 
pilots  with  problems  of  construction.  Planes  of 
every  size,  shape,  design,  color  and  type  are  made 
by  the  cadets,  and  exhibits  and  air  meets  are  held 
about  once  a month.  A series  of  ranks  has  been 
initiated  from  junior  cadet  at  the  bottom  to  chief 
ace,  with  a system  of  points  to  gain  promotion. 

Each  drome  has  one  formal  meeting  a week 
directed  by  the  commander-in-chief  of  the  Junior 
Air  Corps.  An  interesting  program  is  arranged 
for  the  formal  meeting  consisting  of  reports  from 
squadron  commanders,  a talk  on  some  interesting 
phase  of  aeronautics  by  the  commander-in-chief, 
and  the  publishing  of  all  orders  concerning  future 
activities  of  the  corps.  A list  of  promotions  is 
read,  and  once  each  month  the  pilots  hold  an  in- 
formal social  gathering  with  refreshments. 

The  Mercury-Herald,  co-sponsor  of  the  corps 
with  the  Recreation  Department,  cooperates  by 
publishing  a Junior  Air  Corps  column  in  each 
Sunday’s  edition  of  the  paper.  This  column  con- 
sists of  news  from  the  various  airdromes,  the  re- 
sults of  meets  and  exhibits,  and  other  interesting 
features.  It  also  provides  kits  and  books  on 
model  building  as  awards. 


Drama 


Handcraft  has  joined  hands  with  drama  on 
many  a playground,  and  last  summer  children  in 
a number  of  communities  made  marionettes  and 
puppets  and  with  them  gave  puppet  shows. 

In  one  city  each  playground  selected  a fairy 
story,  an  historical  event  or  an  original  story,  and 
the  marionettes  were  made  accordingly.  The  three 
best  groups  were  picked  for  Saturday  afternoon 
matinees.  The  plays  selected  for  the  first  week 
were  “The  Seven  Dwarfs,”  “Hansel  and  Gretel” 
and  “Out  of  the  History  Book.” 

Thirty-seven  different  plays  were  given  last 
summer  by  the  children  of  the  Oak  Park,  Illinois, 
playgrounds  who  presented  fifty-two  perform- 
ances. Throughout  the  program  the  children  were 
'encouraged  to  help  in  making  costumes  and  de- 
signing sets.  In  one  instance  a group  of  boys  not 
only  wrote  the  play  but  directed  it.  The  plays 
have  been  given  on  an  average  of  every  three 
weeks  throughout  the  year  at  the  playground 
theaters,  as  well  as  before  outside  groups.  The 
cyclorama,  proscenium  arch  and  front  curtains, 
all  portable,  have  more  than  proved  their  worth. 
There  is  always  a waiting  list  for  every  play.  At 
one  playground  an  announcement  of  a forthcom- 
ing play  brought  out  forty  applicants  for  parts. 


A Model  Aircraft  Project 


Fifteen  hundred  boys  and  girls  in  Santa  Clara 
County,  California,  are  actively  participating  in  a 
model  building  program  inaugurated  last  August 
by  the  San  .Jose  Recreation  Department.  With 
the  cooperation  of  the  Mercury-Herald,  one  of 
the  city’s  daily  papers, 
the  department  organiz- 
ed the  Junior  Air  Corps 
of  Santa  Clara  County. 

About  50  percent  of  the 
membership  is  composed 
of  boys  and  girls  of  jun- 
ior high  school  age. 

Airdromes  have  been 
established  at  ten  recrea- 


In Chicago's  park  cen- 
ters are  many  boys 
who  are  skilled  in  the 
art  of  building  and 
flying  model  airplanes 


10 


SUMMER  PLAYGROUNDS  OF  1935  IN  ACTION ! 


That  Closing  Festival 

The  Playground  and  Recreation  Association  of 
Wyoming  Valley  brought  its  ten  weeks’  play- 
ground season  to  a close  with  a pageant  called 
“An  American  Folk  Festival.”  The  program  in- 
cluded songs  and  dances  of  the  Early  American 
period  with  one  episode  showing  dances  of  some 
of  the  foreign  countries  whose  peoples  have  come 
to  America.  Approximately  1,500  children  par- 
ticipated. 

“Sleeping  Beauty”  was  the  theme  of  the  sixth 
annual  playground  pageant  presented  by  the  Lan- 
sing, Michigan,  Recreation  Department,  in  which 
500  children  and  a few  adults  took  part.  Power- 
ful flood  lights  were  played  on  the  various  scenes 
against  a realistic  background,  the  dominant 
feature  of  which  was  a reproduction  of  an  old 
castle  in  a wood.  The  changing  seasons  were  rep- 
resented by  dances.  One  of  the  most  novel  scenes 
was  the  toy  shop  in  which  the  children  in  fan- 
tastic costumes  emerged  from  the  shop  going 
through  the  motions  of  mechanical  toys. 

Miscellaneous  Activities 

Every  second  week  during  the  summer  season 
a general  play  day  and  community  evening  was 
held  on  each  playground  conducted  by  the  Des 
Moines,  Iowa,  Playground  and  Recreation  Com- 
mission. On  this  day  the  directors  made  a special 
effort  to  have  everyone  in  the  neighborhood  come 
to  the  playgrounds  during  the  afternoon  and 
evening  and  take  part  in  some  activity.  The  event 
usually  culminated  in  a picnic  dinner,  com- 
munity singing,  a program  of  talent  from  the 
community,  and  a concert  by  the  playground  band 
and  movies.  The  attendance  on  these  days  aver- 
aged from  200  to  800.  The  total  attendance  for 
last  season  was  35,149. 

Boys  with  a “yen”  to  become  cowboys  were 
given  the  opportunity  to  learn  the  art  of  roping 
last  summer  when  a city-wide  roping  contest  was 
conducted  on  twenty-five  Los  Angeles,  California, 
municipal  playgrounds.  The  contest,  open  to  all 
boys  under  twelve  years  of  age  in  the  junior  class 
and  all  under  sixteen  in  the  senior,  consisted  of 
competition  in  fancy  and  trick  roping,  with  in- 
structions in  the  art  of  making,  twirling  and 
throwing  the  lariat  by  a well-known  champion 
roper.  After  five  weeks  of  instruction  in  learning 
to  perform  ten  roping  tricks,  local  and  city-wide 
contests  were  held,  with  finals  on  August  2nd  at 
the  Gilmore  Stadium.  Six  boys,  three  juniors  and 
three  seniors,  who  came  out  highest  in  the  finals 


were  given  a two  weeks’  vacation  at  a famous 
ranch. 

Last  summer  the  Bureau  of  Recreation  of 
Philadelphia  conducted  for  the  first  time  intra- 
center whistling  contests.  Fifteen  hundred  and 
sixty-five  boys  and  girls  took  part  in  this  success- 
ful event. 

Though  for  nine  years  the  children  of  the  Oak 
Park  playgrounds  have  had  a playground  circus, 
last  year  for  the  first  time  an  audience  was  in- 
vited to  see  the  performance.  Two  thousand  peo- 
ple greeted  the  bareback  riders,  animals,  trapeze 
artists,  athletes,  clowns,  musicians  and  dancers, 
who  to  the  number  of  150  boys  and  girls  took 
part  in  the  program.  In  addition  to  the  circus 
proper,  there  was  a pantomime  drill  in  which  150 
more  children  took  part.  The  costumes  of  white, 
silver  and  black  were  particularly  striking  against 
the  large  lighted  field.  The  pantomime  drill  and 
dances,  representing  the  various  phases  of  the 
recreation  program,  were  presented  by  a group 
of  boys  and  girls  ranging  in  age  fom  six  to  eigh- 
teen years. 

Amateur  boxing  on  the  playgrounds  of  Okla- 
homa City  thrilled  3,000  spectators  each  week  last 
summer.  The  City  Park  Department  sponsored 
and  supervised  the  program,  which  was  very  suc- 
cessful. A regulation  ring  well  equipped  with 
rings  and  canvas  floor  cover  was  constructed  in 
1934,  and  several  boxing  programs  were  held  that 
year.  The  1935  program,  however,  had  an  early 
start  which  was  productive  of  even  greater  re- 
sults. More  than  a hundred  boys  met  daily  during 
the  entire  season  for  their  workouts.  Each  Friday 
night  ten  or  twelve  short  bouts  were  scheduled, 
most  of  them  among  the  smaller  boys  from  65 
pounds  to  134.  The  smaller  and  less  experienced 
boys  entered  the  ring  with  gloves  ranging  from 
eight  to  ten  ounces  according  to  their  ability. 
Great  care  was  taken  never  to  overmatch  a boy 
or  to  allow  him  to  take  too  much  of  a beating. 
Three  one-minute  rounds  were  the  most  popular. 

Interest  was  intense  throughout  the  season,  and 
good  officiating  and  promotion  prevented  any  un- 
pleasant occurrences.  At  the  close  of  the  season 
a city-wide  tournament  was  held. 

Kite  flying  tournaments  are  a part  of  the  play- 
ground program  of  the  Seattle  Park  Department. 
There  were  three  divisions  in  the  1935  contest: 
“A”  for  kites  with  a strong  pull,  winners  to  be 
determined  by  the  pull  registered  on  a spring 
scale;  “B”  for  well  decorated  and  graceful  kites, 
and  “C”  for  kite  races  for  boys  12  years  old  or 
under. 


A Puppet  Trai  ler 


Wherever  there’s  a road  there’s 
a way  now  to  stage  marionette 
shows  in  Pasadena,  California! 


Confronted  with  a school  reconstruction 
problem  that  withdrew  from  use  many  audi- 
[ ' toriums  and  assembly  halls,  the  Pasadena 
Department  of  Recreation  recently  put  in  service 
a puppetry  stage  mounted  on  a trailer. 

The  stage  is  completely  equipped  with  front 
curtain,  lights  controlled  by  a miniature  switch- 
board and  fixtures  for  the  handling  of  stage  set- 
tings. The  “bridge”  for  the  puppeteers  is  as  ade- 
quate as  any  that  could  be  installed  on  a regular 
stage.  The  trailer  was  built  on  a Model  “T”  Ford 
chassis  donated  by  a friend  of  the  Recreation 
Department. 

The  interesting  “rolling  theater”  is  but  one  of 
the  features  of  an  expanded  program  of  pup- 
petry club  work  in  Pasadena.  Made  possible  by 
the  discovery  of  talented  men  and  women  in  the 
ranks  of  unemployment  relief  workers,  scores  of 
marionettes  have  been  constructed  to  perform  as 
actors  in  famous  children’s  plays.  Complete  set- 
tings for  these  plays  have  been  built. 

A summer  puppetry  club  attracted  fifty  chil- 
dren and  adults  for  three  sessions  each  week.  The 
closing  recital  of  club  members  presented  fifty- 
two  new  puppets  in  a variety  performance  at- 
tended by  parents  and  friends. 

Some  Details  of  Construction 

Chassis — A Model  “T”  Ford,  Star,  or  similar 
chassis  with  straight  frame  is  amply  strong  and 
very  suitable. 

Floor  and  Foundation — A flat  floor  6'  x 13'  is 
built  on  the  frame  of  the  chassis  to  provide  the 
necessary  room  for  props,  equipment,  and  space 
for  the  bridge  on  which  the  manipulators  stand, 
and  a part  of  the  stage. 

To  make  the  floor,  bolt  four  bolsters,  4"  x 4"  x 
3'  crosswise,  evenly  spaced,  directly  on  the  frame. 
On  top  of  these  lay  two  stringers  2"  x 6"  x 13', 


By  L.  Gordon  Thomas 

Supervisor  of  Special  Projects 
Pasadena  Recreation  Department 

notched  on  the  underside  to  fit  over  the  top  of  the 
bolsters,  and  bolt  securely  to  the  bolsters  at  a 
point  that  will  be  about  twenty  inches  from  the 
outside  edge  of  floor.  Over  the  stringers  place 
seven  floor  supports  or  joists,  2"  x 6"  x 6'  notch- 
ed on  under  side  to  fit  over  the  stringers,  spaced 
evenly  and  bolted  crosswise  on  to  the  stringers. 
The  matched  or  TG  flooring  is  laid  lengthwise 
directly  on  the  joists. 

Stringers  and  floor  joists  notched  to  give  ri- 
gidity to  the  frame,  also  make  it  possible  to  main- 
tain a desirable  distance  of  3'  4"  from  ground  to 
top  of  floor,  on  a chassis  of  the  type  mentioned. 

Superstructure  — The  sides  of  the  superstruc- 
ture are  made  of  three-ply  wood,  which  comes  in 
4'  width.  The  ply  wood  is  firmly  attached  by 
metal  brackets  or  braces  to  the  floor,  but  is  on  the 
outside  of  the  edge  of  the  floor  and  extends  4" 
below  the  top  of  the  floor,  so  that  the  top  is  3'  8" 
above  the  floor. 

On  the  front  or  stage  side  of  the  trailer  leave 
an  opening  in  the  superstructure  8 feet  wide,  and 
in  the  back  provide  a hinged  door  or  entrance  for 
manipulators,  2'  3"  wide.  Finish  off  the  bottom 
of  the  sides  with  a scalloped  skirting  made  of  the 
ply  wood,  about  8 inches  wide,  except  for  the  8 
feet  directly  below  the  stage  opening.  This  skirt- 
ing should  be  screwed  to  the  ends  of  the  floor 
joists  and  divided  into  sections  that  can  be  taken 
off  readily  to  facilitate  removal  of  wheels  when 
necessary. 

Above  the  permanent  ply  wood  structure,  cur- 
tain material  is  used  to  enclose  all,  except  the 


11 


12 


A PUPPET  TRAILER 


A glimpse  behind  the  scenes  at  some 
of  the  puppets  and  their  manipulator 


Cinderella  in  her  coach  comes  on  the 
stage  to  the  delight  of  her  admirers 


back,  and  to  carry  the  front  and  sides  to  a total 
height  from  floor  of  7 feet.  The  curtains  are  car- 
ried on  a framework  made  of  2"  x 2"  uprights, 
7 feet  long,  bolted  to  sides  at  the  corners,  and 
across  the  tops  of  these  uprights  a frame  of  same 
material  is  bolted  on  which  the  curtains  hang. 

In  finishing  the  outside  of  the  superstructure 
the  ply  wood  surface  was  divided  with  YU'  x 1 y2” 
wood  strips  into  evenly  spaced  panels ; three  on 
the  ends  and  six  across  the  back,  including  the 
door. 

Stage  Floor — The  usual  puppet  stage  is  4'  x 8' 
but  to  permit  use  of  larger  sets  this  unit  provides 
for  a stage  5'  x 8'.  The  permanent  floor  of  the 
trailer  provides  3 feet  of  the  depth  of  the  stage 
and  the  remaining  2 feet  is  supplied  by  an  exten- 
sion 2'x8'  in  size,  constructed  with  2"  X4"  joists 
and  the  same  kind  of  flooring.  The  joists  of  this 
extension  are  long  enough  on  the  inner  side  to  lap 
alongside  the  joists  of  the  permanent  floor  to 
which  they  are  bolted,  furnishing  a hinge  effect 
stronger  than  can  be  obtained  with 
hinges.  To  the  underside  of  exten- 
sion floor  are  attached  three  adjustable 
legs  that  can  be  changed  in  length  to 
take  care  of  unevenness  in  ground.  In 
use  the  extension  is  lifted  up  to  a plane 
level  with  the  permanent  floor,  and 
when  not  in  use  or  when  trailer  is  be- 
ing moved,  it  hangs  down  flush  with 
the  side  of  the  car. 


Stage — The  stage  proper  consists  of  a 
framework  covered  on  front  and  side 
partially  with  ply  wood.  The  front  is  7 
feet  high  and  8 feet  wide,  with  the  upper 
3'  4"  made  of  curtain  material  carried  on 
a frame  that  will  fold  down  when  not  in 
use.  The  opening  in  front  is  2'  10"  high 
and  5'  10"  wide,  leaving  a panel  on  each 
side  1'  1"  wide  and  10"  across  the  top, 
on  which  decorative  designs  are  painted. 

Side  wings  1'  6"  from  front  to  rear  are  at- 
tached to  the  front  section,  the  whole  being  made 
movable  so  that  when  the  floor  extension  is  raised 
up  to  position  the  stage  frame  is  brought  for- 
ward and  bolted  to  the  floor  of  the  extension.  A 
pair  of  forked  travelers  are  bolted  on  to  each  side 
wing  to  support1  the  side  scenery. 

At  the  direct  center  of  the  trailer  floor  a 4'  x 8' 
frame  is  bolted  which  serves  as  the  back  of  the 
stage.  A bridge  one  foot  wide  and  one  foot  high 
and  eight  feet  long  is  provided  for  manipulators 
to  stand  on. 

A pull  curtain  is  used  on  this  unit,  being  made 
of  plush  material,  pleated  and  of  maroon  color. 


Decorations 


Very  attractive  effects  can  be  obtained  by  paint- 
ing the  sides  of  the  superstructure.  In  this  case 
circus  yellow  was  used,  with  paintings  in  bril- 
liant colors  of  puppets  in  the  center  of  each  panel. 

(Continued  on  page  42) 


Youth  Week  on  a Newark  Playground 


By  Victor  J.  Di  Filippo 

Director 

Oliver  Street  School  Playground 


This  year  Boys'  and  Girls'  Week  will 
be  celebrated  from  April  25th  to 
May  2nd  inclusive.  Many  recrea- 


YouTH  Week  (April  27 — May  4,  1935)  was  an 
important  occasion  at  the  Oliver  Street  School 
Playground  in  Newark,  New  Jersey.  For 
several  weeks  preceding  the  observance  volunteers 
and  club  leaders  helped  the  various  groups  of 
children  with  their  program  and  a publicity  com- 
mittee made  up  of  boys  and  girls  of  the  play- 
ground advertised  the  events  throughout  the 
school  and  neighborhood.  All  over  the  playground 
were  announcements,  signs  and  colored  posters, 
while  the  campaign  in  the  school  was  carried  on 
through  announcements  at  assembly,  notices  in 
classrooms,  mimeographed  information  and  ver- 
bal messages.  The  program  committee  consisted 
of  volunteer  playground  workers  who  printed  the 
programs  for  “Social  Nite”  and  also  the  tickets 
required  for  activities  held  indoors. 

A day  was  set  aside  for  some  special  activity  or 
as  a time  when  some  special  group  would  demon- 
strate its  ability.  Since  the  main  purpose  of  the 
program  was  to  secure  mass  participation,  we  de- 
cided to  arouse  the  interest  of  the  boys  and  girls 
through  an  all  sports  day  on  the  opening  day  of 
the  week.  Saturday,  April  27th.  In  preparation 
for  this,  game  areas  on  the  playground  were 
marked  off  with  lime  and  signs  were  placed  at 
each  marked  off  area  with 
the  name  of  the  event  to  be 
held  there.  Volunteer  play 
leaders  were  assigned  to  re- 
ceive the  competitors,  check 
off  their  lists,  and  start  them 
immediately  in  their  activ- 
ity. Seven  activities  were 
conducted  on  this  day,  four 
for  the  boys  and  three  for 
the  girls.  The  boys’  pro- 
gram included  punt  for  dis- 
tance, basketball  foul  shoot- 
ing, baseball  throw  for  ac- 


This year  Boys'  and  Girls'  Week  will 
be  celebrated  from  April  25th  to 
May  2nd  inclusive.  Many  recrea- 
tion workers  will  want  to  share  in 
the  1936  observance  as  they  have 
in  the  past.  Further  information 
and  a manual  of  suggestions  for 
each  day's  program  may  be  secur- 
ed on  request  from  the  National 
Boys'  and  Girls'  Week  Committee, 
35  E.  Wacker  Drive,  Chicago. 


curacy,  and  the  fifty  yard  dash,  while  the  girls 
competed  in  basketball  throw  for  distance,  base- 
ball throw  for  accuracy,  and  running  high  jump. 
The  boys  and  girls  were  rotated  in  these  activi- 
ties so  that  most  of  them  at  the  end  of  the  tour- 
nament had  competed  in  every  event.  Competi- 
tion was  on  an  individual  basis  and  a record  was 
kept  of  the  best  marks  which  were  posted  the 
next  day  on  the  bulletin  board. 

On  the  evening  of  the  opening  day  the  boys 
played  in  a round  robin  baseball  tournament  for 
which  six  leaders  chose  their  teams.  Each  game 
lasted  twelve  innings.  The  team  having  the  larg- 
est number  of  runs  at  the  end  of  the  round  robin 
was  declared  the  winner.  The  first  day  showed  an 
attendance  figure  of  165  boys  and  70  girls.  This 
low  figure  for  the  girls  was  not  a surprise  since 
previously  they  had  not  been  responsive  to  the 
playground  activities. 

Activities  were  resumed 
on  Monday,  April  29th,  with 
the  girls’  tournament  day. 
To  insure  better  attendance 
than  on  the  opening  day,  a 
notice  was  sent  to  each  class- 
room during  the  day  invit- 
ing the  girls  to  take  part  in 
the  tournament.  A woman 
director  of  physical  educa- 
tion was  asked  to  cooperate 
by  assigning  certain  classes 
to  appear  for  the  various  ac- 


The  writing  of  this  report  was  prompted 
not  by  the  thought  that  the  Youth  Week 
Program  at  the  Oliver  Street  School  Play- 
ground presents  any  new  methods,  new 
activities  or  startling  revelations  in  the 
recreation  field,  but  by  the  whole-heart- 
ed response  it  received.  The  program  was 
an  innovation  on  a playground  located  in 
a section  of  Newark  including  colored 
and  white,  with  a sprinkling  of  foreign 
nationalities.  With  its  economic  handicaps 
and  poor  environment,  the  district  was  un- 
aware of  its  own  potentialities.  The  suc- 
cess of  the  program  was  therefore  more 
notable  than  it  otherwise  would  have  been. 


13 


14 


YOUTH  WEEK  ON  A NEWARK  PLAYGROUND 


tivities  which  included  vol- 
ley hall,  dodge  ball,  kick 
ball,  jacks,  hop  scotch,  and 
rope  skipping.  Girls  under 
twelve  participated  in  ad- 
dition in  singing  and  cir- 
cle games.  An  actual  count 
made  of  the  girls  present 
showed  that  310  had  en- 
gaged in  the  tournament. 

This  time  the  score  was 
kept  by  class  with  no  em- 
phasis placed  on  individual  participation  but  rather 
upon  class  showing. 

This  day  proved  the  most  stimulating  of  the 
entire  Youth  Week  program  because  it  showed 
that  if  girls  are  given  space  in  which  to  play  with 
proper  leadership,  they  will  participate  in  activi- 
ties with  as  much  vim  and  vigor  as  the  boys,  who 
incidentally  on  this  one  day  were  kept  on  the  side 
lines  as  Spectators — a fact  which  was  brought  to 
the  girls’  attention  with  gratifying  results!  Since 
that  day  the  attendance  of  the  girls  at  the  play- 
ground has  increased. 

The  older  girls,  we  learned  as  the  result  of  the 
day’s  experience,  were  attracted  strongly  to  kick 
ball,  while  the  younger  girls  took  more  interest  in 
playing  dodge  ball. 

That  night  two  of  the  older  girls’  clubs  on  the 
playground  combined  in  holding  a social  and  in- 
vited the  winning  class  as  guests  of  honor. 

On  the  next  day,  Tuesday,  April  30th,  a boys’ 
tournament  was  held  along  the  same  line  as  the 
girls’  tournament.  The  cubs,  eleven  years  of  age 
and  under,  and  the  midgets,  fourteen  years  and 
under,  competed  in  dodge 
ball,  kick  ball,  punch  ball, 
a quoit  tournament,  and  a 
marble  contest.  The  jun- 
iors, sixteen  years  of  age 
and  under,  played  in  six 
events  — volley  ball,  soc- 
cer, fungo  batting,  run 
around  bases  for  time,  in- 
field throw,  and  a quoit 
contest.  On  the  evening  of 
the  30th  one  of  the  older 
girls’  clubs  represented  the 
playground  at  a city-wide 
play  festival.  This  group 
qualified  by  winning  the 
play  festival  conducted 
during  the  previous  week 


on  each  playground. 

The  playground  pro- 
gram was  continued  with 
a boxing  tournament  in 
which  eight  4-man  classes 
were  contestants.  Rounds 
were  limited  to  two  minutes 
each,  and  at  the  first  sign 
of  distress  on  the  part  of 
a contestant  the  bout  was 
stopped.  Unless  a capable 
and  efficient  referee  is 
available  it  is  not  advisable  to  sponsor  any  bouts. 
This  is  true  of  any  dual  combat  sport,  for  the 
main  objective  is  the  enjoyment  of  the  sport  on 
the  part  of  the  boys  and  their  welfare  should  come 
first.  Many  times  boys  are  permitted  to  continue 
boxing  when  they  are  in  no  physical  condition  to 
do  so  because  those  allowing  the  bouts  are  swayed 
by  the  desire  of  the  spectators  for  action. 

Approximately  275  took  part  in  the  activities  on 
Tuesday. 

On  Wednesday,  May  1st,  our  Youth  Week  pro- 
gram began  at  6 130  p.  m.  and  was  called  skit  night. 
Three  clubs  presented  short  one  act  plays  about 
twenty  minutes  in  length.  Between  the  plays  a 
number  of  individuals  did  tap  dancing,  a sailor’s 
dance,  sang  and  gave  recitations.  Attendance  by 
invitation  numbered  about  400. 

It  rained  on  Thursday  which  was  to  have  been 
a city-wide  play  day,  and  so  we  had  a party  night 
conducted  along  the  lines  of  college  fraternity 
house  parties,  groups  visiting  other  parties.  Many 
felt  that  this  evening,  with  the  social  values  in- 
volved, was  the  best  of  the  entire  program. 

Friday  was  the  last  of- 
ficial day  of  the  week  and 
a dance  and  social  was 
held  at  which  an  orches- 
tra composed  of  members 
of  the  playground  was  an 
important  part  of  the  pro- 
gram. The  entertainment 
was  the  contribution  of 
the  playground  dramatic 
club.  The  first  part  of  the 
evening  was  devoted  to 
short  skits,  musical  selec- 
tions and  vocal  solos.  Chil- 
dren under  fifteen  were 
sent  home  at  an  early  hour, 
the  adults  remaining  for 
(Continued  on  page  42) 


THE  1936  CALENDAR 
April  25th — Boys'  and  Girls'  Recognition  Day 
April  26th — Boys'  and  Girls'  Day  in  Churches 
April  27th — Boy's  and  Girls'  Vocational  Day 
April  28th — Boys'  and  Girls'  Day  in  Entertain- 
ment and  Athletics 

April  29th — Boys'  and  Girls'  Day  in  Schools 
April  30th — Boys'  and  Girls'  Day  in  Citizenship 
May  1st — Boys'  and  Girls'  Health  Day  and 
Evening  at  Home 

May  2nd — Boys'  and  Girls'  Day  Out  of  Doors 


OUTSTANDING  FEATURES  OF  YOUTH 
WEEK  IN  NEWARK 

The  response  of  the  girls  to  "Girls'  Tourna- 
ment Day." 

The  interest  boys  and  girls  took  in  prepar- 
ing and  conducting  their  own  programs. 

The  enthusiasm  with  which  girls  took  part  in 
team  play  as  against  individual  competition. 

The  successful  grouping  together  of  colored 
and  white  in  athletic  events  and  social  affairs. 

The  highly  stimulating  and  fine  efforts  of 
the  student  leaders. 

The  fact  that  the  entire  week's  program  did 
not  involve  any  expenditure  of  funds. 

The  high  peak  of  interest  maintained  through 
the  tempo  of  the  program  and  rapid  changes 
of  events,  making  awards  unnecessary  as  a 
means  of  sustaining  interest. 


Planning  the  Easter  Party 

Easter  comes  from  the  Anglo-Saxon  word 
"Eastre” — a goddess  of  light  or  Spring 
whose  festival  was  celebrated  in  April 


With  THE  coming  of  April  there  is  a feeling 
of  eager,  restless  activity  and  gladness  born 
of  the  mysterious  elixir  of  the  air.  Easter 
brings  with  its  familiar  traditions  a climax  of 
Spring’s  joy.  A merry  and  simple  party  set 
against  the  background  of  charm  and  dainty 
freshness  of  April  and  Easter  can  serve  as  a 
fitting  medium  for  capturing  the  season’s  glad- 
ness. Suggestions  for  such  a party  follow ; it  may 
be  used  as  a whole  or  in  part. 

Invitations.  Invitations  appropriate  to  the  sea- 
son may  be  easily  and  cleverly  made  representing 
in  shape  or  design  rabbits,  Easter  eggs,  chick- 
ens, ducks  or  spring  themes.  A note  in  verse  will 
further  challenge  your  originality  in  its  composi- 
tion. The  invitation  for  small  parties  may  even  be 
written  on  an  egg  (boiled)  and  mailed  in  a box. 
A pre-Easter  window  shopping  trip  will  net  a 
number  of  ideas  and  possibilities  which  may  be 
adapted  or  altered  to  suit  your  particular  purpose. 

Decorations.  Decorations  follow  the  Easter  and 
spring  themes,  emphasis  being  on  pastel  colors, 
daintiness  and  charm.  Easter  theme  cut-outs  (rab- 
bits, ducks,  chickens,  eggs)  may  be  used  for  table, 
wall  or  corner-of-the-room  decorations.  Stream- 
ers, flowers  and  spring  greenery  will  bring  spring 
and  Easter  atmosphere  to  the  party  room.  Easter 
“creatures”  may  be  made  by  combining  marsh- 
mallows, gum  drops,  Easter  eggs,  bits  of  colored 
paper  and  toothpicks.  These  may  be  used  as 
prizes,  as  favors  at  the  table  or  as  part  of  the 
refreshments. 

Easter  Bonnets.  Easter  and  spring  and  fine  new 
clothes  come  hand  in  hand;  so  as  the  guests  ar- 
rive see  that  each  is  suitably  attired  for  the  fes- 
tivities by  having  each  make  and  decorate  an  Eas- 
ter bonnet.  Provide  the  raw  materials  on  a table, 
including  colored  crepe  paper,  flowers  (real  or 
otherwise),  feathers,  cloth,  newspaper,  old  hats, 
pins,  scissors,  wire.  Give  each  guest  five  to  ten 


minutes  to  design  and  make  a hat.  Each  guest 
wears  his  “creation.”  (An  egg  decorating  or  Eas- 
ter animal  construction  contest  might  be  used  as 
an  alternative.  Eggs,  paint,  crayons,  pencil,  yarn, 
cotton  and  paper  are  provided.  Each  object  is 
tagged  with  the  maker’s  name  and  the  Easter 
march  occurs  while  the  judges  examine  the 
exhibit.) 

Easter  March.  When  the  guests  are  all  bonnet- 
ed, start  a grand  march  past  the  judges  who  will 
select  the  prettiest  hat,  funniest  and  smartest,  giv- 
ing prizes  for  men’s  “bonnets”  as  well  as  women’s. 
While  the  judges  confer,  the  grand  march  pro- 
gresses through  several  grand  march  figures,  end- 
ing in  four  to  eight  columns  before  the  judges  for 
the  awarding  of  the  prizes.  Incidentally  the  group 
is  in  formation  for  the  next  game. 

Balloon  "Egg"  Relay.  Use  air-inflated  colored 
balloons  for  “eggs.”  Two  teams  line  up.  The  first 
player  in  each  tosses  the  “egg”  in  the  air  and  bats 
it  with  the  palm  of  his  hand,  batting  it  toward  a 
far  wall.  The  “egg”  must  not  be  carried.  When 
the  “egg”  hits  the  wall  the  player  may  seize  it  and 
run  back  to  the  next  player  in  line  who  bats  the 
“egg”  to  the  wall.  The  first  line  to  finish  wins. 
This  race  is  more  quickly  and  easily  said  than 
done,  for  when  a balloon  is  hit  at  all  upward  it 
takes  some  time  to  come  down. 

German  Egg  Game.  Two  baskets,  paper,  grass 
and  hard  boiled  eggs  are  needed  for  this  game. 
Two  teams  are  lined  up.  One  team  tends  the  bas- 
kets, the  other  does  the  running.  While  player  one 
of  team  A runs  to  a goal  and  back,  player  one  of 
team  B takes  the  eggs  from  one  basket,  one  at  a 
time,  using  only  one  hand,  and  places  them  in  the 
other  basket.  If  the  runner  gets  back  before  the 
eggs  are  all  transferred  he  scores  a point  for  his 
team ; if  not,  the  team  with  the  baskets  wins  a 
point.  The  next  two  in  line  now  compete,  num- 
ber two  of  team  A running  and  number  two  of 


15 


16 


PLANNING  THE  EASTER  PARTY 


team  B transferring  the  eggs.  In  planning  the 
goal  location,  the  distance  apart  of  the  baskets 
and  number  of  eggs  to  be  used,  a little  experi- 
mentation before  the  party  will  be  necessary  to 
see  that  the  timing  is  such  that  the  race  will  be  a 
close  one.  Score  is  kept.  Teams  change  activi- 
ties, team  A transferring  eggs  and  team  B run- 
ning. At  the  end  scores  are  totaled  and  the  high- 
est scoring  team  wins. 

Easter  Mixer.  Give  each  person  ten  or  twelve 
small  candy  Easter  eggs.  One  player  approaches 
another  with  some  of  the  eggs  in  an  outstretched 
fist.  “Odd  or  even?”  he  asks.  The  person  ques- 
tioned guesses  whether  an  odd  or  even  number  of 
eggs  is  concealed  in  the  fist.  If  he  is  right  the 
eggs  become  his  property ; if  he  is  wrong  he  must 
give  the  questioner  the  number  of  eggs  the  ques- 
tioner held  in  his  fist.  At  the  end  of  five  or  eight 
minutes  a whistle  is  blown  and  the  player  with 
the  largest  number  of  eggs  is  awarded  a chocolate 
rabbit  or  similar  Easter  object  for  a prize. 

Eggs-pectations.  Pencil  and  paper  are  given  to 
each  guest  or  to  groups  of  guests.  The  following 
couplets  appear  on  the  paper,  the  word  in  italics 
being  omitted.  The  guests  are  to  fill  in  the  blanks 
with  words  starting  with  “eggs.”  The  party 
leader  should  read  a completed  couplet  to  make 
clear  to  the  players  what  is  expected.  The  first 
person  who  completes  the  list  correctly  or  pre- 
sents the  most  nearly  correct  list  at  the  end  of  a 
period  of  time  wins : 

1.  Good  fortune  that  for  you  will  wait 

One  could  hardly  eggs-aggerate. 

2.  If  you  your  present  tasks  will  not  neglect 

A fine  promotion  you  may  soon  eggs-pect. 

3.  A lovely  trip  beyond  your  fondest  dream, 

You  soon  will  journey  to  earth’s  far  eggs-trcme ! 

4.  To  be  an  artist  you  will  toil  eggs-pcnd, 

Keep  striving  on,  you.  will  attain  your  end  ! 

5.  You  wish  to  find  professional  success? 

Eggs-ert  yourself,  results  your  path  will  bless. 

6.  A flyer  would  you  be,  keen  and  alert? 

Then  just  start  in,  you’ll  soon  become  eggs- pert. 

7.  Ere  next  Easter  comes,  you’ll  surely  be  wed, 

And  make  quite  an  eggs-ellent  match,  ’twill  be  said. 

Bad  Egg.  A hard  boiled  egg  is  passed  from 
hand  to  hand  about  the  circle.  It  is  described  as 
uncooked  and  very  bad  — weeks  and  weeks  old, 
although  in  reality  it  is  fresh  and  hard  boiled.  The 
egg  is  passed  about  the  circle  until  the  whistle 
blows.  The  person  holding  the  egg  at  that  moment 
is  out  of  the  game.  The  last  player  left  in  the 


game  wins.  If  the  party  is  large  several  small 
groups  can  play  this  game  at  once,  using  an  egg 
for  each  group. 

To  Easterland.  Place  colored  cardboard  eggs, 
rabbits  or  chicken  cut-outs  about  the  room,  on 
the  floor,  tables  or  chairs,  or  pin  them  to  the  cur- 
tains. There  is  one  less  cut-out  than  players. 
Music  is  played  as  the  players  march  about  the 
room.  When  the  music  stops,  everyone  must  rush 
to  put  a hand  or  a foot  on  an  egg,  rabbit  or 
chicken  cut-out.  The  person  left  without  a cut- 
out is  out  of  the  game  and  a cut-out  is  removed. 
The  music  is  played  again  and  the  game  continues 
until  only  one  person  remains.  That  person  re- 
ceives an  Easter  favor  for  a prize. 

Easter  Egg  Swap  may  be  used  instead  of  “To 
Easterland’’  where  groups  are  already  too  familiar 
with  variations  of  “Going  to  Jerusalem.” 

Scatter  many  differently  colored  paper  eggs  on 
the  floor.  At  a signal  players  dash  to  pick  up  as 
many  as  they  can.  Then  announce  that  the  first  to 
complete  a set  of  six,  eight  or  ten  (the  number 
depends  on  the  size  of  the  group)  different  colors 
by  “swapping”  will  win  a prize. 

Rabbit-Gun-Hunter.  Each  of  two  sides  is  to  rep- 
resent by  actions  a gun  (aiming  an  imaginary 
gun),  a rabbit  (wiggling  hands  at  top  of  head), 
or  a hunter  (hand  shading  eyes).  Each  line  de- 
cides upon  its  part  which  at  a signal  they  simul- 
taneously pantomime.  If  one  side  is  a rabbit,  the 
other  a gun,  the  gun  side  scores  a point  for  gun 
can  kill  rabbit.  If  one  side  is  a hunter  and  the 
other  a rabbit,  rabbit  side  acores  for  rabbit  can 
run  from  hunter. 

Music  and  Dancing.  “The  Crested  Hen,”  a Dan- 
ish folk  dance,  would  be  appropriate  here  because 
of  its  title.  It  works  especially  well  if  there  are 
more  girls  than  boys  at  the  party,  for  each  set 
calls  for  one  man  and  two  girls  although  the  parts 
may  be  interchanged. 

Spring  songs  and  the  old  favorites,  such  as 
“Aunt  Dinah’s  Quilting  Party,”  are  appropriate 
to  the  Easter  season  party. 

Refreshments.  For  large  parties  refreshments 
might  consist  of  coffee,  cakes  decorated  with  Eas- 
ter eggs  or  cookies  in  Easter  shapes.  Smaller  par- 
ties might  include  sandwiches,  using  egg  in  some, 
or  sandwiches  and  deviled  eggs,  coffee  and  cake. 
The  table  centerpieces  might  be  composed  of 
homemade  cotton  ducks  on  a mirror,  cardboard 
rabbits  in  a carrot  or  basket  centerpiece,  or 
Easter  eggs. 


Creation  in  Clay 


Just  what  is  the  earliest  form 
of  art?  Caves  in  southwest- 
ern Europe  reveal  scratches 
in  the  soft  limestone  which  arche- 
ologists call  the  dawn  of 
art  form.  It  is  far  more 
likely  that  the  first  artist 
lived  and  worked  long  be- 
fore sharpened  flints  and 
sticks  were  used  to  draw 
these  pictures  on  rock. 

There  are  many  evidences 
pointing  to  the  fact  that' 
the  first  artist  worked  in 
clay — the  essential  matter 
of  the  world  in  which  he 
lived.  Within  burial 
mounds,  graves  and  rock 
sepulchers,  broken  frag- 
ments of  crude  jars  and 
bowls  are  found  mingled  with  the  bones  of  pre- 
historic man.  The  art  of  the  sculptor  and  the  art- 
craft  of  the  potter  must  have  been  ancient  when 
the  rock  drawings  of  Europe  were  but  recent 
scratches. 

It  may  well  have  been  that  the  first  artist 
stumbled  by  chance  upon  his  medium.  A foot- 
print left  in  the  rain-softened  clay  which  hard- 
ened and  baked  under  the  beating  sun  so  that  it 
held  the  water  of  a subsequent  shower,  probably 
directed  the  thought  of  the  first  potter.  A bit  of 
clay  caught  and  pressed  in  the  fingers  may  have 
turned  a prehistoric  man  into  our  first,  though 
unknown,  sculptor.  Certainly  working  with  clay, 
twisting,  turning,  shaping  it  must  have  been  a 
liberal  education  for  primitive  man. 

The  Appeal  cf  Clay  as  a Creative  Medium 

Clay  as  an  art  medium  appeals  to  all  ages  from 
the  youngest  dabbler  in  mud  pies  to  the  hobby- 
seeking adult.  Old  or  young,  the  individual  who 
works  in  clay  becomes  a creator — a god  in  minia- 
ture. The  clay  beneath  the  fingers  is  molded  and 
forms  created  emerge  from  within  the  clay  into 
the  external  world.  Perhaps  the  manipulator 
alone,  whose  fingers  on  the  strings  of  a puppet 


send  life  into  the  inanimate  doll, 
even  nearly  approaches  the  sculp- 
tor and  potter  in  realization  of  the 
spirit  within  themselves  made 
manifest  in  the  everyday 
world.  Artists  who  work 
in  clay  can  feel  the  spirit 
within  themselves  flow 
through  their  finger  tips 
giving  life  to  lifeless  clay. 

All  art  brings  attraction 
and  relaxation  in  some 
fascinating  pastime.  But 
clay  modeling,  more  than 
the  other  mediums,  is  fill- 
ed with  satisfaction  for 
the  artist.  Perhaps  you 
have  never  drawn  a line  or 
modeled  a single  simple 
form.  That  does  not  mat- 
ter. Satisfaction  comes  to  the  amateur  with  the 
first  touch  of  the  clay  between  his  fingers. 

Put  clay  in  the  fingers  of  a child  who  is  restless 
and  difficult  to  interest  either  at  home  or  in  the 
classroom  and  within  a few  moments  he  will  feel 
the  peace  that  radiates  from  the  clay.  He  becomes 
one  with  it.  Even  the  irascible  adult  succumbs  to 
the  charm  of  clay. 

Directed  in  the  right  way  the  practice  of  clay 
modeling  develops  the  artistic  powers  inherent  in 
everyone  more  rapidly  and  surely  than  any  other 
type  of  art  handwork.  In  developing  clay  model- 
ing there  should  be  very  little  of  routine  educa- 
tional procedure.  The  work  should  be  regarded 
not  as  a task  but  treated  as  relaxation  bringing 
joy  and  the  thrill  of  creation.  Anyone  embarking 
on  this  work  should  be  free  to  work,  developing 
his  own  method  of  handling  the  clay  and  restrict- 
ed only  by  certain  fundamental  rules.  Children 
especially  will  quickly  sense  the  inner  creative 
power  as  they  handle  a ball  of  clay  and  will  be 
eager  to  exercise  it. 

The  stimulation  of  imagination  is  one  of  the 
results  of  clay  modeling.  The  child  naturally  per- 
ceives the  essential  qualities  of  the  object  he 
wishes  to  model.  He  usually  sees  it  in  terms  of 


By  Marese  Eliot 

Head  Research  Supervisor 
Recreation  Unit,  WPA 
New  York  City 


"Have  you  ever  held  a ball  of  modeling 
clay  in  your  hand?  Try  it.  Knead  it  and 
press  it  until  it  become  a mass  under 
your  fingers  that  yields  to  your  slightest 
pressure;  that  reflects  your  thought,  your 
imagination,  and  becomes  submissive  to 
your  will.  When  you  have  played  with 
such  a ball  of  clay  you  begin  to  know 
the  meaning  of  joy  in  creation.  It  is  not 
so  much  what  the  modeler,  whether  he 
be  child  or  adult,  does  to  the  clay,  but 
what  the  clay  does  to  the  person  who 
handles  it." 


17 


18 


CREATION  IN  CLAY 


size  and  shape  — the  inherent  structure  of  the 
object  he  is  about  to  copy.  The  seeing  in  this 
fashion  is  what  the  artist  terms  “mass.”  This  is 
the  beginning  of  all  work  in  clay.  Detail  and 
decoration  are  of  secondary  consideration.  Seeing 
the  object  in  terms  of  “mass”  is  usually  natural 
for  the  child  and  one  should  seek  to  develop  this 
instinctive  knowledge  by  describing  the  model  in 
terms  of  “mass.”  Where  adults  are  turning  to 
clay  modeling  as  leisure  pastimes,  it  will  be  neces- 
sary for  the  individual  to  draw  his  attention  from 
the  details  and  decorations  and  direct  it  to  mass 
and  to  planes  of  surface. 

The  Procedure 

After  the  object  to  be  modeled  has  been 
chosen,  the  necessary  tools  are  then  assembled. 
First  in  importance  after  the  medium  itself  is  the 
board  on  which  the  work  must  be  done.  Three 
dimensional  models  cannot  be  considered  as  hang- 
ing in  mid-air  and  the  board  upon  which  they  are 
placed  represents  the  surface  upon  which  the 
model  stands.  Clay  should  never  be  worked  in 
the  hand  separated  from  the  modeling  board. 
Holding  the  clay  in  the  hand  spoils  the  contours 
that  are  completed  and  after  the  first  steps  have 
been  taken,  the  clay  should  not  be  raised  from  the 
board.  Besides  ruining  work  accomplished,  the 
shape  is  changed  and  the  clay  dried  out  by  handl- 
ing, and  the  artist  will  find  he  has  something 
which  closely  resembles  the  piece  of  the  dough 
mother  used  to  give  him  to  make  his  own  loaf  of 
bread. 

A flat  board,  not  less  than  nine  by  eleven  inches, 
is  the  thing  upon  which  to  model.  Two  pieces  of 
wood  screwed  across  the  grain  of  the  board  on 
the  under  side  will  serve  for  supports  and  will 
prevent  your  board  from  warping  beneath  the 
damp  clay. 

Clay  can  be  procured  from 
any  art  store  and  should  be 
stored  when  not  in  use  within 
jars.  Keep  the  surface  damp, 
but  not  water  covered.  Use  an 
air  tight  top  on  the  jar.  The 
clay  that  is  known  as  terra 
cotta  is  an  excellent  choice  for 
modeling  for  it  adds  a pleas- 
ant color  value  to  fine  work- 
ability, being  smooth  and  free 
from  grit. 

When  you  are  once  ready  to 
begin  work,  arrange  your  board 


upon  a table  or  any  other  support  which  will  be 
the  right  height  for  you.  If  you  decide  to  stand 
at  your  work,  you  will  find  that  you  will  have 
more  elbow  room  and  greater  sense  of  freedom 
and  power.  However,  there  are  a number  of  peo- 
ple who  can  work  seated  just  as  well  with  less 
strain  on  the  feet. 

In  modeling  the  fingers  are  the  most  approved 
tools  when  laying  out  the  general  mass.  The 
thumb  and  forefinger  of  each  hand  should  work 
simultaneously.  Use  a circular  motion  of  the 
thumb  and  finger  for  curved  surfaces  and  a 
straight  motion  when  a flat  plane  is  desired. 

There  are  long  narrow,  curving  tools  of  wood 
which  may  be  used  to  make  the  details  of  the 
models  where  the  thumb  and  finger  are  too  large 
to  obtain  the  desired  effect.  However,  if  the 
artist  has  nothing  but  a match  to  supplement  his 
fingers,  he  can  still  do  creditable  work.  Both 
tools  and  fingers  should  be  kept  moist  when  work- 
ing the  clay  and  a wet  sponge  should  be  within 
reach  when  the  artist  is  in  action.  If  the  work  is 
to  be  left  over  night  or  even  for  a few  hours 
without  working,  a damp  cloth  spread  over  the 
clay  will  keep  it  from  cracking  on  the  surface. 

The  condition  of  the  clay  for  use  depends 
largely  upon  the  taste  of  the  individual.  All  clay 
must  be  kneaded  or  worked  upon  the  board  be- 
fore attempting  to  model  with  it.  Air  bubbles 
must  be  forced  out  and  the  surface  of  the  clay 
made  smooth  and  free  from  wrinkles.  No  two 
artists,  however,  use  clay  of  the  same  consis- 
tency. Some  like  it  fairly  firm  and  stiff;  others 
knead  it  long  and  pound  it  thoroughly  on  the 
board,  “throwing”  the  clay  in  much  the  fashion 
a baker  “throws”  dough,  until  it  reaches  the  exact 
malleable  condition  personally  preferred.  Only 
experiment  will  reveal  the  consistency  of  the  clay 
which  results  in  the  best  work 
for  each  individual. 

Working  From  a Model 

In  working  from  a model,  the 
procedure  should  be  from  gen- 
eral to  the  particular.  Before 
starting  at  all  with  modeling, 
the  general  shape  or  mass  of 
the  object  to  be  modeled 
should  be  determined.  All 
objects  fall  into  one  of  the 
seven  shapes  of  the  Platonic 
solids  or  into  combinations  of 
these  seven.  It  is  well  to  start 


"Durable,  lasting  for  thousands  of 
years,  the  products  of  the  potter's 
art  tell  an  inspiring  story  of  man's 
emergence  from  a mere  struggle  for 
existence  to  a full  and  abundant  life 
in  which  the  creation  and  apprecia- 
tion of  beauty  has  an  important  place. 
Step  by  step  we  can  follow  the  de- 
velopment of  a picturesque  craft  that 
has  possibly  more  facets  of  beauty 
than  any  other;  beauty  of  form, 
beauty  of  color,  beauty  of  texture, 
and  beauty  of  decoration  and  de- 
sign."— Chester  Marsh  in  The  Girl 
Scout  Leader,  January  1936. 


CREATION  IN  CLAY 


19 


with  a model  that  is  simple  and 
that  is  readily  seen  to  have  the 
general  shape  of  a cube,  a 
sphere,  or  a rectangular  plinth. 

Having  found  the  essential 
shape  of  the  model,  then  the 
proportions  should  be  noted, 
character  of  the  mass  determin- 
ed and  the  light  and  shade 
observed. 

Mold  the  kneaded  clay  into  the  general  under- 
lying form.  Then  work  with  the  fingers  the  shape 
of  divisions  of  the  object  to  be  modeled.  Pay  no 
attention  to  the  details  until  the  large  divisions — 
technically  known  as  “masses”  — are  modeled 
Jnto  the  structure  of  clay.  Children  are  usually 
able  to  see  these  masses  easily.  For  the  adult 
whose  eye  is  untrained  to  accept  what  is  beneath 
without  thought  of  superimposed  details,  these 
masses  may  be  most  readily  seen  if  the  eyes  are 
half  closed  to  look  at  the  model. 

A banana  forms  an  easily  obtained  and  inter- 
esting model  for  beginners.  That  the  rectangular 
plinth  is  the  essential  form  of  the  banana  can  be 
readily  seen.  To  copy  the  model  of  a banana  in 
clay,  this  plinth  should  be  built  up  of  stiff  clay  on 
the  board.  Smooth  out  the  clay  with  the  moist 
finger  and  thumb  so  that  the  surface  is  smooth 
and  press  and  force  the  lump  of  clay  into  the  pro- 
per proportions.  Curve  the  clay  so  that  it  fol- 
lows the  approximate  curve  of  the  particular 
banana  chosen  as  a model. 

Observe  the  planes  of  the  banana.  They  are 
long  and  convex;  in  rare  instances  they  are  con- 
cave. Follow  the  planes  of  the  model  in  the  clay 
by  smoothing  along  the  length  with  the  moist 
thumb.  Work  the  clay  from  within  outward  to 
form  the  edges  of  the  planes.  These  may  be  fin- 
ished with  the  wooden  tool  to  form  a sharp  edge 
necessary.  Then  model  the  ends  of  the  banana, 
drawing  out  the  clay  from  the  center  to  form  the 
bud  and  the  stem  ends  and  work  up  the  ends  of 
the  clay  with  the  curved  end  of  the  wooden  tool. 
Smooth  over  the  entire  surface  with  the  moist 
thumb. 

After  the  model  is  finished  it  can  be  detached 
from  the  board  with  a piece  of  strong  string  or 
wire  held  firm  in  the  two  hands  and  drawn  along 
the  board  under  the  model  cutting  it  from  its 
base.  Let  the  clay  model  dry  before  lifting  it  from 
the  board.  It  can  be  baked  in  a kiln,  if  desired,  or, 
if  carefully  dried  and  handled  gently,  will  pre- 
serve its  form  for  some  time. 


Once  the  feel  of  the  clay  has 
been  acquired  by  modeling  such 
simple  a form  as  a banana,  you 
will  find  much  interest  in  using 
the  human  head  as  a model. 
One  member  of  the  family  can 
act  as  a model  and  the  proced- 
ure is  much  the  same  except  in 
detail. 

The  Armature 

To  work  in  the  round,  however,  artists  have 
found  that  another  piece  of  apparatus  is  neces- 
sary to  prevent  effacing  part  of  the  work  as  an- 
other surface  is  worked  upon.  This  apparatus  is 
called  an  armature.  Several  types  can  be  used 
and  they  are  readily  obtainable  in  art  stores  but  a 
simple  type  is  adequate  for  the  modeling  of  the 
head  and  can  be  constructed  with  little  trouble. 

To  make  such  a simple  armature,  procure  a 
square  of  wood  with  a diameter  which  will  bear 
a relation  to  the  size  of  head  that  is  to  be  modeled. 
The  larger  the  head  to  be  made,  the  heavier  the 
weight  of  the  clay  and  the  heavier  and  larger  the 
base  must  be  made.  Then  take  a dowel  or  round 
length  of  wood  (a  square,  too,  is  possible  to  use) 
with  the  diameter  of  an  inch  to  an  inch  and  a half 
to  two  inches,  according  to  the  size  of  the  head 
that  is  to  be  made.  The  length,  also,  is  regu- 
lated by  the  size  of  the  head,  but  from  ten  to 
fifteen  inches  will  be  the  usual  size  that  will  pro- 
vide space  for  the  head  and  also  room  to  work 
around  and  beneath  it  and  to  draw  out  the  neck 
along  the  dowel.  This  should  be  nailed  to  the 
center  of  the  square  base  in  an  upright  position. 
Upon  this  upright  the  lump  of  clay  is  forced  after 
it  has  been  thrown  and  kneaded  free  from  air 
bubbles  and  wrinkles. 

A more  elaborate  armature  can  be  made  from 
the  same  type  of  square  base  with  the  same  length 
of  round  piping  screwed  into  it.  A series  of  two 
or  three  wired  loops  are  forced  into  the  top  of  the 
pipe  and  the  hollow  inner  space  between  the  wires 
filled  with  wood  chips  before  the  clay  is  placed 
upon  the  upright.  This  form  of  armature  is  ex- 
cellent for  large  or  life-size  models,  as  the  filled 
wire  interior  results  in  a saving  of  clay  and  also 
a lightening  of  the  model. 

When  You  Model  a Head 

For  modeling  a head,  take  a lump  of  clay  larger 
than  the  finished  head  is  to  be.  All  modeling  is 

( Continued,  on  page  43) 


"True  education  is  literally  a 
drawing  from  within.  No  project 
was  better  fitted  than  clay  mod- 
eling for  the  task  of  developing 
the  inner  self  of  our  early  ances- 
tors to  an  understanding  and  an 
adaptation  of  the  world  to  his 
needs.  Today  modeling  in  clay 
remains  a vital  field  that  is  the 
tool  of  true  education." 


Why  Not  Ask  Your  Library  for  Help? 


Books  on  animals  and 
birds,  handcraft,  art, 
music,  drama,  stamp 
collecting  and  other 
hobbies  are  featured 
in  this  display  at  the 
Hild  Regional  Branch 
Library  in  Chicago 


The  majority  of  public  libraries  have  books  to  encourage  hobbies  and  many  types  of  recreation. 
If  you  are  a recreation  leader  why  not  ask  your  local  library  to  cooperate  with  you  in  a series  of 
window  displays  which  will  create  greater  community  interest  in  both  reading  and  recreation? 
If  the  library  has  display  windows,  use  those;  if  it  hasn't,  some  store  will  be  glad  to  give  space. 


The  Enoch  Pratt  Free 
Library  of  Baltimore 
arranged  an  exhibit 
of  articles  costing 
not  more  than  fifty 
cents  for  exhibit  in  a 
garage  show  window 


20 


A City-Wide  Club  for  Girls 


WE  HAVE  in  Allentown  the 
Quota  Club,  a group  of 
business  and  professional 
women  who  a few  months  ago 
became  interested  in  organizing 
activities  for  the  girls  in  a dis- 
trict of  the  city  where  the  police 
calls  caused  by  the  girls  were 
the  highest,  and  economic  and 
social  conditions  were  unfavor- 
able for  the  all-around  develop- 
ment of  the  individual. 

The  Quota  Club,  wishing  to 
make  the  project  a broad  one, 
decided  it  would  be  desirable  to  have  it  sponsored 
by  all  the  women’s  groups  of  the  city.  The  club 
held  a tea  to  which  it  invited  a representative  of 
every  women’s  group.  At  this  tea  the  proposal 
was  made  that  a coordinating  committee  be  or- 
ganized composed  of  a representative  from  each 
club  whose  responsibility  would  be  the  financing 
of  a girls’  club,  the  active  supervision  of  which 
would  be  in  the  hands  of  the  Recreation  Com- 
mission. Following  this  meeting,  the  representa- 
tives discussed  the  project  with  their  clubs  and  at 
a second  meeting  called  by  the  sponsoring  group, 
fifteen  clubs  signified  their  desire  to  help.  Today 
thirty  clubs  are  represented  on  the  committee. 

A constitution  and  by-laws  were  adopted  and 
officers  elected.  Having  decided  upon  a girls’  club 
as  the  most  desirable  project,  the  next  step  was 
the  selecting  of  a building  to  house  the  club. 
Scouting  parties  set  forth  and  finally  a two  story 
building  35'  wide  and  75'  high  was  secured.  The 
building  had  both  advantages  and  disadvantages. 
The  favorable  features  were  good  floor  space  on 
both  stories,  the  floor  of  the  lower  story  being  half 
wood  and  half  concrete,  making  possible  such 
games  as  hop  scotch  and  so-called  street  games ; 
good  natural  lighting,  and  a large  stage  on  the 
second  floor.  Among  the  drawbacks  were  much 
dirt,  an  absence  of  electric  lights,  heating  plant 
and  drinking  water,  and  poor  toilet  facilities.  It 
was  decided  that  the  difficulties  could  be  con- 
quered by  man  power  and  money,  and  the  build- 
ing was  accordingly  rented  at  $25.00  a month  for 
nine  months  beginning  September  15th. 


The  first  task  was  the  cleaning 
of  the  building.  We  had  a tran- 
sient home  in  Allentown  at  the 
time  and  fortunately  for  us  we 
were  able  to  secure  men  to  work 
for  us  who  were  paid  by  emer- 
gency funds.  For  about  a month 
ten  men  worked  scrubbing  the 
building,  weather-stripping  the 
windows  and  doing  odd  jobs  of 
all  kinds.  The  city  government 
gave  the  services  of  the  city 
electrician  and  the  necessary 
wires.  The  committee  paid  for 
the  lights  and  switches.  Several  second-hand  fur- 
naces were  contributed  and  a furnace  company 
which  had  promised  to  install  old  heating  ap- 
paratus gave  us  instead  a new  furnace.  The 
School  District  had  a drinking  fountain  which 
was  not  in  use,  and  this  was  installed  by  a city 
plumber  along  with  a wash  basin  which  had  been 
donated.  Thus  we  solved  the  problem  of  im- 
proved toilet  facilities. 

Furniture  began  to  pour  in  from  all  sources 
and  soon  we  had  rugs  on  the  floors,  curtains  at 
the  windows,  comfortable  chairs,  a piano  and 
radio  on  both  floors,  an  excellent  library,  sewing 
machines,  material  and  wool.  On  Sunday,  Sep- 
tember 15th,  the  club,  known  as  “The  Haven,” 
was  opened  and  the  girls  literally  poured  into  the 
building. 

Registration  started  immediately,  girls  from 
six  to  twenty-five  years  of  age  being  registered. 
Today  our  registration  is  540,  half  being  under 
twelve  years  of  age  and  the  rest  over  this  age. 
The  nationalities  are  varied  with  the  Ukrainians 
and  Slovaks  predominating.  When  we  registered 
the  girls  we  asked  them  what  they  would  like  to 
do  and  on  the  basis  of  their  interest  the  clubs  were 
formed.  At  present  these  include  sewing,  knitting, 
drama,  art,  social  dancing,  tap  dancing,  music, 
story-telling,  and  current  events.  In  the  near 
future  a course  will  be  offered  girls  contemplating 
domestic  service.  Five  teachers,  a seamstress  and  a 
matron  secured  through  WPA,  constitute  the  staff. 

The  coordinating  committee  is  responsible  for 
the  financing  and  to  date  there  has  been  no  dif- 


By  Irene  Welty 


Miss  Welty,  Superintendent 
0/  Recreation  in  Allentown, 
Pa.,  served  as  chairman  of 
the  committee  which  recom- 
mended the  project  to  be 
undertaken.  Ever  since  its  in- 
ception she  has  been  very 
closely  associated  with  the 
administration  of  the  club. 


21 


22 


A CITY -WIDE  CLUB  FOR  GIRLS 


ficulty  in  meeting  expenses.  The  sponsoring  com- 
mittee is  deriving  much  satisfaction  from  its 
work,  exemplifying  the  saying:  “Happiness  is  like 
jam.  You  can’t  spread  even  a little  without  get- 
ting some  of  it  yourself.” 

Since  the  opening  of  the  club  we  have  seen  a 
change  in  the  girls.  They  are  more  tractable  and 
take  a very  keen  interest  in  their  club.  A few 
nights  ago  a pipe  burst  in  the  cellar  and  a little 
ten  year  old,  observing  our  agitation,  said : “Don’t 
youse  have  trouble,  though ! If  the  kids  ain’t 
breaking  the  furniture,  the  pipes  bust  themselves.” 
Our  most  difficult  sixteen  year  old  is  now  our 
leader  and  our  greatest  asset. 

The  Christmas  holidays  meant  more  to  the  girls 
this  year  than  ever  before.  They  love  the  Haven 
with  its  Christmas  decorations.  “The  Hanging  of 
the  Greens”  was  solemnized,  and  the  Christmas 
party  on  December  27th  was  thoroughly  enjoyed. 
The  presentation  of  “Christmas  in  Other  Lands” 
and  “Why  the  Chimes  Rang”  will  always  be 
remembered. 

The  Haven  has  changed  the  lives  of  the  girls  it 
has  touched  but  to  date  we  have  merely  scratch- 
ed the  surface.  Our  hope  is  that  we  shall  be  able 
to  attain  the  goal  set  for  the  club  — a haven  for 
girls  in  every  sense  of  the  word. 


The  problem  of  recreation  for  young  people, 
both  boys  and  girls,  has  assumed  such  importance 
in  recent  years  that  all  attempts  to  help  solve  it 
through  the  organization  of  clubs  and  similar 
groups  are  watched  with  keen  interest.  An  ex- 
periment which 
is  being  tried  in 
Buffalo  is  re- 
ported here  for 
the  benefit  of 
our  readers. 

What  to  do 
about  hundreds 
of  unemployed 
young  people 
loafing  about  a 
science  museum 
and  disturbing 
its  program  and 


its  serious-minded  visitors  was  the  problem  faced 
by  the  Buffalo  Museum  of  Science  two  and  a 
half  years  ago,  or  until  it  brought  into  being  the 
Museum  Amigos  Club  to  deal  with  the  problem 
of  the  leisure  time  of  the  young  unemployed  in 
the  vicinity  of  the  museum.  The  solution  lay  in 
showing  these  young  people,  who  range  in  age 
from  sixteen  to  twenty-five  years,  how  to  develop 
a self-governing  organization  to  carry  on  an  edu- 
cational and  recreational  program. 

The  club  is  under  the  management  of  a coun- 
selor provided  by  the  New  York  State  Adult 
Education  Department,  who  is  responsible  to  that 
department  and  who  cooperates  with  the  Buffalo 
Museum.  The  young  people  have  now  become 
friends  of  the  museum  and  can  be  looked  to  for 
responsible  assistance.  A well-rounded  program 
for  the  Museum  Amigos  Club  is  made  possible 
through  outstanding  community  cooperation.  It 
includes  social  evenings  at  the  museum  with  cards, 
checkers,  chess  and  table  tennis;  a glee  club  for 
male  voices;  dancing  once  a week  in  a neighbor- 
ing church  hall;  gymnasium  classes  and  basket- 
ball games  in  a public  school;  basketball  leagues 
in  conjunction  with  other  free  time  centers 
throughout  the  city;  dramatic  classes;  baseball 
teams,  playing  other  centers  and  neighborhood 
teams;  trips  to  Y.M.C.A.  camps  and  other  sites 
for  outings  and  picnics,  and  annual  banquets  at 
which  the  club  members  spend  social  evenings 
with  many  of  the  people  who  are  interested  in 
them  and  their  problems. 

During  the  summer  months  the  club  members 

were  the  nucle- 
us of  weekly 
outdoor  dances 
on  the  museum 
doorstep  where 
between  7,000 
and  8,000  were 
attracted  by 
dance  music 
furnished  by 
ERB  and  where 
on  other  nights 
2,000  to  2,500 
enjoyed  con- 
certs under  the 
same  auspices. 

Of  more  than 
400  present 

( Continued  on 
page  44) 


A sketch  class  at 
the  Girls'  Haven 


Sunday  Hikers 


By  Mary  E.  Mercer 


Do  you  remember 
the  lines  from 
Po-Chi-I’s 
poem  ? 

“All  the  year,  detained 
by  official  business ; 

Today  at  last  we  got  a 
chance  to  go  . . . and 
In  our  hearts  is  stored 
what  our  eyes  and 
ears  perceived.  . . 

Two  friends  and  I 
had  talked  for  a long 
time  of  tramping 
through  the  Con- 
necticut woods 
around  Kent.  So  long,  in  fact,  that  we  were  as- 
tonished one  day  to  find  ourselves  slamming  the 
car  door  and  facing  the  first  scramble  up  to  Kent 
Rock.  It  was  a clear,  still,  October  Sunday 
morning. 

The  carillon  in  the  village  church  was  calling 
people  to  worship.  We  looked  at  each  other  and 
laughed.  And  why  wouldn’t  we?  It  was  a joy- 
ful day,  we  were  delighted  to  be  with  each  other, 
and  “playing  hooky”  ever  was  divine  folly.  You 
can’t  go  to  church  and  go  tramping  at  the  same 
time.  When  the  carillon  ceased,  we  concluded 
with  a work-a-day  assumption  that  that  was  its 
method  of  expressing  its  disapproval  of  us  and 
our  ways  and  immediately  we  were  plunged  into 
a gulf  of  self -remorse.  Faintly,  sweetly,  the  voices 
of  a boy  choir  rose  to  us  chanting  a religious  re- 
sponse. We  stood  there  in  that  yellow  sunshine 
listening. 

Half  the  fun  of  walking  lies  in  the  guide  book 
and  map.  Guide  books  respect  the  tenths  of  a 
mile  as  solemnly  as  a full-fledged  mile  and,  after 
all,  there  is  something  ludicrously  important  about 
knowing  that  you  have  just  walked  .2  miles. 

We  left  the  main  highway  and  climbed  .3  miles 
to  the  outlook  on  Kent  Rock.  The  trail  blazes  on 
the  way  up  were  indistinct  and  badly  in  need  of 
paint.  In  contrast  to  this  the  rock  itself  was  a 
sight  to  behold.  That  youthful  urge  to  plaster 
the  landscape  with  one’s  initials  was  given  full 


reign  and  the  boys 
from  the  school  be- 
low had  used  every 
color  imaginable  to 
this  end.  The  result 
was  quite  awful.  Its 
redeeming  feature 
was  that  the  canvas 
had  been  restricted 
to  a very  small  area. 

The  view  from 
Kent  Rock  deserved 
better  than  the  sec- 
ondary attention  we 
gave  it.  Kent  spread  itself  out  neatly  in  the  small 
valley  and  seemed  content  to  have  the  Housatonic 
River  meander  lazily  through  it. 

The  guide  book  takes  you  from  Kent  Rock  to 
Glacier  Boulder  to  the  Macedonia  Brook  in  three 
giant  strides.  It  neglects  to  mention  the  open 
meadows  gay  with  autumnal  festivity,  the  grey 
squirrels  which  greeted  us  with  much  curiosity 
and  scolding,  the  overgrown  lumber  road  which 
was  a joy  to  walk  on,  the  flock  of  partridges 
which  whirred  off  through  the  thicket  without  in- 
juring their  wings,  or  the  friendly  white  cloud 
overhead  which  kept  pace  with  us.  Guide  books 
are  so  matter  of  fact! 

The  trail  follows  the  Nodine  Hollow  road  for 
2.3  miles  past  some  appealing  log  cabins.  Among 
them  one  was  conspicuously  out  of  place ; it  was 
a translation  of  what  modernism  thinks  of  a shack 
in  the  woods.  Don’t  you  suppose  the  owners  must 
have  been  uncomfortable  living  in  it?  Most  of  the 
cabin  inhabitants  were  back,  looking  like  wistful 
exiles  returned  to  their  native  haunts  for  a day. 
One  man  was  lying  on  his  sloping  cabin  roof 
sound  asleep  in  the  sun. 

Now  and  then  a car  went  by  and  split  its  at- 
tention between  trying  to  stay  on  the  road  and  to 
stare  at  us.  That  “automobilic”  stare  is  a mix- 
ture of  things.  It  certainly  contains  curiosity,  a 
little  envy  and  wonderment,  and  an  approval 
which  varies ! At  any  rate,  it  is  absorbing. 


23 


24 


SUNDAY  HIKERS 


Our  object  was  to  stay  with  the  dirt  road  only 
so  far  as  the  trail  did.  So  on  we  walked  and 
talked  and  looked  at  the  houses  and  their  people. 
It  sounds  civilized,  but  it  wasn’t.  We  turned  a 
bend  in  the  road  and  startled  and  were  startled  by 
a hauntingly  beautiful  deer.  It  didn’t  dash  away 
frightened,  but  conscious  of  its  grace  and  poise 
it  loped  leisurely  across  a wide  meadow  and  into 
the  woods  beyond.  We  gazed  after  it,  feeling  that 
once  in  the  woods  it  peeped  back  at  us. 

It  was  so  pleasant  on  the  road  that  we  didn’t 
notice  the  trail  leaving  it.  I think  hunger  was  our 
excuse;  it  is  always  a legitimate  one.  We  sat  on  a 
plank  bridge  swinging  our  feet  as  we  ate  our 
sandwiches.  The  little  brook  sparkled  up  at  us 
whimsically  but  for  all  its  guiles  it  looked  chilly. 
Then  we  discovered  a new  sport : whenever  a car 
inched  by  us  there  came  a de- 
licious moment  when  it  seem- 
ed questionable  just  who  had 
possession  of  the  bridge. 

I hate  to  admit  just  how 
long  it  took  us  to  become 
aware  that  we  had  missed  the 
trail.  While  we  were  explain- 
ing it  to  each  other,  bent  over 
the  map,  a game  warden  ap- 
peared from  nowhere.  He  was 
a laconic  individual  dressed  in 
his  Sunday  best  which  con- 
sisted of  olive-green  breeches, 
properly  creased,  a khaki  shirt 
and  an  open  dark  blue  coat 
with  a silver  badge.  He  wore 
puttees  and  a span-new  sombrero  and  walked  with 
a staff.  For  all  of  that  he  looked  like  a college 
professor  off  masquerading.  He  had  white  hair, 
black-rimmed,  tortoise-shell  glasses  and  an  intel- 
ligent, dreamy  face. 

When  he  learned  what  we  were  looking  for,  he 
reckoned  that  we  had  missed  the  trail  about  a mile 
back.  We  looked  at  each  other.  One,  or  maybe 
two  of  us  might  have  been  that  unobserving,  but 
how  all  three  of  us  had  missed  it  was  incompre- 
hensible. 

“Did  you  see  the  red  tractor  by  the  side  of  the 
road  ?”  he  asked. 

We  admitted  we  hadn’t. 

“Humph,  probably  been  looking  at  the  road,” 
he  grumbled  as  he  walked  away  disdainfully. 

We  protested  in  vain.  Our  woodcraft  could 
have  been  bought  for  almost  any  price  at  that 
point. 


It  was  a little  too  late  in  the  day  for  us  to  re- 
trace our  steps,  but  the  map  showed  that  the  trail 
came  in  on  this  road  farther  on.  We  looked  up 
regretfully  at  Cobble  Mountain  and  Pine  Hill 
where  the  trail  beamed  benignly  down  upon  us. 

When  we  turned  a bend  in  the  road  we  saw  our 
warden  friend  standing,  feet  astride,  leaning  with 
both  hands  on  his  staff,  staring  into  Macedonia 
Brook.  At  first  we  thought  he  hadn’t  heard  us 
and  we  made  talk  to  warn  him  of  our  approach. 
Warning,  indeed.  He  said  softly,  without  turning 
around. 

“Rainbow  trout.” 

And  he  pointed  with  his  staff.  One  trout  was 
swimming  lazily  around  a sunken  log  in  the  mid- 
dle of  Macedonia  Brook.  The  warden  half  for- 
gave us  for  our  silent  admiration. 

It  appeared  that  he  had  been 
feeling  very  indignant  toward 
what  he  called  the  “public.” 
The  newspaper  had  published 
a notice  each  day  for  a week 
that  fires  were  banned  and  yet 
the  “public”  came  to  Mace- 
donia State  Park  on  Sunday 
with  uncooked  steak  dinners. 
We  had  noticed  the  “No 
Fires”  signs  planted  in  the 
center  of  each  fireplace  along 
the  way.  The  public  seldom 
believes  in  signs. 

We  soothed  the  warden 
somewhat  when  we  told  him 
how  much  we  liked  his  park. 
There  was  a series  of  camp  sites  and  picnic 
grounds  strung  along  the  winding  road.  Each 
spot  was  small  and  a good  stone’s  throw  away 
from  the  next,  which  gave  each  group  a privacy 
most  state  parks  do  not  have.  Its  rusticness  was 
its  own  and  not  man-made. 

Not  long  after  we  had  started  off  again,  we  saw 
the  trail  waiting  impishly  for  us  down  the  road. 
We  met  and  went  on ; it  was  a nice  road,  after 
all,  and  the  rhythm  of  walking  was  good.  We  met 
few  cars  and  fewer  hikers.  There  is  something 
fraternal  about  meeting  other  hikers;  it  is  as  if 
you  shared  a secret. 

When  the  sun  was  getting  pale  and  the  light 
warned  us  that  it  was  leaving  us,  we  left  the  road 
for  a trail  that  led  up  to  a rocky  bluff,  Caleb’s 
Peak.  We  had  walked  a semi-circle  and  Kent  lay 
( Continued  on  page  44) 


CLIMBING 

It's  the  feel  of  the  rocks  and  the 
turn  of  the  path, 

And  the  vista  now  and  then; 

It's  the  flower  in  the  rock,  or 
the  call  of  the  bird 
That  bids  you  leave  the  glen. 
It's  the  cool  of  the  air,  and  the 
steady  climb 

That  makes  you  feel  alive; 

And  the  view  at  the  top  is  the 
best  of  the  lot 
When  you  at  last  arrive. 

Marjorie  Stickney 


Organizing  a Hobby  Show 


A collection  of  hobbies  rep- 
resenting the  interests  of 
people  between  the  ages 
of  seven  and  seventy  from  twenty-three  differ- 
ent countries  is  something  not  to  be  missed.  This 
was  the  opportunity  offered  the  people  of  New 
York’s  lower  East  Side  during  Easter  week  last 
year  in  an  exhibit  sponsored  by  Christodora 
House,  a non-sectarian  organization  providing 
cultural  facilities  for  one  of  the  most  congested 
areas  of  Manhattan. 

Realizing  the  latent  talent  represented  in  the 
people  of  the  neighorhood,  Christodora  House  de- 
termined to  open  new  fields  of  interest  to  the 
people  wandering  in  the  labyrinth  of  social  change 
and  at  a loss  to  know  what  to  do  with  their  new 
leisure.  A hobby  show,  it  was  believed,  would 
stimulate  their  interest  by  presenting  a cross  sec- 
tion of  the  leisure  time  activities  already  being 
followed  by  people  in  their  own  community. 

How  It  Was  Organized 

Organization  was  centralized  in  one  individual 
known  as  the  chairman  of  the  hobby  show  whose 
duty  it  was  to  form  a central  committee  and  to 
integrate  the  duties  of  the  various  subcommittee. 
Each  member  of  the  hobby  show  committee 
served  as  chair- 
man of  a subcom- 
mittee responsible 
for  one  particular 
phase  of  the  pro- 
ject. The  commit- 
tee in  general 
charge  consisted 
of  the  following 
members  who 
were  selected 
from  their  respec- 
tive departments : 

Chairman  of 
Publicity.  The 
editor  of  the  house 
newspaper  served 
in  this  office  and 
was  assisted  by 


members  of  his  staff,  the  art 
class  and  poster  painting  groups. 
Chairman  of  Properties.  The 
stage  manager  of  the  Dramatic  Club  headed  this 
division.  The  Play  House  was  selected  as  the 
place  for  the  exhibition  because  it  provided  ample 
wall  and  floor  space. 

Chairmen  were  also  selected  for  each  of  the 
following  handcraft  divisions : Graphic  Arts,  Plas- 
tic Arts,  Crafts,  Woodwork,  Models  and  Col- 
lections. 

There  were  also  chairmen  for  dramatics  and 
athletics  who  arranged  for  special  programs 
demonstrating  other  Christodora  activities,  at  the 
same  time  providing  entertainment  for  guests. 

Meetings  of  the  hobby  show  committee  were 
held  several  weeks  prior  to  the  show  for  the  pur- 
pose of  setting  up  the  machinery  of  the  exhibition. 

Making  the  Hobby  Show  Known 

Mimeographed  handbills  announcing  the  hobby 
show  were  sent  to  all  the  social  agencies,  schools, 
libraries,  churches  and  recreation  centers  in  the 
community.  School  teachers  cooperated  by  writ- 
ing notices  of  the  event  on  their  classroom  black- 
boards, and  announcements  were  made  from  as- 
sembly platforms.  Newspapers  in  the  community 

cooperated  in  giv- 
ing ample  space 
for  publicity.  Pos- 
ters were  made  in 
the  art  classes  and 
distributed  for  dis- 
play in  near-by 
schools  and  li- 
braries. 

Programs  giv- 
ing in  detail  the 
list  of  athletic  and 
dramatic  presen- 
tations and  dem- 
onstrations were 
mimeographed 
and  distributed 
throughout  the 
community.  These 


By  Henry  Ferris  Donn 

New  York  City 


25 


26 


ORGANIZING  A HOBBY  SHOW 


various  means  of  publicity  made  it  possible  to 
reach  a large  part  of  the  population. 

Caring  for  the  Exhibits 

In  inviting  people  to  bring  their  hobbies  in  for 
demonstration  purposes,  a responsibility  for  their 
care  was  assumed  by  the  House.  Many  of  the 
items  brought  in  were  valuable  and  would  be  dif- 
ficult to  replace  if  broken  or  stolen.  As  each  item 
was  brought  in  it  was  recorded  on  a numbered 
card  which  contained  the  name,  age,  address  and 
telephone  number  of  the  exhibitor.  In  addition, 
the  condition  of  the  article  to  be  displayed  was 
recorded.  The  exhibitor  was  told  when  to  call  for 
the  article.  Before  leaving  he  was  asked  to  sign 
a card  releasing  the  House  of  any  liability  for  the 
exhibits.  Assurance  was 
given  that  all  reason- 
able care  would  be  taken 
of  the  articles  but  the 
House  could  not  as- 
sume liability  for  any 
accident.  All  of  the  ex- 
hibitors were  coopera- 
tive on  this  issue. 

The  name  and  age  of 
the  exhibitor  were  then 
placed  on  the  article.  It 
was  turned  over  to  the 
chairman  of  the  par- 
ticular division  in 
which  it  was  classified. 

Exhibits  which  were 
displayed  by  the  vari- 
ous classes  of  the  House  had  on  them  a card  upon 
which  was  typed  a short  history  of  the  class,  the 
leader’s  name,  time  of  meeting,  fees,  if  any,  etc. 

The  Exhibits 

The  various  classifications  follow. 


walls.  If  mounted  on  cardboard  they  served  as  a 
background  for  the  table  displays. 

Plastic  Arts 


Clay  modeling 
Lead  casting 
Life  masks 
Marionette  making 


Plasticine  modeling 
Plaster  of  Paris  casts 
Pottery 
Sculpturing 


The  Hobby  League  fostered  by  the  Philadel- 
phia Playground  and  Recreation  Association 
and  numbering  2,000  members,  is  using  as 
headquarters  an  old  school  building.  The  fol- 
lowing schedule  shows  the  types  of  clubs 
meeting  at  the  center:  Monday  — handcraft, 
dramatics,  dance  orchestra,  music  apprecia- 
tion; Tuesday  — photographers,  writers,  wood- 
workers, contra  and  folk  dancing,  piano  les- 
sons; Wednesday  — marionettes,  dramatics,  a 
mixed  chorus,  rhythms;  Thursday  — art,  sym- 
phony orchestra,  tap  and  social  dancing,  a 
coin  club,  men's  chorus  (postmen);  Friday  — 
dramatics,  symphony  orchestra  (advanced),  a 
piano  class,  hiking  club  and  public  speaking. 


Graphic  Arts 

Architectural  drawings 
Charcoal  sketches 
Compass  charts 
Costume  designing 
Crayon  drawing 
Dress  designing 
Map  making 
Oil  paintings,  landscape 

Mineral  sketching 


Oil  paintings,  portrait 
Oil  paintings,  still  life 
Pastels 

Pen  and  ink  sketches 
Pencil  drawing,  copied 
Pencil  drawing,  original 
Poster  designing 
Water  color  painting 
on  porcelain 

Pictures  that  were  in  frames  were  suspended 
from  wall  brackets.  Those  that  were  not  framed 
were  pinned  on  pieces  of  burlap  tacked  on  the 


Mask  making,  papier-mache  Soap  carving 
Stone  work 

Special  four  foot  stands  were  made  of  wood  to 
hold  the  larger  casts  of  clay.  The  masks  were 
pinned  to  a piece  of  black  cloth  that  was  draped 
over  a wooden  frame  which  served  as  a back- 
ground for  one  of  the  display  tables.  The  rest  of 
the  material  was  displayed  on  long  office  tables 
that  were  covered  with  inexpensive  cloth  or  sheets. 

Crafts 

Archery  craft 

Basketry 
Bead  work 
Belt  making,  cord 
Bookbinding 
Brass  tapping 
Crocheting 
Dressmaking 
Embroidery 
Fibre  craft 
Glass  silhouettes 
Indian  lore 
Iron  work 
Jewelry 
Knitting 
Lace  work 

Lamp  shade  construction 
Leather  work,  tooled 
Leather  work,  untooled 
Linoleum  block  cuts 

Needle  craft  Rug  making,  Early 

Pewter  American 

Pounded  metal  work  Sheepskin  craft 

Pyrography  Silver  craft 

Rope  brush  work  Tin  can  craft 

Weaving 

These  articles  were  placed  on  tables  that  were 
covered  with  sheets.  Care  was  taken  in  placing 
the  material  so  that  everything  could  be  easily 
seen.  “Do  not  handle”  signs  were  placed  on  every 
table.  The  leaders  of  the  various  crafts  were  on 
hand  at  all  times  to  answer  any  questions  pertain- 
ing to  their  work.  As  much  as  possible  of  the 
material  was  covered  with  glass  panes  that  had 
been  obtained  from  desk  tops  in  the  building. 
Woodwork 


Easel  construction 
Furniture  making 
House  construction 
Marionettes 
Model  construction 


Toy  making 

Ukulele  construction,  cigar  box 
Wood  carving 
Wood  turning 


ORGANIZING  A HOBBY  SHOW 


27 


This  exhibit  was  placed  on  tables.  Easels  were 
used  to  hold  other  sections  of  the  exhibit. 

Collections 

The  collections  were  an  outstanding  feature  of 
the  exhibit  and  aroused  special  interest.  They 
included  the  following: 

Coins  from  many  lands 

(This  exhibit  was  placed  under  a glass  pane, 
the  glass  being  made  secure  by  sticking  it  with 
adhesive  tape  to  the  bed  sheet  which  covered  the 
table.) 

Stamps  from  many  lands 

(A  large  map  of  the  world  was  drawn  by  mem- 
bers of  the  art  class  and  the  stamps  were  placed 
on  the  countries  from  which  they  came.  Large 
albums  and  material  used  in  pursuing  this  hobby, 
such  as  magnifying  glasses,  tweezers  and  stickers, 
were  placed  on  the  table  with  the  stamps.) 

First  day  covers 

(This  was  a very  valuable  collection  loaned  by 
the  man  who  ran  the  elevator  in  the  building.  It 
was  placed  under  glass.) 

Cachets 

Autographs  from  personalities  in  the  musical 
world 

Club  newspapers 

Club  albums  and  scrap  books 

Collection  of  United  States  pennies 

(These  were  placed  in  slots  cut  out  of  a piece 
of  box  wood  and  made  secure  in  the  wood  by 
glue.  Pennies  dated  from  1880  to  1934) 
Photography 

(This  collection  was  mounted  on  large  sheets 
of  cardboard  and  served  as  a background  to  the 
table  exhibits.) 

Shell  collections 
Collection  of  leather  skins 

(These  were  a good  background  for  the  leather 
craft  exhibit.) 

Knot  boards 
Mounted  rattlesnakes 

(Hung  from  wall  brackets.) 

Buttons 

(Pinned  to  a sheet  of  cardboard.) 

Tools 

(Mounted  on  ply  board.) 

Precious  and  semi-precious  stones 

(These  were  shown  in  a locked  case  and  were 
mounted  on  small  pieces  of  cotton  which  were 
placed  on  little  pieces  of  cardboard.) 

Collection  of  small  handmade  motors 
Match  box  covers 


(Mounted  on  cardboard  and  placed  on  an  easel) 
Human  embryos 

(This  was  a collection  of  twenty-eight  human 
fetuses  from  one  week  to  six  months.  They  were 
especially  stained  to  show  the  bone)  growth.  This 
is  a hobby  of  one  of  the  medical  students  living 
at  the  House.) 

Theater  tickets  (in  a folder) 

College  scrap  book 

Guppies  (in  a tank  provided  by  the  collector) 
Many  of  these  collections  were  very  valuable 
and  great  care  was  taken  to  safeguard  them.  Small 
cards  on  each  collection  told  the  story  of  the 
hobby  and  many  of  the  collectors  were  on  hand 
to  answer  questions. 

Models 

Ship  models 
Air  planes 
Miniature  stage  sets 
Large  lathe 
Ox  carts 

Demonstrations 

The  dramatic  group  of  Christodora  House  pre- 
sented several  plays  during  the  week  in  which 
junior,  intermediate  and  senior  boys  and  girls  par- 
ticipated. Demonstrations  were  given  by  mem- 
bers of  the  various  House  groups  in  folk  danc- 
ing, singing,  swimming  and  diving,  basketball, 
foul  shooting,  handball,  volley  ball  and  ping  pong. 
No  admission  charge  was  made  to  any  of  the 
demonstrations  or  to  the  hobby  show  itself. 

It  was  found  that  the  best  policy  was  to  admit 
children  only  in  the  afternoon  from  3 130  to  5 :3c). 
Adults  attended  from  7:00  p.  m.  to  10:00  p.  m. 
Over  3,000  people  visited  the  exhibit  during  the 
week  and  over  100  different  hobbies  were  on 
exhibition. 

Results  Secured 

The  show  served  its  immediate  objective  in  that 
it  presented  to  the  people  of  the  community  a 
cross  section  of  the  leisure  time  activities  of  their 
neighborhood.  There  has  been  an  increase  in  the 
art  and  crafts  classes  at  Christodora  House  since 
the  exhibit.  Two  of  the  exhibitors  were  so  im- 
presed  by  the  many  inquiries  about  their  work 
that  they  volunteered  to  lead  groups  in  the  House. 

The  consensus  of  opinion  was  that  the  exhibit 
had  proved  its  worth  and  that  it  should  be  re- 
peated next  year  on  a larger  scale. 


Boats 

Model  houses 
Miniature  motors 
Bagatelle  set 


Palo  Alto’s  May  Festival 


May  Day  is  Play  Day 
in  Palo  Alto,  Cali- 
fornia, and  on  that 
day,  or  on  the  first  Satur- 
day in  May  of  each  year, 
literally  the  whole  town  for- 
gets its  troubles  and  joins  in 
the  festivities  planned  to  oc- 
cupy every  minute  from  nine 
in  the  morning  until  bedtime. 

The  first  May  Festival 
was  held  sixteen  years  ago 
at  the  old  community  center 
(now  the  veterans’  build- 
ing, as  Palo  Alto  has  a fine 
new  civic  center  at  Rin- 
conada  Park)  on  the  lawns 
under  the  spreading  oaks. 

Each  year  the  enthusiasm 
and  interest  increase,  for 
the  community  has  discov- 
ered how  delightful  it  is  to 
play  together. 

Kathleen  Norris,  novelist, 
journalist  and  philanthropist,  guards  her  chair- 
manship of  the  May  Festival  committee  jealously. 
All  through  the  year  she  plans  for  the  occasion, 
and  when  the  next  year  rolls  around  she  has 
already  interviewed  representatives  from  the  vari- 
ous service  organizations  asking — and  receiving — 
funds  and  aid,  and  has  “nagged”  the  police  depart- 
ment until  she  has  extracted  a promise  to  clear  the 
streets  for  the  parade. 

That  the  May  Festival  is  “more  fun  than  a cir- 
cus” is  attested  by  Mrs.  Norris  herself  who,  upon 
spying  a group  of  shabby  little  boys  gazing  long- 
ingly at  the  hot  dog  stand,  generously  supplied  the 
coveted  nourishment  and  observed,  “Pm  sorry  I 
had  to  be  out  of  town  when  the  circus  was  here 
last  week.  I had  planned  to  take  a lot  of  you  to 
see  the  performance.” 

“Oh,  that’s  all  right,”  replied  one  boy,  “I’d  lots 
sooner  go  to  the  May  Fete.  It  don’t  cost  so  much 
and  you  can  stay  all  day  long.” 

The  Parade  Is  On! 

Mrs.  Norris  plans  each  year  to  have  some  sort 
of  unusual  feature  for  the  parade.  One  year  she 


brought  home  from  a trip 
abroad  a small  Castilian 
donkey  and  cart  which,  with 
a man  dressed  in  native 
peasant  costum e,  proved 
quite  a sensation.  Another 
year  she  arranged  for  an 
enormous  long-horn  steer — 
horns  and  all  — weighing  a 
ton,  to  be  led  in  the  parade 
by  its  owner,  dressed  as  a 
toreador.  This  year,  baby 
leopards,  monkeys,  a curly 
white  donkey  and  a baby 
lamb  with  its  mother  were 
brought  down  from  the 
Fleishhacker  Zoo  in  San 
Francisco  for  the  occasion. 

Other  oddments  of  the 
animal  kingdom  marching  in 
the  parade  this  year  were 
white  mice,  lizards,  chick- 
ens, cats  and  birds  all  on 
express  wagon  floats,  dogs, 
a coti-mundi,  goats  and  thirty  or  more  horses  and 
ponies.  The  parade,  as  usual,  lined  up  along  Uni- 
versity Avenue,  the  main  business  section,  and 
marched  down  the  avenue  to  the  veterans’  build- 
ing. The  parade  was  led  by  an  officer  mounted  on 
a motorcycle  escorting  an  Alaskan  dog  team  and 
sledge.  Behind  them  came  the  Palo  Alto  Military 
Academy  band,  smartly  turned  out  in  full  regalia, 
then  the  May  Queen,  a tiny  miss  attended  by  two 
colored  attendants  and  her  court,  floats  of  all  sorts, 
juvenile  organizations  in  uniform,  animals,  doll 
buggies,  wagons  and  tricycles,  all  elaborately 
decorated,  and  finally  the  ponies  and  horses.  Girl 
and  Boy  Scouts  kept  a watchful  eye  upon  the 
smaller  children  in  the  parade,  lending  assistance 
with  doll  buggies  or  fractious  pets,  or  treating 
thirsty  animals  to  generous  drinks  of  water. 
Among  the  several  thousand  spectators  who  lined 
the  streets  to  cheer  and  marvel  and  call  friendly 
greetings  to  the  participants,  was  MrS.  Herbert 
Hoover  whose  own  dog,  “Weegie,”  was  an  entrant. 

After  the  parade  reached  the  veterans’  build- 
ing, the  May  Queen  with  her  attendants  was 
escorted  to  her  place  on  the  stage  of  the  outdoor 


By  Katherine  Peavy 


28 


PALO  ALTO’S  MAY  FESTIVAL 


29 


theater  and  presented  to  her  subjects.  “Hello,” 
quoth  her  small  Highness  as  she  was  lifted  to  the 
microphone.  This  ceremony  over,  a program  was 
presented  by  the  various  races  of  children  which 
included  songs,  dances  and  a playlet.  The  May 
Festival  is  International  Day  for  Palo  Alto  as 
well,  and  the  festivities  would  not  be  complete 
unless  all  the  several  nations  and  colors  in  the 
community  were  represented  in  some  way. 

The  judging  of  the  pets,  floats  and  wheel  toys 
is  always  a serious  business,  but  suffice  it  to  say 
every  owner  goes  home  happy  and  satisfied,  as 
those  who  do  not  win  places  in  the  first  three 
classes  receive  ribbons  proclaiming  a “special 
award.”  So  there  are  never  any  tears ! 

The  Pageant  Program 

It  is  eleven  o’clock  by  this  time,  and  the  hot  dog 
stands,  ice  cream  counters  and  luncheon  booths 
are  doing  a rushing  business.  But  as  soon  as  the 
keenest  edge  has  been  taken  off  the  appetites, 
crowds  begin  to  move  toward  the  bleachers  on  the 
lower  green  to  witness  the  May  Day  pageant.  In 
this  sylvan  setting,  banked  by  shrubs  and  trees, 
two  hundred  or  more  children  take  part  each  year 
in  some  locally  written  dance  drama  depicting 
either  a fanciful  or  an  historical  event.  This  year 
the  idea  centered  around  the  various  holidays  which 
gather  to  select  a holiday  for 
all.  All  the  dance  studios  in 
town  cooperated  with  the  Chil- 


dren’s Theater  to  make  the  performance  a success. 

After  luncheon,  an  old  time  vaudeville  show  is 
presented  in  the  open  air  theater.  While  the  fea- 
tures of  this  event  are  usually  professional  per- 
formers such  as  magicians  or  jugglers,  there  is  an 
added  opportunity  for  local  talent. 

Everywhere  on  the  grounds  there  are  things  for 
sale  such  as  balloons,  peanuts,  candy,  flowers  and 
food.  All  one  needs  is  a string  of  tickets  costing 
a nickle  each  which  may  be  exchanged  for  any- 
thing desired.  These  tickets  are  purchased  from 
the  central  cashier,  and  the  plan  simplifies  the 
financial  system  enormously.  The  funds  cleared 
from  the  May  Festival  are  used  each  year  for  civic 
betterment.  Sometimes  it  is  spent  for  repairs  or 
materials  for  the  recreation  center,  or  for  play- 
ground equipment,  but  always  it  is  diverted  into 
channels  which  mean  happiness  for  the  children 
of  the  community.  Practically  all  the  labor,  food 
and  other  items  for  sale  are  donations,  so  the  ex- 
penses for  the  event  are  not  great.  A small  fee  is 
charged  for  entries  in  the  parade,  for  the  pet  show, 
hobby  show,  vaudeville  and  international  pro- 
gram, but  the  pageant,  sports  and  contests  are  free. 

The  festivities  of  the  day  end  with  games,  a 
track  meet  and  a dance  for  the  older  folk,  and 
afterward  everybody  goes  home  tired  but  happy, 
leaving  the  field  of  conquest  to  the  gardeners 
and  the  darkness.  The  May 
Festival  is  over  for  another 
year. 


The  doll  buggy  section  of  the  parade, 
always  one  of  the  attractive  features 


The  Community  Workshop  in  Decatur 


By 

Elmer  Gidel 

Workshop  Director 


When  Decatur's  workshop  started  the  out- 
look as  far  as  equipment  and  supplies  was 
concerned  was  far  from  bright.  The  pro- 
ject had,  however,  the  advantage  of  paid  leader- 
ship. And  these  leaders  began  at  once  a search 
for  supplies  with  which  to  work.  Lumber  com- 
panies and  yards  and  saw  mills  were  visited  in  the 
pursuit  of  materials.  Aid  was  sought  from 
schools  and  factories  and  furniture  was  collected 
by  the  Red  Cross  to  be  repaired  in  the  shop.  Seven 
manual  training  benches  and  a few  hand  tools 
purchased  by  the  Pines  Community  Association, 
the  forerunner  of  the  Community  Recreation  As- 
sociation, were  found  in  a garage.  These  tools 
were  very  helpful  in  starting  the  shop.  Lumber 
used  in  crating  furniture  and  other  large  articles 
was  picked  up  at  department  stores.  A load  of 
one  by  four  yellow  pine  crating  ranging  from  two 
to  six  feet  in  length  was  bought  from  a junk 
dealer  for  50  cents. 

Later  the  shop  acquired  for  rebuilding  old 
furniture  mahogany  from  the  old  Wabash  Rail- 
road coaches.  Heavy  lumber  was  also  obtained 
from  box  cars  for  the  building  of  additional 
benches  and  shop  tables.  Paints  were  donated 
from  paint  stores,  and  nails  and  glue  were  ac- 
quired in  various  ways.  Two  of  the  boys  to  earn 
money  for  nails  helped  the  Junior  Chamber  of 
Commerce  spread  corn  meal  for  a dance.  Other 
boys  moved  and  set  up  a band  stand  to  secure 
funds  for  screws  and  bolts. 

After  the  shop  had  been  operating  for  a few 
months  under  federal  emergency  funds,  a work 
relief  project  was  approved  by  the  Illinois  Emer- 
gency Relief  Commission  under  which  the  shop 
was  able  to  expand  its  activities  and  to  add  two 
manual  arts  instructors  and  an  upholsterer  to  its 
teaching  staff.  The  IERC  also  supplied  several 
thousand  feet  of  yellow  pine  and  nails,  screws  and 
glue.  Ten  work  relief  carpenters  were  detailed  to 


The  Community  Workshop  of  Decatur, 
Illinois,  is  a very  important  part  of  the 
program  of  the  Community  Recrea- 
tion Association  of  the  city.  An  out- 
growth of  emergency  work  in  sewing, 
quilting,  art,  mechanical  drawing,  rug 
making,  upholstering,  carpentry  and 
coping  saw  work,  it  was  originally 
sponsored  by  the  local  chapter  of  the 
American  Red  Cross.  It  is  significant 
that  the  services  of  the  Workshop 
have  been  so  important  that  it  has 
become  a permanent  part  of  the 
local  recreation  movement. 


help  build  equipment  for  the  shop,  the  IERC  of- 
fices and  for  relief  clients  who  needed  beds,  tables 
and  chairs. 

At  this  time  the  shop  was  operated  as  the  Com- 
munity Workshop.  Under  the  same  roof  was 
housed  a sewing  project.  The  shop  enrolled  work 
relief  labor  sent  from  the  IERC  office.  These 
workers  made  equipment  for  the  shop  and  other 
IERC  centers.  They  made  and  repaired  furniture 
and  other  articles  fqr  the  homes  of  relief  clients 
who  received  relief  orders  for  the  articles  made. 
They  also  exchanged  work  with  other  men  on 
relief  who  wished  to  repair  their  furniture  but 
who  were  too  inexperienced  to  do  so.  Each  man 
did  the  work  he  was  best  able  to  do. 

The  workshop’s  greatest  contribution  to  date 
has  probably  been  in  training  men  to  do  credita- 
ble carpentry  work.  They  are  continually  en- 
couraged to  do  better  work  and  to  brush  up  on 
their  use  of  tools  so  that  they  will  be  better  fitted 
to  follow  their  trade  when  the  opportunity  pre- 
sents itself. 

The  objective  of  the  shop  is  threefold.  First, 
it  provides  work  relief  mechanics  and  carpenters 
an  opportunity  to  do  constructive  work  in  their 
respective  fields.  They  take  pride  in  their  work 
and  feel  the  “personal  touch”  of  the  shop.  A sec- 
ond objective  is  to  offer  aid  to  people  who  receive 
relief  and  have  an  abundance  of  time  on  their 
(Continued  on  page  45) 


30 


Yankee  Ingenuity  Scores  in 


Hartford 


Yankee  ingenuity  is  still  alive, 
though  it  long  ago  passed  the 
stage  of  having  a wooden 
nutmeg  for  a trade-mark. 

It  is  amazing  to  what  ends  ingenuity  is  being 
exercised  by  the  Park  Department  of  Hartford, 
Connecticut,  where  salvaged  building  materials 
are  utilized  to  make  everything  from  a clothespin 
to  a $50,000  clubhouse.  Its  skilled  artisans  and 
mechanics  fashion  artistic  drinking  fountains 
from  discarded  blocks  of  stone  and  pillars  of 
marble,  cure  the  ailments  of  a balky  engine  with 
stray  bits  of  wire  and  a few  bolts,  make  rowboats 
out  of  old  but  sound  lumber,  cast  iron  standards 
for  bleachers,  construct  buildings,  create  theatri- 
cal props ; in  fact,  fabricate  almost  all  of  the  park, 
playground  and  recreation  apparatus  and  equip- 
ment. 

Here  is  an  example.  A few  days  ago  the 
director  of  boxing  for  the  recreation  division’s 
classes  was  in  need  of  several  skipping  ropes  for 
his  young  wards.  A requisition  went  to  the  work- 
shops at  Colt  Park,  a sturdy  grade  of  rope 
selected,  wooden  handles 
shaped  and  attached,  and  the 
ropes  delivered  within  a day. 

Just  before  the  holidays  the 
director  of  children’s  drama 
found  herself  in  need  of  a 
fireplace  for  a Christmas  play. 


It  took  but  a few  hours  for  the 
workshop  crew  to  make  one  from 
odd  bits  of  wood  and  red  paper. 
When  the  architect’s  plans  call- 
ed for  a cupola  atop  the  new  swimming  pool  at 
Colt  Park,  men  in  the  Park  Department  found 
one  already  made  that  took  but  little  labor  to  re- 
shape to  measure.  It  had  been  ordered  a few 
years  before  for  another  building  but  not  used. 
Instead  of  being  discarded,  it  had  been  saved. 

Twenty  years  ago,  when  the  present  municipal 
building  was  being  erected,  two  large  columns  of 
Barre  marble  were  ordered  but  rejected  when 
flaws  were  discovered  in  them.  They  were  stored 
in  Colt  Park  until  last  summer  when  George  Hol- 
lister, Superintendent  of  Parks,  realized  their  pos- 
sibilities, and  in  a few  days  a veteran  Barre,  Ver- 
mont, marble  cutter,  a resident  of  the  city,  was  at 
work  hand  carving  the  pillars  into  sections  that 
became  attractive  drinking  fountains  for  the 
parks. 

There  is  hardly  a useful  stick  or  a stone  thrown 
away  by  the  city  that  the  Park  Department  does 
not  examine  for  possible  sal- 
vage uses.  This  is  especially 
true  of  old,  unused  buildings 
razed  on  city  owned  property. 

New  Buildings  from  Old 

A few  years  ago,  when  Hart- 
ford acquired  a fine  new  fed- 


By  John  M.  Hurley 

Park  Department 
Hartford,  Connecticut 


At  a time  when  much  is  being  heard 
about  spending  on  a vast  scale,  it 
is  refreshing  to  learn  of  the  meas- 
ures which  are  being  taken  in  a New 
England  city  to  effect  large  saving 
through  using  salvaged  materials. 


31 


32 


YANKEE  INGENUITY  SCORES  IN  HARTFORD 


eral  building,  the  city  obtained  title  to  the  old  post 
office  which  it  replaced.  The  old  building  was  de- 
molished but  parts  of  it  today  will  be  found  in 
many  new  structures.  The  floor  of  the  new  tool 
house  at  Colt  Park  was  formerly  the  first  floor  of 
the  former  post  office.  Some  of  the  marble  is  to 
be  found  in  the  shower  rooms  at  the  Keney  golf 
house.  Some  of  the  old  lumber  made  shuffleboard 
discs.  All  the  old  stairways,  both  circular  and 
straight,  have  been  used  again.  So  have  a great 
many  other  materials. 

In  the  last  two  years,  chiefly  with  CWA  and 
FERA  assistance,  no  less  than  a dozen  such  struc- 
tures which  had  outlived  their  usefulness  have 
been  leveled.  In  the  manner  of  the  farmer  who 
used  every  part  of  the  pig  but  the  squeal,  the 
Park  Department  salvaged  practically  everything 
in  the  buildings  except  the  concrete  and  mortar. 
From  these  old  materials  truly  amazing  results 
have  been  achieved.  They  provided  at  least  60  per 
cent  of  the  materials  that  went  into  the  construc- 
tion of  nine  new  municipally  owned  structures,  in- 
cluding a $50,000  golf  club  house  at  Keney  Park, 
a lawn  bowling  club  house  at  Elizabeth  Park,  a 
recreation  house  at  Pope  Park,  a combination  tool 
house  and  storage  shed  at  Elizabeth  Park,  bath 
houses  at  the  new  Colt  Park  swimming  pool,  a 
garage  and  two  storehouses  at  Colt  Park,  and  a 
new  two-car  garage. 

These  buildings  represent  an  estimated  valua- 
tion of  $135,000  and  were  erected  by  means  of 
FERA  labor  and  salvaged  materials  at  a cost  to 
the  city  of  about  $20,000.  They  are  what  might 
be  called  only  the  major  uses  of  the  salvage,  in- 
cluding all  the  brick,  as  well  as  a great  part  of  the 
slate,  doors,  windows,  joists,  rafters,  roofers,  and 
rough  flooring. 

Everything  Possible  Salvaged 

Not  even  old  plumbing  is  all  thrown  away,  for 
the  pipes  are  shaped  into  quoit  stakes,  rope  stan- 


dards and  the  like.  Every  pane  of  glass  is  saved, 
for  it  is  a simple  matter  to  recut  them  into  new 
sizes.  Old  timber  cleared  from  the  heavy  forests 
of  Keney  and  Batterson  Parks  has  its  new  uses. 
Frequently  forest  trees  die  which  can  be  saved 
for  lumber.  Young  saplings  and  bushes  that  are 
commonly  regarded  as  waste  underbrush  often 
are  replanted  in  the  department’s  nursery  for  cul- 
tivation and  use  in  landscaping  work.  Even  the 
leaves  that  fall  from  the  trees  are  saved  to  make 
leaf  mold  or  compost. 

The  very  buildings  that  house  the  skilled  crew 
of  carpenters,  blacksmiths,  painters,  stone  masons, 
electricians  and  iron  workers,  every  one  chosen 
for  his  skill  in  a particular  craft,  were  constructed 
by  the  men.  All  through  the  year  they  labor,  and 
the  output  of  their  lathes  and  smithy  are  almost 
beyond  comprehension. 

A trip  through  the  workshop  and  storehouse  is 
revealing.  Racks,  shelves,  barrels,  boxes  and  bins 
hold  every  conceivable  gadget  that  might  be  need- 
ed in  park  and  recreation  work.  There  are  thou- 
sands of  nails,  screws,  nuts,  bolts  and  sundry  ap- 
purtenances segregated  according  to  size;  shelves 
of  newly  painted  signs  of  warning  and  direction; 
knotted  ropes  and  iron  stand  for  giant  swings ; 
frames  for  playground  apparatus;  tables,  chairs, 
life-size  doll  houses  and  doll  furniture ; Cape  Cod 
furniture,  benches,  settees,  bleachers,  even  row- 
boats ; sand  boxes,  picnic  tables,  steel  picks  for 
spiking  debris,  checker  boards,  pool  tables,  waste 
and  paper  baskets,  wooden  paddles  for  paddle 
tennis,  “potatoes”  for  potato  races,  slides,  seesaws, 
music  stands,  and  huge  flood  lights  for  night 
activities. 

Thus  the  Flartford  Park  Department  has  made 
economy  its  watchword  and  the  use  of  salvaged 
material  an  important  feature  of  planning  in  its 
recreation  program. 


The  brick,  rough  lumber, 
panelling  and  oak  trusses 
taken  from  an  old  Orphan 
Asylum  owned  by  a School 
District  have  been  used  in 
the  construction  of  Keney 
Park's  beautiful  new  golf 
club  house.  About  $7,500 
was  made  available  for 
the  purchase  of  other  ma- 
terial used  in  the  building. 


The  Recreational  Backgrou  nd 

of 


By 

George  E.  Outland 

and 

H.  M.  Eads 


o ur  Transient  Boys 


The  Formation  of  an  adequate  program  of 
recreation,  has  been  one  of  the  problems  fac- 
ing the  Federal  Transient  Service  since  its 
.beginning.  Food,  shelter,  clothing,  medical  care — 
these  were  basic,  but  provision  for  leisure  time 
activity  was  necessary  too  if  the  wanderers  of  the 
road  were  to  be  stabilized  to  any  degree. 

When  attempts  were  first  made  to  establish  a 
recreational  program  in  the  lodges  and  camps  of 
the  Boys  Welfare  Department  for  Southern  Cali- 
fornia there  was  encountered,  in  addition  to  lack 
of  adequate  personnel  and  equipment,  an  attitude 
of  listlessness  and  indifference  on  the  part  of 
many  of  the  boys  themselves.  This  attitude  as- 
tonished the  recreation  leaders,  many  of  whom 
were  heard  to  remark  to  the  effect  that  “they  don’t 
know  how  to  play.”  The  feeling  seemed  to  be 
quite  prevalent  that  these  wandering  youngsters 
were  different  from  ordinary  boys  in  this  respect, 
and  that,  doubtless  due  to  the  economic  and  social 
environments  from  which  they  had  come,  they 
had  not  participated  in  the  normal  play  activities 
of  youth. 

In  order  to  ascertain  objectively  the  types  and 
amount  of  recreation  which  migrant  boys  have 
had,  the  present  study  was  made  of  347  boys 
under  care  of  the  Boys  Welfare  Department  of 
Southern  California  in  August  1935.  The  study 
was  supervised  by  the  recreation  director  of  each 
unit,  and  was  conducted  by  the  questionnaire 
method.  No  boy  was  required  to  fill  out  the  blank, 
although  it  was  requested  that  all  of  those  willing 
to  do  so  be  as  complete  and  serious  as  possible  in 
answering  the  questions.  It  was  not  possible  to 
reach  all  of  the  boys  under  care,  but  it  is  felt  that 
the  347  who  filled  in  the  blanks  were  representa- 
tive of  the  group  as  a whole.  These  347  boys 
represented  all  sections  of  the  United  States,  with 
only  Maryland,  Nevada,  North  Dakota,  Dela- 


"In addition  to  various  types  of 
work  projects,  the  community  pro- 
gram should  include  provision  for 
recreation  and  leisure  time  activ- 
ities for  individuals  and  groups.  A 
lounge  and  reading  room,  library 
books,  magazines,  writing  materi- 
als, handicraft  shops,  recreation 
fields  or  gymnasiums  providing  for 
vigorous,  competitive  sports,  all 
will  serve  to  improve  health  and 
morale." — From  Rules  and  Regu- 
lations Number  8,  Government 
Organization  and  Operation  of 
Transient  Service  Bureaus. 


ware,  Maine,  and  Wyoming  omitted.  As  might 
have  been  expected  1 Texas  led  the  way  with  57 
boys,  while  other  states  in  the  double  figure  col- 
umn were  Pennsylvania  26,  Illinois  24,  Okla- 
homa 23,  New  York  17,  Ohio  14,  Missouri  13, 
Louisiana  12,  Kansas  10. 

Showing  That  Transient  Boys  Have  Played 

The  results  are  extremely  interesting,  especially 
to  those  workers  who  have  felt  that  transient 
boys  have  never  played.  As  portrayed  in  Table  I, 
all  but  27  of  the  347  boys  had  participated  in  some 
form  of  organized  group  recreation  before  taking 
to  the  road.  In  other  words,  92.2  percent  had  so 
participated.  Furthermore,  70.6  percent  of  this 
group  had  been  active  in  two  or  more  different 
types  of  organized  recreation. 


TABLE  I 

Percent 

a.  Boys  participating  in  one  or  more  group... 320  92.2 

b.  Boys  not  participating  in  any  recreation....  27  7.8 

Total 347  100 

c.  Boys  participating  in  two  or  more  groups.. 272  70.6 

d.  Boys  participating  in  only  one  group 75  29.4 

Total 347  100 


1 George  E.  Outlard  “Sources  of  Transie.ru  Boys,"  Sociology 
end  Social  Research,  Vol.  XIX,  No.  5,  May-June  1935,  pagee 
429-434. 


33 


34 


THE  RECREATIONAL  BACKGROUND  OF  OUR  TRANSIENT  BOYS 


Table  11  portrays  the  general  types  of  group 
recreation  indulged  in  by  the  boys  before  becom- 
ing transient.  As  might  be  expected,  participation 
on  athletic  teams  leads  the  way ; in  fact,  approxi- 
mately 68  percent  of  the  boys  had  played  on  one 
or  more  athletic  teams  in  high  school,  college,  or 
semi-professionally.  Those  two  favorite  sports  of 
American  boys  everywhere,  football  and  baseball, 
led  the  list  with  125  and  119  participants  respec- 
tively. Basketball  is  close  behind  with  83,  and 
then  comes  a sharp  falling  off  to  Track  and  Field 
29,  Indoor  Baseball  23,  and  Swimming  23.  The 
details  of  this  phase  of  recreational  background 
are  found  in  Table  III. 


TABLE  II 

Numbers  and  Percentage  of  boys  in  organized 
recreation  groups 


1.  Athletic  Teams  

...236 

68  % 

2.  Church  Clubs  

. . .157 

45.1% 

3.  Boy  Scouts  

. . . 126 

36.3% 

4.  High  School  Clubs  

. . . 122 

35.1% 

5.  Musical  Organizations  

...91 

26.2% 

6.  Y.M.C.A.  or  Y.M.H.A 

...84 

24.2% 

7.  Playground  Groups  

...82 

23.7% 

8.  Boys  Clubs  

...66 

19  % 

9.  Miscellaneous  

...30 

8.6% 

10.  Fraternal  Organizations  . . . 

...28 

8 % 

11.  Four-H  Clubs  

...26 

7.5% 

12.  Settlement  House  Groups. . . 

. . . 8 

2 % 

TABLE  III 
Athletic  Teams 


1.  Football  

..125 

10.  Volley  Ball  .... 

....  7 

2. 

Baseball  

..119 

11.  Wrestling  

....  5 

3. 

Basketball  

..  83 

12.  Tumbling  

. . . . 4 

4. 

Track;  and  Field.  . 

..  29 

13.  Golf  

....  3 

5. 

Swimming  

..  23 

14.  Hockey  

....  3 

6. 

Indoor  Baseball  . . 

..  23 

15.  Bowling  

....  2 

7. 

Boxing  

..  17 

16.  Polo  

. . . . 1 

8. 

Tennis  

..  11 

17.  Handball  

....  1 

9.  Soccer  8 

Contrary  to  what  might  be  expected  by  the 
average  citizen,  church  groups  come  second  only 
to  athletics  in  the  types  of  organized  group  recre- 
ation participated  in  by  young  transients.  One 
hundred  and  fifty-seven  boys  had  belonged  to 
some  young  people’s  group  connected  with  the 
church.  B.Y.P.U.  led  the  way  with  46,  followed 
by  the  Epworth  League,  Catholic  Clubs,  and 
Christian  Endeavor.  Many  boys  mentioned  that 
they  had  belonged  to  church  social  groups  without 
specifying  either  the  denomination  or  the  par- 
ticular type  of  club  with  which  they  had  been 
affiliated. 

One  hundred  twenty-six,  or  36.6  percent  of  the 
boys,  had  been  members  of  Boy  Scout  troops  in 
their  home  communities.  When  it  is  remembered 
that  many  of  these  boys  come  from  rural  or 
mountain  districts  where  the  existence  of  Scout 
troops  is  problematical,  it  can  be  seen  that  this 
figure  is  quite  high.  Fourteen  boys  wrote  in  that 


they  had  been  patrol  leaders;  seven  others  men- 
tioned that  they  had  belonged  to  the  Sea  Scouts. 

The  fact  that  122  boys  had  belonged  to  one  or 
more  high  school  recreational  groups  throws  light 
not  only  on  the  recreational  background  of  these 
young  migrants  but  also  on  the  amount  of  formal 
schooling  they  had  before  taking  to  the  road. 
Studies  have  already  shown  2 that  our  young  tran- 
sients have  a formal  education  that  compares 
favorably  with  that  of  American  boys  as  a whole, 
and  here  is  further  corroboration  of  that  fact. 
Table  V shows  the  different  kinds  of  high  school 
clubs  to  which  these  boys  had  belonged.  Dramatic, 
Language,  Science,  and  HiY  groups  top  the  list, 
but  twenty-six  different  types  are  represented  in 
this  field. 

TABLE  IV 


High  School  Clubs 


1.  Dramatic  24 

2.  Language 21 

3.  Science 12 

4.  HiY  12 

5.  Letter  Men 7 

6.  Debating  5 

7.  Hiking  3 

8.  Literary  2 

9.  Chess  2 

10.  Aviation  1 

11.  Motion  Picture  ....  1 

12.  Camera  1 

13.  Gun 1 


14.  Red  Cross 1 

15.  Bird  Study  1 

16.  Slide  Rule  1 

17.  History  1 

18.  Stamp  Collecting ...  1 

19.  Spelling  1 

20.  Nature  Study  1 

21.  Acrobatic  1 

22.  Journalism  1 

23.  Health  1 

24.  Checkers  1 

25.  Agriculture  1 

26.  Newspaper  1 


Of  especial  interest  is  the  fact  that  91  boys,  or 
slightly  more  than  one- fourth  of  the  entire  group, 
had  formerly  belonged  to  some  kind  of  musical 
organization.  Glee  club,  orchestra,  choir,  and  band 
had  been  a part  of  the  background  of  26.2  per- 
cent of  the  boys  studied.  Such  a fact,  more  than 
perhaps  any  other,  should  serve  to  fix  once  and 
for  all  in  the  minds  of  the  American  public  that 
the  young  “bums”  whom  they  see  plodding  along 
the  highways  and  clinging  to  the  tops  of  freight 
trains  are  not  abnormal  specimens,  but  normal 
American  boys,  who  have  been  forced  to  take  to 
the  open  road  in  an  attempt  to  get  a start  in  life 
in  this  most  abnormal  period  of  our  history. 


TABLE  V 

Musical  Orgmizations 

1.  Glee  Club  51  4.  Band  16 

2.  Choir  20  5.  Drum  and  Bugle  Corp<  5 

3.  Orchestra  17  6.  Male  Quartet 2 

The  other  general  groupings  need  little  com- 
ment. Large  numbers  of  transient  boys  have  for- 
merly belonged  to  either  the  Young  Men’s  Chris- 
tian or  Hebrew  Association,  to  Boys  Clubs,  and 


2 George  E.  Outland  “The  Education  of  Transient  Boys,”  School 
and  Society,  Vol.  40,  No.  1033,  October  13,  1934,  page  501; 
“The  Educational  Background  of  Migrant  Boys,”  School 
Review,  Vol.  XLIII,  No.  9,  November  1935,  page  683. 

( Continued  on  page  45) 


Why  Do  I Have  a Oarden? 


By  John  Mason  Wells 

Hillsdale  College 

A gardener  asks  himself 
“why/’  and  finds  a thor- 
oughly satisfying  answer 

is  I don  my  old  clothes  from  day  to  day  to 
work  for  an  hour  or  more  in  my  garden  I 
find  myself  asking,  “Why  do  I do  this?” 
Some  of  my  friends  tell  me  that  the  vegetables, 
berries  and  fruit  that  I get  might  better  be  bought 
in  the  market. 

Some  years  we  are  annoyed  by  the  abundance 
of  the  yield.  I am  embarrassed  in  selling  it  — a 
thing  I seldom  do  — because  I suppose  it  seems 
out  of  harmony  with  my  professional  life.  In 
giving  it  away  I meet  with  certain  difficulties. 
Possibly  I am  giving  my  friends  something  they 
do  not  want  and  then,  too,  it  takes  time  to  carry 
about  these  things.  If  we  cannot  use  them  and  if 
there  are  obstacles  in  the  way  of  distributing  them 
to  our  friends,  the  only  other  alternative  is  to  let 
them  decay.  And  this  gives  me  an  uncomfortable 
feeling. 

The  difficulty  of  abundance  has  not  troubled 
me  this  year.  My  trees  have  borne  very  little 
fruit,  my  vines  almost  no  berries  and  my  vege- 
tables have  been  very  few.  And  yet  I continue  to 
work  in  my  garden.  Why  do  I do  it?  Why  do  I 
not  learn  from  experience  and  from  the  advice  of 
my  friends  that  it  is  unprofitable  and  futile  to  at- 
tempt in  my  spare  time  to  have  a garden? 

I have  been  trying  to  answer  these  questions 
for  myself  during  the  past  few  days  while  cut- 
ting away  the  dead  branches  from  my  blackberry 
bushes  and  mowing  the  weeds  from  the  place 
where  I am  supposed  to  have  strawberry  plants. 
The  answers  may  be  of  interest  to  others.  I think 
they  are  honest  answers;  at  least  they  are  the 
ones  given  by  myself  to  myself. 


"Gardening  is  nothing  except  good 
hard  work,"  many  people  will  tell 
you.  But  here  is  a man  who  finds 
in  gardening  very  real  spiritual  sat- 
isfaction and  genuine  recreation. 
His  analysis  of  why  this  is  so  will  be 
interesting  not  only  to  those  for 
whom  gardening  is  a fascinating 
hobby,  but  also  to  those  who 
hold  the  "hard  work"  theory! 


My  New  England  blood  and  boyhood  experi- 
ence have  imparted  to  my  character  the  element 
of  thrift.  I am  moved  by  an  inner  necessity  to 
produce  from  the  acre  of  land  that  surrounds  my 
house  all  that  I can  in  the  time  at  my  disposal.  On 
this  land  there  are  several  old  apple  trees.  The 
dead  wood  and  multitude  of  branches  that  bur- 
dened these  trees  when  we  took  possession  of  the 
place  troubled  my  spirit.  Since  then  they  have 
been  trimmed  and  sprayed  several  times.  My 
motive  in  this  was  not  chiefly  treetarian,  nor  was 
it  entirely  aesthetic.  I was  thinking  of  the  de- 
licious fruit  that  would  hang  from  these  branches 
some  time  in  the  future. 

The  same  motive  influenced  me  in  respect  to 
blackberries  and  vegetables.  Here  was  a jungle  of 
blackberry  vines — why  not  make  it  yield  berries, 
large  and  juicy?  Here  was  good  soil — why  not 
let  it  produce  potatoes,  sweet  corn,  tomatoes,  egg- 
plants and  other  vegetables  ? 

Closely  related  to  this  motive  of  thrift  is  the 
element  of  creativeness.  To  join  hands  with 
nature  in  producing  good  and  lovely  things  brings 
to  me  a large  measure  of  satisfaction.  I get  a 
different  reaction  from  working  with  the  forces 
of  nature  than  I do  in  working  with  people.  I 
like  to  work  with  both,  and  because  they  impress 
me  differently  I gain  an  enrichment  of  life  from 
nature  that  I would  be  deprived  of  should  some 
evil  genius  take  away  my  garden. 

Nature  is  dependable  and  when  my  apples  are 
gnarly  or  wormy,  or  the  trees  bear  no  fruit,  I 
know  the  fault  is  not  with  the  trees.  Either  I 
have  blundered  or  some  of  the  other  agents  of 

35 


36 


WHY  DO  I HAVE  A GARDEN ? 


It  is  not  necessary  to  add  that  this  garden  pro- 
vides the  opportunity  and  the  motive  for  whole- 
some exercise  which  contributes  to  my  good 
health.  Some  like  golf  and  others  prefer  fishing, 
but  I like  the  garden  for  wholesome  exercise. 

Another  benefit  which  my  garden  bestows  upon 
me  may  be  termed  mental  and  spiritual.  I have 
faced  during  the  past  few  years  many  problems. 
Some  of  these  had  to  do  with  philosophical  and 
religious  questions,  and  others  were  of  a very 
personal  nature.  Solutions  often  come  to  me  when 
I am  mentally  relaxed.  While  planting,  cultivat- 
ing or  gathering  fruit  and  vegetables,  light  often 
shines  into  my  mind  and  clarifies  some  of  the 
perplexing  paths  of  life. 


nature  have  failed  in  doing  their  part.  Every 
growing  thing  has  its  own  characteristics,  and  if 
I knew  how  better  to  work  with  it  then  it  would 
yield  me  better  fruit. 

My  garden  stimulates  in  me  an  inquiring  mind. 
While  in  her  midst  I am  mentally  alert.  Failure 
and  success  have  a meaning.  This  was  the  right 
thing  to  do  or  that  was  the  wrong. 

There  is  a joy  in  successful  gardening  that  is 
known  only  to  those  who  are  friends  of  nature. 
The  feeling  of  the  enthusiastic  gardener  who  has 
uncovered  a large  hill  of  good-sized  potatoes  or 
who  holds  in  his  hand  a basket  of  beautiful  straw- 
berries can  be  shared  and  understood  only  by 
those  who  delight  to  cooperate  with  nature  in  its 
creative  processes. 

Another  motive  is  aesthetic.  Beauty,  especially 
the  phases  of  beauty  I have  had  the  privilege  of 
helping  to  create,  brings  me  a large  measure  of 
satisfaction.  At  the  west  of  the  house  were  many 
shrubs  that  had  evidently  been  set  out  by  differ- 
ent  people  at  different  times  and  in  the  places 
where  fancy  directed.  By  providing  a large  trel- 
lis for  a crimson  rambler,  by  moving  a few  of  the 
lilac  bushes,  and  by  pruning  and  training  the  grape 
vines  we  have  built  a kind  of  outdoor  room.  It 
is  far  from  perfect.  I did  not  have  the  heart  to 
cut  a small  apple  tree  that  grows  in  the  center 
and  there  are  bridal  wreath,  flowering  almond, 
Japanese  hydrangea,  roses  and  other  shrubs  as 
well  as  a cluster  of  goldenrod  that  are  not  located 
where  they  ought  to  be.  However,  it  is  an  at- 
tractive room  even  though  it  is  cluttered  up  with 
too  many  ornaments.  In  the  places  where  rhubarb 
grew  and  where  the  sod  was  especially  poor  I now 
have  flower  beds — peonies,  gladioli  and  zinnias. 
At  the  rear  of  the  house  where  ashes  and  rubbish 
had  been  thrown  we  now  have,  inside  a border 
of  peonies,  iris,  gladioli,  verbena,  salvia,  calen- 
dula and  snap  dragons.  It  is  a shady  spot  but  by 
pruning  the  apple  and  peach  trees  rather  severely 
we  have  made  openings  through  which  the  sun- 
light can  enter.  Near  the  porch,  at  the  southeast 
corner  of  the  house,  grew  some  neglected  holly- 
hocks, rose  bushes  and  a Madeira  vine;  a little 
training,  fertilizing  and  pruning  have  made  these 
beautiful. 

To  me  vegetables  are  also  beautiful  and  it  has 
seemed  to  me  to  be  within  the  bounds  of  good 
taste  to  place  at  the  head  of  the  garden  several 
rows  of  iris  and  to  have  in  the  heart  of  the  gar- 
den long  rows  of  cannas  and  dahlias. 


“Can  anything  new  be  said  about  gardening? 
Yes,  just  as  every  sunrise  is  a new  wonder  and 
every  sunset  a new  glory  of  experience,  so  every 
spring  is  a promise  and  every  summer  a revela- 
tion. Now  that  the  active  days  are  nearing  a 
close,  when  digging  and  fertilizing  and  planting 
are  done,  what  more  conducive  of  leisure  than  to 
sit  back  and  wait.  They’ll  never  grow.  My  gar- 
den will  be  a failure.  1 must  have  done  something 
wrong.  What’s  the  use  of  breaking  one's  back? 
It’s  so  chilly  and  wet.  Fool ! Think  with  your 
eyes  beneath  the  soil.  Within  that  slender  stalk, 
in  the  crotch  of  that  frail  little  shoot  of  green,  is 
a magic  that  will  put  all  the  prattle  of  your  con- 
juror to  shame.  Or  are  you  merely  playing  con- 
juror yourself,  keeping  up  the  barrage  of  words 
so  that  your  itching,  eager  little  ego  will  not  see 
how  it  was  you  brought  such  marvelous  bloom 
into  your  garden?  For  lo — there  it  is — the  profit 
of  an  aching  leisure — Ageratum,  Calendula,  Cos- 
mos, Coreopsis.” — Sydney  Greenbie  in  Leisure, 
June  1935. 


“besides  its  own  unique  gift  of  health  and  hap- 
piness, growing  things  in  leisure  time  has  the  same 
moral  values  that  belong  to  craftsmanship.  It 
takes  the  nonsense  out  of  you,  and  the  egoism. 
It  makes  you  settle  down  and  work  patiently  with 
things  as  they  are.  It  brings  home,  as  nothing  else 
does,  that  august  law  which,  in  the  Orient,  they 
think  is  the  foundation  of  all  ethics — the  law  that 
every  act  has  a consequence,  that  whatever  hap- 
pens to  you  today  follows,  as  the  night  the  day, 
from  something  you  did  formerly.” — Marjorie  B. 
Greenbie  in  The  Arts  of  Leisure. 


World 

at 

Play 


Courtesy  National  Parks  of  Canada 


THROUGH  the 

Large  Sports  Center  . , , , Q 

° c generosity  ot  the 

in  Los  Angeles  Anita  B;ldwin  Es. 

tate,  thirty  acres  of 
land  on  which  will  be  developed  Los  Angeles’ 
largest  sports  and  recreation  center  were 
granted  recently  to  the  municipality  for  use  as 
a public  playground.  The  new  area  will  make 
possible  the  establishment  of  a regional  recre- 
ation center  which  will  serve  a vast  territory 
in  western  and  southwestern  Los  Angeles.  As 
funds  become  available  it  is  planned  to  con- 
struct an  exhibition  football  field  with  a seat- 
ing capacity  of  5,000,  a municipal  baseball  park 
with  seats  for  2,500,  a battery  of  twelve  tennis 
courts,  a municipal  swimming  pool  and  bath 
house,  a community  club  house  and  gymna- 
sium, athletic  fields  for  football,  baseball,  soft- 
ball,  soccer  and  other  sports,  children’s  play- 
grounds, an  archery  range,  and  many  other 
recreational  facilities. 


Recreation 
in  Toledo 


— THE  Division  of 
Recreation,  Depart- 
ment of  Public  Works, 
Toledo,  Ohio,  (Gor- 
don Jeffery,  Recreation  Commissioner)  has  is- 
sued a report  urging  the  development  of  a 
working  plan  for  the  city  and  the  Board  of 
Education  to  conduct  a joint  recreational  pro- 
gram. The  report  contains  a study  of  the  city’s 
recreational  activities  since  1925  when  twelve 
playgrounds  were  operated.  In  1935  there  were 


38  playgrounds — 24  on  city  property,  7 on 
school  grounds  and  7 on  semi-public  or  pri- 
vate grounds.  In  addition,  the  city  operates 
11  play  fields.  Eleven  new  and  old  fields  are 
being  developed  with  WPA  funds.  The  city 
will  eventually  have  84  softball  diamonds,  22 
baseball  diamonds  and  65  tennis  courts.  It  is 
hoped  that  funds  will  be  provided  to  complete 
WPA  projects  for  swimming  pools  and  for  the 
development  of  bay  areas  for  bathing  and 
boating. 


Demonstration  Nights 
in  Sioux  City 


EACH  playground 
in  Sioux  City,  Iowa, 
during  the  sixth 
week  of  the  season 
held  a demonstration  night  for  parents  to  see 
what  activities  were  being  conducted  on  the 
playgrounds  for  their  children.  Many  of  the 
activities  were  presented  on  these  occasions 
including  horseshoes,  jacks,  hop  scotch,  loop 
tennis,  paddle  tennis,  ring  tennis,  sand  play, 
singing  games,  and  folk  dancing.  The  handi- 
craft projects  were  on  display  during  the  en- 
tire sessions.  During  the  summer  season  each 
playground  had  a community  night  every  two 
weeks  when  skits,  plays  and  pantomimes  were 
presented.  A total  of  75  plays  were  loaned  out 
through  the  department  in  charge  and  50  were 
produced  on  the  playgrounds.  Hand  puppets 
and  marionettes  were  made  and  many  clever 
puppet  plays  were  given. 


37 


38 


WORLD  AT  PLA\ 


Ping  Pong  on  a Large  Scale — Battle  Creek, 
Michigan,  has  a ping  pong  club  of  approxi- 
mately 150  members  who  pay  dues  of  $1.50  a 
month.  The  club  rents  a large  room  in  an 
office  building  where  eight  ping  pong  tables 
have  been  installed.  There  are  four  leagues 
which  hold  numerous  tournaments.  The  room 
is  open  all  day,  including  Sundays. 

Tennis  Instruction  in  Wilkes-Barre  — Free 
tennis  instruction  was  offered  during  the  sum- 
mer months  on  all  public  courts  from  9:00 
o’clock  until  1 :00  P.M.,  FERA  workers  pro- 
viding the  instruction.  The  association  fur- 
nished four  rackets  and  some  balls  but  for  the 
most  part  the  children  provided  their  own 
equipment.  Each  child  was  allowed  not  more 
than  four  lessons  and  only  one  hour  on  the 
courts  each  morning.  After  1 :00  o’clock  a 
charge  of  five  cents  an  hour  was  made  for 
those  using  the  courts,  and  no  children  were 
permitted  after  4 :00  o’clock. 

Recreation  in  a Housing  Development — The 

February  issue  of  The  American  City  reports 
that  the  Buhl  Foundation  of  Pittsburgh  has 
announced  the  dedication  for  recreational  pur- 
poses of  27  acres  of  hillside  woodland  in  con- 
nection with  its  large  scale  model  housing  pro- 
ject, Chatham  Village.  This  is  to  be  a perma- 
nent area  for  recreation  and  nature  study  for 
the  community  of  197  families.  Work  has  been 
started  upon  the  modernization  of  an  ancient 
twelve  room  homestead  located  at  the  entrance 
to  the  woodland  to  be  used  as  the  Village 
Club,  already  actively  organized  into  discus- 
sion groups,  dramatic,  arts  and  crafts  and 
bridge  units,  and  garden  and  mothers’  clubs 
entirely  under  the  management  of  the  tenants 
themselves.  These  facilities,  together  with  ten- 
nis courts,  a regulation  mush-ball  field,  volley 
ball  and  indoor  basketball  courts  and  a sum- 
mer time  nursery  play  school,  will  give  Chath- 
am Villagers  a program  of  recreational  and  so- 
cial facilities.  “This  development,”  the  article 
states,  “is  not  a philanthropic  but  an  economi- 
cally justified  addition  to  the  Village’s  social 
facilities.” 

Croquet  Growing  in  Popularity — The  cro- 
quet courts  were  among  the  most  popular 
spots  on  the  playgrounds  of  Salem,  Oregon, 


last  summer,  and  the  game  appealed  to  chil- 
dren as  young  as  eight  years  of  age  as  well  as 
to  adults. 

College  Sponsors  Contests  — The  Alabama 
State  College  for  Women  at  Montevallo,  Ala- 
bama, is  sponsoring  a number  of  state-wide 
recreational  events  and  contests  for  the  spring 
of  1936,  including  a girls’  play  day,  a music 
contest,  and  a contest  in  speech  and  play  pro- 
duction. 

An  Uptown  Recreational  Center  in  Pueblo 

— The  February  13th  issue  of  “Recreation 
Record,”  published  by  the  Pueblo,  Colorado, 
Recreation  Commission,  tells  of  a new  uptown 
recreation  center  located  in  one  of  the  large 
business  buildings  of  the  city.  The  new  center 
will  be  controlled  by  an  association  and  mem- 
bers will  pay  dues  of  $1.40  a year,  payable 
quarterly.  The  money  will  be  deposited  in  the 
treasury  of  the  Pueblo  Recreation  Commission 
but  will  be  used  only  for  paying  the  expenses 
of  the  center. 

Training  Courses  for  Girl  Scout  Leaders — 

A series  of  training  courses  have  been  sched- 
uled for  Girl  Scout  leaders  in  Westchester 
County,  New  York.  Courses  will  be  held  for 
new  leaders,  experienced  leaders  and  those  in- 
terested in  Brownie  training.  Anyone  inter- 
ested in  securing  information  regarding  this 
series  of  courses  may  obtain  it  by  writing  the 
Westchester  County  Girl  Scouts,  Inc.,  County 
Office  Building,  White  Plains,  New  York,  in 
care  of  Miss  Alice  Conway. 

Prompt  Action  Brings  Results — Prompt  ac- 
tion last  summer  on  the  part  of  public-spirited 
citizens  made  it  possible  for  the  children  of 
Cincinnati,  Ohio,  to  enjoy  their  playgrounds, 
play  streets  and  swimming  buildings  until 
school  opened.  Public  play  facilities  were 
closed  on  August  16th  because  the  Public  Rec- 
reation Commission  had  no  funds  with  which 
to  continue  operations.  Six  thousand  dollars 
was  needed  to  keep  the  play  areas  open.  Work- 
ing with  Tam  Deering,  recreation  executive, 
Albert  H.  Morrill,  president  of  the  Kroger 
Grocery  and  Baking  Company,  sent  telegrams 
to  twenty-five  business  and  civic  leaders  urg- 
ing them  to  subscribe  $250  each.  In  a short 
time  $10,050  had  been  received. 


WORLD  AT  PLAY 


39 


National  Music  Week — The  National  Music 
Week  Committee  announces  that  the  thir- 
teenth National  Music  Week  will  be  held  May 
3rd  to  9th.  The  slogan  will  be  “Strengthen 
Our  Musical  Resources,”  and  it  is  hoped  that 
Music  Week  will  help  in  fostering  those  of  the 
local  communities’  music  activities  which  are 
most  in  need  of  being  strengthened  and  in  de- 
termining what  further  enterprises  seem  ad- 
visable for  the  future.  Literature  regarding 
Music  Week  may  be  secured  from  the  Na- 
tional Music  Week  Committee,  45  West  45th 
Street,  New  York  City.  It  is  hoped  that  rec- 
reation commissions  and  similar  groups  will 
cooperate  this  year,  as  they  have  in  the  past, 
Jn  making  the  National  Music  Week  a means 
of  enriching  the  music  program  of  communi- 
ties throughout  the  country. 

Children’s  Outings  Popular  — During  the 
summer  months  a total  of  800  Union  County 
children  enjoyed  the  free  outings  sponsored  by 
the  Union  County  Park,  New  Jersey,  Local 
No.  73,  State  Patrolmen’s  Benevolent  Associa- 
tion. The  outings  were  all  held  at  Rahway 
River  Park  with  swimming,  games  and  lunch- 
eon included.  One  of  the  aims  of  these  outings 
was  to  develop  a better  understanding  and  a 
friendlier  feeling  between  the  children  and  the 
police  officers. 

National  Conference  of  Social  Work — The 
sixty-third  annual  meeting  of  the  National 
Conference  of  Social  Work  will  be  held  in  At- 
lantic City,  New  Jersey,  May  24th  to  30th.  The 
four  conference  sections  will  cover  social  case 
work,  social  group  work,  community  organiza- 
tion and  social  action.  Further  information 
may  be  secured  from  Howard  R.  Knight,  Gen- 
eral Secretary,  National  Conference  of  Social 
Work,  82  North  High  Street,  Columbus,  Ohio. 

Women’s  Division,  N.  A.  A.  F.  to  Hold  An- 
nual Meeting — The  Women’s  Division  of  the 
National  Amateur  Athletic  Federation  will 
hold  its  annual  meeting  on  April  15th  in  con- 
nection with  the  meeting  of  the  American 
Physical  Education  Association  to  be  held  at 
St.  Louis,  Missouri.  There  will  be  a general 
business  and  program  meeting  open  to  all  lead- 
ers in  the  field  of  physical  education  and  recre- 
ation concerned  with  the  place  of  girls’  athlet- 


UNGLEGYM  CLIMBIN 


40 


WORLD  AT  PLAY 


Organize 
A Horseshoe 
Club  ! 


There’s  nothing  like  a 
lively  pitching  horseshoe 
tournament  to  interest 
players  and  spectators  — 
old  or  young.  Organize  a 
club  at  your  playground 
and  have  a play-off  to  establish  the  cham- 
pionship. It’s  a healthful,  keenly  interesting 
game. 

Diamond  Official  Pitching  Shoes  and  acces- 
sories will  fulfill  all  requirements  — many 
models  and  styles. 

Let  us  send  free  instruction  booklets  and 
additional  information. 

WRITE 

DIAMOND  CALK  HORSESHOE  CO. 

4610  Grand  Ave.,  Duluth,  Minn. 


ics  and  their  standards.  A number  of  speakers 
will  present  phases  of  the  subject,  “An  N.  A. 
A.  F.  Overview  of  Recreational  Trends,”  pre- 
senting youth  movements  of  today  and  the  re- 
lation of  N.  A.  A.  F.  to  them.  On  Friday  even- 
ing, April  17th,  there  will  be  an  informal  sup- 
per at  which  reports  of  the  activities  of  the 
special  committees  of  the  Women’s  Division 
will  be  presented. 


Shut-Ins  and  Recreation — In  1929  plans  for 
providing  a program  for  shut-ins  were  inaugurat- 
ed by  the  East  Orange,  New  Jersey,  Board  of 
Recreation  Commissioners.  Today  there  are  125 
shut-ins  whom  the  Recreation  Council  for  Shut- 
ins  of  the  Oranges  and  Maplewood  are  serving. 
The  program  consists  of  regular  deliveries  of 
flowers,  books,  magazines  and  small  gifts.  In- 
struction in  handcraft  is  given  by  teachers  fur- 
nished by  the  ERA  and  WPA.  Twice  a year  an 
exhibit  of  work  done  by  the  shut-ins  is  held  and 
articles  are  placed  on  sale.  Many  of  the  civic  or- 
ganizations of  the  Oranges  are  represented  on  the 
council  which  meets  regularly  in  the  office  of  the 
Recreation  Commission. 


Snow  Sculpture  Contests  in  New  York — 

Nature  smiled  upon  the  Park  Department  of  New 
York  City  in  its  plan  to  hold  snow  sculpture  con- 
tests. January  snows  provided  plenty  of  material 
with  which  to  work.  Many  and  varied  were  the 
projects  which  the  children  undertook.  In  select- 
ing the  winners  the  judges  considered  subject  and 
matter,  skill  and  workmanship,  originality  and 
conformity  to  the  rules  of  the  contest. 

Shell  Rowing  in  Long  Beach  — Following 
the  Olympic  Games  in  California,  the  Long 
Beach  Recreation  Commission  purchased  the  Ger- 
man shells  and  fostered  the  organization  of  the 
Long  Beach  Rowing  Club,  which  has  inaugurated 
a program  including  school,  club,  recreational  and 
adult  crews.  The  school  program  this  year  in- 
cludes definite  classes  in  crew  which  carry  physi- 
cal education  credit  in  four  secondary  schools. 
Girls’  crews  have  been  carried  on  with  practically 
the  same  program  of  instruction  as  is  given  the 
boys  except  that  all  competition  is  eliminated. 
Objectives  other  than  competition  have  been 
found,  including  such  activities  as  picnics.  Pre- 
requisites to  crew  activity  include  swimmers’  and 
physical  examination.  During  the  past  year  there 
has  been  an  attendance  of  over  48,000  in  the 
crews.  This  figure  includes  105  men  and  women 
rowing  in  the  evening  classes. 

South-Wide  Leisure  Time  Conference — The 

third  annual  South- Wide  Leisure  Time  Confer- 
ence will  be  held  at  Scarritt  and  Peabody  Col- 
leges, Nashville,  Tennessee,  May  11th  to  15th. 
The  program  this  year  will  stress  leadership  for 
community  coordination  of  leisure,  rural  recrea- 
tion, and  the  emphasis  will  be  put  on  dramatics. 
The  conference  will  provide  opportunity  for  a dis- 
cussion of  trends  and  methods  of  planning.  There 
will  be  opportunities  to  learn  new  skills  and  time 
for  special  interest  groups  and  fellowship  meetings. 

A Folk  Dance  Festival — Four  hundred  danc- 
ers will  participate  in  the  tenth  annual  folk  dance 
festival  of  the  English  Folk  Dance  Society  of 
America  which  will  take  place  on  April  25th  at 
2 :30  o’clock  at  the  Seventh  Regiment  Armory, 
New  York  City.  Morris  dancing,  sword  dancing 
and  massed  country  dancing  will  be  included  in 
the  program.  As  a special  feature  of  this  year’s 
festival  an  original  birthday  ballet  has  been  ar- 
ranged to  celebrate  the  twenty-first  anniversary  of 
the  founding  of  the  Society.  Historical  folk  dance 
steps  and  figures  have  been  combined  in  the  bal- 


PLAYING  IN  THE  PARKS  OF  NEW  YORK 


41 


let  which  will  have  a medley  of  folk  dance  tunes 
as  its  accompaniment.  An  exhibition  of  the 
famous  Flamborough  sword  dance  in  which  long 
swords  are  used  will  be  presented.  Further  in- 
formation may  be  secured  from  the  English  Folk 
Dance  Society  of  America,  235  East  22nd  Street, 
New  York  City. 


Playing  in  the  Parks  of  New  York 

(Continued  from  page  5) 

and  over  21.  There  should  first  be  an  intra-tourna- 
ment conducted  on  all  playgrounds  where  there  are 
handball  courts,  followed  by  an  inter-playground  con- 
test for  the  championship.  Medals  awarded) 

Horseshoe  pitching  tournament,  singles  and  doubles  — 
April  and  May 

(For  boys  and  young  men  over  16  years  of  age.  Medals 
awarded) 

Presentation  of  one  act  plays — April,  May  and  June 
(For  girls  from  10  to  14  years  of  age,  with  finals  in 
June  on  the  Mall  in  Central  Park) 

Marble  shooting  contest — April  and  May 

(For  boys  and  girls  under  12  years  of  age,  local  tour- 
naments to  be  held  in  each  borough  with  five  children 
selected  to  send  to  the  finals) 

Harmonica  contest — April  and  May 

(It  is  recommended  that  each  borough  organize  a har- 
monica band ; finals  to  be  held  on  the  Mall.  Medals 
will  be  awarded.) 

Model  boat  sailing  demonstrations  at  local  wading  pools 
• — April  and  May 

Paddle  tennis  tournament — April,  May  and  June 

(For  boys  and  girls  under  16  years  of  age.  An  intra- 
playground activity) 

Quartet  contest — May 

(For  schools  above  high  school  grade  and  colleges) 

Field  hockey  for  girls — May,  June,  September  and 
October 

(Local  tournaments  for  girls  under  17  years) 

Barber  shop  quartet  contest — May  and  June 

(Eliminations  will  take  place  in  the  boroughs  and  finals 
will  be  held) 

Folk  dance  contest — June 

(For  girls  between  10  and  12,  12  and  14,  and  14  and 
16.  Each  borough  will  enter  three  groups  according 
to  ages.  No  group  to  contain  less  than  12  or  more 
than  16  participants) 

! Twilight  baseball — May,  June  and  July 
(For  boys  and  young  men  over  16  years) 

| Children’s  pet  shows — April  and  May 
Children’s  festivals  and  pageants — June 
Athletic  meet — May 

Model  yacht  and  motor  boat  races — May 
(For  boys  under  16  years) 

Punchball  tournament — June,  July  and  August 
(For  girls  under  16  years) 

Swimming  meets — July  and  August 

Baseball  tournament — June,  July  and  August 

(For  boys  under  16  years  and  not  more  than  5'  6"  in 
height.  A city-wide  contest,  with  medals  awarded 
winners  at  finals  to  be  held  in  September) 

Softball  tournament — July  and  August 

(For  boys  from  16  to  19  and  over  19  years  of  age; 
local  tournaments) 


Model  airplane  contest — July 

(For  boys  18  years  of  age  and  under) 

Checker  tournament — July  and  August 

(Intra-playground  tournament,  with  no  medals,  for 
children  under  16  years) 

Jacks  contest — August 

(For  girls  under  16  years.  This  will  be  both  an  intra- 
playground and  inter-playground  tournament  with  a 
city-wide  championship) 

Venetian  water  carnival — September 

Folk  dance  festival  for  adults — September 

(Representatives  from  all  boroughs  will  attend) 

Boccie  contest — September 

Amateur  contest  for  children,  including  singing  and  the 
playing  of  musical  instruments — July,  August  and 

September 

(Eliminations  will  be  conducted  in  each  borough  dur- 
ing July  and  August,  with  finals  in  September  on  the 
Mall) 

Harvest  festival — October 

(Representatives  from  all  boroughs  will  attend) 

Roller  skating  carnivals — October 

(It  is  recommended  that  each  borough  conduct  its  own 
roller  skating  carnival) 

Hallowe’en  roller  skating  carnival — October 

(Skaters  will  appear  in  costume  at  the  carnival  to  be 
held  on  the  Mall) 

City-wide  handcraft  exhibit — October 

(Boroughs  will  conduct  their  own  local  exhibitions  and 
submit  the  best  exhibits  to  the  finals) 


42 


MAGAZINES  AND  PAMPHLETS 


Magazines  and  Pamphlets 

) Recently  Received  Containing  Articles  ^ 

^ of  Interest  to  the  Recreation  Worker 


MAGAZINES 

New  Jersey  Municipalities,  February  1936 

Parks  and  Recreation,  by  F.  S.  Mathewson 
Parks  and  Recreation,  February  1936 

Landscape  Conservation — Planning  the  Recreational 
Use  of  Our  Wild  Lands,  by  Dr.  Frank  A.  Waugh 
Windermere  Tidal  Pool  at  Burrard  Inlet,  Vancou- 
ver, by  A.  S.  Wootton 

Modern  Music  Bowl  at  Stanley  Park,  Vancouver, 
B.  C.,  by  A.  S.  Wootton 

The  American  City,  February  1936 

For  More  Beaches  in  Public  Ownership 
Recreation  Area  Added  to  Foundation’s  Successful 
Housing  Development 

City  Park  and  Street  Improvements  in  Kansas  Counties 
The  Camping  Magazine,  February  1936 

Camping  and  Education,  by  Marie  M.  Ready 
The  American  Hostel  Trail,  by  Florence  Colton  and 
Helen  Conley 

Planning  Camp  Structures,  by  Julian  Harris  Salomon 
The  Junior-Senior  High  School  Clearing  House, 

February  1936 

Play  as  a Way  of  Life,  by  Forrest  E.  Long 
The  Spirit  of  Play  in  Education,  by  Ellsworth 
Col  lings 

Play’s  the  Thing,  by  Alice  V.  Keliher 
Hobby  Clubs  in  the  South  Pasadena  Junior  High 
Schools,  by  G.  Derwood  Baker 
Recreation  and  Youth,  by  Arthur  Henry  Moehlman 
Directing  Play  as  a Civic  Function,  by  Weaver  W. 
Pangburn 

Hobby  Booklist,  by  Thelma  Eaton 
Hygeia,  March  1936 

Safety  Games  for  Baltimore  Children,  by  Bertha  M. 
Schools 

PAMPHLETS 

A Manual  for  Instructors  in  Civilian  Conservation  Corps 
Camps 

U.  S.  Office  of  Education,  Washington,  D.  C. 

Price  $.10 

The  Annual  Report  of  the  Bureau  of  Recreation  of  Phila- 
delphia, 1935 

Coordination  Councils  — Report  of  a Brief  Study,  by 
Frances  H.  Hiller 

National  Probation  Association,  New  York  City 

Report  of  the  Director  of  Emergency  Conservation  Work 
— April  1933  — June  1935 
U.  S.  Government  Printing  Office,  Washington,  D.  C. 

A Statement  on  Public  Recreation  for  the  Year  1935  in 
Plainfield,  N.  J. 

Twenty-ninth  Annual  Report  of  the  Board  of  Recreation 
Commissioners  of  East  Orange,  N.  J.,  1935 

Report  of  the  Bureau  of  Recreation  of  Pittsburgh,  Pa., 
for  1935 

Adult  Education  Bulletin 

S.E.R.A.,  St.  Cloud,  Minn. 

Facts  About  Juvenile  Delinquency  — Its  Prevention  and 
Treatment,  1935 

U.  S.  Department  of  Labor,  Children’s  Bureau, 
Washington,  D.  C.  Price  $.05 


Amateur  newspaper  contest  for  children — November 
(Boroughs  will  submit  several  issues  of  their  five  best 
playground  newspapers  for  judging) 

Christmas  festivals — December  20 — December  25 
(Local  festivals) 

A Puppet  Trailer 

(Continued  from  page  12) 

The  scrolled  apron  or  skirting  around  lower  edge 
of  the  sides  can  also  be  covered  with  conventional 
designs  to  add  color  and  trim. 

Handling- 

After  a performance,  or  when  it  is  desired  to 
move  the  equipment,  the  stage  frame  is  unbolted 
from  the  extension  floor  and  moved  back  to  a 
point  within  the  superstructure  where  it  should 
be  again  bolted  down  so  it  will  not  shift  or  shake 
about.  The  curtain  tops  are  folded  back.  The  ex- 
tension floor  is  dropped  down  to  the  side,  and  a 
section,  made  up  of  ply  wood  to  match  the  rest 
of  the  side,  is  put  into  place  to  completely  close  up 
the  8'  opening  in  the  superstructure,. 

For  convenience,  it  is  desirable  to  construct  a 
portable  step  or  series  of  steps  to  lead  from 
ground  to  rear  door,  for  use  of  manipulators, 
which  can  be  carried  within  the  trailer  when 
moving  from  place  to  place. 

The  Cost 

Equipment  as  described  costs  very  little  for 
materials.  A chassis,  if  it  can  be  procured  from 
a car  wrecking  concern,  will  cost  from  $i.oo  to 
$5.00. 

Chassis  cost,  not  including  tires $ 5.00 

Lumber  for  framing,  floor  foundation  and  flooring.  10.00 

Three-ply  wood  for  sides  6.75 

Hardware  (nails,  screws,  bolts,  hinges  and  braces)  2.50 
Sateen  for  top  curtains  and  for  across  top  of  stage.  7.00 
Stage  curtain  and  lining  material 3.75 

Total  cost,  not  including  tires $35.00 

Youth  Week  on  a Newark  Playground 

(Continued  from  page  14) 

the  dance  period.  Attendance  soared  to  over  6oo 
on  this  night,  which  brought  the  Youth  Week 
program  to  a close. 

There  were  incidents  connected  with  the  pro- 
gram which  are  worthy  of  note.  The  first  was 
the  acquisition  of  a new  large  American  flag  which 
was  flown  every  day  on  the  playground  flag  pole. 
Playground  spirit  was  further  aroused  by  the  ac- 
quiring of  a tract  of  ground  next  to  the  school 
which  was  named  the  playground  garden.  Seeds 
were  obtained  from  the  central  office  and  dis- 


FOR  MAY  DAY  AND  OTHER  SPRING  CELEBRATIONS 


43 


tributed  among  members  who  were  allotted  sec- 
tions of  the  ground.  Some  of  the  children  ob- 
tained additional  seeds  and  supplied  whatever 
garden  equipment  they  could  find.  In  a day  or 
two  the  playground  garden  was  a beehive  of  ac- 
tivity. At  present  there  are  34  boys  and  girls  who 
are  cultivating  baby  gardens,  and  the  calm  of  a 
quiet  day  is  often  broken  by  a sudden  cry  of  joy 
as  some  young  gardener  discovers  the  green  of  a 
plant  breaking  through  the  ground. 

When  we  came  to  take  stock  of  our  week,  we 
found  that  almost  2,000  boys  and  girls  had  taken 
part  in  a program  full  of  sustained  interest  which 
has  carried  over  into  our  regular  playground 
program. 


Creation  in  Clay 

( Continued  from  page  19) 

done  by  pulling  out  the  clay  from  within  the  lump 
I — the  nose,  the  ears,  the  chin,  and  all  details  that 
are  to  be  drawn  out  and  into  form  by  the  fingers. 

One  should  pay  careful  attention  to  the  general 
contour  — the  mass  — of  the  head  that  is  to  be 
copied.  The  clay  is  first  molded  around  the  up- 
right in  this  general  shape  — round,  oval,  and 
square  are  the  general  head  types. 

The  human  head  will  be  seen  to  divide  into 
three  main  divisions ; the  upper  part  down  to  the 
eyes,  the  middle  section  to  the  mouth,  and  the 
lower  section  down  to  and  including  the  chin. 
After  the  clay  has  been  shaped  to  the  type  of 
head  that  is  being  modeled,  these  divisions  should 
be  roughly  defined  in  the  clay.  The  position  of 
the  ears  then  should  be  marked  in  the  approxi- 
mate position  that  they  occupy  on  the  head.  This 
forms  the  first  step  in  the  modeling  which  should 
be  followed  by  recognition  of  the  various  planes 
of  surface.  Closing  one  eye  and  viewing  the  head 
to  be  modeled  through  the  half-closed  lid  of  the 
other  eye  will  usually  show  these  planes  more 
clearly.  These  then  should  be  shaped  in  the  clay 
— the  broad  flat  or  rounded  plane  of  the  forehead, 
the  general  triangular  sweep  of  the  cheeks,  con- 
cave or  convex  as  the  case  may  be,  to  the  chin. 
This  latter  forms  a small  plane,  flat,  rounded  or 
dimpled.  Forming  the  position  of  the  cheek  bones 
in  the  clay  and  the  angle  of  the  jawbone  com- 
pletes the  first  stage  of  modeling  the  head,  called 
by  the  sculptor  “roughing  in”  the  mass.  The  clay 
is  then  carried  back  in  round  surfaces  or  in  planes, 
according  to  the  head  that  is  being  copied,  to  form 
the  neck. 


For  May  Day  and  Other 
Spring  Celebrations 

Operettas  and  Song  Plays 

Cinderella — folk-tune  operetta  by  Katherine  K.  Davis — 
without  spoken  dialogue  in  3 acts ; 5 principals ; chorus. 
Price,  $.60.  E.  C.  Schirmer  Music  Co.,  221  Columbus 

Avenue,  Boston,  Mass. 

Hansel  and  Gretel — an  adaptation  of  Humperdinck’s  opera 
by  Berta  Elsmith.  Piano-vocal  score,  $1.50.  Time  lj4 
hours ; 3 acts  and  3 scenes ; 5 principals  and  choruses. 
C.  C.  Birchard  and  Co.,  221  Columbus  Avenue,  Bos- 
ton, Mass.  Requirements  for  performance : purchase  of 
5 copies  of  the  piano-vocal  score ; royalty  fee  of  $5.00 
where  admission  is  charged. 

Robin  Hood — a play  with  music  by  Kate  S.  Page.  Piano- 
vocal  score  $.75;  16  characters;  chorus.  E.  C.  Schir- 
mer Music  Co..,  Boston.  Requirements  : purchase  of 
one  copy  of  vocal  score  for  each  soloist  and  every 
member  of  the  chorus  taking  part  in  the  performance. 

Pageants  and  Festivals 

The  Conspiracy  of  Spring — Mary  S.  Edgar.  A May  Day 
or  any  spring  day  entertainment.  The  Nature  Sprites 
and  the  flowers  sing  and  dance  as  they  endeavor  to 
win  the  Earth  Mortal’s  homage  to  Spring.  18  little  girls. 
45  minutes.  Royalty  $2.00.  The  Womans  Press,  600 
Lexington  Avenue,  New  York  City.  $.35. 

Country  Fair,  Suggestions  for  a — included  in  the  second 
installment  of  an  article  entitled  “Ways  to  Musical 
Good  Fortune”  appearing  in  the  March  issue  of  Rec- 
reation. Available  in  reprint  form  from  the  National 
Recreation  Association,  315  Fourth  Avenue,  New  York 
City.  $.10. 

A Day  at  Nottingham — Constance  D Mackay.  A festi- 
val based  on  the  theme  of  Robin  Hood.  Large  groups 
of  children  may  be  used.  Obtainable  from  National 
Recreation  Association.  $.15. 

Festivals  for  Music  Week  and  Other  Weeks— includes 
suggestions  for  the  celebration  of  Music  Week,  observed 
the  first  week  in  May,  through  festivals  of  choirs, 
secular  mixed  choruses,  men’s,  women’s  and  children’s 
choruses.  National  Recreation  Association.  $.15. 

Heigh-ho  for  a Merry  Spring— suggestions  for  a simple 
but  effective  spring  festival  produced  with  only  three 
days’  preparation  at  the  annual  Farm  and  Home  Week 
at  Ithaca  in  1935.  Contains  complete  directions  for 
songs  and  dances.  National  Recreation  Association, 
.$15. 

May  Day  Echoes — Marion  Holbrook.  A pageant-play  for 
the  grades  and  junior  school.  Roman  Floralia,  Old 
English  and  modern  May  Day  episodes  are  included. 
National  Recreation  Association.  $.15. 

A May  Festival.  A ceremonial  of  the  Crowning  of  the 
May  Queen,  with  dances,  archery  or  javelin  throwing, 
etc.  As  many  as  150  characters  may  be  used.  The 
Womans  Press,  New  York.  $.25. 

Mother  Nature’s  Carnival — Mildred  Olive  Honors.  30 
girls  and  5 boys ; more  if  desired.  1 or  2 acts  as  de- 
sired. Simple  music  and  dancing.  Two  little  “earth 
children”  attend  Mother  Nature’s  spring  carnival.  Their 
experiences  with  the  other  guests — the  flowers,  bum- 
blebees, butterflies,  grasshoppers,  and  many  more  are 
woven  into  a real  story.  The  Womans  Press.  $.35. 

The  Sleeping  Princess— A May  Day  Masque  of  Many 
Lands — Dorothy  Gladys  Spicer.  Around  the  theme  of 
the  Princess  who  fell  asleep  for  a hundred  years,  and 
who  was  awakened  at  the  end  of  that  time  by  the  kiss 
of  the  handsome  Prince,  is  fashioned  a charming  May 
Day  revel  showing  the  ways  in  which  the  various 
European  countries  celebrate  the  awakening  of  the 
Princess — or  Spring.  Good  for  presentation  by  high 


44 


CREATION  IN  CLAY 


CAMPING 

tells  its  romantic 
story  each  month  in 

THE  CAMPING  MAGAZINE 

Edited  by  Bernard  S.  Mason 

RECREATION 

EDUCATION 

LEADERSHIP 

ADMINISTRATION 

PROGRAMMING 

SUPERVISION 

CAMPCRAFT 

NATURE-LORE 
INDIAN-LORE 
ALL  WATER  SPORTS 
ALL  LAND  SPORTS 
ALL  CRAFTS 
COUNCIL  FIRES 
DRAMATICS 
MUSIC 

The  official  authentice  voice  of  the 
American  Camping  Association.  Inc. 

$2.00  yearly 

Send  for  a sample  copy 

LANE  HALL 

Dept,  r Ann  Arbor,  Michigan 


schools  and  colleges.  Time  and  number  of  characters 
vary  according  to  the  number  of  dances,  songs,  etc. 
The  Womans  Press.  $.35. 

Spring,  or  The  Queen  of  Youth — Edith  Roeder  Jacobs — - 
100  or  more  characters  in  a dance  pantomime  showing 
the  various  seasons  in  review  before  Youth,  who  finally 
chooses  Spring  as  queen.  Careful  directions  for  dances 
and  costumes  are  given.  The  Womans  Press.  $.35. 

Spring  and  Summer  Songs,  A List  of  — as  suggested 
program  material  for  a spring  celebration.  National 
Recreation  Association.  Free. 

Troubadours  of  Provence  — Marion  Holbrook.  A May 
Day  fragment  for  high  school  or  college  use  based  on 
the  old  Provencal  custom  of  holding  a tournament  of 
song  each  May  Day.  National  Recreation  Associa- 
tion. $.10. 


Now,  using  the  thumb  and  forefinger  with  a 
circular  motion  the  eye  positions  are  worked  out 
toward  the  cheek  bones,  the  brows  and  cheek 
bones  are  defined  and  the  center  of  the  mass  of 
clay  is  worked  out  and  up  into  the  ridges  of  the 
nose.  Still  pulling  the  clay  out  from  the  mass, 
the  ears  are  roughly  modeled  at  the  place  de- 
signed for  them  and  the  mouth  and  chin  shaped. 
The  finer  modeling  of  the  mouth,  ears  and  nostrils 
is  done  with  the  moist  wooden  tool  and  all  excess 
clay  is  cut  away  with  the  same  tool.  As  in  the 


case  of  the  modeled  fruit,  straight  lines  and 
planes  of  the  human  head  are  made  with  straight 
forefinger  and  the  rounded  planes  and  lines  with 
the  curved  thumb.  The  whole  hand  well  moist- 
ened can  be  used  in  rounding  large  masses  as  in 
the  case  of  the  back  of  the  head.  Only  practice 
and  the  use,  the  “feel”  of  clay  in  the  fingers  — 
will  teach  each  modeler  the  fine  points  of  the  art. 
We  learn  by  doing  and  modeling  brings  out  the 
creator  that  is  within  everyone. 

A model  can  be  broken  up  and  thrown  back 
into  the  storage  jar  and  sprinkled  with  water  so 
that  it  will  go  back  into  the  mass  of  clay.  Water 
should  not  be  permitted  to  stand  on  the  clay  in 
the  jar,  but  it  should  be  kept  moist  and  airtight. 
A damp  cloth  over  the  clay,  under  the  jar  cover 
is  an  excellent  method  to  control  the  amount  of 
moisture. 

The  potter’s  craft  is  the  art  nearest  allied  to 
clay  modeling  and  sculpture.  The  potter  uses  the 
same  medium,  clay,  and  molds  vases,  bowls,  jars, 
dishes  for  use  as  well  as  decorative  value. 

Together  the  two — clay  modeling  and  pottery, 
art  and  craft  — are  primary  answers  to  the  crea- 
tive urge  in  human  life.  From  the  earliest  time 
the  potter  thumping  the  wet  clay  was  the  symbol 
of  the  consciousness  of  the  creator  who  molded 
a cosmos  out  of  chaos.  And  what  is  generally 
true  of  the  race  can  be  traced  in  the  individual 
who  takes  the  unshapen  clay  and  molds  it  to  his 
will,  achieving  in  the  doing,  serenity  and  peace  of 
spirit. 


A City-Wide  Club  for  Girls 

(Continued  from  page  22) 

members  in  the  Museum  Amigos  Club,  according 
to  the  most  recent  check-up,  83  per  cent  were  un- 
employed, 1 1 per  cent  attended  school,  and  6 per 
cent  were  working.  During  the  two  and  a half 
years  of  its  existence  it  is  estimated  that  in  the 
neighborhood  of  2,000  young  people  have  been 
members. 


Sunday  Hikers 

(Continued  from  page  24) 

before  us  again,  but  a different  Kent  in  the  early 
evening  mist. 

The  guide  book  insisted  upon  hurrying  us.  It 
promised  a difficult  descent  over  St.  John  Ledges, 
which  led  perpendicularly  to  the  River  Road.  We 


THE  COMMUNITY  WORKSHOP  IN  DECATUR 


45 


left  the  lovely  view  and  approached  this  threat 
with  a “bring-on-this-fearful-thing"  attitude.  The 
first  descent  was  easy,  too  easy.  We  spoke  with 
scorn  as  we  hastened  through  the  Tangle  wood 
Forest,  which,  overshadowed  by  the  cliff,  was 
fast  growing  dark.  Imagine  having  to  hurry 
through  a forest  with  that  name ! 

W e had  spoken  too  soon ; the  Ledges  were  be- 
fore us.  The  guide  book  was  modest  in  its  de- 
scription of  their  steepness.  To  make  it  a little 
more  difficult  the  trail  was  buried  in  a foot  of 
leaves,  which  we  swept  aside  as  best  we  could 
before  we  dared  to  take  a step.  We  didn’t  de- 
scend ; we  slid.  The  manner  was  not  always  of 
our  own  choosing.  One  of  my  friends  did  a par- 
ticularly expert  nose  dive,  which  was  a combina- 
tion slide,  fall,  roll  and  tackle.  The  total  injury 
was  one  scraped  arm.  Just  why  a little  blood 
should  make  us  feel  that  the  day  was  a success,  I 
don’t  know,  but  it  did. 

Much  to  our  surprise,  we  did  reach  the  bottom. 
It  is  questionable  which  is  more  impressive : to 
feel  yourself  going  down  over  the  side  of  a cliff, 
or  once  down  to  look  up  at  what  you  have  done ! 

It  was  three  miles  back  to  Kent  and  Cherub 
(the  car)  by  a grass-covered  road  which  tags 
along  beside  the  Housatonic.  The  sky  in  the  west 
toward  which  we  were  walking  changed  its  color- 
ing for  the  night,  and  the  river  reflected  and 
lengthened  it. 

I Kent  was  in  darkness  when  we  reached  it  and 
the  stars  crowded  each  other  to  give  us  light.  We 
walked  the  last  few  hundred  rods  up  the  state 
highway  to  the  car  silently.  We  were  tired  and 
hungry ; the  day  had  been  good  to  us. 


The  Community  Workshop  in  Decatur 

(Continued  from  page  30) 

hands.  These  men  are  encouraged  to  make  needed 
articles  for  their  homes.  Much  of  the  furniture 
in  their  homes  comes  to  the  shop  to  be  re- 
conditioned. 

The  value  of  the  shop  to  this  group  is  inestim- 
able. It  helps  the  men  keep  their  minds  occupied 
and  gives  them  training  in  the  use  of  tools  and  in 
doing  repair  work  in  the  home.  They  receive 
value  in  the  articles  made  both  in  dollars  and  cents 
and  in  the  satisfaction  of  brightening  up  a home 
with  a new  piece  of  furniture  and  being  able  to 
say,  “I  made  it.” 


Your  Summer 
Playground  Program 

• Before  you  plan  your  playground 
program  for  this  summer  be  sure 
to  send  for  a copy  of  “Planning 
Summer  Playground  Programs,” 
the  most  practical  and  up-to-date 
publication  available  on  this 
subject. 

9 The  pamphlet  contains  a thought- 
ful discussion  of  the  activities 
which  comprise  the  playground 
program  and  the  principles  to  be 
followed  in  planning  for  it.  You 
will  find  exceedingly  helpful  the 
sample  daily,  weekly  and  summer 
schedules  which  are  included. 

Price  $.25 

National  Recreation  Association 

315  Fourth  Avenue  ::  New  York  City 

Last,  but  certainly  not  least,  is  the  opportunity 
offered  men  and  boys  to  take  advantage  of  the 
training  and  equipment  of  the  shop.  This  may 
range  from  instruction  in  bench  work,  model 
building  or  metal  work  to  furniture  making,  boat 
building  or  more  advanced  craft  work.  Some 
young  man  may  have  some  special  design  in  mind 
but  has  no  place  to  work  it  out.  The  workshop 
offers  him  this  opportunity. 

Now  that  the  Community  Workshop  is  under 
the  full  jurisdiction  of  the  Community  Recrea- 
tion Association,  efforts  are  being  made  to  include 
everyone  in  the  program  whether  he  is  employed 
or  unemployed,  on  relief  or  self-supporting.  The 
shop’s  big  task  is  to  offer  the  public  instruction  in 
the  use  of  tools  and  materials  and  a place  to  put 
them  to  use.  It  is  the  community’s  workshop  in 
every  sense  of  the  word  ! 

The  Recreational  Background  of 
Our  Transient  Boys 

( Continued  from  page  34) 

to  playground  groups.  The  fact  that  so  few  boys 
(eight  only)  had  previously  been  members  of  set- 
tlement houses  is  probably  accounted  for  by  the 


46 


THE  RECREATIONAL  BACKGROUND  OE  OUR  TRANSIENT  BOYS 


A 1936  Suggestion 
For  Space  Buyers 


The  Clubman 

enjoys  i i i 

a highly  selective  circulation  among 
executives — representing  substantial 
purchasing  power. 

Your  Advertising  Message 

directed  / i ✓ 

to  this  choice  field  may  be  placed 
at  exceedingly  low  rates. 

Reader  Interest 

is  represented  i i i 
by  these  few  kind  letters  from  our 
subscribers. 

C.  DOUGLAS  TAYLOR,  Chairman,  Kiwanis 
International,  Inter-Club  Relations  Com- 
mittee, who  says : 

"The  Clubman’s  editorial  pages  and  lead  articles,  writ- 
ten by  prominent  Canadians  and  stressing  the  need  of 
social  'cork,  are  an  inspiration  to  everyone  interested  in 
this  type  of  work." 

• 

CHARLES  W.  BAKER,  President,  Advertising 
Club  of  Montreal,  who  states : 

"As  one  of  your  many  readers,  I have  derived  much 
pleasure  these  past  few  years  from  the  interesting  material 
presented  in  'The  Clubman.’  I am  glad  to  see  that  your 
publication  is  forging  ahead  and  I wish  you  uninterrupted 
progress." 

• 


GEORGE  MOONEY,  Past  President,  Lions 
Club  of  Montreal,  who  adds : 

"I  want  you  to  know  of  my  great  interest  in  the  newsy 
quality  of  your  publication.  I look  forward  with  keen 
anticipation  to  the  interesting  contents  of  'The  Clubman.’  ” 


Mailed  direct  to  the  members  of: 


Rotary  Club 
Kiwanis  Club 
Advertising  Club 
Canadian  Club 
Westmount  Rotary  Club 
St.  Lawrence  Kiwanis  Club 


Canadian  Progress  Club 
One  Hundred  Club 
Lions  Club 
Electrical  Club 
Gyro  Club 
Kinsmen's  Club 


★ Rates 

Type-face  page,  three  columns.  7"  x SV2 " $40.00 

Half  page.  2Vz,f  x 9 Vi"  or  7"  x 4 Vi" 25.00 

Quarter  page,  3 Vi"  x 4 Vi" 15.00 

Sixth  page,  3Vi"  x 3" 10.00 

One  column,  2 Vi"  x 9 Vi" 17.50 


THE  CLUBMAN 

Canada's  Only  Service  Club  Review 

401  Castle  Building  - Montreal  • PLateau  7861 
U.  S.  Representative,  JOSEPH  ATZ 
1440  Broadway  Tel.  Penn  6-0324  New  York  City 


fact  that  many  of  them  came  from  rural  com- 
munities or  small  towns  where  such  neighborhood 
houses  are  not  known. 

A Few  Conclusions 

While  comparatively  few  cases  have  been 
studied  here,  and  even  these  must  be  weighed  in 
the  light  of  evidence  given  only  by  the  boys  them- 
selves and  not  verified  by  a social  agency,  certain 
tentative  conclusions  can  be  drawn. 

In  the  first  place,  it  is  readily  seen  that  Ameri- 
ca’s army  of  wandering  boys  is  made  up  of  lads 
with  what  might  be  termed  normal  recreational 
backgrounds.  These  young  migrants  have  been 
active  participants  in  athletics,  in  church  groups, 
in  musical  organizations,  in  boys  clubs,  and  in 
those  other  fields  of  group  recreational  activity 
which  are  the  heritage  of  all  American  boys. 

Secondly,  and  leading  out  of  this  point  is  the 
conclusion  that  recreational  leaders  in  transient 
boy  lodges  and  camps  have  normal  material  with 
which  to  work,  and  can  shape  their  programs  ac- 
cordingly, bearing  in  mind  that  some  of  the  ex- 
periences of  the  road  may  have  driven  from  the 
boy’s  mind  temporarily  all  thoughts  of  play  and 
sport.  When  an  adolescent  has  been  kicked  from 
one  town  to  another,  and  has  been  jailed  and 
beaten  for  no  reason  other  than  trying  to  get  a 
job,  or  to  obtain  something  to  eat,  baseball  and 
scouting  must  of  necessity  take  a back  seat.  Rec- 
reational leaders  in  the  transient  program  must 
bear  in  mind,  too,  that  "the  boys  will  respond  to 
a vigorous  ‘he-man’  program,  but  are  bored,  list- 
less, or  generally  contemptuous  if  they  consider 
the  recreatipn  too  childish  for  sturdy  youths.”  3 

Finally,  the  conclusion  is  evident  that  certain 
features  of  our  recreational  program  as  it  has 
been  administered  in  the  past  have  not  met  the 
needs  of  these  boys.  Boys  leave  home  because  of 
a complication  of  economic,  social,  and  personal 
factors,  but  leaders  in  the  transient  boy  field  are 
pretty  generally  agreed  that  a vital  educational 
and  recreational  program  would  materially  assist 
in  keeping  at  home  a great  many  lads  who  would 
otherwise  drift  onto  the  open  road  because  of 
sheer  boredom.  An  adequate  leisure  time  pro- 
gram: in  each  community,  no  matter  how  large  or 
how  small,  would  be  a genuine  contribution  to 
stabilizing  our  youth  before  they  reach  that  place 
where  stabilization  will  have  to  take  place  in  some 
more  undesirable  institutions. 

8 Robert  S.  Wilson  and  Dorothy  B.  de  la  Pole,  Group  Treatment 

For  Transients f National  Association  for  Travelers  Aid  and 

Transient  Service,  New  York,  1935,  page  99. 


New  Publications  in  the  Leisure  Time  Field 


More  Zest  for  Life 

By  Donald  A.  Laird,  Ph.D.  Whittlesey  House. 
McGraw-Hill  Book  Co.,  Inc.,  New  York.  $2.50. 

More  and  more  books  are  being  written  on  the  satis- 
factions of  life  and  how  to  secure  them  through  a 
happy  and  worthwhile  use  of  leisure.  Dr.  Laird  has 
given  us  in  this  volume  an  analysis  of  the  sources  of  hap- 
piness and  discontent  and  has  pointed  the  way  to  trans- 
J forming  a dissatisfied,  half-hearted  life  into  a zestful 
and  useful  one.  And  zest,  he  says,  “is  something  we  give 
to  the  world,  not  something  the  world  pours  over  us.  It 
is  an  inner  condition  of  mental  adjustment,  an  inner 
balance  of  emotions,  motives,  moods  and  ambitions.” 

IOI  Things  for  Girls  to  Do 

By  Lillie  B.  and  Arthur  C.  Horth.  J.  B.  Lippincott 
Company,  Philadelphia,  Pa.  $2.00. 

The  purpose  of  this  “Review  of  Simple  Crafts  and 
■ Household  Subjects,”  as  the  subtitle  describes  the 
book,  is  to  encourage  girls  of  various  ages  to  find  enjoy- 
ment in  the  use  of  their  hands.  Many  of  the  articles 
illustrated  and  described  are  the  simple  beginnings  of 
useful  arts.  They  are  intended  to  inspire  those  who  read 
and  follow  out  the  instructions  to  greater  effort  and  to 
give  an  incentive  to  experiment  in  other  directions.  It 
is  to  the  adventurer  in  the  field  of  creative  work  that  this 
lx)ok  makes  an  appeal. 

Youth  Action  in  the  Use  of  Leisure  Time 

Published  by  the  International  Council  of  Religious 
Education,  203  North  Wabash  Avenue,  Chicago,  Illin- 
ois. $.15. 

This  booklet  is  designed  to  serve  as  a guide  to  action 
* for  young  people  and  their  leaders  in  the  new  united 
youth  movement,  “Christian  Youth  Building  a . New 
World,”  which  is  being  developed  cooperatively  by  Pro- 
testant Evangelical  Forces  of  the  United  States  and 
Canada  through  the  Internatioual  Council  of  Religious 
Education.  The  booklet  first  offers  a bird’s-eye  view  of 
the  spare  time  problem,  then  suggests  methods  through 
which  young  people  may  organize  and  initiate  a pro- 
gram. This  is  followed  by  definite  suggestions  for  hob- 
bies, nature  study,  hiking,  camping,  dramatics,  games  and 
sports,  music  and  similar  activities. 

Play  in  Childhood 

By  Margaret  Lowenfeld.  Victor  Gollancz,  Ltd.,  London. 
The  author,  who  is  Psychological  Director  of  the  In- 
stitute  of  Child  Psychology  in  London,  has  based 
many  of  the  findings  in  her  book  on  the  records  made 
of  the  play  of  the  children  attending  the  institute.  Some 
of  the  information  given  is  the  result  of  a wide  reading 
of  published  studies  of  children’s  play.  In  addition  to 
case  studies,  historical  theories  of  play  are  reviewed  and 
its  functions  outlined. 


Learn  to  Ski! 

By  Hermann  Bautzmann.  The  Macmillan  Company, 
New  York.  $1.25. 

The  great  popularity  of  skiing  makes  this  book  a very 
* timely  publication.  Mr.  Bautzmann  has  given  us  a 
complete  course  in  skiing  instruction,  not  omitting  sug- 
gestings  on  “how  to  fall  right.”  And  there  are  chapters 
on  Equipment;  Walking  Uphill  ; The  Downhill  Run; 
Pole-Riding;  Turns;  Christianias  and  other  turns,  and 
all  the  various  techniques  which  make  skiing  such  a 
thrilling  and  breathtaking  sport.  The  book  is  profusely 
illustrated. 

News  Almanac  for  Social  Work  1936 

Published  by  Community  Chests  and  Councils,  Inc.,  155 
East  44th  Street,  New  York.  $.50. 

This  unique  almanac  contains  a compact  list  of  dates, 
anniversaries  and  events  of  significance  for  the  inter- 
pretation of  social  work.  Essential  facts  about  each  date, 
authoritative  sources  of  further  information,  and  prac- 
tical wavs  to  use  the  occasion  for  newspaper  stories  and 
special  events  are  given  day  by  day.  The  value  of  the 
booklet  lies  not  only  in  the  specific  facts  given  but  in 
the  possibility  of  using  the  facts  as  a springboard  for  the 
imagination  and  ingenuity  of  the  reader. 

Juvenile  Delinquents  in  Public 
Institutions  1933 

Prepared  under  the  supervision  of  Dr.  Leon  E.  Trues- 
dell.  Government  Printing  Office,  Washington,  D.  C. 
$.10. 

This  report  presents  the  results  of  the  1933  federal 
census  of  juvenile  delinquents  in  public  institutions. 
Almost  fifty  tables  are  given  in  presenting  the  facts  cov- 
ered in  the  study. 

Game  Craft 

By  H.  D.  Edgren  and  Day  T.  Eiswald.  George  Williams 
College,  Chicago,  Illinois.  $.50. 

Here’s  a timely  booklet  telling  how  to  make  games, 
how  to  play  them  and  giving  illustrations  for  67 
different  games.  It  offers  the  joy  of  creation  and  the 
fun  of  playing  games  which  can  be  made  out  of  inexpen- 
sive materials.  The  games  may  be  made  from  material 
ordinarily  found  around  the  home  or  institution. 

Skits  and  Stunts 

By  W.  Martin  Butts.  Published  by  Mr.  Butts,  at  East 
Boston,  Mass.  $.60. 

There  are  seven  amusing  skits  in  this  booklet,  a num- 
ber of  circus  stunts  and  some  stunt  games.  Plenty  of 
material  will  be  found  for  several  entertaining  evenings 
of  fun  with  very  little  work  involved  since  expression 
and  pantomime,  not  settings  and  properties,  determine  the 
effectiveness  of  the  skits. 


47 


48 


NEW  PUBLICATIONS  IN  THE  LEISURE  TIME  FIELD 


Story  Parade. 

Published  by  Story  Parade,  Inc.,  70  Fifth  Avenue, 
New  York.  $1.00  per  year;  $.15  a copy. 

January  saw  the  launching  of  a new  magazine  for  chil- 
dren known  as  Story  Parade.  It  is  designed  to  give 
children  the  best  in  stories,  verse  and  plays  by  contem- 
porary writers.  In  addition,  there  will  be  presented  for- 
eign and  other  material  of  value  not  easily  accessible  to 
young  readers.  The  qualities  sought  in  illustration  and 
decoration  are  simplicity  and  artistic  value.  On  the  ad- 
visory board  are  such  well  known  leaders  as  Katherine 
Lenroot,  Chief  of  the  Children’s  Bureau;  Bess  Goody- 
koontz,  Assistant  Commissioner  of  Education ; Hughes 
Mearns,  New  York  University,  and  Joseph  Auslander. 

Government  By  Merit. 

By  Lucius  Wilmerding,  Jr.  McGraw-Hill  Book 
Company,  Inc.,  New  York.  $3.00. 

The  Commission  of  Inquiry  on  Public  Service  Per- 
sonnel which  is  responsible  for  this  study  was  appointed 
at  the  close  of  1933  by  the  Social  Science  Research 
Council  with  the  approval  of  President  Roosevelt.  The 
Commission  was  created  to  inquire  into  and  report  early 
in  1935  upon  the  broad  problem  of  personnel  in  the  ad- 
ministrative, executive  and  technical  services  of  national, 
state  and  local  government.  The  work  of  the  Commis- 
sion falls  into  two  parts : first,  the  collection  and  con- 
sideration of  facts  and  opinions ; second,  the  presentation 
to  the  American  people  of  a report  of  findings  and  a pro- 
gram of  constructive  recommendations. 

This  monograph,  dealing  with  the  theory  and  practice 
of  civil  service  and  the  methods  by  which  offices  of  gov- 
ernment may  be  filled  with  men  of  competence  and 
character,  is  one  of  the  special  studies  made  by  the  Com- 
mission. Practical  suggestions  rather  than  technical  are 
made  for  the  proper  classification,  recruitment,  salaries, 
promotion,  tenure,  pensions,  employee  relationships  and 
administrative  control  of  public  service. 

Guide  to  Motion  Pictures. 

Published  by  Community  Chests  and  Councils,  Inc., 
155  East  44th  Street,  New  York.  $.50. 

This  guide  has  been  prepared  for  the  use  of  social  and 
civic  agencies  and  contains  both  propaganda  and  educa- 
tional pictures.  Pictures  are  listed  which  will  fit  into  the 
four  major  fields  of  social  work — child  welfare;  family 
welfare;  health,  and  character-building.  Of  special  in- 
terest to  recreation  workers  are  the  listings  under  the 
headings : “Recreation  and  Physical  Education,”  “Gen- 
eral Health  and  Sanitation,”  “Safety,”  “Nature  Study,” 
and  “Holidays  and  Special  Days.” 

Working  with  Tools. 

By  Harrv  J.  Hobbs.  Leisure  League  of  America, 
New  York.  $.25. 

This,  the  latest  of  the  series  of  the  Leisure  League  of 
America — and  there  are  twenty-five  of  these  attractive 
booklets — suggests  how  to  squeeze  a workshop  out  of  a 
home  even  if  it  is  only  a clothes  closet  or  the  drawers  of 
a chest.  It  discusses  the  tools  needed,  their  use  and  care, 
what  to  make,  how  to  identify  popular  woods  and  how 
to  finish  wood.  The  home  craftsman  cannot  afford  to  be 
without  this  practical  aid. 

The  Merry  Gentlemen  of  Japan. 

By  H.  W.  Reiter  and  Shepard  Chartoc.  Illustrated 
by  Philip  Gelb.  The  Bass  Publishers,  New  York. 
$1.75. 

“The  Mikado,”  immortal  classic  opera  by  Gilbert  and 
Sullivan,  has  been  for  more  than  sixty  years  the  joy  of 
theater  goers.  In  the  adaptation  presented  in  this  book 
the  different  characters  are  introduced  to  children  in 
story  form.  The  original  work  has  been  closely  followed 
and  many  of  the  lyrics  have  been  reproduced.  The  beau- 
tiful illustrations  of  marionette  tintypes,  as  well  as  the 
stories  themselves,  cannot  fail  to  delight  children. 


A Romance  Map  of  the  Northern  Gateway. 

Compiled  by  C.  Eleanor  Hall  in  collaboration  with 
Josephine  W.  Wickser.  Published  at  45  Spring 
Street,  Port  Henry,  New  York.  $.60  postpaid. 

In  this  very  attractive  colored  map,  18  by  24  inches  in 
size,  mere  places  and  events  have  become  centers  of  ac- 
tion in  more  than  140  pictures  which  dot  the  map.  The 
territory  covered  includes  that  section  of  northeastern 
New  "York  and  Western  Vermont  adjacent  to  Lake 
Champlain,  Lake  George,  the  Champlain  Canal,  and  the 
Hudson  River,  approximately  200  miles  in  length.  In  a 
region  noted  for  its  beauty  and  traditions,  the  incidents 
portrayed  have  been  selected  from  a wealth  of  material 
It  would  be  difficult  to  think  of  a more  delightful  way  of 
studying  geography  and  history  than  this  map  offers. 

Youth  Movements  Here  and  Abroad. 

(Bulletin  Number  135,  Russell  Sage  Foundation 
Library.)  Compiled  by  Marguerita  P.  Williams, 
Russell  Sage  Foundation,  130  East  22nd  Street  New 
York.  $.20. 

This  selected  bibliography  of  articles  on  youth  move- 
ments here  and  abroad,  with  a directory  of  leading 
American  movements  which  gives  a brief  digest  of  the 
objectives  and  activities  of  each,  comes  as  a timely  and 
valuable  contribution.  All  recreation  workers  should 
have  it. 

Guide  to  the  Appalachian  Trail  in  Maine. 

Publication  No.  4.  The  Appalachian  Trail  Confer- 
ence. 901  Union  Trust  Building,  Washington,  D.  C. 
$1.00. 

To  the  hikers  to  whom  following  the  trail  has  its  own 
fascination  this  publication  will  supply  detailed  trail  data 
for  the  now  completed  224  miles  of  Appalachian  trail  in 
Maine.  Though  the  trail  leads  through  an  utter  wilder- 
ness, public  accommodations  in  the  form  of  sporting 
camps  are  available  at  intervals  of  a moderate  day’s 
travel.  M.aps  for  the  completed  trail  are  included  in  the 
guide  book  which  also  gives  definite  information  on  the 
various  trail  sections  and  data  on  accommodations,  pub- 
lic camp  sites  and  costs. 


Officers  and  Directors  of  the  National 
Recreation  Association 

OFFICERS 
Joseph  Lee,  President 
John  H.  Finley,  First  Vice-President 
John  G.  Winant,  Second  Vice-President 
Robert  Garrett,  Third  Vice-President 
Gustavus  T.  Kirby,  Treasurer 
Howard  S.  Braucher,  Secretary 

DIRECTORS 

Mrs.  Edward  W.  Biddle,  Carlisle,  Pa. 

William  Butterworth,  Moline,  111. 

Clarence  M.  Clark,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

Henry  L.  Corbett,  Portland,  Ore. 

Mrs.  Arthur  G.  Cummer,  Jacksonville,  Fla. 

F.  Trubee  Davison,  Locust  Valley,  L.  I.,  N.  Y. 

John  H.  Finley,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Robert  Garrett,  Baltimore,  Md. 

Austin  E.  Griffiths,  Seattle,  Wash. 

Charles  Hayden,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Mrs.  Charles  V.  Hickox,  Michigan  City,  Ind. 

Mrs.  Edward  E.  Hughes,  West  Orange,  N.  J. 

Mrs.  Francis  deLacy  Hyde,  Plainfield,  N.  J. 

Gustavus  T.  Kirby,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

H.  McK.  Landon,  Indianapolis,  Ind. 

Mrs.  Charles  D.  Lanier,  Greenwich,  Conn. 

Robert  Lassiter,  Charlotte,  N.  C. 

Joseph  Lee,  Boston,  Mass. 

Edward  E.  Loomis,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

J.  H.  McCurdy,  Springfield,  Mass. 

Otto  T.  Mallery  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

Walter  A.  May,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 

Carl  E.  Milliken,  Augusta,  Me. 

Mrs.  Ogden  L.  Mills,  Woodbury,  N.  Y. 

Mrs.  James  W.  Wadsworth,  Jr.,  Washington,  D.  C. 

J.  C.  Walsh,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Frederick  M.  Warburg,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

John  G.  Winant,  Concord,  N.  H. 

Mrs.  William  H.  Woodin,  jr.,  Tucson,  Ariz. 


Ridicule  of  Recreation 

The  common  people  do  not  ridicule  recreation.  Associations  of  common  people  for 
cooperative  buying  and  selling  have  always  encouraged  recreation  for  their  groups. 
Labor  unions  have  always  emphasized  the  importance  of  playgrounds,  recreation 
centers,  and  all  that  goes  to  make  satisfying  life  as  a part  of  real  wages.  Unemployed 
united  together  for  barter  have  established  their  own  recreation  centers  without  any 
outside  stimulation.  Those  who  live  close  to  the  heart  of  the  people  have  no  question 
about  the  people’s  desire  and  need  for  recreation. 

Dictators,  too,  have  sensed  the  importance  of  recreation.  The  Union  of  Soviet 
Republics  in  Russia  lost  no  time  in  establishing  public  recreation.  Mussolini  quickly 
brought  into  existence  the  Dopolavoro  in  Italy.  Hitler  has  a "Strength  through  Joy 
Association”  in  Germany. 

It  is  as  you  get  away  from  the  Thomas  Jeffersons,  the  Andrew  Jacksons,  the 
Abraham  Lincolns,  the  Theodore  Roosevelts,  to  men  who  do  not  understand  the  com- 
mon pulse  of  humanity  that  you  find  indifference  to  recreation  or  a tendency  to  sneer 
at  it. 

As  life  becomes  thin,  rarefied,  and  over-controlled  by  the  intelligentsia,  there  is 
apt  to  be  a question  about  the  joys  of  common  humanity.  Men  who  openly  or  secretly 
are  outlaws  against  society  are  apt  to  sneer  at  the  simple  natural  pleasures  which  men 
enjoy  together.  To  them  provision  for  skating,  swimming  is  a waste  because  they  see  a 
better  use  for  pieces  of  silver. 

Men  who  have  kept  close  to  little  children,  men  who  would  see  the  spirit  of 
Christmas  prevail  through  all  the  days  of  the  year  do  not  begrudge  the  municipal  swim- 
ming pools,  baseball  fields,  tennis  courts,  golf  courses  — nor  yet  municipal  orchestras, 
glee  clubs,  choral  societies. 

When  millions  are  idle  and  lumber  and  metals  are  piled  up  without  market  — 
surely  no  one  can  say  there  is  "no  time”  for  building  play  and  recreation  spaces  and  that 
materials  must  be  saved  for  a more  important  use. 

A great  and  good  and  just  Father  surely  rejoices  just  as  much  over  the  deep 
daily  laughter  of  His  people  as  over  the  silver  that  they  have  in  their  savings  banks. 
After  all,  to  keep  really  alive  is  far  more  important  than  just  to  keep  breathing. 

Howard  Braucher 


MAY  .1936 


49 


Pennsylvania  Department  of  Highways 


Inventory 


I take  an  inventory  now  and  then 
To  see  what  things  I own.  Now  once  again 
I find  that  I am  wealthy.  There's  the  sky, 
Bright  blue  with  showy  lambkins  racing  by, 
Bumping  their  heads  in  foolish  childlike  ways. 
There's  sunshine,  and  drowsy  summer  haze 
That  gives  excuse  for  laziness.  There's  rain 
That  breaks  the  heat  as  suddenly  as  pain 


Is  dulled  by  gentle  hands.  Then  there  are  nights 
Of  quivering  softness  pierced  by  little  lights 
From  fireflies  and  stars.  And  there  are  trees 
That  seem  to  laugh  with  every  little  breeze 
That  ruffles  them.  And  there  are  fields  of  wheat 
And  grass  grows  even  by  a city  street. 

No  matter  what  my  fortunes,  these  will  be 
Possessions  I may  keep  eternally. 

— Eleanor  Graham 


50 


A Camp  at  Your  Doorstep 


By  Langdon  Gilbert  Rankin 


A troubled  mother  start- 
ed it  all.  She  did  not 
want  her  three  small  sons,  aged  six,  seven,  and 
eight,  to  be  playing  in  the  streets  all  summer.  She 
was  very  anxious  to  find  some  place  where  they 
might  be  protected  from  bad  contacts  and  enjoy 
the  benefits  of  supervised  play.  In  other  words, 
she  wanted  the  school  to  continue  throughout  the 
summer. 

We  knew  the  same  thoughts  were  passing 
through  the  minds  of  other  mothers.  We  also 
knew  that  there  must  be  some  boys  considered 
too  young  by  their  parents  to  send  away  to  camp, 
and  that  for  many  families  the  expense  of  a reg- 
ular summer  camp  was  out  of  the  question. 

There  was,  then,  a very  definite  need  for  a place 
on  Staten  Island  which  would  give  an  opportun- 
ity for  boys  to  enjoy  under  supervision  the  out- 
door activities  of  a camp,  yet  still  live  at  home. 
What  was  needed,  obviously,  was  a day  camp  in 
the  neighborhood,  a place  where  all  the  boys  in 
question  might  meet  and  have  a thoroughly  well- 
balanced  summer,  all  the  experiences  of  a sum- 
mer camp  at  home — and  this  to  the  ultimate  satis- 
faction of  the  mothers  and  fathers. 

We  began  to  think  it  over;  to  ask  ourselves  if 
we  could  not  make  a go  of  a day  camp;  to  won- 
der how  many  boys  we  could  get.  It  was  a chal- 
lenge ! We  had  to  act  quickly,  for  there  were  only 
three  weeks  before  the  time  camp  should  begin. 

We  Make  Our  Decision 

Monday  afternoon  found  a number  of  us  in 
deep  discussion  of  many  questions  — how  many 
boys ; how  to  go  about  getting  them ; the  question 
of  equipment  and  lunches ; where  to  swim ; the 
program,  rates ; a budget.  Our 
decision  was  made.  We  would 
tackle  the  job  of  making  the 
Island  Summer  Camp  an  actu- 
ality and  a success,  provided 
we  could  get  enough  boys  to 
carry  our  expenses  with  a lit- 
tle over.  We  fully  realized 
that  we  had  an  idea  worth 
building  up  for  future  years, 


though  the  first  summer 
might  be  difficult  to  swing. 

The  next  morning  we  settled  down  to  work, 
using  the  school  library  as  our  office.  Our  first 
step  was  to  see  what  reaction  the  idea  would  re- 
ceive from  the  parents  of  boys  who  had  been  at 
school  that  year.  We  drew  up  a form  letter,  ex- 
pressing our  plan  as  in  embryo  only,  giving  a few 
program  details,  and  asking  the  parents  interested 
to  telephone  us.  We  heard  favorably  from  only 
three  people.  Meanwhile,  we  were  busy  formulat- 
ing our  program  and  investigating  the  practica- 
bility of  its  details.  We  needed  publicity  badly. 

A suggestion  from  one  of  those  who  telephoned 
us  came  as  a lifesaver.  It  was  proposed  that  a 
meeting  of  all  interested  parents  be  called  at 
which  we  should  explain  our  idea  and  our  pro- 
gram, and  at  the  end  of  which  we  should  ask  for 
a definite  expression  of  interest  or  lack  of  it.  We 
could  thus  determine  whether  it  was  possible  for 
us  to  go  ahead  or  not.  Again  we  bent  to  our  type- 
writers, calling  the  meeting  for  a few  days  hence. 
Meanwhile,  we  completed  our  program,  subject  to 
revision  after  the  parents’  discussion,  and  we 
solved  the  problem  of  where  we  were  going  to 
swim. 

The  gathering  was  disappointingly  small,  but 
made  up  in  interest,  ideas  and  enthusiasm  what  it 
lacked  in  numbers.  We  reported  that  the  head- 
master of  the  school  had  very  generously  given  us 
the  use  of  the  school  grounds  and  equipment  for 
the  summer.  We  detailed  our  program,  getting 
fine  discussion  on  each  item  and  a good  many  sug- 
gestions which  we  later  adopted.  We  asked  the 
parents  frankly  if  they  would  consider  sending 
their  boys.  And  we  got  what  we  wanted — at  least 
twelve  boys,  enough,  with 
other  prospects  to  insure  a 
successful  summer. 

We  Go  to  Work 

We  now  had  something  de- 
finite to  work  on.  The  most 
convincing  sales  letter  we 
could  plan  was  hastily  written, 
taken  off  on  the  duplicator, 


This  month  we  give  you  a sampling  of 
some  of  the  various  types  of  camping 
programs  which  will  make  it  possible 
for  many  thousands  of  children  and 
young  people  to  enjoy  the  thrill  of 
camping  even  though  many  of  them 
will  not  be  away  from  their  homes  a 
single  night.  So  here  are  day  camps 
of  several  varieties,  and  accounts  of 
a number  of  interesting  experiments. 


51 


52 


A CAMP  AT  YOUR  DOORSTEP 


and,  with  a copy  of  our  program  and  rates,  mail- 
ed to  every  parent  whose  name  we  could  obtain. 
We  enlarged  our  mailing  list  as  we  went  along, 
getting  new  names  from  people  who  had  been  at 
the  meeting  and  from  others  as  we  made  contacts 
with  them.  After  three  days  we  telephoned  those 
to  whom  we  had  written,  getting  an  interview  if 
possible.  Second  and  third  letters  were  composed 
and  sent  out.  Whenever  we  could  get  an  inter- 
view we  went  out  and  talked,  enthusiastically,  and 
therefore  well,  for  by  then  we  were  completely 
sold  on  the  idea.  We  built  and  painted  a small 
sign  to  set  up  on  the  grounds,  advertising  the 
camp,  making  it  out  of  scrap  lumber  and  Five- 
and-Ten-Cent  Store  paint.  The  question  of  news- 
paper advertisement  was  considered  and  dropped, 
for  we  doubted  if  it  would  bring  in  results  worth 
the  expense.  We  were  kept  busy  day  and  night, 
for  the  preparation  of  the  camp  plant  had  to  be 
managed  along  with  the  office  and  sales  work. 

Our  work  bore  fruit,  and  we  opened  camp  July 
2nd  with  twenty-four  boys  ranging  in  age  from 
five  to  fourteen,  and  several  of  each  age  repre- 
sented, or  sufficiently  near  of  age,  so  that  all  had 
companions.  We  divided  the  group  in  two,  older 
and  younger,  according  to  size  and  compatibility. 
Though  two  boys  needed  special  individual  atten- 
tion, and  there  were  only  two  of  us  to  handle  the 
whole  group,  we  found  that  with  the  help  of  one 
junior  councilor  we  could  give  more  than  ade- 
quate supervision.  With  more  than  twenty-four 
we  should  have  had  to  secure  another  worker. 

We  ran  with  this  number  into  the  first  part  of 
August,  keeping  between  fifteen  and  twenty  until 
the  last  week  and  a half  of  that  month,  and  ending 
up  with  fourteen.  We  decided  then  to  end  camp 
the  next  year  in  the  middle  of  August,  as  a great 
many  parents  went  away  on  their  own  vacations 
at  that  time,  taking  their  children  with  them. 
Thanks  to  another  interested  parent  we  evolved 
the  plan  of  letting  the  boys  draw  lots  for  turns  in 
inviting  guests  for  a day  at  camp.  The  guests 
came  twice  a week  on  our  swimming  days.  In 
this  way  we  acquainted  other  boys  and  their 
families  wfith  what  we  were  doing.  More  than 
half  of  this  group  signed  on  as  regular  campers, 
and  after  August  ist,  when  parents  began  to  with- 
draw their  children  to  go  away  themselves,  this 
plan  helped  keep  our  number  up. 

The  Perplexing  Problem  of  Charges 

A schedule  of  rates  proved  to  be  a difficult 
problem.  We  had  had  absolutely  no  experience 


whatever  in  running  a camp.  There  were  the  hard 
times  to  be  considered.  One  of  our  selling  points 
was  to  be  that  we  would  offer  all  the  advantages 
of  a summer  camp  at  home  within  a price  range 
acceptable  to  those  parents  who  could  not  send 
their  boys  away.  We  could  not  tell  what  our  ex- 
penses would  be.  But  we  had  to  know  what  to 
charge  before  we  held  our  parents  meeting,  or,  in 
other  words,  four  days  after  we  had  decided  to 
go  ahead. 

So  we  laid  out  a budget.  Luncheon,  of  course, 
would  be  our  main  expense.  Our  wives  planned  a 
week’s  menu  of  simple  but  appetizing  lunches, 
computed  their  cost  at  th^  prevailing  prices,  and 
added  in  the  salary  we  thought  we  could  pay  a 
cook.  We  budgeted  all  our  other  expenses,  mainly 
equipment,  in  so  far  as  we  could  guess  at  them, 
and  found  the  total  not  so  large  as  we  had  sup- 
posed. Nevertheless,  we  fully  realized  that  our 
actual  outlay  might  be  an  entirely  different  story. 

Figuring  our  food  expense  on  a basis  of  fifteen 
boys,  and  adding  in  all  equipment  costs  and  run- 
ning expenses,  we  found  we  could  make  the  sum- 
mer pay  if  we  charged  thirty  dollars  a month.  As 
an  added  inducement,  two  brothers  would  be  ad- 
mitted for  fifty  dollars,  and  three  brothers  for 
seventy-five.  Further,  payments  for  whole  or  part 
time  could  be  met  in  four  installments.  These 
rates  and  method  of  payment  met  with  the  un- 
qualified approval  of  our  parent  group.  We  had 
but  one  bad  debt  the  whole  summer,  and  that  was 
cleared  up  before  the  season  ended.  One  other 
regulation  which  proved  a decided  success  was 
that  we  accepted  boys  for  part  time,  by  the  week, 
or  even  by  the  day.  Many  parents  who  would 
have  been  unwilling  to  sign  up  for  the  season,  or 
even  for  a month,  sent  their  boys  under  this  ar- 
rangement. We  never  ordered  our  food  for  the 
day  until  after  we  knew  how  many  boys  we  were 
going  to  have.  As  lunch  was  our  only  meal,  a 
varying  number  of  boys  made  no  trouble  for  us. 

At  the  end  of  the  summer,  when  we  came  to 
balance  our  budget,  we  were  justifiably  proud  to 
find  that  all  but  one  or  two  minor  items  were  well 
in  the  black.  Not  only  all  cam])  expenses  but  also 
our  own  living  expenses  for  the  period  were  paid, 
with  something  left  over  besides. 

The  Equipment 

We  had  the  school  grounds  and  equipment  at 
our  disposal.  This,  of  course,  was  a very  lucky 
“break. ” Mainly  because  we  wanted  camp  to  have 
as  little  of  the  school  atmosphere  as  possible,  we 


A CAMP  AT  YOUR  DOORSTEP 


53 


used  only  the  basement  floor  of  the  school  build- 
ing, with  two  exceptions.  We  had  our  manual 
training  on  the  first  floor  porch,  already  equipped 
for  that  purpose,  and  we  used  one  of  the  class 
rooms  for  showing  movies.  In  the  basement  were 
the  kitchen,  the  locker  room,  showers  and  indoor 
playroom. 

Game  Courts.  Out  of  doors  we  had  an  im- 
mense amount  of  space  available  — three  playing 
fields,  a large  amount  of  lawn,  a fairly  large  tract 
of  woods.  On  the  playing  fields  we  set  up  a base- 
ball diamond,  tennis,  paddle  tennis,  deck  tennis, 
volley  ball,  dodge  ball  and  croquet  courts;  on  dif- 
ferent parts  of  the  lawn  we  installed  playground 
equipment,  a tether  ball  pole,  outdoor  showers, 
and  next  the  kitchen,  tables  for  our  outdoor 
lunches.  In  the  woods  we  built  a stone  fireplace 
for  outdoor  cooking  and  cleared  a space  around 
it  for  eating. 

The  baseball  diamond  was  already  set  up.  On 
the  small  boys’  soccer  field  we  laid  out  and 
marked  a regulation  size  tennis  court  of  turf, 
with  the  grass  clipped  as  short  as  we  could  get  it. 
We  mowed  the  court  twice  a week  throughout  the 
summer.  Backstops  were  a hedge  and  a fence : 
the  posts  we  made  out  of  an  old  four-by-four,  and 
the  net  we  already  had.  We  found  a court  of  this 
sort  very  satisfactory  for  instruction  and  for  be- 
ginners, though  not  very  suitable  for  hard,  fast 
tennis.  The  paddle  tennis  court,  which  measured 
just  half  the  size  of  the  tennis  court,  was  placed 
in  the  far  outfield  of  the  baseball  diamond,  with 
four-by-four’s  as  posts.  Here  an  old  volley  ball 
net  served  its  purpose.  We  laid  out  the  volley  ball 
and  deck  tennis  courts  as  we  had  the  others,  get- 
ting the  measurements  from  games  books,  lining 
them  out  with  string,  marking 
the  lines  with  whitewash,  sink- 
ing four-by-four’s  as  posts, 
and  utilizing  another  old  net 
which  we  found  in  the  school 
building.  We  already  had  deck 
tennis  rings,  and  the  volley  ball 
we  bought  from  Sears  Roe- 
buck. Sections  of  lead  pipe 

Enthusiasm  over  outdoor  showers 

is  universal.  Some  children  in  a 

city  in  Canada  are  shown  here 

enjoying  their  homemade  showers 


formed  our  tether  ball  pole,  and  clothesline  the 
cord.  A tennis  ball  wrapped  in  netting  was  at- 
tached to  the  cord,  and  a circle  of  lime  was  drawn 
around  the  pole.  We  placed  the  croquet  outfit  on 
another  part  of  the  field,  marking  the  positions  of 
the  posts  and  wickets  with  lime  for  greater  ease  in 
putting  up  each  day.  The  dodge  ball  court  was 
easily  made  by  drawing  a large  limed  circle. 
Quoits,  or  horseshoes,  were  thrown  over  two 
short  pieces  of  pipe  driven  into  the  ground,  white- 
wash again  being  used  to  mark  the  court. 

On  another  part  of  the  field,  in  the  places  used 
during  the  school  sports  day,  we  re-set  the  broad 
jump  and  high  jump  pits,  posts  and  bar.  The 
straightaway  and  the  grass  track  around  the  field, 
as  well  as  the  school  hurdles,  were  available  when- 
ever we  wanted  races  of  any  sort. 

A Wet  Marker.  To  keep  all  these  courts  well 
and  visibly  lined  we  needed  a wet  marker  very 
badly.  On  looking  up  the  cost,  we  found  that  a good 
one  sold  for  $35.00,  a fair  one  for  $17.00.  Spend- 
ing this  much  would  have  badly  wrecked  the  bud- 
get ! As  we  thought  over  the  problem,  it  suddenly 
struck  us  that  the  large  steel  drum  we  had  seen  in 
the  cellar  would  well  serve  our  purpose  and  cost 
us  very  little  to  prepare,  if  we  equipped  it  with  a 
tap-  or  nozzle  and  set  it  up  on  a lawn  mower 
frame.  The  can  was  immediately  taken  down  to 
a plumber,  a friend  of  ours.  He  made  a good  in- 
stallation of  a tap,  or  faucet,  and  did  the  job  out 
of  friendship.  When  we  had  brought  the  drum 
back  to  school  we  had  the  blades  of  an  old  lawn 
mower  removed,  and  roped  our  marker  to  the 
frame.  Filled  with  lime  and  water,  it  proved  per- 
fectly practicable,  though  heavy  and  clumsy  to 
work.  It  had  to  be  pulled  rather  than  pushed,  but, 


54  A CAMP  AT  YOUR  DOORSTEP 


due  to  the  fact  that  it  worked 
well  all  summer  and  had  not 
cost  us  anything,  we  were  de- 
lighted with  it,  as  well  as 
amused  at  its  peculiar  aspect. 

The  Swimming  Problem.  We 
encountered  difficulties  in  plan- 
ning our  swimming  arrange- 
ments. We  were  situated  on  an 
island  which  had  public  beaches 
and  public  pools  as  well  as 
some  private  pools,  but  with 
obstacles  attached  to  all.  Next 
door  to  the  school,  however,  at  three  or  four 
minutes  walk  over  our  side  wall,  was  an  enormous 
outdoor  pool,  ideally  situated  for  us,  but  unused, 
or  so  we  thought  until  we  investigated.  Inquiry 
proved  that  it  was  in  use  and  that  we  could  swim 
there  two  mornings  a week  and  any  afternoon  we 
chose,  at  rates  running  from  fifty  cents  per  adult, 
twenty-five  cents  for  boys  over  twelve,  to  fifteen 
cents  for  boys  under  twelve,  for  the  whole  season. 
Beyond  what  swimming  instruction  we  could  give, 
regular  swimming  and  junior  life  saving  classes 
were  available. 

For  those  mornings  on  which  we  could  not  go 
swimming,  and  for  use  in  the  afternoons,  we  con- 
structed a set  of  outdoor  showers.  Choosing  a 
place  on  the  lawn  which  would  drain  well  and 
which  was  near  the  shower  room,  we  sunk  a pair 
of  soccer  goal  posts  into  the  ground.  Using  joints 
and  pieces  of  the  old  piping  we  had  collected,  a 
section  of  rubber  hose  and  some  adjustable  hose 
nozzles  which  we  bought,  we  rigged  four  outlets 
on  the  cross  bar  and  connected  them  with  one  of 
the  showers  in  the  locker  room.  All  of  the  other 
showers  were  plugged  up  in  order  to  give  us 
enough  pressure  outside.  These  showers  were  a 
source  of  great  pleasure  on  hot  days  and  served 
to  remove  the  dust  and  grime  of  play.  If  the  day 
was  temperate,  and  the  shower  too  cold,  we  could 
warm  the  water  by  turning  on  the  hot  water 
faucet  in  the  shower  room. 

Playground  Equipment.  For  the  younger  boys 
especially,  and  for  the  use  of  all  at  odd  moments 
and  in  free  play  periods,  some  playground  equip- 
ment was  necessary.  For  material  we  had  the  pip- 
ing, four-by-fours,  and  some  rope,  paint,  and 
brackets  which  we  had  to  buy ; for  labor  we  had 
our  own  hands.  Piping,  joined  into  an  upside- 
down  U,  sunk  deep  in  the  ground  and  braced  by 
wooden  beams,  was  the  base  for  our  see-saw.  A 
long,  heavy  board,  planed  and  sand-papered,  and 


with  wooden  handles  two  feer 
from  each  end,  was  bracketed 
onto  the  base.  This  see-saw 
was  in  constant  use  and  stood 
up  until  we  took  it  down  after 
camp.  A chestnut  tree  with 
extensive  branches  was  utilized 
for  a swing,  a swinging  bar 
and  a climbing  rope.  The  bar 
and  swing  seat  were  made  out 
of  an  old  pole  and  desk  top, 
each  attached  to  its  rope  by 
brackets.  Swing,  bar,  rope  and 
see-saw  were  always  occupied  before  and  after 
camp  hours  and  during  the  play  periods. 

Our  Outdoor  Fireplace.  The  outdoor  fireplace 
was  built  and  the  camp  grove  cleared  by  the  boys 
themselves.  Enough  brush  was  removed  to  give 
room  for  everyone  to  stretch  out  on  his  blanket 
and  to  provide  space  for  the  fireplace  and  serving 
arrangements.  The  fireplace  consisted  of  slate  and 
brick  flooring  and  strongly-set  stone  side  and  back 
walls.  It  was  placed  in  the  middle  of  the  grove. 
For  a grill  we  used  an  old  cellar  window  grating. 
A large  ash  can,  always  filled  with  water,  was 
placed  within  easy  reach.  For  serving  we  used 
an  old  desk  and  table  kept  permanently  in  the 
grove.  If  need  be,  we  moved  up  one  of  our  din- 
ing tables.  We  procured  a fire  permit,  of  course. 
Our  outdoor  cooking  experiments  were  highly 
successful  and  very  popular. 

Handcrafts.  The  manual  training  equipment  at 
our  disposal  was  very  extensive  and  exceedingly 
useful  to  us.  A porch  with  a western  exposure, 
glassed  in,  and  with  windows  that  would  open, 
was  delightfully  cool  on  the  hottest  of  summer 
mornings,  though  naturally  unusable  on  the  same 
afternoons.  Six  double-vised  work-benches,  a 
twenty-five  foot  work  and  paint  shelf,  a well 
provided  tool  closet,  and  some  scrap  lumber  were 
at  hand.  We  had  to  buy  some  lumber  and  nails, 
but,  after  the  man  at  the  lumber  yard  found  out 
what  we  were  doing,  we  returned  from  there  with 
about  four  times  as  much  free  lumber  as  we  had 
bought,  and  with  nails  thrown  in  to  bind  the  bar- 
gain. What  paint  we  needed  we  bought  at  the 
Five-and-Ten.  We  reserved  one  section  of  the 
porch  for  airplane  modeling,  and  left  our  junior 
councilor  in  charge.  In  the  other  end  of  the 
porch  quite  creditable  bird-houses,  treasure  chests, 
sail  and  motor  boats,  and  book-ends  were  made. 

The  All-Important  Problem — Food!  Food  was  our 
main  expense.  We  wanted  it  to  be  of  the  best, 


"Summer  camps  furnish  an  excellent 
medium  for  teaching  boys  and  girls 
the  fundamentals  of  social  adjust- 
ment. . . . We  can  at  least  say  that 
camp  life  represents  the  sort  of 
situation  that  all  children  should  learn 
to  face.  They  should  learn  to  enter 
readily  into  new  social  situations, 
make  friends  with  the  other  members 
of  the  group  and  cooperate  in  group 
activities."  — Carlos  E.  Ward  in 
Organized  Camping  and  Progres- 
sive Education. 


A CAMP  AT  YOUR  DOORSTEP 


55 


Few  indeed  are  the  boys  who  do 
not  find  joy  in  making  things! 


one  of  our  main  selling  points.  We  wanted  the 
boys  to  eat  and  like  it  and  come  back  for  more. 
This  department  we  left  in  the  hands  of  our 
wives  who  made  a great  culinary  and  financial 
success  of  it. 

The  school  kitchen  was  made  ready.  Dishes  and 
silver,  packed  away,  were  brought  to  light.  We 
bought  paper  cups,  paper  napkins,  dish  towels,  oil- 
cloths, soap,  thermos  jugs,  arid  other  supplies 
quite  inexpensively  at  sales.  We  repaired  and 
painted  two  old  tables  for  our  lunches,  and  placed 
them  under  shade  trees  near  the  kitchen  door.  We 
planned  to  have  the  boys,  after  washing  for  lunch, 
form  a line  in  the  locker  room,  march  through  the 
kitchen  to  get  their  plates,  which  had  been  filled 
by  the  cook,  and  go  on  out  to  the  tables,  already 
set  with  all  but  the  main  meal.  Dessert  was 
brought  out  later,  either  by  the  cook  or  by  boy 
waiters.  After  lunch  the  tables  were  cleared  by 
the  boys,  each  taking  his  own  implements  back  to 
the  kitchen.  When  they  had  taken  their  chairs 
to  the  manual  training  porch,  they  went  out 
through  the  locker  room  to  get  their  blankets  for 
rest  period. 

When  we  cooked  our  luncheon  over  the  fire- 
place, the  main  part  of  the  meal  was  usually  pre- 
pared in  the  kitchen  by  the  cook.  She  did  this, 
particularly  at  first,  until  the  boys  had  gained  some 
experience.  Five  or  six  boys  were  appointed  chefs 
for  each  week,  under  a rotation  plan,  and  these 
boys,  supervised  by  one  of  us,  had  entire  charge 
of  the  meal. 

First  a supply  of  wood 
sufficient  for  the  day  was 
gathered  and  the  fire  was 
started.  Plates,  silver,  glasses, 
cups  and  napkins,  were  plac- 
ed on  the  tables,  ready  for 
serving.  Water  bucket  and 
ladle  were  brought  out,  and 
the  food  to  be  cooked  was 
put  on  the  fire.  Lastly,  the 
food  prepared  in  the  kitchen 
and  the  milk  arrived.  A 
whistle  or  a lusty  yell  sound- 
ed the  call  for  “chow.”  The 


cooks,  who  usually  ate  before  the  others,  were 
appointed  as  servers,  with  one  to  guide  traffic. 
After  the  boys  had  placed  their  blankets,  they 
lined  up  to  go  past  the  serving  tables  and  get  their 
food.  They  came  up  for  seconds  whenever  they 
were  ready.  At  the  conclusion  of  the  meal  the 
cooks  cleaned  up. 

As  the  summer  progressed  the  chefs  began  to 
do  more  and  more  of  the  preparation  and  cook- 
ing themselves.  By  the  end  of  July  they  were  ask- 
ing us  to  tell  the  cook  not  to  come  at  all!  Twice 
the  boy  cooks  handled  the  entire  preparation,  from 
taking  in  the  milk  to  putting  away  the  last  washed 
and  dried  plate.  And  they  thoroughly  enjoyed 
themselves,  in  addition  to  learning  a good  bit 
about  cooking. 

To  save  a great  deal  of  trouble  in  shopping 
around  we  bought  the  greater  part  of  our  food  at 
one  place.  We  knew  supplies  would  be  good,  for 
the  family  who  ran  the  market  had  several  boys 
in  camp.  Because  we  bought  most  of  our  food 
there  we  were  given  the  prevailing  low  rate  on 
the  Island.  We  wanted  our  boys  to  gain  weight 
and  to  be  in  as  good  physical  condition  as  pos- 
sible by  the  end  of  the  summer,  so  we  gave  them 
a great  many  fresh  fruits  and  green  vegetables, 
and  avoided  fried  foods.  Fresh  vegetables  of 
every  kind  available,  salads  of  all  sorts,  baked 
fish,  bread,  butter,  milk  or  chocolate  milk,  cocoa, 
if  the  weather  was  cold,  fresh  fruit  or  ice  cream 
for  dessert,  sandwiches  for  hikes — these  made  up 
the  main  part  of  our  menus. 


Courtesy  Board  of  Education,  Los  Angeles,  California 


A CAMP  AT  YOUR  DOORSTEP 


56 


A few  typical  menus 
Omelet 

Baked  Potatoes 
String  Beans 
Rolls,  Butter 
Milk 

lee  Cream 

Pigs  in  Blankets 
Potato  Chips 
Pear  Salad 


follow  : 

Baked  Salmon 
Scalloped  Potatoes 
Buttered  Squash 
Raisin  Bread,  Butter 
Milk 

Blackberries  and  Cream 

Bread,  Butter 
Milk 

Chocolate  Pudding 


Outdoor  cookmsr  menus : 


Scrambled  .Eggs,  Bacon 

Potato  Salad 

Rolls,  Butter 

Watermelon 

Milk 


Flying  Horses 
(Cheese  and  Bacon  Rolls) 
Creamed  Potatoes 


Frankfurters 
Baked  Beans 
Vegetable  Salad 
Rolls,  Butter 
Grapes 
Milk 

Lettuce  and  Tomatoes 

Ice  Cream 

Milk 


The  comments  expressed  by  the  hoys,  the  re- 
quests of  the  mothers  for  recipes,  the  remarks  of 
the  parents  who  ate  the  camp  supper  prepared  for 
them  by  their  sons,  bespoke  the  quality  of  the 
food. 


Safeguarding  Their  Health 

The  camp  outfit  consisted  of  a play  suit,  or 
shorts,  of  any  kind  whatsoever ; swimming  suit  or 
trunks,  towels,  and  a bathrobe ; sneakers,  or  some 
kind  of  play  shoes;  a blanket  for  use  in  rest 
period,  and  any  sports  equipment  the  boy  wished 
to  bring.  The  boys  were  thus  enabled  to  use 
clothes  and  equipment  they  already  had,  and  their 
parents  were  spared  the  expense  of  a uniform 
outfit. 

A record  of  each  boy’s  physical  condition  was 
taken  at  the  beginning  of  camp.  Every  week 
thereafter  his  weight  was  checked  and  at  the  end 
of  camp  a second  record  was  made.  We  kept  in 
close  touch  with  the  individual  physical  needs  of 
each  boy.  We  were  very  proud  to  find  that  most 
of  our  boys  gained  weight  and  that  in  practically 
all  cases  their  physical  upbuilding  was  steady  and 
consistent.  Their  color  was  good,  their  muscles 
firmly  knit,  and  they  had  every  appearance  of  in- 
creased physical  vitality.  A doctor  was  instantly 
available,  though  luckily  we  had  no  call  for  his 
services.  Cuts  and  bruises  we  had  in  plenty,  of 
course,  but  the  camp  medical  chest  took  care  of 
all  of  them. 


The  Program 

The  boys  were  supposed  to  be  at  camp  at  io 
a.  m.,  ready  for  the  day.  Usually  they  were  there 
before  9 a.m.  Shirts  came  ofif  on  arrival,  and  ex- 


cept for  the  luncheon  period  shorts  were  the  order 
of  the  day.  Play  on  the  swings  and  at  various 
games  was  broken  up  by  the  call  for  setting-up 
exercises  when  the  roll  was  taken.  The  exercises 
lasted  twenty  minutes.  Though  not  very  popular 
among  the  boys,  the  results  gained  from  them  were 
decidedly  beneficial.  Before  dismissal,  the  program 
for  the  day  was  gone  over,  the  cooks  notified  of 
their  appointment,  and  changes  in  schedule 
brought  forward. 

If  the  day  were  Monday  or  Wednesday,  we  all 
went  in  to  the  locker  room',  changed  into  our 
swimming  trunks  and  marched  over  the  hill  to  the 
pool,  wearing  our  bathrobes  and  carrying  our 
towels.  The  older  boys  took  part  in  their  classes ; 
the  younger  were  given  swimming  instruction  by 
us.  All  had  plenty  of  time  for  play  and  games  in 
the  water.  When  the  noon  whistle  sounded,  we 
went  back  to  camp,  changed,  and  had  a free  play 
period. 

If  it  were  Tuesday  or  Thursday,  we  went  from 
setting-up  exercises  to  the  manual  training  porch 
for  airplane  modeling  or  for  carpentry.  Others 
reported  at  the  luncheon  tables  for  clay  modeling, 
nature  study  and  setting  up  exhibits  of  nature 
study  projects.  A few  went  up  to  the  closet  we 
had  rigged  out  as  a dark  room  to  develop  and 
print  the  pictures  they  had  taken.  Some  went 
around  collecting  insects,  butterflies  or  leaves  for 
their  nature  study  work.  The  place  must  have 
looked  like  a madhouse  while  the  butterfly  chas- 
ing went  on.  Picture  a large  field  covered  with 
the  figures  of  small  boys,  a bottle  in  one  hand,  a 
waving  towel  or  net  in  the  other,  the  figures 
weaving,  darting,  and  swooping! 

Each  boy  was  given  the  opportunity  to  take  part 
in  every  activity  we  had,  our  only  rule  being  that 
what  was  started  had  to  be  carried  through  to 
completion.  They  all  took  up  at  least  three  of  the 
activities.  Towards  the  end  of  each  week  the  boys 
who  had  elected  to  bring  out  the  camp  paper  set 
to  work  on  it,  wrote  their  articles  and  reports  on 
activities,  drew  their  cartoons,  made  a typewriter 
carbon  of  the  whole  and  took  copies  off  on  the 
duplicator. 

The  project  period  ran  until  about  n 130.  After 
that  came  a free  play  period.  For  the  month  of 
July  this  consisted  mostly  of  playing  off  tourna- 
ments between  the  members  of  the  Reds  and  the 
Blues,  the  two  teams  into  which  the  whole  camp 
membership  had  been  divided.  A schedule  of 
point  awards  for  every  camp  activity  had  been 
drawn  up,  the  winning  team  to  be  announced  the 


A CAMP  AT  YOUR  DOORSTEP 


57 


last  day.  Double  tournaments,  one  for  the 
younger  and  one  for  the  older  boys,  were  run  off 
in  every  kind  of  a game  possible  — team  and 
individual. 

In  August,  when  interest'  in  tournaments  had 
flagged  a bit,  we  introduced  new  game  activities, 
usually  getting  our  suggestion  from  one  of  the 
boys.  They  were  carried  on  for  two  or  three  days 
until  waning  enthusiasm  again  warned  of  need 
for  change.  These  latter  games  were  more  group 
activities  than  individual  ones,  and  we  found  that 
with  our  membership  changing  in  personnel  from 
week  to  week — in  July  it  had  remained  constant 
— this  method  of  play  was  more  desirable. 

About  12  130  a hot  and  dusty  group  would  begin 
to  call  for  showers.  So,  after  a rapid  change,  we 
would  all  gather  under  the  fine  spray  which  was 
warmed  by  the  sun,  and  drench  ourselves.  Dur- 
ing the  shower  we  usually  had  a speedy  dodge 
ball  game  on  the  lawn,  or  played  with  our  big 
rubber  ball.  Then  we  dressed  for  lunch,  eating  it 
out  under  the  trees.  Or  we  got  our  blankets  and 
lined  up  for  the  meal  cooked  by  the  young  chefs 
at  the  outdoor  fireplace. 

After  lunch,  usually  over  a little  before  2 :oo, 
the  boys  stretched  themselves  out  on  their  blankets 
in  the  shade  of  the  trees,  with  a book  or  a game, 
for  the  rest  period.  We  leaders  dozed  in  the  sun, 
did  our  bookkeeping,  or  ran  errands.  Sometimes 
we  read  aloud  to  the  boys  as  a group,  or  had  a 
visit  and  a story  from  a very  charming  Southern 
girl  who  came  down  from  the  public  library.  Pro- 
jects which  involved  no  active  movement  could  be 
carried  on  at  this  time.  The  newspaper  staff  often 
worked  all  through  the  period.  • 

Rest  period  was  followed  by  two  hours  of  some 
group  activity,  the  majority  of  our  afternoons 
being  spent  in  playing  baseball.  We  always  used 
a hard  ball,  finding  this  game  more  enjoyable  than 
indoor  baseball.  Most  of  the  boys  participated  in 
this,  though  some  played  tennis  and  a few  of  the 
little  boys  played  in  the  swings.  Uusually  the 
group  was  kept  together  and  idling  was  not  en- 
couraged. During  August  there  came  a change  in 
our  afternoon  play  coincident  with  that  in  the 
morning  free  play  period.  Cops  and  Robbers, 
Prisoners’  Base,  and  other  games  took  the  place 
of  baseball.  Two  or  three  afternoons  were  spent 
in  building  huts  of  brush  and  grass.  We  had  two 
baseball  games  with  the  Community  Center  Camp, 
followed  by  a swim  in  their  pool  after  the  game 
played  away  from  home. 


We  found  the  swimming  pool  too  crowded  to 
use  in  the  afternoons,  so  we  ended  the  day  with 
another  half  hour  spent  in  the  outdoor  showers 
and  with  a game  of  dodge  or  volley  ball.  At  4 :45 
we  changed  to  go  home,  the  boys’  parents  coming 
for  them  at  5 :oo.  Closing  up  took  us  no  more 
than  five  or  ten  minutes,  and  we  were  then 
through  until  10:00  o’clock  the  next  day. 

Adventuring 

Every  Wednesday  afternoon,  after  rest  period, 
we  took  some  kind  of  a trip  on  the  Island.  Usually 
we  drove  the  boys  in  our  cars,  as  the  time  was 
rather  short  for  hiking.  Two  trips  by  each  of  us 
brought  the  group.  The  first  arrivals  were  left  in 
charge  of  one  or  two  of  the  older  boys  capable  of 
such  a trust,  and  the  responsibility  thus  given  was 
helpful  to  them.  Only  once  did  we  have  any 
trouble,  and  luckily  that  was  a minor  episode. 

Our  first  trip  found  us  the  guests  of  the  Com- 
munity Center  Camp  at  a Marionette  show,  fol- 
lowed by  a swim  in  their  pool,  both  of  which  all 
of  us  enjoyed.  We  visited  the  office  and  plant  of 
the  Island  newspaper,  finding  this  extremely  in- 
teresting for  the  boys,  and  very  worthwhile  for 
us  in  that  we  saw  pictures  of  our  call  in  the  next 
day’s  paper ! Another  time,  we  drove  the  boys 
down  to  the  docks  to  see  the  ships,  new  and  old, 
that  lay  berthed  there,  and  to  be  taken  over  one  of 
the  coast  guard  ships.  Once  we  visited  a dairy  and 
milk  bottling  plant.  The  Island  Museum  gave  us 
another  interesting  afternoon. 

Each  Friday  we  spent  away  from  camp,  either 
going  on  a hike,  or  over  to  town.  Fort  Wads- 
worth, commanding  the  harbor  entrance,  was  the 
scene  of  our  first  whole  day’s  trip,  and  was  per- 
haps our  most  enjoyable  hike.  After  looking  over 
the  fort  we  had  lunch  on  the  beach,  and  follow- 
ing rest  period,  ran  a short  treasure  hunt  before 
going  on  to  see  some  more  of  the  fort.  Two  other 
hikes  were  taken  on  the  Island,  on  both  of  which 
we  did  a good  deal  of  walking,  all  cross-country, 
enjoyed  a sandwich  lunch,  and  spent  the  after- 
noons in  racing  over  the  countryside  at  hare  and 
hounds. 

In  town,  we  paid  visits  to  the  Zoo,  the  Museum 
of  Natural  History,  the  Aquarium,  the  Museum 
of  Science  and  Industry,  and  saw  a ball  game  at 
the  Polo  Grounds.  Each  boy  came  provided  with 
his  ferry  and  subway  fare — and  ususally  some- 
thing besides  for  candy.  He  was  required  to 
handle  the  fares  himself,  and  was  responsible  for 
(Continued  on  page  88) 


Courtesy  Department  of  Public  Information,  WPA,  New  York 


New  York  Tries  Out  New  Methods  of  Education 


Summer  means  vacation  to 
every  child  and  vacation 
means  no  school  to  most 
children.  To  some  it  is  a time  of 
great  special  joy  when  the  camps  open  and  sum- 
mer time  is  linked  with  plans  for  living  an  ex- 
panded existence  with  trees  and  hills  and  streams 
and  star-filled  nights  with  clean  winds  blowing. 
Always  there  have  been  a great  many  more  chil- 
dren who  have  looked  forward  to  what  freedom 
could  be  enjoyed  just  outside  their  immediate 
homes,  on  the  very  doorstep,  it  might  be  said.  To 
these  children  the  summer  play  schools  offered 
one  avenue  of  relief  from  the  crowded  streets 
and  a few  even  went  for  periods  of  one  or  two 
weeks  to  settlement  house  camps,  if  they  could 
afford  the  very  small  fee  charged.  There  remain- 
ed at  all  times  the  preponderance  of  pitifully  wist- 
ful ones  standing  on  the  curb  to  watch  all  these 
envied  ones  ride  away  to  that  wonderland  that  is 
called  camp.  They  had  heard 
romantic  tales  of  their  friends’ 
experiences  with  live  animals  of 
field  and  farm,  of  long  tramps 
in  the  woods  and  songfests 
around  camp  fires. 

Now  in  New  York  there  will 
be  fewer  and  fewer  of  these 
hungry-hearted  children  left 
standing  on  the  side  lines  be- 


cause thousands  of  them  will  go 
to  day  camps  as  a supplement  to 
all  these  longed-for  experiences. 

Three  Agencies  Combined 

Three  agencies  combined  their  efforts  to  bring 
these  day  camps  into  being — the  Park  Department, 
the  Board  of  Education  and  the  Works  Progress 
Administration.  In  the  two  years  since  the  plan 
was  put  in  operation,  tremendous  strides  have 
been  made.  In  the  summer  of  1934  four  camps 
were  opened ; the  next  summer  there  were  seven, 
with  the  number  of  children  attending  more  than 
doubled. 

With  so  many  agencies  attacking  the  problem, 
it  necessarily  required  considerable  time  to  arrive 
at  a final  construction  of  program,  but  all  reached 
an  agreement  although  each  arrived  at  it  from  an 
individual  viewpoint.  The  Park  Department  said, 
(to  quote  James  V.  Mulholland),  “Every  child 
should  enjoy  the  wide  expanses 
and  be  allowed  greater  freedom 
to  play.”  The  Board  of  Edu- 
cation said  (quoting  Mr.  George 
H.  Chatfield  and  Mrs.  Anne 
Limpus),  “Education  should  be 
recreation,”  and  the  Recreation 
Unit  of  the  WPA  said,  “Rec- 
reation is  education,”  and  the 
supervisor  of  the  day  outing 


By  Maude  L.  Dryden 

Senior  Project  Supervisor 
Day  Outing  Camps 


In  the  March  issue  of  Recreation 
Mrs.  Dryden  told  of  the  winter  day 
camps  being  conducted  in  New 
York  City.  To  round  out  the  picture 
of  New  York's  day  camp  program 
we  are  presenting  in  this  number 
an  account  of  the  camps  conduct- 
ed last  summer  under  the  joint 
auspices  of  the  Board  of  Educa- 
tion, the  Park  Department  and  the 
Works  Progress  Administration. 


58 


NEW  YORK  TRIES  OUT  NEW  METHODS  OE  EDUCATION 


59 


camps  said  “Camping  is  educa- 
tion through  wilderness  experi- 
ence.” 

The  Park  Department  allo- 
cated several  parks  offering  the 
greatest  possibilities  for  rugged 
wooded  areas.  The  Board  of 
Education  arranged  to  send  the 
children  from  the  summer  play  schools,  arranged 
for  transportation  with  subway  and  bus  lines  and 
furnished  lunches.  The  children  were  encouraged 
to  pay  eight  cents  for  the  lunch,  and  if  that  was 
a hardship,  to  pay  what  was  possible.  Often  they 
could  pay  nothing,  but  lunches  there  were  for  all. 
It  was  felt  that  children  would  feel  greater  self- 
respect  if  they  could  possibly  pay,  but  aside  from 
the  lunch  cost  everything  was  entirely  free  to  the 
children. 

The  WPA  contributed  recreation  leaders  and 
teaching  staff  and  attendants  to  escort  children 
from  location  to  location.  The  program  was  car- 
ried out  cooperatively  by  the  Board  of  Education 
and  the  Recreation  Unit  of  the  WPA. 

For  two  days  of  each  week  the  children  were 
sent  from  the  summer  play  schools,  where  they 
were  engaged  in  a wide  variety  of  units  of  work, 
and  at  camp  they  often  continued  this  interest 
under  the  supervision  of  the  teaching  staff.  After 
August  1 6th,  when  the  play  schools  closed,  the 
children  were  sent  to  camp  every  day.  While  one 
half  of  the  group  was  busy  with  the  kind  of  ac- 
tivity related  to  school  work,  the  other  half  was 
having  a period  of  complete  recreation  under  the 
guidance  of  recreation  leaders. 

Objectives  Outlined 

The  purpose  of  the  recreation  program  was  the 
development  of  the  whole  child,  his  character  and 
personality  and  his  body. 

Realizing  that  children  learn  and  with  lasting 
results  during  their  play  and  that  all  their  games 
and  activities  are  experiments  with  and  prepara- 
tions for  life  situations,  it  was  necessary  to  con- 
sider many  things  in  planning  this  program.  Some 
of  the  points  that  shaped  the  plans  for  activities 
were : 

Every  act  is  educative. 

Education  is  changing  personality — a progres- 
sion. 

The  child’s  activities  determine  his  adulthood. 

The  need  for  the  subtle  culture  of  intimate  re- 
lations wiht  living  things  and  nature’s  environ- 
ment. 


Education,  through  activity, 
places  the  stress  on  initiative. 

Every  stage  of  the  child’s  de- 
velopment is  the  result  of  adven- 
turing in  unknown  fields. 

Camp  becomes  both  a curricu- 
lum and  a process  of  fitting  for 
whole-time  living. 

Plat  patterns  are  an  integral  part  of  all  human 
cultures. 

In  planning  the  program  then,  activities  were 
selected  that 

( 1 ) would  stimulate  healthy  curiosities. 

( 2 ) develop  physical  condition. 

(3)  provide  for  proper  emotional  outlets  and 

sensory  gratifications. 

(4)  establish  good  social  relationships. 

(5)  create  fun. 

In  fact,  a well-rounded  social  recreation  pro- 
gram was  the  aim.  This  program  was  to  supple- 
ment that  of  the  play  school  and  the  two  were  to 
blend  into  a harmonious  whole.  If  the  aim  de- 
sired was  to  be  achieved  the  leaders,  it  was 
realized,  must  be  chosen  with  the  greatest  care. 
Hence  in  selecting  the  personnel  the  following 
qualifications  were  kept  in  mind : 

Character — honesty,  integrity  and  consideration 
for  others 

Personality  — poise,  patience,  spirit  of  youth, 
good  emotional  control 

Skills — good  knowledge  of  games  and  camp  ac- 
tivities, initiative 

Discipline  — an  attitude  of  discernment,  good 
judgment,  genuine  interest  and  friendliness,  tem- 
pered with  dignity. 

The  Explorers’  Club 

The  wide  variety  of  activities  presented  included 
a list  of  some  two  hundred  carefully  chosen 
games,  story-telling  and  dramatics,  with  singing 
games  and  dancing.  All  these  activities  were 
fitted  to  the  environment  of  the  woods,  with  care 
taken  not  to  stress  those  of  the  city  streets.  There 
was  no  equipment  provided  but  some  crude  ap- 
paratus was  evolved  from  materials  at  hand. 
Sticks  and  rocks  served  many  purposes  so  that 
the  lack  of  ready-made  equipment  became  rather 
an  asset  than  a handicap,  because  necessity  was 
actually  the  mother  to  a great  deal  of  invention  or 
initiative. 

The  Explorers’  Club  period  was  planned  to 
supply  the  requirements  of  the  adventure  craving 
and  at  the  same  time  expose  the  children  to 


"Youth  is  ever  romantic  and 
curious.  It  craves  revelation  in 
all  things.  Its  senses  are  alive, 
and  yet  the  delight  of  camping 
is  not  only  emotional,  it  is  prac- 
tical. Camp  is  the  place  to 
acquire  instinctively  the  invalu- 
able habit  of  adjustment." 


60 


NEW  YORK  TRIES  OUT  NEW  METHODS  OF  EDUCATION 


“nature  interests.”  They  naturally  absorbed  some 
new  knowledge  all  along  the  way  and  became 
more  and  more  inquisitive.  They  were  really  ready 
to  accept  the  teaching  of  the  subject  matter,  when 
it  was  later  presented  by  the  teaching  staff. 

The  hikes  of  the  Explorers’  Club  were  real  ex- 
plorations and  the  results  came  in  the  form  of  col- 
lections of  rocks,  shells,  flowers,  leaves,  galls, 
queer  shaped  sticks,  bugs,  toads,  salamanders,  all 
kinds  of  plant  life,  even  snakes.  Sometimes  a col- 
lection would  be  a hodge  podge  of  many  of  these 
things  but  all  dear  to  the  collector’s  heart.  All 
sorts  of  strange  terraria  and  aquaria  were  con- 
structed to  care  for  and  contain  these  collections 
— tin  cans,  glass  jars,  cardboard  boxes,  cigar 
boxes ; an  endless  assortment  of  such  things  were 
commandeered  to  house  the  treasures.  Some  of 
these  finds  were  left  in  camp  and  some  went  home 
with  the  children.  Games  were  played  with  com- 
petition in  observance  of  nature  sounds,  observ- 
ance of  forestry,  birds,  fish,  insects  and  geology. 

Fires  were  lighted  without  matches;  magnify- 
ing glasses  were  used ; telling  time  by  the  sun  was 
attempted ; weather  signs  were  noted,  and  many 
other  similar  interests  were  carried  on  during 
these  periods.  The  treasure  hunts  created  much 
excitement  and  really  led  to  a new  kind  of  inter- 
est in  geography,  history,  nature  lore,  and  to  a 
slight  extent,  mathematics.  These  hunts  included 
trail  making  with  use  of  old  well-known  blazes, 
compass  hikes,  signalling,  measuring  distance  by 
stride  and  shadows.  The  periods  were  highly  suc- 
cessful and  the  increased  alertness  was  very  evi- 
dent, but  mainly  they  were  just  “swell  fun”  so 
far  as  the  children  were  concerned. 


camp  demonstration  yards.  The  romantic  appeal 
of  these  yards  was  strong;  the  setting  was  pic- 
turesque and  two  native  American  Indians  lent  an 
authentic  touch  by  their  leadership  in  this  part 
of  the  program.  Certain  camp  crafts  grew  from 
these  suggestions.  The  children  brought  tin  cans 
and  made  tin  can  fireplaces,  and  then  brought 
food  to  cook  on  them.  All  this  was  done  to  fur- 
ther a desire  for  individual  camping  expeditions 
in  later  years.  The  lure  of  cooking  over  an  open 
fire  did  send  numbers  of  older  boys,  especially, 
out  to  the  woods  and  open  country  roads  over 
the  week-ends.  Some  other  woods  craft  too,  de- 
veloped from  the  camp  yard;  weather  vanes  were 
concocted,  many  kinds  of  whistles  were  made  of 
grass,  reeds,  wood  and  hollow  tubes.  Kites  and 
pin  wheels  were  constructed,  Indian  peace  pipes 
were  made  and  acorns  were  used  for  pipes  and 
necklaces. 

Ernest  Thompson  Seton’s  procedure  for  Coun- 
cil Ring  was  used  as  much  as  possible  and  both 
beauty  and  dignity  were  added  to  the  contests  of 
individual  skills,  songs,  pantomimes  and  the  like. 
Indian  legends,  Indian  dances  and  games  were  in- 
troduced at  these  fires  and  the  technique  of  the 
Wood  Craft  League  adopted  in  one  form  or  an- 
other for  these  ceremonies.  This  was  always  a 
high  point  in  setting  the  camp  atmosphere. 

Each  day  found  approximately  four  thousand 
children  eagerly  trekking  to  the  subway  station 
en  route  to  the  day  camps  where  they  were 
usually  introduced  to  an  entirely  new  experience. 
There  were  wild  dashes  for  little  clover  patches 
and  all  day  long  little  drooping  bunches  of  the 
blossoms  would  be  cherished  with  jealous  care  to 


Other  Activities 

A demonstration  camp  yard 
was  developed  in  each  camp. 
Here  all  kinds  of  camp  fires  were 
shown  and  their  various  uses 
demonstrated.  There  were  bird 
baths  and  feeding  stations,  sun 
dials  and  weather  vanes,  and 
there  was  a council  ring  at  these 


In  some  cities  it  is  possible  to 
include  swimming  in  the  day  camp 
program.  When  this  is  the  case, 
great  indeed  is  the  rejoicing! 


NEW  YORK  TRIES  OUT  NEW  METHODS  OF  EDUCATION 


61 


be  taken  home  to  baby  sisters  and  mother.  One 
child  saw  a bird  in  a tree  and  asked  what  it  was. 
One  of  the  leaders  answered,  “That’s  a wood- 
pecker, isn’t  it  a beauty?”  The  boy  looked  very 
puzzled  and  said,  “Gee,  I thought  it  was  a bird,” 
and  he  was  quite  serious  too. 

Some  of  the  Values 

Camp  is  the  laboratory  of  human  relations.  It 
is  first,  last  and  all  the  time,  the  place  where  hap- 
piness reigns,  and  happy,  healthy  people  are 
pretty  sure  to  be  moral  people.  Loyalty  and  pa- 
triotism and  a pride  in  their  own  country  can 
more  easily  find  foundation  on  which  to  build 
when  nature  expresses  itself,  and  this  can  hardly 
find  foothold  among  children  reared  in  conditions 
where  rebellion  is  the  principal  emotional  expres- 
sion and  where  frustration  is  the  usual  order. 
Camping  serves  a unique  educational  purpose  by 
stimulating  self-discovery  and  self-education.  It 
is  here  that  children  are  helped  to  learn  rather 
than  be  taught.  Camp  also  offers  the  best  pos- 
sible opportunity  to  acquaint  children  with  the 
background  of  American  history  and  literature. 
A child  who  never  sees  the  woods  or  farm  life 
cannot  have  a clear  picture  of  the  early  Ameri- 
can pioneer  stage  in  the  development  of  the  na- 
tion. Camp  can  give  experiences  similar  to  those 
of  the  old  settlers. 

A recommendation  that  appeared  in  the  1929 
Annual  Report  of  the  Superintendent  of  Schools 
of  Philadelphia  is  a prophecy  of  the  day  when 
every  boy  and  girl  will  have  the  opportunity  of 
camping,  “I  would  recommend  again  that  a 
special  committee  be  appointed  to  find  ways  and 
means  to  establish  camps  for  all  the  pupils  in  the 
public  schools.” 

General  Suggestions  in  Planning 
for  Day  Camps 

Promotion.  If  the  enrollments  are  to  come  from 
the  crowded  districts,  the  public  schools  and  Par- 
ent-Teacher Associations  are  the  best  means  of 
spreading  news  of  the  plan.  Principals  of  schools 
will  encourage  the  project  and  help  create  the  de- 
sire for  the  program.  They  will  also  arouse  the 
interest  of  the  parents  through  the  Parent- 
Teacher  Associations. 

Attractive  posters  and  bulletins  can  be  displayed 
in  conspicuous  places  in  the  schools  and  in  shop 
windows. 

Through  the  cooperation  of  the  schools  it  will 
be  possible  to  make  registrations  and  some  ap- 


proximate idea  of  the  number  of  children  to  be 
scheduled  can  be  obtained  well  in  advance. 

Settlement  houses,  churches  and  civic  organi- 
zations will  all  lend  any  help  possible. 

Camp  Location.  This  should  be  near  enough  to 
require  a reasonably  short  time  to  cover  the  dis- 
tance. If  possible,  the  route  itself  should  be 
selected  to  offer  interest  and  change  from  the  en- 
vironment of  the  home  territory. 

The  site  should  present  a woodland  country  at- 
mosphere with  as  much  variety  as  possible  in 
nature  interests.  It  would  be  well  if  there  were 
hills  and  rocks,  a stream  or  a lake  with  water  life 
and  frogs  and  turtles.  There  must  be  trees, 
flowers,  birds  and  bugs  and  weeds. 

It  should  be  as  remote  as  possible  from  main 
thoroughfares,  and  narrow  lanes  and  paths  are 
preferable. 

It  is  essential  that  there  be  a supply  of  good 
drinking  water.  It  is  also  necessary  to  have  some 
acceptable  toilet  arrangement.  Tables  and  benches 
will  be  needed  and  fireplaces  are  desirable. 

There  will  be  need  of  some  sort  of  shelter  in 
case  of  sudden  showers.  If  nothing  more  perma- 
nent is  available  temporary  shacks  or  tents  will 
answer.  Some  kind  of  strong  box  or  lockers 
should  be  provided  for  storing  whatever  equip- 
ment is  used  each  day. 

Some  level  areas  are  desirable  for  camp  games 
and  it  is  advisable  that  small  areas  be  numerous 
so  that  groups  will  not  conflict  with  one  another. 

Transportation.  Arrangements  may  be  made 
with  municipal  transportation  lines  and  these  will 
probably  require  that  the  regular  business  traffic 
of  the  day  is  disposed  of  before  the  children  may 
be  permitted  to  use  the  facilities. 

Escorts  should  be  provided  so  that  there  will  be 
about  one  adult  to  every  twenty  children.  These 
people  must  be  trained  to  make  the  actual  journey 
itself  one  of  interest,  not  as  a guide  might  do.  but 
rather  as  a person  who  is  himself  an  appreciative 
traveler.  Every  bit  of  the  route  should  be  studied 
to  discover  all  of  its  interests,  such  as  fine  archi- 
tecture, good  traffic  regulations,  well  planned 
housing,  produce  markets  and  sources  of  the 
products,  all  historic  spots  or  civic  improvements. 
This  is  a valuable  part  in  the  day’s  experience  and 
is  an  opportunity  not  to  be  neglected  in  broaden- 
ing horizons. 


(Continued  on  page  89) 


How  Does  Your  Garden  Grow? 


Children's  gardens  have  long 
been  an  outstanding  pro- 
ject of  the  Cedar  Rapids 
Playground  Commission,  car- 
ried on  over  a period  of  years 
with  the  splendid  cooperation 
of  the  superintendent  of 
schools  and  the  principals  of 
the  various  schools  through 
whom  our  enrollment  is 
secured. 

The  garden  project  is  di- 
vided into  two  departments 
— home  gardens  and  play- 
ground gardens.  Home  gar- 
dens are  for  boys  and  girls 
who  wish  to  have  a small  plot  of  ground  at  home 
in  which  to  plant  and  cultivate  flowers,  vegeta- 
bles, or  both ; to  construct  rock  gardens  and  pools, 
and  to  create  wild  flower  gardens  with  the  lead- 
ership of  their  parents  and  under  the  supervision, 
throughout  the  summer,  of  the  garden  director 
and  her  assistants.  Playground  gardens  are  de- 
signed for  boys  and  girls  who  are  desirous  of  hav- 
ing their  gardens  in  a large  plot  of  ground  with 
other  children.  These  plots  are  secured  in  dif- 
ferent parts  of  the  city  through  the  cooperation 
of  real  estate  companies,  property  owners  and  the 
School  Board.  Each  plot  is  divided  into  small 
gardens  averaging  about  io  by  15  feet.  Every 
young  gardener  has  his  own  individual  garden  and 
is  expected  to  prepare  the  soil  after  it  has  been 
plowed  and  harrowed,  and  to  plant,  cultivate  and 
harvest  his  crops. 

Once  a week  the  director,  a 
teacher  with  several  years  of 
experience  in  promoting  gar- 
dening, conducts  a class  period 
at  each  garden  plot,  instruct- 
ing the  boys  and  girls  in  gar- 
den activities  and  also  in  the 
making  of  notebooks  contain- 
ing data  on  their  gardens  and 
lessons  on  agriculture.  Flow- 
ers, vegetables  or  both  may  be 
planted.  Each  child  is  the 


proud  possessor  of  his  own  gar- 
den products  and  may  use  them 
at  home,  sell  them  or  give  them 
to  others.  All  products  must 
be  harvested  by  October  1st 
of  each  year  and  the  surplus 
given  to  charitable  organiza- 
tions. In  this  way  there  is  no 
waste. 

A garden  exhibit  is  usually 
conducted  at  the  close  of  the 
season  in  which  both  home 
and  playground  gardeners 
participate.  Awards  are 
given  those  who  have  par- 
ticularly good  exhibits.  As  a 
social  feature  a picnic  is  enjoyed  each  summer. 

In  addition  to  the  instruction  they  receive  in 
the  important  art  of  gardening,  preparing  the 
soil,  planting  seeds,  cultivating  and  harvesting, 
boys  and  girls  are  deriving  from  the  activity  a 
joy  which  cannot  be  found  in  any  other  field  of 
endeavor.  With  this  enjoyment  comes  the  spirit 
of  cooperation  with  their  fellow  workers  so 
greatly  needed  later  in  adult  life. 

Four  years  ago  the  Playground  Commission 
organized  an  adult  gardening  project  not  only  as 
a form  of  recreation  but  as  a means  of  self-help 
when  salaries  began  to  diminish.  This  depart- 
ment was  placed  under  competent  supervision  and 
over  1,000  adults  were  enrolled  the  first  year.  The 
project  later  evolved  into  our  extensive  “unem- 
ployed gardens”  which  have  been  a means  of  great 
satisfaction  to  many  men  and 
women. 


“The  pioneers  going  forth 
to  conquer  the  west  carried 
their  rose  and  geranium  slips 
hoping  to  create  the  illusion  of 
home  with  plants  they  had 
loved.  And  which  of  us  today 
who  has  once  known  the  hap- 
piness of  ‘green  things  grow- 
ing’ would  do  less  ?”  — Helen 
Van  Pelt  Wilson. 


By  Clare  Nichols 

Superintendent  of  Recreation 
Cedar  Rapids,  Iowa 


Eight  years  ago  the  boys  and  girls 
of  Cedar  Rapids,  Iowa,  were  asked 
this  question:  "Would  you  like  to 
have  your  own  gardens?"  A most 
enthusiastic  "Yes"  was  the  answer 
and  an  interest  was  immediately 
shown  which  has  persisted  through 
all  the  years  and  has  resulted  in  a 
constantly  expanding  program. 


"Gardening  is  one  of  the  leisure  time 
pursuits  that  always  make  people  lyri- 
cal. There  is  a poetry  in  Nature  which 
inevitably  colors  anything  one  writes 
about  her,  and  human  happiness  is  so 
organic  and  so  akin  to  the  great  con- 
tentment and  apparent  joy  of  all  the 
lower  creation,  that  one  can  hardly 
do  anything  which  brings  one  back 
into  harmony  with  the  rhythms  of 
plants,  animals  and  the  seasons  without 
being  happy."  — Marjorie  Barstow 
Greenbie  in  The  Arts  of  Leisure. 


62 


Living  with  Shell-Shocked”  Youth 


Board  money  and  personal  allowances  would 
cease  by  July  ist.  These  fifty  unemployed 
youths  could  then  go  to  the  annual  camp  con- 
ducted each  summer  by  their  sponsoring  organi- 
zation, free  of  charge,  or  they  could  stay  in  the 
city  and  shift  for  themselves  for  the  next  eight 
to  ten  weeks. 

How  did  the  boys  accept  this  decision  ? 

Hy:  “There  won’t  be  any  jobs  open  in  town. 
I might  as  well  go  up  to  camp  and  get  some  swim- 
ming, a good  coat  of  tan  and  build  myself  up. 
Ought  to  be  able  to  locate  a girl  friend.” 

Irving:  “I’m  fed  up  on  job  hunting.  Anyhow, 
I’ve  been  away  at  the  CCC  Camp  so  long,  I don’t 
know  how  to  get  a job.  There’s  nothing  like  out- 
of-door  life.  I won’t  have  to  spend  any  money  on 
swimming.” 

Morris  : “If  I go  to  camp,  I’ll  get  away  from 
the  fights  at  home  about  me  gettin’  a job.  It’ll 
help  my  mother  save  on  Home  Relief,  too,  by  me 
bein’  away.” 

Paul  : “Aw,  hell,  I hate  camping.  Maybe  I can 
pick  up  some  easy  money  playing  cards,  though. 
Guess  I’ll  take  a chance.” 

Moe  : “I  hate  to  leave  the  city,  but  what  am  I 
gonna  do — shift  for  myself?  Naw,  not  me,  I’ll  go 
to  camp.” 

What  the  two  young  progressive  school  teachers, 
who  had  been  put  in  charge  and  promised  a free 
hand,  thought  about  this  prospective  camping 
experience : 

One  : “This  is  better  than  trying  to  run  my  own 
camp  in  these  hard  times.  No  worries  about 
money.  What  an  activity  program  we  should 
work  up  with  these  lads!  None  of  this  play  con- 
struction, but  real  jobs.” 

The  other  : “This  job  is  better  than  the  swivel 
chair,  big-shot  job  I had  last  year.  The  fact  that 
these  lads  kicked  out  their  councillors  at  last  year’s 
camp  makes  the  job  interesting.  The  lads  are  old 
enough  to  run  the  camp  with  the  two  of  us,  even 
if  we  don’t  get  more  help  from  the  state.  I think 
many  of  them  have  vocational  training,  too.” 

We  had  to  begin  from  scratch.  Last  year’s 
camp  site  was  unavailable.  For  months,  expedi- 
tions to  the  city  environs  had  failed  to  reveal  a 
suitable  or  available  location.  With  the 
month  of  June  at  our  heels,  we  had  to 
get  settled  in  a hurry.  It  became  a 
question  of  take  what  you  can  get  or 


By  Arthur  Schroeder 
and. 

Frank  Kaplan 

nothing  at  all.  Although  the  location  finally  chosen 
had  several  good  points,  it  also  produced  a host 
of  unexpected  problems. 

The  Camp  Site 

It  was  certainly  a primitive  site ! Situated  in  a 
second  growth  wilderness  on  an  abandoned  farm 
about  four  miles  from  town,  it  offered  no  facili- 
ties for  installing  plumbing,  electricity  or  a tele- 
phone. Furthermore,  the  half-mile  stretch  into 
camp  was  impassable  for  motor  vehicles.  There 
was  no  cleared  space  for  recreation.  Three  old 
farm  buildings,  separated  from  one  another  by 
several  hundred  yards  of  rocky,  swampy  and  over- 
grown road,  had  been  untenanted  for  many  years. 
However,  though  they  were  quite  run  down,  they 
showed  promise  of  utility  after  extensive  cleaning 
and  repair.  Drinking  water  would  have  to  be  car- 
ried in  pails  from  a broken  down  spring  house  at 
the  end  of  a winding  road  leading  to  one  of  the 
buildings  which  could  be  converted  into  a mess 
shack.  Cooking  water  was  closer  at  hand — some 
seventy-five  feet  from  the  mess  shack  a brook 
raced  down  the  hillside.  To  do  any  gardening 
one  had  to  adopt  pioneer  methods  of  cutting, 
burning,  digging  and  levelling.  Then  only  could 
a team  of  horses  and  a plough  be  brought  in. 

On  the  other  hand,  the  location  had  its  good 
points.  It  was  isolated  and  for  that  reason  al- 
lowed for  a freedom  of  action  without  the  usual 
attending  worries  about  rural  neighbors.  The 
creek  which  flowed  through  the  property  invited 
its  damming  up  into  a swimming  pool.  An  old 
barn  could  eventually  be  made  over  into  an  in- 
door recreation  hall.  At  any  rate,  the  place  wasn’t 


The  story  of  a summer  camp  lacking  in  de  luxe 
features,  but  amply  supplied  with  problems! 


63 


64 


LIVING  WITH  “SHELL-SHOCKED”  YOUTH 


ready-made.  We  were  going  to  have  to  live  crea- 
tively and  cooperatively  here  in  order  to  live  at  all. 

Camp  Adjustment  a Problem 

It  was  raining  when  the  first  unit  of  pre-camp 
pioneers  arrived  to  help  get  things  ready.  Com- 
mon misery  as  a result  of  a leaking  roof,  inade- 
quate equipment  and  lack  of  cooking  supplies, 
eliminated  at  the  outset  all  the  usual  social  dis- 
tance between  councillors  and  campers.  Those 
early  days  forced  all  to  face  the  realities  of  an 
immediate  adjustment  to  a primitive  life.  Camp- 
ers’ backgrounds  and  councillors’  objectives  were 
both  put  to  the  test  at  the  outset.  The  swampy 
and  muddy  road  leading  to  the  mess  shack  had  to 
be  drained  and  filled  in.  Jo  complained,  “What 
the  hell  are  we  gonna  fix  up  this  guy’s  property 
for?’’  When  we  went  to  work  on  the  garden,  an- 
other remonstrated,  “Say,  what’s  this  garden 
idea?  Who  gets  the  money  we’re  saving?”  In  re- 
pair work  on  the  house,  the  reaction  was,  “That’s 
good  enough,”  or  more  often,  “How  do  you  do  it? 
I only  studied  electricity,  I’m  no  carpenter.”  Al- 
though likeable  and  friendly  and  possessing  a 
sense  of  humor,  these  boys  were  disappointing. 
Where  was  the  enthusiasm,  initiative,  working 
ability  that  one  would  expect  in  young  men? 
“What’s  the  matter,  boys?”  “Do  you  expect  to 
stay  at  camp?”  Most  of  them  did — they  had  no 
other  place  to  go.  “Well,  we’re  agreed,  aren’t 
we,  that  we  must  do  this  work  now  so  that  we 
can  have  a comfortable  home  for  the  summer?” 
“Yes,  we  were.” 

Ten  of  us  had  been  pioneering  for  two  weeks 
now  and  with  the  exception  of  one  lad  none  could 
go  ahead  by  himself  on  any  work.  Continued  urg- 
ing, suggesting,  supervising  on  even  routine  squad 
duties  were  necessary.  Several  wanted  to  hitch- 
hike back  to  town  and  come  out  again  later  in  the 
season.  True,  we  had  no  radio,  movies,  or  girls 
on  the  place,  but  the  boys  were  privileged  to  spend 
evenings  out  of  camp,  and  in  the  afternoons  were 
at  liberty  to  swim  or  spend  the  time  as  they 
wished.  Whatever  work  the  boys  accomplished 
seemed  to  have  been  done  solely  to  please  us. 

Was  this,  then,  the  reaction  to  what  we  thought 
a creative  program  ? Had  we  not  presented  a true 
picture  of  the  problems  of  this  primitive  life? 
No,  for  in  our  preliminary  meetings  with  camp- 
ers they  had  assured  us  that  all  this  was  nothing 
new  to  them.  They  were  husky  enough  to  enjoy 
this  outdoor  life.  We  had  plenty  of  tools,  all  hand 
implements,  of  course,  none  of  the  interesting 


machines  the  boys  had  learned  to  operate.  Per- 
haps the  boys  thought  we  were  there  only  to  build 
up  a reputation  for  ourselves  — to  exploit  them 
for  publicity.  Had  we  fallen  down  in  not  plan- 
ning the  summer’s  work  with  the  boys?  Or  were 
these  youths  unfit  by  previous  training  and  ex- 
perience for  cooperative  and  creative  living? 

With  the  arrival  of  the  first  large  group  of 
regular  campers,  some  thirty  of  them,  we  de- 
termined to  get  their  reaction  to  our  general  ob- 
jectives and  to  revise  the  latter  in  the  light  of 
additional  findings. 

Our  first  general  discussion  and  others  follow- 
ing in  the  first  week  of  July  revealed  many  of  the 
reasons  for  what  we  considered  poor  camp  ad- 
justment. Most  of  the  boys  had  come  from 
broken  homes  or  were  without  living  parents  and 
had  therefore  been  sent  to  a paternal  institution 
of  one  kind  or  another.  There  they  had  been 
isolated  from  the  realities  of  life  in  a community. 
Their  cottages  had  been  governed  by  a commis- 
sioner, usually  the  strongest  boy  or  the  one  who 
would  get  the  best  results,  no  matter  how. 
Promises,  threats  and  bribes  had  motivated  their 
daily  work  and  play.  The  educational  curriculum 
had  provided  only  for  the  cut  and  dried  recita- 
tions, offering  little  in  the  way  of  creative  activity. 
Their  institutional  life  had  taught  them  only  to 
attract  the  attention  of  others  rather  than  for  self- 
satisfaction.  Their  educational  system  was  still 
preparing  them  for  the  presidency  of  the  United 
States  whereas  later  on  those  who  could  get  any 
job  at  all  had  to  do  unskilled  labor  or  dead-alley 
white  collar  jobs.  Since  graduation  from  institu- 
tional life,  most  of  them  had  been  boarding  out. 
They  had  either  spent  several  years  looking  for  a 
job  or  had  gone  to  school  to  have  something  to  do. 
It  was  obvious  they  had  not  had  a taste  of  pur- 
poseful cooperative  living. 

We  Face  the  Situation 

Several  discussions  were  necessary  to  clarify 
for  them  such  common  problems  as  the  camp 
budget,  routine  squad  work,  the  purpose  of  the 
camp,  and  the  functions  of  the  councillors  in  this 
group  life.  The  budget  was  presented  and  dis- 
cussed item  by  item.  One  of  the  campers  was 
chosen  as  financial  secretary.  He  kept  all  camp 
accounts.  All  necessary  routine  work  details  were 
outlined  and  assigned  on  a weekly  basis.  No  one 
was  exempted  from  his  turn  at  the  more  dis- 
tasteful jobs,  no  matter  how  many  “stooges”  he 
had  previously  been  able  to  command  either  at 


LIVING  WITH  “SHELL-SHOCKED ” YOUTH 


65 


camp  or  at  the  institution.  The  boys  understood 
that  failure  to  perform  these  details  as  scheduled 
would  seriously  interrupt  the  fundamental  camp 
routine.  As  for  any  additional  work,  it  was  agreed 
that  we  were  not  there  to  reclaim  our  landlord’s 
property,  but  would  do  enough  to  satisfy  our  own 
needs.  The  reason  for  the  presence  of  the  two 
councillors  was  to  help  encourage  an  all-round 
activity  program  and  to  act  as  spokesmen  for  the 
boys  in  dealing  with  the  home  office  and  the  rural 
community. 

With  a better  understanding  of  the  boys’  back- 
grounds we  re-defined  our  own  objectives.  In- 
stead of  hoping  for  self-initiated  projects  we  set 
a definite  standard  of  work  for  work’s  sake,  re- 
quiring that  mornings  be  devoted  entirely  to  group 
work  until  such  time  as  our  major  construction 
jobs  should  be  completed.  It  was  pointed  out  that 
normal,  healthy  living  demanded  the  daily  per- 
formance of  useful  work.  One  original  objective, 
that  of  health  development,  we  of  course  retained. 
Since  the  boys  were  due  back  in  the  city  at  the 
end  of  the  summer  to  take  up  life  where  they  had 
left  it,  we  decided  to  emphasize  personality  de- 
velopment in  better  bearing,  better  speech,  and 
better  reading.  And  finally  we  had  to  provide  for 
the  setting  up  of  new  goals  and  ideals  for  their 
adjustment  to  a rapidly  changing  world. 

Means  for  Achieving  Objectives 

Opportunities  for  attaining  these  objectives 
were  found  in  the  daily  routine  with  its  numerous 
work  and  play  situations.  The  mere  execution  of 
a squad  detail  in  this  primitive  set-up  compelled 
the  boys  to  accept  important  responsibilities.  Fail- 
ure of  the  two  boys  on  the  milk  squad  to  get  up 
early,  go  to  the  top  of  the  hill  and  bring  back  the 
milk  aroused  a storm  of 
protest  from  waiting  camp- 
ers. Tardiness  in  getting 
cooking  and  drinking  wa- 
ter would  put  those  squads 
“on  the  spot.”  The  same 
strict  performance  of  duty 
was  required  of  the  wood- 
chopping and  gardening 
squads,  the  table  setters, 
dish  washers,  carpenters, 
mail  men  and  vegetable 
peelers.  Very  often,  at 
first,  these  various  duties 
were  performed  in  a slo- 
venly way.  Councillors  re- 


fused to  be  mere  policemen.  Instead  they  often 
proceeded  to  do  the  neglected  work  themselves, 
and  by  so  doing  helped  to  set  standards  of  good 
work.  This  volunteer  work  by  councillors  prompt- 
ed the  boys  to  ask,  “Why  are  you  doing  that  job? 
Let  me  do  it.”  The  answer  was,  “We  couldn’t 
wait,”  or,  as  in  the  case  of  a table  left  dirty, 
“We’re  not  pigs,  we  won’t  eat  from  that  dirty 
table.”  And  although  busy  with  many  special  jobs, 
such  as  first  aid,  menu  planning  and  so  on,  the 
two  councillors  took  a turn  at  dishwashing  and 
other  chores  until  campers  learned  that  these 
things  were  of  prime  importance  and  must  be 
done  Well.  For  repeated  negligence  of  duty  camp- 
ers helped  councillors  to  enforce  a “no  work — no 
eat”  policy. 

In  addition  to  routine  detail  work,  four  major 
construction  projects  were  undertaken.  These 
projects  came  to  be  regarded  by  all  as  necessary 
to  the  general  welfare  of  the  camp.  Of  the  four, 
building  a swimming  pool  was  the  favorite.  For- 
merly a brook  overgrown  with  brushwood  and 
filled  with  rocks  and  boulders  of  every  conceiv- 
able size,  the  pool  was  cleared  out  and  dammed 
up  under  the  leadership  of  two  campers.  A wood 
plank  nailed  into  the  old  bridge  and  anchored  by 
a boulder  served  as  a diving  board. 

A second  project  called  for  the  cleaning  out  of 
an  old  barn,  which  provided  us  with  much  of  our 
wood  for  burning  and  for  the  construction  of 
tables,  benches,  doors  and  flooring.  Half  a ton  of 
debris  was  removed  from  the  original  two  floors 
of  the  barn.  After  removing  a rotted  second  floor 
the  boys  began  to  look  forward  to  using  this  hol- 
lowed out  structure  for  indoor  rainy  day  pro- 
grams. They  cleared  out  the  first  story  and  re- 
laid  a floor  and  were  in  the  process  of  building  a 
stage,  when  a fire  in  the 
barn  halted  further  en- 
deavor. 

Our  need  for  a ball  field 
prompted  us  to  clear  out 
an  acre  adjacent  to  the 
mess  hall,  using  scythes 
and  sickles  on  six  foot 
tangled  bramble  bushes, 
axes  and  saws  on  dead  and 
decaying  locust  and  apple 
trees  and,  finally,  cleaning 
up  by  rake,  shovel  and 
fire.  Much  of  this  work 
was  welcomed  by  campers 
as  a chance  to  develop 


"Although  the  problems  of  youth  are  old  they 
rise  today  in  a new  setting.  At  a time  when 
our  standard  of  living  is  high,  thousands  of 
youth  are  homeless;  when  our  welfare  and  pro- 
tective agencies  are  most  extensively  develop- 
ed, thousands  of  youth  are  becoming  crim- 
inals; when  society  is  providing  the  young  with 
extended  educational  opportunities,  our  college 
and  high  school  graduates  are  unable  to  use 
their  added  skill  in  service  to  mankind;  when 
youth  are  equipped  both  physically  and  men- 
tally for  useful  work,  they  are  unable  to  find  jobs. 
During  a period  of  potential  abundance  many 
of  the  needs  of  youth  must  go  unsatisfied. 
Youth  today  feels  the  pangs  of  Tantalus  in 
the  midst  of  abundance."  — From  T oday’s 
Youth  Problem  by  Frank  W.  Hubbard. 


66 


LIVING  WITH  “SHELL-SHOCKED”  YOUTH 


muscle.  Enthusiasm  increased  with  progress  until 
all  the  original  pessimism  about  “ever  getting  a 
play  field”  was  forgotten.  The  field  was  then 
ready  to  be  used  for  baseball,  soccer,  volley  ball, 
horseshoe  pitching  and  boxing.  Several  campers 
set  up  a baseball  back  stop ; others,  a standard  for 
basketball.  Campers  also  dug  out  a pit  for  broad 
and  high  jumping.  Later  on  this  field  was  the  site 
for  the  camp  barbecue  when  one  large  pit  for 
roast  corn  and  a half  dozen  fireplaces  for  steak 
were  constructed. 

A two-acre  garden  required  daily  care.  Al- 
though planted  late  it  yielded  enough  corn,  beans, 
lettuce,  peas  and  other  vegetables  for  a two- week 
menu.  In  addition,  local  expeditions  for  black- 
berries, raspberries,  huckleberries  and  apples  were 
held. 

Draining  the  hundred  and  fifty  feet  of  roadway 
and  laying  a rockbed  foundation  was  still  another 
major  project. 

During  this  heavy  work  and  throughout  the  en- 
tire summer  the  health  of  the  group  was  main- 
tained at  a high  level,  only  one  boy  having  been 
sent  to  town  by  the  doctor  on  one  of  his  periodic 
visits.  That  camper  returned  within  five  days, 
having  recovered  from  an  undetermined  high- 
pulse  and  fever  illness  brought  on  by  exposure. 
Relaxation,  regular  living  and  the  sun  “had  done 
for  the  rest.” 

Planning  for  and  with  the  Individual 

By  the  first  week  of  August  such  progress  in 
basic  construction  work  had  been  accomplished 
that  we  could  devote  part  of  our  work  period  to 
individual  interviewing  and  planning.  Based  upon 
four  or  five  weeks  of  intimate  living  our  inter- 
view sessions  with  individual  campers  were  ex- 
haustive. Campers  had  been  informed  in  several 
general  announcements  that  we  would  submit 
them  to  an  interview  ordeal  at  which  time  they 
must  be  able  to  give  and  take  on  every  question 
and  issue  dear  to  them.  We  were  going  to  chal- 
lenge them,  and  they’d  better  start  thinking.  Our 
mock  heroic  announcement  found  them  eager  to 
talk  with  us.  Obviously  they  had  problems  which 
they  wanted  to  discuss. 

For  an  hour  or  more  at  a time,  individual 
campers  were  submitted  to  a barrage  of  basic 
questions.  “What  are  you  going  to  do  in  the 
fall  ?’  If  he  had  made  a definite  decision  as  to 
vocation,  “Why  that  choice?”  Was  he  suited  by 
training,  experience  or  interest  for  that  choice? 
What  friends  and  contacts  had  be  made?  To  what 


groups  did  he  belong?  What  did  he  do  with  his 
leisure  time?  His  outlook  on  life?  Attitude  to- 
ward white  collar,  labor  or  trade  work?  Girl 
friends — what  sort — or  why  had  he  none?  Did 
he  read — what?  Goals  in  life?  How  did  he  esti- 
mate his  own  strengths  and  weaknesses?  Had  he 
anyone  to  look  up  to  or  to  pattern  after? 

An  amazingly  small  world  most  of  these  lads 
were  living  in — living  mystically  with  their  un- 
realistic hopes,  wishes  and  ideals ! Few  solid  plans 
or  approaches  were  revealed.  The  boys  hoped  for 
a break  of  some  ten  or  fifteen  dollar  a week  white 
collar  job.  They  were  characterized  by  vocational 
shifting  from  one  job  to  another  in  order  to  make 
“easy  money.”  We  encouraged  purposeful,  ex- 
ploratory shifting  only  when  needed.  Retreating 
from  life  by  way  of  a heavy  diet  of  radio,  the 
movies  and  magazine  success  stories,  they  were 
content  to  live  a narrow  life,  with  few  vital  friend 
or  group  relationships.  They  lacked  the  initiative 
and  the  courage  to  get  out  of  a senseless  routine. 
They  continued  with  a schooling  which  they  hated, 
or  stayed  at  a job  waiting  for  a lucky  break.  With 
the  exception  of  four  or  five,  all  wanted  to  be 
white  collar  workers  and  had  no  plans  for  secur- 
ing additional  training  to  prepare  themselves 
against  the  familiar  lay-off  which  usually  followed 
several  raises.  V ocational  choices  had  been  made 
through  high  pressure  salesmanship,  on  the  basis 
of  snap  judgments,  through  .family  pressure  or 
because  of  the  success  of  a friend.  And  their  con- 
tacts with  girls  were  limited  in  the  main  to  the 
home  block.  These  boys  were  bearing  the  brunt 
of  the  depression.  They  were  indeed  a “shell- 
shocked youth.”  They  had  no  prospects  and  their 
fight  was  leaving  them. 

This  situation  called  for  the  inception  of  a pro- 
gram aimed  at  building  up  courage,  self-confi- 
dence and  respect.  Setting  up  goals  and  taking 
first  steps  towards  their  attainment  were  neces- 
sary. In  discussions  and  through  reading  many 
false  gods  were  at  first  overthrown.  The  ground 
had  already  been  partially  cleared  by  mutual  con- 
fidence and  common  sense  relationships  leading 
to  the  elimination  of  old-time-formalities  and  in- 
sincerities. We  had  long  been  out  of  the  “Mister” 
and  “Sir”  stage.  In  place  of  the  old  favorite  pulp 
magazines,  good  literature  was  gradually  intro- 
duced. And  the  trash  disappeared  by  means  of 
bonfires.  The  few  good  books  we  had  were  in 
constant  circulation  due  to  a long  reserve  list.  The 
acquisition  of  a radio  for  the  last  month  provided 
(Continued  on  page  91) 


The  Story  of  a Summer  Play  School 


Throughout  the  months  of 
July  and  August,  settle- 
ments, playgrounds  and 
community  centers  all  over  the 
country  offer  children  oppor- 
tunities for  recreation  through  playgrounds,  day 
camps,  home  camps,  summer  play  schools  or  other 
variously  named  activity  programs  which  are 
similar  in  content.  Sums  ranging  from  a few 
hundreds  to  several  thousand  dollars  are  spent 
during  eight  weeks  of  the  summer  to  carry  out 
these  activities.  Since  such  an  outlay  of  money  is 
usual  among  centers  sponsoring  this  type  of  sum- 
mer activity,  it  will  be  of  real  interest  to  people  in 
the  recreation  field  to  learn  about  a summer  play 
school  which  ended  its  season  with  a profit. 

During  the  eight  weeks  from  July  8th  to 
August  26th,  the  Neighborhood  Center  located  at 
Fourth  and  Bainbridge  Streets,  in  the  heart  of  the 
South  Philadelphia  pushcart  section,  carried  out 
a summer  play  school  program  for  a registered 
group  of  276  children  and  found,  when  a full  ac- 
counting had  been  made  at  the  end  of  its  eight 
week  session,  that  a profit  had  accrued  on  the 
financial  as  well  as  the  recreational  side. 

A Glance  at  the  Play  School 

From  Monday  through  Friday  of  each  week  of 
the  eight  week  session,  at  9:00  a.  m.,  when  the 
children  were  all  called  together  from  the  center’s 
courtyard  to  come  into  their  opening  assembly,  the 
auditorium  was  well  filled  with  an  alert,  happy 
group  of  children.  Even  rainy  or  threatening 
weather  failed  to  keep  many  from  arriving  at  play 
school  every  morning,  and  arriving  on  time. 

Each  day’s  play  school  session  lasted  from  9:00 
a.  m.  to  noon.  The  session  consisted  of  three 
periods.  From  9 :oo  a.  m.  to 
10  :oo  a.  m.  the  children  were 
given  the  opportunity  to  at- 
tend one  of  twenty  different 
types  of  classes.  From  10:00 
to  10:30  a.  m.  there  was  a 
recess  period  during  which 
the  children  spent  their  time 
in  the  courtyard  in  free  play. 


During  this  recess  milk  and 
cookies  were  sold  at  cost  to  any 
children  desiring  a mid-morn- 
ing “snack.”  At  10:30  a.  m. 
the  daily  assembly  was  called 
together.  A different  type  of  assembly  program 
was  offered  to  the  play  school  members  during 
each  of  the  five  mornings  of  the  week.  Monday’s 
assembly  was  devoted  to  group  singing.  The  songs 
taught  were  either  of  the  novelty  type  or  folk 
song  variety.  Tuesday’s  assembly  program  gave 
the  children  an  opportunity  to  perform.  It  was  a 
stunt  day  assembly  for  which  the  boys  and  girls 
signed  up  in  advance.  Wednesday  morning  was 
known  as  Health  Day,  and  the  assembly  was  de- 
voted to  health  talks,  stories,  or  educational 
movies.  Thursday  was  Safety  Day,  and  the  same 
scheme  was  carried  out  in  assemblies  as  was  fol- 
lowed on  Wednesday  mornings.  Friday  was 
Track  Meet  Day,  and  on  this  day  the  assembly 
time  was  devoted  to  a series  of  novelty  races  for 
all  age  groups  of  both  boys  and  girls.  The  six- 
year-old  had  just  as  much  opportunity  to  par- 
ticipate as  the  fifteen-year-old.  Races  were 
chosen  in  which  the  non-athlete  would  have  just 
as  much  chance  of  winning  as  the  expert  track 
man.  This  choice  of  races  made  for  real  group 
participation.  Certainly  this  varied  assembly  pro- 
gram gave  all  the  children  an  opportunity  to  en- 
joy themselves.  From  11  :oo  a.  m.  until  noon  the 
children  again  attended  classes,  and  then  at  noon 
the  day’s  play  school  sessions  were  brought  to  a 
close. 

The  following  groups  and  activities  were  of- 
fered the  children : Pantomime,  dramatics,  model- 
ing, Indian  lore,  leather  craft,  chorus  dancing,  folk 
dancing,  cleaner  craft,  linoleum  block  work,  glass 
painting,  chip  carving,  crepe 
paper  craft,  weaving,  knotted 
cord  craft,  mask  making,  vil- 
lage building,  doll  club,  rhy- 
thm band,  story  hour, and  play- 
ground activities.  No  child 
was  forced  to  attend  any  of 
these  classes  but  was  permit- 
ted to  choose  his  own  groups. 


By  Sidney  J.  Lindenberg 

Director  of  Boys'  and  Men's  Work 
Neighborhood  Center 
Philadelphia,  Pa. 


Anyone  desiring  information  on  summer 
play  schools  will  find  it  helpful  to  secure 
a copy  of  "Community  Programs  for 
Summer  Play  Schools,"  published  by 
Child  Study  Association  of  America  at 
221  West  57th  Street,  New  York  City. 
The  pamphlet  presents  conclusions  and 
suggestions  from  observations  and  field 
service  in  various  cities.  Price,  $.35. 


67 


68 


THE  STORY  OF  A SUMMER  PLAY  SCHOOL 


On  the  Financial  Side 

To  join  the  play  school  each  child  paid  a regis- 
tration fee  of  ten  cents  which  went  toward  the 
cost  of  class  materials.  Through  this  fee  losses 
of  the  first  week  of  play  school,  when  children 
were  making  up  their  minds  as  to  which  classes 
they  liked  most,  and  were  consequently  wasting 
some  material,  were  made  up.  Once  a child 
actually  started  to  work  seriously  on  any  article 
in  a craft  class  he  was  informed  of  the  cost  of 
material  and  advised  to  start  to  pay  for  his  article 
immediately.  Pennies,  pennies  and  pennies  were 
brought  in,  with  the  result  that  when  the  eight 
week  play  school  session  closed  most  children 
found  that  their  articles  were  all  paid  for.  Once 
a child  started  to  share  in  the  cost  of  material  on 
which  he  was  working,  he  showed  more  interest 
in  completing  his  job  and  turning  out  a belt,  wal- 
let, carved  box  or  woven  stool  that  was  represent- 
ative of  his  finest  workmanship.  The  result  of 
getting  the  children  to  pay  the  very  nominal  price 
of  their  materials  was  that  very  little  material  was 
wasted  and  very  few  articles  that  were  started 
were  left  unfinished. 

Charges  made  to  the  children  could  be  kept  low 
because  plans  for  the  play  school  were  made 
months  in  advance  of  its  scheduled  opening,  and 
staff  members  had  sufficient  time  to  tap  sources 
for  securing  free  of  charge  supplies  such  as  scrap 
leather,  scrap  linoleum  and  rope  for  weaving. 
Stores  in  the  neighborhood  were  told  that  we 
wanted  hinged  cigar  boxes  for  a class  group  at 
the  center  to  sandpaper  and  chip  carve  into  beau- 
tiful handkerchief  boxes.  Scrap  glass  for  glass 
painting  was  secured  from  a glass  supply  house 
which  would  have  thrown  the  material  away  and 
was  very  glad  to  give  it  to  us.  Another  source 
of  glass  was  old  picture  frames  stored  in  the  cen- 
ter’s basement.  In  this  way  much  of  the  craft 
material  was  secured,  and  only  materials  such  as 
leather  lacing,  snaps,  paint,  crepe  paper,  clay,  and 
plaster  of  Paris  had  to  be  purchased.  As  a result 
of  knowing  in  advance  just  what  classes  were  go- 
ing to  be  offered  and  of  searching  out  materials 
as  we  did,  we  started  our  sessions  secure  in  the 
knowledge  that  we  couldn’t  lose  on  materials. 

Our  Gala  Carnival 

From  the  opening  day  of  play  school,  Monday, 
July  8th,  we  kept  the  children  interested  by 
stressing  the  fact  that  we  were  going  to  work  to- 
ward the  completion  of  a summer  project  in  a 


period  of  eight  weeks.  They  were  told  that  the 
project  would  culminate  in  a gala  carnival  on 
Monday,  August  26th,  when  all  the  work  done  in 
the  handicraft  classes  would  be  placed  on  exhibi- 
tion, and  all  the  activities  of  the  dancing  and  dra- 
matic classes  would  be  interwoven  in  a carnival 
musical  revue.  The  objective  which  was  set  for 
them  was  not  an  unattainable  one,  nor  one  which 
would  be  terminated  so  far  ahead  as  to  cause  them 
to  lose  their  interest.  Consequently,  over  the  eight- 
week  period  the  interest  of  the  children  never 
lagged,  and  kept  climbing  toward  a peak  which  it 
reached  on  the  closing  carnival  day. 

And  what  a day  it  was ! The  craft  exhibit  was 
varied,  large  and  interesting.  Articles  on  display 
represented  excellent  workmanship  and  were 
really  usable.  The  leather  craft  exhibit  contained 
wallets  beautifully  tooled,  vanity  cases,  change 
purses,  comb  and  file  cases.  Weaving  was  repre- 
sented by  footstools  and  chairs  very  colorfully 
woven  w'ith  different  shades  of  rope.  There  were 
many  belts,  varied  in  design  and  color,  made  of 
knotted  cord.  Handkerchief  boxes,  suitable  for 
use  anywhere,  featured  the  work  of  the  chip 
carving  classes.  Glass  paintings  in  colors,  linole- 
um blocks,  plaster  of  Paris  wall  plaques,  masks — 
all  these,  as  well  as  many  other  things,  repre- 
sented the  work  of  individuals  during  the  eight 
week  session. 

In  addition,  there  were  several  group  projects 
made  by  boys  and  girls  from  seven  to  nine  years 
of  age.  One  was  a farm  project  constructed 
largely  of  cardboard.  Animals  for  this  were  made 
of  peanuts  and  toothpicks.  Then  there  was  a base- 
ball game  with  the  diamond  laid  out  on  a green 
cloth  and  all  the  players  made  of  pipe  cleaners.  A 
Puritan  village  was  made  of  crepe  paper  and  pipe 
cleaners.  A zoo  was  displayed,  with  animals 
created  from  corks  and  pipe  cleaners.  One  of  the 
most  interesting  of  all  the  projects  on  exhibit  was 
a set  of  rhythm  instruments  made  by  the  kinder- 
garten children  ranging  in  age  from  three  to  six 
years.  In  this  exhibit  there  were  drums  made  by 
stretching  cloth  over  cheese  boxes,  jingles  made 
by  nailing  bottle  tops  to  blocks  of  wood,  rattles 
made  by  putting  beans  in  small  round  cardboard 
boxes,  sandpaper  blocks  constructed  by  gluing 
sandpaper  to  blocks  of  wood,  cymbals  from  metal 
ash  trays,  and  a xylophone  from  shoe  horns.  The 
exhibit  was  of  unusual  interest,  and  during  the 
course  of  the  carnival  day  more  than  a thousand 
neighborhood  people  came  in  to  see  it. 

(Continued  on  page  92) 


The  Organized  Camp  on 


Courtesy  Canadian  National  Parks 


Recreational 

Demonstration 

Projects 


Preliminary  plan  of  Re- 
settlement Administra- 
tion operating  through 
National  Park  Service 


Thk  primary  object  of  the  Resettlement  Ad- 
ministration and  National  Park  Service  in 
developing  recreational  demonstration  pro- 
jects is  to  provide  organized  facilities  to  a 
large  number  of  people  at  the  lowest  possible 
cost.  Through  the  camps  which  are  being 
established  many  boys,  girls  and  adults,  par- 
ticularly those  in  the  low  income  groups,  will 
have  a much  needed  opportunity  to  use  public 
lands  for  recreational  purposes — an  opportun- 
ity which  otherwise  might  not  be  available 
to  them.  By  setting  high  standards  of  camp 
operation  it  is  hoped  to  demonstrate  to  the 
community  at  large  the  values  of  organized 
camping  and  to  stimulate  state  and  local 
agencies  to  develop  similar  facilities. 

Plan  for  Administration 

The  actual  operation  of  the  camps  will  be 
carried  out  by  properly  qualified  public,  semi- 
public and  private  non-profit  organizations  in- 
terested in  organized  camping.  The  program 
of  developing  organized  camping  facilities 
will  aid  many  camping  agencies  who  are  now 
either  unable  to  secure  camp  sites  and  struc- 
tures or  who  are  operating  camps  on  sites 
entirely  inadequate  for  their  needs. 


The  agencies  selected  to  operate  the  camps 
will  be  chosen  on  the  basis  of  their  ability  to 
give  the  camps  the  widest  possible  use.  Wher- 
ever councils  of  social  agencies  or  similar  or- 
ganizations exist,  their  camping  or  recreation 
committees  will  be  asked  to  appoint  advisory 
committees  to  aid  in  the  selection  of  camp- 
ing groups  to  operate  camps  on  the  recrea- 
tional demonstration  projects.  Where  such 
councils  do  not  exist,  representatives  or  indi- 
viduals interested  in  camping  will  be  re- 
quested to  assist  in  the  organization  of  such 
advisory  committees.  It  is  hoped  that  with 
the  aid  of  such  committees  the  camps  may  be 
made  to  serve  the  needs  of  the  community 
and  to  reach  groups  which  are  at  present 
without  camping  facilities.  Before  an  organ- 
ization is  granted  a camping  or  recreational 
permit  it  will  normally  be  required  to  demon- 
strate its  ability  to  meet  the  minimum  stand- 
ards for  organized  camps  which  will  be  a part 
of  the  permit.  These  standards  have  been 
established  to  guarantee  the  safety  and  well- 
being of  every  camper  and  the  proper  use 
of  all  camp  facilities. 

Annual  camp  rentals  will  be  kept  as  low  as 
possible  in  order  to  make  the  camps  available 


69 


70  THE  ORGANIZED  CAMP  ON  RECREATIONAL  DEMONSTRATION  PROJECTS 


to  the  agencies  for  whom  they  were  primarily 
intended  and  at  the  same  time  make  it  possi- 
ble for  such  camping  agencies  to  meet  the 
desired  standards.  The  minimum  annual  ren- 
tal of  a camp  of  100  camper  capacity,  exclu- 
sive of  staff,  has  been  set  tentatively  at  $600 
for  the  period  during  which  the  camp  sites  are 
to  remain  under  the  supervision  of  the  Na- 
tional Park  Service.  The  rental  is  intended 
to  cover  only  the  maintenance  cost  of  the 
camp.  The  services  normally  supplied  to  the 
agencies  operating  the  camps  will  be  water, 
garbage  removal,  refuse  disposal,  necessary 
repairs  to  buildings  and  twelve  months  of  po- 
lice protection.  The  camping  agencies  will 
supply  all  removable  equipment  with  the  ex- 
ception of  stoves,  dining  tables  and  benches. 

The  $600  annual  rental  was  computed  on  a 
basis  of  a charge  of  75  cents  per  camper  per 
week  for  an  eight-week  period.  Eight  weeks 
Avere  taken  as  the  average  summer  camping 
season  though  it  was  recognized  that  some 
organizations  have  a shorter  or  longer  season. 
It  is  not  contemplated  that  an  additional 
charge  will  be  made  for  the  winter  use  of  a 
camp  since  maintenance  charges  during  the 
winter  will  be  limited  largely  to  the  salary  of 
the  caretaker.  It  is  expected  that  small  groups 
using  a camp  during  the  winter  season  will 
provide  their  own  arrangements  for  refuse 
and  garbage  disposal,  and  carry  their  own 
water  from  the  caretaker’s  house  or  from 
some  other  point  on  the  area  where  it  was 
obtained.  Eventually  when  the  permanent 
maintaining  agencies  operate  the  projects,  it 
is  expected  that  rentals  may  vary  from  state 
to  state  and  from  project  to  project,  depend- 
ing upon  the  varying  costs  of  maintenance. 

Permits  issued  during  the  first  year  will  be 
for  a period  of  one  year  or  less.  When  the 
projects  are  turned  over  to  the  permanent 
maintaining  agency,  it  will  be  recommended  to 
the  maintaining  agency  that  permits  for  a 
longer  period  be  granted  to  organizations  which 
have  demonstrated  their  ability  to  operate 
camps  properly. 

The  initial  development  of  camps  has  been 
limited  to  camps  of  a capacity  of  100  campers 
for  boys  and  girls,  and  150  campers  for  fami- 
lies since  results  of  a survey  indicate  a gen- 
eral demand  for  camps  of  these  sizes,  and  ex- 
perience demonstrates  that  larger  camps  are 
undesirable  both  from  the  viewpoint  of  the 


camp  administration  and  the  individual 
campers. 

Small  groups  sponsoring  camps  of  less  than 
100  camper  capacity  are  encouraged  to  com- 
bine, wherever  possible,  to  effect  economies 
in  operation.  As  an  example  of  such  combina- 
tion, the  Washington  Council  of  Social 
Agencies  is  developing  a plan  to  combine  nine 
existing  camps  into  three  camps  of  100  camper 
capacity  each  on  the  Chopawamsic  Project. 

It  is  expected  that  at  least  one  camp  in  each 
project  will  be  ready  for  occupancy  by  the 
summer  of  1936.  Applications  for  permits  for 
the  use  of  the  camps  may  be  made  to  the 
regional  officers  of  the  National  Park  Service 
in  the  area  in  which  the  camp  is  located. 

Minimum  Standards  for  Organized  Camps 

Each  group,  agency  or  organization  oper- 
ating an  organized  camp  on  a recreational 
demonstration  project  must  meet  the  follow- 
ing minimum  standards: 

Leadership 

A camping  or  recreational  permit  will  be 
issued  only  to  a group  or  an  organization 
which  is  incorporated  under  state  laws  and 
has  an  official  committee  to  supervise  the 
camp. 

The  camp  must  be  under  the  direction  of  a 
trained  camp  director,  a person  of  mature 
judgment  and  at  least  25  years  of  age,  who 
will  take  full  responsibility  for  the  camp’s  ad- 
ministration. 

The  camp  committee  and  the  director  must 
be  familiar  with  the  state  health  laws  and 
regulations  relating  to  the  operation  and 
maintenance  of  a camp. 

The  staff  of  each  full  season  camp  must  in- 
clude a registered  nurse  or  a doctor  of  medi- 
cine operating  under  license.  When  only  a 
nurse  is  employed,  the  services  of  a doctor, 
located  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  camp,  must 
be  made  a\^ailable  for  emergency  cases. 
Arrangements  for  such  services  must  be  made 
prior  to  the  opening  of  the  camp. 

A water-front  director,  who  is  at  least  25 
years  of  age  and  holds  a Senior  Red  Cross 
Certificate,  must  be  on  the  staff  of  each  camp 
offering  swimming,  boating  or  canoeing. 

In  the  case  of  children’s  camps,  one  adult 
counselor  must  be  provided  for  every  eight 
campers. 


THE  ORGANIZED  CAMP  ON  RECREATIONAL  DEMONSTRATION  PROJECTS  71 


Health  and  Sanitation 

Each  camper  and  staff  member  must  pass 
satisfactorily  a physical  examination  not  more 
than  one  week  before  entering  camp  and  must 
present  as  evidence  thereof  a health  certificate 
signed  by  a doctor  of  medicine.  The  physical 
examination,  based  on  health  history,  must 
cover  heart,  lungs,  throat,  eyes,  ears  and 
sinuses. 

Each  camper  must  also  present  a health 
history  signed  by  a parent  or  guardian.  While 
in  camp,  the  campers  and  staff  members  must 
be  examined  at  least  once  a week  by  a resi- 
dent or  visiting  physician,  who  at  the  same 
time,  will  make  a general  sanitary  inspection 
of  the  camp.  The  parts  of  these  requirements 
which  may  not  be  deemed  necessary  to  the 
health  and  safety  of  other  campers  need  not 
be  complied  with  in  any  case  where  convic- 
tions may  conflict  with  such  requirements. 

All  persons  engaged  in  the  preparation  and 
serving  of  food  must  satisfactorily  pass,  not 
more  than  one  week  before  beginning  work,  a 
complete  physical  examination  based  on 
health  history  and  made  by  a doctor  of  medi- 
cine, and  must  present  as  evidence  thereof,  a 
health  certificate  signed  by  a doctor  of  medi- 
cine. The  examination  must  include  labora- 
tory tests  for  venereal  diseases,  typhoid  fever, 
diphtheria,  and  any  other  tests  required  by 
the  local  and  state  departments  of  health  for 
persons  engaged  in  the  handling  of  food  in 
camps. 

The  camp  director  must  maintain  satisfac- 
tory sanitary  conditions  in  the  main  and  unit 
kitchens,  ice-boxes,  dining  areas,  store  houses, 
wash  houses  and  latrines. 

Common  drinking  cups  must  not  be  used. 

Buildings  and  grounds  must  be  kept  clean, 
and  paper  and  other  rubbish  easily  burned 
must  be  disposed  of  daily  in  the  camp  in- 
cinerator. 

Drinking  and  swimming 
water  must  be  analyzed  and 
certified  as  safe  by  a properly 
authorized  official  at  least 
twice  during  the  camping 
season. 

Camps  must  be  operated  in 
accordance  with  all  state  and 
local  laws  relating  to  health 
and  sanitation. 


Safety 

The  camp  director  shall  require  the  written 
permission  of  a parent  or  guardian  of  each 
minor  camper  who  desires  to  attend  the  camp. 

The  camp  director  must  make  a roll  call  or 
other  check-up  of  all  campers  at  least  twice  a 
day. 

Adequate  first  aid  equipment  must  be  pro- 
vided. 

Necessary  fire  equipment  must  be  provided. 

No  fire-arms  will  be  allowed  in  the  camp. 

The  camp  will  comply  with  all  state  and 
local  laws,  rules  and  regulations  relating  to 
safety  features  of  the  camp. 

Wafer  Safety 

The  camping  organization  will  comply  with 
the  rules  of  the  American  Red  Cross  Life 
Saving  Corps  for  water  safety. 

Each  camper  and  staff  member  must  be 
classified  as  to  swimming  ability,  such  classi- 
fications to  be:  non-swimmers,  beginners,  and 
swimmers.  All  swimming  facilities  must  be 
classified  and  definitely  marked  according  to 
areas  which  will  be  safe  for  non-swimmers, 
beginners  and  swimmers.  All  persons  shall  be 
confined  to  the  limits  of  areas  defined  for  their 
classifications. 

A check  system  must  be  provided  and  used 
by  all  persons  entering  and  leaving  the  water. 

The  Buddy  plan,  which  provides  for  the  di- 
vision of  the  group  into  pairs  so  that  each 
person  has  a buddy  while  in  the  water,  must 
be  in  force. 

Each  distance  swimmer  must  be  accom- 
panied by  a boat  manned  by  an  American  Red 
Cross  Senior  Life  Saver  and  an  experienced 
oarsman. 

Swimming  after  dark  is  forbidden. 

Life-saving  equipment,  which  is  adequate 
for  the  types  of  swimming,  boating  and  canoe- 
ing areas  used,  must  be  provided  and  so 
placed  as  to  be  immediately 
available.  Such  equipment 
must  be  kept  in  perfect  order 
at  all  times. 

Swimmers  must  not  leave 
the  regular  swimming  areas 
unless  accompanied  by  a boat 
manned  by  a Senior  Red 
Cross  Life  Saver  and  an  ex- 
perienced oarsman.  All  boats 
(Continued,  on  page  93) 


Any  recreational  group  interested 
in  obtaining  further  information  re- 
garding the  project  described  here 
may  secure  from  the  National  Park 
Service  at  Washington  a list  of  the 
names  and  addresses  of  regional 
officers  of  the  Service,  and  a list  of 
recreational  demonstration  projects 
on  which  camps  are  being  built. 


Education  Versus  Recreation 


Lst  summer  New  York  State 
undertook  an  innovation  in 
connection  with  the  administration  of  its 
tourist  camps,  the  inauguration  of  a project  of 
adult  education  in  conservation.  At  each  of  two 
of  its  most  popular  camps  an  outdoor  stadium  was 
erected  with  the  aid  of  CCC  labor,  one  at  Hearth- 
stone Point  on  Lake  George  to  seat  600  people, 
and  the  other  at  Fish  Creek  Ponds  diagonally 
across  the  Adirondacks,  built  to  accommodate  a 
thousand  individuals.  A naturalist  was  assigned 
to  the  latter  point  to  help  in  the  development  of 
the  project.  This  included,  besides  putting  the 
stadium  to  proper  use,  the  development  and  main- 
tenance ‘of  an  outdoor  museum,  the  laying  out. 
construction  and  labeling  of  nature  trails,  and  the 
organization  and  conduct  of  hikes  to  points  of 
interest. 

The  project  was  specifically  one  in  education 
for  adults,  and  in  conservation.  It  is  needless  to 
say  that  while  it  was  aimed  primarily  to  reach  the 
adult  it  appealed  with  equal,  if  not  greater,  force 
to  the  younger  folk.  But,  then,  they  will  be  adults 
in  due  time,  and  after  all  has  been  said  and  done 
the  best  time,  still,  to  educate  the  adult  is  before 
he  reaches  that  estate.  The  education,  as  stated, 
was  to  be  for  the  tourist,  the  camper,  to  afford 
him,  if  possible,  something  available  as  such  im- 
mediately, as  well  as  something  worth  while  for 
the  rest  of  the  year. 

The  education  was  to  be  in  conservation,  and 
despite  its  apparent  paucity 
and  limitations  that  field 
afforded  ample,  material,  as 
may  be  seen.  Conservation, 
in  many  minds,  is  associ- 
ated with  preservation,  and 
quite  properly  so,  but  the 
association  is  one  of  rela- 
tionship only.  Conservation, 
as  some  one  has  said,  is  use 
without  abuse.  Only  in  so 
far  as  abuse  may  become 
involved  does  the  element 
preservation  enter.  Thus 
conservation  may  be  further 


defined  as  preservation  for  use 
without  abuse.  If  the  conduct  and 
attitude  of  the  Adirondack  tourist  are  a criterion, 
then  the  New  Yorker  and  his  near  neighbor  have 
learned  their  lesson  in  conservation  and  learned 
it  well — in  some  respects. 

The  almost  total  removal  of  the  original  forest 
cover,  considered  by  the  early  settlers  a necessity 
to  the  advance  of  culture  in  the  state,  later  looked 
upon  by  far-sighted  people  with  doubt,  and  finally 
realized  generally  as  a calamity,  has  brought 
about  a revulsion  of  feeling  toward  all  further 
destruction  of  forest  growth,  even  toward,  in 
some  cases,  the  logical  use  of  mature  and  market- 
able stands.  In  this  regard  the  folks  of  the  state 
have  gone  a step  beyond  those  of  its  neighbors. 
In  the  proper  use  of  the  camp  grounds,  which 
may  logically  be  considered  conservation,  the 
campers  at  Fish  Creek  Ponds  conducted  them- 
selves in  a manner  worthy  of  commendation.  Lit- 
tle rowdyism,  little  disorder,  little  carelessness- 
toward  other’s  rights,  speak  well  of  a nomadic 
community  to  which  ten  thousand  people  come 
without  assuming  any  but  a moral  responsibility, 
and  from  which  they  go  without  leaving  any 
permanent  obligation,  and  may  well  be  accepted 
as  a model  of  conduct  by  the  temporary  residents- 
of  many  another  outdoor  camp-ground.  These  il- 
lustrations tell  about  one  side  of  the  picture. 

The  other  side  is  probably  not  quite  so  free 
from  fault.  Only  one  or  two  illustrations  need  be 
given.  The  white  water-lily^ 
is  one  of  the  most  attractive 
of  wild  flowers,  and  no- 
where is  it  more  strikingly 
so  than  where  it  rests  its- 
delicate  starry  cup  on  the 
surface  of  its  native  waters 
unruffled  among  the  wide 
oval  pads.  There  it  will 
bloom  day  after  day,  the- 
first  day  like  a budding 
rose,  the  next  half  opened, 
and  then  for  days  with  its 
numerous  waxen  petals 
spread  out  in  nature’s  own 


By  Louis  Wessel 


"We  are  prone  to  look  upon  recreation  and 
education  as  two  processes,  activities  sepa- 
rable and  occupying  different,  even  if  not 
divergent,  channels:  as  if  either  could  exist 
indefinitely  without  the  other.  Moreover, 
education  has  long  been  thought  of  as  a 
primary  need,  and  recreation  as  a second- 
ary matter  and  of  importance  only  in  so 
far  as  it  makes  the  satisfaction  of  other  and 
more  urgent  needs  possible.  In  recent  years, 
however,  what  might  be  termed  pure  rec- 
reation is  emerging  from  its  former  posi- 
tion of  lower  rank  to  find  a place  along- 
side the  more  essential,  if  not,  indeed,  the 
most  important  of  human  wants." 


72 


73 


&f.*ac Murray  College  Libras^ 


EDUCATION  VERSUS  RECREATION 


Courtesy  National  Parks  of  Canada,  Department  of  the  Interior 

inimitable  way,  a delight  to  the  eye  and  a charm 
to  the  soul.  Like  many  other  of  our  most  showy 
wild  flowers  the  wa- 


portance  than  the  few  days 
or  weeks  of  camp  life  would 
seem  to  accord  it,  for  the 
real  benefits  of  a vacation  are 
those  of  a permanent  charac- 
ter, not  those  evanescent  with 
the  days  of  the  vacation  it- 
self. The  most  valid  justifi- 
cation for  a vacation  is  the 
year-long  benefit  the  vaca- 
tionist may  derive  from  the 
few  days  devoted  to  it.  But 
the  need  for  education  in 
these  things  and  the  filling  of 
that  need  are  two  different 
matters. 

To  most  folks,  especially 
adults,  education  is  some- 
thing that  involves  effort, 
work.  They  come  to  camp  to 
get  away  from  so-called  work,  not  to  meet  it. 
They  unconsciously  revolt  against  anything  that 

savors  of  unneces- 


ter-lily  does  not  read- 
ily withstand  the 
shock  of  the  harsh 
though  probably  well- 
intentioned  hand.  It 
soon  loses  its  lustre 
and  life  when  pluck- 
ed. Yet  whole  arms- 

ful  of  these  flowers  found  their  way  into  camp, 
only  to  fold  up  dismally  within  a 
few  hours  and  to  be  consigned 
summarily  to  the  scrap  heap.  It’s 
a shame  to  leave  them  where  no- 
body sees  them,  is  the  argument. 

This  illustrates  one  of  the  vulner- 
able aspects  of  the  need  for  edu- 
cation in  conservation,  and  this 
aspect  may  be  enlarged  upon  al- 
most ad  libitum. 

Then  there  is  the  conservation, 
the  proper  utilization  of  time. 

Many  campers,  even  among  the 
somewhat  experienced  ones,  are 
more  or  less  at  a loss  to  know  just 
what  to  do,  how  to  arrange  and 
discharge  the  various  duties  inci- 
dent to  camp  life  and  how  to  fill 
most  profitably  the  precious  hours 
and  minutes  remaining.  Here  is  an 
aspect  that  is  of  far  greater  im- 


"Our  parks  are  the  heritage  of  our  people.  . . . The  parks 
of  our  country  are  largely  the  hope  of  America  where- 
in may  be  preserved,  unbroken  and  undisturbed,  the 
fabric  and  life  of  groups  and  associations  of  many 
forms  of  wild  life,  native  regional  beauty,  and  with  it 
the  breath-taking  beauty  of  America;  the  strength  of 
a nation." — Paul  B.  Riis  in  Parks  and  Recreation. 


sary  burden.  They 
come  here  to  rest,  to 
play,  to  enjoy  them- 
selves, not  to  labor. 
Hence,  any  program 
in  education,  in  order 
to  appeal  to  them, 
must  be  presented  in 
( Continued  on  t>agc  94) 


Courtesy  National  Parks  of  Canada,  Department  of  the  Interior 


Radishes  and  Roses 


Happiness  grows  with  radishes  and  roses  in  a 
children’s  garden.  Yet  the  child,  harvesting 
his  crop  at  its  maturity,  counts  only  bunches 
and  heads  and  pounds,  not  happiness,  into  his  crop 
bag,  as  he  fills  it  and  proudly  carries  it  away.  The 
happiness  shows  in  the  lilt  of  his  walk  and  the 
light  in  his  eye.  Nor  does  the  child  consider  as  he 
walks  quickly  along  that  he  may  have  grown  in 
industry,  in  responsibility,  and  in  unselfishness. 
His  new  inner  tallness  shows  in  his  quiet  content- 
ment and  in  his  broader  understanding.  The  child 
gardener  finds  a primitive  and  a deeply  satisfying 
field  for  self-expression.  With  his  hands  in  the 
earth  he  touches,  comes  to  know  and  appreciate 
the  basic  things  of  life,  the  simple  things,  the 
beautiful  things.  The  garden  teacher  sees  these 
developments,  and  to  the  degree  they  are  present 
measures  her  crop  and  evaluates  the  success  of 
her  human  garden. 

Aristotle  said  long  ago,  “The  land  that  pro- 
duces beautiful  flowers  and  luscious  fruits  will 
also  produce  noble  men  and  women.”  Our  coun- 
try stirs  in  its  sleep,  awakening  gradually  yet 
surely  to  the  truth  of  that  statement.  Expression 
.of  that  awareness  takes  form  in  the  promotion 
and  fostering  of  gardens,  and  increasingly  the 
emphasis  is  on  children’s  gar- 
dens, for  in  the  hand  of  youth 
is  the  key  to  a nation’s 
progress. 

Starting  the  Garden.  In 

starting  gardens  there  are 
many  organizations  which 
can  be  of  assistance  in  arous- 
ing interest  and  enlisting  the 
support  of  the  people  in  gen- 
eral or  of  particular  indi- 
viduals. Schools  and  mother’s 


clubs  or  women’s  clubs  with  garden  departments 
are  perhaps  the  best  organizations  of  this  kind. 
Churches,  parks,  national  garden  club  organiza- 
tions and  public  libraries  can  provide  valuable 
assistance. 

Leaders.  The  garden  leaders  should  be  given 
four  to  six  lessons  by  a garden  specialist  covering 
the  garden  methods  necessary  in  carrying  out  the 
plans  described  in  this  article.  The  leaders  should 
be  persons  who  are  interested  in  gardens  and 
children  and  have  a college  background  or  its 
equivalent  in  work  in  botanical  science.  Garden 
clubs,  Boy  Scouts  or  Girl  Scouts,  school  depart- 
ments and  nursery  men  can  give  assistance  in 
training  leaders. 

Finance.  If  the  garden  is  to  be  privately 
financed,  the  enlistment  of  wealthy  and  socially 
prominent  individuals  may  be  sought  to  form  an 
auxiliary  to  finance  the  garden  project.  Leader- 
ship may  be  voluntary  or  paid,  and  many  things — 
garden  tools,  lumber,  seeds  and  work — may  be 
donated  by  interested  persons.  The  Cedarhurst, 
Long  Island,  children’s  gardens,  started  by  the 
P.T.A.,  have  now  been  taken  over  by  the  school 
department  as  a regular  project. 

Membership.  Children  and  young  people  from 
eight  to  nineteen  years  of  age  are  eligible  for  the 
gardens.  The  eight  and  nine  year  olds  are  per- 
haps the  most  enthusiastic,  while  twelve  year  olds 
do  the  best  work.  The  older 
children  are  keenly  interest- 
ed if  they  are  interested  at 
all  and  delight  in  special  pro- 
jects and  in  assisting  the 
younger  children.  Of  the  200 
children  at  the  Brooklyn, 
New  York,  children’s  gar- 
dens over  a third  are  of  high 
school  or  junior  high  school 
age.  Anyone  may  belong  to 
the  garden  up  to  its  capacity 


The  Children's  Gardens  of  the  Brooklyn 
Botanical  Gardens,  under  the  guidance 
of  Miss  Ellen  Eddy  Shaw,  have  made  an 
enviable  record.  We  present  here  a 
brief  outline  of  her  organization  and 
in  part  that  of  the  children's  garden 
group  of  Cedarhurst,  Long  Island,  call- 
ed the  "Junior  Garden  League,"  which 
was  started  under  Miss  Eddy's  leader- 
ship. With  very  little  adaptation  the 
plans  will  fit  into  school,  home,  vacant 
lot  or  playground  garden  program. 


74 


RADISHES  AND  ROSES 


75 


and  within  the  age 
range.  A fee  is 
charged,  for  it  is 
felt  that  a small 
charge  (io  cents 
for  the  whole  year) 
makes  the  child  feel 
he  belongs,  and  he 
is  all  the  more  in- 
terested for  having 
invested  his  money 
in  the  enterprise. 

Club  organization 
with  officers  fur- 
ther increases  the 
'feeling  of  belong- 
ing, of  having  a part.  Each  member  receives  a 
free  celluloid  button  of  garden  membership. 

Program.  The  garden  program  is  not  just  a 
spring  and  summer  affair.  It  lasts  all  year  and  is 
roughly  divided  into  three  terms.  The  fall  term, 
with  study  of  nature,  bulbs  and  cuttings,  covers 
eight  weeks.  In  the  spring  preparation  is  made 
for  the  garden  planting,  and  since  children  from 
Manhattan  and  Brooklyn  know  very  little  about 
beginnings  of  plants,  they  start  at  the  beginning, 
learning  the  appearance  of  the  seeds  and  plants 
which  they  will  later  plant  in  the  garden,  experi- 
menting with  seed  germination,  studying  the  soil, 
making  plans  for  and  finally  planting  in  flats  and 
in  pots.  This  term  also  lasts  eight  weeks.  The 
summer  season  extends  from  May  until  Septem- 
ber and  consists  of  planning,  planting,  caring  for 
and  harvesting  a garden,  one  or  two  children 
working  together  in  each  garden  plot.  In  the 
summer  the  gardens  are  open  Monday  through 
Friday  from  8:oo  to  12:00  a.  m.  The  very  small 
children  come  Monday,  Wednesday  and  Friday, 
while  the  older  children  come  Tuesday  and  Thurs- 
day and  one  other  day  on  which  they  help  the 
smaller  children.  The  Cedarhurst  gardens,  which 
are  smaller,  are  open  only  three  days  a week. 

Tools.  A tool  house,  built  in  the  case  of  the 
Cedarhurst  children’s  gardens  by  the  fathers  from 
donated  material,  serves  as  a safe  storage  place 
for  tools,  a place  for  washing  and  recording  the 
crop,  and  holds  a shelf  of  reference  books,  while 
the  Brooklyn  children’s  garden  house  has  lava- 
tories, a small  library  and  reading  room,  and  there 
is  a child  hostess  in  the  garden  house.  Tools  are 
checked  out  and  are  wiped  off  and  rubbed  with 
oiled  cloths  when  returned.  The  tools  necessary 
are:  a lady-sized  rake  (one  to  every  six  to  ten 


children)  ; a lady- 
sized hoe  (one  for 
every  child)  ; spad- 
ing forks  (three 
for  every  hundred 
children)  ; water- 
ing cans  (not  too 
large)  ; a trowel  (24 
for  every  hundred 
children),  and  a 
hand  cultivator 
(one  for  every 
child). 

Planting  the  Gar- 
den. During  the 
spring  garden  work 
the  child  learns  about  what  he  is  to  plant.  He  is 
started  with  vegetables  because  they  grow  fast 
and  satisfy  the  eager  child  more  than  the  slower 
growing  flowers.  Vegetables  also  provide  rich 
material  for  study  of  root  and  leaf  and  fruit.  The 
soil  of  the  garden  plots  may  be  prepared  by  the 
children,  or  where  a number  of  garden  plots  are 
involved,  as  in  Cedarhurst,  it  may  be  prepared  by 
volunteering  fathers,  or,  as  in  the  Brooklyn  gar- 
dens, by  the  sponsoring  organization.  To  take  a 
hundred  children  out  on  one  morning  and  plant 
fifty  or  a hundred  gardens  requires  advance 
knowledge  on  the  part  of  the  children  of  what 
and  how  they  are  to  plant. 

So  on  the  floor  is  sketched  in  chalk  the  pattern 
(outside)  of  the  garden,  exact  in  size.  The  chil- 
dren take  turns  measuring  off  the  rows,  making 
drills  and  planting  the  seeds,  just  as  though  they 
were  planting  in  a real  garden.  Each  gardener  is 
given  a garden  line,  name  tags  for  the  rows  and 
a pointed  measuring  stick  for  making  the  drills. 
A corner  stake  bears  the  garden  number.  Even 
on  the  floor  garden  the  children  are  cautioned  not 
to  step  in  the  garden.  The  children  receive  their 
seeds  and  directions 
from  the  garden 
leader  who  carries 
a basket  containing 
a garden  plan,  label 
sticks,  pencils,  dated 
seed  bottles,  a meas- 
ure and  garden  line. 

There  is  one  leader 
to  every  two,  four 
or  six  gardens. 

Older  children  may 
help.  The  seeds  are 


LETTUCE- 

CARROTS 

SWISS  C WARD' 


BERMS 


TOPO/ATO&S 

X 

— Beams  — 


-0EETS- 


•oNion  SE-TS- 


C 


T 


12." 


zr 


12 


—RADISHES  Mp-D- 


5PIMACH  (rHy)  -p 


Plan  for  an  8'  x 10'  Garden 


RADISHES  AND  ROSES 


76 

given  to  the  child  in  his  left  hand.  1 le  plants  them 
with  his  right.  In  making  drills  he  moves  the 
stick  back  and  forth  along  the  string  in  short 
strokes  so  as  not  to  pile  up  the  dirt.  In  marking 
off  the  rows,  the  seeds  of  one  row  are  sown,  then 
the  next  row  is  measured  with  the  line  before 
these  seeds  are  covered  to  aid  in  keeping  the  rows 
straight.  The  rows  are  crowded  as  much  as  pos- 
sible so  that  the  child  will  have  as  great  a variety 
of  vegetables  as  possible  in  his  garden.  Small 
children  are  given  an  8 by  io  foot  plot  and  older 
ones,  9 by  12  foot  plots. 

Garden  Plans.  There  are  right  ways  and  wrong 
ways  to  garden  so  that  beginners  for  the  first  year 
or  two  plant  according  to  direction  and  in  the  set 
pattern  in  order  that  they  may  learn  the  funda- 
mentals of  gardening.  Later  on  the  older  children 
develop  their  plots  as  they  wish,  raising  flowers, 
different  kinds  of  lettuce  or  spinach,  cotton,  to- 
bacco, wheat  and  peanuts,  or  whatever  appeals  to 
them. 


The  following  suggestions  are  offered  for  plant- 
ing seeds : 


Seed 

Variety 

Directions  for  Planting 

Lettuce 

Tennis  Ball 

Sprinkle  thinly  along  the 
row 

Carrot 

Danver’s 
Half  Long 

Sprinkle  along  the  row 

Swiss  Chard 

Fordhook 

Giant 

One  seed  every  two  inches 

Bean 

Stringless 
Green  Pod 

T wo  seeds,  eye  down,  every 
six  inches 

Tomato 
( plants  ) 

John  Baer 

One  plant  2)4  feet  from 
either  side  of  garden  and 
one  in  center  of  row 

Beet 

Crosby’s 

Egyptian 

One  seed  every  inch 

Onion  Sets 
(bulbs  ) 

Yellow 

One  bulb  every  three  inches 
inches  along  the  row 

Radish 

Scarlet  Globe 

Sprinkle  along  row 

Spinach 

New  Zealand 

One  seed  every  two  inches 

Directions  on  the  seed  packet  tell  you  how 
deeply  to  bury  the  seeds. 


Garden  Care.  After  the  gardens  are  planted  the 
rest  of  the  season  is  devoted  to  cultivating,  thin- 
ning and  watering  the  garden.  Harvesting  only 
occurs  with  permission,  for  a record  is  kept  of  all 
crops  harvested  in  numbers  or  in  weights.  Chil- 
dren take  their  own  crops  home.  If  a child  goes 
away  with  his  parents  for  part  of  the  summer  he 
makes  arrangements  for  someone  to  care  for  his 
garden. 

Garden  Specialties.  Carden  specialties  add  in- 
terest and  adventure  to  the  program.  At  the 
Brooklyn  gardens  flower  games  are  invented  by 
the  children  themselves,  parties  are  given,  special 
reports,  research  and  experiments  are  undertaken, 


and  pleasant  afternoons  are  spent  in  the  seed  room 
or  in  the  Shakespeare  garden.  The  Cedarhurst 
children  learned  how  to  cut  and  how  to  arrange 
flowers.  They  published  a garden  newspaper  en- 
titled, The  Weed,  containing  stories,  essays  and 
poems  by  the  children  and  at  the  closing  program 
of  the  garden  season  produced  a playlet,  “My 
Animated  Garden.” 

Awards.  Awards  are  given,  but  they  are  for  • 
recognition  of  individual  achievement  and  growth 
and  not  for  winning  in  competition  with  others.  ! 
The  Brooklyn  Children’s  gardens  have  a blue  and 
a green  stake.  Each  week  the  blue  stake  appears  : 
in  the  best  garden  for  the  week  in  each  of  three  j 
divisions.  A green  stake  is  put  in  an  untidy,  ill- 
cared  for  garden  or  one  in  which  tools  have  been 
left. 

As  the  child  progresses  along  a graded  list  of  I 
things  to  do  and  know,  he  receives  a bronze  pin 
and  medal,  later  a silver  pin  and  medal,  and  after 
several  seasons  of  work,  a silver  cup  as  concrete 
tokens  of  his  achievement.  Work  for  these  awards 
is  non-competitive  and  voluntary. 

Bibliography 

Mary's  Carden  and  How  It  Crew,  by  P.  Duncan.  D. 
Appleton-Century  Co.,  New  York 

IV hen  Mother  Lets  Us  Garden,  by  F.  Duncan.  Dodd, 
Mead  and  Co.,  New  York 

Little  Cardens  for  Little  Boys  and  Girls,  by  M.  Higgins. 
Houghton,  Mifflin  Co.,  Boston 

Gardening,  by  A.  B.  Stout.  World  Book  Co.,  Yonkers, 
New  York 

Harpers  Book  for  Young  Gardeners,  by  A.  H.  Verrill. 
Harper  and  Brothers,  New  York 

Various  garden  pamphlets  (3  cents  each).  Woman’s 
Home  Companion,  Garden  Department,  250  Park 
Avenue,  New  York 


My  Garden 

I want  to  dig  my  garden  up 
With  my  own  little  hoe, 

Then  make  the  beds  and  plant  the  seeds 
And  wait  to  see  them  grow. 

I’ll  have  to  keep  the  brooding  crows 
From  eating  up  the  seeds; 

And  then  I’ll  have  another  time 
To  keep  it  clear  of  weeds. 

The  Garden  Seed 

The  sun  the  earth  is  warming. 

There’ll  be  no  ice  or  snow, 

'Til  after  garden  harvest 

Then  winter  winds  will  blow. 

So,  prepare  the  ground,  O sower ; 

The  good  seed  then  will  grow ; 

And  in  the  golden  harvest 

You’ll  reap  just  what  you  sow. 

Poems  from  The  Weed,  written  by  Mildred  Johnson, 
one  of  the  Cedarhurst  gardeners. 


A Leap  Year 
/\  P Party 


The  old  Leap  Year  law  quoted  above  serves  us 
as  a guide  in  planning  our  party.  The  games 
and  decorations  should  stress  couple  activi- 
ties, hearts  and  romance,  and  in  them  all  the  girl 
makes  the  advances,  plays  the  part  of  wooer  taken 
by  the  man  in  “normal  times.”  It  is  the  girl  who 
asks  for  dances,  gives  her  chair  to  her  partner 
and  serves  him.  Valentine  party  games  with  Leap 
Year  names  and  Valentine  decorations  provide 
good  material  for  the  Leap  Year  party.  Such  a 
party  may  be  held  appropriately  any  time  in  Leap 
Year.  Following  are  suggested  Leap  Year  games: 

Introduction  with  a Kiss.  Give  each  of  the  guests 
several  molasses  kisses.  Tell  everyone  on  the 
word  “go”  to  eat  them  quickly.  When  everyone 
has  his  mouth  “gummed  up”  tell  the  guests  that 
they  must  introduce  themselves  to  their  neigh- 
bors, molasses  or  no  molasses.  It  is  hard  to  be 
serious  or  stiff  while  talking  with  a mouthful  of 
molasses  kisses ! 

Proposal  Relay.  Line  up  by  couples,  then  sepa- 
rate the  rows,  the  boys  in  one  line,  the  girls  in 
the  other.  A blackboard  or  paper  is  hung  on  a 
distant  wall.  At  the  word  “go,”  the  first  person 
in  each  line  runs  to  the  board  and  the  boy  writes 
the  first  word  of  a sentence  which  is  to  be  an  ac- 
ceptance to  a proposal  started  similarly  by  the 
girl.  The  second  player  in  each  line  adds  a word 
to  his  or  her  respective  sentence.  The  last  player 
in  each  line  completes  the  sentence  by  adding  one 
word.  The  sentences  are  not  decided  upon  in 
advance.  First  line  finished  wins. 


Leap  Year  privileges  have  legal  backing! 
In  1288  in  Scotland,  a few  years  later  in 
France,  and  in  the  15th  century  in  Italy, 
Leap  Year  laws  were  passed.  The  Scotch 
law  read  as  follows:  "It  is  stated  and  or- 
dained that  during  the  reign  of  her  most 
blessed  Majesty,  for  every  year  known  as 
Leap  Year,  every  maiden  lady  of  both 
high  and  low  estate  shall  have  liberty  to 
bespeak  the  man  she  likes.  But  if  he  re- 
fuses to  take  her  to  be  his  lawful  wife,  he 
shall  be  fined  in  the  sum  of  one  pound  or 
less,  as  his  estate  may  be;  except  and  al- 
ways if  he  can  make  it  appear  that  he  is  be- 
trothed to  another,  he  then  shall  be  free." 


Elopement  Relay.  Two  rows  of  couples  are 
formed.  Each  line  has  an  umbrella  and  a suit- 
case in  which  are  a large  coat  and  a woman’s 
hat.  At  the  word  “go,”  the  girl  (for  it  is  Leap 
Year)  puts  up  the  umbrella,  picks  up  the  suit- 
case, and  sheltering  herself  and  her  partner,  runs 
to  the  other  end  of  the  room.  The  girl  closes  the 
umbrella,  opens  the  suitcase,  helps  the  man  into 
hat  and  coat,  helps  him  take  them  off,  replaces 
them  in  the  suitcase,  picks  up  the  closed  umbrella 
and  suitcase,  and  returns  with  her  partner  to 
touch  off  the  second  couple. 

Black  Art.  Give  all  players  a pencil  and  paper 
and  book  to  write  on,  or  instruct  them  to  use  their 
chair  seats  for  a drawing  board.  Turn  out  the 
lights.  Tell  everyone  to  draw  a picture  of  a 
seated  stick-figure  man.  When  that  is  done  and 
pencils  lifted,  instruct  the  group  to  draw  a stick- 
figure  girl  proposing  to  the  man.  Then  add  a 
bluebird  for  happiness,  then  a good  luck  sign,  and 
what  the  man  said.  Turn  on  the  lights  and  show 
the  drawings. 

Heart  Troubles.  On  the  back  of  the  paper  write 
your  name.  Pass  the  papers  all  to  the  left  several 
times.  Then,  taking  the  letters  of  the  name  on 
your  paper,  one  by  one  write  a list  of  adjectives 
describing  that  person’s  heart,  each  adjective  be- 
ginning with  a letter  in  the  name.  Pass  the  papers 
to  the  left.  In  the  same  manner  list  a future  hus- 
band’s or  wife’s  occupation,  then  pass  papers  left, 
and  finish  with  the  wedding  presents.  The  lists 
are  then  read  aloud  for  some  if  not  all  of  the 
group,  each  person  being  returned  his  own  slip. 


77 


78 


A LEAP  YEAR  PARTY 


Flickering  Flames  Relay.  Divide  the  party  into 
two  lines  of  couples.  At  the  goal  is  a table  with 
two  lighted  candles.  Each  couple  thinks  of  a wish. 
At  “go,”  first  couple  in  each  line  walk  to  the  goal, 
whirl  around  twice,  and  try  to  blow  the  candle 
out  in  one  breath.  If  they  fail,  they  must  tell  their 
wish,  chanting  it  together,  and  race  back  to  touch 
off  the  second  couple. 

Famous  Lovers.  Several  different  games  may  be 
played  based  on  famous  lovers.  The  party  may 
be  a costume  one  and  guests  come  dressed  to  rep- 
resent famous  lovers  and  be  judged  or  guessed 
as  a part  of  the  program.  The  names  may  be 
pinned  on  the  backs  of  the  guests  and  each  tries 
to  guess  the  name  on  his  back  through  conversa- 
tion with  others.  Or  charades  or  pantomimes  may 
be  worked  out  by  each  couple,  or  in  small  groups, 
while  the  rest  guess  which  lovers  are  represented. 
Famous  lovers  are : Gabriel-Evangeline,  Ruth- 
Boaz,  Mickey-Minnie  Mouse,  Anthony-Cleopa- 
tra,  Napoleon- Josephine,  Isaac-Rebecca,  Romeo- 
Juliet,  John  Alden-Priscilla,  Paris-Helen,  Adam- 
Eve,  Hamlet-Ophelia,  Dante-Beatrice,  Jack-Till, 
Punch -Judy,  etc. 


What  Do  You  Do?  Give  men  and  girls  each  a 
slip  of  paper.  On  each  is  written  something  to  do, 
the  boys’  slips  having  such  things  as,  mixing 
bread,  curling  hair,  trimming  a hat,  ironing,  while 
the  girls  tie  a necktie,  make  a furnace  fire,  shoe  a 
horse,  mow  a lawn,  look  for  a collar  button,  etc. 
The  occupation  is  guessed  by  the  others. 

Clothes  Make  the  Match.  Give  each  individual 


or  small  group  a pencil  and  paper.  Read  the  fol- 
lowing slowly,  allowing  a minute  or  two  to  write 
the  answers.  At  the  end  the  one  with  the  correct 
list  or  most  nearly  correct  list  wins  a prize. 


Problem:  If  a girl  wishing  to  marry  a Scotch- 
man wore  plaid,  and  one  desirous  of  catching  a 
musician  wore  organdie,  what  then  should  the  girl 
wear  to  “land”  the  following : 


Artist  (Canvas) 
Barber  (Mohair) 
Financier  (Cashmere) 
Fisherman  (Net) 
Banker  (Checks) 
Confectioner  (Taffeta) 


Editor  (Prints) 
Gardner  (Lawn) 
Milkman  (Jersey) 
Undertaker  (Crepe) 
Prisoner  (Stripes) 
Hunter  (Duck) 


Modern  Love.  A Leap  Year  version  of  “Reuben 
and  Rachel”  will  fit  well  into  a small  party  or  can 
be  used  with  a large  group  if  the  group  is  broken 
into  smaller  units.  Form  a circle,  or  circles,  each 
to  contain  twelve  to  fifteen  persons.  In  each 
blindfold  a girl  and  place  her  in  the  center  of  the 
circle  with  a boy.  The  girl  tries  to  catch  the  boy, 
who  must  stay  in  the  circle.  Every  time  the  girl 


asks,  “Will  you?”  meaning  “will  you  marry  me?” 
the  boy  must  answer  “yes”  or  “no”  immediately. 
When  the  man  is  caught  each  chooses  a new 
member  to  take  his  or  her  place. 

Partner  Choosing.  In  partner  choosing  the  girl 
takes  the  prominent  part.  She  takes  the  usual 
boy’s  role  in  the  Paul  Jones,  tag  dances,  lemon 
dances  and  broom  dances.  Boys  may  be  brought 
out  with  sheets  over  their  heads  and  auctioned  off 
to  girls  for  candy  or  paper  hearts. 

Dancing.  Folk  dances,  such  as  the  “Three  Old 
Maids”  (Handy  II)  and  “Skip  to  My  Lou,”  may 
be  adapted  slightly  to  fit  the  Leap  Year  theme. 

Break  Your  Heart  Dance.  If  social  dancing  is  on 
the  program,  give  each  girl  a red  balloon  heart  tied 
to  eighteen  inches  of  string.  As  the  couples  dance, 
each  boy  tries  to  preserve  his  and  his  partner’s 
heart  while  guiding  her,  so  that  he  or  she  may 
break  other  couples’  hearts.  The  balloon  may  be 
tied  to  the  wrist  or  ankle.  The  last  couple  with  an 
unbroken  heart  wins  a prize. 

Getting  the  Mitten.  Give  each  man  several  small 
cardboard  mittens  and  hearts.  Each  girl  is  to  pro- 
pose to  as  many  men  as  she  can.  If  the  girl  is  ac- 
cepted she  is  given  a heart,  if  not,  a mitten.  A 
prize  is  awarded  to  the  girl  who  in  a certain  time 
collects  the  greatest  number  of  hearts,  and  a con- 
solation prize  to  the  one  with  the  most  mittens. 
Proposals  and  replies  must  be  made  out  loud  so 
others  may  hear.  The  more  original  and  high 
sounding  the  proposal,  the  more  fun. 

Music.  Sing  the  old  time  and  sentimental  live 
songs  such  as  “Little  Annie  Rooney,”  “L’il  Liza 
Jane,”  “On  a Chinese  Honeymoon,”  “Put  on 
Your  Old  Gray  Bonnet,”  “Let  Me  Call  You 
Sweetheart,”  and  “The  Sidewalks  of  New  York.” 

Refreshments.  Carry  out  Valentine  themes  — 
heart  shapes  and  red  and  white  colors  in  the  re- 
freshments. Heart-shaped  cookies  and  red  punch 
may  be  served  to  a large  group.  Call  the  punch  a 
“love  potion.”  “Nose  bag  lunches,”  or  box  lunches 
put  up  for  each  couple  at  a smaller  party  might 
contain  sandwiches,  pickles,  potato  chips  and  cake. 
Call  the  cake  “honeymoon  delight,”  the  coffee, 
“love  potion,”  and  invent  similar  names  for  other 
items  on  the  menu.  In  the  case  of  a small  party 
the  food  might  be  wrapped  and  auctioned  off 
under  fancy  names  in  return  for  paper  hearts. 
Exchanges  made  later  might  assure  a balanced 
meal  for  the  buyer. 


An  Okl  ahoma  Backyard  in  Action 


pictures  were  taken.  It  was  made  from  a hickory, 
pitchfork  handle,  the  fork  end  being  cut  off  and 
dressed  down  to  match  the  other  end.  A cabinet 
maker  suggested  buying  such  a handle  for  the  pur- 
pose rather  than  having  one  made.  It  cost  only  45 
cents.  The  knotted  rope  serves  several  purposes  in 
play  but  it  is  not  thick 
enough  for  a good  climbing 
rope.  We  have  in  mind  buy- 
ing a 2 inch  rope  at  an  oil 
field  supply  house. 

“The  awning  is  eyeletted 
and  is  easily  removed,  or  the 
side  flaps  may  be  raised. 
Next  year  there  will  be  a 
similar  side  piece  for  the 
east  side  to  temper  the  blis- 
tering rays  of  our  morning 
sun. 

“You  will  note  the  slight 
spacing  between  the  floor 
boards  to  allow  for  drain- 
age ; also  the  slightly  greater 
spacing  at  the  ends  which 
give  a finger  hold  to  the 
climbers  to  pull  up  to  the 
platform.  The  horizontal 
bar  is  a first-class  brace  on 
that  side,  and  there  is  a 
board  across  at  the  ground 
which  helps  to  brace  it.  Al- 
though the  uprights  are  not 
concreted  in  the  ground,  the 
structure  is  beautifully 
steady.  The  braces,  like 


U 1 ■ ere  are  the  pictures  of  our  backyard  in 
action.  You  will  see  how  small  our  space 
is — about  30  by  40  feet  for  the  children, 
exclusive  of  the  driveway.  We  are  fortunate 
enough  to  have  a vacant  lot  next  to  us  which  we 
keep  mowed.  Eight  year  old  Walter  and  his  pals 
play  football  and  similar  games  there.  We  did 
not  feel  we  could  put  any  apparatus  in  the  lot  be- 
cause of  the  responsibility  in  case  of  accidents  or 
abuse  or  misuse  by  uninvited  play  hungry  adven- 
turers. 

“The  tower,  which  Daddy  invented,  is  4 by  5 
.by  10  feet  to  the  very  top  and  7 feet  from  the 
ground  to  the  platform.  The  uprights  are  2 feet 
in  the  ground  and  are  2 by  6 inches  by  12  feet. 
The  rest  of  the  lumber  is  1 by  4 inches  except  the 
floor  boards  which  are  1 by  8 inches.  The  climb- 
ers should  be  about  8 inches  apart,  with  12  or  13 
inches  between  the  upper  ones.  This  gives  variety 
and  offers  another  way  to 
get  through  to  the  horizon- 
tal bar.  If  we  had  it  to  do 
over,  the  horizontal  bar 
which  consists  of  J4  of  an 
inch  galvanized  pipe  attach- 
ed with  54  of  an  inch  rod 
iron  threaded  at  both  ends 
and  big  washers  on  the  out- 
side, would  be  on  the  other 
side  away  from  the  swings. 

In  the  picture  the  children 
were  eager  to  demonstrate 
everything.  In  actual  play 
they  are  obliged  to  take 
turns.  There  is  also  a trap- 
eze on  the  swing  frame  be- 
tween the  two  swings  which 
was  not  in  place  when  the 


A tower  which  is  sheer  magic 
in  the  many  uses  it  serves: 
One  day  a "G"  man's  look- 
out or  a pirate's  fort,  the  next 
it  becomes  a ranger's  tower. 
Always  it  is  a most  exciting 
place. 


Mrs.  S.  J.  Lahman  of  Tulsa, 
•Oklahoma,  has  sent  us  such 
an  interesting  letter  about 
her  backyard  playground 
that  we  are  sharing  it  with 
our  readers.  Are  you  fortu- 
nate enough  to  have  a back- 
yard? If  so,  are  you  using  it 
to  the  best  advantage? 


79 


80 


AN  OKLAHOMA  BACKYARD  IN  ACTION 


Topsy,  just  grew  as'  they 
seemed  necessary  in  the 
course  of  construction. 

“The  tower  has  been  used 
as  a ranger’s  tower,  a pi- 
rate’s fort,  a ‘G’  man’s 
lookout,  and  for  many 
other  purposes.  It  is  a 
thrilling  place  to  which  to 
take  one’s  package  of 
sandwiches  and  a glass  of 
milk  for  luncheon.  And 
it  is  so  easy  to  reach  over 
and  slide  down  the  pole  of 
the  swing  frame. 

“We  have  some  snow- 
guard  fencing  to  try  out 
as  a guard  around  the  tower  end  of  the  play 
space  to  reduce  the  hair  raising  effects  of  two  year 
old  Marian’s  monkey-like  proclivities  when  our 
backs  are  turned.  It  will  also  shut  her  and  her 
small  friends  away  from  the  big  sand  box  when 
a construction  project  is  under  way.  Some  time 
we  may  move  the  big  box  out  of  that  corner 
and  substitute  it  for  her  small  box.  We  will 
then  prepare  a sand  corner  without  a floor  bot- 
tom so  that  the  children  may  jump  into  it  from 
the  fence. 

“Notice  that  there  is  just  a nice  distance  be- 
tween the  tower  and  the  swing  frame  so  that 
the  children  can  step  over  and  slide  down  the 
pole.  That  is  the  preferred  method  of  descent,! 

“Our  present  swing  frame  is  made  of  2 inch 
tubing  with  threaded  fit- 
tings set  up  by  an  oil 
field  driller  who  “knows,” 
but  the  two  swings 
and  the  trapeze  are  hung 
with  heavy  hemp  which 
has  been  entirely  satis- 
factory; in  fact,  when  we 
replaced  it  this  spring  the 
old  hemp  after  two  years 
of  hard  use  was  apparent- 
ly as  good  as  ever  even  at 
the  knots. 

“The  small  fence  enclo- 
sure in  the  foreground  of 
the  picture  is  the  home  of 
the  guinea  pig  family.” 


The  Parents’  M agazine 

for  June  1935  contains  an 


article  by  Grace  E.  Batch- 
elder  entitled  “Play  in  Your 
Backyard,”  which  offers 
some  additional  suggestions. 
We  present  a few  of  them. 

Children  of  all  ages  will 
want  to  keep  house  or  have 
some  sort  of  shelter  in  the 
backyard.  For  this  reason, 
a life-size  canvas  playhouse 
is  a good-looking  and  use- 
ful addition  to  the  backyard. 
It  is  airy  and  large  enough 
for  juvenile  housekeeping 
and  club  meetings.  The 
umbrella  play  tent  for  a 
smaller  space  is  a protection 
from  summer  showers  and  an  excellent  shelter 
when  serving  lemonade  in  the  shade.  It  is  easily 
put  up  or  taken  down. 

The  backyard  naturally  makes  the  safest  course 
for  the  indispensable  two  or  three-wheelers.  The 
extra  effort  in  planning  for  an  adequate  speed- 
way is  repaid  in  freedom  from  worry  when  the 
children  do  not  have  to  take  their  bikes  and  racers 
and  scooters  out  in  the  street. 

All  children  want  to  play  with  water,  particu- 
larly as  a cooling-off  process  on  a hot  day.  A 
canvas  pool  is  excellent  for  this  purpose.  This 
shallow  pool  and  gentle  shower  reduce  the  dis- 
ciplinary disturbances  that  usually  counteract  the 
benefits  of  cooling  off  with  the  hose.  A splash  in 
the  pool  is  no’t  such  a shock  to  the  system  as  the 
cold  stream  from  the  lawn 
hose.  The  canvas  pool  is 
portable. 

Although  specialized  ap- 
paratus has  its  advantages, 
children  will  play  success- 
fully in  the  backyard  with 
the  most  primitive  material. 
It  is  surprising  to  discover 
how  much  fun  they  will  get 
from  two  or  three  very 
large  wooden  packing  boxes  ; 
and  some  smooth  strong, 
not  too  heavy  boards  pro- 
vide for  climbing,  sliding, 
balancing  and  housekeeping. 

A substantial,  fairly  low- 
branched  tree  is  a great  as- 
set to  any  backyard.  Here 
( Continued  on  page  94) 


"Bully  for  you  for  saying  that  the  less  or- 
ganized the  play  and  playthings,  the  more 
suitable  to  the  imagination  of  the  children! 
The  thing  I am  getting  us  playground  peo- 
ple to  discuss  is  how  in  blazes,  with  the 
natural  tendency  of  human  nature  to  slick 
everything  up  and  be  orderly,  we  can  have 
on  a small  children's  playground  (pre-base- 
ball), a sufficient  mess  to  make  the  place 
habitable  to  children.  The  ordinary  junk  pile 
is  better  than  a too  orderly  playground. 
And  as  for  packing  cases  and  what  might 
be  called  'wooden  rubbish,'  (also  miscel- 
laneous sandpiles  and  bits  of  lead  and  iron 
and  half  bricks),  what  could  be  nearer  Para- 
dise than  these?  Of  course  a barrel  with 
an  incline  you  can  roll  down  inside  of  is  a 
little  better,  if  there  are  not  too  many 
nails  sticking  out  inside,  as  in  the  German 
story  books." — Joseph  Lee,  in  a letter  to  a 
recreation  executive. 


Mai  ne  Pla  ns  for  State -Wide  Recreation 

By  Marguerite  D.  Little  and  Ruby  S.  Campbell 


%Y/  H 1 L E many 

Maine  citizens 

have  long  re- 
cognized their  respon- 
sibility to  children  in 
the  field  of  education, 

| occupation  and  recrea- 
! tion,  there  had  been 
very  little  community 
planning  for  youth  in 
this  state  until  the  last 
two  years. 

Last  March  at  a 
meeting  of  educators  and  welfare  workers  held 
during  Farm  and  Home  Week  at  the  University 
of  Maine,  the  Maine  Children’s  Health  Council 
pointed  out  the  great  need  for  more  adequate  rec- 
reational planning  for  youth.  The  consensus  of 
opinion  was  that  while  the  legislature  had  voted 
money  to  advertise  the  state  as  the  summer  play- 
ground of  the  nation,  very  little  was  being  done 
to  make  it  an  all  the  year-round  playground  for 
the  state's  own  children ; that  many  fine  camp 
sites  and  bathing  beaches  and  pools  were  passing 
into  the  hands  of  forward-looking  people  for 
their  own  private  profit,  while  communities  and 
towns  were  doing  very  little  long-time  planning 
or  setting  aside  of  adequate  land  for  parks  and 
playgrounds  and  athletic  fields.  With  federal 
emergency  relief  funds  and  additional  workers 
from  relief  rolls  available  the  group  felt  that  the 
time  was  opportune  to  make  a state-wide  drive  for 
more  adequate  facilities  for  children. 

A committee  was  formed  representing  the  fol- 
lowing state-wide  organizations : Parent-Teacher 
Association,  State  Department  of  Education, 
Maine  State  Grange,  Welfare  Department  of  the 
state,  Children’s  Council,  American  Legion,  and 
Red  Cross.  Mrs.  Noel  C.  Little  of  the  Parent- 
Teacher  Association  was  made  chairman  of  the 
committee.  The  purpose  of  this  committee  was  to 
arouse  interest  through  various  organizations  rep- 
resented in  the  problem  of  community  planning. 


A form  letter  was 
prepared  and  sent  to 
all  Parent-Teacher  As- 
sociations in  the  state 
and  to  the  heads  of 
the  Grange  and  the 
Legion  who  were  ask- 
ed to  sign  the  same  or 
a similar  letter  to  all 
their  local  groups. 
Through  the  4-FI  Club 
director  560  copies  of 
the  letter  were  dis- 
tributed to  youth  groups  in  the  state.  The  letter 
stated  in  part : 

“Summer  vacation  is  a privilege  and  a respon- 
sibility that  has  not  been  adequately  met  in  this 
state.  The  whole  field  of  organized  sports  has  re- 
ceived little  encouragement.  We  cannot  legislate 
what  children  or  adults  shall  do  with  their  leisure, 
but  towns  and  communities  can  provide  safe 
places  to  play  and  opportunities  to  direct  that  lei- 
sure into  worthwhile  channels  that  will  have  a 
carry-over  value  into  adult  life. 

“1.  Will  you,  first  of  all,  appoint  a committee 
of  interested  citizens  to  make  a survey  of  the  rec- 
reational facilities  in  your  town?  This  committee 
to  investigate : 

(a)  What  facilities  exist 

( b ) What  projects  the  town  could  have  with 
planning  on  your  part  and  the  use  of  fed- 
eral funds  for  their  realization 

Please  consider  the  following  projects: 

A.  Playgrounds  for  little  children  to  be  fitted 
out  with  sand  boxes,  swings,  teeters,  slides,  volley 
ball  posts,  basketball  posts,  long  tables  and  benches 
for  hand  work 

The  playground  should  be  adjacent  to  the  school 
building  or  community  center  where  the  children 
can  have  drinking  water  and  toilet  facilities. 

B.  Ball  fields  for  little  children,  as  well  as  older 
ones 


One  of  the  State's  projects  is  an  attractive 
camp  located  at  Echo  Lake,  Southwest  Harbor 


81 


82 


MAINE  PLANS  FOR  STATE-WIDE  RECREATION 


C.  Swimming  pools  or  places  along  the  shore 
or  stream  or  river  that  could  be  developed  for 
swimming.  The  National  Red  Cross  stands  ready 
to  furnish  a limited  number  of  life  guards. 

D.  Athletic  fields  for  football,  soccer,  baseball, 
etc.,  equipped  with  stands,  lockers  and  shower  fa- 
cilities, if  possible 

E.  Places  where  toboggan  slides  or  slides  for 
little  children  safe  from  traffic  could  be  erected. 
Ski  jumps  and  skating  rinks 

F.  Community  centers  with  gymnasium  facilities 

G.  How  many  leaders  could  you  use,  local  men 
and  women  in  need  of  work,  preferably  with 
normal  school  training? 

H.  What  crafts  or  arts  could  you  teach  in  your 
community  play  schools  ?” 

The  committee  then  got  in  touch  with  the  di- 
rector of  FERA  for  the  state  and  the  chief  en- 
gineer in  charge  of  projects,  and  secured  their  co- 
operation in  the  approval  of  all  projects  submit- 
ted through  the  regular  town  channels  and  having 
the  approval  of  town  officials.  Contacts  were  also 
made  with  the  official  responsible  for  expendi- 
tures for  marginal  park  land.  He  stated  his  de- 
sire to  make  the  developments  he  might  under- 
take fit  into  the  state  program  for  recreation  which 
the  committee  was  planning. 

As  a result  of  the  letter  sent  out  many  towns 
applied  for  projects  a large  number  of  which 
were  approved  and  have  been  completed.  Since 
May  1st  over  $127,000  has  been  spent  for  recrea- 
tional facilities  in  Maine.  In  some  cases  the  dream 
has  become  a reality  through  the  vision  of  one 
leader  in  the  community.  We  take  pardonable 
pride  in  the  spirit  developed  in  the  China  Lake 
region  where  under  the  leadership  of  a local  Par- 
ent-Teacher Association  the  end  of  the  lake  was 
put  in  condition  for  bathing;  a splendid  ball  field 
was  built  and  a summer  playground  started. 

The  committee  soon  realized  that  many  towns 
not  entitled  to  relief  under  the  CWA  or  the 
F ERA  programs  wanted  to  share  in  this  planning 
program.  The  committee  wrote  to  all  of  the 
state’s  Senators  and  Representatives  in  Washing- 
ton asking  their  help  in  having  some  definite  sum 
of  money  set  aside  for  a state-wide  program.  A 
list  of  communities  was  prepared  which  were  in 
the  greatest  need  of  help  for  their  young  people. 
Many  letters  were  sent  to  the  Relief  Administra- 
tion in  Washington  asking  that  the  children  of 
Maine  might  be  considered  as  worthy  of  federal 
planning  as  power  reserves  or  roads  or  bridges. 
A definite  sum  was  allocated  but  the  projects  were 


held  up  during  the  summer  pending  the  appoint- 
ment of  a state  WPA  administrator.  The  commit- 
tee is  hopeful  that  before  July  1936  many  of  the 
plans  will  be  approved  and  completed. 

Whether  all  of  these  projects  are  approved  or 
not,  we  feel  that  a most  encouraging  start  has 
been  made  in  planning  for  the  leisure  time  activi- 
ties of  youth  and  that  the  work  will  continue  as 
more  citizens  realize  the  possibilities  which  lie  in 
creative  opportunities  for  the  children  of  their  own 
towns  and  villages.  Maine  is  indeed  grateful  to 
the  federal  government  for  the  splendid  support 
of  the  emergency  relief  agencies. 


Projects  Completed  by  November  1,  1935 


18  grandstands — 

16  wood,  1 concrete, 

1 brick 

27  children’s  playgrounds 
opened 

10  large  parks 
8 small  parks 
102  athletic  fields 
27  baseball  fields 
21  football  fields 
6 track  fields 
38  tennis  courts 


1 golf  course 
12  rifle  ranges 

1 winter  sports  park 
10  skating  rinks 

2 ski  jumps 

7 swimming  pools 
16  wading  pools 

5 bathing  beaches 
2 auditoriums 

6 gymnasiums 
16  park  buildings 


The  greatest  need  for  the  future  is  the  exten- 
sion of  these  facilities  to  small  rural  villages  that 
were  not  entitled  to  relief  or  were  too  proud  to 
apply  for  relief,  having  been  just  able  to  keep  the 
wolf  from  the  door  by  the  strictest  sort  of  economy 
and  less  abundant  living.  The  children  in  these 
areas  are  in  great  need  of  intelligent  leadership  in 
their  recreational  activities.  Our  great  task  in  the 
years  immediately  ahead  is  to  plan  for  this  lead- 
ership on  the  athletic  field,  the  playground,  and 
in  the  community  center. 


“About  this  time  of  the  year  most  of  us  who 
have  been  pretty  much  ‘house-bound’  all  winter 
begin  to  feel  a great  yearning  for  open  spaces — 
vast  sweep  of  sky  overhead;  no  neighbors  in 
sight;  somewhere  that  makes  us  feel  the  world 
is  big,  and  not  too  crowded,  and  that  there’s  room 
in  it  for  us — room  to  stretch — wide  horizons  for 
our  eyes  to  wander,  and  illimitable  reaches  for 
our  thoughts,  our  aspirations.  Some  of  us  love 
to  ‘stretch’  on  the  sea,  and  some  of  us  love  to  do 
it  on  shore.  The  great  thing  is  to  do  it  some- 
where; not  to  deny  that  impulse.  As  long  as  you 
have  it  you  know  you’re  growing!  When  it  no 
longer  seizes  you,  it’s  because  you’ve  begun  to 
shrink  and  settle.”  — Clare  E.  Laughlm  in  The 
Library  Journal. 


WORLD 


AT  PLAY 


Courtesy  Canadian  National  Parks 


National  Folk 
Festival 


NATIVE  America 
in  song  and  dance 
will  be  reproduced 
during  the  second 
week  of  the  Texas  Centennial  Exposition  in 
the  presentation  of  the  National  Folk  Festi- 
val. Arrangements  have  been  made  for  this 
national  event,  the  southwest  phase  of  which 
will  be  built  up  out  of  song,  dance  and  folk 
play  research  in  every  county  of  Texas  and 
adjoining  states.  The  Texas  Centennial  Ex- 
position beginning  June  4th,  will  be  host  to 
the  festival  which  has  enlisted  the  drama, 
music,  dances  and  handicraft  of  the  history  of 
the  nation  during  the  three  years  since  its 
origin  in  St.  Louis.  Its  second  presentation 
took  place  last  year  in  Chattanooga,  Tennes- 
see. This  year’s  presentation  will  not  be  a 
professional  one  but  a program  of  amateurs 
presenting  the  folk  lore  of  the  nation. 


Jefferson 

Memorial 


AT  a special  elec- 
tion held  in  the  fall, 

the  city  of  St.  Louis, 

Missouri,  voted 
bonds  in  the  amount  of  $7,500,000  which  the 
federal  government  is  to  match  with  $22,500,- 
000  for  the  development  of  the  city’s  water 
front.  Thirty-seven  blocks  will  be  cleared  of 
old  buildings  and  Jefferson  Memorial  created, 
which  will  be  maintained  as  a national  park 
by  the  federal  government. — From  Public  Man- 
agement. 


A Festival  of 
Play 


ON  January  17th, 
the  Bureau  of  Rec- 
reation  of  Philadel- 
phia presented  a 
Festival  of  Play  in  celebration  of  the  50-year 
program  of  municipal  recreation.  Three  thou- 
sand people  from  6 to  60  years  of  age  took 
part  in  a program  of  games,  gymnastic  ex- 
hibitions, folk  dancing  and  other  activities. 


Golf  Courses  for 
Minnesota 


ONE  of  the  pro- 
visions enacted  b y 
the  1935  state  legis- 
lature of  Minnesota 
authorizes  cities  of  the  fourth  class  to  acquire 
and  operate  golf  courses  of  not  more  than  100 
acres  adjacent  to  city  limits. 


Model  Airplanes 
Popular 


THE  Public  Recre- 
ation Commission  of 
Cincinnati,  Ohio,  re- 
ports that  the  mak- 
ing of  airplanes  is  becoming  a very  popular  hobby 
with  boys  and  girls.  A new  airplane  club  has  been 
opened  in  a basement  room  at  the  Madisonville 
Library  and  there  are  two  additional  airplane  cen- 
ters at  police  stations  in  other  localities.  The  re- 
port states  that  the  growth  of  cooperative  arrange- 
ments for  use  of  buildings  and  in  handling  activi- 
ties between  the  Police  Department  and  the  Rec- 
reation Commission  should  help  to  bring  about  a 
new  attitude  on  the  part  of  boys  and -girls  toward 
the  police. 


83 


84 


WORLD  AT  PLAY 


Shuffleboard  Game  Equipment 

$5.00,  $7.00,  $10.00  and  $15.00  Sets 
New  Rubber  Tired  Discs 
Will  Not  Split,  $5.00  Set 

New  Aluminum  Footed  Cues,  $2.00  Each 

Catalogue 

• 

Daytona  Beach  Shuffle  Board  Co. 
Philmont  New  York 


A Fire  Station  That’s  Different — The  re- 
cently dedicated  Central  Fire  Station  in  Bir- 
mingham, England,  costs  approximately 
£150,000.  In  addition  to  essential  accommo- 
dations for  housing,  a large  number  of  fire 
fighting  units  and  equipment,  the  building 
contains  recreation  facilities,  a school,  band 
practice  rooms,  a canteen,  gymnasium,  car- 
penter and  machine  shops,  drill  towers  and 
housing  accommodations. 

A Gift  for  Roanoke— K.  Mark  Cowen,  Su- 
perintendent of  Recreation  in  Roanoke,  Vir- 
ginia, reports  that  B.  J.  Fishburn  of  that  city 
has  donated  a tract  of  over  27  acres  for  park 
purposes. 

At  a Community  Building — The  annual  re- 
port for  the  Memorial  Community  Building 
at  Goldsboro,  North  Carolina,  shows  an  in- 
crease in  attendance  over  the  preceding  year 
of  33,374.  The  center  continuously  serves  a 
wide  rural  area.  Most  of  the  spectators  and 
players  of  the  four  basketball  leagues  come 
from  the  rural  districts  of  Wayne  County. 
The  players  and  spectators  from  eight  neigh- 
borhood councils  participated  in  the  eight 
county  district  girls’  basketball  tournament. 
During  the  past  year  the  Wayne  Recreation 
Council  was  organized  to  unite  in  an  advisory 
and  promoting  body  the  citizens  of  Goldsboro 
and  Wayne  County  interested  in  constructive, 
character-building  recreational  activities.  As 
its  first  objective  the  council  established  a 
girls’  and  women’s  activity  program,  raising 
$518.50  toward  the  expenses  of  this  agency. 

Junior  Birdmen  of  America — The  Junior 
Birdmen  of  America  with  headquarters  at 
1834  Broadway,  New  York  City,  is  entering 
its  third  year  of  existence  as  a permanent  or- 


ganization. Its  model  plane  records,  writes 
Lawrence  Shaw,  National  Director,  are  now 
accepted  as  the  official  national  records  for 
this  country.  The  organization  has  issued 
the  Official  Model  Plane  Contest  Manual  for 
Junior  Birdmen  Wing  Commanders. 

An  Experiment  Crime  Prevention  — The 

Crime  Prevention  Association  of  Philadelphia, 
in  cooperation  with  the  Crime  Prevention 
Division  of  the  Bureau  of  Police,  the  Munici- 
pal Court  and  the  Board  of  Education,  has 
been  operating  since  1932  with  a small  staff 
and  budget  in  an  effort  to  prevent  crime. 
Some  of  the  results  secured  are:  A decrease 
of  17%  in  the  number  of  older  boys  arrested; 
an  increase  in  the  number  of  older  boy 
offenders  under  supervision  before  they  get 
into  court;  the  transformation  by  the  boys 
themselves  of  70  vacant  lots,  obtained  rent 
free,  into  athletic  fields,  the  conversion  of 
four  abandoned  school  buildings  into  boys’ 
clubs ; the  formation  of  fifteen  additional  clubs, 
given  assistance  in  obtaining  their  own  build- 
ings. Other  accomplishments  have  been  assist- 
ance in  finding  employment  for  100  boys  and 
aid  for  80  boys  in  enlisting  in  C.C.C.  camps. 

“First  Houses’’ — On  December  3,  1935, 

“First  Houses”  in  New  York  City,  the  first 
housing  project  in  this  country  to  be  built 
with  public  money  and  bonds  and  mortgages 
issued  by  a government  housing  authority 
was  dedicated  and  opened.  One  hundred  and 
twenty  families  will  be  housed  in  this  develop- 
ment, paying  an  average  rental  of  $6.05  per 
room  per  month.  The  tenants  will  be  workers 
whose  monthly  income  does  not  exceed  five 
times  the  monthly  rental.  Recreational  facili- 
ties are  provided.  Approximately  6,500  square 
feet  of  land  at  the  west  end  of  the  project 
have  been  turned  over  to  the  New  York  City 
Park  Department  for  a playground  for  the  use 
of  boys  and  girls  under  sixteen  years  of  age. 
Indoor  recreation  rooms  and  facilities  are  fur- 
nished for  the  use  of  the  tenants.  On  the 
ground  floor  directly  off  the  playground  is  a 
recreation  room  approximately  25  by  20  feet 
equipped  with  two  bridge  tables,  chairs,  a 
ping  pong  table,  a book  shelf,  and  a reading 
room  and  tables  for  children.  Space  has  been 
provided  for  a small  kitchen  and  game  closets. 
Office  space  in  one  building  is  to  be  used  in 
the  evening  for  older  boy  and  girl  activities. 


•*CWU,T*’’  College  Librarp 

WORLD  AT  PLAY  85 


P/<zj/  With 

.tverWear 

Safety 

PLAYGROUND  APPARATUS 


SAFETY  is  an  essential  of  every  outfit 
DURABILITY  is  built  in  to  give  longer  life 

Write  for  Catalog  28 

FOR  BEACH  AND  SWIMMING  POOL  EQUIPMENT 

Write  for  Catalog  28  W 

The  EverWear  Manufacturing  Company 

The  World’s  oldest  and  largest  exclusive  makers  of 
playground,  beach  and  pool  apparatus 

SPRINGFIELD,  OHIO 


Several  basement  rooms  will  be  made  avail- 
able for  arts  and  crafts  and  for  recreational 
activities. 

Expenditures  for  Recreation  in  Elizabeth, 

N.  J. — The  allocation  of  funds  to  the  Recrea- 
tion Department  of  Elizabeth,  N.  J.,  repre- 
sents an  expenditure  of  less  than  lc  (.009)  of 
each  $1  of  tax  money.  It  is  estimated  that  a 
per  capita  cost  of  only  32c  a year  was  spent 
in  1935  to  operate  the  entire  program  of  the 
Department. 

Philadelphia’s  Dance  Festival — -The  first  of 
the  special  events  of  the  Philadelphia,  Penn- 
sylvania, Bureau  of  Recreation  to  be  held  in 
1936  was  the  dance  festival  presented  on 
February  14th.  The  contest  was  open  to  boys 
and  girls  under  eighteen  years,  each  center 
entering  two  groups  whose  minimum  number 
was  six.  Each  group  was  required  to  dance 
two  and  a half  minutes  and  not  longer  than 
four  and  a half  minutes,  and  it  was  further 
required  that  the  groups  dance  to  music. 
Dances  were  judged  on  the  following  points: 


(1)  Perfect  execution  and  rhythm;  (2)  Com- 
bination of  steps  or  figures;  (3)  Difficulty  of 
routine;  (4)  Neatness,  cleanliness  and  appear- 
ance of  participants. 

The  Henry  Rockwell  Baker  Memorial  Com- 
munity Center — St.  Charles,  Illinois,  is  the 
home  of  the  Henry  Rockwell  Baker  Memorial 
given  by  Mr.  and  Airs.  Edward  J.  Baker,  with 
the  site  and  an  endowment  fund,  in  memory 
of  their  only  son.  The  building  also  memorial- 
izes the  young  men  and  women  from  St. 
Charles  who  served  in  the  World  War.  The 
entire  memorial  when  turned  over  to  the  peo- 
ple represented  a cost  of  about  $200,000. 

The  architects  have  used  the  medieval  style 
of  the  Tudors.  Leaded  windows,  half  timbers, 
stucco,  stone  and  brick  are  harmonized  to 
meet  the  broad  sweep  of  the  slate  roofs.  In- 
terior decorations  are  of  the  same  general 
period  and  the  furnishings  have  been  chosen 
for  their  suitability.  The  grounds  have  been 
landscaped  under  the  supervision  of  the  Gar- 
den Club  of  St.  Charles.  In  addition  to  a 
large  assembly  hall  and  stage,  a lounge,  swim- 


86 


WORLD  AT  PLAY 


The  Publication  You  Have 
Been  Waiting  For! 

• The  National  Physical  Achievement 
Standards  for  Girls  are  now  available. 
While  designed  primarily  for  use  in 
schools,  these  standards  will  be  of  keen 
interest  to  recreation  workers,  camp 
directors  and  girls’  club  leaders  in  view 
of  the  fact  that  the  instruction  book  con- 
tains directions  for  over  fifty  approved 
physical  activities  for  girls. 

Send  for  your  copy  of  the 
instruction  book. 

Price  20  cents 

If  you  desire  samples  of  the  certificates 
and  record  cards  as  well  as  the  instruc- 
tion book,  send  25  cents. 

National  Recreation  Association 

315  Fourth  Avenue,  New  York  City 


ming  pool,  bowling  alleys,  billiard  room, ' 
kitchen,  lockers  and  other  facilities  have  been 
assigned  to  a number  of  social  and  benevolent 
societies.  Here  the  American  Legion,  Busi- 
ness and  Professional  Women’s  Club,  Young 
Mothers’  Club,  Boy  Scouts,  Girl  Scouts  and 
the  Little  Theater  of  St.  Charles  hold  their 
meetings.  The  building  also  contains  the  1 
office  of  the  Chamber  of  Commerce  which  is  a 
general  information  bureau  at  the  service  of  ] 
the  public. 

New  York  City  As  a Country  Club- — New  • 

York  City,  says  The  New  York  Times,  has  now 
become,  among  other  things,  a very  reasonable  ■ 
country  club.  The  Department  of  Parks  re-  ] 
ports  that  season  permits  for  tennis  will  be  is-  ] 
sued  at  $3.00  to  adults  and  at  $1.00  to  persons 
under  17,  and  full  season  permits  for  golf  for 
$10.00.  The  tennis  players  will  have  their 
choice  of  public  courts  at  about  thirty  different 
places  in  the  city,  and  the  golf  players  will  find 
ten  courses  under  the  city’s  jurisdiction.  “Add 
to  this  the  swimming  pools  that  the  city  has 
provided,  and  New  York  becomes  a complete 
summer  resort.” 


(yajjet\j  'Teaching  1 TiateUal  j^or  the  Recreation  TDirector 


The  Education  Division  of  the  National  Safety  Council  publishes  a variety  of 
material  designed  to  aid  in  the  teaching  of  safety  on  the  playground  or  in 
the  school.  We  recommend  the  following: 


SAFETY  EDUCATION  MAGAZINE — A monthly  publication  con- 
taining colored  posters,  graded  lesson  outlines,  short  plays 
and  stories,  informational  articles,  etc. 

Price  $1.00  a year 

THE  JUNIOR  SAFETY  COUNCIL— A handbook  of  safety  activi- 
ties containing  practical  program  suggestions,  patrol  organi- 
zation and  references. 

Price  $.35 

PLAYGROUND  PACKET — A collection  of  safety  material  for  the 
playground  director.  Contains  10  colored  safety  posters,  a 
safety  play,  crayon  lessons  and  instructions  for  the  safe  use 
of  playground  equipment. 

Price  $1.00 


Education  Division, 

ONE  PARK  AVENUE 


National  Safety  Council 

NEW  YORK,  N.  Y. 


WORLD  AT  PLAY 


87 


An  Essay  Contest — In  April,  the  Elizabeth 
Peabody  Settlement  House,  357  Charles 
Street,  Boston,  cooperated  with  the  American 
Forestry  Association  in  conducting  an  essay 
contest  on  the  value  of  trees  to  a city.  It  was 
open  to  boys  and  girls  from  nine  to  eighteen 
years  of  age,  members  of  any  settlement 
house,  boys’  club,  community  center, 
Y.M.C.A.,  Y.W.C.A.,  Y.M.  and  Y.W.H.A.  or 
similar  organization  in  the  State  of  Massachu- 
setts. Thornton  W.  Burgess,  well-known 
naturalist  and  author,  H.  O.  Cooke,  chief  for- 
ester for  the  Commonwealth  of  Massachu- 
setts, and  other  leading  authorities  served  as 
judges. 

' A Training  Course  for  Camp  Counselors — 

Beginning  July  1st,  the  Educational  Alliance 
and  Young  Men’s  Hebrew  Association  will 
conduct  the  second  training  course  for  camp 
counselors  at  Surprise  Lake  Camp,  Cold 
Spring,  New  York.  The  course  will  continue 
for  ten  weeks,  ending  on  Labor  Day.  Last 
summer’s  course  included  lectures  by  Dr. 
Jesse  F.  Williams  of  Teachers  College,  Dr. 
L.  B.  Sharp  of  Life  Camps,  Captain  Charles 
B.  Scully  of  American  Red  Cross,  and  other 
leaders  in  the  camping  field.  Anyone  inter- 
ested may  secure  further  information  by  writ- 
ing Mr.  Max  Oppenheimer  at  Surprise  Lake 
Camp. 

Detroit’s  Camp  for  Boys  and  Girls — The  De- 
troit, Michigan,  Department  of  Recreation  is 
operating  this  year,  as  it  has  for  a number  of 
years,  a recreation  camp  of  more  than  300  acres 
of  land  at  Brighton.  The  camp  is  divided  by 
Lake  Recreation  into  two  complete  parts — one 
for  boys  and  one  for  girls.  It  is  open  to  chil- 
dren from  eight  to  fifteen  years  of  age  classi- 
fied as  juniors,  eight  to  ten;  intermediates,  ten 
to  thirteen,  and  seniors,  fourteen  and  over.  The 
charge  is  $7.00  a week  which  includes  trans- 
portation and  insurance  for  each  child  while  in 
camp.  The  cost  for  additional  week  is  $6.00. 
This  low  price  is  possible  because  the  camp  is 
operated  without  profit  by  the  city  of  Detroit. 

Iowa  Conference  on  Child  Development  and 
Parent  Education  — The  tenth  Iowa  Confer- 
ence on  Child  Development  and  Parent  Edu- 
cation will  be  held  in  Iowa  City,  Iowa,  June 
16th,  17th  and  18th.  The  general  theme  for  the 


SUMMER  COURSES 

HANDICRAFTS 

Training,  under  sympathetic  specialists, 
covers  a wide  range  of  Handicrafts 
and  mediums  adapted  to  the  special 
needs  of  each  student. 

Special  summer  courses  include: 

Leathercraft  Marionettes  Wood  Carving 
Metalry  Jewelry  Weaving  Design 

Book  Binding  Chip  Carving  Model  Making 
Tapestry  Weaving  Settlement  Crafts  Etching 
Occupational  Therapy  Crafts  Block  Printing 
Techniques  in  Non-firing  Clays 

SUPPLY  SERVICE 

The  most  comprehensive  line  in  America  of 
materials  and  tools  for  Handicraft  Programs. 
Project  kits,  instruction  sheets,  leaders'  manuals, 
articles  to  meet  every  budget — 50  ideas  under 
10c,  many  under  5c.  Free  advisory  service- — 
correspondence  invited. 

Send  for  complete  catalog,  just  published,  full 
of  new  projects  for  this  summer.  Visit  the  school 
when  in  New  York  or  Boston. 

UNIVERSAL  SCHOOL  of 
HANDICRAFTS 

2515  RKO  Bldg.  Sixth  Ave.  at  50th  Stret 

ROCKEFELLER  CENTER,  New  York,  N.  Y. 
(Boston  School,  165  Newbury  Street) 


conference  is  “Education  for  Family  Life.” 
Among  the  speakers  will  be  some  of  the  lead- 
ing authorities  in  the  country.  Further  infor- 
mation may  be  secured  from  the  Iowa  Child 
Welfare  Research  Station,  State  University  of 
Iowa,  Iowa  City. 

From  Barren  Tract  to  Municipal  Stadium — 

What  was  once  a barren  five  acre  tract  of  unused 
park  land  has  been  converted  at  low  cost  by  the 
Hartford,  Connecticut,  Park  Department  into  a 
splendid  municipally  owned  athletic  stadium.  It 
embraces  a grass  infield  baseball  diamond,  a reg- 
ulation football  gridiron  and  a quarter  mile  cinder 
track.  The  stadium  is  located  in  Colt  Park  within 
a stone’s  throw  of  the  heart  of  the  business  dis- 
trict. The  project  was  started  with  CWA  and 
FERA  funds.  It  is  hoped  to  secure  an  additional 
grant  for  the  construction  of  a grandstand  and 
dressing  rooms. 

A New  Swimming  Pool  in  Interstate  Park — 

Through  the  WPA,  the  Palisades  Interstate 
Park  is  to  have  a new  swimming  pool  which,  it 
is  said,  will  be  one  of  the  finest  in  the  vicinity 
of  New  York.  It  will  be  600  feet  long  and  120 


88 


AMONG  OUR  FOLKS 


Organize 
A Horseshoe 
Club  ! 


There’s  nothing  like  a 
lively  pitching  horseshoe 
tournament  to  interest 
players  and  spectators t— 
old  or  young.  Organize  a 
club  at  your  playground 
and  have  a play-off  to  establish  the  cham- 
pionship. It’s  a healthful,  keenly  interesting 
game. 


Diamond  Official  Pitching  Shoes  and  acces- 
sories will  fulfill  all  requirements  — many 
models  and  styles. 

Let  us  send  free  instruction  booklets  and 
additional  information. 


WRITE 

DIAMOND  CALK  HORSESHOE  CO. 


4610  Grand  Ave.,  Duluth,  Minn. 


feet  wide,  built  out  into  the  river,  and  supplied 
with  filtered  and  chlorinated  salt  water.  There 
will  be  three  compartments,  two  210  by  60 
feet,  one  for  public  use  and  one  for  competitive 
swimming  events,  and  a smaller  space  60  by  60 
feet  for  waders  and  beginners.  There  will  be 
a large  grandstand  along  the  land  side  of  the 
larger  pools,  and  lockers  and  other  facilities 
for  bathers  will  be  placed  under  the  stand. 
Commissioners  of  the  Palisades  Interstate 
Park  also  report  a new  cabin  colony  with 
thirty  cabins  made  of  log  siding  and  contain- 
ing large  living  rooms  and  two  bedrooms. 
The  area  will  be  equipped  with  electric  lights 
and  city  water,  showers,  sanitary  facilities,  and 
a private  bathing  beach.  Space  will  be  retained 
for  tent  camping  for  those  who  prefer  it. 

The  Jacksonville  Choral  Guild  — On  March 
24th  the  Jacksonville,  Florida,  Choral  Guild 
assisted  by  the  Jacksonville  concert  orchestra 
presented  Haydn’s  “The  Creation”  at  the  Duval 
County  Armory.  The  WPA  Federal  Music 
Project  and  the  Department  of  Public  Recrea- 
tion sponsored  the  concert  with  its  chorus  of 


Among  Our  Folks 

H.  Ray  Meyers,  Chairman  Executive  Com- 
mittee of  the  Community  Recreation  Association 
of  Decatur,  Illinois,  and  formerly  Superintendent 
of  Recreation  in  that  city,  has  received  the  Junior 
Association  of  Commerce  Service  Award  for  the 
year  1934  offered  the  young  man  most  active  in 
the  promotion  of  civic  enterprises  for  the  better- 
ment of  the  community. 

Philip  Dumont,  a graduate  of  the  first  Na- 
tional Recreation  School,  has  received  a perma- 
nent appointment  as  manager  of  the  Sand  Lake 
Waterfowl  Refuge  near  Aberdeen,  South  Dakota. 
He  will  be  in  charge  of  this  new  federal  area  of 
over  23,000  acres.  The  refuge  extends  for  about 
fifteen  miles  along  the  James  River.  The  water- 
fowl  nesting  studies  in  this  area  will  be  centered 
here. 

Earle  A.  Pritchard,  who  several  years  ago 
served  as  Superintendent  of  Recreation  in  Read- 
ing, Pennsylvania  and  other  cities,  has  become 
Recreation  Planner,  National  Park  Service,  with 
headquarters  at  the  Regional  Office  in  Bronxville, 
New  \ ork.  Mr.  Pritchard’s  territory  covers  the 
New  England  states,  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania, 
and  New  York.  Before  assuming  his  duties  with 
the  National  Park  Service  Mr.  Pritchard  served 
as  Supervisor,  Emergency  Conservation,  Depart- 
ment of  the  Interior. 


114  voices  and  five  soloists,  and  an  orchestra  of 
45  pieces.  The  singers  were  attired  in  vest- 
ments of  red  with  white  collars  which  were 
made  by  the  sewing  division  of  the  WPA,  the 
material  being  supplied  by  the  co-sponsors. 
Seventeen  hundred  people  heard  the  oratorio. 


A Camp  at  Your  Doorstep 

(Continued  from  page  57) 

keeping  enough  money  to  take  him  home.  This 
system  was  good  for  their  self-reliance.  It  ap- 
plied to  six-year-olds  as  well  as  to  boys  of 
fourteen. 

The  Boys  Entertain 

During  the  summer  two  parties  were  given — 
one  an  outdoor  supper  for  all  the  parents,  and  the 
other  a day  at  camp  for  all  boys  who  had  at- 
tended during  the  season.  The  campfire  supper 
was  a tremendous  success,  the  boys  cooking  a 


DAVID  I.  KELLY 


89' 


David  I.  Kelly 

David  I.  Kelly,  Secretary  of  the  Essex  County 
Park  Commission,  died  at  his  home  in  Maplewood, 
New  Jersey,  on  March  24th. 

Mr.  Kelly’s  record  as  a recreation  worker  and 
park  executive  was  a long  and  honorable  one.  He 
began  his  recreation  experience  in  New  York  City 
where  he  helped  organize  the  city’s  playgrounds. 
Later  he  served  as  Deputy  Commissioner  of  Cor- 
rections in  New  \ork  under  Burdett  G.  Lewis, 
and  when  Mr.  Lewis  became  Commissioner  of 
Institutions  and  Agencies  in  New  Jersey  he  ap- 
pointed Mr.  Kelly  his  deputy  in  charge  of  occu- 
pational work  at  the  State  Penitentiary.  Nearly 
twenty  years  ago  Mr.  Kelly  was  retained  by  the 
Essex  County  Park  Commission  to  install  a rec- 
reational system  for  its  parks,  and  two  years  later 
he  was  appointed  Executive  Secretary  of  the 
Commission.  Mr.  Kelly  had  a large  part  in  mak- 
ing the  Essex  County  park  system  an  example  of 
a county  park  system  outstanding  in  its  service  to 
the  recreational  needs  of  men,  women  and  chil- 
dren. Not  only  New  Jersey  but  the  country  as  a 
whole  owes  much  to  his  vision  and  his  ability  to 
make  that  vision  a reality. 


dinner  which  brought  everyone  back  for  second 
helpings,  and  in  the  firelight,  giving  a sports  show 
organized  and  run  off  by  themselves.  A special 
copy  of  the  camp  paper  was  handed  out  to  all 
present.  On  the  final  day  of  camp,  we  played  the 
last  league  baseball  game,  ate  a campfire  lunch, 
and  heard  the  announcements  of  awards  and  the 
result  of  the  Blue-Red  match.  We  ended  up  with 
a treasure  hunt  and  topped  ofif  with  ice  cream. 

New  York  Tries  Out  New  Methods 
of  Education 

(Continued  from  page  61) 

If  possible,  routes  should  be  changed  if  the 
same  children  travel  to  camp  each  day. 

Diversion  should  be  at  hand  to  avoid  boredom 
and  monotony.  Many  quiet  games  are  good  fun 
and  some  might  be  used  to  lead  up  to  the  day’s 
activities  on  arrival  at  camp.  Some  of  these  tend 
to  quicken  attention  and  alertness  of  eye  and  ear 
and  mind. 

Luncheon.  If  children  carry  their  own  lunches 
they  should  be  marked  with  their  names  and  care- 
fully placed  in  a cool  place  as  soon  as  camp  is 
reached.  If  lunches  are  to  be  cooked  over  fires  the 


SPORTS  EQUIPMENT 

for 


Playground 

and 

Institutional 

Use 

Catalogues  On  Request! 

THE  P.  GOLDSMITH  SONS,  Inc. 

lohn  and  Findlay  Sts.  Cincinnati,  Ohio 


hazards  must  be  taken  into  careful  consideration 
and  there  must  be  fuel  obtainable  and  available. 
Receptacles  will  be  needed  for  refuse. 

The  meal  time  must  be  one  of  friendly  inter- 
course between  leaders  and  children,  and  it  cer- 
tainly must  be  a happy  time  with  camp  songs  or 
folk  songs  during  preparations  and  clearing  away. 

If  at  all  possible  every  child  should  be  provided 
with  milk  and  each  lunch  should  include  fresh 
fruit. 

The  Program.  Trained  recreation  leaders  must 
be  on  hand  to  direct  the  program  and  these  lead- 
ers must  at  all  times  consider  the  physical  condi- 


A NEW  CHILDREN'S  PLAY 

• "Peter  Pumpkin  Eater"  is  a delight- 
ful play  based  on  the  old  nursery 
rhyme  which  has  just  been  issued 
by  the  Drama  Service  of  the  Na- 
tional Recreation  Association. 

You  will  want  a copy 
Price  15  cents 

NATIONAL  RECREATION  ASSOCIATION 

315  FOURTH  AVENUE  ::  ::  NEW  YORK  CITY 


90 


MAGAZINES  AND  PAMPHLETS 


Magazines  and  Pamphlets 

) Recently  Received  Containing  Articles  \ 

v of  Interest  to  the  Recreation  Worker  ( 


MAGAZINES 

Parks  and  Recreation,  March  1936 

The  Government  of  Parks,  by  L.  H.  Weir 
Planning  the  Recreational  Use  of  Our  Wild  Lands, 
by  Dr.  Frank  A.  Waugh 
A Municipal  and  Utility  Forestry  Course,  by 
R.  S.  Marshall 

Leisure,  April  1936 

Camping  for  Balanced  Growth,  by  John  B.  Malcolm 
Recreational  Leadership  and  Character,  by  Walter 
L.  Stone,  Ph.D. 

Tournament  Plug  Golf 

Mind  and  Body,  February  1936 

Competition  and/or  Cooperation?  by  Frederick  Rand 
Rogers 

Junior -Senior  High  School  Clearing  House,  April  1936 
This  issue  is  almost  entirely  devoted  to  camps  and 
camping  and  includes  articles  by  many  authorities 

Camping  World,  March  1936 

A Camp  Bungalow,  by  Zenou  Raabe,  M.L.A. 
Pre-Camp  Planning:  Program  in  Camp,  by  Irving 
A.  Schiffman,  M.A. 

The  Why  of  Camp  Laws,  by  A.  F.  Allen 
Philosophy  at  Work  in  Camping,  by  R.  C.  Marshall 

The  Research  Quarterly,  March  1936 

A Study  of  the  College  Women’s  Physical  Educa- 
tion Department  in  Its  Relationship  to  the  Com- 
munity’s Adult  Leisure-Time  Activities,  by  Donnie 
Cotteral 

Criteria  for  Studying  and  Evaluating  Physical  Pro- 
grams with  Relation  to  Their  Leisure-Time  Con- 
tributions, by  B.  Spindler  and  John  Dambach 

Education,  March  1936 

Nature  Education : Social  and  Recreational, 
by  William  Gould  Vinal 

International  Journal  of  Religious  Education,  March  1936 
Play  Tournaments  and  Christian  Values,  by  Harold 
A.  Ehrensperger 

Parents’  Magazine,  March  1936 

Toy  Symphony,  by  Bernice  Evans  Harding 
Family  Fun,  by  Elizabeth  King 
Playthings  of  the  Month 
Books  for  Boys  and  Girls,  by  Alice  Dalgliesh 

The  Journal  of  Health  and  Physical  Education, 

February  1936 

The  Legal  Liability  for  the  Injury  of  Children  in 
Public  Schools,  by  Arthur  Clayton  Poe 
The  Cultural  Significance  of  Sports,  An  Editorial 
Water  Parties  for  Indoor  Pools,  by  Katherine  Adams 
Menges 

Recreational  Athletics  for  Women,  by  Elizabeth 
Noyes 

Social  Physical  Education  and  Recreation  for  the 
Crippled  and  Disabled,  by  Richard  Montgomery 
Basket  Speedball — Team  Game  for  Large  Classes,  by 
Verna  M.  Baker 

The  Journal  of  Health  and  Physical  Education, 

March  1936 

A Sane  Athletic  Program,  by  R.  R.  Abernethy 
Recreation  and  College  Life,  by  Dorothy  S.  Ainsworth 


The  Grand  Rapids  Recreation  Safety  Pageant,  by 
A.  W.  Thompson 

Some  Unique  Recreational  Programs  in  Germany,  I 
by  Hans  Nabhole 

Water  Baseball  as  an  Intramural  Sport,  by  Joseph 
C.  Clarke 

Side-line  Basketball,  by  Helen  M.  Reily 

Deck-Hockey,  by  Lester  G.  Bursey 

From  Green  to  Tee  with  a Class,  by  Iris  Boulton 

Sociology  and  Social  Research,  March-April  1936 

The  New  Leisure  and  Social  Objectives,  by  Martin 
H.  Neumeyer 

The  Girl  Scout  Leader,  March  1936 

Arts  and  Crafts  at  Camp,  by  Chester  Marsh 
The  Camping  Magazine,  March  1936 

Trends  in  Municipal  Camping,  by  R.  W.  Robertson- 
Character  Building  in  Camp,  by  Neal  Drought 

The  Instructor,  November  1935 

Indoor  Games  from  Distant  Lands 
Making  Cornstalk  Furniture  and  Toys,  by  Helen  C. 
Reed 

Making  Gifts  for  Other  Children,  by  Eugenia 
Eckford 

PAMPHLETS 

Playland,  Rye,  Westchester  County,  New  York 
An  illustrated  pamphlet 

The  Annual  Report  of  the  Union  County,  N.  J.,  Park 
Commission  1935 

Live  and  Let  Live 

The  Travelers  Insurance  Company,  Hartford,  Conn. 

The  1935  Kentucky  State  Parks  Annual 

Kentucky  State  Parks,  State  Capitol,  Frankfort,  Ky. 

Annual  Report  of  the  Playground  and  Recreation  Associa- 
tion of  Wyoming  Valley,  1935 
Wilkes-Barre,  Pa. 

Eleventh  Annual  Report  of  the  Playground  and  Recreation 
Commission,  Alton,  III.,  1935-1936 
Annual  Report  of  the  Salt  Lake  City,  Utah,  Recreation 
Department,  1935 

24  th  Annual  Report  of  the  Playground  Community  Serv- 
ice Commission  of  New  Orleans.  La.,  1935 
In  the  New  Era  of  Motion  Picture  Entertainment 

Annual  Report  of  the  Motion  Picture  Producers  and 
Distributors  of  America,  Inc.,  1935 


tion  of  the  children.  They  must  be  on  the  alert  to 
solve  problem  cases.  The  timid  and  bullying  child 
must  be  carefully  lead. 

Fatigue  must  be  avoided  and  yet  interest  must 
not  lag.  The  leaders  must  be  people  with  pleasing 
personalities,  who  have  an  abundance  of  enthusi- 
asm and  are  very  adaptable. 

A skeleton  schedule  must  be  set  up  with  a range 
of  camp  activities  of  the  more  strenuous  type 
planned  for  the  morning  period.  Games  should 
he  of  the  type  not  played  in  any  city  situation. 
Hiking  should  be  planned  with  a view  to  expos- 
ing the  children  to  as  many  of  the  nature  inter- 
ests as  possible,  and  the  hikes  should  allow  the 
“collecting  instincts”  to  be  satisfied  Actual 


LIVING  WITH  “SHELL-SHOCKED”  YOUTH 


91 


teaching  of  nature  lore  subject  matter  should  be 
avoided.  Treasure  hunts  may  be  so  planned  as  to 
enhance  these  nature  contacts. 

Camp  craft  should  be  of  the  practical  kind  that 
will  include  those  things  which  may  be  used  dur- 
ing camp  experience.  They  may  find  need  for  the 
various  kinds  of  fires  and  fireplaces,  tin  can  stoves 
or  stone  stoves,  or  they  may  want  to  construct 
some  of  different  kinds  of  primitive  woods  shelters. 
They  may  wish  to  create  some  kind  of  reed  or 
grass  or  bark  receptacles  for  their  collections  of 
rocks  and  acorns,  or  they  may  want  to  prepare 
some  kind  of  terraria  or  aquaria. 

Dancing  and  singing  games  are  usually  enjoyed 
by  the  younger  children  at  this  time.  Boys  like 
the  Indian  dancing. 

Afternoon  periods  should  be  devoted  to  quieter 
activities,  such  as  story-telling  and  their  drama- 
tization, singing  and  handcraft.  First,  however,  a 
period  of  complete  relaxation  must  be  allowed 
after  lunch.  Old  newspapers  spread  on  the  ground 
make  it  safe  to  lie  down,  but  these  must  be  care- 
fully picked  up  afterwards. 

A council  ring  ceremony  is  a beautiful  and 
picturesque  closing  to  the  day.  Ernest  Thompson 
Seton’s  handbook  offers  suggestions  for  this. 

Note:  The  Recreation  Department  of  the  WPA  of 
New  York  City  of  which  Miss  Louise  Edwards  is  Unit 
Manager,  has  available  charts,  programs  and  sources  of 
information  used  in  planning  for  New  York  Day  Camps. 


Living  with  "Shell-Shocked”  Youth 

( Continued  from  page  66) 

us  with  much  discussion  material.  Campfire  talks 
on  questions  involving  mental  and  social  hygiene 
and  vocational  guidance,  as  well  as  economics  and 
politics,  became  increasingly  popular.  Our  sub- 
scription to  a city  daily  newspaper  afforded  the 
text  for  current  topics  and  sociological  forums. 
We  were  constructing  an  ideo-logical  basis  for  the 
motivation  of  present  and  future  conduct  and  we 
noticed  an  immediate  improvement  in  morale. 

In  our  everyday  life  situations  arose  which  called 
for  realistic  behavior.  With  every  arrival  of  mail 
new  hopes  about  jobs  were  aroused.  Campers 
were  encouraged  to  go  to  the  city  even  if  it  meant 
hitch-hiking  both  ways.  And,  finally,  even  faint- 
hearted campers  began  to  press  their  friends,  ad- 
visers and  employment  agencies  by  way  of  letter 
and  visit.  Daily  information  on  government  work 
relief  was  eagerly  sought  in  the  newspaper.  On 
one  occasion  the  rough  treatment  by  police  of 


FOR  CLEANER,  SMOOTHER 

healthier  playgrounds! 

• There’s  a positive  way  now  to  elimi- 
nate dust  and  its  attendant  evils  - — to 
keep  play  surfaces  firm,  compact,  clean 
and  safer  from  germs. 

SOL  V Af  Calcium  Chloride  is  the 
modern  enemy  to  dust  and  the  danger- 
ous germs  it  carries.  Physicians  and 
playground  directors  endorse  its  germ- 
killing powers. 

Easy  to  apply — and  economical.  Just 
spread  evenly  over  the  surface.  That’s 
all.  This  clean,  odorless  and  harmless 
material  does  the  rest  — keeping  the 
surface  smooth,  dustless,  weedless  and 
even  reducing  sun-glare!  Ideal  for 
school  yards,  tennis  courts,  athletic 
fields  and  all  recreation  areas. 

Prompt  deliveries  from  100  conveni- 
ently located  stock  points.  Full  informa- 
tion and  prices  on  request. 

SOLVAY  SALES  CORPORATION 

Alkalies  and  Chemical  Products  Manufactured  by 
The  Solvay  Process  Company 

40  RECTOR  STREET  NEW  YORK 

BRANCH  SALES  OFFICES 
Boston  Charlotte  Chicago  Cincinnati 
Cleveland  Detroit  Houston 

Indianapolis  Kansas  City  Philadelphia 

Pittsburgh  St.  Louis  Syracuse 
New  York 


Solvay 

TRADE  MARK  REG.  U.  S.  PAT.  OFF. 


Calcium  Chloride 


92 


THE  STORY  Of  A SUMMER  ELAY  SCHOOL 


CAMPING 

tells  its  romantic 
story  each  month  in 

THE  CAMPING  MAGAZINE 

Edited  by  Bernard  S.  Mason 

RECREATION 

EDUCATION 

LEADERSHIP 

ADMINISTRATION 

PROGRAMMING 

SUPERVISION 

CAMPCRAFT 

NATURE-LORE 
INDIAN-LORE 
ALL  WATER  SPORTS 
ALL  LAND  SPORTS 
ALL  CRAFTS 
COUNCIL  FIRES 
DRAMATICS 
MUSIC 

The  official  authentic  voice  of  the 
American  Camping  Association.  Inc. 

$2.00  yearly 

Send  for  a sample  copy 

LANE  HALL 

Dept,  r Ann  Arbor,  Michigan 


several  campers  who  were  attending  a public  dance, 
aroused  the  group  to  a fighting  mood.  Their 
original  desire  to  retaliate  physically  was  re- 
directed and  led  through  organized  channels  of 
protest  by  letter,  newspaper  and  personal  visit.  As 
for  fighting  physically  at  camp,  several  fist  fights 
early  in  the  season  demonstrated  a considerable 
lack  of  skill  in  self-defense.  A boxing  class  de- 
veloped a new  self-respect  and  at  the  same  time 
eliminated  senseless  fighting.  Few,  indeed,  were 
these  instances  of  true  conflict  in  this  camp  isolated 


Attention,  SAVOYARDS: 

"The  American  Gilbert  and  Sullivan 
QUARTERLY" 

offers  in  its  roming  Anniversary  Issue,  the  first  time  published  in 
America,  “THE  HISTORY  OF  THE  GENTLEMAN  WHO  WAS 
BORN  AT  AN  ADVANCED  Age,"  by  W.  S.  Gilbert. 

Contributors  include  Dr.  Isaac  Goldberg,  Dr.  Sigmund  Spaeth. 
Frederick  J.  Halton,  and  others. 

Single  copy,  35c  Yearly,  $1.25 

We  also  supply  any  Gilbert  and  Sullivan 
publication  at  "professional"  discounts. 

Send  for  our  prospectus 

The  American  Gilbert  and  Sullivan  Association 
Hotel  Times  Square,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

wwvwwwv  www  yy  w'wwwww^www* 


from  an  urban  environment,  but  those  experi- 
ences were  important  in  setting  behavior  patterns 
for  future  action.  At  any  rate,  we  had  made  a 
beginning. 

What  of  the  Future? 

But  it  would  be  folly  to  maintain  that  our  first 
steps  will  mark  a new  way  of  life  for  these  youths 
unless  community  resources  are  expanded  to  an- 
swer their  needs.  Our  personal  contact  with  these 
youths  during  the  next  few  months  will  enable  us 
to  determine  how  practical  is  society’s  interest  in 
this  problem. 

Whether  or  not  this  youth  group  can  be  taken 
as  a fair  example,  it  is  an  inescapable  fact  that 
every  year  of  the  depression  a heterogenious  two 
million  young  people  have  reached  the  age  of  six- 
teen when  they  no  longer  have  to  go  to  school. 
Who  dares  maintain  that  our  CCC  camps,  our 
subsidized  traditional  schooling,  our  few  available 
jobs  are  sufficient  to  meet  the  varying  needs  of 
youth  atrophying  in  a changing  world?  What  of 
an  educational  system  which  is  so  blundering,  so 
inflexible,  so  handicapped,  that  it  can  only  deaden 
vouths’  initiative  and  creative  self-expression? 

“Youth  has  a right  to  life.  That  right  includes 
the  right  to  economic  security  and  to  adequate 
training,  to  work,  to  produce,  to  build,  not  to  be 
idle.  Youth  must  refuse  to  be  the  lost  generation.” 


The  Story  of  a Summer  Play  School 

(Continued  from  page  68) 

The  evening  events  of  the  carnival  consisted  of 
a musical  show  put  on  by  the  play  school  children, 
followed  by  a courtyard  dance.  Approximately 
6oo  people  paid  a nominal  admission  charge  to  see 
this  demonstration  which  included  all  the  dances 
taught  in  both  the  folk  dancing  and  chorus  danc- 
ing classes  at  play  school.  Through  these  dances 
the  audience  was  given  a glimpse  of  the  various 
nationality  groups  surrounding  the  center.  The 
admission  paid  by  the  audience  defrayed  the  ex- 
penses of  the  carnival  as  well  as  of  the  play  school. 

The  entire  carnival  also  served  as  a fine  source 
of  publicity  for  the  center’s  activities,  for  all  of 
the  city’s  newspapers  thought  the  event  important 
enough  to  publicize.  Four  of  the  papers  featured 
pictures  of  the  carnival,  while  a fifth  sent  a re- 
porter for  a story.  One  of  the  center’s  good 
friends  took  movies  of  the  entire  day’s  events. 
These  will  be  used  later  on  to  show  people  the 
type  of  activity  the  center  offers  its  members. 


THE  ORGANIZED  CAMP  ON  RECREATIONAL  DEMONSTRATION  PROJECTS  93 


With  the  play  school  over  and  an  accounting 
made,  we  can  really  claim  a genuine  profit  on  the 
recreational  side,  and  certainly  no  loss  on  the 
financial  side. 

The  Organized  Camp  on  Recreational 
Demonstration  Projects 

( Continued  from  page  7D 

and  canoes  used  must  pass  prescribed  safety 
tests. 

Motor  Vehicles  and  Insurance 

Campers  and  stafif  members  operating  motor 
vehicles  must  comply  with  all  state  and  local 
Laws  and  regulations  in  the  operation  of  motor 
vehicles. 

All  motor  vehicles  must  be  maintained  in 
good  repair. 

Transportation  must  be  available  for  emer- 
gencies. 

Each  camping  organization  must  comply 
with  all  state  insurance  laws. 

Adequate  liability  insurance  must  be  carried 
to  protect  campers  and  staff  members  from 
disabling  and  disfiguring  accidents. 

Food 

The  camping  organization  must  provide  an 
ample  supply  of  fresh  milk,  fruit  and  vege- 
tables for  all  campers  and  staff  members. 

Pasteurized  milk  must  be  used  if  obtainable 
anywhere  within  a reasonable  distance  of  the 
camp,  and  should  be  delivered  and  maintained 
at  a temperature  of  not  more  than  50  degrees 
F.  If  pasteurized  milk  is  not  obtainable,  eva- 
porated or  powdered  milk  or  milk  that  is  cer- 
tified as  meeting  all  standards  required  by  the 
local  and  state  departments  of  health  must  be 
used. 

Records 

The  camp  director  shall  keep  an  individual 
record  for  each  camper,  showing  camp  activi- 
ties, health  history  and  ev  idence  of  a physical 
examination  at  the  beginning  and  end  of  the 
camping  season.  The  individual  record  for 
each  camper  shall  also  contain  a record  show- 
ing the  written  permission  to  attend  camp 
signed  by  a parent  or  guardian. 

A complete  record  of  the  camping  organiza- 
tion’s property  at  the  camp  must  be  main- 
tained. 


LEISURE 


THE  MAGAZINE 
OF  A 

THOUSAND 

DIVERSIONS 


IS  JUST  WHAT  ITS  NAME  IMPLIES complete 

coverage  in  1 2 issues  of  unusual,  as  well  as 
popular,  worthwhile  free-time  diversions.  No 
longer  can  recreation  mean  only  playground  ac- 
tivities for  children  or  vigorous  physical  exercise 
for  a chosen  few.  Spectatoritis  is  on  the  wane. 

Individuals  want  to  participate  and  achieve. 

Broaden  your  projects  to  include  every  age.  a 
variety  of  tastes,  and  every  degree  of  proficiency. 
Today  genuine  re-creation  means  a diversified 
leisure-time  program  for  all — some  healthful  and 
pleasureable  interest  for  each  and  every  member 
of  the  family. 

LEISURE  will  give  you  a new  approach  to; 

SPORTS 


MUSIC 


The  M./n.nwt  uf 
A CHOCS  A. NO 
tm  i KSIONS 


GAMES 
PUZZLES 
HANDICRAFTS 
PHOTOGRAPHY 
CREATIVE  ARTS 
NATURE  STUDY 

and  countless  other 
fascinating  activities 

ALL  ARTICLES 

PROFUSELY  ILLUS- 
TRATED. 


SPECIAL  OFFER  to  Readers  of  RECREATION 
Expires  July  First 


15  months  only  - $1.00 

FILL  IN  YOUR  NAME  AND  ADDRESS,  SEND  BILL. 
CHECK,  STAMPS  OR  M.  O.  in  U.  S.  or  CANADA.  (Foreign 

Post — 50c.  extra.)  R-5 

LEISURE,  683  Atlantic  Ave.,  Boston,  Mass.  Pleaie 

Print 

Please  send  your  special  15  months  offer — $1.00  enclosed. 

NAME  

ADDRESS  

CITY  STATE  


If  you  are  a leisure-leader,  you  are  entitled  to  a free 
copy  of  our  booklet  "How  to  Run  a Hobby  Show." 


94 


EDUCATION  VERSUS  RECREATION 


CAMPING  WORLD  DREAMS  OF 

A CAMPING 
EXPERIENCE 

FOR  EVERY  CHILD  and  ADULT 

• It  is  our  firm  belief  and  conviction 
that  every  child  and  adult  should 
spend  at  least  a certain  period  each 
year  at  Camp  . . . there  to  enjoy  the 
wonders  of  Nature  and  the  health 
building  qualities  of  the  out-of-doors. 
Slowly  but  surely  organizations  of  all 
types  are  becoming  aware  of  the 
necessity  for  Camping,  as  a vital  part 
of  their  recreational  programs.  In  the 
April  issue  of  Camping  World  there 
is  described  a step  forward,  taken  by 
our  government,  toward  the  realiza- 
tion of  our  dream. 

• In  these  fast  changing  times — you 
will  find  Camping  World  indispensi- 
ble  in  completing  the  knowledge  you 
require  to  form  sound  opinions  on 
Camping.  We  believe  that  you  will 
find  Camping  World  so  satisfying 
that  you  will  never  wish  to  be  with- 
out it.  You  need  not  send  your  check 
now.  We  will  bill  you  later,  if  you 
wish.  But  to  insure  receiving  Camping 
World  we  urge  you  to  mail  your  sub- 
scription order  at  once. 

$2.00  for  ONE  YEAR 
$3.00  for  TWO  YEARS 

CAMPING  WORLD 

Edited  by  L.  NOEL  BOOTH 

11  East  44th  Street,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Send  to  Dept.  R4  for  a sample  copy 


The  camping  organization  must  maintain  a 
complete  business  record  of  operations  while 
using  the  camping  site. 

All  required  records  must  be  available  for 
inspection  by  authorized  representatives  of 
the  Resettlement  Administration. 


Education  Versus  Recreation 

(Continued  from  page  73) 

a well-camouflaged  form.  It  must  be  offered  in 
the  spirit  of  the  occasion,  in  the  spirit  of  the 
camp,  of  rest,  play,  and,  yes,  of  recreation.  It 
must,  indeed,  be  a program  of  education  in 
recreation. 

Since  the  days  of  the  old  school  house  of  ruddy 
hue  and  humble  mien,  the  validity  of  the  theory  of 
teaching  children  through  the  channels  of  play 
has  been  abundantly  demonstrated.  Even  in  the 
college  class-room  the  instructor  is  prepared,  if 
he  has  duly  learned  his  lesson,  to  sell  his  courses 
as  well  as  himself.  Ele  must  make  them  attrac- 
tive, appealing,  or  lay  himself  liable  to  be  branded 
a dub.  He  has  to  sugar  his  pills,  and  sugar  them 
aplenty,  or  he  will  be  forced  to  admit,  at  least  to 
himself,  that  the  class-room  is  the  finest  place  in 
the  world  for  a beauty  nap.  All  the  more  is  this 
true  of  the  teacher  of  adults.  Here  and  there  is 
an  individual  who  goes  after  knowledge  on  the 
straight-way  course — I gained  my  own  degrees 
after  I had  passed  fifty-one  — but  for  the  ma- 
jority of  grown-ups  the  words  schooling  and  edu- 
cation as  applied  to  themselves  are  anathema. 
They  will  learn  incidentally,  and  gladly,  but  they 
prefer  to  acquire  their  morsels  of  wisdom  in  the 
spirit  of  play.  That  was  amply  demonstrated 
through  the  project  carried  out  last  season  in  the 
Adirondack  tourist  camps  by  the  School  of  For- 
estry and  the  Department  of  Conservation  of  the 
State  of  New  York. 


An  Oklahoma  Backyard  in  Action 

( Continued  from  page  80) 

the  ideal  platform  tree  house  may  be  installed. 
For  safety’s  sake  it  might  be  well  to  have  a car- 
penter do  a good  thoroughly  strong  job  with  new 
wood  for  the  platform  and  railing,  about  io  or  1 2 
feet  from  the  ground.  The  tree  house  may  be 
reached  by  climbing  up  a flexible  ladder  that  can 
be  pulled  up,  insuring  privacy  for  the  older  chil- 
dren, and  preventing  little  children  from  climbing 
to  danger.  Boys  and  girls  love  to  slide  down  a 
piece  of  hose  or  cling  to  a knotted  rope. 


New  Publications  in  the  Leisure  Time  Field 


Designs  for  Wood-Carving 

Bv  Herbert  W.  Faulkner.  Harper  and  Brothers,  New 
York.  $1.00. 

At  the  request  of  numerous  readers  of  his  previous 
**  book,  Wood-Carving  as  a Hobby,  Mr.  Faulkner 
has  published  this  supplement  containing  twenty  plates, 
including  nearly  a hundred  designs  and  motifs  applicable 
to  wood-carving  projects  both  large  and  small.  These 
designs  range  from  simple,  elementary  ones  for  be- 
ginners to  more  elaborate  suggestions  for  wood-carvers 
who  are  experienced  in  the  art.  Many  interesting  adap- 
tations may  be  made  from  the  designs  which  appear 
in  this  volume. 

Gardens  and  Gardening  1936 

Edited  by  F.  A.  Mercer.  The  Studio  Publications,  Inc., 
New  York.  Paper  bound,  $3.50;  cloth,  $4.50. 

This  unusually  attractive  garden  book  with  its  many 

* illustrations  brings  us  beautiful  gardens  from  many 
countries.  It  also  contains  a number  of  articles  on 
flowers  and  Japanese  miniature  trees.  It  is  a book  every 
garden  enthusiast  will  appreciate. 

Organizing  to  Reduce  Delinquency 

By  Lowell  Juillard  Carr.  The  Michigan  Juvenile  Delin- 
quency Information  Service,  Ann  Arbor,  Michigan. 
$.25. 

The  State  of  Michigan  is  facing  the  facts  about  its 

* juvenile  delinquency  problem,  and  as  a result  of 
careful  study  has  worked  out  a plan  for  delinquency 
control  which,  together  with  facts  regarding  the  study, 
is  presented  in  this  booklet  carrying  the  subtitle,  “The 
Michigan  Plan  for  Better  Citizenship.”  When  it  is  real- 
ized that  every  year  one  per  cent  of  the  population  of 
the  United  States  from  ten  to  sixteen  years  inclusive 
passes  through  the  juvenile  court,  the  seriousness  of 
the  problem  becomes  evident.  Recreation  workers  will 
be  greatly  interested  in  this  booklet  and  its  findings 
which  cite  the  need  for  the  extension  of  recreation 
facilities. 

Junior  Fun  in  Bed 

By  Virginia  Kirkus  and  Frank  Scully.  Simon  and 
Schuster,  New  York.  $1.75. 

" A three  ring  circus  and  a first  aid  kit  rolled  into 
**  one,”  this  book  has  been  called.  There  are  innum- 
erable magic  stunts,  puzzles,  riddles,  mazes  and  indoor 
games.  There  are  limericks,  cartoons,  and  question  and 
answer  tests,  and  an  entire  section  is  devoted  to  hobbies 
and  to  the  useful  things  which  can  be  made  indoors.  Of- 
fering by  no  means  the  least  in  entertainment  and  interest 
are  the  exciting  stories  which  form  a section  of  the  book. 
It  is  designed  for  boys  and  girls  from  ten  to  thirteen 
years  of  age  but  older  shut-ins  will  enjoy  it  as  well. 


Through  the  Telescope 

By  Edward  Arthur  Fath.  McGraw-Hill  Book  Company, 
Inc.,  Whittlesey  House,  New  York  City.  $2.75. 

There  is  one  method  for  making  a flight  through  the 
skies  which  is  available  to  all — and  that  is  through 
the  use  of  the  telescope.  In  this  book  we  take  a jour- 
ney through  space  by  means  of  our  imagination.  We 
are  given  a connected  story  which  includes  the  main 
facts  and  a few  of  the  more  interesting  theories  of  the 
astronomical  field.  No  important  discoveries  published 
up  to  the  end  of  1935  have  been  omitted.  The  method 
of  telling  the  story  involves  a visit  to  the  two  great 
astronomical  observatories  in  California.  Many  photo- 
graphs are  used  to  illustrate  the  text. 

“Kit”  39 

Edited  by  Lynn  and  Katherine  Rohrbough.  Church 
Recreation  Service,  Delaware,  Ohio.  $.25. 

"T'he  most  recent  issue  of  the  Recreation  Kit  deals  with 
plans  for  banquets  and  with  games  and  stunts  for 
use  at  such  functions. 

Bibliography  of  Planning  I9?8-I935 

By  Katherine  McNamara.  Harvard  University  Press, 
Cambridge,  Mass.  $3.50. 

This  bibliography  is  a supplement  to  Manual  of  Plan- 
■ nmg  Information,  1928,  and  includes  the  books,  maga- 
zine articles  and  technical  papers  in  city  planning  which 
have  appeared  between  July  1928  and  1935.  The  care- 
ful and  well-planned  classification  and  indexing  of  the 
material  and  the  inclusion  of  new  sections  as  well  as 
the  expansion  of  old  ones  make  this  book  a labor-saving 
tool  of  great  value  to  librarians  and  to  students  and 
practitioners  in  the  field. 

Youth  Without  Jobs 

By  E.  C.  Worman.  Association  Press,  347  Madison  Ave- 
nue, New  York.  $1.00. 

Three  years  have  passed  since  the  publication  by  the 
* Association  Press  of  Free-Time  Actiznties  for  Unem- 
ployed Young  Men,  written  in  the  deepest  throes  of  the 
depression.  Youth  Without  Jobs  is  an  attempt  to  review 
some  of  the  forces  that  are  now  at  work  in  our  social, 
economic  and  political  set-up ; to  note  the  trends  of  serv- 
ice in  Y.M.C.A.’s,  and  to  appraise  in  the  light  of  evi- 
dence from  the  field  some  of  the  program  features  of 
recent  months.  Recreation  workers  will  be  particularly 
interested  in  seeing  the  samples  which  are  given  of  work 
in  local  associations  illustrative  of  the  methods  of  attack 
on  the  problem  of  unemployment  among  young  men  and 
of  the  leisure  time  activities  which  are  being  promoted. 


95 


NEW  PUBLICATIONS  IN  THE  LEISURE  TIME  FIELD 


96 


Boss  Rule. 

Portraits  in  City  Politics.  By  J.  T.  Salter.  Whittle- 
sey House,  McGraw-Hill  Book  Company,  Inc.,  New 
York.  $2.50. 

Throughout  the  greater  part  of  the  book  Mr.  Salter 
very  interestingly  presents  detailed  life  sketches  of  the 
lives  and  activities  of  leading  division  leaders  in  Phila- 
delphia’s political  history — leaders  who  know  their  peo- 
ple; who  display  a quality  of  loyalty  and  a superabun- 
dance of  energy ; men  whose  homes  are  open  day  and 
night  and  are  rendering  a personal  service  to  their  con- 
stituents. 

There  has  been  a birth  of  a political  awareness  and 
“government  consciousness”  among  our  people.  Citizens 
are  thinking  of  new  values  in  our  city  governments  and 
are  stressing  the  strengthening  of  the  mechanics  of  gov- 
ernment. Political  leaders  are  finding  "that  new  values 
are  required  in  accord  with  the  times  and  with  the  peo- 
ple. If  the  voters’  standards  in  social  values  change,  so 
will  those  of  the  politician.  Mr.  Salter  believes  that 
the  depression  will  probably  help  the  city  to  function  to 
meet  more  adequately  than  ever  before  the  needs  of  the 
individual  and  his  family,  his  right  to  “adequate  hous- 
ing, light,  heat,  transportation,  medical  attention,  work, 
recreation,  schools  and  protection.” 

Science  and  the  Young  Child. 

Bulletin  of  the  Association  for  Childhood  Educa- 
tion, 1201  Sixteenth  Street,  N.  W.,  Washington, 
D.  C.  $.35. 

This  interesting  bulletin  prepared  by  the  Science  Com- 
mittee of  the  Association  for  Childhood  Education  sug- 
gests some  of  the  ways  in  which  interest  in  science  may 
be  built  up  in  the  nursery  school,  the  kindergarten  and 
the  elementary  school.  Information  is  also  given  on 
science  equipment  and  supplies  and  books  useful  in  na- 
ture study  and  elementary  science. 

Training  for  the  Public  Service. 

A Report  and  Recommendations.  Edited  by  Morris 
B.  Larnbie.  Public  Administration  Service,  Chicago, 
Illinois.  $.50. 

This  pamphlet  embodies  the  report  and  recommenda- 
tions of  a conference  sponsored  by  Public  Administra- 
tion Clearing  House  in  which  twenty-eight  leading  edu- 
cators and  public  administrators  with  Louis  Brownlow 
serving  as  chairman  collaborated  to  evolve  criteria  for 
public  personnel  training.  The  report  points  out  that  no 
fewe.r  than  thirty-five  universities  and  colleges  have 
either  recently  announced  public  service  training  pro- 
grams or  are  in  the  process  of  developing  them.  In  the 
minds  of  many  there  is  danger  that  this  important  ac- 
tivity, which  so  many  years  suffered  from  almost  com- 
plete lack  of  attention,  may  now  suffer  equally  from  an 
excess  of  interest  at  the  hands  of  too  many  well  meaning 
but  unrelated  groups,  and  as  a result  • there  will  be 
more  young  men  and  women  trained  than  the  adminis- 
trative branches  of  the  public  service  can  assimilate.  It 
is  not  intended  that  the  recommendations  presented  in 
this  booklet  are  the  final  word  on  the  subject.  It  is 
hoped,  however,  that  they  will  be  of  practical  assistance 
to  educators,  public  officials  and  citizens  interested  in  the 
problem  of  better  public  service  personnel. 

After  All  It’s  Up  to  You. 

By  Frank  H.  Cheley.  W.  A.  Wilde  Company,  Bos- 
ton. $1.50. 

This  book  is  a series  of  friendly  camp  fire  chats  on 
leadership  and  fine  living,  and  the  talks  are  addressed 
to  youth  in  language  youth  will  understand  and  with  a 
spirit  young  people  will  appreciate. 

The  Theory  of  Social  Work. 

By  Frank  J.  Bruno.  D.  C.  Heath  and  Company, 
New  York.  $4.00. 

In  the  preparation  of  this  book,  which  presents  a 


course  in  the  fundamentals  of  social  work,  teachers,  stu- 
dents and  practicing  social  workers  have  been  primarily 
kept  in  mind.  It  is  a pioneer  work  in  that  it  provides  a 
fundamental  background  which  has  previously  been  neg- 
lected. The  social  worker,  whether  in  training  or  in 
the  held,  will  find  the  underlying  theory  which  he  must 
have  in  order  to  deal  successfully  with  the  facts  of  hu- 
man biology,  the  psychological  aspects  of  behavior,  and 
the  social  and  economic  environment.  Recreation  comes 
in  for  discussion  from  the  point  of  view  of  theory  and 
function  and  the  history  of  the  recreation  movement.  A 
chapter  is  devoted  to  commercial  recreation. 

How  to  Present  the  Gilbert  and  Sullivan  Operas. 

By  Albert  O.  Bassuk.  The  Bass  Publishers,  New 
York.  $2.50. 

The  charm  of  the  Gilbert  and  Sullivan  operas  grows 
greater  rather  than  less  as  time  passes.  Increasingly 
amateur  groups  of  all  kinds,  not  only  schools  and  col- 
leges but  choral  groups,  settlements  and  clubs,  are  de- 
lighting audiences  with  these  gay  light  operas.  For  this 
reason  a book  telling  amateurs  exactly  how  to  go  about 
the  production  of  these  operas  should  find  a hearty 
welcome. 

Columbus,  Westward  Ho! 

By  Alice  Merrill  Horne.  Published  by  the  author, 
460  Twelfth  East,  Salt  Lake  City,  Utah.  $1.25. 

The  story  of  Columbus  has  been  delightfully  drama- 
tized in  this  book  in  which  the  great  historic  theme 
has  been  woven  into  a story  with  a strong  appeal.  We 
meet  Columbus  as  a boy  in  his  father’s  home  and  feel 
his  consuming  desire  to  go  to  sea.  And  we  go  with  him 
in  a second  scene  on  his  visit  to  Queen  Isabella  when 
he  makes  his  successful  appeal  for  funds.  Finallv,  we 
sail  the  seas  with  him  and  return  with  him  to  the 
Spanish  court. 


Officers  and  Directors  of  the  National 
Recreation  Association 

OFFICERS 
Joseph  Lee,  President 
John  H.  Finley,  First  Vice-President 
John  G.  Winant,  Second  Vice-President 
Robert  Garrett,  Third  Vice-President 
Gustavus  T.  Kirby,  Treasurer 
Howard  S.  Braucher,  Secretary 

DIRECTORS 

Mrs.  Edward  W.  Biddle,  Carlisle,  Pa. 

William  Butterworth,  Moline,  111. 

Clarence  M.  Clark,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

Henry  L.  Corbett,  Portland,  Ore. 

Mrs.  Arthur  G.  Cummer,  Jacksonville,  Fla. 

F.  Trubee  Davison,  Locust  Valley,  L.  I.,  N.  Y. 

John  H.  Finley,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Robert  Garrett,  Baltimore,  Md. 

Austin  E.  Griffiths,  Seattle,  Wash. 

Charles  Hayden,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Mrs.  Charles  V.  Hickox,  Michigan  City,  Ind. 

Mrs.  Edward  E.  Hughes,  West  Orange,  N.  J. 

Mrs.  Francis  deLacy  Hyde,  Plainfield,  N.  J. 

Gustavus  T.  Kirby,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

LI.  McK.  Landon,  Indianapolis,  Ind. 

Mrs.  Charles  D.  Lanier,  Greenwich,  Conn. 

Robert  Lassiter,  Charlotte,  N.  C. 

Joseph  Lee,  Boston,  Mass. 

Edward  E.  Loomis,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

J.  H.  McCurdy,  Springfield,  Mass. 

Otto  T.  Mallery,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

Walter  A.  May,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 

Carl  E.  Milliken,  Augusta,  Me. 

Mrs.  Ogden  L.  Mills,  Woodbury,  N.  Y. 

Mrs.  James  W.  Wadsworth,  Jr.,  Washington.  D.  C. 

J.  C.  Walsh,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Frederick  M.  Warburg,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

John  G.  Winant,  Concord,  N.  H. 

Mrs.  William  H.  Woodin,  Jr.,  Tucson,  Ariz. 


A Year  Book  of  Happiness 

LIFE  — * pursuit  of  happiness. 

■ A part  of  the  Declaration  of  Independence. 

Recreation  — a part  of  any  declaration  of  fundamental  principles. 

A part  of  any  program  for  security  for  individuals. 

What  gives  a man  life  — liberty  to  be  himself  — happiness  — security? 

Not  just  money  — the  possession  of  property. 

Of  course  a certain  amount  of  money  helps.  ] 

But  many  who  have  money,  who  have  jobs,  have  not  much  life,  not  much  happiness,  no  real  sense! 
of  inner  security,  no  great  sense  of  quiet  confidence  in  themselves.  , 

How  many  cities  help  boys  and  girls,  men  and  women  to  find  security  for  themselves,  within  them- 
selves in  their  pursuit  of  life  and  happiness? 

'When  a man  can  sing  supremely  well  — 

when  a boy  can  play  his  violin  with  so  rare  a touch  that  those  about  lose  all  sense  of  time  — 
when  the  hands  of  a man  can  carve,  or  mold  the  play,  or  sketch  — 

when  the  boy  knows  the  woods  and  creeks,  and  all  that  breathes  and  all  that  grows  and  the  skies 
above  — 

when  a girl  can  act  so  that  the  past  and  the  future  are  as  the  present  and  all  the  world  becomes  real 
or  tragic  or  beautiful  — 

when  the  boy  can  hurdle,  or  pole  vault,  or  high  jump  — 
or  do  things  with  a baseball  or  a football  — 

all  this  development  of  the  powers  of  the  human  spirit  that  have  no  relation  to  bread  and  butter 
and  cake  — 

all  this  does  have  to  do  with  life,  with  being  alive,  with  power,  with  happiness,  with  fellowship  — 
all  this  is  a part  of  real  wealth  — a part  of  a man’s  real  wealth,  of  a city’s  wealth. 

When  cities  free  the  beaches  for  swimming,  clear  the  ice  for  skating,  keep  the  baseball  diamond  up, 
throw  open  the  tennis  courts,  open  wide  the  school  houses  for  choral  societies  and  orchestras — 

Then  the  measure  of  all  this  reported  in  dry  statistics  in  a year  book  is  growth,  development,  human 
laughter  and  human  tears,  depth  and  breadth  of  human  emotion. 

Romance,  poetry,  adventure. 

Things  to  be  enjoyed  now. 

Things  to  be  remembered  forever. 

Keeping  childhood  beautiful. 

Keeping  youth  strong. 

Giving  old  age  memories. 

The  Year  Book  of  Recreation  is  not  a record  of  the  trivial. 

It  is  a partial  report  of  real  wealth,  of  real  property,  of  music,  drama,  sport,  comradeship  — 
of  inner  confidence,  of  security,  of  spirit. 

There  are  no  city  deficits  so  terrifying  and  so  terrible  as  deficits  in  living. 

Howard  Braucher. 


JUNE  1936 


97 


Summer’s  Here 


"Oh  my  truant  heart  is  roaming  where  a mountain  trail  is  calling 
Where  a foamy  stream  is  flashing  and  the  noisy  rapids  leap, 

Where  the  firs  are  sweet  with  balsam  and  the  pines  are  crooning  softly, 
And  the  needled  path  before  me  rises  shadowy  and  steep. 

"There's  a rocky  footway  leading  to  the  crystal  rim  of  heaven, 

There's  no  haze  upon  the  mountain  and  the  wind  is  blowing  free  — 

Oh  my  wayward  heart  is  faring  cut  across  the  heat  of  cities, 

For  it's  summer  in  the  mountains  and  the  peaks  are  calling  me." 


Courtesy  Planning  and  Civic  Comment 


98 


A Summary  of  Community  Recreation  in  1935 

Regular  and  Emergency  Service 


Number  of  cities  with  play  leadership  or  supervised  facilities.  . . 2,204 

Total  number  of  separate  play  areas  reported 18,799  1 

New  play  areas  opened  in  1935  for  the  first  time 1,790  2 

Total  number  of  play  areas  and  special  facilities  reported : 


Outdoor  playgrounds 9,650 

Recreation  buildings 1,149 

Indoor  recreation  centers  4,949 

Play  streets  179 

Archery  ranges  199 

Athletic  fields  1,818 

Baseball  diamonds  4,197 

Bathing  beaches  605 

Bowling  greens  189 

Golf  courses  336 

Handball  courts  1,426 

Horseshoe  courts  7,497 

Ice  skating  areas 2,324 

Shuffle-board  courts  833 

Ski  jumps  136 

Softball  diamonds  7,696 

Stadiums  : 145 

Summer  camps  . 113 

Swimming  pools  1,098 

Tennis  courts  9,880 

Toboggan  slides  315 

Wading  pools  1,292 

Total  number  of  employed  recreation  leaders 43,976 

Total  number  of  leaders  employed  full  time  the  year  round 2,606 

Total  number  of  volunteer  leaders 10,346 

Total  expenditures  for  public  recreation $37,472,409.54 


(1)  This  figure  includes  outdoor  playgrounds,  recreation  buildings,  indoor  recreation  centers, 
play  streets,  athletic  fields,  bathing  beaches,  golf  courses  and  summer  camps. 

(2)  Indoor  centers  open  for  the  first  time  are  not  included. 


Community  Recreation  Leadership,  Facilities 
and  Activities  in  1935 


The  year  1934  stood  out  as  one  of  phenomenal 
expansion  in  the  community  recreation  move- 
ment, due  primarily  to  the  large  amount  of 
emergency  and  relief  funds  which  were  made 
available  for  recreation  leadership  and  for  the  de- 
velopment of  facilities  and  areas.  In  1934 
number  of  cities  enjoying  some  form  of  recrea- 
tion service  more  than  doubled,  according  to  Year 
Book  reports.  Many  thoughtful  recreation  lead- 
ers were  concerned  as  to  whether  these  programs 
would  be  continued  in  1935  with  emergency  lead- 
ers and  funds,  and  if  so,  whether  cities  would  fur- 
ther reduce  their  appropriations  and  their  regu- 
lar staff. 

The  Year  Book  for  1935  indicates  certain 
trends  in  the  recreation  movement  during  the  year. 
Reports  were  received  concerning  recreation  fa- 
cilities and  service  in  2,204*  communities,  or  14 
more  than  the  previous  year.  Included  in  this 
number  are  1,159  where  some  regular  service  was 
carried  on  as  compared  with  1,165  in  1934.  In 
the  remaining  1,045  communties,  recreation  fa- 
cilities and  programs  were  provided  entirely 
through  emergency  funds.  Several  of  the  cities 
which  in  1934  reported  emergency  service  only 
provided  some  non-relief  funds  for  recreation  in 
1935.  The  failure  of  a considerable  number  of 
cities  which  submitted  reports  in  1934  to  report 
this  year  is  believed  to  be  due  primarily  to  indif- 
ference on  the  part  of  the  local  workers  rather 
than  to  the  discontinuance  of  the  local  recreation 
service.  There  is  little  evidence  that  in  1935  cities 
transferred  the  entire  burden  or  responsibility  for 
providing  recreation  to  the  relief  authorities. 

On  the  contrary,  the  amounts  reported  spent 
from  non-relief  sources  totaled  $21,552,621.32  or 
more  than  the  previous  year.  Furthermore,  even 
though  1,045  communities  relied  entirely  upon  re- 
lief funds  for  the  financing  of  their  programs, 
more  than  90%  of  all  such  funds  reported  spent 
for  recreation  in  1935  were  used  in  cities  which 
raised  a part  of  the  cost  locally,  either  through 
taxation  or  from  private  sources.  Eighty-three  per 
cent  of  all  the  workers  paid  from  emergency  funds 
also  served  in  such  cities.  These  facts,  coupled 


with  the  fact  that  the  amount  paid  for  regular 
leadership  exceeds  that  for  1934,  indicate  that  to  a 
large  extent  emergency  workers  assigned  for  ser- 
vice to  recreation  agencies  supplemented  rather 
than  supplanted  regular  services  and  workers  in 
1935- 

There  were  few  marked  increases  in  the  num- 
ber of  centers  and  facilities  of  various  types  al- 
though many  were  open  in  1935  under  leadership 
for  the  first  time.  Fewer  playgrounds  were  re- 
ported than  the  previous  year  and  the  high  at- 
tendance figures  for  1934  were  not  maintained. 
Nevertheless  the  figures  for  participation  and  at- 
tendance at  the  indoor  and  outdoor  areas  indicate 
the  tremendous  number  of  individuals  who  used 
them.  For  example  there  was  a yearly  or  sea- 
sonal participation  of  47,417,310  at  275  of  the  605 
bathing  beaches  reported  and  the  attendance  at 
816  of  the  1,149  recreation  buildings  exceeded 
forty-two  million. 

A marked  change  is  noted  in  the  use  of  emer- 
gency funds,  as  compared  with  1934  when  nearly 
three  times  as  much  money  was  spent  for  land, 
buildings  and  permanent  equipment  as  for  lead- 
ership. In  1935,  on  the  other  hand,  more  money 
was  spent  for  leaders’  salaries  than  for  capital 
uses.  If  the  reports  submitted  for  the  Year  Book 
provide  a reliable  index,  there  was  a large  drop  in 
the  amount  of  relief  money  spent  for  improving 
recreation  properties  and  developing  facilities  in 
1935- 

Even  though  a number  of  cities  which  carry  on 
recreation  programs  under  regular  leadership 
failed  to  report  this  year,  the  figures  indicate  that 
on  the  whole  recreation  held  its  own  during  1935. 
It  should  be  pointed  out,  too,  that  the  picture  of 
recreation  programs  carried  on  with  emergency 
funds  is  even  less  complete  than  in  1934.  Practi- 

* Reports  from  the  following  were  received  too  late  to 
be  listed  in  the  statistical  tables  although  the  informa- 
tion which  they  contained  has  been  included  in  the  sum- 
mary figures:  South  Pasadena,  Calif.;  Cicero,  111.  (Clyde 
Park  District);  Terre  Haute,  Ind. ; Coffeyville,  Kans. ; 
Alpena,  Hastings,  Mich. ; Chisholm,  Minn. ; Moberly, 
Mo.;  Rochester  (Park  Bureau),  Sloan,  N.  Y. ; Lewis- 
town,  Oil  City,  Pa. ; White  River  Junction,  Vt. ; Cowlitz 
County,  Walla  Walla,  Wash. ; Mineral  County,  W.  Va. 


100 


tally  no  reports  were  received  from  some  states 
which  carried  on  comprehensive  programs  utiliz- 
ing hundreds,  if  not  thousands,  of  leaders  from 
the  relief  rolls.  In  many  instances  the  lack  of  re- 
ports was  attributed  to  the  fact  that  in  the  trans- 
fer from  E.R.A.  to  W.P.A.  records  of  the  service 
rendered  under  the  former  Administration  which 
functioned  through  most  of  1935  were  not  avail- 
able to  the  new  authorities.  The  reports  which 
were  received,  however,  give  evidence  of  the  con- 
tribution which  resulted  from  the  use  of  emer- 
gency funds  for  recreation  programs  and  services. 

As  in  the  Year  Book  for  1934,  the  statistical 
summaries  and  tables  of  information  submitted  by 
the  local  authorities  are . published  in  two  sec- 


tions. The  first  section  contains  the  reports  from 
cities  in  which  some  non-relief  funds  were  ex- 
pended for  leadership  or  for  the  operation  of  fa- 
cilities. Many  of  them  also  reported  emergency 
funds  or  leaders  but  all  the  cities  in  this  section 
qualified  for  the  Year  Book  even  without  the  help 
from  emergency  sources. 

The  second  section  of  this  report  covers  service 
in  communities  where  no  regular  funds  were  ex- 
pended for  recreation  leadership  or  for  the  opera- 
tion of  recreation  facilities,  but  where  emergency 
funds  or  workers  made  such  service  possible  last 
year.  Except  for  such  emergency  funds,  these 
communities  would  not  have  qualified  for  places 
in  the  Year  Book. 


Regular  Recreation  Service 


The  information  in  this  section  of  the  Year 
Book  is  a record  of  the  activities,  expenditures, 
leadership  and  facilities  provided  by  cities,  in  part 
at  least,  with  non-relief  funds.  It  records  the  ex- 
tent to  which  community  recreation  was  carried 
on  by  the  cities  listed  as  a regular  function  and 
therefore  provides  a fair  basis  for  comparison 
with  the  reports  in  earlier  years  when  emergency 
funds  were  not  available. 

Regular  recreation  service  was  reported  in  1935 
in  1,159  communities,  six  less  than  the  previous 
year  when  the  number  was  greater  than  ever  be- 
fore. No  striking  changes  are  noted  in  the  follow- 
ing summaries  as  compared  with  the  previous  year 
although  there  is  some  reduction  in  the  total  num- 
ber of  leaders,  playgrounds,  indoor  centers  and 
several  other  facilities.  These  are  partially  explain- 
ed by  the  failure  of  several  cities  to  submit  reports 
this  year.  For  example,  no  report  was  received 
from  a Massachusetts  agency  which  in  1934  em- 
ployed 71 1 regular  leaders  and  conducted  173 
playgrounds  at  which  an  attendance  of  3,600,000 
was  reported. 


Among  the  most  encouraging  facts  disclosed  by 
the  record  of  regular  recreation  service  in  1935 
are  the  greater  number  of  full  time  year  round 
workers,  the  increase  in  the  amount  of  money 
spent,  especially  for  leadership,  and  the  number 
of  cities  which  spent  only  emergency  funds  in 
1934  but  are  found  in  the  regular  list  this  year. 
That  more  extensive  use  was  made  of  emergency 
leadership  in  the  “regular”  cities  in  1935  is  indi- 
cated by  the  increase  in  the  number  of  such  work- 
ers reported  and  in  the  amount  of  relief  funds 
spent  for  leaders’  salaries. 

The  following  pages  contain  summaries  of  the 
regular  recreation  service  in  the  1,159  towns  and 
cities  reporting  and  the  statistical  tables  recording 
the  work  carried  on  in  each  of  them.* 


* Reports  of  additional  emergency  service  in  16  of  these 
cities  will  be  found  in  the  latter  section  relating  to  such 
service  only.  The  cities  are : Stratford,  Conn. ; Michigan 
City,  Richmond,  Shelbyville,  Ind. ; Alexandria,  La. ; 
Holyoke,  Medford,  Northampton,  Mass. ; Bridgeton, 
Cliff  side  Park,  Englewood,  Harrison,  Jersey  City,  Tren- 
ton, N.  J. ; Binghamton,  New  York,  N.  Y. 


Leadership 


In  1935  a total  of  18,496  recreation  workers 
were  reported  paid  from  regular  funds  in  714 
cities,  as  compared  with  20,245  workers  reported 
in  773  cities  in  1934.  In  spite  of  this  decrease  in 
the  total  number  of  leaders,  2,606  of  them  were 
employed  on  a full  time  year  round  basis  a;  com- 
pared with  2,325  in  1934.  Part  of  this  increase  is 
due  to  the  report  from  one  large  city  which  did 


not  submit  complete  information  last  year,  but 
several  cities  employed  more  workers  throughout 
the  year  than  in  1934  and  a few  cities  reported 
such  workers  for  the  first  time.  In  the  case  of 
both  year  round  and  seasonal  leaders,  the  men 
outnumbered  the  women  to  a greater  extent  than 
in  previous  years. 


101 


Agencies  which  employed  workers  paid  from 
regular  funds  also  utilized  most  of  the  emergency 
leaders  reported  in  1935.  Therefore  the  follow- 
ing table  includes  a statement  concerning  the 
emergency  leaders  serving  these  agencies.  The 
number  of  such  leaders,  21,033,  exceeds  by  more 


than  3,000  the  number  reported  in  1934  and  is 
also  greater  than  the  number  of  workers  paid 
from  regular  funds.  In  other  words  in  the  714 
cities  reporting  leadership  paid  from  regular 
funds,  there  were  more  leaders  paid  from  emer- 
gency funds  than  from  other  sources. 


Recreation  Workers  Paid  from  Regular  Funds 

Cities  reporting  employed  recreation  workers  714 

Men  workers  employed 10,328 

Women  workers  employed  8,168 

Total  workers  employed  18,496 

Cities  reporting  workers  employed  full  time  year  round  261 

Men  workers  employed  full  time  year  round  1,493 

Women  workers  employed  full  time  year  round  1,113 

Total  workers  employed  full  time  year  round  2,606 


Supplementary  Workers  Paid  from  Emergency  Funds  in  Cities 


Providing  Regular  Service 

Cities  reporting  such  workers 456 

Men  workers  employed  13,300 

Women  workers  employed  7,733 

Total  workers  employed 21,033 

Cities  reporting  workers  employed  full  time 128 

Men  workers  employed  full  time 3,386 

Women  workers  employed  full  time 1,988 

Total  workers  employed  full  time 5,374 


Volunteers 


Recreation  service  was  contributed  by  9,364 
volunteer  leaders  in  1935 ; of  this  group  4,737 
were  men  and  4,627  were  women.  The  total  num- 


ber of  volunteers  reported  is  approximately  the 
same  as  in  1934,  but  this  year  men  comprise  a 
much  larger  percentage  than  last. 


Playgrounds  and 

Outdoor  Playgrounds 

In  1935  the  total  number  of  outdoor  play- 
grounds under  leadership  in  cities  reporting  “reg- 
ular” work  is  8,062.  Although  less  than  in  1934 
when  8,384  were  reported,  the  number  is  greater 
by  628  than  were  reported  in  all  cities  two  years 
before.  As  in  1934,  many  of  these  playgrounds 
were  doubtless  open  because  of  the  leaders  who 
were  assigned  by  the  relief  authorities  for  service 
with  the  recreation  agencies. 

The  use  of  these  emergency  leaders  to  lengthen 
the  playground  season  is  reflected  in  the  reports 

102 


Indoor  Centers 

of  playgrounds  open  the  year  round.  Even  though 
in  1934  more  year  round  playgrounds  were  re- 
ported than  in  previous  years,  the  number  open 
under  leadership  throughout  1935  was  1,785,  or 
224  greater  than  in  1934. 

Not  only  is  the  number  of  cities  reporting  play- 
grounds slightly  less  than  the  previous  year  but 
fewer  playgrounds  are  reported  open  for  the  first 
time.  The  growing  popularity  of  the  playgrounds 
is  attested,  however,  by  the  increase  in  the  aver- 
age daily  summer  attendance  per  playground 
reporting. 


JNumDer  of  outdoor  playgrounds  for  white  and  mixed  groups  (684  cities)  7.625 

Open  year  round  (157  cities)  1,785 

Open  during  the  summer  months  only  (541  cities)  3,999 

Open  during  school  year  only  (63  cities) 453 

Open  during  summer  and/or  other  seasons  (177  cities)  1,388 

Average  daily  summer  attendance  of  participants  (5,222  playgrounds  in  501  cities) ....  1,410,772* 

Average  daily  summer  attendance  of  spectators  (3,180  playgrounds  in  333  cities) 319,033* 

Number  of  outdoor  playgrounds  open  in  1935  for  the  first  time  (201  cities)  716 


In  addition  to  the  foregoing,  outdoor  playgrounds  for  colored  people  are  reported  as  follows : 

Number  of  playgrounds  for  colored  people  (139  cities)  437 

Open  year  round  (39  cities)  124 

Open  summer  months  only  (95  cities)  224 

Open  school  year  only  (11  cities)  29 

Open  summer  and/or  other  seasons  (25  cities)  60 

Average  daily  summer  attendance  of  participants  (232  playgrounds  in  85  cities) 50,198 

Average  daily  summer  attendance  of  spectators  (149  playgrounds  in  56  cities) 12,392 

Number  of  playgrounds  for  colored  people  open  in  1935  for  the  first  time  (27  cities) . . 49 

Total  number  of  playgrounds  for  white  and  colored  people  (685  cities)  8,062 

Total  average  daily  summer  attendance  of  participants  and  spectators,  white  and  colored 

(5,454  playgrounds)  1,883.078 

Total  yearly  or  seasonal  attendance  of  participants  and  spectators  at  playgrounds  for 

white  and  colored  people  (7,254  playgrounds  in  576  cities) 231,275,169 

Total  number  of  playgrounds  for  white  and  colored  people  open  in  1935  for  the  first  time  729 

* In  addition  to  this  number,  9 cities  report  an  average  daily  summer  attendance  of  both  participants  and  spectators  at 
207  playgrounds  totaling  90,683. 


Recreation  Buildings 

One  thousand  and  forty-three  recreation  build- 
ings were  reported  open  under  leadership  in  1935 
or  148  more  than  the  previous  year.  By  a coinci- 
dence, 148  or  an  equal  number  of  buildings  were 
open  for  use  under  leadership  in  1935  for  the  first 
time.  Some  of  these  buildings  are  structures  built 


in  1934  or  1935  and  others  are  existing  buildings 
which  were  equipped  and  operated  by  personnel 
paid  by  emergency  funds.  The  total  attendances 
recorded  at  726  recreation  buildings  was  more 
than  forty-one  million. 


Number  of  recreation  buildings  for  white  and  mixed  groups  (237  cities)  968 

Total  yearly  or  seasonal  attendance  of  participants  (683  buildings  in  177  cities) 38,3°6.785 

Number  of  recreation  buildings  for  white  and  mixed  groups  open  in  1935  for  the  first 

time  ( 50  cities)  94 

In  addition,  recreation  buildings  for  colored  people  are  reported  as  follows : 

Number  of  recreation  buildings  for  colored  people  (48  cities)  75 

Total  yearly  or  seasonal  attendance  of  participants  (63  buildings  in  40  cities) 2,788,993 

Number  of  recreation  buildings  for  colored  people  open  in  1935  for  the  first  time  (10 

cities)  f4 

Total  number  of  recreation  buildings  for  white  and  colored  people  open  in  1935  for 

the  first  time  (261  cities)  . 1,043 

Total  yearly  or  seasonal  attendance  of  participants  at  recreation  buildings  for  white  and 

colored  people  (726  buildings  in  193  cities) 41,095,778 

Total  number  of  recreation  buildings  for  white  and  colored  people  open  in  1935  for  the 

first  time  (60  cities)  108 


103 


Indoor  Recreation  Centers 


Under  this  heading  are  reported  schools, 
churches,  city  halls,  social  centers  and  other  build- 
ings which  are  not  used  exclusively  for  recreation 
but  in  which  a recreation  program  is  regularly 
carried  on  under  leadership.  More  cities  reported 


centers  than  in  1934  but  the  number  of  centers 
was  considerably  less.  The  number  open  three  or 
more  sessions  weekly  showed  a marked  decrease 
but  there  was  an  increase  in  the  number  of  centers 
open  less  than  three  sessions  weekly. 


Number  of  centers  open  3 or  more  sessions  weekly  (295  cities)  2,32 1 

Total  yearly  or  seasonal  attendance  ( 1,710  centers  in  219  cities)  20,816,159 

Number  of  centers  open  less  than  3 sessions  weekly  (164  cities)  1,318 

Total  yearly  or  seasonal  attendance  (1,041  centers  in  122  cities) 2,501,101 

Total  number  of  indoor  recreation  centers  (372  cities)  3,639 

Total  attendance  (2771  centers  in  262  cities)  23,317,260 


Play  Streets 

Fifteen  cities  report  a total  of  77  streets  closed 
for  play  under  leadership.  Only  13  of  these 
streets  in  4 cities  were  open  in  1935  for  the  first 
time.  Although  comparatively  few  in  number, 


these  play  streets  serve  large  numbers  of  people 
as  indicated  by  the  fact  that  9 cities  report  an 
average  daily  attendance  of  7,544  participants  at 
53  centers. 


Recreation  Facilities 


The  table  which  follows  indicates  the  extent  to 
which  several  types  of  recreation  facilities  were 
made  available  and  used  during  1935-  The  list  in- 
cludes, in  addition  to  the  facilities  reported  in 
previous  years,  four  new  types : archery  ranges, 
bowling  greens,  horseshoe  and  shuffle-board 
courts. 

In  general,  the  number  of  facilities  reported 
and  the  participation  for  the  year  are  not  widely 
different  from  1934.  One  exception,  however,  is 
in  the  case  of  the  winter  sports  facilities,  the  in- 
crease in  which  reflects  their  growing  popularity. 
Many  new  ice  skating  rinks,  ski  jumps  and  tobog- 
gan slides  were  open  in  1935  for  the  first  time. 


Marked  increases  are  noted  in  the  number  of 
softball  diamonds  and  handball  courts.  Partici- 
pation in  softball  shows  a gain  which  is  much 
greater  than  the  decrease  in  the  reported  number 
using  baseball  diamonds.  The  large  gain  in  par- 
ticipants at  the  bathing  beaches  is  not  duplicated 
at  the  outdoor  swimming  pools  although  reports 
indicate  that  the  indoor  pools  were  patronized  to 
a much  greater  extent  than  in  1934. 

Throughout  the  following  table  the  figures  in 
parentheses  indicate  the  number  of  cities  report- 
ing in  each  particular  case  and  the  figures  in 
brackets  indicate  the  number  of  facilities  for 
which  information  relative  to  participation  is 
given. 


Facilities 

Number 

Participants 
per  season 

N umber  open  in 
1935  for  first  time 

Archery  Ranges 

U3  (126  ) 

118,985  (66) 

[94] 

33 

(28) 

Athletic  Fields  

1,518  (497) 

7,991,130  (210) 

[553] 

87 

(47) 

Baseball  Diamonds  

3,669  (621) 

10,226,325  (287) 
[1,876] 

P37 

(83) 

Bathing  Beaches 

488  (230) 

46,668,249  ( T 13) 

2 r 

(16) 

[237] 


104 


Facilities 

N umber 

Participants 
per  season 

Number  open  in 
1935  for  first  time 

Bowling  Greens  

00 

00 

f 

163,337  (30) 
[119] 

13 

(8) 

Golf  Courses  (9-hole)  

H2  (105) 

2,052,107  (54) 

[80]  . 

7 

(6) 

Golf  Courses  ( 18-hole)  

190  (l2l) 

4,508,011  (80) 

[124] 

5 

(4) 

1 Iandball  Courts  

C336  (162) 

1,349,470  (76) 

[528] 

200 

(26) 

Horseshoe  Courts  

6,760  (493) 

1,965,557  (257) 
[3,413] 

603 

(90 

Ice  Skating  Areas  

2,094  (331) 

10,472,853  (151) 
[904] 

257 

(56) 

Shuffle-board  Courts  

773  (97) 

1,556,135  (56) 
[542] 

i55 

(28) 

Ski  Jumps 

97  (50 

112,383  (20) 

[52] 

23 

( 10) 

Softball  Diamonds , 

6,896  (616) 

9,344,035  (329) 
[3,470] 

525  (126) 

Stadiums  

136  (108) 

2,821,561  (40) 

[45] 

7 

(7) 

Summer  Camps  

97  (59) 

320,223  (35) 

[55] 

7 

(7) 

Swimming  Pools  (indoor)  

328  (117) 

4,837,120  (71) 
[216] 

12 

(5) 

Swimming  Pools  (outdoor)  

7IQ  (318) 

18,043,870  (180) 
[423] 

37 

(33) 

Tennis  Courts  

9,313  (610) 

8,013,862  (275) 
[4,667] 

321 

(93) 

Toboggan  Slides 

....  280  (93) 

575,476  (48) 

[156] 

20 

(15) 

Wading  Pools 

1 , 1 8 1 (360) 

77 

(36) 

Management 


The  following  tables  indicate  the  number  of 
public  and  private  agencies  of  various  types  which 
conducted  the  recreation  facilities  and  programs 
appearing  in  this  report.  It  should  be  kept  in  mind 
that  some  of  the  individual  agencies  serve  a num- 
ber of  communities  and  that  in  the  case  of  several 
cities  two  or  more  different  agencies  conducted 
activities  and  are  therefore  included. 

Municipal 


There  are  no  striking  changes  in  the  following 
tables  showing  the  forms  of  recreation  adminis- 
tration, as  compared  with  similar  tables  in  the  last 
few  years.  The  decrease  in  the  number  of  park 
authorities,  however,  is  an  indication  that  many 
of  them  failed  to  submit  reports  this  year.  Play- 
ground and  recreation  departments  hold  first 
place  among  the  municipal  agencies,  followed  by 
the  park  and  school  departments. 


The  forms  of  municipal  administration  in  the  cities  reporting  recreation  service  in  1935  are  sum- 
marized as  follows : 


105 


Managing  Authority 


Number  of  Agencies 


Playground  and  Recreation  Commissions,  Boards  and  Departments 206 

Boards  of  Education  and  other  School  Authorities  . 183 

Park  Commissions,  Boards,  Departments  and  Committees 182 

Mayors,  City  Councils,  City  Managers,  and  Borough  Authorities no 

♦Municipal  Playground  Committees,  Associations  and  Advisory  Commissions 33 

Park  and  Recreation  Commissions,  Boards  and  Departments 21 

Departments  of  Public  Works  18 

Departments  of  Public  Welfare 1 1 

Departments  of  Parks  and  Public  Property  or  Buildings 10 

Swimming  Pool,  Beach  and  Bath  Commissions  5 

Golf  Commissions 3 

Forest  Preserve  Districts 2 

Other  Departments 17 

Emergency  Relief  Administrations  8 


* These  authorities  administer  recreation  facilities  and  programs  financed  by  municipal  funds  although  in  some  of  the 
cities  it  is  probable  that  they  are  not  municipally  appointed.  Many  of  these  authorities  function  very  much  as  Rec- 
reation Boards  and  Commissions. 

Private 

Private  organizations  maintaining  playgrounds,  recreation  centers  or  community  recreation  activities 
in  1935  are  reported  as  follows : 


Managing  Authority 


Number  of  Agencies 


Playground  and  Recreation  Associations,  Committees,  Councils  and  Leagues,  Com- 
munity Service  Boards,  Committees  and  Associations  46 

Community  House  Organizations,  Community  and  Social  Center  Boards  and  Me- 
morial Building  Associations 33 

Y.M.C.A.’s  and  Y.W.C.A.’s  17 

Civic,  Neighborhood  and  Community  Leagues,  Clubs  and  Improvement  Associations  12 

Park  and  Playground  Trustees 8 

Welfare  Federations  and  Associations,  Social  Service  Leagues,  Settlements  and  Child 

Welfare  Organizations 7 

American  Legion 6 

Chambers  of  Commerce  and  Commercial  Clubs  6 

Industrial  Plants  6 

Parent  Teacher  Associations 6 

American  Red  Cross 5 

Kiwanis  Clubs 5 

Women’s  Clubs  and  other  women’s  organizations  5 

Boys’  Work  Organizations  4 

Lions  Clubs , 3 

Rotary  Clubs  3 

Athletic  Clubs  2 

Churches  2 

Colleges  and  Universities 2 

Men’s  Clubs  and  Lodges 2 

Miscellaneous  8 


106 


Agencies  Reporting  Full  Time  Year  Round  Workers 


In  the  following  table  are  summarized  the  types 
of  municipal  and  private  agencies  reporting  one 
or  more  recreation  workers  employed  on  a full 
time  year  round  basis  during  1935.  Since  two  or 
more  agencies  in  a number  of  cities  report  such 
workers,  it  should  be  kept  in  mind  that  the  figures 
indicate  agencies  rather  than  cities.  Only  agencies 
reporting  regular  service  in  1935  are  included. 


The  tables  which  follow  indicate  very  little 
change  in  the  number  of  agencies  of  various  types 
which  employ  full  time  year  round  leadership. 
Except  for  the  playground  and  recreation  depart- 
ments, and  to  a much  lesser  extent,  the  park  de- 
partments, comparatively  few  of  the  municipal 
agencies  employ  recreation  workers  on  this  basis. 


Municipal 

Managing  Authority  Number  of  Agencies 

Playground  and  Recreation  Commissions,  Boards  and  Departments  115 

Park  Commissions,  Boards,  Bureaus  and  Departments  4 7 

Boards  of  Education  and  other  School  Authorities  23 

Park  and  Recreation  Commissions  and  Departments  10 

Municipal  Playground  Committees,  Recreation  Associations,  etc 9 

Departments  of  Public  Welfare 8 

Departments  of  Parks  and  Public  Property 7 

Departments  of  Public  Works  5 

City  Councils  4 

Swimming  Pool,  Beach  and  Bath  House  Commissions  2 

Miscellaneous  12 


Private 

Managing  Authority  Number  of  Agencies 

Playground  and  Recreation  Associations,  Committees,  Councils  and  Community  Ser- 
vice Boards  21 

Community  Building  Associations,  Community  House  Boards  and  Recreation  Cen- 
ter Committees  17 

Settlements  and  Neighborhood  House  Associations,  Welfare  Federations,  etc 5 

Industrial  Plants 5 

Park  and  Playground  Trustees 4 

Churches  2 

Miscellaneous  4 


Finances 


A total  of  $21,473,186.71  was  spent  by  767 
cities  from  regular  sources,  public  or  private,  in 
1935.  Even  though  the  number  of  cities  reporting 
was  less  than  in  1934,  the  amount  expended  was 
greater  by  more  than  $800,000.  In  addition,  ex- 
penditures of  $79,434.61  were  reported  from  reg- 
ular funds,  largely  for  maintenance  or  supplies, 
in  152  cities  with  emergency  programs  only. 

The  increase  in  expenditures  from  regular 
sources  in  a year  when  large  emergency  funds 
were  available  indicates  an  upward  trend  which 


is  encouraging.  The  restoration  of  budget  reduc- 
tions in  the  salaries  of  recreation  workers  in  a 
number  of  cities  is  reflected  in  the  fact  that  most 
of  the  increase  in  1935  was  for  leaders’  salaries. 
This  fact  may  be  accounted  for  in  part  by  the  in- 
crease, previously  recorded,  in  the  number  of  rec- 
reation workers  employed  on  a full  time  year 
round  basis. 

The  following  table  shows  the  amounts  spent 
from  regular  funds  for  various  purposes  in  1935. 
The  figures  in  parentheses  indicate  the  number  of 
cities  reporting. 


107 


In  Cities  Reporting 


Regular  Service 

Land,  Buildings,  Permanent 

Equipment  $ 2,209,849.25 

Upkeep,  Supplies  and  Incidentals.  . . . 3,242,107.81 

Salaries  and  Wages  for  Leadership.  . 7,050,273.74 

For  Other  Services  3,616,112.58 

Total  Salaries  and  Wages 12,416,835.98 

Total  Expenditures  for  Recreation 

in  1935  21,473,186.71 


In  Cities  Reporting  In  All  Cities 

Emergency  Service  Only  Reporting 


(30s) 

$28,688.77 

(40) 

$ 2,238,538.02 

(345) 

(566) 

25,489.17 

(101) 

3,267,596.98 

(667) 

(599) 

7,050,273.74 

(599) 

(368) 

3,255.28 

(15) 

3,619,367.86 

(383) 

(673) 

3, 255-28 

(15) 

12,420,091.26 

(688) 

(767) 

79,434.61 

(i52) 

21,552,621.32 

(9i9) 

The  following  additional  expenditures  were  re- 
ported from  emergency  funds  in  cities  carrying 
on  some  regular  recreation  service  in  1935.  Un- 
like the  regular  expenditures,  the  amounts  re- 
ported from  relief  or  emergency  sources  are  much 
less  than  in  1934,  even  though  the  number  of  cities 
is  approximately  the  same.  Whereas  in  1934  a 
large  percentage  of  the  emergency  funds  were 


used  for  land,  buildings  and  permanent  equipment, 
more  than  half  of  the  total  reported  spent  in  1935 
was  used  to  pay  the  salaries  of  recreation  leaders. 
These  figures  indicate  that  activities  programs 
rather  than  the  construction  of  facilities  received 
major  emphasis  in  the  allocation  of  emergency 
funds  for  recreation  in  1935,  at  least  in  the  469 
cities  where  some  regular  funds  were  also  reported. 


Land,  Buildings,  Permanent  Equipment $ 4,949,449.94  (134) 

Salaries  and  Wages  for  Leadership 5,204,553.39  (376) 

Total  Expenditures 14,373,231.03  (469) 


Sources  of  Support 

The  sources  from  which  regular  funds  were  secured  for  financing  community  recreation  programs 
and  facilities  are  summarized  in  the  following  table.  Receipts  from  fees  and  charges  supplement  the 
sources  in  234  cities : 


Source  of  Support  Number  of  Cities 

Municipal  Funds 682 

Municipal  and  Private  Funds 171 

Private  Funds  133 

County  Funds  130 

Miscellaneous  Public  and  Private  Funds 43 


The  following  table  indicates  the  amounts  spent  from  three  main  sources  of  income.  Of  the  total 
amount,  the  source  of  which  was  reported,  82  per  cent  came  from  public  funds,  as  compared  with  nearly 
86  per  cent  in  1934.  A corresponding  increase  in  the  amount  from  fees  and  charges  suggests  that  rev- 
enues from  income  producing  facilities  were  considerably  larger  in  1935  than  the  previous  year. 


A mount 

$15,509,818.45 
2734.854-I7 
686,633. 1 I 


Number  of  Cities 

594 
2 34 
233 


108 


Municipal  and  County  Funds 

Fees  and  Charges 

Private  Funds 


Training 

The  necessity  of  providing  supplementary  train- 
ing to  employed  leaders  has  become  increasingly 
evident  during  the  last  few  years  when  so  many 
emergency  workers  have  been  assigned  for  service 
with  recreation  agencies.  In  order  to  determine 
the  extent  to  which  training  institutes  or  courses 
were  being  held,  a number  of  questions  concern- 
ing them  were  included  on  the  Year  Book  blank. 
Although  the  information  submitted  from  some 
cities  was  incomplete,  the  figures  indicate  that  ap- 


Institutes 

proximately  40  per  cent  of  the  employed  workers, 
whether  paid  from  regular  or  relief  funds,  re- 
ceived institute  training  in  the  cities  reporting 
some  regular  service. 

The  table  which  follows  summarizes  this  insti- 
tute data.  The  figures  in  parentheses  indicate  the 
number  of  cities  reporting  and  the  figures  in 
brackets  the  number  of  institutes  to  which  the  ac- 
companying figures  relate. 


Average 

Number  Registration 


Institutes  for  paid  workers  only 138  (80)  53  [135] 

Institutes  for  volunteer  workers  only 28  (21)  52  [27] 

Institutes  for  paid  and  volunteer  workers 137  (82)  62  [ 128] 

Total  number  of  institutes  for  paid  and  volunteeer  workers  ( 147  cities)  . . . 

Total  registration  at  290  institutes 

Total  class  hours  at  271  institutes 


Average  Class  Hours 
Per  Institute 

22  [124] 

21  [24] 

21  [123] 


303 

l6;443 

5343 


Special  Recreation  Activities 


The  following  table  shows  the  comparative  ex- 
tent to  which  various  activities  are  included  in 
recreation  programs  and  also  the  number  of  in- 
dividuals participating.  The  number  of  cities  in 
which  these  activities  are  carried  on  is  consider- 
ably greater  than  is  indicated  in  this  table  because 
many  cities  failed  to  submit  this  information. 

As  in  the  past  two  years,  there  has  been  a mark- 
ed increase  and  growth  in  the  number  of  individ- 
uals taking  part  in  art  and  craft  activities,  also  in 
the  number  of  cities  reporting  such  activities.  An 


increase  has  also  been  noted  in  the  number  of  in- 
dividuals participating  in  winter  sports,  nature  ac- 
tivities, instrumental  music,  drama  tournaments, 
tennis,  horseshoes  and  basketball.  In  the  cities  re- 
porting athletic  activities,  softball  leads,  followed 
by  baseball,  tennis,  horseshoes,  volley  ball  and 
basketball. 

In  the  table  which  follows,  the  figures  in  paren- 
theses indicate  the  number  of  cities  reporting  the 
participants. 


Cities 

Activities  Reporting 

Arts  and  Crafts 

Art  Activities  for  Children 335 

Art  Activities  for  Adults 163 

Handcraft  for  Children 482 

Handcraft  for  Adults 233 

Athletic  Activities 

Archery  13 1 

Badge  Tests  (NRA)  84 

Baseball  630 

Basketball  5°5 

Bowling  89 

Bowling-on-the-green  62 


Number  of  Different 
Indiznduals  Participating 


90,394 

(153) 

23,985 

(78) 

438,891 

(234) 

72,848 

(120) 

2 1 ,406 

(66) 

18,793 

(40) 

294,488 

(308) 

288,073 

(276) 

16,647 

(50 

23,696 

(22) 

109 


Activities 

Cities 

Reporting 

Number  of  Different 
Individuals  Participating 

Handball  

63,009 

(90) 

Horseshoes  

377,854 

(285) 

Soccer  

36,695 

(107) 

Softball  

396,899 

(322) 

Tennis  

343,347 

(279) 

Track  and  Field  

286,474 

(190) 

Volley  Ball 

....  511 

157,573 

(253) 

Dancing 

Folk  Dancing 

1 08,002 

(155) 

Social  Dancing 

. . . . 259 

186.725 

(126) 

Drama 

Drama  Tournaments  

14,364 

(66) 

Festivals  

55,896 

(55) 

Pageants 

213 

70T53 

(99) 

Plays  

. . . . 344 

46,167 

(165) 

Puppets  and  Marionettes 

. ...  156 

13,340 

(69) 

Music 

Instrumental  

. . . . 287 

147,598 

(152) 

Vocal  

. . . . 264 

194,429 

(i45) 

Outing  Activities 

Camping  

. . . . 134 

13,604 

(65) 

Gardening 

6,199 

(34) 

Hiking 

• • • • 357 

76,543 

(i77) 

Nature  Activities  

27,004 

(85) 

Picnicking  

• • • • 337 

347,507 

(146) 

Water  Sports 

Swimming  

^89 

836,996 

(236) 

Swimming  Badge  Tests  (NRA)  . . . 

. ...  T34 

29,342 

(63) 

Winter  Sports 

Ice  Hockey 

. ...  156 

24,335 

(74) 

Skating  

• • • • 3i3 

732,672 

(120) 

Skiing  

. . . . 94 

10,642 

(37) 

Tobogganing  

233,325 

(40) 

Miscellaneous  Activities 

Circuses  

30,600 

(55) 

Community  Wide  Celebrations  .... 

. . . . 245 

188,279 

(90 

First  Aid  Classes  

. . . . 254 

22,215 

(118) 

Forums,  Discussion  Groups,  etc.  ..  . 

26,848 

(64) 

Hobby  Clubs  or  Groups 

38,711 

(100) 

Motion  Pictures 

Playground  Newspaper  

. . . . 134 

. . . . 67 

2,485 

(32) 

Safety  Activities 

46,654 

(85) 

Storytelling 

. . . . 403 

177,720 

(190) 

Tables 

of 

Playground  and  Community 
Recreation  Statistics 
for 

1935 

In  Cities  Conducting  Regular  Service 


PLAYGROUND  AND  COMMUNITY 

Footnotes  follow 


Recreation  Leadership 
(Not  Including 
Emergency  Workers) 

Expenditures  Last  Fiscal  Year 

-4- 

Paid 

Workers 

Volun- 

teer 

Wotkers 

(Not  Including  Emergency  Funds) 

1 

a 

s 

I No.  of  City 

STATE  AND 
CITY 

Popula- 

tion 

Managing 

Authority 

a 

s 

0 

6 

55 

a 

I 

£ 

0 

o 

Z 

fc  £ 

0 fc. 

g 

a 

B 

0 

is 

*0 

d 

55 

Land, 

Buildings, 

Permanent 

Upkeep, 

Supplies 

Salaries  and  Wages 

Total 

.2 

3 

c 

fa 

o.§ 

‘o 

d 

55 

Equipment 

Incidentals 

For 

Leadership 

Other 

Services 

Total 

0 

a> 

§ 

& 

3 

0 

d 

2; 

Alabama 

8 

1 

6 

10,600.00 

10,600.00 

57,000.00 

M 

1 

1 

260,000 

j Tennessee  Coal,  Iron  and  Railroad 

1 

1 

47 

P 

2 

Arizona 

14,000 

/City  of  Bisbee 

1 

1 

550.00 

250.00 

250.00 

800.00 

M 

2 

\ School  District  No.  2 

1 

1 

1,000.00 

700.00 

700.00 

1,700.00 

M 

a 

3 

10,000 

Recreation  Board,  Y.  M.  C.  A.  and 

250.00 

P 

3 

4 

48,118 

Parks,  Playgrounds  and  Recreation 

11 

9 

5 

6 

7 

12,920.00 

12,920.00 

4,600.00 

200.00 

’12,920.00 

13,300.00 

1,300.00 

M 

4 

5 

Tucson 

35,000 

Playground  and  Recreation  Commission 

22 

8 

1 

14 

23 

8,200.00 

1,000.00 

500.00 

M 

.5 

6 

Winslow 

6,500 

1 

100.00 

200.00 

MAP 

6 

7 

Arkansas 

9,200 

Parent  Teacher  Association  and  School 

1 

1 

150.00 

150.00 

150.00 

300.00 

P 

7 

8 

Little  Rock 

90.000 

25.000 

35.000 

1 

100.00 

300.00 

300.00 

400.00 

P 

8 

9 

Pine  Bluff 

2 

1 

30 

30 

7,000.00 

352.90 

MAP 

9 

10 

1 

115.40 

237.50 

237.50 

P 

10 

11 

2,995 

40,000 

20 

15 

5,000.00 

P 

11 

12 

California 

-’arks  and  Playgrounds  Department  and 

2 

7 

9 

M 

12 

13 

15,000 

-“ark,  Playground  and  Planning  Com- 

3 

1 

5 

6 

1,600.00 

275.00 

1,050.00 

42, 925.00 

M 

13 

14 

33,000 

’layground  and  Recreation  Commission 

4 

7 

1 

1 

1 

1,787.10 

110.00 

15,480.41 

M 

14 

15 

12,000 

6,500 

30,000 

3 

400.00 

400.00 

200.00 

600.00 

1,110.00 

M 

15 

16 

17 

1 

200.00 

350.00 

150.00 

300.00 

450.00 

1,000.00 

M 

16 

Bakersfield 

. . 7 

4 

419.66 

1,822.00 

45.25 

1,867.25 

2,286.91 

M 

17 

3 

561.00 

561.00 

1,397.25 

M 

a 

18 

5,000 

83,500 

1 

250.00 

250.00 

250.00 

M 

18 

19 

City  Recreation  Department  and  Health 
Education  Department,  Board  of  Edu- 

28 

10 

5 

15 

29 

1,675.90 

10,780.04 

30,260.58 

9,940.74 

40,201.32 

52,657.26 

M 

19 

20 

24.000 
16,662 

10.000 
3,118 
2,500 

5.000 

53.000 
12,500 

65.000 

4.000 

22.000 
145,000 

6 

1 

15,000.00 

19,415.00 

M 

20 

21 

5,997.83 

M 

21 

22 

1 

12,000.00 

2,000.00 

1,125.00 

2,000.00 

3,125.00 

17,125.00 

M 

22 

23 

1 

1 

13.94 

49.46 

250.00 

250.00 

313.40 

MAP 

23 

24 

725.00 

M 

24 

25 

3 

1 

3 

P 

25 

26 

8 

10 

2 

2,051.12 

15,346.00 

16,057.00 

10,740.00 

26,797.00 

44,194.12 

M 

26 

27 

1 

125.00 

275.00 

275.00 

400.00 

M 

27 

28 

12 

8 

50 

35 

1,315.00 

5,513.00 

155.00 

5,668.00 

6,983.00 

M 

28 

29 

Huntington  Beach . 

5,000.00 

1,000.00 

1,069.09 

1,069.09 

7,069.09 

M 

29 

30 

1 

400.00 

400.00 

800.00 

800.00 

M 

30 

31 

Recreation  Commission,  Board  of  Edu- 

31 

39 

158 

29 

88 

38 

82 

8,372.38 

10,724.98 

26,077.20 

167,559.54 

79,816.60 

'114,266.18 

M 

32 

Los  Angeles 

1,294,600 

( Department  of  Playground  and  Recre- 

232,236.55 

188,280.85 

420,517.40 

598,801.92 

M 

32 

111 

116 

6,634.00 

19,776.57 

58,491.89 

130,307.00 

130,307.00 

136,941.00 

M 

a 

1,959.50 

40,000.00 

54,197.85 

54,197.85 

129,794.77 

75,933.92 

M 

b 

33 

Los  Angeles  Co.7 . . 

2,321,634 

County  Department  of  Recreation, 

58 

3 

11 

228,286.66 

C 

33 

34 

Manhattan  Beach. 

3.500 

6.500 
800 

284,063 

13,570 

9.000 
120,000 

6.000 

705.96 

1,792.01 

1,792.01 

2,497.97 

M 

34 

35 

36 

4 

1 

1 

1 

2,700.00 

5,150.00 

7,850.00 

M 

35 

1 

50.00 

50.00 

50.00 

100.00 

MAP 

36 

37 

98 

100 

29 

195 

145 

2,498.18 

70,521.13 

108,561.20 

72.407.0C 

180,968.20 

253,987.51 

M 

37 

38 

39 

4 

4 

60.0C 

60.00 

110.0C 

M 

38 

4 

49.06 

250.00 

203.00 

453.00 

502.06 

M 

39 

40 

Orange  County’ . . . 
Pacific  Grove 

875.00 

1,330.00 

280.0C 

280.00 

2.485.00 

M 

40 

41 

City  Manager  and  Advisory  Recreation 

2 

1 

2 

7 

20,450.00 

M 

41 

42 

15.000 

80.000 

5 

6 

60 

40 

4,418.65 

14,122.94 

12,486.44 

1,740.00 

14,226.44 

32,768.03 

M 

42 

43 

f Department  of  Recreation,  School  Dis- 

23 

36 

8 

52 

605 

2,074.10 

19,783.29 

3,955.86 

23,739.15 

25,813.25 

M 

43 

5 

1 

4 

6 

1 

1,550.13 

2,543.00 

29,311.94 

68,755.73 

99.617.8C 

M 

a 

44 

45 

46 

47 

48 

49 

10,500 
25,000 
3,517 
14  177 

1 

2,167.00 

3,853.00 

450.00 

4,303.00 

9,013.00 

M 

44 

1 

1 

1,500.01 

1,000.00 

1.000.0C 

2,500.00 

M 

46 

1 

325.75 

390.00 

390.0C 

715.75 

M 

46 

2,842.40 

M 

47 

20,000 

33,000 

4 

2 

603.55 

5,888.75 

5,888.75 

6,492.30 

M 

48 

Recreation  Committee,  Park  Depart- 

3,300.00 

6,100.00 

M 

49 

TTIPTlt 

1 

1 

1 

2,800.00 

3.300.0C 

50 

51 

52 

53 

7,000 

104,888 

1 

50.00 

250.00 

250.00 

300.00 

M 

50 

29 

17 

15 

7,865.97 

46,917.63 

34,730.50 

35,844.71 

70,575.21 

125,358.81 

M 

51 

M 

52 

San  Clemente... . . . 

165,000 

f Playground  and  Recreation  Depart- 

20 

14 

13 

30 

20 

6,082.41 

29,742.36 

29,742.36 

70,482.12 

M 

53 

1 Pn  lr  P mmi 

2 

2 

120 

25.754.0C 

M 

a 

San  Francisco 

717,838 

188 

Toi 

3 

11 

75,280.28 

122,505.58 

169,936.55 

169,297.71 

339,234.26 

537,020.12 

M 

M 

54 

54 

3 

2,400.00 

35,454.00 

140,433.00 

178,287.00 

a 

55 

56 

57 

n.  t 

3,350.00 

M 

55 

1 6^000 
34,000 

1 

3,500.00 

6, 500.01 

225.0C 

12,900.00 

23,125.00 

M 

M 

56 

57 

3 

1 

4 

2 

1.750.0C 

1.000.0C 

500.00 

1,500.00 

3,250.00 

112 


RECREATION  STATISTICS  FOR  1935 

the  table 


Playgrounds 

Under 

Leadership 


— ts 
e3  ^ 

►*1 

rz  o 

I i 


Recreation 

Buildings 


Indoor 

Recreation 

Centers 


8 | a 

►*  §-€ 
— Sc 


j* 

g 

G 

& 

1 

a 

3 

5^ 

J 

a 

3 

55 

M 

a 

3 

£ 

O 

O 

Pc 

W 

Cl 

cT 

JQ 

Ji 

0 

a 

00 

c 

-2 

"3 

0 

1 
fin 

a 

s 

z 

a 

3 

z 

i 

i 

tS 

•s 

T. 

V. 

b£ 

bC 

§ 

O 

% 

0 

a 

, e 

0 

“1 

bf. 

c 

a 

a 

G 

'© 

C 

’d 

C 

Ef 

CQ 

m 

03 

£ 

Emergency  Service 


Paid 

Leadership 


Expenditures 


Em- 

ployed 

G 

Full 

p 

O 

Land, 

O 

Buildings, 

Leader- 

O 

§ 

a 

Permanent 

ship 

Equipment 

a 

u. 

Z 

Z 

z 

Source  of 
Information 


T otal 


1 

39 

25 

64 

1,090,780 

4 

55,000 

43 

288,160 

1 

18 

1 

2 

3 

109 

15 

120 

189 

75,000.00 

75,000.00 

3 

5,725 

1 

18 

1 

7 

3 

2 

1 

a 

3 

3 

20,000 

1 

1 

1 

3 

3 

1 

4 

1 

2 

4 

2 

4 

it 

15 

537,583 

2 

11,560 

9 

3 

2 

51 

36 

1,543.00 

20,000.00 

21,543.00 

5 

3 

2 

n 

1 

17 

63,810 

2 

42,000 

4 

13,100 

8 

5 

1 

3 

5 

3 

10 

10 

1.500.00 

9,800.00 

6 

1 

1 

s2,000 

1 

1 

2 

5,700.00 

5,700.00 

7 

1 

1 

7,500 

1 

1 

2 

8 

8 

8 

38,825 

1 

6 

1 

1 

4 

11 

12 

2,170.00 

3,250.00 

9 

2 

2 

50,000 

5 

1 

1 

6 

1 

4 

6 

30,000.00 

10 

9 

9 

337,800 

4 

9 

4 

14 

28 

2,300.30 

2X00.30 

11 

2 

2 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

12 

4 

4 

613,037 

2 

4 

3 

1 

1 

10 

8 

9 

13 

5 

1 

1 

7 

327,500 

5 

10,000 

1 

2 

„ 8 

1 

17 

11 

17 

11 

12,333.00 

12,383.00 

14 

1 

5 

8 

14 

260,814 

2 

64,954 

1 

3,000 

1 

2 

5 

1 

32 

16 

32 

16 

19,980.00 

19,980.00 

15 

6 

6 

61,700 

3 

6,900 

2 

1 

1 

15 

1 

12 

10 

16 

2 

2 

20X00 

1 

8 

2 

E.  E.  Westerhouse 

17 

4 

4 

3 15^250 

4 

13,461 

2 

2 

10,117 

9 

1 

3 

1,500.00 

1,500.00 

John  L.  Compton 

18 

1 

1 

e'ooo 

1 

1 

3 

3 

3 

360.00 

360.00 

W.  L.  Stevens 

19 

22 

3 

1 

26 

1,448,690 

5 

19,479 

? 

15,452 

4 

5 

24 

1 

55 

25 

30,754.00 

114,058.00 

20 

1 

2 

1 

8 

1 

16,000.00 

16,000.00 

H.  D.  McCary 

21 

1 

1 

Ida  Fitzgerald 

22 

4 

4 

7 

15 

1 65  non 

3 

20,000 

5 

18,000 

15 

5 

1 

1 

2 

6 

1 

16 

11 

5 

7 

3,500.00 

3,500.00 

Ralph  E.  Hensley 

23 

2 

2 

5,250 

1 

2 

2 

1 

4 

5 

3 

500.00 

500.00 

Levi  H.  Dickey 

24 

1 

1 

1 

25 

1 

1 

350,663 

1 

1 

1 

2 

1 

F.  J.  Kelley 

26 

10 

3 

13 

914,731 

4 

15,678 

4 

42,350 

10 

10 

1 

15 

5 

18 

18 

7,726.00 

6,042.12 

13,168.12 

Raymond  L.  Quigley  — 

27 

2 

2 

123)00 

1 

1 

4 

1 

800.00 

800.00 

Arthur  L.  Johnson 

28 

1 

24 

25 

226,302 

2 

2 

19 

1 

60 

40 

60 

40 

45,000.00 

45,000.00 

William  A.  Burr 

29 

1 

C.  R.  Furr 

30 

6 

6 

330  050 

1 

13 

7 

2,624.00 

2,624.00 

Lionel  De  Silva 

31 

12 

12 

17 

4 1 

n 

735  870 

23 

15 

4 

14 

1 

1 

1 

1 

10 

173 

77 

130,000.00 

130,000.00 

32 

46 

46 

11,779,670 

67 

16 

27 

4 

1 

19 

87 

K 

274 

137 

177 

88 

50,540.00 

243,407.00 

293,857.00 

George  J.  Hjelte 

120 

80 

200 

4,415.730 

14 

97,566 

42 

28 

5 

1 

61 

94 

110 

94 

110 

76,896.00 

76,896.00 

C.  L.  Glenn 

b 

2 

1 

2 

32 

4 

33 

173 

15 

7 

195 

8,472.552 

147 

9 

1 

419 

138 

419 

138 

425,212.20 

425,212.20 

James  K.  Reid 

34 

1 

4 

Merritt  J.  Crandall 

35 

1 

1 

Vancil  E.  Row 

36 

7,000 

R.  M.  Petersen 

37 

62 

g 

70 

82  622  061 

6 

244,000 

\] 

8 

1 

12 

1 

1 

56 

87 

115 

19,867.50 

149,325.61 

R.  W.  Robertson 

38 

8 

8 

45,924 

8 

4 

12 

3 

100.00 

3,000.00 

3,100.00 

Will  J.  Schaefer 

39 

5 

5 

*22,475 

7 

5 QQ5 

7 

600.00 

600.00 

George  C.  Sherwood 

40 

27 

4 

31 

979,109 

4 

3,140 

6 

3 

5 

1 

1 

30 

4 

104 

34 

30,274.20 

30,274.20 

Maurice  H.  Gerard 

41 

7 

60,000 

2 

4 

3 

1 

1 

1 

6 

1 

15 

8 

25,000.00 

4,000.00 

29,000.00 

C.  W.  Easterbrook 

42 

2 

3 

5 

84,030 

1 

135,124 

0 

13 

32 

12 

9,500.00 

. 24,000.00 

Phillip  A.  Brotherton . . . 

43 

11 

2 

12 

25 

700,384 

1 1 075 

10 

12 

2 

58 

156 

55 

49,319.00 

72,615.00 

Cecil  F.  Martin 

1 15  000 

4 

6 

1 

1 

2 

16 

2 

166,965.00 

Gilbert  L.  Skutt 

44 

3 

3 

61,955 

i 

10,847 

3 

7 

8 

6 

3,200.00 

3,200.00 

Mrs.  Telura  Swim 

45 

2 

1 

4 

2 

1 

3 

4 

1 

4 

16 

17 

i6 

17 

30,000.00 

30,000.00 

60,000.00 

C.  Kenneth  Smith 

46 

1 

8.924 

Enville  C.  Spaulding... 

47 

1 

1 

12 

F.  P.  Hook 

4S 

2 

is 

2 

2,000.00 

2,000.00 

Ivan  W.  Hill 

49 

14 

125.464 

14 

1 

3 

36 

15 

36 

15 

34,569.00 

34,569.00 

H.  E.  Wilson 

50 

3 

3 

9X00 

11 

5 

1,000.00 

1,000.00 

R.  E.  Arp 

51 

6 

6 

12 

5 

90,105 

13 

1 1 

3 

1 

1 

1 

18 

2 

21 

26 

97,332.51 

J.  B.  Maloney 

52 

1 

1 

1 

2 

William  Holmes 

53 

11 

99 

7 

49 

23 

25 

15 

22,500X0 

30,000.00 

W.  A.  Kearns 

1 

1 

6 

W.  Allen  Terry 

54 

59 

59 

"5,052,943 

25 

36 

172,214 

3 

13 

2 

2 

54 

794 

462 

131 

244 

92,011.00 

411,613.51 

Josephine  D.  Randall . . . 

5 

17 

2 

3 

1 

57 

1 

61,842.00 

61,842.00 

B.  P.  Lamb 

55 

17 

3 

0 

2 

15 

84 

34 

84 

34 

67,736.23 

67,736.23 

Cecil  M . George 

56 

2 

t, 

8 

2 

1 

3 

10 

2 

3,600.00 

6,526.60 

E.  P.  Wilsey 

57 

7 

10 

17 

149,100 

6 

1,500 

2 

1 

14 

20 

6 

15,000.00 

15,000.00 

Charles  L.  Webber 

... 

1 


a 


2 

a 

3 

4 

5 

6 


7 

8 
9 

10 

11 


12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 
a 

18 


19 

20 
21 
22 

23 

24 

25 

26 

27 

28 

29 

30 

31 

32 
a 
b 

33 

34 

35 

36 
87 

38 

39 

40 

41 

42 

43 
a 

44 

45 

46 

47 

48 

4 H 

50 

51 

52 

53 
a 

54 
a 

55 

56 

57 


113 


PLAYGROUND  AND  COMMUNITY 


Recreation  Leadership 
(Not  Including 
Emergency  Workers) 

Expenditures  Last  Fiscal  Year 

-4— 

Paid 

Workers 

Volun- 

teer 

Woikers 

(Not  Including  Emergency  Funds) 

1 

Q. 

STATE  AND 
CITY 

Popula- 

tion 

Managing 

Authority 

1 No.  of  Men 

No.  of  Women 

tn  e 

S3 

I* 

O u. 

“3.  2 

a 

<D 

No.  of  Women 

Land, 

Buildings, 

Permanent 

Upkeep, 

Supplies 

and 

Salaries  and  Wages 

Total 

3 

a 

a 

.2 

s£ 
a „ 
d.§ 

25  Eh 

o 

d 

iz; 

Equipment 

Incidentals 

For 

Leadership 

Other 

Services 

Total 

o 

8 

3 

& 

i 

Calif.— Cont. 
Santa  Barbara ... 

41,000 

2 

Santa  Barbara  Co.12 

65,000 

3 

Santa  Cruz 

14,395 

4 

Santa  Monica 

42,000 

5 

So.  San  Francisco  . 

7,000 

6 

Stockton 

50,000 

7 

Vallejo 

25,000 

8 

Ventura  County13 . 

58,000 

9 

Whittier 

15,000 

10 

Colorado 

Colorado  Springs. . 

35,000 

11 

Denver 

300,000 

12 

Fort  Collins 

11,489 

13 

Fort  Morgan 

5,000 

14 

Pueblo 

60,000 

15 

Connecticut 
Bridgeport 

147,300 

16 

Bristol 

30,000 

17 

Darien 

10,000 

18 

Greenwich 

37,000 

19 

Hamden 

20,500 

20 

Hartford 

164,000 

21 

Manchester 

23,000 

22 

Meriden 

39,000 

23 

Middletown 

23,000 

24 

New  Haven 

162,500 

25 

Norwich 

32,000 

26 

Salisbury 

2,700 

27 

7,000 

28 

Shelton 

10,169 

29 

30 

10,000 

60,000 

Stamford 

31 

Stratford 

22,000 

32 

Torrington 

26,000 

33 

West  Haven 

25,808 

34 

Willimantic 

12,000 

35 

Winsted 

10,000 

36 

Delaware 

Wilmington 

106,597 

37 

Dist.  of  Col. 
Washington 

497,000 

38 

Florida 

Clearwater 

8,000 

39 

Coral  Gables 

7,000 

40 

Jacksonville 

146,300 

41 

Lakeland 

21,017 

42 

Miami 

110,637 

43 

Miami  Beach 

7,500 

44 

Palatka 

6,500 

45 

St.  Petersburg.  . . . 

48,000 

46 

Sanford 

10,000 

47 

Sarasota 

9,915 

48 

Tampa 

101,501 

49 

West  Palm  Beach 

27,000 

50 

Georgia 

Atlanta 

270,366 

51 

Columbus 

43,331 

52 

Fitzgerald 

7,500 

53 

Macon 

72,000 

54 

Savannah 

8,500 

55 

Idaho 

Burley 

4,000 

56 

Mullan 

1,800 

57 

Illinois 

Alton 

31,154 

58 

Aurora 

50,000 

59 

Berwyn 

52,000 

11 

2 

6 

2 

1,000.00 

4,021.44 

1,261.00 

4,651.85 

10,146.67 

24 

i3 

492.44 

4.904  15 

3 

200.00 

ii 

8 

4 

7,270.00 

7,426.00 

8,127.00 

13,481.00 

1 

100.00 

500.00 

1 

1,600.00 

600.00 

5 

5 

400.00 

2,050.00 

500.00 

1 

10 

704.55 

956.00 

632.53 

1 

29 

21 

9,361.82 

15 

5 

2,000.00 

50,000.00 

13,350.00 

25,000.00 

2,800.00 

4,500.00 

2 

3 

29 

3 

1 

1 

250.00 

2,410.03 

200.15 

69 

7 

4 

20,010.00 

2 

6 

126.00 

874.00 

1 

1 

1 

150.00 

300.00 

55 

14 

3 

8 

7 

4,709.04 

10,366.01 

3,040.81 

10 

9 

450.00 

1,488.00 

62.00 

21 

8 

8 

20,000.00 

1,600.00 

30,000.00 

Recreation  Committee 

7 

5 

2 

2 

500.00 

12(015.46 

4,676.60 

3,176.00 

9 

5 

2,263.00 

9 

7 

600.00 

400.00 

3,000.00 

2,000.00 

12 

2 

6 

25 

15 

529.73 

19 

51 

519.22 

6,524.38 

2,143.21 

10 

15 

2,300.00 

2,700.00 

1 

1 

3 

1 

150.00 

2,300.00 

3 

1 

440.00 

3 

9 

11 

1 

20 

17 

4 

6 

1 

3,264.53 

11,108.42 

\Italian  Center,  Inc 

1 

1 

2 

13 

7 

2,845.72 

1,151.23 

3,274.29 

932.48 

3 

1 

1,000.00 

3,200.00 

2,380.00 

1,350.00 

1 

1 

28 

500.00 

1,900.00 

765.00 

1 

1 

300.00 

250.00 

411.00 

2,534.00 

6 

2 

15 

15 

420.00 

640.00 

140.00 

2 

173.84 

270.00 

478.20 

28 

19 

6,577.66 

125 

114 

71 

225.00 

19,714.00 

130,817.00 

18,649.00 

1 Community  Center  Department,  Public 

119 

136 

14 

1597 

11,924.86 

(National  Capital  Parks,  Department 

Department  of  Public  Recreation 

1 

1 

1 

3 

14 

4,000.00 

3,000.00 

2,200.00 

400.00 

1 

1 

2 

Playground  and  Recreation  Board 

33 

5 

19 

15 

6 

25,038.27 

11,961.45 

29,802.00 

23,940.00 

3 

2 

3 

1 

5,729.65 

3,743.87 

5,949.00 

n 

i 

3 

7 

i 

1,430.93 

6,311.38 

2,160.00 

10,985.25 

4 

4 

4 

1,500.00 

9,140.00 

2 

4 

6 

5 

30,000.00 

5,043.51 

5,797.25 

6,750.00 

2 

1 

2 

5,242.39 

12,000.00 

3,530.00 

8,372.00 

5 

4 

8 

8,955.38 

14,415.00 

5 

5 

3,000.00 

2,400.00 

5 

5 

7,326.88 

5,871.46 

3 

7 

1 

245.11 

807.77 

2,692.80 

R.  R.  Y.  M.  C.  A 

1 

25.00 

30.00 

75.00 

15.00 

i 

12 

13 

10,763.80 

1,903.80 

7,430.00 

1,140.00 

3 

8 

1 

12 

10 

816.43 

6,116.25 

780.00 

City,  School  District  No.  1 and  Rotary 

Club.. 

1 

150.0C 

450.06 

Playground  and  Recreation  Commission 

11 

10 

2 

7,089.05 

8,163.56 

4,085.06 

Playground  Commission5 

1 

22 

2 

1C 

12,210.44 

2,235.00 

5,425.00 

1,450.00 

Playground  and  Recreation  Commission 

1 8 

4 

2 

413.84 

2,318.91 

2,481.75 

2,  r5 1.50 

7,239.00 

10,146.67 


4,904.15 

200.00 

21,608.00 

500.00 

600.00 

2,550.00 


1,588.53 


9,361.82 

38,350.00 

4,500.00 


200.15 


20,010.00 

874.00 


1.750.00 
13,406.82 

1.550.00 

30,000.00 

7,852.60 

2.263.00 

5,000.00 

37,544.07 

8,667.59 

2.700.00 

2.300.00 

440.00 


11,108.42 

4,206.77 

3.730.00 

2.665.00 

2.945.00 

780.00 
748.20 


6,577.66 


149,466.00 

75,574.78 


2,600.00 


53,742.00 

9,692.87 


13,145.25 

9,140.00 


12,547.25 

15,550.00 


11.902.00 

14.415.00 
5,400.00 


55,001.24 

2,692.80 

90.00 

8,570.00 

6,896.25 


12,248.62 

6,875.00 

4,633.25 


9.500.00 
18,819.96 

519.20 

5,396.59 

200.00 

36,304.00 

600.00 

2.200.00 

2,950.00 


2,293.08 

18,147.50 

11,887.02 

90,350.00 

7,300.00 

2.000.00 

2,860.18 


225.135.00 

1,000.00 

250.00 

2,200.00 

18,115.86 

2,000.00 

51.600.00 
20,368.06 
23,608.32 

6,000.00 

38,073.80 

9,186.81 

5,000.00 

2.450.00 

666.00 

1.500.00 

21.800.00 
14,372.95 

8,203.72 

7.930.00 

3.165.00 

3.495.00 

1.200.00 

922.04 


29,363.27 


169.405.00 
87,499.64 

1645.487.00 


9,600.00 

11,60010 

90,741.72 

15,422.52 

26.300.00 
20,887.56 

57.640.00 


47,590.76 

33.145.00 
1,580.93 

29,144.39 

23,370.38 

25.400.00 


68,199.58 

3.745.68 

145.00 

21,237.60 

7.712.68 


19,337.67 

21,320.44 

7,366.00 


M 

M 

P 

M&P 

M&P 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

P 

MAP 

M 

M&P 

M 

P 

P 

M 

M 

P 

M&P 


114 


ECREATION  STATISTICS  FOR  1935 

table 


- Playgrounds 

Under 
Leadership 

Recreation 

Buildings 

Indoor 

Recreation 

Centers 

| Athletic  Fields,  Number 

| Baseball  Diamonds,  Number 

| Bathing  Beaches,  Number 

1 Golf  Courses,  9-Hole,  Number 

1 Golf  Courses,  18-Hole,  Number 

1 Swimming  Pools  Indoor,  Number  || 

Swimming  Pools  Outdoor,  Number  1 

Tennis  Courts,  Number 

Wading  Pools,  Number 

Emergency  Service 

Source  of 
Information 

Paid 

Leadership 

Expenditures 

/ 

Year  Round 

Summer  Only 

School  Year  Only 

Summer  & Other  Seasons  1 

*c3 

"o 

H 

Total  Yearly  or 
Seasonal  Attendance 

a 

3 

Total  Yearly 
or  Seasonal 
Attendance 

a 

3 

Total  Yearly 
or  Seasonal 
Attendance 

Number  of  Men 

Number  of  Women 

Em- 

ployed 

Full 

Time 

Land, 

Buildings, 

Permanent 

Equipment 

Leader- 

ship 

Total 

No.  of  Men  | 

No.  of  Women] 

3 

4 

5 

1 

13 

182,739 

3 

147,290 

2 

2,627 

11 

4 

2 

10 

2 

10 

5 

8,121.50 

8,121.50 

4 

1 

1 

! 7 

4 

11 

*408,980 

20 

1 

3 

t 

41 

36 

1 

1 

sl,500 

i 1 

4 

2 

2 

9 

272,637 

1 

28,642 

2 

6 

1 

i 

1 

11 

5 

6 

7 

6,000.00 

3,195.60 

9,195.60 

1 

1 

15,000 

S.  W Rich 

17 

17 

54,480 

1 

2,000 

11 

34,734 

1 

2 

15 

22 

2 

3,307.85 

3,307.85 

W.  K.  Cnhh 

5 

5 

27,000 

1 

9 

10 

12 

6 

6 

*53,500 

1 

1 

14 

1 

1 

44 

1444 

691,819 

4 

4 

16 

3 

30 

12 

6 

4 

776.07 

776.07 

10 

22 

2 

2 

2 

1 

4 

65 

5 

2 

2 

1 

6 

1 

1 

2 

1 

2 

ji  9 

11 

7 

27 

100,788 

4 

63,800 

15 

131,652 

1 

1 

1 

1 

31 

15 

1,150.00 

19,909.00 

21,539.00 

(5  . . . 

10 

10 

*137,074 

1 

2,172 

6 

7,113 

1 

17 

4 

1 

1 

1 

24 

40 

34 

9,500.00 

9,500.00 

6 . . . 

5 

5 

*20,800 

2 

7 

1 

7 . . . 

1 

1 

10,000 

5 

5,000 

3 

2 

1,800.00 

1,825.00 

1 a ... 

1 

1,200.00 

8 . . . 

15 

15 

315,106 

4 

64,360 

30 

61,594 

15 

11 

8 

1 

9,065.50 

4,857.73 

19,923.23 

9 . . . 

9 

g 

*44,970 

6 2 

8 

8 

5 

23 

2,037,842 

7 

590,634 

20 

1,725,544 

7 

32 

1 

2 

3 

36 

1 

69 

30 

69 

30 

99,855.26 

48,826.74 

150,912.00 

1 . . . 

2 

2 

56,000 

2 

126,254 

4 

3 

1 

1 

4 

2 ... 

4 

4 

25,000 

3 

4 

2 

1 

3 . . 

8 

8 

45,000 

2 

3,500 

2 

3,200 

1 

2 

1 

4 

! 4 ... 

12 

12 

242,950 

4 

22 

3 

1 

2 

21 

17 

1 

17 

1 

9,891.02 

9,891.02 

19 

26 

6 

51 

202,573 

i 

6,500 

10 

83,440 

1 

60 

12 

5,567.22 

6,172.46 

>5  . . . 

11 

11 

72’000 

1 

4 

!6  . . . 

2 

2 

*1,800 

3 

2,250 

2 

!7  . . . 

1 

1 

20^000 

1 

3,500 

1 

1 

1 

1 

>8  . . 

3 

3 

12,000 

1 

2 

1 

4 

1,700.00 

19  . . . 

1 

1 

1 

30  2 

6 

8 

155,115 

i 

19,130 

10 

41,461 

1 

3 

8 

5 

1 

2 

420.00 

420.00 

1 

14,000 

1 

17,220 

11 

6 

2,870.00 

2,870.00 

31  1 

1 

1 

25,000 

1 

200 

3 

1 

1 

500.00 

500.00 

32  . . 

2 

2 

32,000 

i 

12,000 

2 

1 

1 

1 

5 

4 

720.00 

720.00 

33  . . . 

1 

1 

*9,000 

1 

6 

2 

6 

34  . . . 

4 

4 

*26  000 

2 

1 

1 

1 

400.00 

35  . . . 

1 

i 

8,505 

1 

1 

1 

1 

36  1 

9 

10 

20 

347,932 

] 

100  541 

6 

71  228 

1 

13 

5 

21 

6 

10 

4 

1,680.00 

1,680.00 

37  36 

46 

9 

91 

1 

3 614,048 

l 

10,000 

13 

15  268 

1 

4 

3 

4 

12 

31 

51 

13,635.90 

52,467.63 

i 

1,746 

76 

862,082 

3 

3 

1 

8 

45 

27 

45 

27 

b .. 

1 

30 

10 

4 

76 

2 

83,971.33 

38  1 

5 

6 

95,000 

3 

100,000 

3 

2 

1 

1 

8 

5 

1 

28,000.00 

500.00 

28,600.00 

R.  B.  Van  Fleet 

39  1 

1 

7,500 

1 

1 

4 

40  13 

]3 

384  397 

9 

25  098 

13  248 

9 

8 

1 

2 

19 

5,680.40 

5,680.40 

41  6 

1 

8 

1*> 

111,312 

2 

20^272 

i 

26^000 

1 

1 

8 

1 

1 

1,500.00 

1,500.00 

W W Alderman  . ... 

42  4 

3 

7 

4 

6 

5 

31 

1 

43  2 

9 

1 

1 

1 

1 

14 

1 

450.00 

450.00 

44 

1 

1 

1 

45  . 

5 

15 

20 

103,879 

ii 

497,371 

4 

63,068 

2 

1 

1 

11 

6 

4 

1,160.00 

1,160.00 

}p.  V.Gahan 

46 

1 

1 

1 

3 

490.35 

490.35 

47 

2 

5,000 

2 

1 

2 

48  11 

1 1 

275,550 

3 

2 

8 

1 

14 

32 

43 

5,000.00 

5,000.00 

49  8 

6 

14 

745  000 

9 

25  non 

? 

9 

1 

171 

12 

1 

10 

3,707.20 

3,707.20 

50 

3 

13 

4 

1 

6 

77 

4 

51 

6 

1Q7  652 

4 

4,374 

1 

5 

12 

3 

2 

280.00 

780.00 

52 

1 

1 

3 500 

1 

3 

1 

53  11 

ii 

300|l27 

6 

19 

5 

12 

9 

22,344.00 

1,044.00 

23,388.00 

54  12 

12 

449  504 

3 

14,850 

3 

4 

8 

4 

4 

2 

3,000.00 

3,000.00 

55  1 

i 

4,000 

2 

2 

1 

1 

2 

1 

1 

75.00 

75.00 

56 

1 

1 

1 

1 

57 

ft 

4 

1 

1 

1 

1 

913.00 

4,721.40 

58  1 

6 

7 

i 

3 

1 

5 

14 

3 

59 

3 

3 

21,160 

2 

10,000 

4 

3 

Toscph  J.  Urbanek,  Jr..  ! 

36 


37 


115 


PLAYGROUND  AND  COMMUNITY 


Footnotes  follou 


Recreation  Leadership 
(Not  Including 
Emergency  Workers) 

Expenditures  Last  Fiscal  Year 

Paid 

Workers 

Volun- 

teer 

Woikers 

(Not  Including  Emergency  Funds) 

1 

c. 

STATE  AND 
CITY 

Popula- 

tion 

Managing 

Authority 

c 

a 

I 

=JT? 

fa  5 
-a  5 

O u. 

s 

(3 

i 

-g 

Land, 

Buildings, 

Upkeep, 

Supplies 

Salaries  and  Wages 

Total 

.2 

c 

I 

fa 

o 

o 

o 

o 

fa  a> 
o.§ 
Zh 

s 

o 

o 

5Z5 

o 

o 

Equipment 

Incidentals 

For 

Leadership 

Other 

Services 

Total 

o 

© 

s! 

& 

111.— Cont. 


1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

30,100 

16,000 

11,700 

12,583 

35,000 

9 

1 

2 

4 

5 

"i 

5 

i 

4 

3 

1,000.00 

830.00 

1,000.00 

830.00 

1,177.49 

3,311.38 

923.08 

1,000.00 

1,200.00 

1,868.86 

4,455.34 

1,053.91 

Playground  and  Recreation  Commission 

300.00 

691.37 

943.96 

1 

8 

10 

200.00 

3,111.38 

200.00 

Champaign-Urbana 

W.*P.  A 

453 

171 

264 

195,783.00 

1,262,146.70 

1,262,146.70 

181,457, 929.70 

1 Bureau  of  Parks,  Recreation  and  Avia- 

34 

18 

52 

32,535.00 

25,400.00 

110,921.81 

70,207.00 

181,128.81 

239,063.81 

6 

Chicago 

3,500,000 

i Bureau  of  Recreation,  Board  of  Edu- 

61 

60 

121 

100,415.00 

67,840.00 

263,271.49 

150,093.58 

413,365.07 

581,620.07 

3 

1 

15,000.00 

Fuller  Park  Community  Council,  and 

W.  P.  A 

8 

5 

1,340.00 

1,340.00 

1,340.00 

7 

66,660 

5 

25OO.OO 

8 

4,000,000 

9 

57,500 

20 

13 

3 

600.00 

2,840.00 

120.00 

2,960.00 

3,560.00 

10 

12,000 

11 

2,100 

1 

8 

45.00 

100.00 

180.00 

150.00 

330.00 

475.00 

12 

36j000 

Y.  M.  C.  A.  and  P.  T.  A 

8 

2 

38 

23 

400.00 

13 

15,000 

2 

(Park  and  Playground  Committee, 

14 

64,000 

31 

12 

4 

17 

11 

880.00 

2,210.00 

8,935.00 

4,275.00 

13,210.00 

16,300.00 

1 

11 

500.00 

500.00 

500.00 

15 

24,000 

9 

1 

3,000.00 

8,500.00 

1 

30,000 

17 

6,500 

1 

4,859.00 

1,920.00 

7,036.00 

8,956.00 

13,815.00 

18 

26,000 

1 

6 

1 

Highland  Park. . . . 

4 

4 

4 

800.00 

2,600.00 

2,600.00 

3,400.00 

19 

12,000 

3 

3 

7 

6 

16,998.78 

20 

70,000 

1 

1 

21 

600.00 

2,400.00 

2,400.00 

3,000.00 

21 

10,100 

1 

2 

3 

4 

200.00 

350.00 

350.00 

550.00 

22 

7,000 

2 

2 

3,200.00 

500.00 

2,340.00 

10,000.00 

12,340.00 

16,040.00 

23 

La  Salle,  Peru  and 

27,000 

19 

3 

3,400.00 

3,306.00 

2,892.00 

6,198.00 

9,598.00 

24 

Lawrenceville 

6,200 

City  of  Lawrenceville  and  Softball  Asso- 

1 

6 

3 

240.00 

100.00 

100.00 

340.00 

25 

13,000 

1 

20.00 

150.00 

150.00 

170.00 

26 

28,000 

1 

5 

1 

2,710.15 

3,426.96 

790.00 

4,216.96 

6,927.11 

27 

35,000 

2 

21 

500.00 

L300.00 

1,300.00 

1,800.00 

28 

5,118 

4 

5 

27,400.44 

33,943.94 

29 

68,000 

5 

5 

5 

9,147.34 

8,543.50 

13,300.38 

21,843.88 

30,991.22 

30 

12,000 

1 

2 

31 

105,000 

3 

2 

5 

9,500.00 

28,000.00 

8,000.00 

25,000.00 

33,000.00 

70,500.00 

32 

10,000 

1 

1 

1 

’ 67.32 

1,194.03 

3(040.00 

3,040.00 

4,301.35 

Rockford 

7 

9 

1,900.00 

2,435.18 

2,435.18 

23,923.27 

33 

85,864 

\ Booker  Washington  Comm’ty  Center21 

1 

1 

3 

3 

896.44 

1,200.00 

200.00 

1,400.00 

2,296.44 

34 

38,500 

i6 

4 

1 

1 

1,376.05 

3,035.79 

593.23 

3,629.02 

5,005.07 

35 

L100 

1 

1 

275.00 

300.00 

300.00 

575.00 

36 

St.  Charles 

5(400 

Henry  Rockwell  Baker  Memorial  Com- 

3 

1 

3 

8 

2,421.26 

3,510.98 

5,932.24 

37 

85,000 

15 

27 

5 

7,376.95 

18,040.00 

18,040.00 

25,416.95 

38 

2,350 

2 

1 

4,275.80 

1 

18,667.87 

536.79 

25.088.96 

40 

15,000 

5,000.00 

41 

35,000 

12 

8 

1,600.00 

1,200.00 

2,600.00 

2,600.00 

5,400.00 

42 

7,500 

1 

3 

2 

2 

100.00 

600.00 

3,000.00 

3,600.00 

3,700.00 

43 

17,000 

3 

1 

1 

73.30 

1,185.24 

7,489.51 

7,489.51 

8,748.05 

(Board  of  Governors,  Community 

44 

13,000 

3 

1 

4 

120 

130 

9,000.00 

10,500.00 

4,000.00 

14,500.00 

23,500.00 

20,805.03 

45 

8,200 

2,553.24 

2,805.05 

5,358.29 

Indiana 

46 

Anderson 

46,000 

Board  of  Park  Commissioners,  W.  P.  A. 

and  Negro  Welfare  Association 

8 

7 

14 

11 

2,500.00 

10,401.00 

6,100.00 

8,500.00 

14,600.00 

27,501.00 

47 

9,000 

400.00 

1,334.00 

48 

9,000 

1 

1 

126.20 

210.00 

210.00 

336.20 

49 

1,754 

1 

2 

200.00 

250.00 

250.00 

450.00 

50 

Columbus 

10,000 

6 

4 

2 

3 

1 

1,678.66 

4,754.19 

4,754.19 

6,864.59 

51 

5,156 

5 

1 

700.00 

1.480.00 

2,180.00 

2,180.00 

52 

East  Chicago 

54,500 

Department  of  Municipal  Recreation, 

7 

1 

2 

12.000.0C 

4,216.00 

4,216.00 

19,406.00 

53 

12,000 

2 

4 

1 

350.00 

125.00 

240.00 

600.00 

840.00 

1,315.00 

54 

103,000 

28 

21 

2 

2,978.81 

4,780.03 

6,234.95 

5,914.66 

12,149.61 

19,908.45 

14 

25 

1,454.70 

6,772.00 

6,772.00 

18,934.84 

55 

Fort  Wayne 

1 18,000 

The  Wheatley  Social  Center21 

3 

3 

6 

2 

2 

700.0C 

1.200.00 

5.115.00 

800.00 

5,915.00 

7,815.00 

56 

Huntingburg 

3,440 

tecreation  Commission  and  School 

1 

25.00 

225.00 

225.00 

250.00 

57 

400,000 

27 

28 

4 

1,431.63 

18,083.14 

23,389.63 

20.652.33 

44,041.96 

263, 556.73 

58 

Jeffersonville 

12,000 

1 

300.00 

425.00 

475.00 

475.00 

1,200.00 

59 

LaFayette 

32.000 

Department  of  Recreation 

2 

4 

1 

11 

3 

'2,300.10 

617.12 

1,400.00 

400.00 

1,800.00 

4,717.22 

60 

La  Porte 

15,755 

3 

5 

2,300.00 

2,300.00 

2,300.00 

\ Civic  Auditorium  Advisory  Board. . . . 

1 

1 

1 

1 

4.460.00 

3,000.00 

4,350.00 

7,350.00 

11,810.00 

61 

Mentone 

704 

Lions  Club 

i 

M 

M 

M 

M 

P 

M 

M 

M 

M 

P 

P 

C 

P 

M 

P 

P 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

P 

M 

M 

P 

M 

M 

M&P 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

P 

M 

M 

P 

M 

M 

P 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

P 

M 

M 


M 

M 

M 

P 

M&P 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

P 

M&P 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

P 


1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

2 

2 

2 

2 

2 

2 

2 

2 

2 

2 

3 

3 

3 

3 

3 

3 

3 

3 

3 

3 


4 

4 

4 

4 


5 

5. 

5 

.5 


5 

5 

5 

5 
6> 

6 


116 


CREATION  STATISTICS  FOR  1935 


e table 


■5 


i2 


!5 

36 

37 

38 

39 
a 

41) 

41 

42 

43 


Playgrounds 

Under 

Leadership 


o a 

>.S 

II 


Recreation 

Buildings 


s|| 

3dBj 

H'  o< 


Indoor 

Recreation 

Centers 


ji 

1 

s 

is 

a 

£ 

3 

Z3 

X 

z 

o 

jS 

O 

o 

Ji 

o 

K 

a 

3 

o 

£ 

3 

£ 

oo 

c n 

55 

55 

' 1 

O 

8 

i2 

oT 

8 

2 

Ph 

fcT 

C 

Ph 

6C 

b 

3 

O 

§ 

p. 

o 

O 

a 

a 

.2 

fc£ 

3 

a 

a 

c 

o 

s 

ft 

o 

U1 

02 

H 

ts 

Emergency  Service 


Paid 

Leadership 


Expenditures 


Em- 

ployed 

Full 

Time 

Land, 

Buildings. 

Permanent 

Equipment 

g 

1 

Leader- 

ship 

O 

o 

6 

Z 

o 

Source  of 
Information 


Total 


3 

5 

5 

3 

13,400 

2 

"l 

2 

5 

22 

11 

2 

2 

3 

2 

2 

110 

16 

14 

13 

2 

8 

5 

6 

605 

40 

2 

‘i 

1 

68 

10 

3 

1 

2 

3 

4 

4 

7,386 

19 

4 

150.00 

4,150.00 

1 

L.  H.  Gillet' 

7 

7 

5 

185 

35 

61 

42,630 

42,000 

4,017,821 

36, 079, 836 

8,639,392 

3 

3 

82 

35,910 

1 

1 

15 

3 

7 

22 

2170 

5 

23 

930 

2,800.00 

6,964.89 

382,500.00 

3,090.00 

9,101.43 

382,500.00 

5 

3 

2 

7 

3 

1 

40 

5 

6 

a 

b 

c 

d 

7 

8 
9 
10 
11 
12 

13 

14 
a 

15 

16 

17 

18 

19 
a 

20 
21 
22 

23 

24 

25 

26 

27 

28 

29 

30 

31 

32 

33 
a 

34 

35 

36 

37 

38 

39 
a 

40 

41 

42 

43 

44 
a 

45 

46 

47 

48 

49 

50 

51 

52 

53 

54 

55 

a 

56 

57 

58 

59 

60 
a 

61 

185 

16,360,083 

5 

2 

48 

38 

35 

61 

190,000.00 

652,439.81 

11,814.00 

3,500.00 

1403 

23 

11 

Edward  L.  Burchard .... 

Bernardine  H.  Kern 
Thomas  Stachowiak .... 

1 

3 

1 

4 

6 

10,850 

87,500 

10 

1 

35,480 

3,500 

21 

2 

3 

2 

3 

2 

6,780.00 

5 

2 

50,000 

1 

3 

35 

13 

1 

1 

3 

5 

14 

2 

2 

1 

1 

2 

5 

1 

4 

9 

9 

105,000 

1 

20,800 

5 

4,800 

9 

9 

4,700.00 

5,700.00 

Charles  K.  Brightbill.  . . 

1 

2 

2 

10 

4 

10 

9 

3 

4,701 
3 14,900 
320,000 

213,853 

1 

1 

1 

1 

10 

8 

4 

8 

4 

1,380.00 

1,738.00 

Mrs.  Eva  G.  Wright 

10 

4 

2 

7 

16 

2 

3 

7 

2 

50,222 

21 

244,130 

3 

7 

33 

15 

11,913.28 

18,647.19 

9 

3 

1 

5 

4 

2 

14 

8 

2,000.00 

1 

1 

1 

2 

2 

1 

4 

1 

5,000 

3 

3,600 

George  Scheuchenpflug 

1 

4 

5 

24,000 

1 

8 

1 

2 

1 

2 

1 

5 
23 

4 

6 

3 

1 

2 

8 

10 

1 

1 

6 

2 

30,350 

1 

3 

2 

1 

1 

1 

I 

4 

2 

4 

2 

1 

1 

1 

5 
5 
3 

5 

15,900 

50,000 

45,753 

s4,500 

Robert  0.  Sedgwick 
R.  H.  Peters 

1 

1 

7,000.00 

7,000.00 

530.22 

1 

1 

1 

112,682 

4,500 

1 

1 

1 

2 

1 

530.22 

Howard  Fellows 

1 

1 

3 

2 

1 

D.  F.  Nickols 

5 

5 

5 

3 

58,190 

40,186 

5 

5 

10,978 

20,186 

1 

3 

Lillian  Teale 

1 

Oliver  Strubler  and 

818,883 

5 

5 

1 

9 

5 

23 

2 

7 

2 

32,000.00 

Josephine  Blackstock . . . 
Alvin  L.  Lyons 

1 

1 

2 

1 

1 

6 

3 

16 

3 

4 

17 

6 

47 

2 

10 

3,000.00 

3,000.00 

E L Peterson 

1 

7 

1 

4 

1 

1 

7 

1 

4 

1 

65,000 

193,812 

14,400 

363,886 

33,750 

9,000 

4 

10,000 

3 

1 

William  C.  Ladwig 

H E.  Folgate 

1 

2 

2 

1 

9,600 

1 

3 

12 

927.00 

450.00 

1,273.00 

450.00 

Lola  Robinson 

5 

1 

1 

1 

1 

13 

1 

3 

M.  H Hodge 

1 

1,000 

W.  C.  Redd 

1 

9 

75,606 

66,090 

1 

4 

Robert  F.  Munn 

22 

2 

24 

199,900 

4 

10,193 

9 

1 

222 

221 

222 

1 

2238 

224 

37 

8 

i.  100.00 

8.662.00 

9,762.00 

John  E.  MacWherter . . 

1 

2 

5 

Jeannette  Bollinger. . . . 

1 

1 

20,000 

1 

1 

l 

l 

2 

12 

6 

2 

1 

1 

W.  C.  Noel 

8 

1 

1 

8 

1 

1 

1 

32,080 

310,000 

*13,045 

1 

6 

1 

1 

2 

3,000.00 

3,000.00 

A.  G.  Grosche 

l 

2 

25,000 

2 

1 

1 

Daniel  M . Davis 

1 

1 

250,000 

George  C.  Getgood 

1 

3 

1 

4 

Merle  Wr.  Manley 

l 

l 

l 

4 

4 

1 

6 

4 

4 

1 

4 

13 

4 

11 

15 

1 

2 

38 

3 
7 

4 
1 
1 

8 

14 
4 
4 
1 
4 

9 

23 

4 

11 

15 

1 

2 

38 

3 

10 
7 
1 

2 

374,431 

1 

1 

11,780 

42,000 

11 

1 

28,050 

4,800 

3 

4 
1 
1 
2 
2 

4 

1 

3 

6 

2 

1 

1 

3 

1 

7 

1 

1 

7 

5 
4 
1 
4 

6 

24 
4 

25 
56 

1 

5 

I 

1 

i 

1 

5 

1 

2 
2 

1 

1 

2 

1 

2 
1 

23 

11 

18 

8 

12.700.00 

34,020.00 

James  J.  Crossett 

27,000 

•M.500 

29,805 

7 

1,200.00 

1,200.00 

E.  A.  Brundehler 

Robert  Akers 

5 

6 

1 

37,489 

1 

l 

i 

l 

W'alter  M.  Hall 

6 

14 

2,000 

141,872 

11 

16 

9 

125 

81,546 

47,000 

280,000 

*197,142 

24,063 

4,500 

3727,426 

153,500 

280,000 

68,558 

3 

1 

1 

5,300 

22,000 

10,000 

1 

1 

2 

21 

4 

25 

16 

9 

10 

21 

4 

10 

12,051.00 

2,400.00 

30,000.00 

12,051.00 

5,500.00 

96,000.00 

Eric  E.  Cox 

23 

22,012 

1 

1 

5 

242 

1,000.00 

James  R.  Newcom 

Cecelia  W'eleh  and 

Carrie  A.  Snively 

E.  J.  Unthank 

7 

1 

1 

21 

2 

3 

5 

1 

1 

2 

1 

2 

600.00 

1,100.00 

2 

53,103 

1 

1 

1 

J.  Glen  Bretz 

3 

2 

1 

8 

243,491 

1 

2 

4 

5 

74 

' 2 
16 

’ 6 
6 

990.00 

6,310.00 

4.990.00 

9.910.00 

H.  W.  Middlesworth . . 
S.  Harlan  Vogt 

1 

15,600 

5 

12 

16 

1 

Paul  A.  Hammel 

M abel  Foor  Lutman . . 

1,800 

1 

1 

1,400 

1 

1 

Hardy  R.  Songer 

117 


PLAYGROUND  AND  COMMUNITY 

Footnotes  follo,^ 


STATE  AND 
CITY 


tion 


Recreation  Leadership 
(Not  Including 
Emergency  Workers) 

Expenditures  Last  Fiscal  Year 
(Not  Including  Emergency  Funds) 

•4— 

Paid 

Workers 

Volun- 

teer 

Woikers 

I 

a 

s 

Managing 

Authority 

g 

a 

0) 

a 

No.  Employed  Full 
Time  Year  Round 

S 

a 

s 

a 

o 

Land, 

Buildings, 

Upkeep, 

Supplies 

Salaries  and  Wages 

Total 

a 

*o 

e 

G 

£ 

*o 

6 

55 

o 

o 

Z 

S 

O 

o 

55 

o 

o 

55 

Equipment 

Incidentals 

For 

Leadership 

Other 

Services 

Total 

O 

o 

G 

£ 

i 

174.00 

500.00 

270.00 

770.00 

944.00 

M 

Park  Department  and  W.  P.  A 

10 

1 

10 

2 

3 

800.00 

1,200.00 

600.00 

3,000.00 

4,200.00 

600.00 

5,000.00 

800.00 

M 

2 

25.00 

175.00 

P 

1 

1 

1 

325.00 

1,275.00 

1,275.00 

7,600.00 

330.00 

M 

3 

M 

1,651.20 

1,751.20 

1,751.20 

600.00 

3,402.40 

1,500.00 

1.500.00 

4.069.00 

2.760.00 
1,122.44 

85,403.49 

M 

1 

4 

600.00 

M 

5 

3 

1,200.00 

1,200.00 

1,260.00 

300.00 

1.500.00 

1.200.00 
1,260.00 

899.50 

M 

1 

1 

4 

8 

700.00 

P 

3 

3 

1,000.00 

500.00 

P 

222.94 

899.50 

P 

4 

2 

39,990.48 

26,491.76 

5,000.00 

13,921.25 

18,921.25 

M 

1 

1 

2 

P 

Town  Board  and  W.  P.  A 

1 

M 

1 

275.00 

840.00 

600.00 

600.00 

1,715.00 

31,000.00 

2,000.00 

4,000.00 

3,033.83 

M&P 

3 

1 

4 

12,000.00 

8,000.00 

11,000.00 

19,000.00 

P 

M 

Public  Park  Board  and  City  Council. . . 

1 

100.00 

400.00 

400.00 

M 

1 

8 

150.00 

150.00 

M 

3 

4 

4 

15 

28 

200.00 

1,562.02 

4,914.00 

975.25 

5,889.25 

6,000.00 

7,651.27 

M 

■J  Department  of  Parks  and  Public  Prop- 

3 

2 

8,487.00 

M 

M 

3 

1 

1 

600.00 

3,800.00 

2,000.00 

5,200.00 

7,200.00 

3,794.50 

23,676.39 

11,600.00 

M 

9 

6 

4,205.50 

3,794.50 

8,000.00 

M 

3,212.97 

6.243.59 

23,676.39 

33,132.95 

M 

Park  Commission,  Fire  Department 

2 

M&P 

f Playground  and  Recreation  Commission 

24 

22 

3 

16,973.00 

35,260.76 

M 

8,267.27 

6,702.30 

20,291.19 

425.00 

20,291.19 

5,925.00 

M 

15 

12 

1 

6 

2 

5,654.00 

5,500.00 

11,579.00 

50.00 

M 

3 

2 

50.00 

M 

2 

175.00 

705.00 

880.00 

M 

1 

50.00 

150.00 

100.00 

250.00 

300.00 

P 

1 

1 

4 

10 

1,065.00 

459.42 

945.00 

945.00 

2,469.42 

P 

1 

160.00 

160.00 

160.00 

M 

Y.  M.C.  A.  andY.  W.  C.  A 

2 

1 

10 

8 

1,000.00 

P 

5 

1 

2,000.00 

M 

1 

200.00 

25.00 

225.00 

225.00 

P 

36 

31 

2 

3,423.56 

9,692.40 

2,927.25 

300.00 

12,619.65 

16,043.21 

M 

6 

5 

8 

8 

1,000.00 

2,200.00 

2,500.00 

3,500.00 

M 

1 

1 

1*3 

1 

25600.00 

M 

100.45 

228.00 

228.00 

328.45 

M 

Department  of  Streets,  Parks  and  Rec- 

5 

1,750.00 

7,146.00 

2,250.00 

150.00 

2,400.00 

11,296.00 

M 

City  Commission  and  School  Board .... 

2 

3 

1 

600.00 

M 

7,000.00 

1,000.00 

2,000.00 

476.02 

2,000.00 

10,000.00 

M 

19 

20 

8 

10 

635.94 

4', 217.25 

4,693.27 

15,000.00 

5,329.21 

M 

6 

4 

15,000.00 

2730, 000.00 

M 

1 

200.00 

200.00 

260.00 

M&P 

4 

3 

2 

3 

100.00 

190.00 

50.00 

240.00 

340.00 

P 

Division  of  Recreation,  County  Depart- 

1 

1 

322.01 

1,668.67 

270.75 

1,939.42 

2,261.43 

M 

Playground  and  Recreation  Department 
Division  of  Recreation,  Department  ol 
Welfare  and  Board  of  Park  Commis- 

19 

10 

2 

12,423.42 

1,882.00 

14,279.45 

5.990.00 

46,076.50 

1.710.00 
300.00 

5,990.00 

46,076.50 

20,295.42 

M 

26 

1 

20 

26 

24 

20 

260,355.95 

M 

Playground  Committee,  Community 

10 

1 

200.00 

1,710.00 

1,910.00 

M 

Community  Work  Committee, 

Y.  M C A.  

2 

107.36 

71.58 

371.58 

478.94 

P 

Playground  Comrades  International . . . 

1 

20 

65.00 

65.00 

P 

300.00 

200.00 

500.00 

P 

1 

1 

1 

3 

10,359.40 

21.21 

1,500.00 

1,500.00 

11,880.61 

M&P 

1 

1 

3 

300.00 

1,800.00 

1,800.00 

2,369.68 

M 

f Playground  Community  Service  Com- 

5 

18 

23 

20,000.00 

4,005.31 

19,725.04 

19,725.04 

43,730.35 

M&P 

M&P 

1 

18,431.69 

M 

2 

1 

35 

35 

67.37 

224.68 

648.31 

648.31 

940.36 

P 

Playground  Comrades  International . . . 

1 

1 

3 

100.00 

400.00 

500.00 

500.00 

P 

2 

1 

1 

916.00 

758.00 

2,000.00 

4,000.00 

6,000.00 

7,674.00 

M 

1 

3 

3 

500.00 

300.00 

300.00 

800  00 

M 

Planning  Board 

309.42 

390.58 

390.58 

700.00 

M 

1 

Michigan  City 

30,000 

2 

Mishawaka 

29,000 

3 

Mitchell 

3,260 

4 

Muncie 

45,000 

5 

New  Haven 

1,710 

6 

Pendleton 

1,538 

7 

Plymouth 

5,500 

8 

Richmond 

30,000 

9 

Seymour 

7,508 

10 

Shelby  ville 

10,860 

11 

South  Bend 

104,000 

12 

Speed 

600 

13 

Summitville 

1,000 

14 

Wabash 

8,895 

15 

Whiting 

20,000 

Iowa 

16 

Algona 

4,000 

17 

Boone 

11,886 

18 

Cedar  Rapids 

58,500 

19 

Clinton 

27,265 

20 

Council  Bluffs 

42,048 

21 

60,751 

22 

Denison 

4,000 

23 

Des  Moines 

146,000 

24 

Dubuque 

41,238 

25 

Duncombe 

400 

26 

Estherville 

5,200 

27 

Grinnell 

5,000 

28 

15,342 

29 

4,600 

30 

Mason  City 

23.000 

31 

Ottumwa 

30,000 

32 

Sioux  City 

79,183 

33 

Waterloo 

46.000 

Kansas 

34 

Arkansas  City .... 

12,756 

35 

2,070 

36 

Kansas  City 

120,000 

37 

Manhattan 

10,537 

38 

Newton 

12,000 

39 

Topeka 

65.00C 

40 

Wichita 

114,000 

Kentucky 

41 

Bardstown 

3,000 

42 

Berea 

3,000 

43 

Jefferson  County28. 

355,350 

44 

Lexington 

45,736 

45 

Louisville 

320,000 

46 

Newport 

30,000 

47 

Russel! 

2,400 

Louisiana 

48 

Alexandria 

35,000 

49 

Donaldsonville .... 

4,000 

50 

Lafayette 

16,500 

51 

Monroe 

26,028 

52 

New  Orleans 

500.000 

53 

3,875 

54 

85,000 

Maine 

55 

Augusta 

18.00C 

56 

Belfast 

5.00< 

118 


ECREATION  STATISTICS  FOR  1933 

lie  table 


Playgrounds 

Under 

Leadership 

Recreation 

Buildings 

Indoor 

*- 

J 

E 

a 

15 

M 

a 

Emergency  Service 

Centers 

M 

£ 

ji 

s 

s 

a 

£ 

£ 

Paid 

Leadership 

Expenditures 

>* 

"5 

a 

1 

s 

cc 

t- 

© 

a 

a 

u.-0 

1 Athletic  Fields,  Number 

a 

a 

o 

E 

s 

53 

8 

£ 

*c 

K 

c 

w 

oo 

t-T 

§ 

•a 

a 

§ 

3 

"a 

C 

a 

S 

a 

M 

E 

a 

£ 

a 

a 

i 

Em- 

ployed 

Full 

Time 

Land, 

Buildings, 

Permanent 

Equipment 

Source  of  * 
Information 

Year  Round 

Summer  Only 

o 

3 

■§ 

& 

•a 

O 

•8 

fc 

£ 

02 

Total 

Total  Yearly  t 
Seasonal  Attci 

Number 

Total  Yearly 
or  Seasonal 
Attendance 

1 Number 

Total  Yearly 
or  Seasonal 
Attendance 

E 

a 

5 

1 

« 

1 

« 

bC 

a 

3 

"3 

« 

8 

£ 

s 

o 

O 

p 

U 

8 

£ 

g 

O 

o 

£ 

bC 

a 

a 

a 

5 

GO 

§ 

P* 

sc 

C 

a 

= 

'5 

CO 

■g 

a 

c 

O 

a 

a 

£ 

& 

1 

b£ 

.£ 

03 

£ 

Number  of  M( 

*o 

1 

a 

a 

55 

No.  of  Men  I 

No.  of  Women] 

Leader- 

ship 

Total 

No.  of  City 

1 ... 

1 

1 

16,000 

i 

6 

Edward  L.  McComb. . . . 

i 

2 ... 

7 

7 

100,000 

i 

72,000 

2 

1 

6 

11 

g 

11 

8 

30,000.00 

15,000.00 

51,000.00 

2 

3 . . . 

2 

2 

6,200 

2 

600 

3 

4 3 

3 

14 

8 

28 

*164,561 

15 

4 

2 

2 

1 

3 

17 

7 

8,000.00 

4,500.00 

12,500.00 

4 

5 ... 

1 

1 

1 

1 

5 

6 ... 

1 

2 

1 

1 

.1.  H.  Walker 

6 

1 7 ... 

1 

1 

10,000 

2 

4 

1 

500.00 

576.00 

500.00 

576.00 

7 

8 . . . 

6 

6 

48,068 

2 

3 

3 

5 

8 

i 

22,000 

1 

4 

Julia  Wrenn  Partner 

4 

2 

6 

15,000 

i 

1 

1 

i 

6 

9 

1 

10 

ii  i 

8 

9 

304,434 

2 

108,140 

8 

1 

1 

1 

1 

28 

5 

6 

4 

6 

4 

40,000  00 

3,000.00 

58,000.00 

11 

12  1 
13  ... 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

2 

2 

12 

1 

1 

1 

6 

1,000.00 

1,000.00 

1.362.00 

6.500.00 

W.P.A 

W O.  Mills 

13 

14  \ . . 

1 

38,000 

760.00 

14 

15  ... 

6 

1 

7 

90,000 

1 

300,000 

1 

16,888 

1 

2 

1 

10 

12 

7 

8 

6 

6,500.00 

John  Sharp  and 

15 

a . . . 

i 

16  ... 

1 

1 

5,000 

1 

1 

4 

1 

16 

17  ... 

7 

7 

7,765 

1 

1 

4 

1 

4 

3 

17 

18  .. . 

8 

8 

97,378 

20 

22,110 

2 

3 

23 

36 

7,804.00 

16,592.50 

500.00 

18 

a . . . 

2 

i 

1 

10 

3 

a 

19  ... 

2 

2 

1 

12 

1 

1 

19 

20  . . . 

7 

7 

*18,486 

261,081 

1 

i 

1 

4 

8 

8 

3,000.00 

1,500.00 

4,500.00 

20 

21  . . . 

3 

3 

1 

1 

7 

2 

21 

2 

2 

6 

3 

a 

22  ... 
’3  ... 

1 

1 

2 

*4,500 

*361,567 

1 

900 

1 

2 

1 

3 

22 

26 

26 

3 

15,288 

9 

5,623 

i 

i 

2 

1 

10 

17 

14,923.64 

14,923.64 

23 

18 

2 

1 

47 

12 

a 

10 

4 

14 

108,232 

3,500 

2 

33,000 

3 

86,976 

1 

2 

i 

36 

12 

36 

12 

12,210.52 

14,390.97 

24 

1 

1 

1 

1 

25 

1 

4 

26 

1 

4 

1 

1 

8 

27 

2 

3 

5 

13,343 

8,500 

48,425 

2 

9 

7 

376.35 

376.35 

Margaret  Mulholland. . . 

28 

3 

3 

1 

1 

2 

3 

3 

298.50 

298.50 

29 

5 

5 

2 

2 

2 

30 

1 

1 

4 

1 

31 

4 

4 

65,000 

385,394 

68,243 

4 

3 

3 

5 

3 

1,000.00 

1,000  00 

3.000. 00 

2.000. 00 

Edwin  Manning 

a 

19 

19 

10 

10,190 

1 

2 

9 

9 

24 

3,000.00 

32 

33  ... 

7 

7 

5 

3 

i 

221 

221 

11 

2 

4 

33 

34  ... 

1 

1 

4 

2 

34 

35  ... 

1 

35 

36  6 

18 

24 

**109,000 

5 

10,800 

9 

250,200 

2 

12 

5 

52 

2 

59 

38 

60,860.00 

85,964.00 

36 

37  ... 

4 

1 

5 

1 

37 

38  . . . 

3 

3 

27,000 

279,380 

456,536 

15,300 

9,000 

4 

6 

3,000 

2 

1 

i 

1 

4 

1 

5 

5 

1,000.00 

810.00 

38 

39  ..  . 

17 

17 

2 

1 

24 

4 

24 

8 

39 

40  . . . 

9 

9 

2 

19,000 

4 

1 

5 

12 

40 

41  ... 

2 

2 

1 

i 

2 

i 

4 

1 

2 

2 

210.00 

210.00 

41 

42  ... 

2 

2 

1 

7 

8,100 

53,000 

7,200 

112,804 

4 

2 

300.00 

Forest  E.  Wyatt 

42 

43  ... 

7 

7 

18 

10 

4,867.15 

5.017.15 

Alma  W Griffin  and 

43 

44  ... 

6 

2 

8 

22 

9 

299,603 

910,602 

*30.500 

30,304 

*10,000 

•> 

16,725 

203,236 

1 

1 

10 

1 

2,600.00 

2,600.00 

Lucile  S France 

44 

45  4 

18 

29 

35 

1 

2 

1 

] 

74 

14 

2 

3 

45 

46  ..  . 

9 

9 

9 

1 

Mrs.  E.  C.  Wendt 

46 

47  . . . 

1 

1 

2 

] 

1 

4 

4 

W.  W.  Tenney 

47 

48  . . . 

5 

i 

22! 

8 

1 

W.  E.  Brown  

48 

49  . . . 

1 

H.  F.  Vulliamy 

49 

50  ... 

10 

10 

64,599 

24,000 

1,000,000 

2 

2,700 

6,300 

1 

10 

14 

41,384.27 

1,832.62 

43,216.89 

Harry  A Wuelser 

50 

51  ... 

6 

6 

17 

i 

4 

9 

4 

9 

400.00 

2.300.00 

2.700.00 

Lucyle  Godwin 

51 

52  17 

55,955 

6 

1 

6 

10 

1C 

10 

10 

65,000.00 

7,200.00 

72,200.00 

Lawrence  di  Benedetto. 

52 

2 

2 

24 

1 

Mrs.  L.  W.  Griffis 

a 

b . . . 

1 

23 

J.  A.  Hayes 

b 

14 

1 

14 
1 

15 
1 

87,500 

5,000 

0 

53  . 

i 

1 

W.E.  Brown 

53 

54  . . 

15 

i 

2 

1 

22 

27 

16 

4,000.00 

4,000.66 

WT.  A.  Robinson,  Jr 

54 

55 

1 

9,800 

2 

9 

1 

500.00 

Samuel  McCall 

55 

66  . . . 

i 

i 

Harrie  D.  Eckler 

56 

119 


PLAYGROUND 


AND  COMMUNITY 

Footnotes  follow 


ST^TE  AND 
CITY 


Popula- 

tion 


Managing 

Authority 


Recreation  Leadership 
(Not  Including 
Emergency  Workers) 

Expenditures  Last  Fiscal  Year 

-t— 

Paid 

Workers 

Volun- 

teer 

Wot  kers 

(Not  Including  Emergency  Funds) 

o 

Q. 

o. 

3 

cs 

© 

a 

a 

£ 

o 

o 

Jz; 

Li.  C 

■og 

o *- 
75,  * 

a 

<v 

a 

o 

6 

53 

Land, 

Buildings, 

Permanent 

Upkeep, 

Supplies 

Salaries  and  Wages 

Total 

•1 

a 

as 

a 

£ 

>» 

o 

o 

a x 

W 0) 
o.§ 

o 

o 

Equipment 

Incidentals 

For 

Leadership 

Other 

Services 

Total 

o 

§ 

£ 

5 

o 

o 

i 

3 

3 

45.00 

200.00 

200.00 

245.00 

p 

i 

5 

18 

i 

3,944.50 

100.00 

4,911.17 

500.00 

4,223.34 

100.00 

9,134.51 

13,079.01 

1,000.00 

M 

2 

2 

1 

300.00 

600.00 

M 

3 

2 

i 

6 

2 

2,155.79 

44,407.30 

2,966.74 

144.00 

3,110.74 

5,266.53 

131,976.39 

204,836.21 

850.00 

P 

4 

106 

145 

24 

1 

87,569.09 

S,  C, 
M&P 
M 

5 

3 

5 

150.00 

700.00 

700.00 

M&P 

6 

3 

50.00 

300.00 

300.09 

350.00 

M&P 

7 

7 

6 

1,161.48 

1,734.29 

200.00 

2,308.72 

4,043.01 

5,204.49 

M 

8 

2 

200.00 

200.00 

P 

9 

23 

1 

15 

1 

7,515.00 

754.50 

7,198.00 

410.50 

3,450.00 

10,648.00 

18,163.00 

M 

10 

410.50 

1,165.00 

M 

11 

75 

150 

12,000.00 

28,500.00 

20,100.00 

48,600.00 

60,600.00 

M 

12 

18 

1 

12 

30 

28,151.64 

29602, 903.27 

M 

a 

2 

3 

12,880.61 

11,595.00 

11,595.00 

24,475.61 

P 

b 

50,000.00 

195,000.00 

M 

c 

10 

11 

5,129.17 

6,511.25 

6,511.25 

11,640.42 

M 

13 

16,000.00 

M 

a 

9 

13 

1 

10 

5,237.49 

1,659.08 

19,455.61 

14,694.05 

34,149.63 

39,387.15 

M 

14 

10 

1 

5 

10,425.00 

17,799.26 

1,716.00 

19,515.26 

31,599.34 

M 

15 

4 

1,100X0 

800.00 

1,800.00 

2,600.00 

3,700.00 

M 

16 

4 

3 

1 

3 

4 

4,568.51 

P 

17 

1 

1 

1 

2 

P 

18 

9 

1,117.00 

1,200.00 

4,200.00 

5,400.00 

6,517.00 

M 

19 

6 

10,000.00 

18,483.00 

M 

a 

2 

2 

369.00 

369.00 

2,069.00 

M 

20 

1 

1 

600.00 

300.00 

2,100.00 

592.80 

2,400.00 

3,000.00 

M 

21 

9 

8 

1 

5,326.72 

3,692.08 

3,702.25 

4,295.05 

13,313.85 

M 

22 

4 

8 

1,000.00 

1,600.00 

1,200.00 

2,500.00 

3,700.00 

6,300.00 

M 

23 

1 

6 

6 

6,424.23 

1,950.00 

2,004.41 

3,954.4 1 

10,378.64 

P 

a 

5 

4 

708.98 

1,493.00 

2,005.07 

3,498.07 

4,207.05 

M 

24 

4 

11 

725.00 

1,025.00 

750.00 

1,775.00 

2,500.00 

M 

25 

20 

33 

657.89 

2,934.51 

8,450.90 

5,799.74 

14,249.74 

17,842.14 

M 

26 

19 

4 

18 

6 

1 

10 

14 

1.500.00 

1.904.00 
100.00 

2,800.00 

2,000.00 

1.327.14 

7,769.96 

1,430.25 

3,470.04 

11,240.00 

1,430.25 

15,540.00 

5,334.25 

M 

M 

27 

28 

1 

500.00 

17,605.75 

18,105.75 

19,532.89 

M 

29 

7 

2 

2 

1 

2 

7,500.00 

4,100.00 

4,100.00 

11,600.00 

M&P 

30 

M 

31 

2 

2 

7,934.00 

30,735.33 

226.30 

396.00 

396.00 

8,330.00 

M 

32 

2 

2 

47.00 

178.00 

600.00 

778.00 

31,560.33 

P 

33 

5 

9 

132.70 

1,341.00 

603.00 

1,341.00 

1,700.00 

M 

34 

1 

2 

2,904.14 

132.15 

603.00 

3,639.29 

M 

35 

3 

1 

10 

580-00 

770.00 

1,250.00 

2,020.00 

2,600.00 

M 

36 

1 

1 

59.10 

376.45 

427.50 

19.00 

449.50 

882.05 

M 

37 

1 

55.82 

545.54 

73.60 

73.60 

674.96 

P 

a 

600.00 

P 

38 

60 

58 

20,046.95 

23,669.13 

270.00 

31,000.00 

30,721.95 

61,721.95 

105,438.03 

M 

39 

4 

i 

1526 

2,377.95 

422.39 

2,800.34 

3,070.34 

P 

a 

1 

6,000.00 

60.00 

9,000.00 

15,000.00 

P 

40 

3 

2 

540.00 

540.00 

600.00 

P 

41 

2,256.35 

400.00 

7,852.45 

5,042.70 

15,151.50 

M 

42 

10 

8 

1 

2,124.00 

500.00 

8,434.00 

8,434.00 

10,958.00 

M 

43 

2 

1,500.00 

300.00 

300.00 

600.00 

2,600.00 

M&P 

44 

17 

29 

i 

15,000.00 

57,700.00 

72,700.00 

72,700.0( 

M 

45 

2 

4,243.00 

635.00 

785.00 

79.00 

864.00 

5,742.04 

M 

46 

5 

2 

1 

440.00 

1,185.74 

2,309.00 

1,800.00 

4, 109.0C 

5,734.74 

M 

47 

2 

4 

200.00 

650.00 

650.00 

850.0C 

M 

48 

M 

49 

3 

5 

5 

4 

i 

13 

125.07 

1,032.60 

106.12 

2,211.53 

633.00 

347.80 

2,559.33 

633.00 

3,717.00 

739.12 

P 

M 

50 

51 

1 

829.15 

5,380.16 

4,766.52 

25,012.63 

31,221.94 

M 

52 

23 

a 

1,000.00 

5,155.62 

12,200.00 

17,355.62 

23,122.14 

M 

53 

51 

2 

300.00 

4,850.00 

4,850.00 

5,150.04 

M&P 

54 

3 

1 

750.00 

150.00 

400.00 

400.00 

1,300.00 

M 

55 

M 

56 

2 

7 

2 

150.00 

2,287.45 

2,167.00 

1,336.45 

3,503.45 

5,940.91 

P 

57 

1 

1 

4 

4 

4,500.01 

M 

58 

22 

119 

7 

100 

2 

81 

20 

5 

6,748.00 

486.35 

55,632.94 

7,215.46 

174,495.00 

2,735.40 

106,015.00 

9,950.86 

280,510.00 

17,185.21 
31336, 142.94 

M 

M 

59 

60 

8 

3 

65,125.00 

15,860.00 

133,900.00 

149,760.04 

214,885.01 

M 

a 

2 

1 

50.00 

400.00 

400.00 

450.01 

M&P 

61 

1 

50.0C 

20.00 

240.00 

240.00 

310.0C 

M 

62 

10 

27 

1 

500.00 

3,000.00 

3,000.00 

3,500.01 

M 

63 

22 

1 

7 

1,288.50 

24,062.58 

13,116.33 

53,413.92 

66,530.25 

91,881.3; 

M 

64 

1 

1 

1,160.00 

4,875.00 

1,835.00 

6,710.01 

7,870.00 

M&P 

a 

2 

2,048.00 

74.312.00 

76,360.00 

1 M 

65 

i 

Derby 

500 

2 

Portland 

75,000 

3 

Sanford 

15,000 

4 

Westbrook 

10,080 

Maryland 

5 

Baltimore 

848,196 

6 

Frederick 

15,500 

Massachusetts 

7 

Amherst 

6,472 

8 

Arlington 

38,539 

9 

Athol 

10,000 

10 

Belmont 

22,000 

11 

Beverlv 

25,086 

12 

Boston 

781,188 

13 

Brockton 

62,160 

14 

Brookline 

52,000 

15 

Cambridge 

125,000 

16 

Danvers 

13,000 

17 

Dedham 

15,000 

18 

East  Milton 

5,400 

10 

Everett 

48,000 

20 

Fairhaven 

10,700 

21 

Falmouth31 

6,500 

22 

Fitchburg 

40,692 

23 

Framingham. . .'. . . 

23,166 

24 

Gardner 

20,000 

25 

Greenfield 

15,500 

26 

Holyoke 

56,139 

27 

Lawrence 

86,156 

28 

Lexington 

10.800 

29 

Lowell 

101,820 

30 

Ludlow 

8,000 

31 

Medford 

61.135 

32 

Methuen 

21,000 

33 

Middleboro 

9,000 

34 

Milford 

15,000 

35 

Milton 

18,000 

36 

Montague 

8,000 

37 

Needham 

12,000 

38 

New  Bedford  

120,000 

39 

Newton 

66,000 

40 

Northampton 

25,000 

41 

North  Attleboro. . . 

10,135 

42 

Norwood 

15,049 

43 

Salem 

43,353 

44 

Spencer 

6,428 

45 

Springfield 

150,000 

46 

Stoneham 

10,081 

47 

Taunton 

38,000 

48 

Wakefield 

16,500 

49 

Walpole 

7,449 

50 

West  Newton 

10,005 

51 

West  Springfield  . . 

17,500 

52 

197,000 

Michigan 

53 

Ann  Arbor 

26,944 

54 

Battle  Creek 

43,573 

55 

Bay  City 

50,000 

56 

Bergland 

800 

57 

Caspian 

1,888 

5£ 

Cold  water 

7,000 

59 

Dearborn 

60,000 

60 

Detroit 

1,759,770 

61 

Dowagiac 

6,000 

62 

Eau  Claire 

435 

63 

Ferndale 

22,000 

64 

Flint 

160,000 

65 

Grand  Rapids 

168,592 

tion,  Inc . 


( Playground  Athletic  League . 


Commission . 


Bath  and  Playground 


/Park  Commission. 


/Playground  Commission 

i Stearns  School  Centre 

Frank  Newhall  Look  Memorial  Park 

Commission 

Playground  Association 

Board  of  Selectmen 

Board  of  Park  Commissioners. . . 
Selectmen,  Park  Commissioners  and 

Board  of  Education 

Recreation  Division,  Park  Department 

Park  Department 

Park  Commission 

Recreation  Commission 

Department  of  Public  Works 

Community  Centre  Inc.32 

Playground  Commission 

Parks  and  Recreation  Commission .... 


Civic  Recreational  Association . . 

Recreational  Council 

School  Board 

Community  Center 

Board  of  Education 

Recreation  Department 

/Department  of  Recreation 

/Department  of  Parks  and  Boulevards . 

School  Board 

School  Board 

Board  of  Education 

/Department  of  Parks  and  Recreation 


Education  and  Park  Department.... 


120 


I RECREATIOX  STATISTICS  FOR  1935 

the  table 


I No.  of  City 

Playgrounds 

Under 

Leadership 

Recreation 

Buildings 

Indoor 

Recreation 

Centers 

Athletic  Fields,  Number 

Baseball  Diamonds,  Number 

Bathing  Beaches,  Number 

Golf  Courses,  9-Hole,  Number 

Golf  Courses,  18-Hole,  Number  ' 

Swimming  Pools  Indoor,  Number  | 

Swimming  Pools  Outdoor,  Number 

Tennis  Courts,  Number 

Wading  Pools,  Number 

Emergency  Service 

Source  of 
Information 

>» 

3 

o 

o 

Z 

Paid 

Leadership 

Expenditures 

| Year  Round 

Summer  Only 

School  Year  Only 

c 

c 

s 

03 

0 
•a 

1 

E 

9 

02 

13 

o 

E- 

Total  Yearly  or 
Seasonal  Attendance 

M 

a 

£ 

Total  Yearly 
or  Seasonal 
Attendance 

£ 

S 

P 

Total  Yearly 
or  Seasonal 
Attendance 

Number  of  Men 

g 

a 

Em- 

ployed 

Full 

Time 

Land, 

Buildings, 

-’ermanent 

Equipment 

Leader- 

ship 

Total 

ts 

"3 

u 

£ 

a 

3 

No.  of  Men 

No.  of  Women  | 

1 

1 

1 

i 

34,750 

1 

1 

1 

1 

2 

i 

1 

1 

2 

11 

ii 

3245,000 

9 

1 

10 

i 

12,400.84 

O R Tipfi 

2 

3 

1 

i 

20,000! 

1 

1 

2 

i 

2,500.00 

2,500.00 

3 

4 

1 

i 

14,850 

1 

27,000 

1 

1 

6 

4 

5 

1 

56 

35 

92 

3729,984 

3 

145,463 

302 

1,637,170 

29 

23 

19 

14 

31,174.57 

31,174.57 

Miss  L K.  Miller 

5 

a 

7 

27 

1 

2 

3 

7 

104 

J V Kelly 

6 

6 

6 

61,312 

5 

3 

5 

2 

6 

7 

1 

1 

2,340 

7 

& 

10 

10 

345,485 

3 

16,800 

1 

1 

5 

1 

1 

623.13 

623.13 

8 

9 

1 

1 

38,400 

221 

9 

10 

7 

7 

6 

6 

1 

19 

10 

11 

8 

8 

40,000 

1 

8 

5 

30 

8 

4,591.00 

4,591.00 

11 

12 

14 

590,000 

12 

61 

61 

11 

235,000 

108 

9 

2 

2 

1 

100 

1 

100 

60 

100 

60 

b 

26 

116 

96 

122,954.63 

122  004.68 

b 

12 

18 

2 

1 

12 

225,000.00 

225,000.00 

13 

11 

11 

339,600 

9 

4 

13 

1 

14 

1 

10 

i 

12 

110,262 

1 

62,149 

13 

13 

1 

2 

3 

2 

3 

14 

15 

5 

10 

15 

500,000 

3 

6 

7 

2 

1 

5 

3 

45 

13 

91,942.00 

8,798.00 

107,976.00 

15 

16 

3 

3 

315,000 

4 

5 

2 

2 

8 

2 

... 

16 

17 

1 

1 

316,862 

1 

1 

2,800 

1 

1 

1 

1 

2 

2 

196.00 

196.00 

17 

18 

1 

1 

1 

109,070 

1 

2 

1 

1 

5 

18 

19 

9 

9 

352,932 

2 

19 

3 

9 

12 

1 

5,200 

5 

10,000 

2 

6 

1 

12 

25 

25 

25 

25 

86,000.00 

a 

20 

4 

4 

23,760 

2 

3 

5 

20 

21 

1 

4 

5 

15,000 

1 

4 

2,200 

1 

4 

11 

11 

3 

11 

3 

3,000.00 

5,646.00 

21 

22 

10 

10 

305,439 

5 

23,360 

1 

5 

3 

1 

18 

2 

18 

2 

20^277.36 

22 

23 

5 

5 

30,000 

1 

3,000 

5 

4 

6 

4 

4 

25 

5 

15,000.00 

8,903.86 

23’903.86 

23 

1 

4 

100.00 

100.00 

a 

24 

4 

4 

334,980 

1 

5 

6 

9,368.51 

9,368.51 

24 

25 

8 

8 

2 

6 

LOOO.OO 

25 

26 

12 

12 

3 157,083 

1 

9 

1 

3 

7 

2 

26 

27 

8 

8 

3124,800 

1 

10 

2 

8 

1 

27 

28 

3 

3 

340,000 

2 

3 

] 

12 

1 

1 

9,000.00 

247.50 

9,247.50 

28 

29 

15 

15 

64,730 

3 

16 

1 

33 

5 

58 

30 

58 

30 

361000.00 

18,761.15 

54^849.28 

29 

30 

2 

2 

1 

1,200 

2 

1 

] 

30 

31 

7 

1 

3 

31 

32 

4 

4 

76,800 

1 

23,300 

3 

2 

23 

22 

1,000.00 

14,000.00 

15,000.00 

32 

33 

1 

1 

17,020 

1 

1 

3 

9 

70,610.10 

1,189.60 

71,799.70 

33 

34 

4 

4 

320,000 

3 

1 

1 

5 

34 

35 

2 

2 

39,000 

1 

2 

8 

1 

4,377.60 

108.00 

4,485.60 

John  L.  Kelly 

35 

36 

1 

1 

25,000 

1 

1 

2 

1 

1 

600.00 

200.00 

800.00 

36 

37 

2 

2 

39,900 

1 

1 

9 

4 

1,369.60 

1,369.60 

37 

1 

11 

3 

2,600.00 

3,053.20 

a 

38 

11 

11 

* 168.000 

12 

11 

2 

28 

29 

6,751.10 

6,751.10 

38 

39 

23 

4 

27 

742,000 

6 

35,500 

3 

22,500 

2 

13 

4 

39 

3 

3 

1 

39 

1 

2 

Helen  I.  Saudstrom 

a 

40 

1 

1 

15,000 

i 

2 

1 

1 

3 

4 

30,000.00 

1,200.00 

31,200.00 

M.  Foss  Nnruui 

40 

41 

2 

2 

20j00b 

1 

8,000 

3 

3 

14,000.00 

14,000.00 

41 

42 

6 

6 

2 

2 

2 

6,515.17 

W.  C.  Kendrick 

42 

43 

11 

11 

3102,808 

3 

14 

3 

1 

3 

5 

1 

40 

20 

9,497.80 

9,497.80 

Daniel  J.  Phalen 

43 

44 

1 

1 

2 

15,000 

1 

1 

1.800.00 

1,800.00 

William  A.  Thibault. . . . 

44 

45 

8 

41 

49 

2,500,000 

1 

63,744 

9 

1 

562,766 

16 

1 

2 

3 

50 

70 

50 

48 

37 

3,782.00 

125,459.83 

147,665.83 

45 

46 

1 

4 

5 

73,000 

3,987 

3 

16 

10 

4,500.00 

7,300.00 

Percival  H.  Wardwell. . . 

46 

47 

8 

g 

150,000 

3 

72,000 

0 

17,280 

6 

6 

1 

4 

2 

62 

13 

756.00 

13,500.00 

25,648.00 

Louis  O.  Godfrey 

47 

48 

5 

5 

27,500 

5 

4 

2 

3 

1,500.00 

Eugene  J.  Sullivan 

48 

49 

1 

49 

50 

1 

M 15,780 

9 

Gertrude  MacCallum . . . 

50 

51 

4 

4 

21,275 

Ralph  B.  Pillsbury 

51 

52 

9 

9 

s76,500 

3 

14 

20 

7 

1 

31 

t 

32 

12 

32 

12 

13,464.06 

13,464.06 

John  J.  Nugent 

52 

53 

4 

6 

? 

l9 

103  408 

7 

6 626 

1 

2 

1 

1 

14 

1 

21 

18 

2,340.00 

21,008.45 

L.  H.  Hollway 

53 

54 

7 

7 

59,345 

15 

135^622 

2 

12 

1 

2 

? 

1 

? 

22 

15 

84,600.00 

11,275.00 

97,875.00 

A R.  Flannary 

54 

55 

15 

15 

1 

365,000 

1 

5 

2 

8 

13 

1? 

2,400.00 

2,400.00 

H.  D.  Royal 

55 

56 

i 

4,000 

3 

1 

2 

G.  C.  Johnson 

56 

57 

1 

1 

318,000 

1 

80  000 

Mrs.  Walter  M.  Berry. . 

57 

58 

4 

? 

1 5 non 

? 

t 

1 

John  T.  Symons 

58 

59 

i 

9 

10 

*54,640 

10 

40|000 

8 

4 

15 

6 

14 

10,000.00 

2,320.00 

14,509.00 

Henry  D.  Schubert 

59 

60 

52 

35 

87 

124 

16 

42 

10 

141 

11 

80 

88 

80 

88 

55,630.06 

479,650.76 

60 

4 

Henry  W.  Busch 

a 

61 

3 

3 

4 

5 

2 

480.00 

480.00 

0.  C.  Morningstar 

61 

62 

1 

3 000 

240.00 

240.06 

Fred  Strong 

62 

63 

50,755 

4 

11 

15 

2,730.00 

2.730.00 

Richard  R.  Rowley 

63 

64 

12 

226,831 

2C 

] 

2 

64 

William  W.  Norton 

a 

65 

17 

16 

28 

3840.324 



32 

104.00C 

1( 

.. 

3C 

3 

101 

o5 

71 

23 

33.480.00 

33,480.00 

A.  W Thompson 

65 

121 


PLAYGROUND  AND  COMMUNITY 

Footnotes  follow 


Recreation  Leadership 
(Not  Including 
Emergency  Workers) 

Expenditures  Last  Fiscal  Year 

•*— 

Paid 

Workers 

Volun- 

teer 

Woikers 

(Not  Including  Emergency  Funds) 

1 

o, 

3 

STATE  AND 
CITY 

Popula- 

tion 

Managing 

Authority 

a 

3 

No.  of  Women 

C 

"3  6 
O t- 

75,  9 

g 

No.  of  Women 

Land, 

Buildings, 

Permanent 

Upkeep, 

Supplies 

Salaries  and  Wages 

Total 

G 

cJ 

G 

fe 

• 

*o 

o 

53 

W qj 

ej 

ZH 

© 

o 

53 

Equipment 

Incidentals 

For 

Leadership 

Other 

Services 

Total 

O 

© 

E 

1 

1 

2 

Mich. — Cont. 

Grosse  Pointe 

Grosse  Pointe  Park 

22,000 

13,000 

5 

5 

2 

2 

1,200.00 

9,412.60 

80.00 

533.54 

1,280.00 

9,946.14 

1,280.00 

17,221.96 

M 

P 

M 

1 

a 

9 

\Mutual  Aid  and  Neighborhood  Club.. 

7 

3 

1 

7,275.82 

3 

Gwinn 

1,500 

Cleveland-Cliffs  Iron  Company  and 

1 

1 

92.64 

961.95 

1,620.00 

1,430.00 

3,050.00 

4,104.59 

P 

4 

Hamtramck 

49,888 

Department  of  Recreation,  Board  of  Ed- 

35 

1C 

3 

2,000.00 

1,845.01 

10,895.65 

10,895.65 

14,740.66 

M 

1 

5 

Hancock 

6,000 

M 

41 

Harbor  Beach 

2,000 

1 

1 

2,190.00 

690.00 

25.00 

715.00 

2 905  on 

M 

7 

Highland  Park 

52,000 

9 

2 

4 

3|500.00 

1,640.00 

9,729.20 

4,448.30 

14,177.50 

1 Q 2 1 7 50 

M 

7 

8 

Holland 

15,000 

1 

375.00 

275.00 

150.00 

425.00 

M 

g 

9 

Houghton 

4,000 

1 

1,051.87 

M 

9 

30 

Jackson 

55,000 

4 

5 

200.00 

770.00 

770.00 

970.00 

M 

10 

(Department  of  Recreation 

34 

11 

2 

400.00 

7,500.00 

7,500.00 

19,266.57 

M 

a 

1 

1 

1 

1,603.71 

2,463.50 

2,463.50 

4,067.21 

P 

12 

Lansing 

80,000 

12 

12 

1 

1,500.00 

1,650.00 

9,500.00 

9,500.00 

12,650  00 

M 

P 

13 

Ludington 

9,000 

1 

1 

25.00 

520.00 

520.00 

545.00 

M 

13 

14 

Mareniseo 

800 

2 

1 

1 

1 

100.00 

1,000.00 

1,000.00 

1,100.00 

M 

14 

35 

Midland  

8,036 

Community  Center  Committee  and 

3 

2 

1 

9,422.41 

1,880.75 

5,504.21 

7,384.96 

16,807.37 

M&P 

15 

36 

2,000 

1 

120.00 

240.00 

240.00 

360.00 

M&P 

16 

17 

18,000 

5 

6 

200.00 

1,600.00 

1,600.00 

1,800.00 

M 

17 

18 

Muskegon 

42,000 

3oard  of  Education  and  City  Commis- 

3 

559.00 

300.00 

300.00 

859.00 

M 

18 

19 

12,000 

1 

7,500.00 

1,000.00 

300.00 

300.00 

8,800.00 

M&P 

19 

20 

211,251 

449.51 

136.33 

70.72 

70.72 

656.56 

C 

20 

21 

13,085 

1 

1 

75.00 

48.00 

125.00 

120.00 

245.00 

368.00 

M&P 

21 

22 

Pontiac 

65,000 

Recreation  Department  and  Public 

12 

6 

2 

3,000.00 

5,182.27 

5,182.27 

17,538.46 

M 

22 

23 

31,000 

1 

200.00 

300.00 

300.00 

500.00 

M 

23 

24 

17,000 

1 

470.00 

470.00 

470.00 

M 

24 

25 

23'000 

3 

1 

500.00 

500.00 

500.00 

M 

25 

26 

4,808 

3 

1 

40.00 

50.00 

360.00 

360.00 

450.00 

M 

26 

27 

Wakefield 

3,667 

Department  of  Public  Affairs  and  Board 

2 

1 

1 

M 

27 

28 

1,200 

1 

1 

1 

M 

28 

29 

10,000 

1 

1 

3 

2 

700.00 

M 

29 

Minnesota 

30 

10,169 

1 

721.74 

3,171.37 

M 

30 

31 

4 non 

1 

M 

31 

32 

1 800 

7 

4 

250.00 

1,000.00 

3,300.00 

4,300.00 

4,550.00 

M 

32 

33 

1,250 

850.00 

M 

33 

34 

Becker  and 

Mahnomen  Cos.58 

100,000 

State  Recreation  Department,  E.  R.  A. 

1 

32 

36 

500.00 

125.00 

100.00 

80.00 

180.00 

805.00 

M&P 

34 

35 

Brainard 

10,000 

Chamber  of  Commerce,  Recreation  De- 

6,000.00 

2,000.00 

850.00 

8,850.00 

P 

35 

36 

22,000 

W.  P.  A 

5 

3 

750.00 

200.00 

500.00 

50.00 

550.00 

1,500.00 

M&P 

36 

37 

8 Pi  20 

14 

6 

1 

6,789.28 

6,901.78 

M 

37 

38 

6^315 

1 

1 

2,142.75 

3,297.88 

458.00 

2,000.00 

2,458.00 

7,898.63 

M 

38 

39 

101,417 

24 

20 

4 

6,915.00 

11,232.86 

15,447.59 

16,920.12 

32,367.71 

50,515.57 

M 

39 

40 

Ely 

6,150 

(Community  Service  Center  Board .... 

1 

2 

2 

2 

2 

3 

12,000.00 

M 

M 

40 

41 

10,000 

3 

5 

3 

64.00 

86.00 

450.00 

125.00 

575.00 

725.00 

P 

41 

42 

23,000 

1 

1 

2 

375.00 

3,900.00 

400.00 

4,300.00 

4,675.00 

M 

42 

43 

Jackson  and  Cot- 

tonwood  Counties45 

30,645 

4 

2 

1,675.00 

M&P 

43 

(Board  of  Park  Commissioners 

34 

34 

17 

15 

25 

3,448.20 

60,221.64 

32,584.03 

95,016.04 

127,600.07 

191,269.91 

M 

44 

Minneapolis 

464,356 

1 

1,915.00 

700.00 

700.00 

2,615.00 

M&P 

a 

45 

2 500 

3 

200.00 

300.00 

150.00 

450.00 

650.00 

M 

45 

46 

New  Ulm 

7,308 

Park  Board  and  Parent  Teacher  Asso- 

2 

60.00 

90.00 

90.00 

150.00 

M&P 

46 

47 

21  000 

120.00 

120.00 

120.00 

M 

47 

48 

o’ 020 

7 

3 

i,  100.00 

1,400.00 

2,500.00 

2,500.00 

M 

48 

49 

20  000 

4 

4 

100.00 

1,325.00 

1,325.00 

1,425.00 

M 

49 

50 

21,200 

8 

2 

2,957.42 

1,558.42 

1,948.50 

8,262.31 

10,210.81 

14,726.65 

M 

50 

51 

St.  Paul 

282,096 

Department  of  Parks,  Playgrounds  and 

3 

3 

6 

6 

6 

9,555.00 

9,555.00 

67,594.56 

51 

52 

Todd  County44 

26,170 

County  Recreational  Association  and 

1 

1 

150.00 

125.00 

125.00 

375.00 

52 

53 

2 000 

1 

2500.00 

M 

53 

54 

4 400 

3 

1 

200.00 

2,000.00 

2,000.00 

4,000.00 

4,200.00 

M 

54 

55 

12,177 

22 

20 

325.34 

1,967.80 

1,967.80 

2,293.14 

M 

55 

(John  A.  Latsch  Public  Baths  Com- 

56 

21,000 

686.14 

1,163.65 

1,849.79 

M 

56 

6 

5 

587.50 

950.00 

950.00 

1,537.50 

M&P 

a 

57 

4,700 

300.00 

M 

57 

Mississippi 

58 

31,954 

Marion  Park  Parent  Teacher  Association 

] 

10.0C 

80.00 

80.00 

90.00 

P 

58 

Missouri 

] 

; 

4 

s 

2,900.00 

M&P 

59 

14907 

5 

5 

149.59 

622.04 

622.04 

771.63 

M 

60 

22400 

3 

3 

324.00 

84.44 

408.44 

408.44 

M&P 

61 

62 

21,496 

1 

800.00 

1,050.00 

1,970.00 

3,820.00 

P 

62 

RECREATION  STATISTICS  FOR  1935 

the  table 


Playgrounds 

Under 

Leadership 


I- 

3 ! 

o s 


Recreation 

Buildings 


I 

ZH 
1^1 
E-i  o< 


Indoor 

Recreation 

Centers 


S g S 
*§| 
£ o< 


Emergency  Service 


Paid 

Leadership 


Em- 

ployed 

Full 

Time 


Expenditures 


Land, 

Buildings, 

Permanent 

Equipment 


Leader- 

ship 


Total 


Source  of 
Information 


58 


5 

5 

1 

45,000 

2 

1 

2 

2 

14 

6 

"i 

5 

2 

960.00 

960.00 

1 

1 

130,373 

1 

3 

3 

18,915 

1 

68,000 

1 

1 

1 

1 

2 

4 

2 

6 

204,185 

1 

8,580 

9 

92,111 

2 

1 

1 

8 

20 

10 

10,059.52 

9,372.00 

19,431.52 

1 

2 

3 

1 

3,000 

2 

2 

1 

3 

2 

1 

2,200.00 

13 

13 

422,064 

2 

8 

3 

6 

7 

16 

5 

11 

6 

6 

27,000 

5 

11,760 

1 

2 

i 

14 

870.00 

870.00 

2 

2 

1 

1 

1 

1 

4 

7 

7 

38,480 

2 

3,253 

1 

2 

5 

9 

6 

4 061.50 

4 061  50 

15 

6 

21 

174,428 

13 

28,739 

2 

11 

2 

1 

1 

4 

i 

29 

13 

20 

8 

i 

26,000 

2 

1 

375  00 

13 

13 

231,840 

8 

6 

222 

221 

i 

27 

i 

46 

3? 

12,000.00 

6 

6 

12,500 

1 

500 

1 

1 

1 

1 

5 

5 

1 000.00 

2 

2 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

500  00 

5 

5 

102,100 

1 

76,552 

2 

1 

5 

i 

1 

1,567.13 

72.00 

1,639.13 

1 

i 

2 

9,000 

1 

1 

4 

4 

2 

4 

4 

20,270 

3 

2 

1 

1 

2 

7 

f 

7 

63,900 

6 

1 

1 

2 

. i 

22 

6 

2,187.60 

5 121.60 

5 

2 

6 

3 

16 

30,000 

1 

3 

3 

6 

i 

10 

5 

1,000.00 

1,440.00 

2,940.00 

1 

2*1 

3 

4 

7 

25,000 

1 

1,200 

37 

4,200 

3 

5 

7 

1 

6 

13 

2 

13 

1 

1,115.00 

1,115.00 

15 

15 

*22,398 

15 

4 

2 

1 

6 

46 

40 

16,000.00 

11,426.98 

27,426.98 

12 

12 

122,300 

2 

4 

4 

6 

2 

12 

1 

1,800.00 

1,800.00 

3 

3 

84,600 

1 

6,400 

1 

1 

4 

5 

4 

1,350.00 

1,350.00 

10 

10 

120,081 

2 

4 

3 

1 

10 

10 

200.00 

2,400.00 

2,600.00 

3 

3 

54,000 

1 

10,000 

1 

1 

1 

2 

1 

2 

288.00 

238.00 

2 

2 

1 

50,000 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

2 

1 

850.00 

850.00 

1 

1 

10,000 

1 

5,000 

1 

1 

2 

1 

1 

1 

800.00 

4 

4 

169,000 

5 

3 

2 

2 

3 

9 

7 

5,100.00 

3 

3 

24,300 

1 

900 

1 

8 

1 

4 

3 

1,198.20 

1,395.00 

1 

1 

4 

4 

30,000 

2 

4,500 

2 

1 

1 

1 

6 

3 

2 

2,880.00 

2,880.00 

1 

1 

371 

2 

11 

11 

22 

2 

6 

3 

3 

3 

600.00 

600.00 

9 

9 

5 

2 

3 

1 

6 

7 

2 

4,000.00 

4,560.00 

2 

5 

18 

5 

30 

3 

1,200 

20 

1 

1 

1 

1 

15 

1 

3,500.00 

4,050.00 

5 

4 

9 

62,138 

1 

1 

401 

2 

6 

4 

3 

478.00 

478.00 

2 

2 

1 

5 

1 

1 

1 

10,000.00 

10,000.00 

1 

21 

22 

289,740 

2 

250,000 

30 

246,478 

3 

q 

5 

2 

9 

62 

19 

32 

9 

25,000.00 

18,313.98 

63,503.16 

1 

1 

1 

i 

i 

i 

2 

i 

4 

4 

*9,126 

i 

i 

i 

1 

4 

3 

3 

5 

1 

1 

7 

i 

3 

2 

9 

1 

1 

1 

150.00 

150.00 

900.00 

9 

9 

43,039 

9 

23,847 

2 

2 

1 

11 

5 

3,450.22 

3,450.22 

4 

2 

6 

8 

3 

1 

1 

5 

5 

6 

4 

6 

4 

*50.00 

26 

7 

33 

»3, 825, 997 

26 

22 

36 

4 

5 

2 

1 

177 

16 

171 

74 

29 

5 

81,910.53 

81,910.53 

20 

20 

*153,180 

20 

155,163 

6 

20 

16 

3,683.50 

3,683.50 

2 

2 

7,830 

1 

1 

2 

3 

3 

20,000 

5 

2 

3 

1 

440.00 

440.00 

4 

4 

2 

20 

1 

4 

2 

3 

500.00 

500.00 

1 

1 

*4,000 

1 

1 

6 

1 

7 

7 

33,450 

7 

5 

5 

75,000 

4 

5,000 

1 

2 

2 

1 

11 

1 

3 

3 

594.00 

594.00 

18 

9 

13 

40 

3,991,680 

18 

672,332 

91 

469^402 

27 

1 

3 

1 

39 

29 

3 

3 

75,000 

28,909.80 

103,909.80 

1 

1 

1 

10 

13 

127,000 

12 

52,720 

1 

2 

2 

2 

2 

8 

3 

8 

3 

750.00 

750.00 

1 

1 

2 

1 

2 

2 

1 

1 

300.00 

300.00 

2 

1 

1 

1 

3 

6 

2 

2,091.25 

3,456.19 

3 

3 

51,367 

1 

i 

2 

1 

1 

5 

5 

*30,587 

3 

9 

8 

1 

1 

1 

4,420 

1 

1 

1 

4 

1,600 

1 

2 

1 

2 

4 

4 

511,224 

5 

5 

26,654 

1 

1 

1 

1 

F.  L.  Geary 

George  Elworthy . . . . 
William  G.  Stamman . . . 

E.L.  Miller 


C.  J.  Reid 

H.  S.  Denison 

R.  S.  Brotherton . . . 
Harold  G.  Myron . . 
Leon  N.  Moody.... 

LeRoy  Norrix 

G L.  Greenawalt... 
Lawrence  P.  Moser. 

E.  N.  Powell 

M.  Gleason 

H.  H.  Hawley 

G.  A.  Hart 


Charlotte  Conley. . . 
Glenn  H.  Brainard . 
B.  M.  HeHenberg.., 


Frank  Driscoll.  . 
F.  W.  Crawford . 
John  A.  Bradley. 
B.  T.  Wheeler... 


A.  E.  Genter.... 

C.  V.  Fowler 

Frank  Weeber . . . 
John  J.  Baldwin. 
H.  S.  Pringle.... 


Chester  A.  Rydeski. 

R.  R.  Shelters 

William  Foy 


W.  H.  Sherman . 
Emil  E.  Gahlon. 

C.  E.  Hagie 

F.  B.  Slaughter. 


Louise  A.  Sauvageau. . . . 


Frank  Wise 

F.  W.  Trumbull. 

C.  G.  Giffei 

Lyle  L.  Brown. . . 
K.  M.  Harris. . . . 

Ray  Hoefler 

E.  Buckley 

D.  E.  Misfeldt. . . 
Jess  T.  Porteous. 

Bert  E.  Gilbert. . 
K.  B.  Raymond.. 
Ralph  C.  Tapp... 
Judd  F.  Gregor . . 


Thomas  P.  Pfaender. . . . 

A.  E.  Gustafson 

J.  F.  Enz 

Paul  F.  Schmidt 

L.  C.  Crose 


Ernest  W.  Johnson. 


C.  0.  Ayers 

William  E.  Noyes. 
M.  H.  Brickley.... 
L.  G.  Hurst 


0.  A.  Olson.... 
C.  D.  Tearse... 
W.  H.  Buchan. 


Mrs.  A.  M.  Merrell. 


0.  F.  Kelley 

M.  C.Kerth 

Thomas  T.  McKinney . . 
C.  0.  Hanes 


58 


123 


PLAYGROUND  AND  COMMUNITY 

Footnotes  follow 

Recreation  Leadership 

(Not  Including 

Emergency  Workers) 

Expenditures  Last  Fiscal  Year 

fNot  Including  Emergency  Funds) 

Paid 

teer 

1 

Workers 

Woikers 

«f 

STATE  AND 

Popula- 

Managing 

CITY 

tion 

Authority 

cL  5 

a 

c 

a 

Land, 

Upkeep, 

Salaries  and  Wages 

s 

e 

a 

a 

a 

Buildings, 

Supplies 

£ 

■3.  g 

£ 

Permanent 

and 

Total 

o 

Equipment 

Incidentals 

5 

o 

0 

0 

O 

For 

Other 

§ 

b 

6 

d 

5? 

d 

d .§ 

6 

55 

d 

55 

Leadership 

Services 

Total 

£ 

d 

Missouri — Cont. 

[Department  of  Health,  Physical  Edu- 

i 

Kansas  City 

400,000 

J cation  and  Recreation,  Board  of 

76 

42 

1 

2,200.00 

14,490.34 

5,077.00 

19,567.34 

21,767.34 

M 

1 

18 

18 

1 

891.17 

5,305.00 

5,305.00 

6,196.17 

MAP 

2 

80,944 

3 

2 

14,129.57 

M 

2 

[ Division  of  Parks  and  Recreation,  De- 

3 

821,960 

71 

103 

26 

16 

11 

14,516.23 

57,191.24 

47,856.06 

76,672.77 

124,528.83 

196,236.30 

M 

3 

118 

184 

50,611.85 

12JH7.26 

62,629.11 

62,629.11 

M 

4 

28,502 

25 

10 

2 

13,553.31 

11,986.48 

13[404.17 

25,390.65 

38[943.96 

M 

4 

Montana 

5 

7,000 

1 

1,178.18 

295.61 

525.00 

1,164.12 

1,689.12 

3,162.91 

M 

5 

0 

4,500 

200.00 

120.00 

1,110.00 

1,110.00 

1,430.00 

M 

6 

7 

7,500 

250.00 

300.00 

300.00 

550.00 

M 

8 

14,657 

1 

1 

1,200.00 

1,000.00 

1,200.00 

5,000.00 

6,200.00 

8,400.00 

M 

8 

Nebraska 

9 

6,669 

1 

801.24 

1,140.48 

1,941.72 

M 

9 

10 

3,200 

2 

3,500.00 

1,100.00 

400.00 

1,500.00 

5,000.00 

M 

10 

11 

3,000 

1 

6 

2 

600.00 

100.00 

100.00 

100.00 

800.00 

M 

11 

12 

2,000 

1 

1 

15.00 

100.00 

100.00 

115.00 

M&P 

12 

13 

79,000 

4 

9 

1 

4,732.00 

3,325.00 

3,325.00 

8,057.00 

M 

13 

14 

17,200 

1,000.00 

500.00 

500.00 

1,500.00 

M 

14 

15 

214,006 

Park  Department  and  Recreation  Board 

48,708.76 

M 

15 

New  Hampshire 

19 

12,000 

2 

2 

1,010.00 

200.00 

1,790.00 

1.990.0C 

3.000.0C 

M 

16 

17 

26,000 

9 

9 

1,971.47 

2,569.60 

1,372.67 

3,942.27 

5,913.74 

M 

17 

18 

15,000 

2 

1 

8 

50 

3,000.00 

P 

18 

10 

2j000 

1 

75.00 

M 

19 

20 

14,000 

4 

9 

1,010.00 

1,010.00 

5,644.10 

M 

20 

21 

12^000 

2 

3 

2,600.00 

M 

21 

22 

7,073 

2 

3 

3 

350.00 

1,850.00 

2,300.00 

2,300.00 

4,500.00 

P 

22 

23 

32,000 

10 

7 

1,199.82 

4,386.62 

4,386.62 

5,586.44 

M 

23 

24 

2,000 

1 

1,367.18 

P . 

24 

25 

14,495 

1,000.00 

M 

25 

26 

10[209 

1 

4.00 

120.00 

120.00 

■ 124.00 

M 

26 

New  Jersey 

•>7 

573 

1 6.000.0C 

27 

28 

30,000 

1 

1 

1,428.00 

1,522.00 

2,150.00 

600.00 

2,750.00 

5,700.00 

M 

28 

Bloomfield 

21 

8 

3 

400.00 

4,567.90 

11,232.10 

11,232.10 

16,200.00 

M 

29 

29 

42,000 

1 

300.00 

1,550.00 

750.00 

1,400.00 

2,150.00 

4,000.00 

P 

a 

30 

15,000 

1 

211.40 

36.50 

242.50 

242.50 

490.40 

P 

30 

1 

50.00 

250.00 

250.00 

300.00 

M 

31 

31 

Burlington 

12,000 

JE.  R.  A.  and  W.  P.  A 

1 

1 

1 

1 

75.00 

240.00 

240.00 

315.00 

M 

32 

18,000 

1 

800.00 

120.00 

760.00 

870.00 

1,670.00 

M 

32 

33 

10,000 

1 

14 

9 

583.66 

361.50 

250.00 

703.00 

953.00 

1,898.16 

M&P 

33 

34 

73,000 

5 

6 

2 

4,868.81 

5,030.01 

8,687.33 

14,179.36 

22,866.69 

32,765.51 

M 

34 

35 

Elizabeth 

114,585 

Board  of  Recreation  Commissioners. . . 

39 

38 

2 

5 

8 

2,304.00 

10,000.00 

20,065.00 

5,000.00 

25,065.00 

37,369.00 

M 

35 

36 

18,000 

4 

3 

4 

11 

30 

3,586.80 

9,716.00 

969.00 

10,685.00 

14,271.80 

P 

36 

37 

833,513 

15 

15 

6,841.23 

31,765.24 

38,606.47 

38,606.47 

C 

37 

38 

7,000 

2 

2 

484.16 

1,071.65 

682.80 

1,754.45 

2,238.61 

M 

38 

39 

7,000 

1 

3 

53.63 

270.00 

270.00 

323.63 

P 

39 

40 

7,500 

2 

3 

1 

240.00 

400.00 

440.00 

200.00 

640.00 

1,280.00 

M&P 

40 

41 

26,000 

9 

7 

6 

5 

1,048.60 

2,816.00 

2,816.00 

3,864.60 

M 

41 

42 

3,000 

1 

1 

100.50 

175.00 

175.00 

275.50 

M 

42 

43 

18,000 

5 

3 

6,028.00 

M 

43 

44 

Hoboken 

59,000 

Department  of  Parks  and  Public  Prop- 

9 

8 

17 

3,000.00 

25,300.00 

25,300.00 

28,300.00 

M 

44 

45 

61,000 

1 

1 

260 

81 

1,595.00 

4,000.00 

400.00 

4,400.00 

5,995.00 

M 

45 

[Department  of  Parks  and  Public  Prop- 

46 

364,000 

32 

12 

22 

4 

4 

75,000.00 

300,000.00 

M 

46 

30 

30 

1,000.00 

35,120.00 

36,120.00 

M 

a 

47 

40,900 

1 

1 

2,710.00 

2,000.00 

5,160.00 

7,160.00 

9,870.00 

M 

47 

48 

5,346 

1 

1 

2 

5 

75.00 

425.00 

425.00 

500.00 

M 

48 

49 

21,206 

4 

4 

1,200.00 

1,200.00 

1,200.00 

M 

49 

50 

Lyndhurst 

18,000 

Department  of  Parks  and  Public  Prop- 

1 

650.04 

M 

50 

51 

Madison 

7,800 

Borough  of  Madison  and  Thursday 

Morning  Club 

1 

1 

3 

253.73 

457.46 

480.00 

1,762.50 

2,242.50 

2,953.69 

M 

51 

52 

24,000 

7 

5 

200.00 

1,600.00 

1,600.00 

1,800.00 

M 

52 

53 

11,000 

5 

5 

1 

3 

3 

5,000.00 

2,600.00 

5,700.00 

4,700.00 

10,400.00 

18,000.00 

M 

53 

54 

45,000 

4 

99.21 

780.00 

708.00 

1,488.00 

1,587.21 

M 

54 

55 

7,500 

1 

1 

2 

2 

22 

M 

55 

56 

15497 

3 

73 

53 

1,200.00 

300.00 

780.00 

435.00 

1,215.00 

2,715.00 

M 

56 

57 

1,500 

1 

125.00 

125.00 

225.00 

P 

57 

58 

Newark. 

445,000 

Recreation  Department,  Board  of  Edu- 

104 

95 

58 

75 

75 

35,437.00 

121,931.00 

8,603.00 

130,534.00 

165,971.00 

M 

58 

59 

New  Brunswick. . 

34,555 

Playground  Committee,  E.  R.  A.  and 

W.  P.  A. 

3 

2 

4 

2 

958.79 

757.50 

757.50 

1,716.29 

M 

59 

60 

10,000 

2 

1 

192.22 

757.74 

757.74 

949.96 

M 

60 

61 

38,000 

30 

24 

4,000.00 

5,000.00 

6,000.00 

1,000.00 

7,000.00 

16,000.00 

M 

61 

»2 

Palisades  Park 

8.000 

Board  of  Education 

1 

70.00 

300.00 

300.00 

370.80 

P 

62 

124 


RECREATION  STATISTICS  FOR  1935 


the  table 


No.  of  City 

Playgrounds 

Under 

Leadership 

Recreation 

Buildings 

Indoor 

Recreation 

Centers 

Athletic  Fields,  Number 

Baseball  Diamonds,  Number 

Bathing  Beaches,  Number 

Golf  Courses,  9-Hole,  Number 

Golf  Courses,  18-Hole,  Number 

Swimming  Pools  Indoor,  Number 

Swimming  Pools  Outdoor,  Number 

| Tennis  Courts,  Number 

Wading  Pools,  Number 

Emergency  Service 

Source  of 
Information 

No.  of  City 

Paid 

Leadership 

Expenditures 

Year  Round 

Summer  Only 

School  Year  Only 

Summer  & OtherSeasons 

"c3 

o 

Total  Yearly  or 
Seasonal  Attendance 

M 

s 

z 

Total  Yearly 
or  Seasonal 
Attendance 

JS 

B 

3 

z 

Total  Yearly 
or  Seasonal 
Attendance 

Number  of  Men 

Number  of  Women 

Em- 

ployed 

Full 

Time 

Land, 

Buildings. 

Permanent 

Equipment 

Leader- 

ship 

Total 

No.  of  Men  1 

No.  of  Women] 

1 

59 

59 

*240,178 

48 

345,245 

6 

5,350.00 

5,350.00 

1 

30 

30 

s354,691 

4 

52 

52 

j Allred  O.  Anderson. . . . 

2 

2 

i 

1 

2 

8 

2 

9 

3 

3 

29 

32 

2,526,668 

5 

1*572,680 

41 

1 

1 

6 

2 

93 

23 

‘■'252 

6,221.25 

17,180.90 

23,402.15 

3 

54 

54 

1,473,560 

10 

4 

8 

8 

*51,821 

3 

1 

1 

16 

1 

4 

5 

1 

1 

1 

4 

1 

5 

6 

1 

1 

4 

1 

t, 

7 

1 

1 

1 

2 

7 

1 

1 

1 

22,000.00 

22,000.00 

8 

9 

1 

1 

*5,400 

1 

1 

2 

1 

2 

4 

510.53 

510.53 

9 

10 

1 

1 

10 

11 

1 

1 

1 

11 

12 

1 

1 

4,000 

2 

1 

1 

3 

2 

Roland  L.  Edie  . 

12 

13 

22 

22 

169,237 

2 

50,929 

6 

19,777 

8 

23 

31 

6,582.00 

68,406.00 

13 

14 

2 

2 

35,000 

1 

1 

4 

2 

1 

1 

250.00 

11 

15 

17 

17 

*392,549 

14 

928,707 

65 

60,246 

10 

1 

4 

1 

5 

27 

57 

51 

6 

4 

160,805.17 

15 

li) 

2 

2 

135,000 

1 

4 

2 

9 

8,157.50 

8,157.50 

Ki 

10 

10 

7 

1 

5 

2 

17 

18 

1 

10,000 

18 

Li 

1 

1 

8,100 

1 

300 

2 

2 

2 

1 

35.00 

35.00 

1H 

20 

2 

2 

1 

1 

1 

2 

1,300.00 

10,300.00 

20 

?i 

3 

3 

*35,000 

1 

4 

2 

2 

2 

4 

2 

* 

21 

22 

1 

42,500 

Willis  F.  Hough 

22 

23 

6 

6 

*47,686 

4 

1 

6 

R.  A.  Pendleton 

23 

24 

1 

1 

4,250 

1 

1 

1 

3 

24 

25 

2 

1 

4 

25 

1 

1 

3,800 

1 

4 

26 

i 

27 

1 

1 

2 

27 

4 

4 

39,373 

2 

39,498 

1 

1 

2 

9 

3 

4 

1 

3,780.00 

3,780.00 

28 

29 

3 

9 

12 

400,000 

2 

25,000 

1 

5 

4 

4 

1 

600.00 

600.00 

EC.  A.  Emmons,  Jr 

29 

i 

1 

6,000 

1 

75,000 

4 

a 

30 

1 

1 

19,145 

i 

1 

2 

Estelia  T.  French 

30 

1 

1 

3 400 

1 

1 

V.  H.  Smith 

31 

5 

5 

12,775 

1 

955 

2 

1 

338.00 

338.00 

a 

32 

1 

1 

14,200 

1 

1 

1 

1 

120.00 

120.00 

Arthur  J.  Rooney 

32 

33 

1 

i 

74,586 

5 

5,879 

1 

3 

2 

4 

1 

2 

1 

1,280.00 

1,773.00 

9,458.00 

Robert  Van  Orden 

33 

1 

5 

f> 

1 OQft  000 

3 

1 

4 non 

4 

7 

25 

2 

5 

4 

1 

2,250.00 

2,250.00 

34 

12 

1 

13 

25 

1 

976  065 

3 

33  948 

9 

5 080 

1 

3 

15 

8 

7,410.00 

17^210.00 

35 

23  500 

i 

41,200 

4 

4,465 

2 

1 

2 

1 

1,762.50 

1,762.50 

Anne  F.  Smith 

36 

29 

29 

*337,250 

6 

33 

1 

1 

196 

7 

5 

1,099.20 

1,099.20 

David  I.  Kelly 

37 

? 

2 

4 

39  186 

1 

1,556 

1 

1 

3 

1 

1 

1 

392.00 

392.00 

M.  M.  Pine 

38 

4 

4 

38  901 

1 

1 

1 

Leigh  Cobb 

39 

4 

4 

19  696 

i 

1 

1 

6 

2 

2 

3604)0 

360.00 

Clifford  Brown 

40 

9 

9 

63,744 

9 

1 

3 

4 

2 

4 

8 

1,213.00 

1,213.00 

Frank  DeMartine 

41 

1 

1 

13  500 

1 

1 

1 

2 

1 

42 

3 

3 

13  500 

2 

2 

H.  George  Hughes 

43 

44 

6 

6 

607,900 

1 

43,200 

2 

4 

1 

12 

1 

3 

4 

3 

4 

7,750.00 

7,750.00 

Julius  Durstewitz  and 

John  McGann 

44 

3 

9 

5 

42,136 

3 

5,058 

1 

13 

3 

5 

4 

1 

1 

2,680.00 

2,680.00 

Philip  LeBoutillier 

45 

413 

5 

11 

16 

725,000 

1 

13 

25 

8 

12 

8 

12 

10,000.00 

25,000.00 

Frank  A.  Deisler 

46 

17 

17 

*118,172 

11 

32,000 

3 

5 

10 

12 

11 

12 

11 

16,215.00 

16,215.00 

Arthur  G.  Humphrey . . . 

a 

47 

6 

6 

116,000 

i 

12,345 

\ 

18,956 

3 

2 

1 

7 

2 

5 

4 

5 

4 

3,330.00 

3,330.00 

James  P.  Craig  and 

John  McGann 

47 

1 

1 

318  736 

1 

1 

1 

150.00 

150.00 

Annetta  Humphries 

48 

8 

2 

1 

318.00 

318.00 

W.  A.  Kuch 

49 

3 

1 

3 

2 

780.00 

James  A.  Bres'in 

50 

51 

1 

2 

3 

20  000 

2 

i 

1 

2 

1 

2 

1 

1 

165.00 

330.00 

Elsa  S.  Wick 

51 

6 

6 

EL  W.  Heilmann 

52 

1 

4 

1 

2 

1 

2 

1 

2,670.00 

7,670.00 

53 

10 

v,JW 

10  375 

1 

2 

4 

7 

5 

3,071.80 

3,071.80 

Franklin  G.  Armstrong.. 

54 

1 

2 

1 

Carolyn  Nice 

55 

50 

6 

6 

306,041 

8 

146,072 

6 

3 

1 

4 

2 

11 

3 

5 

2 

1,903.00 

5,504.00 

6,504.00 

Gerald  R.  Griffin 

56 

3eorge  W.  Earl 

57 

.58 1 

32 

8 

10 

3 382  022 

37 

4 

1 

3 

29 

29 

20 

20 

28,558.40 

28,558.40 

Ernest  H.  Seibert 

58 

59 

5 

19 

87,137 

2 

2 

8 

3 

6 

4 

5,876.00 

5,876.00 

William  Beck  and 

George  Bauer 

59 

1 

2 

5 

l 

2 

Howard  Krausche 

60 

61 

~2 

5 

7 

2 

2 

1 

10 

1 

5 

2 

2 

3,830.00 

3,830.00 

Anthony  L.  Brown 

61 

1 

1 

150.00 

150.00 

Louis  Katz 

62 

125 


PLAYGROUND  AND  COMMUNITY 

Footnotes  follow 


STATE  AND 
CITY 


Popula- 

tion 


Managing 

Authority 


Recreation  Leadership 
(Not  Including 
Emergency  Workers) 


Paid 

Workers 


I* 

d.g 

Zh 


Volun- 

teer 

Woikers 


Expenditures  Last  Fiscal  Year 
(Not  Including  Emergency  Funds) 


Land, 

Buildings, 

Permanent 

Equipment 


Upkeep, 

Supplies 

and 

Incidentals 


Salaries  and  Wages 


For 

Leadership 


Other 

Services 


Total 


Total 


1 

N.  J. — Cont. 
Passaic 

63,000 

2 

Passaic  County48 . . 

301,353 

3 

Paterson 

138,000 

4 

Perth  Amboy 

43,000 

5 

Plainfield 

37,000 

6 

Princeton 

6,992 

7 

Radburn 

1,600 

8 

Ridgefield  Park . . . 

11,164 

9 

Riverton 

2,200 

10 

South  Orange 

13,500 

11 

Spring  Lake 

1,745 

12 

Summit 

14,556 

13 

Trenton 

123,356 

14 

Union  County61 . . . 

305,000 

15 

New  Mexico 

Chimayo 

1,200 

16 

Dawson 

1,800 

17 

Deming 

3,400 

18 

Raton 

6,500 

19 

New  York 
Amsterdam 

34,998 

20 

Auburn 

35,000 

21 

Batavia 

17,000 

22 

Beacon  

12,000 

23 

Binghamton 

81,000 

24 

Briarcliff  Manor... 

1,798 

Bridgewater. 


Buffalo. 


Canandaigua . 
Cassadaga. . . 
Cazenovia. . . 

Corning 

Cortland .... 
Cooperstown. 
Dansville.... 

Delmar 

Dobbs  Ferry. 

Dunkirk 

East  Aurora . 
Eastchester.. 


Erie  County66. 
Floral  Park... 
Frankfort .... 

Fulton 

Glens  Falls. . . 

Gloversville... 

Goshen 

Hamilton 

Hartsdale 


Hastings-on-Hudson 


Herkimer. 
Hornell. . 
llion 


Ithaca . 


Jamestown 

Johnstown 

Kenmore 

Le  Roy 

Lockport 

Mamaroneck 

Middletown 

Monroe  County66. 
Montrose 


I Recreation  Bureau,  Park  Department.. 

County  Park  Commission 

I Board  of  Recreation 

i Municipal  Recreation  Department 

i Recreation  Commission 

! Y.  M.  C.  A.  and  W.  P.  A 

I Radburn  Association 

Department  of  Public  Works 

I E.  R.  A.  and  W.  P.  A 

i Recreation  Commission 

i Community  House. 

i Recreation  Commission 

Playground  Division,  Department  of 
Public  Buildings  and  Grounds. . . . 

I County  Park  Commission 


I National  Mission  Board  of  Presbyterian 

Church 

I School  Board 

I Village  and  School  Board 

I City  and  American  Legion 


Mount  Kisco 

Mount  Vernon... 

Newburgh 

New  Rochelle.. . . 


275 


573,076 

8, COO 
1,000 
1,800 
16,786 
15, CC0 
2, SCO 

5,  COO 
3, COO 

6, CC0 

17,500 

4,815 

20,340 

762,408 

10,000 

4.700 

13.000 

20.000 

23,099 

5.000 

1.700 

2.700 

7.500 

12,000 

16,250 

10,000 

20,700 

45,155 

12.000 

16,042 

4,800 

23.000 
11,766 

22.000 

423,881 

5.500 

5,127 

64.000 
31,275 

56.000 


Recreation  Commission 

Recreation  Commission 

Booker  T.  Washington  Community 

Center21 

school  Board  and  T.  E.  R.  A 

School  Board 

Department  of  Parks  and  Recreation 

Park  Department 

School  Board 

(Division  of  Recreation,  Department  of 

1 Parks 

] Extension  Department,  Board  of  Edu 

( cation ._ 

Board  of  Education 

Cily  and  E.  R.  A 

School  Beard. 

Board  of  Public  Works 

School  Beard 

Village  of  Cooperstown 

Board  of  Education 

School  Board 

Park  Ccnmission 

Ecard  of  Education 

Mothers’  Club. 

Division  of  Recreation,  Department  of 

Public  Welfare66. 

County  Park  Commission 

Village  Board 

Village  Board... 

Board  of  Education 

Recreation  Commission 

Outing  Club,  Inc 

Board  of  Education 

Board  of  Education 

Playground  Association  and  F.  E.  R.  A 
School  District  No.  7,  Town  of  Green- 

burgh  

Recreation  Division,  Community  Serv- 
ice Council. 

Recreation  Commission. 

Recreation  Commission 

Board  of  Education  and  T.  E.  R.  A.. . . 

[Board  of  Education 

Park  Department,  Board  of  Public 

Works 

chool  Board 

Playground  Board,  Board  of  Education 

Board  of  Education. 

Recreation  Commission 

Board  of  Education 

Park  Commission 

Recreation  Commission 

County  Park  Commission 

School  Board  and  County  Welfare  De- 
partment  

Recreation  Commission 

Recreation  Commission 

Recreation  Commission 

Recreation  Bureau,  City  Welfare  De- 
partment  


Ml 


38 


«2 


26 


22 


10 


26 


276.36 

150.00 

1,000.00 


126.00 


1,338.07 


1,858.08 


800.00 


48,955.00 


2,784.00 


500.00 

1,615.00 

219.11 


10 


24 


700.00 


2,319.00 

4,000.00 

2,371.78 

190.00 
3,232.56 

500.00 

150.00 


950.00 

3,961.41 


4.220.83 

8.174.84 


4,311.04 


627.00 

150.00 

200.00 
3,068.00 
1,665.50 


24,700.00 

3,400.00 


2,363.50 


300.00 


407.43 

2,026.42 


1,780.00 


1,800.00 

1,566.79 

4,260.50 

478.69 

10.00 

175.00 


7,965.00 


6.520.00 

6.445.00 
166.00 

3.000. 00 

250.00 

315.00 

1.000. 00 


4,546.23 


7,703.86 

25,894.14 


300.00 

350.00 


5,745.88 

1,091.68 

1,620.00 

100.00 

600.00 


1,025.00 


1,230.00 

1,506.22 

168.00 


7,400.00 

600.00 

5,335.50 

5,619.67 

87,119.52 


3,084.00 


8,990.00 


8.531.00 

7.750.00 
7,951.22 

334.00 
3,000.00 

250.00 

315.00 

8.400.00 

600.00 
9,881.73 

13,323.53 

113,013.66 


300.00 

350.00 


342.00 


280.00  1,054.50 


77,081.00 

9,364.25 

400.00 

100.00 
300.00 


150.00 

175.00 


700.00 

450.00 
1,606.95 

280.00 

4,917.70 


600.00 


1,000.00 

2,453.82 

4,775.00 


1,381.65 


32,116.00 

300.00 


6,617.50 

11,713.23 


250.00 


500.00 

360.18 


1,756.95 

3,155.00 


61.54 

96.00 

300.00 
2,134.36 

375.00 
3,691.00 

100.00 


9,759.72 

3,650.00 


200.00 

50.00 

240.00 

2.500.00 

1.195.00 


205.00 

2,715.00 


3,722.84 

655.00 

620.00 
1,279.47 
1,120.00 


600.00 

564.00 

27,931.14 

6,854.00 


129,068.73 


890.62 


442.80 


1,870.00 


1,020.00 

604.00 


45.00 

40.12 


1.250.00 

7.795.00 


50.00 


3,796.93 

96.00 

8,595.00 


636.00 

1,141.53 

8,046.00 


8,829.88 

1,091.68 

1,962.00 

100.00 

600.00 

10,868.00 

1,334.50 


9.690.00 
27,887.45 
11,000.00 

12.750.00 

10.323.00 

650.00 
6,232.56 

750.00 

465.00 

8.400.00 

1.550.00 
15,181.21 

17,544.36 

121,188.50 


300.00 

52400.00 

1.870.00 


14,999.00 

1,511.56 

2.589.00 
250.00 

1.600.00 
13,936.00 

3,000.00 


206,149.73 

9,364.25 

400.00 

100.00 

300.00 
3,500.00 

150.00 

175.00 

320.00 

700.00 

450.00 
2,497.57 

280.00 

5,360.50 


2,470.00 


1,000.00 

3,473.82 

5.379.00 

5.713.01 
200.00 

95.00 

280.12 

2.500.00 

1.195.00 


1.455.00 

2.715.00 

7.795.00 


3,722.84 

705.00 

620.00 
5,076.40 
1,216.00 

8.595.00 

600.00 

1.200.00 
29,072.67 
14,900.00 


279,804.73 

12,764.25 

400.00 

193.00 

800.00 
5,863.50 

150.00 

475.00 

325.00 

700.00 
3,000.00 
2,497.57 
3,471.43 

7,386.92 


4.250.00 
780.70 

3.300.00 

6.655.61 

9.858.61 
6,191.70 

210.00 

270.00 

280.12 

3,000.00 

1,555.18 


1,455.00 

4,471.95 


10,950.00 


4,890.91 

3,784.68 

801.00 

920.00 

8,592.41 

1.591.00 
44,402.00 

1,000.00 

1.200.00 
45,439.89 
30,263.23 

6,750.00 


M 

C 

M 

M 

M 

P 

50p 

M 

M 

M 

P 

M 

M 

C 


P 

M 

M 

M&P 


M 

M 

P 

P 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M&P 

M 

M 

M 

P 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

C 

M 

M 

M 

M 

P 

M 

M 

P 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

C 

M 

M 

M 

M&P 

M 


126 


RECREATION  STATISTICS  FOR  1935 

the  table 


Playgrounds 

Under 

Leadership 


Recreation 

Buildings 


*1 1 
l<aS 

H o< 


Indoor 

Recreation 

Centers 


8 '3 

1*| 


1 

7 

7 

552,097 

6 

51,134 

1 

5 

1 

1 

15 

2 

1 

1 

2 

*37,700 

1 

491 

4 

3 

26 

26 

850,000 

1 

75,000 

7 

4 

ii 

11 

80,400 

1 

14,400 

11 

83,400 

1 

4 

1 

10 

5 

8 

3 

11 

*200,438 

6 

46,750 

1 

1 

2 

16 

6 

4 

4 

53,700 

1 

24,000 

3 

1 

7 

2 

2 

4 

*40,000 

1 

2 

4 

1 

2 

4 

8 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

6 

9 

1 

1 

6,860 

1 

600 

10 

1 

1 

69,000 

1 

5 

1 

20 

11 

1 

12 

2 

5 

7 

120,708 

1 

10,075 

6 

12,573 

1 

2 

3 

13 

5 

10 

15 

2 

4,800 

4 

9 

4 

1 

37 

14 

14 

14 

*487,611 

1 

16 

491 

2 

20 

15 

1 

1 

1 

1 

16 

2 

1 

2 

17 

2 

2 

2 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

18 

1 

1 

2 

19 

1 

3 

2 

6 

156,600 

4 

25,190 

2 

2 

3 

1 

20 

7 

7 

*65,403 

1 

1 

6 

a 

1 

1 

10,000 

1 

9,500 

2 

400 

1 

1 

1 

21 

5 

5 

20,000 

1 

1 

22 

1 

1 

30,000 

1 

4,000 

1 

1 

1 

23 

9 

9 

410,000 

1 

8 

3 

1 

10 

24 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

3 

25 

1 

1 

3,500 

1 

300 

1 

26 

3 

23 

26 

4,793,981 

5 

272,050 

80 

740,660 

? 

53 

1 

2 

2 

5 

65 

a 

45 

45 

*468,482 

28 

42,562 

1 

10 

27 

1 

1 

2 

**35,000 

1 

1 

1 

28 

2 

2 

10,500 

1 

1 

1 

29 

1 

1 

1 

1 

2 

30 

1 

1 

2 

1 

3 

1 

2 

31 

1 

1 

32 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

33 

3 

34 

1 

1 

25,000 

2 

1 

3 

35 

1 

1 

23^000 

i 

. 1,500 

1 

1 

2 

36 

2 

3 

5 

23,000 

4 

15,439 

i 

2 

7 

37 

1 

1 

i 

1 

4 

38 

3 

4 

7 

*97,810 

17 

8,910 

1 

39 

4 

5 

1 

1 

5 

40 

1 

1 

12,033 

2 

8 

41 

3 

3 

2 

3 

1 

1 

42 

1 

4 

5 

86,000 

1 

15,000 

1 

2 

1 

6 

43 

1 

6 

7 

229,495 

i 

2 

3 

1 

4 

a 

1 

2 

3 

1 

4 

44 

1 

2 

3 

*21,000 

2 

2 

1 

11 

45 

1 

1 

11,280 

1 

1 

46 

2 

2 

5,700 

1 

2 

1 

47 

1 

1 

1 

1 

48 

2 

2 

28,000 

i 

17,806 

i 

12,000 

1 

1 

3 

49 

4 

4 

2 

2 

2 

50 

3 

583 

*2,136 

1 

1 

2 

9 

51 

3 

1 

1 

5 

52,982 

i 

7,500 

7 

1 

1 

1 

1 

52 

11 

11 

*34,672 

3 

29,365 

1 

4 

a 

1 

1 

1 

1 

53 

9 

9 

3 

2 

21 

54 

1 

2 

3 

597,91 1 

i 

*96,243 

1 

1 

6 

55 

8 

8 

*51,419 

6 

1,145 

1 

1 

1 

6 

56 

1 

1 

30,000 

1 

1 

1 

4 

57 

5 

5 

108,590 

5 

41,757 

1 

3 

4 

58 

2 

2 

1 

1 

5 

59 

3 

2 

60 

1 

4 

2 

1 

1 

6 

61 

4 

4 

5,780 

2 

420 

3 

1 

2 

62 

1 

1 

*6,703 

3 

5,570 

2 

..1 

63 

17 

17 

365,35ft 

2 

44,483 

14 

75,667 

1 

8 

1 

16 

64 

1 

2 

2 

5 

868,949 

3 

7 

1 

8 

65 

13 

13 

192,603 

6 

1,150 

1 

7 

1 

3 

1 Wading  Pools,  Number 

Emergency  Service 

Paid 

Leadership 

Expenditures 

G 

i 

0 

k4 

M 

a 

S3 

525 

G 

1 

O 

M 

a 

a 

. 

Em- 

ployed 

Full 

Time 

Land, 

Buildings, 

Permanent 

Equipment 

Leader- 

ship 

Total 

g 

a 

*o 

d 

£ 

G 

1 

t 

O 

d 

£ 

2 

1 

6 

3 

13 

16 

8 

3 

3 

2 
12 

3 
6 
1 

5,410.80 

5,410.80 

1 

16 

"2 

”3 

2 

44,091.75 

483,000.00 

6,476.70 

14,820.00 

8,000.00 

384.00 

52,888.95 

497,820.00 

8,000.00 

384.00 

2 

1 

1 

1 

1 

240.00 
56.00 

250.00 

240.00 
56.00 

250.00 

1 

1 

1 

3 

1 

1 

2 

3 

3 

2 

3,900.00 

3,900.00 

2 

12 

1,870.00 

1,870.00 

1 

1 

"i 

15.000. 00 

47.000. 00 

47,106.57 

15.000. 00 

47.000. 00 

68,255.17 

820.00 

1,134.50 

850.00 

3,000.00 

90,580.33 

14 

4 

1 

6 

1 

2 

2 

1 

3 

3 

1 

1 

14 

2 

5,465.50 

820.00 

1,132.00 

850.00 

600.00 

"5 

1 

2,400.00 

75,675.91 

1 

14 

56 

180.00 

11.184.00 

24.822.00 

180.00 

236,936.60 

54,837.00 

9 

1 

49 

14 

1 

136,500.00 

1 

280.00 

280.00 

1 

“i 

9 

3 

7,066.00 

7,066.00 

700.00 

645.00 

700.00 

1 

1 

645.00 

2 

3 

3 

2,500.00 

2,500.00 

14,317.56 

6,679.75 

10 

6 

5 

2 

1 

2 

160.00 

160.00 

3 

4 
3 
8 
7 

1 

2 

3 

3 

1 

3,120.00 

3,120.00 

8 

7 

7.200.00 

6.500.00 

8.550.00 

6.650.00 

”i 

14 

1 

2,135.00 

2,135.00 

1 

15 

15 

5 

4 

li, 381.74 

15,430.24 

1 

50,000.00 

500.00 

5,960.00 

27,183.99 

7,000.00 

11,520.00 

4 

6 

45 

7 

49 

500.00 

5,960.00 

22.921.00 
7,000.00 

11.520.00 

1 

5 

16 

4 

9 

7 

11 

1 

1 

4,262.99 

Source  of 
Information 


Reeve  B.  Harris 

Frederick  W.  Loede,  Jr, 

Alfred  P.  Cappio 

Charles  T.  Kochek 

R.  0.  Schlenter 

Mary  G.  Gill 

Robert  A.  Turner 

E.  S.  Ferris 

Ethel  Burr  Dudley. . . . 

Joseph  J.  Farrell 

Madelaine  A.  Clancy . . . 
H.  S.  Kennedy 

Alma  R.  Duch 

F.  S.  Mathewson 


Joe  Ellsworth. . . 
G.  L.  Fenlon. . . . 
Charles  Schoepf. 
Ida  D.  Atwater . 


Allen  T.  Edmunds . . 
Mrs.  Mary  V.  Wait. 

Mrs.  J.  M.  Pollard.  . 
F.  F.  Pierson,  Jr.. . . 

Earl  D.  Hewes 

Francis  J.  Pierson . . 
Alfred  H.  Pearson . . 
Elizabeth  B.  Pierce . 


Joseph  F.  Suttner 

Carl  H.  Burkhardt. . . 

T.  H.  Evans 

Howard  E.  Reynolds. 

M.  H.  Buckley 

William  0.  Drake 

L.  T.  Wilcox 

L.  G.  Bursey 

W.  J.  Braman 

Solon  L.  Butterfield. . 
Peter  J.  Carpenter. . . . 

K.  Hoeppner 

Mrs.  A.  E.  Nield 


Vivian  D.  Wills . . . 
Arthur  B.  Weaver. 
James  H.  Glenn. . . 
J.  F.  Robinson. . . . 
G.  R.  Bodley 

Ruth  Sherburne.. 

A.  E.  Severn. 

Oscar  Gustafson . . . 
Harry  S.  Lawler... 


Marvin  C.  Williams . . 


Mrs.  John  Campbell. 

F.  H.  Robinson 

A.  Raeburn  Benson. . 
E.  E.  Bredbenner. . . 


Richard  S.  Baker. . . 

H.  T.  Watson 

Margaret  E.  Mulac. 


J.  Reifsteck. 

A.E.Gay 

J.  Whitney . 


F.  T.  Burke. 


Frank  G.  Lindsey 
F.  Fulton  Carpenter 

R.  Walter  Cammaek 

Douglas  G.  Miller 


Samuel  H.  Giangreco . . 


127 


PLAYGROUND  AND  COMMUNITY 


Recreation  Leadership 
(Not  Including 
Emergency  Workers) 

Expenditures  Last  Fiscal  Year 

Paid 

Workers 

Volun- 

teer 

Woikers 

(Not  Including  Emergency  Funds) 

1 

5 

er 

STATE  AND 
CITY 

Popula- 

tion 

Managing 

Authority 

a 

<v 

j No.  of  Women 

3T3 
fe  £ 

O L. 

"3. 83 

No.  of  Men 

1 

i 

Land, 

Buildings, 

Permanent 

Upkeep, 

Supplies 

and 

Salaries  and  Wages 

Total 

3 

>> 

•o 

6 

55 

o.§ 

255- 

‘o 

o 

55 

Equipment 

Incidentals 

For 

Leadership 

Other 

Services 

Total 

o 

O) 

a 

& 

d 

•3 

o 

1 

N.  Y.-Cont. 
New  York  City. . . 

7,000,000 

2 

Niagara  Falls 

76,000 

3 

North  Tarry  town.. 

8,000 

4 

North  Tona wanda. 

20,000 

5 

Norwich 

8,000 

6 

Nyack 

5,392 

7 

Olean 

20,000 

3 

Oneida 

10,558 

S 

Oneonta 

13,900 

1C 

Ossining 

16,000 

11 

Oswego 

25,000 

12 

Pelham 

12,000 

13 

Pleasantville 

4,950 

14 

Port  Chester 

23,000 

15 

Port  Jervis 

9,000 

16 

Poughkeepsie 

45,000 

17 

Purchase 

500 

18 

Rhinecliff 

400 

19 

Rockville  Center . . 

16,000 

20 

Rome 

32,000 

21 

St.  Jobnsville 

2,100 

22 

Sag  Harbor 

3,000 

23 

Scarsdale 

11,000 

24 

Syracuse 

210,000 

25 

Tarry  town 

6,841 

26 

Troy 

75,000 

27 

Utica 

104,000 

28 

Warsaw 

3,477 

29 

Watertown 

32,000 

30 

Watervliet 

16,083 

31 

Westchester  Co.64.. 

520,947 

32 

Whitehall 

4,500 

33 

White  Plains 

37,500 

34 

Yonkers... 

135,000 

35 

North  Carolina 

Asheville 

50,193 

36 

Canton 

5,200 

37 

Durham 

55,000 

38 

Gastonia 

17,094 

39 

Loldsboro 

17,500 

40 

Greensboro 

62,000 

41 

High  Point 

42,000 

42 

Montreat 

5,000 

43 

Raleigh 

40,000 

44 

Roanoke  Rapids . . 

10,000 

45 

Wilmington 

32,287 

46 

Winston-Salem 

75,288 

47 

North  Dakota 

Bismarck 

11,090 

48 

Devils  Lake 

6,200 

49 

Fargo 

30,000 

50 

3rand  Forks 

17,000 

51 

La  Moure  County . 

11,517 

52 

Lisbon 

1,650 

53 

Mott 

1,036 

54 

Parshall 

500 

55 

Renville  County66 

7,623 

56 

Tuttle 

385 

57 

Wahpeton 

3,176 

58 

Ohio 

Akron 

250,000 

59 

Athens 

7,000 

60 

Bluffton 

2,035 

61 

Bowling  Green. . . . 

7,000 

62 

Cambridge 

16,129 

63 

Canton 

120,000 

64 

Cincinnati 

467,000 

Department  of  Parks 

Board  of  Education 

Community  Councils  of  the  City  of 

New  York,  Inc . 

Brooklyn  Parks  and  Playgrounds  Com- 
mittee   

Recreation  Commission,  Bureau  of 

Parks. . .. . 

Community  Center  Association 

Recreation  Commission 

Board  of  Education. 

Recreation  Commission 

Women’s  Civic  League 

School  Board 

Park  and  Playground  Commission .... 

Board  of  Education. 

Recreation  Commission 

Department  of  Works 

Public  Schools.  ...... 

Recreation  Commission 

Recreation  Commission 

City  and  T.  E.  R.  A 

Board  of  Education 

Board  of  Public  Works 

Purchase  Community,  Inc 

Morton  Memorial  Library  and  Com- 
munity House 

Board  of  Education 

Public  Works  Department 

Village  Trustees. .. 

Park  and  Recreation  Association 

Community  Service 


Department  of  Recreation . 


V.  M.C.  A. 


Wayne  County  Memorial  Community 
Association 


World  War  Memorial  Board. 


83 

1027 


144 


8,000.00 


900.00 

700.00 


120.00 


771.91 


1,440.26 


200.00 


465.00 


25,000.00 

736.70 

3,235.76 


2,000.00 

150.00 
5,127.00 

700.00 


2,500.00 


1,800.70 

2,206.11 


1,400.00 


2,873.97 

300.00 

117.60 


1,500 

100 


5,000 


3,432.83 

223,540.27 


4.000. 00 
48,682.72 

2,639.89 

857.60 

13,222.60 

200.00 

1.000. 00 


50.00 


679.30 

252.00 


2,282.38 


2,928.38 

215.83 

3,806.25 

5,100.00 


1,447.73 


341.07 

12,268.94 

373.00 

900.00 

9.075.00 

2.375.00 
597.02 

5.555.00 

150.00 


40Q.00 

350.00 

2,660.00 

10,218.00 


584.00 

2,180.00 

6,964.00 


2,003.48 

4,511.52 


625.00 

4,561.64 


5,373.69 


4,365.25 

1,923.65 


4,336.41 

2,670.00 

150.00 

89.74 


6,985.97 

49,166.61 


296,234.50 

619,848.69 

2,166.76 

1.920.00 

7.575.00 
2,000.00 
2,000.00 


800.00 


716.00 

460.00 
6,207.71 


3.258.00 
623.14 

4,327.25 

1.800.00 


1,800.00 


4,547.76 

90.00 


830.00 

13.390.00 

3.500.00 

1.725.00 

8.350.00 

10.140.00 
56.25 

10.080.00 

1.381.00 


200.00 

2,200.00 

9,990.00 

28,558.00 


1,080.00 

680.00 

7,899.20 

744.88 

3,095.00 

9,162.45 


300.00 

600.00 
250.00 


7,146.49 


1,500.00 

400.00 
2,442.54 
1,752.50 

150.00 

500.00 


56.00 


7,124.97 

4,514.00 


105.85 


15,903.50 

71,323.38 


345,000.00 


1,240.00 


30,246.63 

900.00 


1,470.18 

1,593.00 


1,042.00 


1,193.50 

3,110.00 


600.00 


4,270.00 

600.00 


13,925.00 


1,422.26 


15,798.00 

29,450.50 


416.00 


1,874.00 

558.09 


2,330.51 

1,490.59 


2,353.00 

2,819.20 


1,932.68 

1,800.00 

6,792.00 

4,646.81 

960.00 

92.49 


2,303.96 

1,255.00 


127 


4,292 

44,434 


296,234.50 

964,848.69 

2,166.76 

3.160.00 

37,821.63 

2.900.00 

2,000.00 


800.00 


1,470.18 

2,309.00 

460.00 

7,249.71 


3.258.00 
623.14 

5,520.75 

4.910.00 


2,400.00 


4,547.76 

90.00 

3,000.00 

830.00 

17.660.00 

4.100.00 

1.725.00 

22.275.00 

10.140.00 
1,478.51 

10.080.00 

1.381.00 


200.00 

2,200.00 

25,788.00 

58,008.50 


1,496.00 

680.00 

9,773.25 

1,302.97 

5,425.51 

10,653.04 


300.00 

600.00 
250.00 

2,353.00 

9,959.69 


3,432.68 

2,200.00 

9,234.54 

6,399.31 

1,110.00 

592.49 


56.00 


9,428.93 

5,769.00 


233.47 

4,000.00 


20,196.00 

115,757.44 


61308, 234.50 
1,013,531.41 

4,806.65 

4,017.60 

51,044.23 

4,000.00 

3.700.00 

11.632.00 

850.00 

412.00 
2,149.48 

2.681.00 

600.00 

10.304.00 


1.500.00 
3,000.00 
6,186.38 

838.97 

10,767.26 

10,010.00 

8.400.00 

2.400.00 

1.500.00 

6.195.49 
190.00 

4.311.50 
1,171.07 

29,928.94 

4.938.00 

2.625.00 

56.350.00 
13,251.70 

5,311.29 

15.635.00 

1.531.00 
706,690.87 

2.600.00 
2,700.00 

33.575.00 
68,926  50 


2,080.00 
2,860.00 
19,237  25 
1,302.97 

9,289.69 

17,370.67 


975.00 

1,000.00 

425.00 
3,603  00 

14,521.33 


10,206.37 

8,384.93 

13,599.79 

11,196.93 

1.410.00 
710.09 
875.00 

56.00 

1.500.00 


300.00 


13,765.34 

9.939.00 
250.00 
323.21 

8,000.00 

2.800.00 
30,614.80 

69391,964.32 


M 

P 

M 

M 

M 

P 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M&P 

P 

M 

M 

M&P 

M 

P 

M 

P 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

C 

P 

M 

M 

M 


M&P 

P 

M 

M 

M&P 

M 

M 

P 

M 

M 

M 

M&P 


M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M&P 

M 

M 

M&P 

M 


M 

M 

P 

M 

M&P 

M 

M 

M 


128 


RECREATION  STATISTICS  FOR  1935 

the  table 


5 

c 

o 

Z 

Playgrounds 

Under 

Leadership 

Recreation 

Buildings 

Indoor 

Recreation 

Centers 

| Athletic  Fields,  Number 

| Baseball  Diamonds,  Number 

1 Bathing  Beaohes,  Number 

| Golf  Courses,  9-Hole,  Number 

| Golf  Courses,  18-Hole,  Number 

Swimming  Pools  Indoor,  Number 

Swimming  Pools  Outdoor,  Number 

Tennis  Courts,  Number 

Wading  Pools,  Number 

Emergency  Service 

Source  of 
Information 

Paid 

Leadership 

Expenditures 

1 Year  Round 

I Summer  Only 

| School  Year  Only 

1 Summer  &OtherSeasons 

"e3 

O 

H 

Total  Yearly  or 
Seasonal  Attendance 

M 

a 

3 

Total  Yearly 
or  Seasonal 
Attendance 

1 

a 

3 

S3 

Total  Yearly 
or  Seasonal 
Attendance 

Number  of  Men 

Number  of  Women 

Em- 

ployed 

Full 

Time 

Land, 

Buildings, 

Permanent 

Equipment 

Leader- 

ship 

Total 

No.  of  Men 

No.  of  Women  | 

i 

215 

215 

8,412,000 

106 

1,255,343 

35 

134 

3 

10 

2 

366 

72 

375 

175 

375 

175 

419,596.29 

624 19,596  29 

392 

392 

8,715,865 

118 

3,564,480 

15 

17 

39 

196 

104 

370,000.00 

370,000.00 

b 

5 

5 

1 

1 

2 

1 

4 

1 

4 

5 

153,440 

1 

2 

6 

3 

2 

15 

15 

84,409 

6 

3 

. .1 

1 

1 

14 

2 

63 

3 

54,896.30 

1 

16,100 

6 

2 

2 

2 

2 

3,841.00 

3,841.00 

T M Pollard  Sr. 

3 

3 

3 

45,150 

2 

10,600 

1 

2 

2 

613.42 

881.02 

4 

8 

6 

14 

138,900 

8 

101,400 

6 

37,500 

8 

12 

1 

11 

9 

1 

9 

1 

12,936.00 

5 

2 

2 

s13,085 

1 

1,000 

1 

1 

2 

1 

6 

1 

1 

7,948 

1 

6,823 

1 

1 

1 

1 

345.50 

7 

1 

3 

H.  W.  Stone  . 

8 

* 1 

1 

5 

7 

53,416 

5 

7,102 

3 

3 

7 

12 

1 

5 

5,500.61 

5,636.61 

9 

3 

3 

10,000 

2 

1 

5 

W.  E.  Long  . 

10 

1 

4 

5 

117,403 

1 

125,979 

1 

3 

7 

5 

2 

3,408.00 

3,408.00 

11 

5 

5 

1 

8 

4 

3 

12 

1 

1 

1 

1 

13 

1 

14 

3 

3 

6 

*121,720 

6 

16,186 

3 

12 

2 

7 

2 

10,481.92 

10,481.92 

15 

2 

1 

3 

75,000 

2 

«*8 

632 

1,869.40 

1,869.40 

16 

7 

7 

88,000 

2 

3 

6 

1 

4 

3 

600.00 

600.00 

1 

3 

1 

1 

4 

17 

1 

1 

2 

18 

1 

1 

10,000 

1 

19 

3 

3 

4 

2 

1 

3 

1 

2 

20 

5 

4 

9 

400,000 

6 

4 

10 

6 

6 

6 

6 

14,805.15 

3,816.50 

33,763.93 

William  L.  Koch 

21 

1 

i 

1,900 

1 

1 

1 

3 

1 

1 

144.00 

144.00 

22 

1 

1 

1 

4 

23 

2 

2 

2 

24 

28 

28 

1,110,500 

11 

183,000 

70 

200,384 

3 

17 

2 

9 

85 

1 

99 

39 

99 

39 

26,050.00 

49,616.65 

206,119.06 

1 

1 

81,008 

1 

35,873 

5 

6,104 

3 

3 

3 

3 

3,600.00 

3,600.00 

25 

3 

3 

79,964 

1 

8^343 

8 

19,288 

1 

2 

2 

6 

1 

3,024.00 

3,024.00 

26 

9 

9 

15537 

1 

1 

5 

1 

1 

25 

3 

27 

9 

7 

16 

*455,127 

9 

46,702 

1 

4 

18 

3 

18 

10 

1 

15,592.58 

15,592.58 

M.  Esthyr  Fitzgerald.  . . 

28 

1 

1 

4,928 

1 

6 

1 

1 

3,642.50 

168.75 

5,986.17 

29 

2 

5 

7 

98,619 

1 

50,000 

4 

1,500 

1 

2 

2 

14 

1 

13 

2 

13 

2 

10,000.00 

10,000.00 

30 

4 

4 

*5300 

4 

4 

2 

31 

5 

10 

5 

4 

3 

8 

1 

32 

1 

3 

4 

47,000 

1 

20,000 

1 

8,800 

3 

2 

1 

2 

1 

2 

1 

2 

1 

2,577.00 

2,577.66 

33 

7 

7 

*65,094 

5 

Frank  B.  McGovern. . . . 

12 

12 

126,999 

1 

13 

7 

8 

1 

7 

1 

23 

7 

23 

7 

14,600.00 

22,600.00 

34 

31 

31 

37L057 

33 

220,618 

3 

a 

2 

27 

3 

16 

6 

16 

6 

102,792.99 

21,892.00 

124,684.99 

James  F.  McCrudden. . . 

35 

5 

7 

]9 

71,175 

2,000 

1 

1 

1 

9 

23 

5,000.00 

5,000.00 

36 

9 

2 

42,212 

20  184 

9 

1 

2 

37 

2 

ii 

13 

6530,800 

9 

28,460 

3 

16,350 

3 

4 

1 

2 

15 

5 

26 

9 

26 

9 

8,477.00 

4,538.00 

13,015.00 

C.  R.  Wood 

38 

4 

1 

2 

39 

7 

7 

19,000 

? 

138  091 

1 

600 

1 

11 

13 

1,500.00 

1,500.00 

Charles  Stapleton 

40 

5 

3 

*65  150 

1 500 

22,000 

1 

11 

1 

26 

5 

12 

3,600.00 

4,600.00 

41 

10 

10 

177,000 

8 

1 

1 

4 

i 

6 

13 

W.  F.  Bailey 

42 

2 

*500 

2 

1 

1 

4 

43 

15 

9f) 

1 

10 

0 

4 

8 

15 

16 

1,593.50 

1,743.50 

George  Washburn 

44 

2 

9 

2 

9 

1 

2 

75.00 

C.  W.  Davis 

45 

9 

1 

1 

8 

10,000.00 

10,000.00 

J.  E.  L.  Wade 

46 

6 

10 

.378,510 

8 

33,976 

1 

11 

1 

2 

3 

69 

1 

17 

1 

1,182.59 

1,182.59 

Loyd  B.  Hathaway 

47 

6 

2 

8 

6,000 

1 

299,570 

1 

1 

6 

1 

500.00 

500.00 

2,500.00 

Myron  H.  Atkinson. . . . 

48 

1 0 000 

15,000 

2 

5 

i 

50,000.00 

50,OOO.OC 

Noel  Tharalson 

49 

1 

1 

8 

50 

3 

3 

14,565 

2 

1 

1 

8 

i 

7 

1 

6,543.44 

Mrs.  M.  B.  Kannowski. . 

51 

1 

i 

«>9 

1 

1 

1 

1,800.00 

200.00 

2,000.00 

C.G.  Mead 

53 

1 

1 

1 

1 

2 

H.  W.  Batty 

54 

1 

1 

1 

3,000.00 

3,400.01 

A.  O.  Fuglie 

55 

12 

7,840 

12 

9 

1 

2 

2 

1 

2,400.00 

720.0C 

3,120.01 

Albert  Strand 

56 

1 

• 

M.  Hutchinson 

57 

1 

7 

850.00 

850.01 

Max  Simmer 

58 

23 

11 

2 

4 

38 

13 

31,000.00 

31,000.00 

H.  S.  Vincent 

21 

1 

1 

Ml 

8 

13 

1 

1, 638.01 

1,638.00 

Rowan  R.  White 

59 

2^000 

2 

1 

330.00 

330.00 

A H.  Rhoads 

60 

2 

i 

61 

6 

97,000 

1 

3 

1 

1 

2 

6 

6 

5,000.00 

6,000.00 

Ford  Murray 

62 

1 

5 

1 

Arthur  Beach 

63 

10 

H 

.309,890 

13 

29,380 

— 5 

3 

18 

3 

39 

15 

39 

15 

15,000.00 

17,350.00 

43,000.01 

C.  W.  Schnake 

64 

9 

22 

53 

84 

’•996.637 

18 

176.638 

135 

71  464  210 

2 

42 

i 

lj  10 

723  8 

85 

192 

69 

4 

491, 907.05 1 96,596.21 

591,503.21 

Tam  Deering  

17 


129 


PLAYGROUND  AND  COMMUNITY 

Footnotes  follow 


Recreation  Leadership 

(Not  Including 

Emergency  Workers) 

Volun- 

Paid 

teer 

Workers 

Woikers 

g 

S 

a 

G> 

1 

fc*  b 

-a  c 

— s 
o.  s 
a;* 

a 

<v 

s 

a 

I 

f 

o 

6 

— J a) 
0.0 

o 

o 

o 

55 

55 

ZH 

55 

55 

STATE  AND 
CITY 


Popula- 

tion 


Managing 

Authority 


Expenditures  Last  Fiscal  Year 
(Not  Including  Emergency  Funds) 


Land, 

Buildings, 

Permanent 

Equipment 


Upkeep, 

Supplies 

Salaries  and  Wages 

Incidentals 

For 

Other 

Leadership 

Services 

Total 

Total 


34 


Ohio — Cont. 


Cleveland . 


Cleveland  Metro- 
politanParkDist. 
Cleveland  Heights. 


1,250,000 

55,000 


Columbus . 
Dayton. . . 


Defiance 

Edon 

Fremont74 

Hamilton 

Hamilton  Co.75. 
Kenton........ 

Lakewood 


Lima 

Mansfield 

Mariemont. . . . 

Massillon 

Middletown . . . 

Newark 

New  Boston. . . 

Niles 

North  Canton. 

Norwood 

Orrville 

Piqua 

Portsmouth .... 
Rocky  River. . . 

Salem 

Sandusky 

Shaker  Heights . 
South  Euclid . . . 

Springfield 

Steubenville . . . 
Tiffin 


Toledo . 


Toronto 

Van  Wert. . . 
Wapakoneta. 
Wooster. . . . 


40 


Youngstown . 
Zanesville . . . 


Oklahoma 

Cherokee 

Cushing 

Guthrie 

Mangum 

Oklahoma  City 

Okmulgee 

Ponca  City 

Tulsa 


67 


Oregon 

Albany 

Ashland 

Bend 

Burns 

Carlton 

Corvallis 

Eugene 


900,429 


Klamath  Falls 

La  Grande 

Pendleton 

Portland 

Salem 

Silverton 

Springfield 

Tillamook 

West  Linn 


Pennsylvania 
Allegheny  County78 

Allentown 

Altoona 


290,564 

200,982 


9.000 
500 

15.000 

52.000 
589,356 

8.000 

75.000 


42.000 

33.000 
1,800 

27.000 

30.000 

31.000 

5.000 

16.000 
2,648 

36.000 
4,800 

17.000 

45.000 
6,600 

10.000 

23,000 

23.000 

6.000 

70.000 
35,418 

17.000 


300,000 


8,000 

8.500 

5.500 

11,000 


170,000 

36,440 


2,200 

10,000 

10,000 

5,000 


200,000 

17.500 

16.500 
145,000 


5.500 

4.500 
8,848 

2.500 
765 

7,585 

18,893 


Department  of  Parks  and  Public  Prop- 
erty   _ 

Board  of  Education 

Hiram  House 


Metropolitan  Park  Board78 

Division  of  Public  Recreation,  Board  of 

Education. 

Division  of  Public  Recreation 

Bureau  of  Recreation,  Division  of  Parks, 

Department  of  Public  Welfare 

Men’s  East  Defiance  Booster  Club 

School  Board 

Board  of  Education  and  F.  E.  R.  A 

Department  of  Parks  and  Recreation. . 

Department  of  Public  Welfare 

Recreation  Commission 

Recreation  Department,  Board  of  Edu- 
cation...,.   

Recreation  Commission 

Municipal  Recreation  Board 

Thomas  J.  Emery  Memorial 

Park  Department 

Department  of  Parks 

Board  of  Education 

Citizens  Forum 

Recreation  Service  and  Park  Board 

Y.  M.  C.  A 

Recreation  Commission 

Park  Commission 

School  Board 

Park  Commission 

Park  Committee 

Memorial  Building  Association 

City  and  F.  E.  R.  A 

School  Board 

Municipal  Council. 

Playground  Association 

Department  of  Parks  and  Recreation. . 

Council  of  Social  Agencies 

( Division  of  Recreation,  Department  of 

Public  Works 

1 Frederick  Douglas  Community  Asso- 

l ciation21 

Recreation  Board 

Y.  M.  C.  A 

School  Board 

School  Board 

(Park  Department ,. 

•'  Mill  Creek  Park  Commission 

I Playground  Association 

Playground  Commission 


City  Commission 

Chamber  of  Commerce 

City  of  Guthrie 

City  of  Mangum 

(School Board. . 

(Recreation  Division,  Park  Department 

School  Board 

City  and  School  Board 

Board  of  Park  Commissioners 


18,000 

8,000 

7.000 
301,815 

27,000 

3.000 
3,000 
2,500 
1,956 


City  and  School  Board 

Park  Commission 

School  Board 

Recreation  Committee 

City  of  Carlton ; 

Parent  Teacher  Association , 

Playground  and  Community  Recreation 

Association 

City  of  Klamath  Falls 

Playground  and  Recreation  Association 

Park  Commission 

Playground  Division,  Bureau  of  Parks. 

City  and  School  Board 

City,  Recreation  Council  and  E.  R.  A.. 

Recreation  Association 

School  Board 

City  Council 


1,374,410 

98.000 

85.000 


Recreat  jon  Bureau,  Department  of  Parks 
Recreation  Commission  and  School  Board 
Recreation  Commission 


23 


20 


25 


409 


25 


630 


40 


10 


8.684.73 


50.00 


881.00 


25.00 

2,916.50 


15,000.00 


345.00 


750.00 


423.74 

2,880.07 


1,298.77 


200.00 


44,000.00 

6,701.58 

2,000.00 


704.31 


3,050.00 


8,979.31 


90.00 


8,000.00 


50,243.39 

10,897.35 

1,275.63 


2,208.36 


22,730.53 

500.00 


30.00 

3,670.00 


50.00 


4,290.00 

1,523.26 

1,168.35 

1,000.00 


200.00 


820.28 


325.00 


200.00 


276.16 


212.16 

678.08 


10,493.00 

2,239.41 


75.00 
300.00 

85.00 

10,000.00 

7,261.99 


120.00 


173.10 


2,700.00 


250.00 


300.00 

74.50 

27.88 


46.21 

100.00 


1,421.96 


35.00 


5.200.00 

8.200.00 


39,413.44 

2,497.41 


11,832.50 


13,518.22 

300.00 

300.00 

300.00 
4,650.00 
2,152.80 

100.00 


14,825.17 

4,497.83 

1,875.63 


985.05 


2,630.66 


2,200.00 

310.00 

900.00 

800.00 


250.00 


450.00 
1,015.50 
4,673.94 

105.00 


9,882.00 


2.295.00 
175.00 

1.200.00 


115.00 
14,451.00 

4,011.03 

4,000.00 

870.00 


228.00 

60.00 

300.00 


8,000.00 

11,641.60 


800.00 

5,940.00 


240.00 

120.00 
438.99 
375.00 

68.00 

470.20 


2,097.05 

500.00 

226.00 

320.00 
24,934.46 

1,203.60 

90.00 

100.00 


60.00 


6.240.00 

6.440.00 

1.200.00 


899.96 


968.30 


52,398.46 

250.00 


7,882.61 


675.73 


3,000.00 


2,521.30 

25.00 

2,844.63 


300.00 


4,500.00 

1,174.70 


148.50 

120.50 


41,891.00 


615.75 

100.00 

400.00 


40,000.00 

20,615.99 


735.09 


200.00 


20.00 


12,640.00 

1.350.00 

1.300.00 


109,913.74 

40,313.40 

2,497.41 


12,800.80 


65,916.68 

550.00 

300.00 

300.00 
12,532.61 

2,152.80 

100.00 


14,825.17 

5,173.56 

1,875.63 

3,000.00 


3,506.35 

25.00 

5,475.29 


2.500.00 

310.00 

900.00 

5.300.00 
1,174.70 


250.00 
2,873.25 

598.50 

1,136.00 

4,673.94 

105.00 


51,773.00 


2,910.75 

175.00 
1,600.00 

795.00 

115.00 
54,451.00 
24,627.02 

4,000.00 

870.00 


963.09 

60.00 

500.00 


8,000.00 

11,641.60 


800.00 

5,940.00 


240.00 

120.00 
438.99 
375.00 

68.00 

490.20 


2,097.05 

500.00 

226.00 

320.00 
24,934.46 

1,203.60 

90.00 

100.00 


60.00 


18,880.00 

7.790.00 

2.500.00 


160,157.13 

51,210.75 

3,773.04 


23,948.76 


15,009.16 

80,355.74 


97,331.94 

1,050.00 

300.00 

330.00 
16,202.61 

2,152.80 

200.00 


19,115.17 

7,577.82 

3,043.98 

4,000.00 


3,706.35 

50.00 

8,012.07 

1,860.00 

17,825.00 

2310.00 

1,100.00 

5,300.00 

1,795.86 

5,000.00 

250.00 
3,623.25 

810.66 

22,237.82 

16,997.42 

105.00 


62,266.00 


6,448.93 

275.00 

1.875.00 

1.095.00 

200.00 

108,451.00 

38,590.59 

6,000.00 

990.00 


1,136.19 

60.00 

500.00 

2.400.00 

10.700.00 
34,792.03 

3,000.00 

1.500.00 

27.340.00 


490  00 
120.00 
757.18 
675.00 
3,192.50 
518.08 


2,840.67 

659.00 
272.21 

420.00 
91,242.94 
11,604.87 

365.00 

225.00 


60.00 


24.080.00 

23.990.00 
2,500.00 


M 


M 

P 

M 

M 

M 

C 

M&P 


M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M&P 


C 

M&P 

M 


34 


130 


RECREATION  STATISTICS  FOR  1935 

the  table 


No.  of  City  II 

Playgrounds 

Under 

Leadership 

Recreation 

Buildings 

Indoor 

Recreation 

Centers 

| Athletic  Fields,  Number 

| Baseball  Diamonds,  Number 

| Bathing  Beaches,  Number 

[ Golf  Courses,  9-Hole,  Number 

| Golf  Courses,  18-Hole,  Number 

Swimming  Pools  Indoor,  Number  1 1 

[ Swimming  Pools  Outdoor,  Number  ! 

| Tennis  Courts,  Number 

% 

B 

a 

2; 

JS 

£ 

bf 

g 

*3 

Es 

Emergency  Service 

Source  of 
Information 

£ 

* 

2 

Paid 

Leadership 

Expenditures 

Year  Round 

Summer  Only 

1 School  Year  Only 

Summer&OtherSeasons: 

*o3 

"o 

H 

Total  Yearly  or 
Seasonal  Attendance 

M 

a 

=J 

£ 

Total  Yearly 
or  Seasonal 
Attendance 

M 

a 

P 

55 

Total  Yearly 
or  Seasonal 
Attendance 

Number  of  Men 

Number  of  Women 

Em- 

ployed 

Full 

Time 

Land, 

Buildings, 

Permanent 

equipment 

Leader- 

ship 

Total 

No.  of  Men  1 

No.  of  Women 
— ! 

1 

36 

36 

*1,284,307 

8 

24 

3 

1 

1 

5 

5 

67 

17 

14 

52 

52 

1,976,695 

21 

302,690 

1 

18 

18 

18,900.00 

18,900.00 

r,  I.  Kern 

b 

1 

1 

6 

1 

l 

7 

7 

2 

7 

3 

2 

1 

1 

2 

l 

3 

3 

5 

3 

11 

*22,750 

13 

1 

5 

1 

15 

9 

1 

1,489.50 

1,489.50 

4 

5 

23 

28 

540,194 

5 

236,365 

8 

22,725 

20 

1 

2 

40 

16 

20 

24 

16,710.76 

5 

2 

26 

28 

2 

193,941 

2 

2 

11 

1 

1 

3 

1 

2 

60 

115 

72 

7 

9 

25,000.00 

33,000.00 

6 

1 

1 

12,000 

1 

1 

1 

1 

7 

1 

1 

3,500 

2 

1 

'8 

8 

8 

59,400 

2 

500 

1 

1 

2 

1 

6 

12 

816.00 

816.00 

9 

10 

10 

*112,320 

1 

2 

8 

1 

1 

13 

3 

5 

4 

9,850.00 

1,020.00 

19,370.00 

10 

17 

17 

63,095 

21 

706,011 

2 

51 

1 

51 

1 

7^957.80 

9|997.80 

G S.  DeSnle  Nenl 

11 

1 

1 

17,500 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

500.00 

500.00 

12 

10 

10 

*360,255 

1 

175,000 

7 

15,400 

3 

17 

1 

14 

3 

6 

6 

3,600.00 

10,080.00 

13 

10 

10 

169,179 

1 

43,788 

4 

14,914 

1 

3 

3 

15 

8 

4i624.85 

9,365.48 

14 

7 

7 

78,833 

2 

4 

15 

1 

25,000 

1 

1 

6 

16 

1 

2 

8 

2 

17 

3 

2 

3 

2 

18 

7 

7 

149,478 

1 

2 

1 

1 

15 

1 

11 

7 

1,943.00 

1,943.00 

19 

1 

20 

6 

6 

49,341 

2 

8,800 

2 

2,840 

6 

1 

8 

1 

6 

7 

745.00 

745.00 

21 

2 

2 

2,850 

1 

4,600 

2 

5 

1 

4 

22 

6 

6 

50,000 

2 

6 

2 

2 

1 

1 

2 

10 

9 

2 

1 

60,000.00 

3,200.00 

63,200.00 

23 

3 

3 

11,670 

1 

2 

2 

1,380.00 

180.00 

1,965.00 

24 

8 

8 

50,000 

1 

2 

8 

1 

4 

520.00 

520.00 

25 

7 

7 

298,125 

7 

2 

22 

1 

35,000.00 

37,500.00 

26 

1 

78.00 

27 

2 

2 

60,000 

1 

3 

4 

2 

28 

5 

5 

sll,500 

2 

8 

4 

750.00 

750.00 

29 

4 

2 

1 

24 

30 

5 

5 

* 8,362 

1 

1 

2 

31 

13 

13 

433,000 

2 

22J 

22t 

15 

14 

4 

1,304.40 

1,369.64 

E.  D.  Ulrich 

32 

6 

6 

153,688 

1 

76,661 

1 

5,356 

2 

2 

1 

3 

4 

4 

6 

2 

1 

48,373.00 

938.60 

49,311.60 

33 

4 

4 

14 

7 

1,500.00 

1,500.00 

34 

38 

38 

s240,160 

o 

126,000 

9 

79,000 

3 

15 

1 

782 

8 

35 

92 

72 

190,000.00 

72,000.00 

262,000.00 

1 

74,449 

2 

35 

3 

3 

10,000 

\ 

3 

3 

1 

3 

4 

1,000.00 

1,000.00 

36 

1 

1 

1 

5,000 

1 

2 

37 

] 

1 

20,000 

1 

1 

2 

1 

38 

5 

5 

12,500 

5 

3 

1 

3 

3 

285.00 

285.00 

39 

21 

21 

45,000 

1 

9 

1 

4 

36 

79,541.00 

79,541.00 

1 

1 

2 

226,260 

1 

1 

1 

8 

13 

5 

2,002.50 

2,002.50 

b 

6 

6 

4 

1 

1 

2 

250.00 

250.00 

40 

5 

5 

325,082 

5 

2 

1 

J.T.  Walker 

41 

i 

1 

18,000 

1 

2 

1 

\ 

Ira  A.  Hill 

42 

1 

1 

43 

i 

1 

15,000 

2 

4 

1 

E.  C.  Hafer 

44 

i 

1 

6,000 

1 

1 

1 

2 

1 

45 

33 

33 

231,244 

31 

2 

5 

6 

16 

1 

7 

22 

29 

3,196,013 

1 

14 

1 

241 

242 

6 

27 

14 

18 

22 

4,480.20 

4,480.20 

46 

5 

5 

*17,500 

500 

1 

1 

8 

4 

2,200.00 

47 

» 

2 

4 

2 

48 

24 

24 

400,000 

3 

13,500 

5 

1 

2 

41 

17 

14 

25 

4,790.00 

4,790.00 

49 

4 

4 

60,000 

2 

3,000 

2 

1 

1 

1 

9 

12 

1,500.00 

7,800.00 

50 

1 

1 

7,360 

772 

2 

1 

1 

240.00 

285.00 

51 

3 

3 

18,612 

2 

1 

4 

1 

4 

206.80 

206.80 

52 

2 

2 

s5,000 

1 

1 

1 

150.00 

150.00 

53 

1 

2 

1 

236.50 

236.50 

54 

3 

3 

36,270 

g 

5 

10 

1,223.60 

1,223.60 

55 

4 

1 

5 

71,289 

2 

3,600 

1 

4 

8 

6 

2,000.00 

2,000.00 

56 

2 

2 

*11,500 

2 

1 

7 

5 

1 

1,176.60 

1.176.60 

57 

1 

5 

6 

18,886 

6,000 

2 

1 

4 

325.00 

325.00 

58 

2 

2 

*11,466 

1 

2 

1 

4 

7 

477.60 

477.60 

Mrs.  A.  C.  McIntyre.  . . 

59 

23 

23 

730  358 

171,041 

9 

13 

i 

2 

7 

61 

20 

100 

100 

60 

2 

2 

149,448 

2 

4,000 

2 

2 

2 

8 

20 

21 

4,132.45 

7,609.73 

61 

2 

2 

8,711 

1 

1 

3 

4 

476.20 

« 576.20 

Mrs.  .1.  P.  Ballantyne. . . 

62 

1 

1 

*2,200 

1 

i 

1 

2 

1 

350.00 

350.00 

Mrs.  Leota  Rodenbough. 

63 

i 

500 

1 

1 

1 

1 

3 

2 

1,250.00 

Frank  B.  Bennett 

64 

1 

2 

3 

*3,000 

2 

1 

1 

1 

3 

3 

Eugene  F.  Richmond . . . 

65 

1 

4 

2 

1 

26 

3 

William  S.  Haddock .... 

66 

IS 

18 

*030  873 

72,000 

2 

2,500 

1 

4 

1 

1 

3 

7 

1 

14 

19 

419,354.67 

6,977.40 

426,432.07 

67 

15 

15 

19^028 

8 

5 

2 

8 

7 

1,032.00 

1,032.00 

R.  H.  Wolfe 

52 


67 


131 


PLAYGROUND  AND  COMMUNITY 

Footnotes  follow 


STATE  AND 
CITY 


Popula- 

tion 


Managing 

Authority 


Recreation  Leadership 
(Not  Including 
Emergency  Workers) 


Paid 

Workers 


II 

« a, 

o .§ 


Volun- 

teer 

Wotkers 


Expenditures  Last  Fiscal  Year 
(Not  Including  Emergency  Funds) 


Land, 

Buildings, 

Permanent 

Equipment 


Upkeep, 

Supplies 

Salaries  and  Wages 

Incidentals 

For 

Other 

Leadership 

Services 

Total 

Total 


1 

Avalon 

6,000 

2 

Carlisle 

12,596 

3 

Chambersburg .... 

13,788 

4 

Clearfield 

9800 

5 

Coatesville 

15,000 

6 

Easton 

40,000 

7 

East  Stroudsburg . . 

6,000 

8 

Ellwood  City 

12,322 

9 

Erie 

116, 00C 

10 

Greensburg 

17,000 

11 

Hones  dale 

6,00C 

12 

Lancaster 

60,000 

13 

Lebanon 

28,000 

14 

Lock  Haven ...... 

9,000 

15 

Meadville 

18.00C 

16 

Mechanicsburg. . . . 

5,647 

17 

Monongahela 

8,675 

18 

Mount  Penn 

2,50C 

19 

New  Castle 

51.00C 

20 

Oakmont 

6,027 

21 

Palmerton 

7,600 

23 


24 


47 


Philadelphia . 
Phoenixville. 
Pittsburgh . . . 


Punxsutawney . 
Reading 


St.  Marys . 
Scranton. . 


Somerset 

Souderton 

Spring  Grove .... 

Sunbury 

Warren 

West  Chester .... 

West  Reading 

Wilkes  Barre  and 
WyomingValley83 
Wilkes  Barre. . . 
Wyomissing . . . 
York 


Rhode  Island 

Barrington 

Central  Falls 

Cranston 

East  Providence . . 

Newport 

Pawtucket 


Providence 

South  Kingston86. 

South  Carolina 

Charleston 

Greenville 

Sumter 

Union 


South  Dakota 

Aberdeen 

Britton 

Canton 

Clark 

Huron 

Miller 

Mitchell 


Pierre. 


1,950,961 


14,000 


669,817 


9.500 

111,000 

7.500 

140.000 

4,395 

4.000 

1.500 

17,500 

14,863 

12,334 

5.000 

250.000 
86,626 

4,111 

60,000 


5,200 

25,898 

48.000 

33.000 

30.000 

80.000 

252,981 

6,010 


62,000 

29,154 

11,780 

8,000 


18,000 

1,500 

2,542 

2,000 

12,000 

9,485 

12,000 

3.659 


Borough  Council 

Borough  and  Board  of  Education. . . 

Borough  Council 

Community  Y.  M.  C.  A 

Department  of  Parks  and  Public  Prop- 
erty   

School  District 

Playground  Association 

Playground  Commission 

Commissioners  of  Water  Works 

Playground  Association 

School  Board,  Union  School  District. . 
Recreation  and  Playground  Association 
/Progressive  Playgrounds  Association . . 
(Southeastern  Playground  Association . 

Playground  Association 

Recreation  Commission 

Recreation  Commission 

Recreation  Commission 

Recreation  Board 

Board  of  Park  Commissioners 

Senior  Woman’s  Club 

Neighborhood  House,  New  Jersey  Zinc 

Company 

Bureau  of  Recreation,  Department  of 

Public  Welfare 

Board  of  Public  Education 

Playground  and  Recreation  Association 
Commissioners  of  Fairmount  Park . 

Smith  Memorial  Playgrounds 

Children’s  Playhouse 

Recreation  Commission 

Bureau  of  Recreation,  Department  of 

Public  Works 

Department  of  Extension  Education, 

Board  of  Education 

Department  of  Hygiene,  Board  of  Ed 

ucation 

I Soho  Public  Baths 

Y.  M.  C.  A.  and  Board  of  Education  . 
Department  of  Public  Playgrounds  and 

Recreation 

Boy’s  Club  of  St.  Marys 

Bureau  of  Recreation,  Department  of 

Public  Works 

Lions  Club 

Playground  Association 

School  Board 

[Trustees  of  Oppenheimer  Trust  Fund 

V Kiwanis  Club 

Park  Commission _ 

Civic  Association  Recreation  Council . 
Board  of  Recreation 


Playground  and  Recreation  Association 

Park  Department 

Playground  Association 

/Recreation  Commission 

\Crispus  Attucks  Community  Center21 


Maple  Avenue  Community  House,  Inc 

Recreation  Board 

Board  of  Recreation 

Board  of  Recreation 

Board  of  Recreation  Commissioners . . . 

Department  of  Recreation 

/Board  of  Recreation 

1 Park  Department85 

Neighborhood  Guild  and  Town  Council 


Board  of  Parks  and  Playgrounds . 

Phillis  Wheatley  Association21 

Trees  and  Parks  Department 
City  Council 


Park  Board 

Community  Service  Center  and  E.  R.  A 
Chamber  of  Commerce  and  Red  Cross  . 

Board  of  Education  and  E.  R.  A 

Park  Board 

City  and  E.  R.  A 

Park  Board,  City  and  E.  R.  A 

City  of  Pierre 


48 


44 


24 


25 


78 


32 


25 


5,113.6 


500.00 

95.00 


5,000.40 


1,200.00 


769.73 

289.19 

250.00 


250.00 


14,884.54 


1,000.00 


4,738.06 


1,326.44 


30,024.47 

60.00 

600.00 


310.00 
1,181 .41 


560.00 


210.00 

32,000.00 

280.00 

5,370.00 


1,587.39 


2,000.00 

7,202.93 


2.684.00 
477.47 

2.500.00 

360.00 

800.00 
100.00 


280.00 

3,626.42 

390.03 

10.00 

1,282.00 

234.57 

112.10 


450.00 


50.00 

60.00 
7,352.00 

25.00 


50,236.28 

2,204.30 

3,585.06 


9,081.47 

2,949.19 


40,000.40 


650.00 


661.56 

9,288.89 

40.60 

12,305.07 

260.00 

400.00 

75.00 


178.50 

139.75 

909.36 

5,655.56 

2,968.00 


1,031.26 

1,144.48 

2,210.02 


476.74 

110.00 

1.150.00 
500.00 

5.246.00 
1,087.44 

7.990.00 
5,000.00 
1,397.50 


1,700.00 

937.21 

155.00 


341.54 


300.00 

100.00 

350.00 


950.00 


1.044.00 
600.00 

1.800.00 

1.840.00 

1,000.00 

390.00 

270.00 

2.750.00 

717.00 
50.00 

6.010.00 

424.00 

303.00 
432.75 

800.00 


75.00 
350.00 

2,100.00 

70.00 


157,299.00 

34,526.23 

13,129.91 


28,304.50 

3,600.00 

475.00 

100,840.88 


16,679.25 

1,510.25 

393.60 

22,214.46 

1,207.82 

15,611.00 

420.00 


120.00 

1.470.00 

300.00 

750.00 

265.00 

1.313.00 

14,599.00 


1,432.87 

6,516.80 

1,200.00 


1.560.00 

2.450.00 

1.950.00 

1.600.00 
2,000.00 
8,664.10 

19,998.71 
9,000.00 
7 306.50 


8,211.00 

2,065.45 

600.00 


385.34 

320.00 

300.00 

300.00 

375.00 

375.00 

950.00 


2,194.86 

2,194.86 

9,992.55 

M 

1 

1,044.00 

1,521.47 

M 

2 

300.00 

900.00 

3,900.00 

M 

3 

1,800.00 

2,255.00 

P 

4 

1,840.00 

2,640.00 

M 

5 

1,000.00 

1,100.00 

M 

6 

485.00 

875.00 

875.00 

M 

7 

270.00 

550.00 

M&P 

8 

12,686.12 

15,436.12 

24,062.94 

M 

9 

327.77 

1,044.77 

1,434.80 

M&P 

10 

50.00 

60.00 

M 

11 

6,010.00 

8,492.00 

M&P 

12 

424.00 

658.57 

M&P 

13 

303.00 

1,184.83 

M&P 

a 

432.75 

721.94 

M 

14 

800.00 

1,500.00 

M 

15 

2,000.00 

M 

16 

75.00 

125.00 

M 

17 

60.00 

410.00 

720.00 

M&P 

18 

6,134.00 

8,234.00 

15,586.00 

M 

19 

70.00 

95.00 

P 

20 

P 

21 

144,281.71 

301,580.71 

366,701.53 

M 

22 

4,682.25 

39,208.48 

41,412.78 

M 

a 

2,200.00 

15,329.91 

20,114.97 

P 

b 

M 

c 

6,345.65 

34,650.15 

43,731.62 

P 

d 

5,015.00 

8,615.00 

11,564.19 

P 

e 

475.00 

1,075.00 

M 

23 

86,446.58 

187,287.46 

232,025.92 

M 

24 

7,610.28 

M 

2,109.24 

18,788.49 

19,438.49 

M 

b 

88.88 

1,599.13 

1,599.13 

M&P 

c 

129.00 

522.60 

1,184.16 

M 

25 

6,491.75 

28,706.21 

S239, 321.54 

M 

26 

1,207.82 

1,248.42 

P 

27 

14,414.00 

30,025.00 

72,354.54 

M&P 

28 

40.00 

460.00 

780.00 

P 

29 

800.00 

1,800.00 

M&P 

30 

120.00 

195.00 

P 

31 

1,470.00 

*1, 470.00 

P 

32 

102.90 

402.90 

891.40 

P 

a 

750.00 

889.75 

M 

33 

530.50 

795.50 

1,704.86 

P 

34 

1,246.25 

2,559.25 

9,396.22 

M 

35 

608.00 

15,207.00 

18,175.00 

M&P 

36 

7,110.45 

M&P 

37 

937.10 

2,369.97 

3,401.23 

M 

38 

957.94 

7,474.74 

9,179.22 

M 

39 

600.00 

1,800.00 

4,010.02 

P 

a 

260.00 

1,820.00 

2,296.74 

P 

40 

2,450.00 

2,770.00 

M 

41 

1,950.00 

35,100.00 

M 

42 

500.00 

2,100.00 

2,880.00 

M 

43 

1,132.00 

3,132.00 

13,748.00 

M 

44 

8,664.10 

• 9,751.54 

M 

45 

19,998.71 

29,576.10 

M 

46 

48,717.74 

57,717.74 

62,717.74 

M 

a 

7,306.50 

8,704.00 

M&P 

47 

610.00 

8,821.00 

10,521.00 

M 

48 

375.00 

2,440.45 

5,377.66 

P 

49 

390.00 

990.00 

8,347.93 

M&P 

50 

750.00 

M 

51 

385.34 

726.88 

M 

52 

50.00 

370.00 

370.00 

P 

53 

300.00 

600.00 

M&P 

54 

300.00 

400.00 

M&P 

55 

375.00 

725.00 

M&P 

56 

375.00 

375.00 

M 

57 

4,657.06 

5,607.06 

6,557.06 

M 

58 

2,176.46 

M&P 

59 

132 


RECREATION  STATISTICS  FOR  1935 

the  table 


Playgrounds 

Under 

Leadership 

Recreation 

Buildings 

Indoor 

Recreation 

Centers 

| Athletic  Fields,  Number 

1 Baseball  Diamonds,  Number 

Bathing  Beaches,  Number 

Golf  Courses,  9-Hole,  Number 

Golf  Courses,  18-Hole,  Number  | 

Swimming  Pools  Indoor,  Number  | 

[ Swimming  Pools  Outdoor,  Number  j 

Tennis  Courts,  Number 

Wading  Pools,  Number 

Emergency  Service 

- ■ 

Paid 

Leadership 

Expenditures 

Source  of 
Information 

Year  Round 

Summer  Only 

School  Year  Only 

Summer  & Other  Season  s | 

*CJ 

O 

Total  Yearly  or 
Seasonal  Attendance 

Number 

Total  Yearly 
or  Seasonal 
Attendance 

Number 

Total  Yearly 
or  Seasonal 
Attendance 

Number  of  Men 

Number  of  Women 

Em- 

ployed 

Full 

Time 

Land, 

Buildings, 

’ermanent 

iquipment 

Leader- 

ship 

Total 

No.  of  Men 

No.ofWomenj 

1 

6,348.39 

6,348.39 

6 

6 

20,000 

2 

2 

1 

5 

5 

58,500 

3 

3 

2 

6 

2 

2 

600.00 

600.00 

1 

1 

30,000 

1 

2 

1 

1 

2 

1 

308.00 

748.00 

. 

1 

7 

8 

139,088 

2 

4 

4 

2 

2 

12 

2 

4 

1 

5 

5 

6,800 

2 

1 

1 

2 

1 

1 

2 

1 

1 

1 

*17,275 

1 

. . . 

1 

1 

1 

. . . 

6 

6 

45,376 

. . . 

1 

1 

14 

14 

225,000 

1 

14,000 

7 

13,200 

2 

1 

36 

2 

5 

1 

1,738.35 

1,738.35 

. . 

1 

1 

42,000 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

26,550 

2 

4 

4 

2 

4 

1 

4' 

4 

56,000 

2 

22,000 

4 

4 

2,000.00 

2,000.00 

1 

1 

1 

1 

6 

1 

1 

24^000.00 

f ... 

4 

4 

1 

9 

3 

2 

925.00 

925.00 

i . . , 

2 

2 

42,490 

1 

2 

1 

8 

8 

9 

3 

1 

1 

4 

1 

2 

7 

9,450.00 

. . 

1 

1 

2,040 

. . 

2 

2 

51,300 

1 

105,000 

2 

11,200 

1 

1 

1 

2 

. . 

40 

1 

41 

797,009,779 

18 

35 

38 

38 

36 

13 

109 

85 

128,345.20 

242,016.83 

65 

65 

3386,048 

1 

43,000 

5 

5 

6 

10 

10 

384,829 

2 

40,000 

11 

8,000 

1 

5 

9 

2 

41 

5 

1 

2 

121 

2 

1 

3 

2 

80251,649 

1 

64,566 

6 

11 

1 

1 

86,387 

1 

1 

H.  M.  Shipe 

4 

4 

320,017 

1 

1,090 

1 

3 

1 

1 

1,000.00 

1,000.00 

.. 

12 

83 

95 

1,372,471 

12 

1,857,321 

62 

33 

1 

19 

4 

4 

11 

9 

250,000.00 

250,000.00 

8126 

18 

18 

*411,944 

10 

10 

18 

9 

1 

1 

35,530 

1 

1 

5 . . 

1 

1 

26,989 

1 

9,488 

1 

1 

2 

1 

. 2 

2 

792.00 

792.00 

6 . . . 

25 

25 

3682,494 

2 

63,721 

14 

710,214 

1 

12 

1 

18 

11 

27 

5 

153,450.00 

16,500.00 

169,950.00 

7 . . . 

1 

1 

10,628 

1 

2,401 

8 . . . 

16 

16 

152,186 

4 

3 

24 

1 

3 

8 

3 

7 

7 

64,676.80 

7,220.00 

71,896.80 

9 . . . 

1 

1 

28,000 

1 

5,000 

1 

1 

1 

0 . . . 

1 

] 

11,000 

1 

1 

1 

2 

1 

1 

1 

8,721 

1 

1 

2 . . 

I 

1 

46,639 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

15,768 

1 

1 

1 

540.0( 

540.00 

3 . . 

4 

4 

2 

4 

4 

1 

1 

5 

1 

1 

74,437 

1 

1 

1 

5 

1 

1 

120.00 

120.00 

6 . . . 

36 

36 

888,000 

27 

35,700 

8 

25 

26 

1 

34 

32 

22,000.00 

22,000.00 

7 . . . 

84] 

1 

jRuth  E.  Swezey 

8 . . 

2 

2 

350,000 

1 

2,000 

2 

1 

1 

7 

9 . 

10 

10 

3152,673 

2 

9,422 

4 

5,554 

] 

15 

16 

3 

3 

1,800.00 

1,800.00 

1 

28,000 

0 . . 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 . . 

7 

7 

380,000 

6 

1 

1 

4 

2 1 

5 

6 

318,000 

1 

1 

2 

27,000.00 

27,000.00 

Everett  W.  Higson .... 

3 . . 

4 

3 

7 

342,560 

3 

3 

2 

4 

14 

15 

9,000.00 

1,800.00 

10,800.00 

4 

7 

7 

52,246 

2 

16,549 

7 

7 

11 

5 3 

9 

12 

360,554 

1 

2 

12 

8 

6 7 

27 

34 

1,500,000 

17 

2 

14 

18 

11 

8 

8 

2,940.00 

2,940.00 

Joseph  J.  McCaffrey. . . 

1 

50,000 

2 

1 

38 

7 2 

5 

7 

1 

18,459 

1 

1 

1 

1 

2 

5 

500.00 

500.00 

8 9 

9 

1,055,840 

1 

5 

8 

3 

19 

18 

16 

8 

2,986.00 

2,986.00 

9 6 

1 

7 

46,813 

1 

17,257 

2 

1,246 

1 

4 

5 

5 

1,230.00 

1,230.00 

4)  1 

1 

2 

350 

3 

1 

5,145.50 

5,145.50 

1 . 

7 

7 

1 

12 

1,000.00 

1,000.0c 

* 

2,000.00 

2 ... 

4 

4 

8 

2 

ir 

34 

2C 

Evelyn  Gould  Ludwig 

3 

84. 0C 

84.00 

4 

10,000 

>5 

4 

4 

350.00 

350.00 

E.  F.  Voss 

>6 

4 

321,182 

5 

11 

r 

2,850.00 

3,150.00 

>7 

3 

322,800 

2 

2,800 

0 

345.5' 

345.5' 

18 

f 

1 

33,240 

3 

13 

H 

602.24 

903 .3f 

I Thomas  Eastcott  . 

>9 

1 1 

133 


PLAYGROUND  AND  COMMUNITY 

Footnotes  follow 


Recreation  Leadership 
(Not  Including 
Emergency  Workers) 

Expenditures  Last  Fiscal  Year 

Paid 

Workers 

Volun- 

teer 

Woikers 

(Not  Including  Emergency  Funds) 

1 

a 

3 

STATE  AND 
CITY 

Popula- 

tion 

Managing 

Authority 

e 

No.  of  Women 

2 

5 § 
1“ 

g 

No.  of  Women 

Land, 

Buildings, 

Permanent 

Upkeep, 

Supplies 

and 

Salaries  and  Wages 

Total 

.2 

1 

B 

*o 

6 

& 

dj 

ZE- 

O 

6 

55 

Equipment 

Incidentals 

For 

Leadership 

Other 

Services 

Total 

O 

© 

H 

a 

o 

02 

l 

So.  Dak. — Cont. 
Redfield 

2,566 

2 

Sioux  Falls 

35,000 

3 

Watertown 

10,214 

4 

Tennessee 

Columbia 

9,000 

5 

Fentress  County87 . 

11,036 

6 

Johnson  City 

25,080 

7 

Knoxville 

153,799 

8 

Memphis 

287,624 

9 

Paris 

11,500 

10 

Pickwick  Dam. . . . 

1,700 

11 

Texas 

Austin 

53,000 

12 

Beaumont 

60,000 

13 

Bryan 

11,250 

14 

Dallas 

331,244 

15 

El  Paso 

115,000 

16 

Fort  Worth 

175,000 

17 

Highland  Park. . . . 

9,370 

18 

Houston 

335,000 

19 

New  Braunfels 

6,243 

20 

Orange 

8,000 

21 

Panhandle 

1,500 

22 

San  Antonio 

231,542 

23 

Waco 

55,000 

24 

Wichita  Falls 

40,000 

25 

Utah 

Bingham  Canyon . . 

3,200 

26 

Ogden 

45,000 

27 

Provo 

15,000 

3,500 

28 

Richfield 

29 

Salt  Lake  City. . . . 

150,000 

30 

Vermont 

Barre 

12,000 

31 

Barton 

1,400 

32 

Lyndonville 

1,700 

33 

Putney 

800 

34 

Rutland 

17,000 

35 

Virginia 

Fredericksburg. . . 

8,000 

36 

Lynchburg 

45,000 

37 

Newport  News. . . . 

34,000 

38 

Petersburg 

32,000 

39 

Richmond 

200,000 

40 

Roanoke 

70,000 

41 

Salem 

5,000 

42 

Washington 

Davenport 

1,000 

43 

Dayton 

2,800 

44 

Hoquiam 

12,766 

45 

Olympia 

12,000 

46 

Pullman 

3,000 

47 

Seattle 

398,267 

48 

Spokane 

115,514 

49 

Tacoma 

106,000 

50 

White  Salmon  .... 

798 

51 

West  Virginia 
Fairmont 

25,000 

52 

Morgantown92.  . . 

17,000 

53 

Moundsville 

20,000 

54 

Parkersburg 

40,000 

55 

St.  Marys 

2,500 

56 

Taylor  County98... 

19,114 

57 

Wheeling 

65,000 

58 

Williamson 

10,000 

59 

Wisconsin 
Beloit 

23,611 

60 

Berlin 

4,200 

Spink  County  Committee  and  F.  E.  R.  A 

Y.  W.  C.  A 

Park  Board 


Lions  Club. . . 

Extension  Division,  State  University. 
Board  of  City  School  Commissioners. 

Department  of  Public  Welfare _ 

Recreation  Department,  Park  Commis- 
sion....  ; 

Community  Service  Club 

Tennessee  Valley  Authority 


Recreation  Department 

Graham  Congregational  Church . 

Park  Board 

Park  Department 

(Department  of  Recreation 

'.Park  Department 

Public  Recreation  Board 

Park  Department 

(Recreation  Department 

(Public  Parks  Department 

City  Commissioner 

Lutch  Stark’s  Boys,  Inc 

Parent  Teacher  Association 

Park  Department 

Recreation  Commission 

Park  Department 


American  Legion  and  Jordan  School 

District 

Recreation  Advisory  Board 

ecreation  Commission  and  School 

Board 

City  of  Richfield 

Recreation  Department 


Recreation  Bureau. 


Village  Improvement  Society. 


School  Board 

Recreation  Department 

Recreation  Commission 

City  Council 

f Bureau  of  Parks  and  Recreation  .De- 
partment of  Public  Works 


Department  of  Recreation. 
City  Council 


City  of  Davenport. 


District . 


25 


40 


/ 37 


35 


43 


35 


25 


24 


34 


10 


1 

2 

10 

47 

*5250 
1 


31 


22 


50 


22 


10 


588.46 


50.00 

145.53 


275.00 


18,393.05 

198.21 

1,022.43 


12,000.00 

8,026.47 


37.00 

948.96 


1,400.00 

6,000.00 

274.98 

48,750.00 


20,147.13 


500.31 

250.00 


400.00 


7,043.83 

80,342.98 


2,058.37 


70.79 


413.99 

75.00 


68.00 


12,306.79 

200.00 

1,736.94 


20,168.60 

321.49 

1,409.18 

4,681.03 

1,122.00 

44,217.00 

22,642.12 

1,637.50 

6,760.13 


1,175.58 

3,973.41 


50.00 

400.00 

500.00 
153.86 

8,640.00 


300.00 
193.21 

25.00 

800.00 
584.03 


125.00 

1,026.15 


7,757.81 

450.61 

3,319.73 

1,892.06 

50.00 


150.00 


100.00 

16,814.69 

12,851.80 

11,916.07 


4,825.00 

331.23 

25.20 


651.92 

2,500.00 


605.00 


241.89 

800.00 

1,256.00 

1,083.61 

779.65 


1,109.59 


4,150.00 

40.00 


850.00 

100.00 


200.00 


162.50 


517.00 
4,171.55 

41,811.60 

675.00 
1,351.62 


21,353.36 

600.00 


15,900.70 

1,106.00 

3,000.00 

15,003.35 

678.83 

20,343.72 


585.00 

5,648.86 


150.00 

2,000.00 

500.00 

675.00 
21,980.00 


500.00 


200.00 

360.00 

600.00 


300.00 
5,765.70 

500.00 

700.00 

9,942.87 

1.546.00 

3.536.00 
3,748.49 

340.00 


150.00 


525.00 

9,164.25 

6,945.00 


1,011.75 

2.400.00 

435.00 

1.267.00 
328.34 

90.00 

6,777.43 

15,050.00 

270.00 


1,620.00 

150.00 


2,106.14 


9,274.14 

400.00 


7,337.97 


750.00 

903.50 


17,243.00 

13,042.41 

282.44 

12,091.90 


1,744.58 

145.00 


875.00 

500.00 


61,991.00 


1,000.00 

150.00 


300.00 


1,000.00 

3,209.80 


6,487.64 

108.31 

1,260.00 

1,738.01 


100.00 


26,612.50 

3,289.00 


270.00 

205.75 


4,123.76 

7,832.00 


1,425.00 


200.00 

2, 106.14 

162.50 


517.00 

4,171.55 

51,085.74 

1,075.00 

1,351.62 


28,691.33 

600.00 

750.00 

16,804.20 

1,106.00 

20,243.00 

28,045.76 

961.27 

32,435.62 


2,329.58 

5,793.86 


270.79 

3,108.59 


237.50 

1.050.00 
635.00 

13,973.40 

63,392.53 

1.550.00 
3,088.56 


67,252.98 
1,119.70 
3,181.61 
221, 485.23 
2,228.00 
76,460.00 
58,714.35 
2,598.77 
39,195.75 


37.00 
24, 454.12 
9,767.27 
2,000.00 


200.00 

4,675.00 


150.00 

2,875.00 


1,000.00  7,500.00 

675.00  1,103.84 

83,971.00  141,361.00 


1,500.00 

150.00 

200.00 
660.00 
600.00 


300.00 
6,765.70 
3,709.80 

700.00 

16,430.51 

1,654.31 

4,796.00 

5,486.50 

340.00 


150.00 


625.00 

125,100.16 

35,776.75 

10,234.00 


1.011.75 
2,400.00 

705.00 

1.472.75 
328.34 

90.00 

10,901.19 

22,882.00 

270.00 


3,045.00 

150.00 


1,800.00 

393.21 

225.00 

1,460.00 

1,184.03 


425.00 
7,791.85 
3,709.80 
2,700.00 

44,335.45 

2,104.92 

8,115.73 

7,878.87 

640.00 


700.00 


725.00 

148,958.68 

128,971.53 

24,208.44 


1,253.64 

3.200.00 

6.786.00 
2,887.59 
1,133.19 

90.00 

12,662.70 

29,532.00 

310.00 


4,500.00 

250.00 


P 

P 

MAP 

M 

M 

P 

M 


M 

P 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M&P 

M 

M 

P 

P 

M 

M 

M 


P 25 
M 26 


P 

M 

P 

P 

P 

M 

M 

M&P 

P 


M 

M&P 


58 


134 


RECREATION  STATISTICS  FOR  1935 

he  table 


c 

c 

Playgrounds 

Under 

Leadership 

Recreation 

Buildings 

Indoor 

Recreation 

Centers 

| Athletic  Fields,  Number 

Baseball  Diamonds,  Number 

Bathing  Beaches,  Number 

Golf  Courses,  9-Hole,  Number 

Golf  Courses,  18-Hole,  Number 

Swimming  Pools  Indoor,  Number 

Swimming  Pools  Outdoor,  Number  j 

Tennis  Courts,  Number 

Wading  Pools,  Number 

Emergency  Service 

Source  of 
Information 

Paid 

Leadership 

Expenditures 

Year  Round 

Summer  Only 

School  Year  Only 

Summer  & OtherSeasons 

*c3 

O 

Total  Yearly  or 
Seasonal  Attendance 

M 

a 

3 

Total  Yearly 
or  Seasonal 
Attendance 

J 

a 

3 

£ 

Total  Yearly 
or  Seasonal 
Attendance 

Number  of  Men 

Number  of  Women 

Em- 

ployed 

Full 

Time 

Land, 

Buildings, 

’ermanent 

equipment 

Leader- 

ship 

Total 

No.  of  Men 

No.ofWomen| 

, 

1 

i 

J18,675 

l 

2 

3 

1 

3 

6 

13 

908.00 

oosoo 

i2 

3 

3 

*6,000 

3 

i 

j 4 

1 

1 

2,700 

'5 

1 

7 

8 

4 

1 

1 

4,000.00 

4.000.00 

i 6 

5 

5 

I7 

15 

3 

6 

24 

494,224 

30 

63,949 

4 

5 

i 

19 

2 

20 

24 

2,500.00 

2.500.00 

8 

6 

20 

26 

1,597,713 

5 

324,090 

29 

1 

10 

2 

i 

3 

37 

20 

9 

1 

i 

1 

3 

4 

1 

6 

2 

4 

1 

2 

963.00 

1,283.00 

10 

2 

1 

3 

21,465 

2 

91,178 

1 

1 

1 

38,500.00 

38,500.00 

11 

* 1 

11 

12 

784,200 

2 

61,375 

6 

19,215 

6 

1 

6 

11 

7 

213 

1 

2,031.25 

10,213.35 

12.244.60 

1 

1 

71,821 

1 

13,421 

1 

13 

1 

1 

1 

1 

14 

25 

9 

34 

555,946 

6 

755,544 

1 

55,370 

1 

36 

1 

3 

10 

1 

100 

23 

28 

45 

28 

45 

15 

12 

12 

426,000 

1 

9,000 

3 

400 

25 

33 

25 

33 

9,434.00 

9,434.00 

2 

2,300 

5 

8*2 

3 

3 

10 

1 

8,000.00 

46,000.00 

16 

16 

16 

6 

14 

52 

971,000 

2 

240^000 

5 

65,000 

22 

2 

4 

36 

3 

20 

133 

81,672.00 

90.000.00 

17 

1 

4 

1 

18 

3 

10 

13 

428,877 

7 

71,584 

14 

46,694 

21 

36 

90 

60 

8,559.60 

34.238.50 

9 

1 

34 

3 

19 

2 

20 

2 

1 

1 

4 

2 

1,000 

2 

2 

1 

4 

1 

21 

1 

1 

1,320 

1 

50.00 

22 

19 

19 

*63,148 

8 

23,721 

8 

13 

2 

1 

1 

8 

35 

2 

75 

150 

75 

150 

36,395.00 

36,395.00 

23 

13 

13 

156.175 

2 

4 

1 

14 

6 

18 

16 

18 

16 

8,127.00 

8.127.00 

24 

2 

1 

g 

2 

25 

1 

1 

13,723 

1 

6 

26 

6 

6 

42,500 

3 

2,100 

4 

1,150 

1 

4 

1 

1 

16 

4 

350.00 

350.00 

27 

2 

2 

3 

36,000 

1 

3 

1 

18 

2 

3 

1 

2,300.00 

200.00 

2,500.00 

28 

2 

2 

*2,600 

2 

4^000 

1 

1 

1 

2 

2 

400.00 

29 

1 

16 

17 

689|000 

2 

9 

14^00 

4 

3 

1 

8 

31 

2 

15 

18 

2,279.87 

9,454.99 

30 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

3 

1 

1 

200.00 

200.00 

31 

1 

32 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

2 

Mrs.  TheiaP.  Watson. 

33 

1 

1 

4,500 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

3 

360.00 

360.00 

34 

4 

894 

1 

5 

3 

120.00 

120.00 

35 

3 

3 

33,800 

3 

1 

2 

2 

3 

3 

395.00 

395.00 

36 

8 

7 

15 

536i  111 

3 

4 

4 

3 

12 

1 

5 

10 

5,000.00 

5,000.00 

10.000.00 

37 

5 

5 

3 

8 

38 

1 

6 

1 

5 

R.  C.  Day...’ 

39 

22 

22 

451,801 

12 

125,306 

6 

18 

1 

39 

2 

24 

46 

91,371.50 

40,448.36 

131,819.86 

a 

2 

2 

*3,225 

20 

76,911 

18 

56 

51,408.00 

51.408.00 

b 

3 

3 

47J59 

1 

85,679 

1 

91 

91 

40 

9 

9 

*105’017 

2 

3,607 

4 

20 

1 

10 

6 

10 

6 

12,958.00 

6,880.00 

19,838.00 

41 

2 

2 

10,000 

1 

3,000 

1 

1 

2 

2 

3 

400.00 

400.00 

42 

1 

1 

43 

1 

1 

44 

1 

1 

*18,000 

1 

45 

4 

4 

10,500 

1 

1 

4 

46 

1 

1 

7,000 

1 

1 

1 

47 

27 

27 

7 

437,539 

3 

21 

10 

1 

2 

96 

7 

15 

10 

48 

10 

10 

718,800 

1 

11,465 

4 

30,509 

If 

10 

2 

4 

45 

11 

21 

14 

3,544.00 

3,544.00 

S.  G.  Witter 

49 

11 

11 

167,987 

6 

22,117 

5 

4 

16 

8 

4 

4 

800.0C 

800.00 

50 

1 

1 

1 

51 

14 

14 

*97,934 

4 

4 

2 

12 

7 

1,556.50 

1,556.50 

52 

23 

23 

114,392 

12 

3 

1 

13 

13 

5,370.30 

5!920.30 

53 

3 

3 

118,000 

2 

2 

1 

2 

2 

54 

3 

2 

5 

47,039 

6 

20,322 

7 

6 

1 

3 

1,750.00 

1.750.00 

55 

1 

56 

ii 

11 

33 

2 

5 

4 

12 

11 

425.00 

57 

19 

19 

432,749 

7 

18,214 

8 

1 

6 

8 

10 

5 

1,220.25 

1,220.25 

a 

1 

2 

1 

4 

11,000.00 

70.000.00 

58 

1 

1 

13,000 

1 

1 

E.  G.  Bias 

59 

7 

7 

173,273 

3 

1 

13 

60 

3 

3 

4,500 

2 

2 

2 

i 

100.00 

100.00 

F.  V.  Hein 

58 


135 


PLAYGROUND  AND  COMMUNITY 

Footnotes  follou 


STATE  AND 
CITY 


Popular 

tion 


Managing 

Authority 


Recreation  Leadership 
(Not  Including 
Emergency  Workers) 

Volun- 

Paid 

teer 

Workers 

Woikers 

f 

e 

S 

a 

I 

IS 

^ 3 

o >_ 
a.  S 
at" 

g 

£ 

cs 

a 

o 

& 

o 

‘o 

S-l  4, 

O 

*o 

o 

o 

o-s 

o 

o 

z 

'a 

i4 

55 

Expenditures  Last  Fiscal  Year 
(Not  Including  Emergency  Funds) 


Land, 

Buildings, 

Permanent 

Equipment 


Upkeep, 

Supplies 

Salaries  and  Wages 

Incidentals 

For 

Other 

- 

Leadership 

Services 

Total 

Total 


1 

Wise. — Cont. 
Chippewa  County94 

37,342 

2 

Columbus 

2,514 

3 

Eau  Claire 

26,689 

4 

Fond  du  Lac 

26,000 

5 

Green  Bay 

41,000 

6 

Janesville 

23,000 

7 

Juneau  County95 . . 

17,264 

8 

Kenosha 

50,262 

9 

Kimberly 

2,500 

10 

La  Crosse 

40,000 

11 

Lone  Rock 

446 

12 

Madison 

60,000 

13 

Marinette  County96 

33,530 

14 

Menasha 

9,062 

15 

Menomonie 

5,595 

16 

Milwaukee 

609,724 

17 

Milwaukee  Co.98 . . 

775,263 

18 

Neenah 

10,000 

19 

Oshkosh 

40,108 

20 

Racine 

70,000 

21 

Sheboygan 

40,000 

22 

Shorewood 

14,580 

23 

Shullsburg 

1,041 

24 

South  Milwaukee. . 

10,700 

25 

Stevens  Point 

14,000 

26 

Sturgeon  Bay 

4,983 

27 

28 

36,113 

10,000 

Two  Rivers 

29 

Watertown 

10,600 

30 

Waupun 

6,000 

31 

Wausau 

24,103 

32 

Wauwatosa 

23,000 

33 

West  Allis 

37,000 

34 

Whitefish  Bay .... 

6,200 

35 

Wisconsin  Rapids  . 

9,000 

36 

Wyoming 

Cheyenne 

25,000 

37 

Riverton 

1,800 

38 

Sheridan 

9,000 

39 

Hawaii 

Hilo 

18,000 

40 

Honolulu 

143,590 

41 

Lanai  City 

3,000 

42 

Country  of  Maui102 

50,000 

43 

CANADA 

Alberta 

Calgary 

83,000 

44 

British  Columbia 

New  Westminster . 

17,524 

45 

North  Vancouver. . 

8,000 

46 

Vancouver 

250,000 

47 

Victoria 

39,082 

48 

Wanaima 

6,000 

49 

West  Vancouver. . . 

7,000 

50 

Manitoba 

Brandon 

17,000 

51 

Winnipeg 

223,017 

School  Board,  E.  R.  A.  and  W.  P.  A.. . 

1 

1 

2 

1 

10 

12 

10 

17 

8 

9 

5,060.00 

1,000.00 

14 

8 

1 

[Department  of  Public  Recreation, 

63 

36 

1 

1,559.66 

38,217.61 

1 

1 

5 

5 

248.75 

400,00 

3 

Department  of  Recreation,  Board  of 

31 

20 

1 

1 

County  Schools,  E.  R.  A.  and  W.  P.  A.. 

2 

2 

1 

5,000.00 

3,800.00 

1 

2 

1 

[Department  of  Recreation  and  Adult 

616 

354 

70 

23,994.00 

20 

149,906.32 

5 

1 

133 

21 

2 

500.00 

department  of  Parks  and  Recreation . . 

26 

17 

2 

10,000.00 

41 

2 

2 

50 

32 

Park  Division,  Board  of  Public  Works 

41 

28 

2 

1 

3 

1 

1 

1 

2 

943.89 

730.40 

8 

3 

2 

3 

Recreation  Department  and  Park  Com- 

1 

450.00 

5 

4 

6oard  of  Education  and  Board  of  Park 

33 

22 

3 

1,355.23 

School  Board,  Village  Board  and  County 

4 

1 

1 

| Park  and  Pool  Commission  and  Lincoln 

3 

2 

1 

1 

1 

3 

Community  Boys’  Work  and  Y.  W.  C.  A. 

3 

2 

24 

12 

250.00 

Recreation  Committee 

3 

4 

1 

17 

Recreation  Commission 

15 

17 

2 

15373 

Hawaiian  Pineapple  Company,  Ltd. . . . 

3 

13 

3 

1 

5 

10 

175 

2 

3,250.00 

30,000.00 

5 

4 

Department  of  Recreational  and  Phy- 
; sical  Education,  B.  C 

2 

2 

Department  of  Recreational  and  Phy- 

2 

2 

[ Department  of  Recreational  and  Phy- 

]] 

9 

18 

1 

15 

1 

10,000.00 

1,445.00 

[ Department  of  Recreationa'  and  Phy- 

2 

3 

Department  of  Recreational  and  Phy- 

2 

Department  of  Recreational  and  Phy- 
sical Education,  B.  C 

3 

2 

29.85 

Public  Parks  Board 

25 

10 

100.00 

400.00 

400.00 

500.00 

M 

M&P 

1 

2 

1,764.54 

950.00 

950.00 

2,714.54 

M 

3 

1,797.56 

2,914.80 

1,293.85 

4,208.65 

6,006.21 

M 

4 

753.28 

1,254.90 

1,975.06 

3,229.96 

9,043.24 

M 

5 

10,172.80 

1,806.00 

4,879.84 

6,685.84 

17,858.64 

M 

6 

2238.57 

M 

7 

3,327.73 

8,638.27 

1,283.65 

9,921.92 

14,809.31 

M 

8 

17,385.37 

13,672.81 

13,672.81 

69,275.79 

M 

a 

212.93 

221.00 

433.93 

654.93 

867.86 

M 

9 

26.65 

840.00 

144.00 

984.00 

1,259.40 

M 

10 

400.00 

P 

11 

10,662.61 

13,937.26 

13,937.26 

24,599.87 

M 

12 

10,000.00 

M 

13 

1,000.00 

2,000.00 

1,800.00 

3,800.00 

8,600.00 

M 

14 

M 

15 

57,928.00 

235,434.00 

91,075.00 

326,509.00 

408,431.00 

M 

16 

M 

a 

40,665.12 

164,044.72 

354,616.16 

C 

17 

50.00 

800.00 

200.00 

1,000.00 

1,050.00 

M&P 

18 

3,500.00 

7,702.00 

7,702.00 

11,702.00 

M 

19 

29,000.00 

M 

a 

6,642.00 

12,051.00 

18,326.00 

30,377.00 

47,019.00 

M 

20 

2,989.13 

4,606.00 

241.76 

4,847.76 

7,836.89 

M 

21 

205.50 

4,020.00 

4,020.00 

4,225.50 

M 

a 

6,618.50 

23,821.35 

6,041.84 

29,863.19 

36,481.69 

M 

22 

400.00 

M 

23 

500.00 

200.00 

75.00 

275.00 

775.00 

M 

24 

3,920.00 

M 

25 

525.00 

525.00 

M&P 

26 

2,114.03 

1,500.00 

8,553.20 

10,053.20 

13,111.12 

M 

27 

7,860.83 

8,663.10 

6,374.84 

15,037.94 

23,629.17 

M 

28 

404.57 

500.00 

500.00 

904.57 

M 

29 

50.00 

800.00 

200.00 

1,000.00 

1,050.00 

M 

30 

950.00 

387.50 

4,766.86 

5,154.36 

6,554.36 

M 

31 

366.58 

1,447.00 

23.25 

1,470.25 

1,836.83 

M 

32 

12,500.00 

M 

a 

4,645.24 

20,413.41 

26,413.88 

M 

33 

400.00 

627.00 

627.00 

1,027.00 

M 

34 

M 

35 

4,100.00 

M 

a 

600.00 

150.00 

150.00 

750.00 

M 

36 

150.00 

2150.00 

P 

37 

1,000.00 

3,000.00 

225.00 

3,225.00 

4,475.00 

P 

38 

600.00 

2,328.00 

2,328.00 

2,928.00 

C&P 

39 

6,000.00 

17,000.00 

17,000.00 

23,000.00 

M 

40 

8,000.00 

2,500.00 

2,500.00 

13,750.00 

P 

41 

50,000.00 

C.M&P 

42 

900.00 

900.00 

11,326.34 

M 

43 

M 

44 

293.30 

369.00 

69.20 

438.20 

731.50 

M 

a 

211.90 

249.00 

5.50 

254.50 

466.40 

M 

45 

3,452.33 

3,474.22 

761.20 

4,235.42 

7,687.75 

M 

4b 

4,000.00 

4,000.00 

220,000.00 

M 

a 

2,870.00 

300.00 

5,816.00 

6,116.00 

10,431.00 

M 

47 

865.33 

565.25 

109.44 

674.69 

1,540.02 

M 

a 

352.09 

138.20 

15.59 

153.79 

505.88 

M 

48 

370.00 

370.00 

593.51 

M 

49 

20.87 

159.12 

159.12 

209.84 

M 

50 

8,378.00 

8,087.90 

8.087.90 

216,465.90 

M 

51 

136 


RECREATION  STATISTICS  FOR  1935 

he  table 


Playgrounds 

Under 

Leadership 

Recreation 

Buildings 

Indoor 

Recreation 

Centers 

j Athletic  Fields,  Number 

| Baseball  Diamonds,  Number 

Bathing  Beaches,  Number 

| Golf  Courses,  9-Hole,  Number 

| Golf  Courses,  18-Hole,  Number 

j Swimming  Pools  Indoor,  Number 

1 Swimming  Pools  Outdoor,  Number  •,  \ 

| Tennis  Courts,  Number 

j Wading  Pools,  Number 

Emergency  Service 

Source  of 
Information 

Paid 

Leadership 

Expenditures 

Year  Round 

Summer  Only 

School  Year  Only 

Summer  <fc  OtherSeasons 

o 

H 

Total  Yearly  or 
Seasonal  Attendance 

M 

a 

a 

Total  Yearly 
or  Seasonal 
Attendance 

M 

a 

V 

Total  Yearly 
or  Seasonal 
Attendance 

Number  of  Men 

Number  of  Women 

Em- 

ployed 

Full 

Time 

Land, 

Buildings, 

Permanent 

Equipment 

Leader- 

ship 

Total 

j No.  of  Men  ! 

| No.  of  Women] 

] 

4 

4 

10,000 

16 

9 

2 

1 

| 

12 

8 

6,606.00 

2 

1 

1 

2 

3 

5 

5 

*37,350 

5 

7 

3 

9 

19 

6 

2,855.50 

3,861.53 

4 

5 

5 

126,000 

3 

7,925 

4 

3 

1 

1 

4 

1 

2 

140.00 

4,800.00 

5 

9 

9 

112,761 

4 

5 

1 

6 

ii 

ii 

255,600 

1 

5 

1 

i 

13 

1 

13,694.00 

150.00 

13,844.00 

7 

6 

6 

12,000 

6 

2 

2 

2 

3 

5 

5 

1,800.00 

1,825.00 

8 

8 

8 

167,902 

i 

3,688 

8 

94,240 

3 

1 

14 

1 

24 

6 

24 

5 

7,279.75 

6,210.61 

13,490.36 

3 

3 

3 

i 

13 

8,276.66 

8,276.66 

9 

1 

1 

24,500 

1 

2 

1 

1 

1 

10 

5 

5 

»4 1,400 

2 

3 

5 

5 

1,408.80 

1,408.80 

G.  M.  Wiley. 

11  ' 

1 

1 

2,150 

1 

12 

15 

15 

227,618 

8 

1 

3 

5 

i 

32 

18,500.00 



18,500.00 

13  6 

14 

12 

18 

7 

1 

7 

3 

12 

27 

5 

10,000.00 

10,000.00 

1 

1 

3 

97 120,000 

2 

2 

1 

4 

2 

4^000.00 

15  . , . 

1 

2 

J.  C.  Wilcox 

16  23 

43 

66 

*3, 830, 751 

4 

1,212,661 

20 

1,015,361 

9 

10 

32 

a 

11 

1 

5,148.00 

152,952.56 

2 

9 

5 

i 

1 

1 

85 

7 

17 

28 

28 

4 

11 

3 

8 

3 

5 

3 

10 

1 

95 

15 

85 

15 

109,909.18 

34,944.90 

146,317.03 

18 

4 

4 

100,000 

1 

8 

1 

15 

2 

19  . . 

33 

33 

132,460 

1 

50,380 

5 

113,309 

2 

9»2 

R.  C.  Miller 

1 

3 

1 

7 

20 

8 

8 

200,000 

3 

51,000 

5 

40,000 

1 

5 

2 

2 

1 

17 

2 

45 

21 

1,671.00 

9,000.00 

37,343.00 

21 

9 

9 

103,729 

9 

27,982 

3 

1 

27 

23 

571.75 

5,260.00 

9^770.85 

1 

4 

2 

11 

? 

22 

3 

4 

7 

125,752 

6 

62,614 

1 

6 

23 

1 

1 

1 

24 

2 

2 

31,500 

5 

1 

2 

t 

F.  C.  Van  Golder  . 

25  1 

i 

2 

3 

1 

5 

2 

4 

1 

4,000.00 

720.00 

4,720.00 

26 

2 

2 

2 

500.00 



500.00 

27  . 

11 

11 

96,400 

6 

2,470 

7 

1 

1 

14 

14 

13 

6,377.12 

6,377.12 

28  3 

3 

44,700 

1 

112,805 

2 

22,960 

1 

1 

1 

7 

3 

5 

3 

3,200.00 

3,200.00 

29 

3 

2 

1 

4 

30 

1 

1 

10,000 

1 

2 

1 

31  . 

7 

i 

8 

180,090 

i 

2 

1 

12 

2 

11 

5 

2,385.85 

2,385.85 

32  . 

5 

5 

25,106 

1 

5 

2 

1 

1 

1 

8 

33  3 

6 

9 

100396,000 

1 

2,400 

5 

90,000 

6 

4 

1 

14 

2 

5 

4,050.00 

19,437.50 

34 

4 

4 

*35,200 

4 

4,800 

i 

2 

2 

2 

8 

1 

8 

1 

7,700.00 

7,700.00 

35 

2 

2 

4 

3 

a 

i 

2 

1 

14 

36 

6 

6 

51,000 

6 

4,000 

6 

1 

4 

4 

15 

4 

15 

13,080.00 

13,980.00 

37  ... 

1 

i 

2 

2 

i 

1 

1 

1 

2 

2 

1,860.00 

21, 860.00 

38 

4 

4 

8 

21,000 

12 

26,540 

i 

i 

1 

1 

4 

4 

1,690.00 

1,690.00 

39 

9 

9 

*35,400 

1 

40,000 

9 

i 

3 

1012 

4 

9 

2 

2,302.08 

2,302.08 

40  25 

16 

41 

3 

116,147 

1 

3,000 

5 

13 

6 

2 

11,031.12 

11,031.12 

41 

5 

36,500 

1 

2,000 

i 

1 

2 

1 

1 

4 

42  83 

83 

5 

41,000 

21 

21 

2 

24 

4 

25,000.00 

1,818.72 

26,818.72 

43 

8 

8 

*53,912 

16 

18 

1 

1 

3 

4,865.40 

44 

. 

4 

5 

1 

6 

1 

a 

3 

3,696 

4 

3 

1 

7 

4 

45 

2 

2,179 

5 

1 

3 

6 

46 

8 

23,241 

1 

>Ian  Eisenhardt 

a . 

14 

14 

*371,000 

42 

26 

9 

2 

1 

3 

m 

15 

10,000.00 

10,000.00 

47 

2 

2 

2 

2 

2 

12 

2 

2 

7,735.00 

100.00 

15,240.00 

a 

3 

2,186 

10 

2 

2 

13 

2 

48  . 

1 

1,060 

3 

3 

1 

2 

49  ... 

2 

1,791 

2 

1 

8 

1 

60 

1 

1 

3.  F.  Sykes 

51 

4 

22 

20 

1 

2 

2 

1 

20 

7 



1 



33 


47 


137, 


PLAYGROUND  AND  COMMUNITY 

Footnotes  follow 


Recreation  Leadership 
(Not  Including 
Emergency  Workers) 

Expenditures  Last  Fiscal  Year 

Paid 

Workers 

Volun- 

teer 

Woikers 

(Not  Including  Emergency  Funds) 

1 

Q. 

G 

STATE  AND 
CITY 

Popular 

tioa 

Managing 

Authority 

S 

c 

a 

£ 

Cl.  C 

a 

tl 

O 1* 

G 

a 

o 

a 

o 

Land, 

Buildings, 

Upkeep, 

Supplies 

Salaries  and  Wages 

Total 

3 

G 

1 

5 

o 

d 

o 

6 

o 

o 

o.g 

Zh 

*o 

o 

o 

o 

5z; 

Equipment 

Incidentals 

For 

Leadership 

Other 

Services 

Total 

O 

<D 

i 

Ontario 

i 

Cornwall 

12,000 

2 

Hamilton 

155,000 

3 

Kapuskasing 

3,300 

4 

Kitchener 

32,000 

5 

London 

75,000 

6 

Ottawa 

140,911 

7 

Peterborough 

22,973 

8 

Toronto 

623,562 

Quebec 

9 

Montreal.: 

1,200,000 

10 

Quebec 

140,000 

11 

Sherbrooke 

29,512 

12 

Verdun 

60,000 

13 

Westmount 

26,000 

Saskatchewan 

14 

Moose  Jaw 

21,299 

15 

Regina 

63,401 

16 

Saskatoon 

43,021 

Recreation  Association 

Recreation  Commission 

Board  of  Park  Management 

Ipruce  Falls  Power  and  Paper  Company 

School  Board 

Public  Utilities  Commission 


Playgrounds  Department. 

Parks  Committee 

[Parks  Department 

[Board  of  Education 


[Recreation  Department 

[Parks  and  Playgrounds  Association. . . 

Playgrounds  Committee 

Park  Commission 

Municipal  Playground  Commission 

Parks  Department 


Parks  Board 

Recreation  Commission . . 
Playgrounds  Association. 


57 


3,000.00 

621.00 


2,980.00 


8,000.00 


132.42 

2,000.00 


73.36 


2,754.00 

5,000.00 


600.00 

8,550.00 


16,471.12 

1,000.00 


900.00 


27,650.00 

9,589.26 

1,422.93 

3,000.00 

3,500.00 

1,758.19 


755.25 


7.823.00 

1.300.00 


2,200.00 

5,440.00 


18,679.27 

io, 628.66 


72,540.00 

12,668.42 

720.50 


1,093.62 


1,120.00 

1.587.00 

2.160.00 


323.00 

18,700.00 


100.00 

6,850.00 


20,229.15 

1,000.00 


2,200.00 


104,160.00 

860.18 

194.65 


5,075.00 

7,436.82 


520.00 

175.45 

3,827.28 


8,146.00 

20,000.00 


2,300.00 

12,290.00 


38,908.42 

1,000.00 


12,828.00 


176,700.00 

13,528.60 

915.15 

12,500.00 

5,075.00 

8,530.44 


1,640.00 

1,762.45 

5,987.28 


7,000.00 

11.521.00 

25.000. 00 
27,625.05 

2,900.00 

23.820.00 

55,379.54 

10.000. 00 
240,926.00 

13.728.00 


204,350.00 

23,117.86 

2,470.50 

*17,500.00 

8,575.00 

10,288.63 


1,640.00 

2,591.06 

5,987.28 


M 

P 

MAP 

M 

M 

M 


M 

M 

M&P 


FOOTNOTES 

t Under  Sources  of  Financial  Support  M — Municipal  Funds;  P — Private  Funds;  S — State  Funds  and  C — 
County  Funds. 

1.  This  report  covers  recreation  service  in  Bessemer,  Birmingham,  Delonah,  Docena,  Edgewater,  Fairfield, 
Hamilton,  Ishkooda,  Muscoda,  Wenonah  and  Westfield. 

2.  Expenditures  data  incomplete. 

3.  This  figure  represents  participants  only. 

4.  Expenditures  cover  a seven  month  period  from  June  1st  through  December  31st. 

5.  A number  of  facilities  listed  are  on  Park  Department  property  and  the  cost  of  maintenance  has  not  been 
included  in  reported  expenditures. 

6.  This  amount  represents  expenditures  of  the  Recreation  Commission  and  School  Board  only. 

7.  The  Los  Angeles  County  Department  of  Recreation,  Camps  and  Playgrounds  maintains  recreation  fa- 
cilities in  Arcadia,  Artesia,  Azusa,  Baldwin  Park,  Bellflower,  Bell  Gardens,  Belvedere,  Bloomfield,  Cas- 
taic,  Centinella,  Claremont,  Clearwater,  Covina,  Culver  City,  Duarte,  Downey,  El  Nido,  El  Monte,  Gar- 
dena, Glendale,  Garvey,  Glendora,  Gloria  Gardens,  Graham,  Hawthorne,  Hermosa  Beach,  Huntington 
Park,  Inglewood,  La  Verne,  Lancaster,  Lawndale,  Lennox,  Los  Nietos,  Lynwood,  Manhattan  Beach, 
Monrovia,  Monterey  Park,  Newhall,  North  Ranchito,  Norwalk,  Palmdale,  Palos  Verdes,  Pomona,  Puente, 
Rosemead,  Redondo  Beach,  San  Dimas,  San  Fernando,  San  Gabriel,  Saugus,  Sierra  Madre,  South  Pasa- 
dena, South  Gate,  Temple  City,  Torrance,  Whittier,  Willowbrook  and  Wilmar. 

8.  This  figure  includes  attendance  at  indoor  recreation  centers. 

9.  This  report  covers  recreation  service  in  Anaheim,  Balboa,  Brea,  Costa  Mesa,  Fullerton,  Garden  Grove, 
Huntington  Beach,  LaGuna  Beach,  Newport  Harbor,  Placentia,  Santa  Ana,  Tustin  and  Westminster. 

10.  The  Pasadena  City  School  District  includes  the  cities  of  Altadena  and  Pasadena. 

11.  This  figure  includes  attendance  at  recreation  buildings. 

12.  The  Santa  Barbara  County  Board  of  Forestry  operated  bathing  beaches  at  Carpinteria,  Gaviota,  Goleta 
and  Surf. 

13.  This  report  covers  recreation  service  in  Avenue,  Carmarillo,  Conejo,  Moorpark,  Mound,  Oak  View  Gar- 
dens, Oxnard,  Piru,  Rio,  Santa  Paula  and  Saticoy. 

14.  Twenty  of  these  playgrounds  are  on  park  property  and  maintained  by  the  Park  Department. 

15.  This  figure  represents  the  total  number  of  men  and  women. 

16.  This  amount  does  not  include  the  cost  of  operating  golf  courses,  pools  and  other  facilities  not  operated 
directly  by  the  National  Capital  Parks. 

17.  Golf  course  owned  by  city  and  is  under  the  supervision  of  the  West  Palm  Beach  Golf  Commission. 

18.  This  figure  represents  the  expenditures  of  the  Recreation  Division  for  operation  only. 

19.  This  report  covers  not  only  the  work  of  the  Chicago  Recreation  Commission  but  includes  personnel  and 
expenditures  for  emergency  recreation  projects  officially  sponsored  by  the  Commission.  Figures  for 
emergency  work  are  incomplete  and  the  expenditures  include  some  money  spent  on  several  projects  in 
1934. 


138 


RECREATION  STATISTICS  FOR  1935 


the  table 


Playgrounds 

Under 

Leadership 

Recreation 

Buildings 

Indoor 

Recreation 

Centers 

Athletic  Fields,  Number 

Baseball  Diamonds,  Number 

Bathing  Beaches,  Number 

1 Golf  Courses,  9-Hole,  Number 

| Golf  Courses,  18-Hole,  Number 

| Swimming  Pools  Indoor,  Number  | ] 

| Swimming  Pools  Outdoor,  Number  || 

| Tennis  Courts,  Number 

| Wading  Pools,  Number 

Emergency  Service 

Source  of 
Information 

>» 

Q 

O 

o 

Z 

Paid 

Leadership 

Expenditures 

Year  Round 

Summer  Only 

School  Year  Only 

Summer  & OtherSeasons 

Total 

Total  Yearly  or 
Seasonal  Attendance 

Number 

Total  Yearly 
or  Seasonal 
Attendance 

Number 

Total  Yearly 
or  Seasonal 
Attendance 

Number  of  Men 

Number  of  Women 

Em- 

ployed 

Full 

Time 

Land, 

Buildings. 

Permanent 

Equipment 

Leader- 

ship 

Total 

| No.  of  Men  1 

1 No.  of  Women  | 

1 

3 

100  000 

3 

6 

2 

i 

2 

4 

1 

Joe  St.  Denis 

i 

14 

14 

i 

3,600 

4 

4,000 

5 

2 

1 

9 

i 

i 

23 

F.  Marshall 

3 

1 

9 

62,864 

1 

3 

H.  J.  Swetman 

a 

6 

371  fiQ3 

6 

1 

1 

1 

1 

2 

H.  Ballantyne 

4 

8 

8 

297400 

8 

6 

2 

1 

i 

1 

12 

2 

William  S.  Farquharson 

5 

15 

15 

*476,474 

1 

4 

2 

2 

Ernest  F.  Morgan 

6 

3 

2 

1 

1 

400.00 

E.  A.  Bertram 

7 

39 

2,145,936 

522,019 

48 

436,412 

4 

20 

6 

309 

13 

S 

21 

9J 

12 

a 

37 

66 

103 

103 

10  159  687 

22 

1,548,968 

17 

14 

i 

i 

18 

7 

60 

85 

85 

5,766.25 

5,766.25 

Lucien  Asselin 

9 

s 

3316  186 

2 

26,403 

2 

William  Bowie 

a 

10L000 

i 

10 

lo 

10 

20 

1 

150,000 

7 

3,000 

3 

2 

i 

1 

i 

1 

1 

10 

1 

Art  Deslauries 

11 

2 

2 

i 

24 

3 

12 

6 

6 

2 

18 

2 

13 

1 

1 

14 

13 

13 

389,768 

13 

W.  H.  Turner 

15 

*31476 

2 

4 

1 

2 

16 

20. 


21. 

22. 

23. 

24. 

25. 

26. 

27. 

28. 

29. 

30. 


31. 

32. 

33. 

34. 

35. 

36. 

37. 

38. 

39. 

40. 

41. 

42. 

43. 


The  Cook  County  Forest  Preserve  District  maintains  recreation  facilities  in  Des  Plaines,  Glencoe,  Glen- 
view, Glenwood,  Lemont,  Lyons,  Morton  Grove,  Northbrook,  Palatine,  River  Forest,  River  Grove,  South 
Chicago  Heights,  Thornton,  Western  Springs,  Wheeling,  Wilmette  and  several  additional  communities. 
Maintained  a program  of  community  recreation  activities  for  colored  citizens. 

These  facilities  were  operated  by  the  Park  Board  and  the  cost  of  operation  and  maintenance  is  not  in- 
cluded in  this  report. 

The  recreation  service  in  Bedford  was  carried  on  with  the  help  of  emergency  leaders. 

These  facilities  leased. 

This  figure  does  not  include  cost  of  golf  course  which  is  operated  by  a Golf  Association. 

This  figure  represents  attendance  of  participants  and  spectators  during  the  summer  months. 

Stadium  expenditures  and  income  has  not  been  included  in  this  report. 

This  report  includes  recreation  service  in  Auburndale,  Camp  Taylor,  Cane  Run,  Fairdale,  Jefferson- 
town,  Middletown  and  Newburg. 

The  expenditure  figures  are  for  the  year  1934  but  they  have  not  been  previously  reported.  Figures  for 
1935  are  not  yet  available. 

The  Metropolitan  District  Commission  maintains  recreation  facilities  in  Belmont,  Boston,  Braintree, 
Cambridge,  Canton,  Chelsea,  Dedham,  Everett,  Hull,  Lynn,  Malden,  Medford,  Melrose,  Milton,  Nahant, 
Needham,  Newton,  Quincy,  Revere,  Stoneham,  Swampscott,  Wakefield,  Waltham,  Watertown,  Welles- 
ley, Weston,  Winchester  and  Winthrop. 

This  report  includes  recreation  service  in  North  Falmouth  and  Woods  Hole. 

Four  additional  leaders  give  part  time  recreation  service  to  the  Community  Centre,  Inc.  but  have  been 
included  in  the  Newton  Playground  Commission  report. 

This  figure  includes  attendance  at  two  indoor  recreation  centers. 

Funds  expended  from  January  1st  to  September  1st,  1935. 

The  Flint  Community  Music  Association  promotes  and  operates  a community  wide  music  program  in 
cooperation  with  public  schools,  churches,  industries  and  homes. 

This  reports  covers  recreation  service  in  Hart,  Pentwater  and  Shelby. 

This  golf  course  is  owned  by  the  City  of  Bayport  but  operated  by  a group  of  local  citizens. 

This  report  includes  recreation  services  in  Arago,  Audubon,  Detroit  Lakes,  Frazee,  Lake  Park,  Ogema, 
Ponsford,  Shipman,  Tamarack  Lake,  White  Earth  and  several  other  communities. 

This  report  covers  recreation  service  in  Carlton,  Cloquet  and  other  communities  in  the  county. 

Golf  course  owned  by  the  city;  School  District  pays  half  the  salary  of  the  caretaker. 

This  report  covers  recreation  service  in  Carson  Lake,  Kelly  Lake,  Kerr,  Kitzville,  Mahoning,  Silica 
and  Stevenson. 

This  report  covers  recreation  service  in  Alpha,  Bingham  Lake,  Heron  Lake,  Jackson,  Jeffers,  Lakefield, 
Mt.  Lake,  Okahena,  Storden,  Westbrook,  Wilder  and  Windom. 

This  report  covers  recreation  service  in  Brook  Park,  Hinckley,  Pine  City  and  Willow  River. 


139 


44.  This  report  covers  recreation  service  in  Bertha,  Browerville,  Burtrum,  Clarissa,  Clotho,  Eagle  Bend, 
Grey  Eagle,  Hewitt,  Long  Prairie,  Osakis,  Pillsbury  Resort  and  Staples. 

45.  Some  of  the  workers  reported  under  the  Recreation  Commission  also  serve  the  World  War  Memorial 
Association. 

46.  This  report  covers  recreation  service  in  Danville,  Hibernia,  Mt.  Hope  and  Wharton. 

47.  The  Essex  County  Park  Commission  maintains  recreation  facilities  in  Belleville,  Bloomfield,  Caldwell, 
East  Orange,  Essex  Fells,  Irvington,  Millburn,  Montclair,  Newark,  Nutley,  Orange,  South  Orange, 
Verona,  and  West  Orange. 

48.  The  Passaic  County  Park  Commission  maintains  recreation  facilities  in  Paterson,  Pompton  Lakes, 
Totowa,  Wayne  Township  and  West  Paterson. 

4y.  This  is  a 27-hole  golf  course. 

50.  Funds  are  received  from  “Taxation  by  Contract”  on  all  restricted  property. 

51.  The  Union  County  Park  Commission  maintains  recreation  facilities  in  Cranford,  Elizabeth,  Garwood, 
Hillside,  Kenilworth,  Linden,  Mountainside,  New  Providence,  Plainfield,  Rahway,  Roselle,  Roselle  Park, 
Scotch  Plains,  Summit,  Union  and  Westfield. 

52.  This  figure  does  not  include  expenditures  for  operating  and  maintaining  a golf  course  and  swimming 
pool. 

53.  This  figure  represents  summer  attendance  at  playgrounds  and  summer  school. 

54.  This  leader  is  a tennis  supervisor. 

55.  Eastchester  includes  the  incorporated  villages  of  Bronxville  and  Tuckahoe. 

56.  The  Erie  County  Park  Commission  maintains  recreation  facilities  in  Aurora,  East  Hamburg,  Lancaster 
and  Tonawanda. 

57.  One  of  these  workers  is  also  reported  as  a full  time  year  round  worker  with  the  Outing  Club. 

58.  Playgrounds  were  open  under  leadership  for  one  week  only. 

59.  This  figure  represents  attendance  from  September  1st  to  December  31st,  1935. 

60.  The  Monroe  County  Park  Commission  maintains  recreation  facilities  in  Hamlin,  Mendon,  Penfield,  Per- 
enton,  Pittsford  and  Riga. 

61.  This  figure  represents  the  expenditures  of  the  Recreation  Division  for  activities  leadership  only. 

62.  This  figure  represents  the  expenditures  for  leadership  from  January  1st  until  October  28th. 

63.  Part  of  the  salaries  paid  these  workers  came  from  city  funds. 

64.  The  Westchester  County  Park  Commission  maintains  recreation  facilities  in  Ardsley,  Cortlandt,  Har- 
mon, Mount  Vernon,  New  Rochelle,  Rye,  Tarrytown,  White  Plains,  Yonkers  and  Yorktown. 

65.  Summer  playgrounds  were  open  only  two  weeks. 

66.  This  report  covers  recreation  service  in  Glenburn,  Grano,  Greene,  Loraine,  Mohall,  Norma,  Sherwood 
and  Tolley. 

67.  Golf  Course  operated  and  controlled  by  a separate  Golf  Commission.  Cost  of  operation  and  maintenance 
has  not  been  included  in  reported  expenditures. 

68.  This  report  covers  service  in  Addyston,  Blue  Ash,  Deer  Park,  Delhi  Township,  Elmwood  Place,  Fairfax, 
Glendale,  Harrison,  Hooven,  Liberty,  Lockland,  Loveland,  Maderia,  Mariemont,  Montgomery,  Newtown, 
Norwood,  North  Bend,  North  College,  St.  Bernard  and  Silverton. 

69.  This  figure  includes  $3,500.00  expended  by  local  communities  outside  of  Cincinnati  for  operation  and 
maintenance  of  recreation  facilities. 

70.  This  figure  does  not  include  attendance  figures  at  35  playgrounds  located  outside  of  Cincinnati  and 
served  through  the  Hamilton  County  Recreation  Service. 

71.  This  figure  does  not  include  attendance  at  28  indoor  centers  outside  Cincinnati  and  served  through 
Hamilton  County  Recreation  Service. 

72.  Swimming  pools  with  maximum  depth  of  four  feet. 

73.  The  Metropolitan  Park  Board  maintains  recreation  facilities  in  Bedford,  Brecksville,  Euclid,  Hinckley 
Township,  Olmsted  and  Willoughby  Township. 

74.  This  report  includes  recreation  service  in  Clyde  and  Woodville. 

75.  This  report  includes  recreation  service  in  Arlington,  California,  Carthage,  Cincinnati,  Colerain,  Deer 
Park,  Foster,  Lockland,  Madisonville,  Mount  Washington,  Newtown,  Norwood  and  Oakley. 

76.  One  of  these  is  a 15-hole  golf  course. 

77.  One  swimming  pool  is  privately  owned  and  is  used  two  days  each  week  by  the  Park  Commission. 

78.  The  Allegheny  County  Bureau  of  Parks  maintains  recreation  facilities  in  Broughton,  McCardles  and 
Snowden. 

79.  This  figure  includes  attendance  at  recreation  buildings. 

80.  This  figure  includes  playground  attendance. 

81.  Eighteen  of  these  pools  are  also  included  in  the  report  of  the  Department  of  Hygiene. 

82.  In  addition  to  this  amount,  approximately  $58,500.00  was  expended  by  the  Park  Department,  W'ater 
Bureau  and  School  District  for  maintenance  of  the  recreation  facilities  reported. 

83.  This  report  covers  recreation  service  in  George. own,  Larksville,  Lee  Park,  Midvale,  Plains,  Plymouth, 
Sugar  Notch,  Warrior  Run  and  Wilkes  Barre. 

84.  Golf  course  leased  to  a private  corporation.  Some  of  the  other  facilities  are  controlled  by  the  Play- 
ground and  Recreation  Association  of  Wyoming  Valley. 

85.  A number  of  the  facilities  listed  in  the  Board  of  Recreation  report  are  on  Park  Department  property. 

86.  The  Neighborhood  Guild  serves  the  villages  of  Kingston,  Mantanuck,  Peace  Dale,  Wakefield  and  West 
Kingston. 


140 


87.  This  report  covers  recreation  service  in  Armathwaite,  Clarkrange,  Grimsley,  Helena,  Jamestown,  Pall 
Mall,  Shirly,  Wilder  and  Wolf  River. 

88.  One  of  these  is  a 27-hole  golf  course. 

89.  These  playgrounds  were  open  only  one  week. 

90.  This  report  covers  recreation  service  in  Central,  Elko,  Fort  Lee,  Glen  Allen,  Highland  Springs,  Rich- 
mond, Sandston  and  Westhampton. 

91.  Twenty-eight  emergency  leaders  who  served  the  Colored  Recreation  Association  are  included  in  the 
Community  Recreation  Association  report. 

92.  This  report  covers  recreation  service  in  Blacksville,  Cassville,  Continental,  Everettsville,  Jerorme  Park, 
Osage,  Pursglove,  Sabraton,  Star  City,  Wana  and  Westover. 

93.  This  report  covers  recreation  service  in  Boothscreek,  Flemington,  Knottsville,  Rosemont,  Simpson  and 
Webster. 

94.  This  report  includes  recreation  service  in  Bloomer,  Cadatt,  Chippewa  Falls,  Halcombe,  New  Aburn  and 
Stanley. 

95.  This  report  includes  recreation  service  in  Elroy,  Hustler,  Manston,  New  Lisbon,  Necedah  and  Wonewac. 

96.  This  report  covers  recreation  service  in  Amberg,  Coleman,  Crivitz,  Goodman,  Marinette,  Niagara,  Pern- 

bine,  Peshtigo  and  Wausaukee. 

97.  This  figure  represents  attendance  at  one  building  open  the  year  round. 

98.  The  Milwaukee  County  Park  Commission  maintains  recreation  facilities  in  Brown  Deer,  Greenfield, 
North  Milwaukee,  Shorewood,  South  Milwaukee,  Wauwatosa  and  West  Allis. 

99.  The  bathing  beaches  were  operated  jointly  by  the  Park  Board  and  Board  of  Education,  the  latter 
furnishing  guards  and  instructors. 

100.  This  figure  includes  attendance  at  two  shower  centers. 

101.  Supervision  was  provided  at  the  beaches  on  special  occasions.  They  are  maintained  by  County  Park 
Commission  and  expenditures  have  not  been  included  in  this  report. 

102.  This  report  covers  recreation  service  in  Crater,  Haiku,  Haliimaile,  Ilamakuapoko,  Hana,  Honokohua, 

Honokowai,  Huelo,  Kaanapali,  Kaeleku,  Kahana,  Kahului,  Kailua,  Kapunakea,  Kaupakalua,  Keahua, 

Keanae,  Kelawea,  Kihei,  Kuhua,  Kula,  Lahaina,  Launuipoko,  Makawao,  Olowalu,  Orpheum  Camp,  Paia, 
Lower  and  Paia,  Paunau,  Pauwela,  Peahi,  Pulehu,  Pump  Camp,  Puukolii,  Puunene,  Spreckelsville, 
Ukumehame,  Wahikuli  Pump,  Waiehu,  Waihee,  Waikapu  and  Wailuku. 

103.  This  figure  includes  attendance  at  85  skating  rinks. 


Public  Recreation 

- 1925  and  1935 

The  following  figures  indicate  the  marked  expansion 

in  the 

public  recreation  movement  during  the  decade  1925-1926 

IT 

* ' 

1925 

1935 

Number  of  cities . . . 

748 

2,204 

Employed  recreation  leaders  

17,177 

43,976 

Volunteer  leaders  

6,799 

10,346 

Cities  with  training  institutes  . . . 

115 

219 

Total  expenditures  

$18,816,165.55 

$37, 

472,409.54 

Playgrounds  under  leadership 

5,121 

9,650 

Indoor  centers  under  leadership  

1,613 

4,949 

Recreation  buildings  

265 

1,149 

Baseball  diamonds  .... 

2,831 

4,197 

Bathing  beaches 

273 

605 

Golf  courses 

153 

336 

Ice  skating  areas  . 

1,217 

2,324 

Swimming  pools  

534 

1,098 

Tennis  courts  

6,110 

9,880 

Wading  pools  . 

629 

1,292 

141 


Emergency  Recreation  Service  in  1935 


The  section  which  follows  records  recreation 
service  which  was  provided  in  1,045  communities 
through  the  use  of  emergency  funds  alone.  This 
number  is  in  addition  to  the  cities,  the  work  in 
which  is  reported  in  the  preceding  section..  The 
following  tables  also  contain  reports  from  16  cities 
which  are  included  in  the  section  relating  to  regu- 
lar service.  These  reports  appear  in  the  tables 
which  follow  because  the  particular  service  which 
they  record  was  financed  entirely  from  emergency 
funds. 

Although  fewer  individual  reports  were  receiv- 
ed this  year  than  in  1934,  more  of  them  related  to 
county-wide  programs  which  served  a larger  num- 
ber of  different  communities  than  did  the  pro- 
grams reported  the  preceding  year.  It  will  be 
noted  that  many  reports  were  received  from  such 
states  as  New  Jersey,  Michigan,  New  York,  In- 
diana and  Mississippi.  On  the  other  hand  several 
states  which  were  well  represented  in  the  Year 
Book  for  1934,  submitted  few  reports;  for  ex- 
ample there  are  probably  one  hundred  fewer  com- 
munities in  Florida  listed  this  year  as  compared 
with  1934,  even  though  much  work  was  carried 
on.  Other  states  such  as  Pennsylvania  and  Kan- 
sas which  have  submitted  few  if  any  reports  either 
year,  are  known  to  have  had  extensive  programs 
in  operation  throughout  the  state  in  both  1934  and 
1935- 


As  previously  suggested,  one  of  the  reasons  for 
the  difficulty  in  securing  reports,  even  incomplete 
ones,  for  1935  is  the  change  in  Administration 
from  the  E.R.A.  to  the  W.P.A.  which  was  made 
late  in  the  year.  This  transfer  caused  many 
changes  in  personnel  with  the  result  that  leaders 
serving  early  in  1936  were  unable  to  record  the 
recreation  service  carried  on  during  the  year  cov- 
ered by  this  report. 

The  summaries  and  statistical  summaries  which 
follow  indicate  the  nature  and  extent  of  the  ac- 
tivities and  facilities  carried  on  in  the  communi- 
ties for  which  emergency  reports  were  submitted. 
The  worthwhileness  of  the  expenditure  of  emer- 
gency funds  for  such  service  is  reflected  in  the 
large  numbers  of  individuals  who  have  had  an  op- 
portunity to  engage  in  recreational  activities  at  the 
playgrounds,  indoor  centers,  swimming,  sports 
and  game  facilities  which  have  been  made  avail- 
able through  the  use  of  emergency  funds. 

In  most  of  the  summary  tables  which  follow, 
the  number  of  cities  reporting  the  various  items 
is  indicated.  It  should  be  kept  in  mind  that  many 
of  the  figures  representing  the  number  of  cities 
reporting  actually  represent  county  reports  and 
that  therefore  the  number  of  individual  communi- 
ties involved  is  much  larger  than  the  figure 
indicates. 


Leadership 


A total  of  4,447  men  and  women  were  paid 
from  emergency  funds  for  service  as  recreation 
leaders  in  cities,  towns  and  villages  where  no 
other  leadership  was  provided  in  1935.  This  num- 
ber is  less  than  that  reported  the  previous  year. 
On  the  other  hand,  as  previously  pointed  out,  the 
number  of  emergency  leaders  serving  in  cities 
where  workers  were  also  employed  from  regular 
funds,  is  considerably  greater  than  in  1934.  Con- 
sequently, the  total  number  of  emergency  leaders 


reported  in  all  cities,  namely  25,480,  exceeds  that 
of  1934  by  2,231. 

In  the  cities  with  emergency  service  only  1,418, 
or  nearly  one  third  of  the  4,447  leaders,  were 
working  full  time  at  the  end  of  1935.  In  the  cities 
with  some  regular  service  5,374,  or  a little  more 
than  one-fourth  of  the  emergency  leaders,  were 
serving  on  a full  time  basis.  In  contrast  with  these 
figures,  only  2,606  workers  paid  from  regular 
funds  were  employed  full  time  during  the  year. 


142 


In  Cities  With 
Emergency 

In  Cities  With 

In  All  Cities 

Service  Only 

Regular  Service 

Reporting 

Men  Workers  Employed 

2,665  (322) 

13,300  (438) 

15,965  (760) 

Women  Workers  Employed  

1,782  (299) 

7,733  (396) 

9,515  (695) 

Total  Workers  Employed  

4,447  (364) 

21,033  (456) 

25,480  (820) 

Men  Workers  Employed  Full  Time 

907  (104) 

3,386  (123) 

4,293  (227) 

Women  Workers  Employed  Full  Time 

511  (87) 

1,988  (103) 

2,499  (190) 

Total  Workers  Employed  Full  Time 

1,418  (116) 

5,374  (128) 

6,792  (244) 

Volunteers 

Nine  hundred  and  eighty-two  men  and  women 

ploying  only  emergency  workers;  of  this  group 

were  enlisted  as  volunteer  leaders  in  92  cities  em-  501  were  men  and  481  were  women. 


Playgrounds  and  Indoor  Centers 


Outdoor  Playgrounds 


Opportunities  for  participation  in  outdoor  and 
indoor  activities  under  leadership  were  made 
available  to  thousands  of  people  in  1935  at  the 
playgrounds  and  centers  in  the  communities  where 
emergency  leaders  only  were  available.  Outdoor 
playgrounds  numbering  1,588  were  conducted  in 
these  communities  and  579  of  these  playgrounds 
were  open  under  leadership  for  the  first  time. 


Others  had  been  opened  for  the  first  time  the 
previous  year  when  they  were  also  conducted  by 
emergency  leaders.  Attendances  reported  are  less 
than  in  1934  but  in  view  of  the  fact  that  many  of 
these  playgrounds  are  in  small  towns  and  villages, 
an  average  daily  attendance  of  139,540  and  a sea- 
sonal attendance  of  7,378,079  indicate  that  they 
are  appreciated  by  large  numbers  of  people. 


Number  of  outdoor  playgrounds  for  white  and  mixed  groups  (314  cities) 1,495 

Open  year  round  (32  cities) 102 

Open  during  the  summer  months  only  (249  cities)  898 

Open  during  school  year  only  (33  cities) ill 

Open  during  summer  and/or  other  seasons  (73  cities)  384 

Average  daily  summer  attendance  of  participants  (1,121  playgrounds  in 

249  cities)  95.687 

Average  daily  summer  attendance  of  spectators  (940  playgrounds  in  181  cities)  . . 38,360 

Number  of  outdoor  playgrounds  open  in  1935  for  the  first  time  (161  cities) 540 


In  addition  to  the  foregoing,  outdoor  playgrounds  for  colored  people  are  reported  as  follows : 


Number  of  playgrounds  for  colored  people  (53  cities)  93 

Open  year  round  (7  cities)  21 

Open  summer  months  only  (43  cities) 63 

Open  school  year  only  (4  cities)  5 

Open  summer  and/or  other  seasons  (4  cities)  4 

Average  daily  summer  attendance  of  participants  (57  playgrounds  in  39  cities. ..  4,009 

Average  daily  summer  attendance  of  spectators  (42  playgrounds  in  29  cities) . . 1,484 

Number  of  playgrounds  for  colored  people  open  in  1935  for  the  first  time 

(25  cities)  39 

Total  number  of  playgrounds  for  white  and  colored  people  (324  cities) 1,588 

Total  average  daily  summer  attendance  of  participants  and  spectators  at  play- 
grounds for  white  and  colored  people  (1,178  playgrounds)  1 39,540 


143 


Total  yearly  or  seasonal  attendance  of  participants  and  spectators  at  playgrounds 

for  white  and  colored  people  (1,118  playgrounds  in  226  cities)  7,378,079 

Total  number  of  playgrounds  for  white  and  colored  people  open  in  1935  for  the 
first  time 579 

Recreation  Buildings 

One  hundred  and  six  buildings  were  opened  for  use  under  the  direction  of  emergency  leaders  in 
J935,  65  of  them  under  leadership  for  the  first  time.  The  attendances  recorded  at  90  of  these  buildings 
total  947,657- 


Number  of  recreation  buildings  for  white  and  mixed  groups  (53  cities)  96 

Total  yearly  or  seasonal  attendance  of  participants  (82  buildings  in  45  cities)  ....  913,027 
Number  of  recreation  buildings  for  white  and  mixed  groups  open  in  1935  for  the 
first  time  (37  cities)  60 

In  addition , recreation  buildings  for  colored  people  are  reported  as  follows: 

Number  of  recreation  buildings  for  colored  people  (9  cities)  10 

Total  yearly  or  seasonal  attendance  of  participants  (8  buildings  in  6 cities)  ....  34,630 

Number  of  recreation  buildings  for  colored  people  open  in  1935  for  the  first 

time  (4  cities)  5 

Total  number  of  recreation  buildings  for  white  and  colored  people 106 

Total  yearly  or  seasonal  participants  at  recreation  buildings  for  white  and  colored 

people  (90  buildings  in  51  cities) 947,657 

Number  of  recreation  buildings  for  white  and  colored  people  open  in  1935  for  the 
first  time  (41  cities)  65 


Indoor  Recreation  Centers 

As  in  the  case  of  playgrounds,  fewer  cities  re-  where  emergency  leaders  only  were  reported.  The 

ported  fewer  indoor  centers  in  1935  than  in  1934.  attendance  for  the  year  at  962  of  these  centers 

Nevertheless  1,310  schools  and  other  centers  were  totaled  approximately  two  million, 
conducted  under  leadership  in  cities  and  towns 


Number  of  centers  open  3 or  more  sessions  weekly  (146  cities)  667 

Total  yearly  or  seasonal  attendance  (482  centers  in  98  cities)  1,621,539 

Number  of  centers  open  less  than  3 sessions  weekly  (117  cities) 643 

Total  yearly  or  seasonal  attendance  (480  centers  in  90  cities)  363,561 

Total  number  of  indoor  recreation  centers  (228  cities)  1,310 

Total  attendance  (962  centers)  1,985,100 


Play  Streets 

Seven  cities  reported  a total  of  102  play  streets  open  under  leadership,  24  of  them  open  in  1935  for 
first  time. 


Recreation 

The  extent  to  which  recreation  opportunities 
were  afforded  to  large  numbers  of  people  through 
the  operation  of  recreation  facilities  with  emer- 
gency funds  is  indicated  by  the  fact  that  nearly 


Facilities 

six  million  attendances  were  recorded  at  such  fa- 
cilities last  year.  Largest  in  point  of  numbers  are 
the  softball  diamonds,  with  horseshoe  courts,  ten- 
nis courts,  baseball  diamonds  and  ice  skating  areas 


144 


following  in  the  order  named.  Comparatively  few 
swimming  pools,  golf  courses  and  special  winter 
sports  facilities  were  reported.  Many  of  the  fa- 
cilities were  open  to  community  use  in  1935  for 
the  first  time. 

Throughout  the  following  table  the  figures  in 


Facilities  Number 

Archery  Ranges  26  (17) 

Athletic  Fields  300  (124) 

Baseball  Diamonds  528  (157) 

Bathing  Beaches  1 1 7 (60) 

Bowling  Greens  1 (1) 

Golf  Courses  (9-hole)  4 (4) 

Handball  Courts  90  (38) 

Horseshoe  Courts 737  (160) 

Ice  Skating  Areas 230  (70) 

Shuffle-board  Courts  60  (23) 

Ski  Jumps  39  (16) 

Softball  Diamonds  800  (189) 

Stadiums  9 (9) 

Summer  Camps  16  (12) 

Swimming  Pools  (indoor)  17  (13) 

Swimming  Pools  (outdoor)  43  (30) 

Tennis  Courts 567  (139) 

Toboggan  Slides  35  (25) 

Wading  Pools  hi  (60) 


parentheses  indicate  the  number  of  cities  report- 

ing  in 

each  particular  case 

and  the  figure  in 

brackets  indicate  the  number  of  facilities  for 

which 

information 

relative 

to  participation  is 

given. 

Participants 

Number  open  in 

per  season 

1935  for  first  time 

5,326 

(5) 

3 (3) 

[IO] 

1,290,601 

(72) 

62  (36) 

[170] 

1,137,500 

(80) 

135  (39) 

[276] 

749,061 

(25) 

38  (21) 

[38] 

175 

(1) 

1 (1) 

[I] 

25,225 

(2) 

1 (1) 

[2] 

43,345 

(22) 

22  (15) 

[SO 

152,092 

(91) 

235  (6.5) 

[45i] 

429,603 

(45) 

87  (35) 

[i49] 

19,970 

(15) 

33  (15) 

[41] 

7,250 

(5) 

9 (5) 

[8] 

800,217  (105) 

246  (77) 

f457l 

67,707 

(4) 

2 (2) 

[4] 

2,253 

(8) 

8 (8) 

[n] 

38,750 

(8) 

1 (1) 

[9] 

403,079 

(13) 

8 (7) 

[251 

243,166 

(75) 

i33  (49) 

[286] 

32,597 

(i5) 

18  (13) 

[20] 

11  (10) 

Management 

sored  or  supervised  the  projects  in  the  largest 
number  of  cities  reporting.  Nevertheless,  reports 
were  received  from  less  than  half  as  many  school 
authorities  as  the  previous  year.  Of  the  private 


An  analysis  of  the  agencies  which  administered 
recreation  activities  or  facilities  in  1935  entirely 
with  emergency  funds  shows  that  next  to  the 
emergency  relief  authorities,  school  boards  spon- 


145 


sponsoring  agencies,  recreation  or  community  ser-  public  and  private,  which  sponsored  or  conducted 
vice  organizations  head  the  list,  followed  by  par-  the  recreation  service  reported  in  cities  where  no 
ent  teacher  associations.  work  was  carried  on  with  regular  funds  in  1935. 

The  following  table  lists  the  number  of  agencies, 

Public 

The  forms  of  administration  in  cities  reporting  emergency  recreation  service  only  in  1935  are 
summarized  as  follows : 


Managing  Authority  Number  of  Agencies 

Emergency  Relief  Administrations  166 

Boards  of  Education  and  other  School  Authorities  74 

Mayors,  City  Councils,  City  Managers  and  Borough  Authorities 22 

Playground  and  Recreation  Commissions,  Boards  and  Departments 19 

Municipal  Playground  Committees,  Associations  and  Advisory  Commissions 10 

Park  Commissions,  Boards,  Departments  and  Committees  9 

Departments  of  Public  Welfare 4 

Other  Departments u 


Private 

Private  organizations  maintaining  playgrounds,  recreation  centers  or  community  recreation  activi- 
ties in  cities  reporting  emergency  recreation  service  only  in  1935  are  reported  as  follows: 


Managing  Authority  Number  of  Agencies 

Playground  and  Recreation  Associations,  Committees,  Councils  and  Leagues,  Com- 
munity Service  Boards,  Committees  and  Associations  36 

Parent  Teacher  Associations 10 

Y.M.C.A.’s  and  Y.W.C.A.’s 5 

Civic,  Neighborhood  and  Community  Leagues,  Clubs  and  Improvement  Associations  4 

American  Legion  3 

Kiwanis  Clubs 3 

Miscellaneous  12 


Finances 


More  than  one  and  a half  million  dollars  were 
spent  for  recreation  in  314  of  the  cities  reporting 
emergency  service  only.  Most  of  this  money  went 
into  leaders’  salaries  — of  the  amount  for  which 
the  types  of  expenditures  were  designated,  more 
than  90  per  cent  were  used  for  this  purpose.  In 
addition  to  these  expenditures  from  emergency 
funds,  $79,434.61  were  raised  from  private  or 
public  sources  and  spent  for  purposes  other  than 
leadership. 

As  previously  indicated,  expenditures  from 
regular  funds  were  supplemented  in  469  cities  by 
emergency  funds  totaling  $14,373,231.03.  There- 


fore even  though  reports  of  emergency  expendi- 
tures for  recreation  in  1935  are  very  incomplete, 
a total  of  nearly  sixteen  million  dollars  is  record- 
ed. The  comparable  figure  in  1934  was  more  than 
twenty-one  miillions,  which  exceeded  the  amount 
spent  from  regular  sources.  In  1935,  however, 
regular  expenditures  were  greater  than  those  from 
emergency  funds  by  $5,632,833.10. 

The  following  table  indicates  the  amounts  spent 
from  emergency  sources  in  1935.  In  each  instance 
the  figures  in  parentheses  represent  the  number  of 
cities  reporting. 


In  Cities  With 
Emergency  Service  Only 


In  Cities  With 
Regular  Service 


In  All  Cities 


Land,  Buildings,  Permanent 


Equipment $ 124,659.04  (15)  $ 4,949,449.94  (134)  $ 5,074,108.98  (149) 

Salaries  and  Wages  for 

Leadership 1,175.521.34  (295)  5,204, 553.39  (376)  6,380,074.73  (571) 

Total  Expenditures  1,546,557-19  (3M)  14,373,231-03  (469)  15, 9J9, 788.22  (783) 


In  addition,  funds  from  non-emergency  sources  supplemented  the  emergency  expenditures  as 
follows : 


Land,  Buildings,  Permanent  Equipment $28,688.77  (40) 

Upkeep,  Supplies  and  Incidentals 25,489-I7  (IQI) 

For  Other  Services 3,255-28  (15) 

Total  79,434-6i  (152) 


No  attempt  was  made  to  summarize  the  sources  of  emergency  funds  most  of  which  came  from  tax 
sources.  The  following  table  summarizing  the  sources  of  non-emergency  funds  reveals  the  fact  that  in 
' many  communities  emergency  service  was  supplemented  by  contributions  from  private  sources. 


Source  of  Support  Amount  Number  of  Cities 

Tax  Funds $33,770.60  61 

Fees  and  Charges 4,622.43  24 

Private  Funds  30,999.88  71 


Training 

The  importance  of  training  emergency  leaders 
has  been  recognized  in  many  communities,  as  the 
following  table  summarizing  reports  of  recreation 
institutes  indicates.  In  each  instance  the  figures 


Institutes 

in  parentheses  represent  the  number  of  cities  re- 
porting and  the  figures  in  brackets  indicate  the 
number  of  institutes  to  which  the  accompanying 
figures  relate. 


Average 

Number  Registration 


Institutes  for  paid  workers  only 114(43)  23  [ill] 

Institutes  for  volunteer  workers  only 17  (6)  26  [17] 

Institutes  for  paid  and  volunteer  workers...  131  (28)  24  [129] 

Total  number  of  institutes  for  paid  and  volunteer  workers  (72  cities)  . . 

Total  registration  at  257  institutes 

Total  class  hours  at  213  institutes 


Average  Class  Hours 
Per  Institute 

14  [104] 

1 2 [6] 

IO  [103] 

262 

6,057 

2,549 


Special  Recreation  Activities 


Handcraft,  athletics,  hiking,  swimming  and 
storytelling  are  most  frequently  listed  among  the 
activities  conducted  in  the  communities  where  the 
programs  were  carried  on  exclusively  with  emer- 
gency workers.  Art  activities,  music,  folk  danc- 
ing and  picnicking  are  also  reported  by  many 
cities.  Of  -the  games  and  sports,  softball  is  listed 
most  frequently,  followed  by  baseball,  horseshoes, 


basketball  and  volley  ball.  Softball  also  leads  the 
list  with  the  largest  number  of  individuals  par- 
ticipating; swimming,  ice  skating,  social  dancing 
and  basketball  follow  in  the  order  named. 

In  the  table  which  follows,  the  figures  in  paren- 
theses indicate  the  number  of  cities  reporting  the 
participants. 


147 


Cities 

Number  of  Different 

Actiznties 

Reporting 

/ ndividuals  Participating 

Arts  and  Crafts 

Art  Activities  for  Children 

14,338 

(67) 

Art  Activities  for  Adults 

■ . 76 

8,183 

(45) 

Handcraft  for  Children 

• ■ 230 

30,340  (132) 

Handcraft  for  Adults 

...  152 

1 3,92 1 

(84) 

Athletic  Activities 

Archery  

• • 31 

1,084 

(i5) 

Badge  Tests  (NRA)  

27 

5,513 

(14) 

Baseball  

■ • • 250 

75,952 

C 1 14) 

Basketball  

219 

34,534  (1 19) 

Bowling  

22  . 

938 

(H) 

Bowling-on-the-green  

2 

52 

(1) 

Handball  

96 

5,258 

(42) 

Horseshoes  

...  238 

29,212 

( 125) 

Soccer  

• • • 57 

6,622 

(27) 

Softball  

•• • 257 

124,226  (136) 

Tennis  

184 

27,560 

(85) 

Track  and  Field  

i37 

16,350 

(80) 

Volley  Ball 

196 

18,91 1 

(1 18) 

Dancing 

Folk  Dancing 

...  1 17 

14,468 

(63) 

Social  Dancing 

103 

37,408 

(61) 

Drama 

Drama  Tournaments  

...  48 

4,546 

(24) 

Festivals  

...  50 

8,1 1 1 

(22) 

Pageants  

...  74 

6,716 

(29) 

Plays  

. . 172 

17,064  (104) 

Puppets  and  Marionettes 

• • • 57 

4,294 

(26) 

Music 

Instrumental  

21,394 

(79) 

Vocal  

. . . . 129 

29,802 

(78) 

Outing  Activities 

Camping  

. . . . 45 

2,099 

(24) 

Hiking 

. ...  159 

23,297 

(95) 

Gardening  

25 

1,225 

(15) 

Nature  Activities  

. . 86 

7,86i 

(45) 

Picnicking  

. . . . 1 22 

28,550 

(66) 

Water  Sports 

Swimming  

. . . . 180 

117,596  (107) 

Swimming  Badge  Tests  (NRA) . . . 

47 

2,755 

(23) 

Winter  Sports 

Ice  Hockey 

. . . . 47 

5,235 

(25)  . 

Skating  

94 

83,743 

(55) 

Activities 


Cities 

Reporting 


Number  of  Different 
Individuals  Participating 


Skiing  37 

Tobogganing  42 

Miscellaneous  Activities 

Circuses  31 

Community  Wide  Celebrations 105 

First  Aid  Classes  95 

Forums,  Discussion  Groups,  etc 63 

Motion  Pictures 26 

Playground  Newspaper  14 

Safety  Activities 71 

Storytelling 172 


2,820  (18) 

5,737  (21) 


9,088  (16) 

67,016  (48) 

7,212  (54) 

3,292  (34) 


809  (il) 
10,627  (38) 

34,189  (99) 


During  the  past  few  years  the 
art  of  puppetry  has  captured 
the  imagination  of  both  chil- 
dren and  adults.  They  are  mak- 
ing puppets  and  giving  shows, 
and  very  often  they  write  the 
plays  they  present.  In  a few 
communities  there  are  travel- 
ing puppet  theaters  which  go 
from  playground  to  playground 
adding  greatly  to  the  joy  of 
life  and  making  a unique  con- 
tribution to  the  play  program. 


Courtesy  Detroit  Public  Schools 


149 


EMERGENCY  RECREATION  SERVICE  IN  1935 

Footnotes  follow  the  table 


No.  of  City 

STATE  AND 
CITY 

Popula- 

tion 

Managing  Authority 

Emergency 

Recreation  Leadership 

Expenditures  for  Emergency 
Service  Last  Fiscal  Year 

Playgrounds 

Tndoor 

Centers 

> 

6 

*b 

6 

53 

Paid  Workers 

Volun- 

teer 

Workers 

From  Relief  Funds 

From 

Other 

Than 

Relief 

Funds 

Number 

Total  Yearly  or 
Seasonal  Attendance 

Number 

Total  Yearly  or 
Seasonal  Attendance 

No.  of  Men 

No.  of  Women 

Mo.  Em- 
ployed 
Full 
Time 

No.  of  Men 

No.  of  Women 

Land, 

Buildings, 

Permanent 

Equipment 

Leadership 

Total 

a 

9 

s 

Women 

Alabama 

1 

19,694 

F.  E.  R.  A.  and  W.  P.  A 

5 

11 

1 

4 

4 

7 

900.00 

900.00 

5 

6,468 

6 

6,470 

2 

39,313 

F.  E.  R.  A.  and  W.  P.  A 

1 

3 

9 

720.00 

4 

2 

3 

Florence 

12,000 

Lauderdale  County  Child  Welfare  Board 

10 

21 

6 

8 

4,695.54 

4,765.54 

4 

30,660 

3 

37,000 

• 

4 

431,493 

10 

9 

2 

1 

6,527.40 

6,727.40 

20 

<28,944 

5 

13,862 

1 

3 

5 

124.80 

124.80 

30.00 

3 

5,000 

7 

Arizona 

6 

9,000 

W.  P.  A 

1 

1 

California 

7 

3,502 

S.  E.  R.  A 

2 

2 

1 

» 

$ 

9,000 

S.  E.  R.  A.  

1 

1 

Q 

1,000 

S.  E.  R.  A 

2 

2 

5 

980.00 

1 

10 

lojooo 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1,000.00 

1,000.00 

950.00 

1 

15,000 

n 

7,500 

2 

2 

1 

275.00 

275.00 

1 

<2,250 

11 

Connecticut 

2 

Fairfield 

23,000 

Board  of  Education,  Recreation  Council 

17 

3 

17 

3 

4,560.00 

4,700.00 

9 

41,272 

3 

18,897 

13 

5,783 

4 

2 

4 

2 

2 

1,222.61 

1,310.61 

400.00 

1 

17,936 

7 

5,961 

V 

14 

Milford 

12,660 

4 

3 

2 

2 

4,000.00 

700.00 

4,900.00 

150.00 

5 

<2,640 

u 

][ 

15 

22^000 

F.  E.  R.  A 

9 

6 

1,695.00 

1,695.00 

224.59 

6 

<22,213 

Florida 

8,400 

6 

4 

3 

12,130 

Georgia 

14,500 

2 

2 

500.00 

500.00 

300.00 

3 

1 

18 

318,587 

150 

150 

150 

150 

75,000.00 

75,000.00 

30 

402,765 

9 

32,485 

If 

Illinois 

10 

3,000 

W.  P.  A 

4 

3 

1 

1 

880.00 

880.00 

300.00 

3 

2 

60C 

1C 

5,000 

W.  P.  A 

4 

8 

4 

8 

1,326.00 

1,361.00 

85.00 

2 

1 

9( 

37,000 

20 

15 

20 

15 

6 

5 

12,000.00 

15,000.00 

10 

<160,000 

7 

109,654 

21 

?2 

900 

1 

126.00 

126.00 

32.95 

1 

4,500 

1 

750 

21 

93 

2,480 

4 

3 

4 

3 

960.00 

1,626.00 

143.00 

2 

12,000 

2 

12,000 

22 

°4 

7,000 

17 

6 

17 

6 

3,500.00 

3,500.00 

550.00 

1 

• 500 

24 

95 

2|500 

8 

12 

8 

12 

3,500.00 

4.000.00 

1,800.00 

3 

20,000 

2 

10,000 

2.' 

26 

35,079 

2 

15 

15 

QOO  00 

900.00 

5 

2f 

97 

760 

3 

8 

3 

8 

1,272.00 

2,064.00 

143.22 

1 

3,798 

2i 

93 

40,000 

15 

5 

15 

5 

500.00 

500.00 

1 

2f 

111,733 

40 

15 

2 

10 

6 

35,000.00 

3,000.00 

5 

1 

3,525 

21 

30 

900 

E.  R.  C.  and  W.  P.  A 

3 

4 

3 

4 

80.00 

4,836.00 

6,500.00 

444.00 

2 

40,500 

1 

34,000 

3( 

31 

580 

5 

300.00 

1,800.00 

100.00 

1 

2,500 

31 

Indiana 

32 

4,390 

7 

1 

7 

1 

4,500.00 

4,500.00 

500.00 

2 

5 

16,000 

31 

33 

135,000 

W.  P.  A 

27 

1 

27 

1 

30 

10 

36,670.00 

170.00 

3 

32 

34 

2,140 

1 

20.00 

1 

34; 

3*> 

16,315 

5 

3 

1 

1 

20.00 

2,340.00 

2,510.00 

6 

56,200 

2 

3,500 

32 

36 

30^764 

10 

5 

6 

11,188 

3f 

37 

67j270 

W.P.  A 

2 

2 

5 

1 

552.00 

3,247.38 

760.00 

8 

8,000 

3 

2,110 

3i 

38 

782 

2 

376.00 

376.00 

96.96 

1 

6,739 

3f 

30 

4,428 

1 

500.00 

1 

3Si 

40 

51,066 

15 

2 

15 

2 

1 

10 

195,862 

4f 

41 

72,000 

18 

9 

18 

9 

2 

13  000.00 

13,150.00 

25 

397,000 

10 

100,000 

4l! 

42 

18,000 

W.  P.  A. 

60 

43 

1,900.00 

1,900.00 

11 

84,000 

9 

4. 

43 

Lake  County11 

140,000 

Gary  Schools  and  W.  P.  A.  Recreation 

30 

22 

18 

12 

30,250.00 

37,939.00 

6 

180,000 

23 

288,456 

42: 

44 

15,476 

W.  P.  A. 

14 

13 

2 

2 

15,000.00 

15,000.00 

7 

56,094 

10 

44 

45 

6^530 

F.  E.  R.  A.  and  W.  P.  A 

2 

1 

2 

1 

17 

57 

74.00 

4 

33,317 

2 

13,883 

45 

46 

30,000 

W.  P.  A 

11 

9 

11 

9 

2,930.00 

4,370.00 

290.00 

12 

52,461 

7 

13,348 

4t 

47 

Monroe  County1®. . . 

35,974 

County  Recreation  Committee 

17 

2 

7 

2 

71 

8 

12,532.82 

6,654.97 

19,358.87 

233.58 

14 

142,550 

15 

17,622 

41 

48 

32,000 

21 

9 

21 

9 

2,380.00 

>717, 974.00 

1,750.00 

6 

187,071 

2 

4,054 

42 

49 

17,853 

W.  P.  A. 

8 

2 

1,096.00 

900.00 

9 

4Cj 

50 

30,000 

24 

14 

9 

5 

11 

s 

7,662.54 

7,662.54 

449.10 

6 

5(! 

51 

19,412 

1 

2 

51 

52 

6,000 

2 

1 

450.00 

1 

20,000 

52 

53 

10,860 

19 

2 

1 

10 

10 

1,700.00 

2,626.00 

9 

100,300 

3 

53) 

54 

28,133 

ERA 

2 

1 

160.00 

54! 

55 

23,238 

w.  P.  A 

17 

6 

1 

5 

3 

4,800.00 

4,800.00 

110.00 

11 

160,000 

14 

52 1 

56 

9,000 

W.  P.  A 

10 

1 

19 

3 

5,496.00 

5,496.00 

750.00 

7 

25,000 

3 

5fj 

Iowa 

67 

4,000 

1 

400.00 

1 

51 

Kansas 

58 

5,500 

E.  R.  A 

8 

6 

13 

20 

585.71 

585.71 

175.00 

3 

18,318 

1 

1.25C 

58 

59 

Hutchinson 

30,000 

10 

5 

10 

5 

6 

5 

4,000.00 

5,000.00 

1,000.00 

6 

17,000 

4 

33.000 

55 

60 

4,627 

Recreation  Committee,  City  Council. . . . 

2 

4 

2,351.05 

3,432.55 

985.11 

5 

10,656 

2 

6C 

Kentucky 

61 

Lebanon 

3.20C 

E.  R.  A 

2 

134.80 

134.8C 

1 

50C 

61 

62 

5,000 

2 

1 

1 

1 

321  on 

321.00 

1 

24,000 

2 

62 

150 


EMERGENCY  RECREATION  SERVICE  IN  1935 


Footnotes  follow  the  table 


STATE  AND 
CITY 

Popula- 

tion 

Managing  Authority 

Emergency 

Recreation  Leadership 

Expenditures  for  Emergency 
Service  Last  Fiscal  Year 

Playgrounds 

Indoor 

Centers 

Paid  Workers 

Volun- 

teer 

Workers 

From  Relief  Funds 

From 

Other 

Than 

Relief 

Funds 

Number 

Total  Yearly  or 
Seasonal  Attendance 

Number 

Total  Yearly  or 
Seasonal  Attendance 

1 No.  of  City 

No.  of  Men 

No.  of  Women 

No.  Em- 
ployed 
Full 
Time 

No.  of  Men 

No.  of  Women 

Land, 

Buildings, 

Permanent 

Equipment 

Leadership 

Total 

g 

a 

Women 

Louisiana 

1 

Alexandria 

35,000 

State  College  Extension  Division,  and 

1 

14 

12 

28 

1,173.60 

1,173.60 

2 

Maine 

2 

28.000 

12 

985.25 

985.25 

400.00 

5 

37,000 

Maryland 

3 

65,882 

6 

2 

1,662.65 

1,672.65 

25.00 

10 

16,909 

7 

16,909 

Massachusetts 

4 

10,868 

9 

6 

1,498.60 

1,498.60 

16.59 

3 

422,250 

5 

115,000 

65 

32 

29,497.70 

30,478.80 

12 

232,556 

6 

48,710 

44 

18 

44 

18 

8,499.98 

8,499.98 

2,163.33 

7 

28,980 

7 

56,139 

E.  R7a..  ..  * 

82 

18 

45 

3 

21,400.17 

32,647.97 

11 

140,000 

10 

300,000 

8 

61,135 

E.  R.  A...  . 

53 

21 

27,840.00 

944.76 

10 

9 

25,000 

37 

23 

37 

23 

21,056.53 

2L056.53 

4,610.00 

16 

219,000 

12 

96,000 

10 

5,381 

4 

2 

500.00 

700.00 

1,200  00 

1 

11 

48,000 

32 

8 

9 

200,818 

6 

69,379 

12 

13*000 

12 

12 

2453, 476.72 

4,250.00 

58,426.72 

4 

70,000 

13 

3,356 

1 

5 

3 

’306.00 

306.00 

2 

1 

14 

7,638 

1 

148.50 

148.50 

1 

1,347 

Michigan 

k 

15 

8,267 

2 

2 

2 

2 

300.00 

300.00 

10.00 

3 

1 

16 

4,989 

2 

3 

1,400.00 

1,400.00 

5 

1,500 

11 

7,000 

17 

9,281 

11 

751.00 

16!  751. 00 

12,100.00 

15 

3,050 

18 

7,000 

4 

816.00 

816.00 

140.00 

1 

9,750 

1 

6,000 

19 

2,500 

7 

3 

7 

3 

250.00 

950.00 

3 

2,000 

3 

800 

20 

3,181 

6 

1 

2,500.00 

2,500.00 

500.00 

5 

20,000 

3 

5,300 

21 

Baroda 

300 

Board  of  Education,  American  Legion 

1 

96.00 

96.00 

1 

1,920 

1 

16C 

22 

87,043 

W.  P.  A 

1 

3 

467.50 

467.50 

1 

2 

200 

23 

800 

W.  P.  A.  

2 

1 

2 

180 

24 

12,000 

14 

3 

1 

4,320.00 

4,320.00 

9 

3 

25 

24,174 

W.  P.  A.  

7 

8 

9,000.00 

13 

100,000 

15 

25,000 

26 

1,500 

1 

3 

240.00 

288.00 

1 

<900 

27 

15,109 

W.  P.  A.  

15 

3 

3,000.00 

10 

35,000 

30 

55,000 

28 

750 

1 

1 

720.00 

720.00 

50.00 

29 

415 

1 

1 

63.00 

63.00 

1 

1 

30 

5,170 

1 

400.00 

500.00 

100.00 

2 

15,000 

31 

31,577 

E.  R.  A.  and  W.  P.  A. 

22 

2 

3,928.00 

3,928.00 

5,000.00 

2 

10 

32 

1,965 

4 

1,400.00 

1,550.00 

1 

1 

1,000 

33 

52,881 

E.R.  A 

20 

2 

8 

9 

34 

35,093 

W.  P.  A. 

20 

9 

35,000.00 

15,000.00 

55,000.00 

15 

11 

40,000 

35 

7,517 

7 

1 

1,800.00 

1,800.00 

6 

5,000 

10 

9,000 

36 

20,805 

W.  P.  A 

24 

6 

2,261.57 

4,837.73 

7 

11 

37 

300 

1 

660.00 

660.00 

1 

7,400 

1 

1,200 

38 

Keweenaw  County55 

5,000 

E.  R.  A 

3 

5 

2 

39 

Leelanau  County55. . 

8,200 

8 

2 

8 

2 

17300.00 

300.00 

9 

40 

6,500 

W.  P.  A. 

13 

3 

1 500.00 

1,500.00 

200.00 

3 

<3,000 

3 

41 

1,000 

1 

1 

216.00 

216.00 

1 

45,100 

42 

Marshall 

5,019 

4 

1 

500.00 

1,500.00 

4 

1 

15,000 

43 

Mikado 

150 

W.  P.  A. 

1 

1,350.00 

700.00 

2,050.00 

2 

8,000 

2 

5,000 

44 

Montcalm  County57. 

25,000 

2 

6 

1,680.00 

1,680.00 

2 

8 

45 

Montmorency  Co.58. 

3,500 

E.  R.  A.  and  W.  P.  A 

2 

1 

600.00 

600.00 

5 

1,550 

46 

Montrose 

650 

F.  E.  R.  A 

1 

120.00 

120.00 

15.00 

1 

42,000 

47 

Nahma 

700 

2 

1 

2 

1 

1 

1 

752.00 

752.00 

2 

9,000 

2 

48 

Norway 

4,016 

2 

168.00 

168.00 

20.00 

3 

10,500 

49 

Ogemaw  County59 . 

6,595 

2 

6 

1,065.00 

1,065.00 

4 

4,000 

6 

3,600 

50 

Ontonagon  County45 

11,114 

W.  P.  A 

21 

8 

2,900.00 

2!900.00 

23 

180,000 

11 

12,000 

61 

Pellston 

900 

1 

2 

840.00 

840.00 

300.00 

2 

L500 

1 

7,600 

52 

Quincy 

1,300 

1 

200.00 

200.00 

2 

1 

800 

53 

Rock 

378 

1 

* 

720.00 

720.00 

1 

2,000 

54 

Wexford  County41 . . 

16,827 

W.  P.  A 

21 

3 

21 

3 

3 

2 

”1,250.00 

384.00 

14 

22,375 

10 

66,120 

Minnesota 

55 

Clearwater  County42 

9,546 

1 

1 

56 

Columbia  Heights. 

6,000 

S.  E.  R.  A 

5 

1 

3,960.00 

1 

2 

1,960 

57 

Fillmore  County45.  . 

25,000 

S.  E.  R.  A 

2 

2 

1,500.00 

2,000.00 

4 

2,000 

58 

Grant  County44.  . . 

9,558 

5 

6 

1 

1 

6 

10,000 

4 

59 

Heron  Lake 

800 

515.00 

60 

Lincoln  County45. . 

11,350 

E.  R.  A 

2 

2 

2 

2 

785.60 

785.60 

2 

4 

61 

Lindstrom 

561 

1 

400.00 

400.00 

62 

Scott  County46 

15,000 

S.  E.  R.  A.  and  W.  P.  A 

2 

1 

15 

14 

1,338.00 

1,338.00 

2 

i3 

63 

Stevens  County47 . . . 

10,185 

Recreation  Committee 

4 

1 

1 

1 

3 

3 

3,400.00 

3,750.00 

7, 150.00 

1,000.00 

11 

20,000 

7 

8,400 

64 

Traverse  County48. . 

7,937 

E.  R.  A 

2 

1 

288.30 

288.30 

50.00 

3 

65 

Wilkin  County49 

9,791 

W.  P.  A 

3 

5 

2 

1 

2,036.00 

2,036.00 

200.00 

6 

6,000 

7 

20,000 

66 

Winona  County50. . . 

35,000 

S.  E.  R.  A 

2 

2 

1,680.00 

3,180.00 

5 

15,000 

3 

7,000 

Mississippi 

67 

Adams  County51 . . . 

23,564 

W.  P.  A 

3 

6 

3 

6 

4 

3 

10 

6,000 

7 

3,664 

68 

Attala  County52. . . . 

26,000 

13 

5 

3 

1 300.00 

1 450.00 

I 

69 

Calhoun  County55 . . 

18,080 

E.  R.  A 

5 

5 

700.00 

700.00 

5 

1,704 

7 

70 

Claiborne  County54 

15,000 

E.  R.  A.  and  W.  P.  A 

15 

8 

8 

2,000 

71 

Covington  County55 

15,028 

Y.  W.  C.  A 

5 

g 

1 

3 

1,324.00 

1,324.00 

5 

72 

Franklin  County56. . 

12,268 

3 

5 

3 

5 

2 

2 

9 

1,100 

4 

1,250 

73 

Hancock  County57 . . 

11,415 

E.  R.  A.  and  W.  P.  A 

6 

720.00 

720.00 

18 

6 

2,500 

S 

o 

6 

Z 

1 

2 

I 3 

4 

5 

6 

) 7 

8 

> 9 

10 

I 11 

12 

13 

' 14 

15 

I 16 

I 17 

) 18 

I 19 

) 20 

> 21 

I 22 

I 23 

24 

) 25 

26 

I 27 

28 

29 

30 

31 

I 32 

33 

I 34 

I 35 

36 

I 37 

38 

39 

40 

41 

I 42 

I 43 

44 

i 45 

46 

47 

48 

I 49 

i 50 

i 51 

i 52 

53 

| 54 

55 

56 

57 

58 

59 

60 

61 

62 

63 

64 

65 

66 

67 

68 

69 

70 

71 

72 

73 


151 


EMERGENCY  RECREATION  SERVICE  IN  1935 


Footnotes  follow  the  table 


1 No.  of  City  , II 

STATE  AND 
CITY 

Popula- 

tion 

Managing  Authority 

Emergency 

Recreation  Leadership 

Expenditures  for  Emergency 
Service  Last  Fiscal  Year 

Playgrounds 

Indoor 

Centers 

>> 

3 

0 

6 

Paid  Workers 

Volun- 

teer 

Workers 

From  Relief  Funds 

From 

Other 

Than 

Relief 

Funds 

i 

1 

z 

Total  Yearly  or 
Seasonal  Attendance 

a 

3 

z 

Total  Yearly  or 
Seasonal  Attendance 

No.  of  Men 

No.  of  Women 

No.  Em- 
ployed 
Full 
Time 

No.  of  Men 

No.  of  Women 

Land, 

Buildings, 

Permanent 

Equipment 

Leadership 

Total 

a 

s 

a 

a 

£ 

Mias. — (JOlll. 

1 

44,143 

E.  R.  A.  and  W.  P.  A 

1 

5 

1,680.00 

1,680.00 

8 

21 

9,500 

2 

85,118 

E.  R.  A 

8 

i 

11 

2 

3 

18,225 

W.  P.  A 

6 

3 

4,580 

12 

28,000 

2 

4 

14,291 

E.  R.  A 

1 

3 

8 

4 

4 

5 

14,281 

Y.  W.  C.  A 

5 

8 

2 

5 

1,436.00 

1,436.00 

15 

4 

5 

6 

21,881 

E.  R.  A.  and  W.  P.  A 

6 

i 

4 

13 

1,000 

6 

7 

12,471 

W.  P.  A 

1 

3 

3 

8,560 

6 

7 

8 

27,000 

10 

2 

800.00 

875.00 

1 

1 

8 

9 

35,313 

W.  P.  A 

5 

5 

10 

11,560 

9 

10 

29,987 

W.  P.  A 

7 

7,670 

20 

10,650 

10 

11 

36,141 

W.  P.  A 

6 

4 

3,455 

15 

8,540 

11 

12 

25,560 

10 

25.00 

5 

11 

800 

12 

13 

30,000 

W.  P.  A 

4 

9 

6 

410,500 

11 

26,000 

13 

14 

22,034 

E.  R.  A 

2 

9 

2 

9 

2,308.00 

2,308.00 

4 

5,096 

12 

13,548 

14 

15 

13,877 

1 

4 

1 

4 

1,210.00 

2,210.00 

4 

1,200 

4 

400 

15 

16 

20,897 

W.  P.  A 

1 

3 

1 

2 

7,800 

10 

16 

17 

Tallahatchie  Co.74. . 

35,000 

3 

3 

1 

3 

2 

5 

3 

? 

1,100 

17 

18 

50,000 

1 

35 

50 

100 

23 

26 

16,000 

18 

19 

Yalobusha  County7® 

17,750 

4 

4 

1 

3 

3 

8 

20.00 

3 

2 

1,500 

19 

Montana 

20 

39,532 

15 

6 

19 

24,200 

10 

41,000 

20 

New  Hampshire 

21 

5,680 

1 

1 

300.00 

1,300.00 

100.00 

1 

21 

New  Jersey763 

22 

1,728 

E.  R.  A 

1 

1 

162.00 

162.00 

1 

42,500 

1 

318 

22 

23 

65,000 

E.  R.  A 

14 

19 

6 

6 

8,421.00 

8,421.00 

575.00 

11 

5 

2,100 

23 

24 

93,120 

E.  R.  A.  and  W.  P.  A 

6 

2 

6 

2 

4,800.00 

4,800.00 

10 

17,564 

7 

22,514 

24 

25 

8,810 

1 

1 

420.00 

420.00 

2 

<5,432 

2 

1,172 

25 

26 

3,336 

1 

1 

269.98 

269.98 

50.00 

1 

47J62 

26 

27 

2,864 

1 

1 

1 

157.00 

157.00 

1 

2,275 

1 

3,400 

27 

28 

7,341 

1 

3 

1 

1,318.00 

1,318.00 

9 

<25^630 

5 

3,479 

28 

29 

4.750 

1 

1 

1 

1 

416.00 

416.00 

150.00 

1 

20,590 

3 

29 

30 

7,372 

2 

2 

539.96 

539.96 

200.00 

2 

<22J74 

30 

31 

665 

E.  R.  A 

1 

219.00 

219.00 

1 

2475 

31 

32 

15,000 

W.  P.  A 

5 

2 

5 

2 

3 

2 

1,750.00 

4 

10,550 

- 

10,725 

32 

33 

14,000 

3 

3 

' 3 

3 

2 

1 

473,30 

1 

47^228 

1 

13’813 

33 

34 

Clark  Township. . . . 

1,474 

E.  R.  A 

3 

3 

400.00 

400.00 

1 

4,000 

34 

35 

18,000 

2 

3 

824.00 

824.00 

3 

<14,353 

2 

3,455 

35 

36 

46,875 

5 

4 

1 

2,448.00 

2,448.00 

250.00 

4 

90,000 

4 

5,000 

36 

37 

2,000 

1 

150.00 

150.00 

1 

260 

37 

38 

Cranberry  Lake. . . . 

250 

Cranberry  Lake  Development  Company 

1 

211.00 

211.00 

38 

39 

11.126 

E.  R.  A 

1 

1 

260.00 

260.00 

50.00 

1 

.3,000 

39 

40 

East  Paterson 

4,779 

i 

150.00 

150.00 

1 

<8,750 

40 

41 

East  Rutherford 

7,078 

i 

246.00 

246.00 

1 

<4,900 

1 

596 

41 

42 

Edgewater 

4,167 

1 

150.00 

150.00 

3 

42 

43 

3,478 

P.  T.  A 

1 

i 

950.00 

950.00 

20.00 

2 

<7,500 

1 

9,878 

43 

44 

3,024 

E.  R.  A 

2 

1,050.00 

1,050.00 

50.00 

4 

9,046 

3 

800 

44 

45 

Englewood 

18,000 

3 

1 

3 

<24’ 133 

45 

46 

Ewing 

1,000 

2 

2 

1 

3 

5 

192.00 

192.00 

2 

3,000 

46 

47 

Far  hills,  Bedminster 

1,200 

E.  R.  A 

i 

150.00 

150.00 

25.00 

1 

<3,191 

47 

48 

Florence 

3,200 

E.  R.  A.  and  W.  P.  A 

1 

135.00 

135.00 

35.00 

2 

2,400 

48 

49 

Fort  Lee 

8,782 

P.  T.  A.  and  E.  R.  A 

1 

4 

191.00 

191.00 

1 

1 

307 

49 

50 

Franklin 

4,176 

E.  R.  A 

1 

1 

279.00 

279.00 

1 

<8.000 

50 

51 

Garfield 

29,769 

5 

4 

1,570.00 

1,570.00 

4 

<57,829 

4 

5,721 

51 

52 

Garwood 

3,344 

E.  R.  A 

1 

3 

200.00 

200.00 

2 

2,150 

52 

53 

Glassboro. 

8,500 

2 

300.00 

300.00 

2 

53 

54 

Glen  Rock 

4,372 

E.  R.  A 

1 

1 

150.00 

150.00 

1 

‘9,000 

54 

55 

Hamburg : . 

1,169 

E.  R.A.  ..  

1 

1 

1 

2 

3 

945.00 

945.00 

85.00 

1 

5,500 

4 

4,950 

55 

56 

Hamilton  Park 

300 

E.R.  A 

1 

1 

1 

107.14 

107.14 

15.00 

1 

<2,345 

56 

57 

Hamilton  Twp.78 . . 

27,421 

W.  P.  A 

7 

9 

1 

1 

15 

5 

2,980.00 

2,980.00 

350.00 

52,500 

21 

57 

58 

Harrison 

18,000 

W.  P.  A. 

6 

1 

6 

1 

3,885.00 

3,885.00 

4 

29,540 

1 

30,108 

58 

59 

Hasbrouck  Heights 

5,654 

i 

150.00 

150.00 

1 

<5,127 

59 

60 

Hawthorne 

11,868 

Board  of  Education,  Parent  Teacher 

3 

4 

1 

1,302.00 

1,302.00 

225.00 

4 

50,000 

1 

400 

60 

61 

Hightstown 

3,012 

W.  P.  A. 

1 

2 

200.00 

200.00 

125.00 

9 

14,050 

61 

62 

Hillsdale 

2,964 

P.  T.  A.  and  E.  R.  A. 

1 

1 

210.00 

210.00 

1 

<7,650 

1 

62 

63 

Hillside 

17,601 

E.  R.  A.  and  W.  P.  A.  . 

6 

10 

1 

2,500.00 

2,500.00 

3 

6,800 

3,000 

63 

64 

Hopewell 

2,000 

1 

1 

1 

3 

2 

160.00 

1 

5,000 

1 

6,000 

64 

65 

Hunterdon  County79 

32,855 

E.  R.  A 

5 

7 

18 

24 

250.00 

3,000.00 

3,250.00 

6 

18,750 

65 

66 

Jackson  Township. 

1,719 

2 

1 

650.00 

650.00 

5 

5 

3,750 

66 

67 

Jamesburg 

2,500 

P.  T.  A.  and  E.  R.  A...  . 

1 

165.00 

165.00 

1 

<6.177 

67 

68 

Jersey  City 

364,000 

W.  P.  A. 

21 

4 

8021 

8O4 

19,685.00 

19,685.00 

13 

19 

68 

69 

Kenilworth 

2,243 

E.  R.  A 

3 

3 

730.00 

730.00 

1 

1 

350 

69 

70 

Kingstone 

400 

S.  E.  R.  A. 

1 

1 

1 

150.00 

150.00 

15.00 

1 

<3,157 

70 

71 

Lafayette 

300 

E.  R.  A 

1 

1 

126.00 

126.00 

i 

585 

71 

72 

Lakewood 

7,869 

3 

1 

855.00 

855.00 

2 

<7,000 

4 

2,236 

72 

73 

Lawrence  Twp.®1 . 

6,293 

W.  P.  A 

4 

4 

1 

6 

6 

465.00 

465.00 

465.00 

6 

57,500 

7 

9,200 

73 

74 

Lin  wood 

4,625 

P.  T.  A.  and  E.  R.  A.  . 

1 

150.00 

150.00 

15.00 

1 

74 

75 

Lodi 

11,555 

2 

3 

450.00 

450.00 

2 

<14,873 

75 

76 

Long  Beach  Island. . 

1,189 

i 

936.00 

936.00 

4 

840 

76 

77 

Maple  Shade 

4,000 

i 

3 

402.00 

402.00 

35.00 

1 

4,975 

1 

3,000 

77 

78 

Maywood  . . 

3,398 

i 

165.00 

165.00 

1 

<5,600 

78 

79 

Metuchen  

5,748 

E.R.  A.. 

] 

] 

780.00 

1 

1.832 

2 

1,832 

79 

152 


EMERGENCY  RECREATION  SERVICE  IN 

Footnotes  follow  the  table 


1935 


STATE  AND 
CITY 


Popula- 

tion 


Managing  Authority 


Emergency 

Recreation  Leadership 


Paid  Workers 


No.  Em- 
ployed. 
Full 
Time 


Volun- 

teer 

Workers 


Expenditures  for  Emergency 
Service  Last  Fiscal  Year 


From  Relief  Funds 


Land, 

Buildings, 

Permanent 

Equipment 


Millville 

Monroe82 

Mountainside. . . 
Mountain  View . 
Mount  Holly . . . 
National  Park  . . 

New  Milford 

New  Providence. 

Newton 

North  Arlington. 
North  Bergen  . . 

Northfield 

North  Haledon. . 

Nutley 

Ggdensburg 

Palmyra 

Park  Ridge 

Paulsboro 

Pemberton 

Pennington 

Pleasantville 

Point  Pleasant . . 
Pompton  Lakes. 
Prospect  Park. . . 

Rahway 

Raritan 


Raritan  Township83. 

Ringwood 

Riverside 

Rudeville 

Rutherford .... 
Scotch  Plains . . 

Secaucus 

Somers  Point . . 
Somerville. . 

South  Bound  Brook 

South  Plainfield . . . 
South  Toms  River. 

Springfield 

Stanhope 

Sussex 

Teaneck 

Thorofare 

Trenton 

LTnion 

Union  City 

Verga 

Verona 

Vineland 

Wallington 

Wenonah 

West  Essex84 

Westfield 

West  New  York. . . 

Westwood 

Williamsfown 

Woodbridge 

Woodbury .... 

Wood  Ridge 

New  York 

Allegany  County85. 

Bedford 

Binghamton 8 

Cattaraugus  County 
Chautauq  uaCounty87 

Elmsford 

Fort  Edward 

Granville 

Lackawanna 

Little  Falls 

New  York  City . . 

North  Castle 

Ogdensburg 

Otsego  County80. . . 

Rochester 

Schenectady 

Solvay  

Thornwood 

Wyoming  County91 

North  Dakota 

Bantry  


15.000 
200 
965 

2.500 

5.500 
1,180 
2,544 
1,918 
5,404 
8,356 

43.000 

4.500 
2,157 

22.000 

1,138 

4.500 
2,232 
3,800 
3,300 

1.500 
11,580 

3,902 

3,104 

5,909 

16,011 

5.000 

10,025 

1,038 

7.500 
100 

14,906 

4,186 

9,275 

5,200 

8,255 

1,700 

5.500 
405 

3,725 

1,089 

1,415 

16,483 

200 

123,356 

16,472 

78.000 
300 

8.000 

25.000 
9,076 

3.500 
21,008 

18.000 
16,674 

4,884 

2,000 

26,000 

10,000 

5,159 


38,025 

2,200 

81,000 

72,398 

126,157 

3,500 

5.000 

4.000 

25.000 

12.000 

7,000,000 


16,353 

46,710 

328,132 

96,000 

8,000 

462 

29,857 


200 


W.  P.  A 

E.  R.  A 

E.  R.  A 

Board  of  Education  and  E.  R.  A 

E.  R.  A.  and  W.  P.  A 

Playground  Committee 

P.  T.  A.  and  E.  R.  A 

E.R.  A 

E.  R.  A 

Recreation  Committee  and  E.  R.  A.... 

W.  P.  A 

P.  T.  A.  and  E.  R.  A 

Recreation  Committee  and  E.  R.  A.. . 

Recreation  Committee,  Inc 

E.  R.  A 

E.  R.  A.  and  W.  P.  A 

Recreation  Council  and  E.  R.  A 

Playground  Committee 

E.  R.  A.  and  W.  P.  A 

Recreation  Committee 

E.R.  A 

E.R.  A 

Board  of  Education  and  E.  R.  A 

Recreation  Committee  and  E.  R.  A. . . 

E.  R.  A.  and  W.  P.  A 

Recreation  Committee,  Chamber  of 

Commerce 

E.  R.  A.  and  W.  P.  A 

Borough  Council  and  E.  R.  A 

E.  R.  A.  and  W.  P.  A 

E.R.  A. _ 

Recreation  Council  and  E.  R.  A 

E.R.  A 

W.  P.  A 

P.  T.  A 

Recreation  Committee 

Recreation  Committee,  Bound  Brook 

Welfare  Society 

Sponsors'  Committee  and  E.  R.  A 

Recreation  Committee  and  E.  R.  A.. . . 

E.  R.  A 

E.  R.  A 

E.  R.  A 

Board  of  Education  and  E.  R.  A 

Playground  Committee 

W.  P.  A 

E.  R.  A.  and  W.  P.  A 

W.  P.  A 

Playground  Committee 

Recreation  Committee 

W.  P.  A 

Recreation  Committee 

Playground  Committee 

Community  Committees  and  W.  P.  A. . 

Leisure  Time  Activities  Committee 

W.  P.  A 

E.  R.  A 

Playground  Committee 

Recreation  Committee 

Playground  Committee 

E.  R.  A 


E.  R.  A.  and  W.  P.  A 

Recreation  .Commission 

Department  of  Education  and  E.  R.  A. . 

E.  R.  A.  and  W.  P.  A 

E.  R.  A.  and  W.  P.  A 

Recreation  Commission. 

Recreation  Commjssion 

Recreation  Commission 

Board  of  Education 

School  Board 

W.  P.  A.88 

Board  of  Education89 

tecreation  Commission 

T.  E.  R.  A 

T.E.  R.A 

New  Era  Health  Education  Department. 

Board  of  Education  and  W.  P.  A 

Recreation  Commission  and  P.  T.  A 

Recreation  Commission 

E.  R.  A.  and  W.  P.  A 


Royal  Neighbors  of  America  and  Dorners 
Club 


Leadership 


Total 


From 

Other 

Than 

Relief 

Funds 


Playgrounds 


Indoor 

Centers 


1.-3 

o e 

>,2 

cj  _ 

§ 

II 


o c 

>,2 

I- 

X g 

H 


4 

5 

4 

2 

1 

1 

2 

1 

1 

1 

3 

1 

5 

1 

1 

i 

3 

2 

2 

2 

1 

3 

3 

2 

1 

1 

1 

2 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

2 

1 

1 

2 

7 

2 

1 

1 

2 

2 

1 

3 

i 

2 

2 

2 

1 

3 

1 

1 

1 

,1 

1 

1 

1 

2 

1 

3 

1 

2 

1 

18 

5 

1 

1 

3 

5 

3 

1 

2 

1 

2 

2 

5 

2 

6 

5 

5 

1 

5 

1 

3 

1 

2 

4 

2 

1 

2 

11 

12 

8 

2 

3 

1 

4 

2 

6 

2 

1 

2 

3 

7 

3 

7 

24 

4 

1 

2 

1 

5 

2 

16 

2 

4 

3 

100 

18 

35 

18 

1 

1 

3 

8 

1 

1 

27 

51 

27 

4 

12 

4 

2 

1 

500.00 

3 

1 

1 

1 

126.00 

80.00 

270.00 

408.00 

150.00 

276.00 

130.00 

326.00 

516.00 

,112.00 

230.00 

597.00 
,173.20 

525.00 

335.00 

225.00 

905.00 


96.00 

,725.00 

900.00 

84.69 

,557.00 

,030.00 


159.41 

6.550.00 

420.00 

425.00 

161.00 

570.00 

130.00 

3.100.00 

150.00 
592.40 

213.56 

300.00 

150.00 

260.00 

550.00 

379.00 

450.00 

150.00 

2.376.00 

580.00 

6.775.00 

150.00 

1.690.00 


,080.00 

300.00 
,040.00 

435.00 
,690.00 

150.00 

300.00 
,420.00 
300.00 

75.00 


3.112.00 

5.020.00 
7,000.00 
5,369.25 

14,631.25 

3.500.00 
3,260.80 

1.164.00 

21,000.00 

4.074.00 
350,178.89 

26,828.14 


675.00 

75.098.00 

13.751.00 
4,925.00 

500.00 
2,199  00 


126.00 

80.00 

270.00 

408.00 

150.00 

276.00 

130.00 

326.00 

516.00 

2,112.00 

230.00 

597.00 
3,173.20 

525.00 

335.00 

225.00 

905.00 


96.00 

1.725.00 

900.00 
84.69 

1.557.00 

1.030.00 

159.41 

6.550.00 

420.00 

425.00 

161.00 

570.00 

130.00 

3.100.00 

150.00 
592.40 

213.56 

300.00 
15C.OO 

260.00 

550.00 

379.00 

450.00 

150.00 

2.376.00 

580.00 

6.775.00 

150.00 

1.690.00 


1,080.00 

300.00 

4.040.00 

435.00 

4.690.00 

150.00 

300.00 
18,420.00 

300.00 

75.00 


3.112.00 

5.110.00 

12,000.00 

5,369.25 

14,631.25 

3.500.00 
3,998.40 

1.314.00 
24,744.00 

4.074.00 
350,178.89 

26,828.14 


675.00 

75.098.00 

14.032.00 

5.000. 00 

1.000. 00 

2,199.00 


200.00 

10 

5,000 

9 

8,000 

1 

2 

2 

1,115 

3 

47.00 

1 

15,000 

4 

50.00 

4 

2,250 

1 

400 

5 

1 

581 

6 

1 

47,435 

1 

960 

7 

] 

1,801 

8 

15.00 

1 

4 104  25 

2 

575 

S 

2 

<16,735 

10 

9 

13,601 

J 

17,761 

11 

25.00 

12 

51.00 

1 

4,500 

1 

4,800 

13 

787.96 

4 

85,431 

1 

12,000 

14 

75  01 

1 

5,601 

15 

100.00 

1 

6,525 

3 

4,400 

16 

1 

<4,369 

1 

294 

17 

2 

18 

40.00 

2 

300 

19 

1 

20 

450.00 

1 

2,579 

1 

5,260 

21 

150.00 

; 

4,000 

S 

2,940 

22 

35.01 

i 

1,001 

1 

100 

23 

400.01 

i 

48.87C 

1 

18,001 

24 

2 

6,000 

1 

2,000 

25 

50.00 

1 

<3,927 

26 

300.00 

5 

26,488 

8 

8.400 

27 

58.0C 

1 

25.00C 

1 

3,000 

28 

450.00 

1 

21,375 

29 

1 

1 

150 

30 

3 

<15,475 

2 

300 

31 

1 

3,200 

32 

2 

7,835 

33 

15  00 

1 

34 

ion  on 

3 

417  205 

35 

50.00 

1 

45J00 

36 

40.00 

2 

15,000 

1 

300 

37 

1 

1,700 

1 

1,500 

38 

2 

4,000 

39 

i 

1,800 

3 

850 

40 

25.00 

<2,800 

41 

1 

42 

1 

329 

43 

500.00 

i 

61,000 

2 

160,000 

44 

500.00 

5 

19,000 

1 

300 

45 

• 

5 

2 

19,450 

46 

1 

250 

47 

25.00 

2 

2 

8,875 

48 

8 

7,875 

9 

15,000 

49 

3 

53,626 

1 

2,037 

50 

1 

51 

5 

7 

10,836 

52 

209.93 

2| 

25,500 

53 

7 

8,599 

7 

14,630 

54 

1 

<2,500 

55 

Lj 

56 

1,000.00 

9 

72,300 

12 

13,180 

57 

2 

58 

ll 

<4,953 

59 

12 

60 

90.00 

31 

5 

61 

2 

<27,000 

3 

4,000 

62 

17 

49,039 

63 

22 

1 

406,850 

64 

180.00 

11,250 

2 

29,800 

65 

800.00 

5 

21,000 

1 

3,000 

66 

500.00 

1 

3,500 

1 

2,210 

67 

1,940.00 

12 

151,000 

7 

80,000 

68 

100.00 

7 

<17,680 

2 

69 

70 

a 

1 

2 

71 

4 

20,000 

72 

2 

73 

44 

274,258 

95 

218,290 

74 

6 

<33,000 

4 

15,000 

75 

5 

31,500 

76 

100.00 

5 000 

77 

8 

8^089 

78 

1 

79 

153 


EMERGENCY  RECREATION  SERVICE  IN  1935 

Footnotes  follow  the  table 


Emergency 

Recreation  Leadership 

Expenditures  for  Emergency 
Service  Last  Fiscal  Year 

Playgrounds 

Indoor 

Centers 

Paid  Workers 

Volun- 

teer 

Workers 

From  Relief  Funds 

STATE  AND 
CITY 

Popula- 

tion 

Managing  Authority 

p 

a 

1 

No.  Em- 
ployed 
Full  ' 
Time 

a 

a 

I 

Land, 

Buildings, 

Permanent 

Equipment 

Leadership 

Total 

From 

Other 

Than 

Relief 

Funds 

P 

a 

O P 

p 

a 

O P 

2 

*o 

o 

£ 

o 

§ 

B 

3 

a 

2 

o 

6 

£ 

*o 

£ 

a 

■Si 

3 1 

£ 

a 

* § 
3 | 

1 

£ 

z 

let 

1 

N.  Dakota — Cont. 
Barnes  County92 . . . 

18,804  I 

2 

Burleigh  County93. . 

19,769 

3 

Dunn  County94.... 

10,000 

4 

Drenora 

487 

5 

McIntosh  County93. 

9,640  i 

6 

VlcLean  County96.  . 

17,991 

7 

Rugby 

1,600 

8 

Rolette  County97 . . . 

14,000 

9 

Ohio 

Celina 

4,800 

10 

[ronton 

15,000  : 

11 

Lorain  County98... 

109,206 

12 

Wyandot  County99 

19,036 

13 

Oklahoma 

Lawton 

15,000 

14 

Oregon  ' 

Astoria 

10,349 

15 

Baker 

8,000 

16 

Enterprise 

1,100 

17 

Forest  Grove 

2,000 

18 

Grants  Pass 

5,000 

19 

Lebanon 

1,858 

20 

North  Bend 

4,500 

21 

Oregon  City 

5,761 

22 

Pennsylvania 

Beaver  Falls 

17,147 

23 

Bethlehem 

58,000 

24 

Harrisburg 

80,000 

25 

Hazleton 

40,000 

26 

Mauch  Chunk 

3,750 

27 

Nanticoke 

26,034 

28 

Tamaqua 

12,000 

29 

South  Dakota 

CharlesMixCounty100 

20,000 

30 

Codington  County101 

17,457 

31 

Edmunds  County102. 

8,712 

32 

Moody  County103. . . 

9,671 

33 

Tripp  County104 

12,712 

34 

Wessington  Springs. 

1,401 

35 

Tennessee 
Knox  County105 .... 

155,902 

36 

Texas 

Galveston 

60,000 

37 

Vermont 

Morrisville 

1,822 

38 

Virginia 

Danville 

22,247 

39 

Washington 
Aberdeen 

20,900 

40 

Klickitat  County106 . 

9,825 

41 

West  Virginia 
Braxton  County107 . 

22,000 

42 

Charleston 

60,000 

43 

Clay  County108 

13,572 

44 

Gilmer  County1" . . 

10,000 

45 

Mason  County110. . 

25,000 

46 

Mercer  County111.. 

61,323 

47 

Mingo  County112. . 

38,319 

48 

Webster  County113. 

15,000 

49 

Wisconsin 
Birnamwood 

600 

50 

Dane  County116 . . . 

112,737 

51 

Delavan 

3,400 

52 

Douglas  County114. 

46,583 

53 

Dunn  County115... 

27,000 

54 

Eau  Claire  County11 

41,087 

55 

Forest  County118 . . 

11,118 

56 

Kenosha  County119 

63,277 

57 

La  Crosse  County121 

64,425 

R.  A.. 

. P.  A.. 
. P.  A.. 
. P.  A. 


, P.  A. 


partment  and  F.  E.  R.  A 


Board  of  Park  Commissioners. 


3.  E.  R.  A... 


Schools 

[iwanis  Club  and  Y.  M.  C.  A 

chool  Board,  Y.  M.  C.  A.,  and  Play- 
ground Association 


Swimming  Pool  Committee. 


Agricultural  Extension  Division  and 
T.  E.  R.  A 


E.  R.  A. 


School  Board . 


Public  Welfare  Department. 


Park  Board. 
W.  P.  A.... 


Board  of  Education 

Kanawha  County,  Board  of  Education 

County  Farm  Bureau  and  E.  R.  A 

Agricultural  Extension  Division 

Board  of  Education 

E.  R.  A.  and  W.  P.  A 

F.  E.  R.  A 

F.  E.  R.  A 


School  Board  and  American  Legion 

Board  of  Education 

W.  P.  A 

County  School  Board 

Volunteer  Committee,  W.  E.  R.  A.  and 

W.  P.  A 

County  Board 

County  Department  of  Education 

County  Board  of  Supervisors 

W.  P.  A 


20 


10 


1 

999.91 

1,213.81 

4.60 

2 

3,500 

9 

7 

3 

14,840 

487.27 

914.17 

15 

15 

3 

1 

2 

3 

2 

450.00 

450.00 

11 

3 

1 

10 

10 

3 

4,750 

6 

6^860 

1 

1 

809.12 

822.85 

1 

1,000.00 

4,000.00 

27 

8,000 

128.00 

128.00 

975.00 

1 

1 

115.00 

115.00 

1 

3 

1 

2,500.00 

2,500.00 

21 

25,000 

9 

4 

3 

2,350 

8,250.00 

3,250.00 

1,267.87 

1,494.77 

5 

442,725 

1 

1 

500.00 

500.00 

4.00 

3 

4,800 

3 

1,800 

168.40 

283.60 

2 

1 

0 000 

1 

250.00 

250.00 

30.00 

4 

12,500 

2 

3,000 

150.00 

150.00 

1 

277.80 

277.80 

80.00 

2 

<1,200 

25.00 

3 

44,032 

1 

1,000 

1,210.30 

1,512.30 

500.00 

3 

2,700 

4 

2,000 

1,462.50 

1,462.50 

6.31 

3 

9,581 

1,000.00 

4,500.00 

2,000.00 

3 

7 

5.000.00 

5,000.00 

560.00 

14 

16,000 

1,700.00 

1,700.00 

375.00 

5 

<70,083 

1 

2 

264.00 

264.00 

61.00 

1 

12,500 

3 

590 

1,680.00 

1,680.00 

110.00 

3 

1 

10 

600.00 

600.00 

# 

2 

25,000 

2 

10.000 

2 

88.20 

92.40 

1 

1 

1,000 

416.50 

416.50 

'200.00 

8 

2 

285.85 

285.85 

2 

195.65 

195.65 

13 

25,350 

4 

2,902.50 

2,902.50 

150.00 

22 

30 

1 

500.94 

500.94 

46.00 

1 

3,825 

1 

269.00 

269.00 

6 

7 

3 

5 

2 

784.00 

784.00 

200.00 

1 

2,618.35 

2,618.35 

200.00 

3 

2 

1 

2 

3 

209.83 

209.83 

3 

<6,700 

4 

6,400 

680.00 

6 

18,000 

1,680.00 

1,855.00 

10 

68,641 

1 

548.00 

598.00 

107.00 

4 

23,040 

300.00 

300.00 

' 50.00 

1,000.00 

1,000.00 

300.00 

6 

37,800 

2 

18,000 

1,360.00 

1,360.00 

25.00 

23 

'525.00 

525.00 

10 

18,900 

10.090.0C 

685.00 

10,895.00 



7 

22,500 

1.200.0C 

108.00 

1,308.00 

400.00 

250 

1,700.00 

1,700.00 



7 

12,500 

] 

1,000 

1,500.00 

1,500.00 



3 

10,000 

: 

960 

1,129.87 

1,129.87 

30 

19,220 

4 

320.0C 

4,675.00 

4,995.00 

135.00 

3 

18,000 

64,040 

815.00 

815.0C 



: 

500 

1,857.10 

2,022.10 

17 200.00 

t 

22.40C 

u 

1C 



2,502.36 

2,502.30 

352.65 

5.72C 

44 

43,113 

8.720.0C 

8,720.0( 



11 

80,000 

li 

35,  IKK 

28 


154 


EMERGENCY  RECREATION  SERVICE  IN  1935 

Footnotes  follow  the  table 


STATE  AND 
CITY 


Popula- 

tion 


Emergency 

Recreation  Leadership 

Expenditures  for  Emergency 
Service  Last  Fiscal  Year 

Playgrounds 

Indoor 

Centers 

Paid  Workers 

Volun- 

teer 

Workers 

From  Relief  Funds 

Managing  Authority 

No.  Em- 
ployed 
Full 
Time 

Land, 

Buildings, 

Permanent 

Equipment 

From 

G 

u,  'S 

•j 

G 

1 

2 

2 

a 

Leadership 

Total 

Than 

Relief 

Funds 

5 

o 

6 
^5 

£ 

© 

© 

Men 

Women 

i 

o 

o 

o 

o 

Number 

X g 

3 1 
leg 

Number 

* § 
O 

1 S 

Wisconsin. — Cont. 
Langlade  County.121 
Marathon  County122 
Oconto  County123... 
Portage  County124. . 


21,544 

70,629 

26,386 

33,827 


W.  P.  A.  and  P.  W.  A 

County  School  Board 

County  School  Board 

W.E.R.A 


Wyoming 

Fremont  County125 . 
Lincoln  County126 . . 

Lovell 

Platte  County127 
Sheridan  County128 . 
Weston  County129.. 
Worland 


10,000 

12,000 

2,000 

9,600 

16,875 

5,000 

1,461 


W.  P.  A 

E.  R.  A 

Recreation  Committee 

Recreation  Committee  and  E.  R.  A 


W.  P.  A 

E.  R.  A 

E.  R.  A.  and  W.  P.  A 


7 

9 

2 

1 

3 

4 
1 

12 

4 

1 

4 

4 

1,939.50 

3,766.98 

3,766.98 

2,335.85 

2,360.85 

825.00 

825.00 

614.50 

726.68 

475.00 

17 1,954.70 

2,151.75 

14,029.55 

875.00 

875.00 

4,200.00 

4,200.00 

200.00 

250.00 

100.00 

2,039.50 

223.00 
' 85.55 


567.72 

890.00 

100.00 
300.00 


1,614.67 


94,512 

33,340 

50,000 

44,409 

12 

2,950 

5 

23,500 

43,600 

3,000 

1,800 

11,250 

43,750 

2 

2 

3 

1,200 

500 

1 

2 

3 

4 


5 

6 

7 

8 
9 

10 

11 


FOOTNOTES  (EMERGENCY  SERVICE) 

1.  This  reports  covers  service  in  Billingsley,  Independence  and  Prattville. 

2.  This  report  covers  service  in  Five  Points,  Lafayette,  Milltown  and  Ridge  Grove. 

3.  This  report  covers  service  in  Beltona,  Bessemer,  Irondale,  Leeds,  Lipscomb,  Northside,  Palos  and  Pow- 
derly. 

4.  This  figure  represents  participants  only. 

5.  This  report  covers  service  in  Alpharetta,  Atlanta,  College  Park,  East  Point,  Fairburn,  Hapeville,  Pal- 
metto and  Roswell. 

6.  This  report  covers  service  in  Alden,  Cheming,  Crystal  Lake,  Greenwood,  Huntley,  Ostend,  Ringwood 
and  Union. 

7.  This  report  covers  service  in  Auburn,  Buffalo,  Chatham,  Divernon,  Illiopolis,  Pawnee,  Riverton  and 
Thayer. 

8.  This  report  covers  service  in  Fort  Wayne,  Huntertown,  Monroeville,  New  Haven  and  Woodburn. 

9.  This  report  covers  service  in  Burlington,  Deer  Creek,  Delphi,  Flora  and  Rockfield. 

10.  This  report  covers  service  in  Jeffersonville  and  Utica. 

11.  This  report  covers  service  in  Albany,  Cowan,  Daleville,  DeSota,  Eaton,  Gaston,  Harrison  Township, 

Perry  Township,  Royertown,  Selma  and  Yorktown. 

12.  This  report  covers  service  in  Gas  City,  Marion  and  Upland. 

13.  This  report  covers  service  in  Bicknell,  Bruceville,  Decker,  Edwardsport,  Freelandville,  Fritchton,  Mon- 
roe City,  Oaktown,  Sandborn,  Vincennes  and  Wheatland. 

14.  This  report  covers  service  in  Crown  Point,  East  Gary,  Gary,  Hobart,  Miller  and  Ross. 

15.  This  report  covers  service  in  La  Porte  and  Westville. 

16.  This  report  covers  service  in  Bloomington,  Elletsville  and  Smithville. 

17.  Expenditures  data  incomplete. 

18.  This  report  covers  service  in  Griffin,  Mt.  Vernon  and  New  Harmony. 

19.  This  report  covers  service  in  Arlington  and  Milroy. 

20.  This  report  covers  service  in  Carlisle,  Hymera  and  Sullivan. 

21.  This  report  covers  service  in  Cayuga,  Clinton,  Dana,  Hillsdale,  Newport  and  Perrysville. 

22.  This  report  covers  service  in  Boonsboro,  Hagerstown,  Smithburg  and  Williamsport. 

23.  In  addition  to  facilities  reported  the  Recreation  Committee  was  granted  the  use  at  designated  times,  of 
a privately  owned  18-hole  golf  course  and  6 tennis  courts  owned  by  Smith  College. 

24.  This  money  was  spent  for  the  construction  of  a 17  acre  playfield  which  is  not  controlled  by  the  Board  of 
Education. 

24a.  This  report  covers  service  in  Barton  City,  Curran,  Curtisville,  Glennie,  Harrisville,  Haynes,  Indian  Vil- 
lage, Kilmaster,  Lincoln,  Mikado  and  Springport. 

25.  This  report  covers  service  in  Au  Train,  Forest  Lake,  Grand  Marais,  Munising  and  Shingleton. 

26.  This  report  covers  service  in  Athens,  Bedford,  Bedford  Township,  Burlington,  Clarence,  Homer,  LeRoy, 

Level  Park,  Marshall  and  Newton. 

27.  This  report  covers  service  in  Boyne  City,  Charlvoix  and  East  Jordan. 

28.  This  report  covers  service  in  Bath,  DeWitt,  Elsie,  Eureka,  Fowler,  Maple  Rapids,  Ovid  and  St.  Johns. 

29.  This  report  covers  service  in  Alanson,  Brutus,  Burt  Lake,  Cross  Village,  Douglas  Lake,  Harbor  Spring, 
Levering,  Mackinaw  City,  Oden,  Pellston  and  Petoskey. 

30.  This  report  covers  service  in  Anvil,  Bessemer,  Harding,  Ironwood,  Puritan,  Ramsay,  and  Wakefield. 

31.  This  report  covers  service  in  Calumet,  Centennial  Heights,  Chassell,  Copper  City,  Dollar  Bay,  Hancock, 
Houghton,  Hubbell,  Kearsarge,  Kenton,  Lake  Linden,  Laurium,  Painesdale,  Redridge,  Ripley,  South 
Range,  Sidnaw,  Trimountain  and  Winona. 

32.  This  report  covers  service  in  Belding,  Clarksville,  Easton,  Hubbardston,  Ionia  City,  Lake  Odessa,  Lyons, 
Muir,  Orleans,  Palo,  Pewamo,  Portland  and  Saranac. 

33.  This  report  covers  service  in  Alabaster,  Baldwin,  East  Tawas,  Grant,  Hale,  Oscoda,  Reno,  Sherman 
Township,  Tawas  City  and  Whittemore. 


155 


34.  This  report  covers  service  in  Alpha,  Amasa,  Bates,  Caspian,  Crystal  Falls,  Gaastra,  Iron  River  and 
Stambaugh. 

35.  This  report  covers  service  in  Almeek,  Allowez,  Fulton,  Gay  and  Mohawk. 

36.  This  report  covers  service  in  Cedar,  Empire,  Lake  Leelanau,  Maple  City,  Northport  and  Suttons  Bay. 

37.  This  report  covers  service  in  Coral,  Crystal,  Greenville,  Howard  City,  Lakeview,  Sheridan,  Stanton, 

Trufant  and  Vestaburg. 

38.  This  report  covers  service  in  Atlanta,  Hillman,  Lewiston  and  Rust  Township. 

39.  This  report  covers  service  in  Lupton,  Prescott,  Rose  City,  Shadyshore,  South  Branch  and  West  Branch. 

40.  This  report  covers  service  in  Bergland,  Bruce  Crossing,  Ewen,  Greenland,  Mass,  Ontonagon,  Rockland 

and  Trout  Creek. 

41.  This  report  covers  service  in  Cadillac,  Greenwood,  Harrietta,  Manton,  Mesick  and  Yuma. 

42.  This  report  covers  service  in  Alida,  Bagley,  Clearbrook,  Gonvick,  Leonard  and  several  other  communi- 

ties. 

43.  This  report  covers  service  in  Chatfield,  Fountain,  Harmony,  Lanesboro,  Preston,  Rushford,  Spring  Val- 
ley and  Wykoff. 

44.  The  names  of  the  communities  served  were  not  reported. 

45.  This  report  covers  service  in  Hendricks,  Ironhoe,  Lake  Benton  and  Tyler. 

46.  This  report  covers  service  in  Belle  Plain,  New  Prague,  Savage,  Shakopee  and  Spring  Lake. 

47.  This  report  covers  service  in  Alberta,  Chokio,  Donnelly,  Hancock  and  Morris. 

48.  This  report  covers  service  in  Browns  Valley  and  Wheaton. 

49.  This  report  covers  service  in  Breckenridge,  Campbell,  Deerhorn,  Doran,  Forhome,  Kent,  Nashua,  Roth- 
sav,  Tenney  and  Wolverton. 

50.  This  report  covers  service  in  Lewiston,  St.  Charles  and  Winona. 

51.  This  report  covers  service  in  Fenwick,  Kingston,  Leesdale,  Pine  Ridge,  Natchez,  Selma,  Washington  and 

Wickland. 

52.  This  report  covers  service  in  Aponaug,  Carmack,  Hesterville,  Kosciusko,  McCool,  New  Hope,  Possum- 
neck,  Sallis,  Sandhill,  Springfield  and  Zemuly. 

53.  This  report  covers  service  in  Bruce,  Calhoun  City,  Derma,  Ellard,  Sarepa  and  Slates  Springs. 

54.  This  report  covers  service  in  Barland,  Barlow,  Hermanville,  Pattison,  Port  Gibson  and  Tillman. 

55.  This  report  covers  service  in  Bethel,  Collins,  Johnson,  Lone  Star,  Mount  Hareb,  Mount  Olive,  Salem, 

Sandford  and  Williamsburg. 

56.  This  report  covers  service  in  Bude,  Chapel,  Hamburg,  Lucien,  McCall,  Meadville,  Quientine,  Roxie,  Wes- 
ley and  White  Apple. 

57.  This  report  covers  service  in  Bay  St.  Louis,  Chauncey,  Crane  Creek,  Kiln,  Log  Town  and  Waveland. 

58.  This  report  covers  service  in  Biloxi,  Fernwood,  Gulfport,  Lyman,  Mississippi  City,  Pass  Christian  and 
Saucier. 

59.  This  report  covers  service  in  Bolton,  Clinton,  Jackson,  Raymond,  Terry  and  Van  Winkle. 

60.  This  report  covers  service  in  Dorse,  Eastman,  Evergreen,  Fulton,  Ratliff,  Tremont,  and  White  Springs. 

61.  This  report  covers  service  in  Bassfield,  Carson,  Clem,  Hebron,  Lowland,  Melba,  Prentiss,  Progress,  Sons 
and  Whitesand. 

62.  This  report  covers  service  in  Fayette,  Gum  Ridge,  Harrison,  Lorman,  Red  Lick  and  Union  Church. 

63.  This  report  covers  service  in  DeKalb,  Macon,  Marketta,  Reo,  Schooba,  Tamola  and  Wahalak. 

64.  This  report  covers  service  in  Arm,  Hooker,  Monticello,  New  Hebron,  Oma,  Silver  Creek,  Sontag,  Sum- 
ner and  Verna. 

65.  This  report  covers  service  in  Barnes,  Carthage,  Doddsville,  Edinburg,  Ludlow  and  Tuscola. 

66.  This  report  covers  service  in  Berona,  Bethony,  Nettleton,  Satlillo,  Channon  and  Tupelo. 

67.  This  report  covers  service  in  Artesia,  Columbus,  Crawford  and  New  Hope. 

68.  This  report  covers  service  in  Aberdeen,  Amory,  Bartahatchie  and  Wren. 

69.  This  report  covers  service  in  Center  Point,  Macedonia,  Macon,  Mashulaville,  McLeod  and  Shuqualak. 

70.  This  report  covers  service  in  Ballentine,  Batesville,  Buxton,  Chapel  Hill,  Courtland,  Crenshaw,  Forsalia, 
Harmontown,  Humanity,  Independence,  Mt.  Oliver,  Pleasant  Grove,  Pope  and  Searp  Chapel. 

71.  This  report  covers  service  in  Algoma,  Bleden,  Pontotoc,  Springfield,  Thazen,  Toccapala,  Troy  and  Wood- 
land. 

72.  This  report  covers  service  in  Anguilla,  Catching,  Hollandale,  Holly  Bluff  and  Rolling  Fork. 

73.  This  report  covers  service  in  D’Lo,  Everett,  Harrisville,  Magee,  Mendenhall,  Pearl,  Pinola  and  Shivers. 

74.  This  report  covers  service  in  Charleston,  Coward,  Enid,  Hippo,  Paines,  Sumner,  Tutwiler  and  Vance. 

75.  This  report  covers  service  in  Culkin,  Log  Store,  Mints  Springs,  Oak  Ridge,  Possum  Hollow,  Red  Wood, 

Swetts  Pond,  Vicksburg,  Waltersville  and  Yokena. 

76.  This  report  covers  service  in  Coffeeville,  Oakland,  Torrance,  Scoley  and  Water  Valley. 

76a.  In  addition  to  the  leaders  reported  by  the  local  communities,  there  were  19  men  and  women  who  gave 

full  time  service  as  county  or  district  recreation  supervisors  under  the  W.P.A. 

77.  Maintains  a program  of  community  recreation  activities  for  colored  citizens. 

78.  This  report  covers  service  in  Broad,  Groveville,  Hamilton  Square,  Mercerville  and  Yardville. 

79.  This  report  covers  service  in  Annondale,  Califon,  Clinton,  Flemington,  Glen  Gardner,  Hampton,  High 

Bridge,  Lebanon,  Milford  and  Stanton. 

80.  In  addition,  leaders  were  provided  by  the  W.P.A.  and  assigned  to  the  Board  of  Education  and  the  De- 
partment of  Parks  and  Public  Property. 

81.  This  report  covers  service  in  Eldridge  Park,  Lawrenceville  and  Slackwood. 

82.  Private  lake  opened  to  community  use  while  under  supervision  of  recreation  leader. 

83.  This  report  covers  service  in  Bonhamtown,  Clara  Barton,  Fords,  Lindenau,  Menlo  Park,  New  Dover, 
New  Durham,  Oak  Tree,  Phoenix,  Piscatawaytown,  Potters  and  Sand  Hills. 

84.  This  report  covers  service  in  Caldwell,  Caldwell  Township,  Cedar  Grove,  Essex  Fells,  Livingston,  North 
Caldwell,  Pleasantville,  Roseland  and  West  Caldwell. 

85.  This  report  covers  service  in  Alfred,  Andover,  Angelica,  Belfast,  Belmont,  Bolivar,  Canaseraga,  Cuba, 
Friendship,  Richburg,  Wellsville  and  Whitesville. 

86.  This  report  covers  service  in  Allegany,  Catteraugus,  Delevan,  East  Otto,  Ellicottville,  Gowando,  Great 
Valley,  Lime  Lake,  Little  Valley,  Perrysburg,  Randolph,  South  Dayton  and  State  Park. 


156 


87.  This  report  covers  service  in  Brocton,  Cassadaga,  Celeron,  Cherry  Creek,  Clymer,  Falconer,  Findlay  Lake, 
Forestville,  Fredonia,  Frewsburg,  Gerry,  Lakewood,  Mayville,  Panama,  Portland,  Ripley,  Silver  Creek, 
Sherman,  Sinclairville  and  Westfield. 

88.  This  project  relates  to  a program  of  social,  physical  and  craft  work  conducted  at  72  play  streets  and  20 
play  areas. 

89.  This  project  supplies  leadership  in  one  summer  and  seven  winter  day  camps. 

90.  This  report  covers  service  in  Bridgewater,  Cherry  Valley,  Gilbertsville,  Morris,  Richfield  Springs,  Sche- 
nevus,  Unadilla  and  Worcester. 

91.  This  report  covers  service  in  Arcade,  Attica,  Bliss,  Castile,  Gainesville  and  Silver  Springs. 

92.  This  report  covers  service  in  Eckelson,  Fingal,  Getchell,  Hastings,  Litchville,  Noltimier,  Rogers,  San- 
born, Valley  City  and  Wimbledon. 

93.  This  report  covers  service  in  Driscoll,  McKenzie,  Menoken,  Moffett,  Regan,  Sterling  and  Wing. 

94.  This  report  covers  service  in  Badlands  School,  Big  Flat,  Dodge,  Dunn  Center,  Emerson,  Fayette,  Halli- 

dav,  Iota,  Killdeer,  Little  Knife,  Manning,  Marshall,  New  Hradec,  Ridgeway,  Werner  and  Whetstone. 

95.  This  report  covers  service  in  Ashley,  Lehr,  Venturia,  Wishek  and  Zeeland. 

96.  This  report  covers  service  in  Garrison,  Raub,  Turtle  Lake,  Underwood,  Washburn  and  Wilton. 

97.  This  report  covers  service  in  Cleveland,  Finnigan,  Fonda,  Marivill,  Oxford,  Rolette,  Rolla,  St.  John  and 
South  Valley. 

98.  This  report  covers  service  in  Elyria,  Lorain  and  Oberlin. 

99.  This  report  covers  service  in  Carey,  Nevada  and  Upper  Sandusky. 

100.  This  report  covers  service  in  Platte  and  Wagner. 

101.  This  report  covers  service  in  Henry,  South  Shore  and  Watertown. 

102.  This  report  covers  service  in  Bowdle,  Hosmer,  Ipwich,  Loyalton,  Mina  and  Roscoe. 

103.  This  report  covers  service  in  Colman,  Flandreau  and  Flandreau  Park. 

104.  This  report  covers  service  in  Clearfield,  Colome,  Hamill,  Ideal,  Keyapaha,  Millboro,  Winner  and  Witten. 

105.  This  report  covers  service  in  Alice  Bell,  Farrogut,  Fountain  City,  Mascot,  Pleasant  Ridge,  Powell,  Ritta, 
Riverdale,  Smithwood  and  Youngs. 

106.  This  report  covers  service  in  Klickitat,  Lyle  and  White  Salmon. 

107.  This  report  covers  service  in  Burnsville,  Chapel,  Exchange,  Flatwoods,  Gassaway,  Morrison,  Sugar  Creek 
and  Sultan. 

108.  This  report  covers  service  in  Bomont,  Clay,  Elkhurst  and  Ivydale. 

109.  This  report  covers  service  in  Alice,  Bird,  Blackburn,  Cedar  Creek,  Cedarville,  Conings,  Coxs  Mills,  Glen- 
ville,  Hardman,  Laurel,  Newberne,  Revel,  Sinking  Creek,  Tanner,  Trace  and  Troy. 

110.  This  report  covers  service  in  Henderson,  Mason  and  Point  Pleasant. 

111.  This  report  covers  service  in  Athens,  Bluefield,  Bramwell,  Duhring,  Matvaka,  McComas  and  Princeton. 

112.  This  report  covers  service  in  Chattaroy,  Delbarton,  Gilbert,  Kermit,  Matewan,  Red  Jacket,  Thacker  and 
Williamson. 

113.  This  report  covers  service  in  Bergoo,  Camden,  Cleveland,  Cowen,  Diana,  Orndoff,  Parcoal  and  Webster 
Springs. 

114.  The  names  of  the  communities  served  were  not  reported. 

115.  This  report  covers  service  in  Boyceville,  Colfax,  Downing,  Eau  Galli,  Elk  Mound,  Knapp,  Menomonie 
and  Wheeler. 

116.  This  report  covers  service  in  Cambridge,  Cottage  Grove,  Marshall  and  Stoughton. 

117.  This  report  covers  service  in  Augusta  and  Fairchild. 

118.  This  report  covers  service  in  Alvin,  Argonne,  Arles,  Armstrong  Creek,  Blackwell,  Crandon,  Hiles, 
Lianoa,  Mole  Lake,  Nelma,  Newald,  Otter  Lake,  Stone  Lake,  Wabeno  and  Wolfe  River. 

119.  This  report  covers  service  in  Brighton,  Bristol,  Paris,  Pleasant  Prairie,  Randall,  Salem,  Silver  Lake, 
Somers  and  Wheatland. 

120.  This  report  covers  service  in  LaCrosse,  Onalaska  and  West  Salem. 

121.  This  report  covers  service  in  Antigo,  Deerbrook,  Elcho,  Phlox,  Polar,  Summit  Lake  and  White  Lake. 

122.  This  report  covers  service  in  Mosinee,  Rothschild,  Schofield  and  Wausau. 

123.  This  report  covers  service  in  Abrams,  Gillett,  Oconto,  Oconto  Falls  and  Suring. 

124.  This  report  covers  service  in  Amherst,  Junction  City,  Plover  and  Roshalt. 

125.  This  report  covers  service  in  Dubois,  Lander  and  Riverton. 

126.  This  report  covers  service  in  Cokeville,  Kemmerer,  Star  Valley  and  Tulsa. 

127.  This  report  covers  service  in  Chugwater,  Esterbrook,  Guernsey,  Iowa  Center,  Slater,  Sunrise  and 
Wheatland. 

128.  This  report  covers  service  in  Clearmont,  Dayton,  Ranchester,  Sheridan  and  Story. 

129.  This  report  covers  service  in  New  Castle,  Osage  and  Upton. 


Aids  to  the  Summer  Playground  Program 

Conduct  of  Playgrounds  (Recently  revised,  this  guide  for  the  playground 
worker  has  been  enlarged  and  made  more  practical  through  the  addition  of  new 
material.)  Price  25  cents. 

88  Successful  Play  Activities  ( Just  off  the  press  in  its  new  attractive  form,  this 
handbook  will  be  invaluable  for  summer  playground  use.  There  are  directions  for 
sidewalk  games,  home  equipment  games,  tournaments,  activities  in  music,  drama 
and  nature,  shows  and  exhibits,  and  winter  sports.)  Price  60  cents. 

Both  these  publications  may  be  secured  from  the  National  Recreation  Association. 


15  7 


The  Service  of  the  National  Recreation  Movement 

in  1935 


416  cities  in  46  states  were  given  personal  service  through  the  visits  of  field 
workers. 

136  communities  in  28  states  were  helped  in  conducting  their  recreation  ac- 
tivities for  Negroes,  44  through  field  visits  of  the  Bureau  of  Colored  Work. 
Twenty  institutes  and  training  courses  were  conducted  exclusively  for  colored 
workers. 

47  cities  in  14  states  received  service  from  the  Katherine  F.  Barker  Field 
Secretary  on  Recreation  for  Girls  and  Women. 

176  institutions  for  children  and  the  aged  in  97  cities  in  11  states  were  visited, 
upon  invitation,  by  the  field  secretary  on  Play  in  Institutions  and  other  workers 
giving  part  time  service. 

18,835  boys  and  girls  in  358  cities  received  badges,  emblems  or  certificates 
for  passing  the  Association’s  athletic  and  swimming  badge  tests. 

22  states  were  served  through  the  Rural  Recreation  Service  conducted  in  co- 
operation with  the  Extension  Service  of  the  United  States  Department  of  Agri- 
culture. 5,942  people  attended  the  106  institutes  which  were  held. 

21  states  received  visits  from  the  representative  of  the  National  Physical  Edu- 
cation Service.  In  addition,  service  was  given  to  41  states  through  correspondence, 
consultation  and  monthly  News  Letters. 

6,201  different  communities  received  help  and  advice  on  recreation  problems 
through  the  Correspondence  and  Consultation  Bureau.  15,055  letters  were 
answered  by  the  Bureau. 

156  social  recreation  and  other  institutes  and  training  courses  for  local  lead- 
ers were  carried  on  with  the  help  of  Association  workers. 

3,766  requests  for  advice  and  material  on  amateur  drama  problems  were  sub- 
mitted to  the  Drama  Service. 

2,078  letters  requesting  information  and  help  reached  the  Music  Service. 

Recreation,  the  monthly  magazine  of  the  movement  was  received  by  1,215 
cities  and  towns. 

Booklets,  pamphlets  and  other  publications  were  issued  on  various  subjects  in 
the  recreation  field  and  bulletins  were  sent  to  over  3,000  individuals. 

More  than  1,000  recreation  leaders  from  238  cities  in  38  states  exchanged 
experiences  and  discussed  vital  problems  at  the  Twenty-first  National  Recreation 
Congress. 


158 


National  Recreation  Association 

Incorporated 

FINANCIAL  STATEMENT 

January  I,  1935  thru  December  31,  1935 


General  Fund  Balance  December  31,  1934 

Income 

Contributions  . . T $168,187.34 

Contributions  for  Specific  Work 10,095.74 

Interest  and  Dividends  on  Endowment  Funds 10,827.31 

Recreation  Sales,  Subscriptions  and  Advertising 6,858.92 

Badge  Sales  1,589.98 

Special  Publication  Sales  11,335.29 

Interest  and  Dividends — Frances  Ross  Poley  Memorial  Fund.  . 243.33 

National  Recreation  Congress 5,658.00 


Expenditures 

Community  Recreation  Field  Service $114,459.56 

Field  Service  to  Colored  Communities 7,587.02 

National  Physical  Education  Service 11,231.09 

Correspondence  and  Consultation  Bureau 25,612.89 

Publications  and  Bulletin  Service 12,457.02 

Recreation  12,258.33 

Recreation  Congress  7,719.88 


General  Fund  Balance  December  31,  1935 

Katherine  F.  Barker  Memorial 

Balance  December  31,  1934 $ 1,501.35 

Receipts  to  December  31,  1935 

Contributions  $15,000.00 

Book  Sales  322.20 

Contribution  for  Specific  Work 553-30 

i5,875-50 


$ 17,376.85 


Expenditures  to  December  31,  1935 

Katherine  F.  Barker  Memorial  Field  Secretary 
on  Athletics  and  Recreation  for  Women  and 

Girls  $ 5,213.80 

Katherine  F.  Barker  Memorial  District  Field 
Work  6,682.01 


$ 11,895.81 

Massachusetts  Project  for  Conserving  — 

Standards  of  Citizenship 

Balance  December  31,  1934 $ 629.67 

Receipts  to  December  31,  1935 

Contributions  1,800.00 

2,429.67 

Expenditures  to  December  31,  1935 1.687.13 


$ 6,582.75 


214,795.91 

$221,378.66 


I9B  317-39 
$ 30,061.27 


$ 5,481.04 


$ 742-54 


159 


Play  in  Institutions 

Balance  December  31,  1934 $ 4,304.23 

Receipts  to  December  31,  1935 

Play  in  Institutions  Bulletin $ 116.80 

Play  in  Institutions  Contribution  for  Specific 

Work  11 .76 

t 28.56 


4432.79 

Expenditures  to  December  31,  1935 4,43279 


Endowment  and  Reserve  Funds 

Special  Fund  (Action  of  1910)  $ 25,000.0c 

Lucy  Tudor  Hillyer  Fund 5,000.00 

Emil  C.  Bondy  Fund 1,000.00 

George  L.  Sands  Fund 12,593.22 

“In  Memory  of  J.  R.  Lamprecht” 3,000.00 

“In  Memory  of  Barney  May” 500.00 

“In  Memory  of  Waldo  E.  Forbes” 1,403.02 

Frances  Ross  Poley  Memorial  Fund  (x) $6,000.00 

Loss  and  Gain  on  Sale  of  Securities 23.07 

6,023.07 

Ellen  Mills  Borne  Fund 3,000.00 

Other  Gifts  175-00 

C.  H.  T.  Endowment  Fund  500.00 

Frances  Mooney  Fund 1,000.00 

Sarah  Newlin  Fund  500.00 

“In  Memory  of  William  Simes” 2,000.00 

“In  Memory  of  J.  R.,  Jr.”  . . / 250.00 

Frances  R.  Morse  Fund  2,000.00 

Emergency  Reserve  Fund  154,975.00 

Loss  and  Gain  on  Sale  of  Securities 3,838.19 

Ella  Van  Pevma  Fund 500.00 

Nettie  G.  Naumburg  Fund 2,000.00 

“In  Memory  of  William  J.  Matheson” 5,000.00 

Alice  B.  P.  Hannahs  Fund 1,400.00 

“In  Memory  of  Daniel  Guggenheim” 1,000.00 

“In  Memory  of  Alfred  W.  Heinsheimer” 5,000.00 

Nellie  L.  Coleman  Fund  . 100.00 

Elizabeth  B.  Kelsey  Fund  500.00 

Sarah  Fuller  Smith  Fund  3,000.00 

Annie  L.  Sears  Fund 2,000.00 

John  Markle  Fund  50,000.00 


Received  in  1935 

Katherine  C.  Husband  Fund 850.00 

$294,107.50 

(x)  Restricted 

I have  audited  the  accounts  of  the  National  Recreation  Association  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  December  31,  1935, 
and  certify  that  in  my  opinion  the  above  statement  is  a true  and  correct  statement  of  the  financial  transactions  of  the 
General,  Special  Study,  and  Endowment  Funds  for  the  period. 

(Signed)  JOSEPH  F.  CALVERT, 

Certified  Public  Accountant. 


160 


National  Recreation  Association 

Incorporated 

315  Fourth  Avenue,  New  York  City 

OFFICERS 

Joseph  Lee,  President  Robert  Garrett,  Third  Vice-President 

John  H.  Finley,  First  Vice-President  Gustavus  T.  Kirby,  Treasurer 

John  G.  Winant,  Second  Vice-President  H.  S.  Braucher,  Secretary 

DIRECTORS 


Mrs.  Edward  W.  Biddle 
Carlisle,  Pennsylvania 

William  Butter  worth 
Moline,  Illinois 

Clarence  M.  Clark 

Philadelphia,  Pennsylvania 

Henry  L.  Corbett 
Portland,  Oregon 

Mrs.  Arthur  G.  Cummer 
Jacksonville,  Florida 

F.  Trubee  Davison 
Locust  Valley,  New  York 

John  H.  Finley 
New  York,  N.  Y. 

Robert  Garrett 
Baltimore,  Maryland 

Austin  E.  Griffiths 
Seattle,  Washington 

Charles  Hayden 
New  York,  N.  Y. 

Mrs.  Charles  V.  Hickox 
Michigan  City,  Indiana 

Mrs.  Edward  E.  Hughes 
West  Orange,  N.  J. 

Mrs.  Francis  deLacy  Hyde 
Plainfield,  New  Jersey 

Gustavus  T.  Kirby 
New  York,  N.  Y. 

Hugh  McK.  Landon 
Indianapolis,  Indiana 


Mrs.  Charles  D.  Lanier 
Greenwich,  Connecticut 

Robert  Lassiter 
Charlotte,  North  Carolina 

Joseph  Lee 

Boston;  Massachusetts 

Edward  E.  Loomis 
New  York,  N.  Y. 

J.  H.  McCurdy 

Springfield,  Massachusetts 

Otto  T.  Mallery 

Philadelphia,  Pennsylvania 

Walter  A.  May 

Pittsburgh,  Pennsylvania 

Carl  E.  Milliken 
Augusta,  Maine 

Mrs.  Ogden  L.  Mills 
Woodbury,  N.  Y. 

Mrs.  J.  W.  Wadsworth,  Jr. 
Washington,  D.  C. 

J.  C.  Walsh 

New  York,  N.  Y. 

Frederick  M.  Warburg 
New  York,  N.  Y. 

John  G.  Winant 

Concord,  New  Hampshire 

Mrs.  William  H.  Woodin,  Jr 
Tucson,  Arizona 


161 


HONORARY  MEMBERS 


Stuart  W.  Adler 

Rock  Island,  Illinois 
David  Alexander 
Akron,  Ohio 
Ray  Stannard  Baker 
Amherst,  Massachusetts 
Mrs.  George  D.  Barron 
Rye,  New  York 
A.  T.  Bell 

Atlantic  City,  New  Jersey 
Mrs.  Edward  C.  Bench 
Englewood,  New  Jersey 
Nathan  D.  Bill 
Springfield,  Massachusetts 
George  F.  Booth 
Worcester,  Massachusetts 
Anna  H.  Borden 
Fall  River,  Massachusetts 
Thomas  E.  Braniff 
Oklahoma  City,  Oklahoma 
John  R.  Brinley 

Morristown,  New  Jersey 
Mrs.  C.  Douglass  Buck 
Wilmington,  Delaware 
Richard  E.  Byrd 
Boston.  Massachusetts 
Mr.  Ward  Canady 
Toledo,  Ohio 
G.  Herbert  Carter 
Huntington,  New  York 
Mrs.  George  Edwards  Clement 
Peterboro,  New  Hampshire 
Mrs.  Walter  S.  Comly 
Port  Chester,  New  York 
Charles  M.  Cox 
Boston,  Massachusetts 
Winthrop  M.  Crane,  Jr. 

Dalton,  Massachusetts 
Julian  W.  Curtiss 
Greenwich,  Connecticut 
Henry  L.  deforest 
Plainfield,  New  Jersey 
Mrs.  John  W.  Donaldson 
Irvington-on-Hudson,  New  York 
Clyde  Doyle 
Long  Beach,  California 
Mrs.  S.  S.  Drury 
Concord,  New  Hampshire 
Mrs.  A.  Felix  du  Pont 
Wilmington,  Delaware 
Mrs.  Coleman  du  Pont 
Wilmington,  Delaware 
Mrs.  D.  E.  F.  Easton 
San  Francisco,  California 
John  Erskine 
New  York,  New  York 
Mrs.  Irving  Fisher 
New  Haven,  Connecticut 
Mrs.  Paul  FitzSimons 
Newport,  Rhode  Island 
Mrs.  Ralph  E.  Forbes 
Milton,  Massachusetts 
Robert  A.  Gardner 
Chicago,  Illinois 
Charles  C.  George 
Omaha,  Nebraska 
Charles  W.  Gilkey 
Chicago,  Illinois 
Thomas  K.  Glenn 
Atlanta,  Georgia 
Mrs.  Charles  C.  Glover,  Jr. 
Washington,  D.  C. 


C.  M.  Goethe 
Sacramento,  California 
Rex  B.  Goodcell 
Los  Angeles,  California 
Mrs.  Charles  A.  Goodwin 
Hartford,  Connecticut 
Charles  W.  Gordon 
St.  Paul,  Minnesota 
William  Green 
Washington,  D.  C. 

Franklin  T.  Griffith 
Portland,  Oregon 
Mrs.  Norman  Harrower 
Fitchburg,  Massachusetts 
Mrs.  S.  IT.  Hartshorn 
Short  Hills,  New  Jersey 
Ellen  R.  Hathaway 
New  Bedford,  Massachusetts 
Dorothy  Heroy 

Stamford,  Connecticut 
Mrs.  William  G.  Hibbard 
Winnetka,  Illinois 
Mrs.  Francis  L.  Higginson 
Boston,  Massachusetts 
Mrs.  Albert  W.  Holmes 
New  Bedford,  Massachusetts 
Mrs.  Howard  R.  Ives 
Portland,  Maine 
H.  H.  Jacobs 
Milwaukee,  Wisconsin 
Mrs.  Ernest  Kanzler 
Detroit,  Michigan 
Helen  Keller 
Forest  Hills,  New  York 
John  Harvey  Kellogg 
Battle  Creek,  Michigan 
Mrs.  William  Kent 
Kentfield,  California 
Willard  V.  King 
New  York,  N.  Y. 

Tully  C.  Knoles 
Stockton,  California 
A.  H.  Lance 
Kenosha,  Wisconsin 
William  Lawrence 
Boston,  Massachusetts 
Philip  LeBoutillier 
New  York,  N.  Y. 

Alice  Lee 

San  Diego,  California 
Lucius  N.  Littauer 
New  Rochelle,  New  York 
Seth  Low 
New  York,  N.  Y. 

Mrs.  Louis  C.  Madeira 
Philadelphia,  Pennsylvania 
Henry  L.  Mayer 
San  Francisco,  California 
John  W.  McClure 
Washington,  D.  C. 

Mrs.  F.  O.  McColloch 
Los  Angeles,  California 
George  A.  McKinney 
Alton,  Illinois 
Sumner  T.  McKnight 
Minneapolis,  Minnesota 
Mrs.  P.  L.  McMahon 
Charlotte,  North  Carolina 
Charles  G.  Middleton 
Louisville,  Kentucky 
John  F.  Moors 
Boston,  Massachusetts 


Charles  Nagel 
St.  Louis,  Missouri 
Roy  B.  Naylor 
Wheeling,  West  Virginia 
Charles  Peebles 
Hamilton,  Canada 
Daniel  A.  Poling 
New  York,  N.  Y. 

Arthur  Pound 
New  Scotland,  New  York 
Herbert  L.  Pratt 
New  York,  N.  Y. 

Mrs.  Sidney  H.  Rhode 
Deal,  New  Jersey 
Frederick  H.  Rike 
Dayton,  Ohio 
Mrs.  R.  Sanford  Riley 
Worcester,  Massachusetts 
Mrs.  Theodore  Douglas  Robinson 
Mohawk,  New  York 
Mrs.  Willoughby  Rodman 
Los  Angeles,  California 
Franklin  D.  Roosevelt 
Washington,  D.  C. 

Theodore  Roosevelt 
Oyster  Bay,  New  York 
Mrs.  Henry  H.  Sanger 
Grosse  Pointe,  Michigan 
Mrs.  Algar  Shelden 
Grosse  Pointe  Shores,  Michigan 
Mrs.  Albert  G.  Simms 
Washington,  D.  C. 

Mrs.  James  R.  Smart 
Evanston,  Illinois 
John  D.  Spencer 
Salt  Lake  City,  Utah 
M.  Lyle  Spencer 
Seattle,  Washington 
A.  A.  Sprague 
Chicago,  Illinois 
Robert  Gordon  Sproul 
Berkeley,  California 
Mrs.  O.  A.  Stallings 
New  Orleans,  Louisiana 
Florence  M.  Sterling 
Houston,  Texas 
Mrs.  Sigmund  Stern 
San  Francisco,  California 
Mrs.  S.  Emlen  Stokes 
Moorestown,  New  Jersey 
Harold  H.  Swift 
Chicago,  Illinois 
Lorado  Taft 
Chicago,  Illinois 
Mrs.  Francis  J.  Torrance 
Sewickley,  Pennsylvania 
William  G.  Watson 
Toronto,  Canada 
Ridley  Watts 
Morristown,  New  Jersey 
C.  S.  Weston 

Scranton,  Pennsylvania 
Dwight  C.  Wheeler 
Bridgeport,  Connecticut 
Harold  P.  Winchester 
Albany,  New  York 
Stephen  S.  Wise 
New  York,  New  York 
Henry  Young 
Newark,  New  Jersey 


162 


Children  in  the  Bronxville,  N.  Y.,  Public 
Schools  find  nature  study  most  fascinating 

groups  the  rudiments  of  the  game.  Thirty 
churches  accepted  the  offer  and  bought  their  own 
equipment.  A league  was  organized  with  eight 
teams  entering  the  first  year.  This  number  has  in- 
creased to  sixteen  during  the  past  year.  Players 
are  limited  to  men  over  forty  years  of  age,  four 
men  to  a team,  who  are  members  of  the  church 
Bible  class.  The  Recreation  Department  organizes 
the  league  and  makes  out  a schedule.  The  teams 
furnish  their  own  officials  and  often  the  games  are 
followed  by  a social  hour  and  the  serving  of  re- 
freshments. This  year  the  oldest  team,  composed 
of  four  men  all  over  seventy-two  years  of  age, 
won  the  championship. 


Roof  Playgrounds  in 
New  York  City 


THE  New  York 
Board  of  Education 
has  adopted  a recom- 
mendation of  its  com- 
mittee on  buildings  and  sites,  of  which  Henry  C. 
Turner  is  chairman,  providing  that  all  roofs  be 
designed  for  use  as  playgrounds,  either  upon  com- 
pletion of  construction  or  at  some  subsequent 
date.  The  present  practice  of  providing  ground 
play  space,  however,  will  be  continued.  Walter  C. 
Martin,  school  architect,  stated  that  extra  steel 
work  to  provide  adequate  support  for  roof  play- 
grounds would  not  add  more  than  from  $2,000  to 
$3,000  to  the  cost  of  each  building.  Parapets  will 
be  made  higher  around  the  roofs  as  a safety 
measure. — From  School  and  Society,  May  2, 1936. 


WORLD 

at  Play 


Nature  Study 
in  Cincinnati 


A new  de- 
velopment 
of  much 
promise, 
according  to  Tam  Deering, 
recreation  executive  in  Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio,  lies  in  the  na- 
ture study  groups  and  com- 
munity garden  and  plant 
laboratory  under  develop- 
ment at  the  C.  & O.  grounds. 

Community  garden  plots  allocated  to  adults  and 
children  of  the  neighborhood,  the  organization  of 
Audubon  Societies,  and  the  construction  of  a small 
lath  house  and  facilities  for  initiating  young  and 
old  in  the  growing  of  potted  plants  at  their  homes 
are  creating  unusual  interest.  In  addition,  expert 
leadership  is  being  given  to  training  classes  both 
for  those  who  would  lead  groups  and  for  those 
who  would  work  along  the  lines  of  plant  culture. 


_ . THE  Palo  Alto,  Cali- 

Community  Players  - „ 

, _ , forma,  Communitv 

of  Palo  Alto  r-,1  1 1 

Players  have  been  or- 
ganized under  the 
Municipal  Recreation  Department  as  an  amateur, 
non-profit  group.  The  Players  are  directed  by  R. 
E.  Welles,  an  employee  of  the  city,  and  there  are 
over  500  members.  Kathleen  Norris,  the  well 
known  writer,  made  her  triumphant  stage  debut 
in  the  Palo  Alto  community  theater  in  the  role  of 
the  Widow  Cagle  in  “Sun-Up”  in  October  1934 
and  was  even  more  successful  in  the  current  pro- 
duction of  “The  Swan”  which  played  to  five 
capacity  houses,  hundreds  having  been  turned 
away  from  the  last  performance. 


Not  Too  Old 
To  Play! 


IN  the  fall  of  1934, 
the  City  Recreation 
Department  of  Co- 
lumbus, Ohio,  ofifer- 
ed  to  paint  shuffleboard  courts  on  the  floor  of  any 
church,  social  room  or  gymnasium  and  to  teach 


163 


164 


WORLD  AT  PLAY 


SPORTS  EQUIPMENT 


A Complete  Line  of 

PLAYGROUND  BALLS 
VOLLEY  BALLS 
SOFT  BALLS 
BATS  for 

Playground  and  Recreational 
Departments 

Catalogues  On  Request! 

THE  P.  GOLDSMITH  SONS,  Inc. 

lohn  and  Findlay  Sts.  Cincinnati,  Ohio 


CAMPING 

tells  its  romantic 
story  each  month  in 

THE  CAMPING  MAGAZINE 

Edited  by  Bernard  S.  Mason 

RECREATION 

EDUCATION 

LEADERSHIP 

ADMINISTRATION 

PROGRAMMING 

SUPERVISION 

CAMPCRAFT 

NATURE-LORE 
INDIAN-LORE 
ALL  WATER  SPORTS 
ALL  LAND  SPORTS 
ALL  CRAFTS 
COUNCIL  FIRES 
DRAMATICS 
MUSIC 

The  official  authentic  voice  of  the 
American  Camping  Association,  Inc. 

$2.00  yearly 

Send  for  a sample  copy 

LANE  HALL 

Dept,  r Ann  Arbor,  Michigan 


A “Toybrary”  in  Dallas — The  toyery  idea  has 
spread  to  Texas.  Recently  Dallas  opened  five 
so-called  “tovbraries”  at  community  centers  in 
underprivileged  districts  of  the  city.  After  a 
month’s  operation  it  was  found  that  2,000  toys 
had  been  loaned  out,  with  less  than  one  per 
cent  loss  and  breakage.  It  is  hoped  to  establish 
modern  play  rooms  at  at  least  two  community 
centers  and  to  have  the  cooperation  of  the 
WPA  in  securing  artists  to  paint  murals  on 
the  walls  of  the  rooms  and  in  obtaining  the 
services  of  toy  makers,  menders  and  painters. 

Westchester  County  to  Have  Boys’  Centers 

— The  Westchester  County,  New  York,  Recrea- 
tion Commission  is  working  out  a plan  for  the 
establishment  of  boys’  centers  in  a number  of  the 
county’s  communities.  These  centers  are  being 
organized  only  in  areas  where  a decided  need  for 
the  provision  of  wholesome  recreation  is  indi- 
cated. They  are  being  equipped  at  the  lowest  pos- 
sible cost  with  equipment  which  may  be  easily 
moved  so  that  as  soon  as  the  need  for  a center  is 
felt  in  a new  district  and  local  cooperation  is  ob- 
tained the  equipment  may  be  set  up  practically 
overnight.  Unused  space  in  public  buildings  is 
donated  by  local  authorities,  and  the  boys  are  en- 
couraged to  feel  that  this  is  their  own  club  to  be 
governed  as  they  see  fit  under  the  friendly  guid- 
ance of  the  local  directors.  Eight  centers  have 
already  been  established.  The  project  will  con- 
tinue through  May  1st  when  summer  playgrounds 
and  other  outdoor  programs  will  absorb  the 
membership  of  the  centers.  They  will  reopen  in 
September. 

Fourth  of  July  Celebrations  — West  Allis, 
Wisconsin,  celebrated  the  Fourth  with  a parade, 
a picnic  at  the  State  Fair  Park,  and  an  afternoon 
with  events  of  various  kinds  followed  by  an  even- 
ing of  fireworks.  All  the  families  of  the  city  were 
invited  to  come  and  bring  their  lunch.  In  Racine, 
the  Independence  Day  celebration  took  the  form 
of  a parade  of  scooters,  tricycles,  carts  and  simi- 
lar vehicles,  which  proved  to  be  three  times  as 
great  as  last  year.  Doll  buggies,  however,  pre- 
dominated in  the  parade  in  which  nearly  1,000 
children  of  the  city  playgrounds  took  part.  One 
float  pictured  the  dangers  which  lurk  in  fire- 
crackers and  showed  a Red  Cross  nurse  with  her 
patients  thoroughly  bandaged.  Another  feature 
was  a human  chess  game  in  which  thirty-two 
children,  dressed  in  orange  and  white  paper  cos- 


WORLD  AT  PLAY 


165 


GIVE  CHILDREN  A SAFE  PLACE  TO 
PLAY  with  the  PROPER  EQUIPMENT 


AMERICAN 

PLAYGROUND  DEVICE  CO. 


Send  For  Our  Complete 
Catalogue 


ANDERSON 


INDIANA 


tumes  representing  the  characters  they  enacted, 
took  their  positions  on  two  grass  chess  boards. 
This  event  was  held  under  the  auspices  of  the 
Racine  Chess  Club  in  cooperation  with  the  Recre- 
ation Department.  The  first  special  event  put  on 
last  summer  by  all  the  playgrounds  of  Lancaster, 
Pennsylvania,  was  the  Independence  Day  pro- 
gram on  July  4th.  Beginning  at  10:00  o’clock  in 
the  morning  at  each  playground  a patriotic  pro- 
gram was  presented,  including  the  salute  to  the 
flag,  the  reading  of  the  “American  creed,”  and 
the  singing  of  patriotic  songs.  This  was  followed 
by  an  athletic  program. 

A Use  for  Abandoned  Trolley  Lines — An  in- 
teresting proposal  at  the  third  annual  Confer- 
ence in  Outdoor  Recreation  held  at  Massachusetts 
State  College  in  March  was  that  abandoned  trol- 
ley lines  might  be  converted  to  the  use  of  bicyclists 
and  horseback  riders.  The  suggestion  was  made 
that  a narrow  pavement  be  laid  along  one  edge  of 
the  abandoned  trolley  right  of  way  for  the  use  of 
bicyclists  and  the  rest  of  the  level  route  left  free 
for  horsemen.  In  New  England  a study  is  being 
made  of  the  possibilities  in  this  plan. 

Gifts  for  National  Parks  — Lands  totaling 
266  acres  have  recently  been  conveyed  by  John 
D.  Rockefeller,  Jr.,  to  the  United  States  Gov- 
ernment as  a part  of  the  Acadia  National  Park, 
Maine.  In  Georgia  the  Macon  Historical  Society 
has  presented  an  area  comprising  69.5  acres 
which  is  to  become  a part  of  the  proposed 
Okmulgee  National  Monument. 


Reviving  Indian  History  — The  Recreation 
Department  of  Pontiac,  Michigan,  is  fortunate  in 
having  as  a teacher  of  handcraft  and  Indian  lore 
an  Indian  whose  lifelong  hobby  has  been  hand- 
craft. Chief  Black  Cloud  spent  his  early  life  at 
the  Marquette  Reservation  and  completed  his  edu- 
cation at  Carlisle,  Pennsylvania.  He  learned  the 
traditional  craft  of  the  Indian  from  his  grand- 
mother who  lived  to  be  120  years  old.  He  has 
worked  at  the  camp  of  the  Fort  Huron  Y.M.C.A. 
where  he  was  in  charge  of  nature  study  and  or- 
ganized the  Friendly  Indian  Club  composed  of  a 
group  of  boys  who  were  taught  to  make  tom- 
toms, baskets,  rugs,  bows  and  arrows,  and  bead 
work. 

Chief  Black  Cloud  has  built  for  the  Pontiac 
Recreation  Department  a portable  model  of  the 
Marquette  Indian  Reservation  as  it  looked  65 


MUSIC  AND  DANCES 

for  the  Physical  Education,  Play- 
ground, and  Recreation  Program 


Ten  National  Character  Dances $1.50 

EDNA  L.  BAUM 

Old  Folk  Dances  from  New  Nations $1.00 

EDITH  M.  CATES 

Illustrated  Tap  Rhythms  and  Routines $2.50 

EDITH  BALL  WEBBER 


Send  for  descriptive  catalogue  of  Pageants. 
Pantomimes,  Operettas,  and  Physical  Edu- 
cation. Playground  and  Recreation  Books. 

CLAYTON  F.  SUMMY  CO. 

429  S.  Wabash  Avenue  9 East  45th  Street 

Chicago.  111.  New  York.  N.  Y. 


166 


WORLD  AT  PLAY 


MEDALS,  CUPS  TROPHIES 

For  All  Sports  and  Activities 

• • 

MEDALS  - 25c.  EACH 

available  for  almost  every  sport  and  activity. 
The  biggest  Value  in  the  country 

Write  for  catalogue 

BALL  CHARMS,  BRACELETS, 

PINS  AND  CHARMS 

THE  AMERICAN  MEDAL  AND  TROPHY  CO. 

79  FIFTH  AVENUE  NEW  YORK  CITY 


years  ago  with  its  various  wigwams.  Here  the 
boys  were  taught  by  the  older  members  of  the 
tribe  to  make  bows  and  arrows  and  baskets,  while 
the  girls  learned  to  make  moccasins  and  clothes 
and  to  prepare  meats.  Two  hours  a day  the  chil- 
dren ground  corn  in  a large  hollow  stone.  The 
boys  and  girls  gathered  wood  while  the  old  men 
piled  and  stacked  it,  and  the  old  women  kept  the 
fires  going  to  smoke  fish.  For  recreation  the  boys 
played  lacrosse  and  fox  and  hounds,  and  enjoyed 


Organize 
A Horseshoe 
Club  ! 


There’s  nothing  like  a 
lively  pitching  horseshoe 
tournament  to  interest 
players  and  spectators  — 
old  or  young.  Organize  a 
club  at  your  playground 
and  have  a play-off  to  establish  the  cham-. 
pionship.  It’s  a healthful,  keenly  interesting 
game. 

Diamond  Official  Pitching  Shoes  and  acces- 
sories will  fulfill  all  requirements  — many 
models  and  styles. 

Let  us  send  free  instruction  booklets  and 
additional  information. 


WRITE 


DIAMOND  CALK  HORSESHOE  CO. 


4610  Grand  Ave.,  Duluth,  Minn. 


swimming  hours,  foot  races  and  pony  races  in  the 
summer  time.  In  winter  they  had  snowshoe  par- 
ties. In  the  spring  making  maple  syrup  was  the 
real  recreation.  It  was  a happy  time,  for  the  pic- 
nic spirit  prevailed. 

Lancaster’s  Picnic  — Last  summer  on  July 
24th  the  fourteen  playgrounds  of  Lancaster, 
Pennsylvania,  were  practically  deserted  when  at 
least  1,000  children  made  their  way  to  Maple 
Grove  Park  for  the  annual  playground  picnic. 
The  day’s  festivities  began  at  9:00  o’clock  with  a 
track  meet  held  in  the  park  baseball  diamond  in 
the  old  quarry.  At  2 :oo  o’clock  the  annual  swim- 
ming meet  was  held  in  the  swimming  pool. 

Twilight  Centers  in  Lancaster  — Four  twi- 
light centers  were  conducted  last  year  in  Lan- 
caster, Pennylsvania,  from  5 :oo  o’clock  until  dark, 
the  leadership  being  furnished  by  the  Lancaster 
County  Emergency  Relief  Bureau.  The  program 
at  each  center  was  adapted  to  the  needs  of  the 
community.  Activities  included  softball,  tennis, 
quoits,  handball,  paddle  tennis  and  similar  games. 
The  educational  features  of  the  program  included 
nature  hikes  and  trips  to  plants  and  factories. 

Milwaukee  Believes  in  Preventing  Crime  — 

Efforts  toward  crime  prevention  by  keeping  peo- 
ple happy  are  credited  by  Mayor  Hoan  for  the 
fact  that  Milwaukee  has  had  no  murders  in  six 
months.  Said  the  Mayor:  “I  believe  much  of  the 
credit  for  the  freedom  from  crime  which  we  en- 
joy is  due  to  our  efforts  toward  prevention.  We 
are  constantly  striving  to  keep  our  people  happy. 
Since  1931  Milwaukee  has  taken  care  of  transi- 
ents not  only  through  the  relief  department  but 
also  by  providing  a club  house.  Then  there  is  the 
city  and  country  outdoor  relief  department  which 
outranks  that  of  most  large  cities.  For  twenty- 
five  years  the  city  has  maintained  an  efficient  em- 
ployment office.  We  maintain  sixty  playgrounds. 
In  these,  under  competent  direction,  children  and 
youth  devote  their  time  and  energies  to  whole- 
some diversions.  In  addition,  there  are  the  social 
classes  and  vocational  and  trade  schools.  We  broke 
up  several  tough  gangs  by  putting  playgrounds  in 
their  neighborhoods.” 

A New  Stadium  for  New  York  City — Work 
is  being  rushed  on  the  new  stadium  on  Randalls 
Island,  New  York,  in  order  to  complete  it  for  the 
Olympic  track  and  field  tryouts  to  be  held  on 
July  10th  and  nth.  Though  the  work  is  only 


WORLD  AT  PLAY 


167 


ROYAL  MEDAL-AWARDS 

Individualistic — Outstanding — Attractive 

"An  Award  Of  Merit  Is  An  Incentive  For  AH" 

ROYAL  EMBLEM  CO. 

Write  For  Illustrated  Catalogue 

41  JOHN  STREET  NEW  YORK  CITY 

partly  completed,  the  sod  has  already  been  laid  in 
order  to  have  good  playing  surfaces  by  July.  The 
grass  is  being  stripped  from  the  fairways  of  a 
New  York  golf  course  and  transported  to  the 
Island  for  the  purpose.  It  is  a coarse  type  selected 
especially  to  stand  up  under  rough  usage,  and  to 
make  it  even  harder  it  is  being  laid  on  unfertilized 
top  soil  so  that  the  roots  will  go  deep.  Park  en- 
gineers have  found,  according  to  The  New  York 
Times,  that  in  most  stadium  fields  the  soil  has  been 
too  rich  with  the  result  that  the  grass  could  not 
stand  the  wear  of  football  and  baseball  cleats. 
Beneath  the  top  soil,  which  goes  down  a foot,  are 
five  feet  of  brickbats  and  cinders,  all  obtained 
from  the  Island.  The  stadium  is  being  built  as  a 
WPA  project  and  the  number  of  workers  has 
averaged  1,000  since  last  October.  It  is  expected 


A good  play  directory 

PLAY  GAMES 

And  Other  Play  Activities 
By  ALBERT  B.  WEGENER 

• The  five  essential  qualities  that  play  directors 
demand  in  such  a volume  are  all  found  here:  brevity, 
comprehensiveness,  classification  of  similar  games, 
standardized  nomenclature  and  information  on  how 
to  invent  or  modify  games  so  as  to  make  interesting 
changes. 

Illustrated  with  nearly 
300  figures  by  the  author 

NET,  $2.00.  POSTPAID 

At  the  Better  Bookihops 

THE  ABINGDON  PRESS 

NEW  YORK  CINCINNATI  CHICAGO 
Boston  Pittsburgh  San  Francisco 

Detroit  Kansas  City  Portland.  Ore. 

that  by  the  time  the  stadium  is  completed  the  cost 
of  materials  and  equipment  alone  will  have 
amounted  to  almost  a million  dollars. 

A New  Park  and  Golf  Course  — A 145  acre 
tract  has  been  purchased  by  Mr.  Fred  Otis,  owner 
and  editor  of  the  Bedford,  Indiana,  Daily  Mail 
and  presented  to  the  city  for  park  purposes  and 
for  a golf  course.  The  golf  course  is  being  operat- 


P lay  Safe  With 

JbverWiSr 


Safety 

PLAYGROUND  APPARATUS 

SAFETY  is  an  essential  of  every  outfit 
DURABILITY  is  built  in  to  give  longer  life 

Write  for  Catalog  28 


FOR  BEACH  AND  SWIMMING  POOL  EQUIPMENT 

Write  for  Catalog  28  W 

The  EverWear  Manufacturing  Company 

The  World’s  oldest  and  largest  exclusive  makers  of 
playground,  beach  and  pool  apparatus 

SPRINGFIELD,  OHIO 


168 


WORLD  AT  PLAY 


Fifty  Cases  For  Camp  Counselors 

Roland  W.  Ure 

Actual  cases  out  of  the  wide  camping  experience  of 
the  contributors  Charles  E.  Hendry,  L.  K.  Hall,  and 
Roy  Sorenson,  and  the  editor. 

120  pages,  paper,  60c. 


Putting  Standards  in  the  Summer  Camp 
Hedley  S.  Dimock,  editor 

This  new  volume  (just  off  the  press!)  is  No.  IV  of 
the  nationally-known  series  of  CHARACTER  EDU- 
CATION IN  THE  SUMMER  CAMP,  in  the  con- 
struction of  which  more  than  300  representatives 
from  all  types  of  camps  participated  under  the 
joint  auspices  of  the  George  Williams  College,  and 
the  Chicago  Council  of  Social  Agencies. 

56  pages,  paper,  $1.00 

Catch-’Em-Alive  Jack 


Jack  Abernathy 

The  story  of  an  Oklahoma  cowboy  who  caught  one 
thousand  wolves  alive  with  his  bare  hands.  Teddy 
Roosevelt  made  a special  trip  west  to  see  how  he 
did  it.  Teddy  was  convinced  and  made  him  Chief 
Marshal  of  Oklahoma,  where  he  turned  his  skill  to 
catching  outlaws.  Excellent  material  for  story-tell- 
ing to  groups  of  all  ages. 

(Just  published!) 

224  pages,  cloth,  $2.00 


How  to  Teach  Swimming  and  Diving 

T.  K.  Cureton,  Jr. 

This  is  the  most  comprehensive  text  book  on  the 
subject  for  teachers,  supervisors,  parents,  and 
pupils  in  print. 

256  pages,  96  illustrations,  cloth,  $3.00 


Write  for  our  camping  circular 

ASSOCIATION  PRESS 

347  MADISON  AVENUE  NEW  YORK.  N.  Y. 


ed  this  spring  as  a public  course  by  a special  golf 
commission. 


Golf  in  Cincinnati — The  playing  of  golf  has 
become  a very  popular  form  of  recreation  in  Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio.  During  a seven  months’  period  in 
1935,  5,055  different  people  played  at  Avon 
Fields  Golf  Course  as  contrasted  with  4,000  dur- 
ing the  same  period  in  1934.  At  the  California 
Municipal  Course  3,864  different  players  played 
this  year,  the  first  season  of  this  course.  The  new 
low  rate  of  15  cents  for  eighteen  holes  of  golf 
for  students  brought  out  1,000  different  players 
in  the  student  class.  The  plan  has  been  adopted 
of  renting  full  equipment  of  golf  clubs  for  15 
cents.  This  service  has  proved  so  popular  that 


PRIZE  TROPHIES 

Cups  / Medals  / Shields 
Badges  and  Felt  Goods 

Catalogue  No.  36 

BOSTON  BADGE -BENT  & BUSH  CO. 

WHITMAN,  MASS. 


citizens  are  being  urged  to  contribute  to  the  Pub- 
lic Recreation  Commission  golf  clubs  which  are 
discarded.  During  the  winter  at  the  California 
Municipal  Course  archery  golf  was  played  instead 
of  golf.  The  Mariemont  Archery  Club  donated 
all  equipment  and  expert  archers  from  the  club 
acted  as  instructors  to  the  public  on  Saturdays  and 
Sundays. 

The  New  England  Park  Association — At  the 

annual  meeting  of  the  New  England  Park  Asso- 
ciation, recently  held  at  the  Massachusetts  State 
College,  Amherst,  Mass.,  the  following  officers 
were  elected : James  H.  Dillon,  supervisor  of  rec- 
reation, Hartford,  president;  Arthur  Parker, 
superintendent  Connecticut  state  parks,  vice-presi- 
dent; Harold  V.  Doheny,  supervisor  of  recrea- 
tion, New  Haven,  secretary-treasurer;  Clyde  El- 
lingwood,  superintendent  of  parks,  New  Britain, 
assistant  secretary-treasurer. 

A Community  House  Celebrates  An  Anni- 
versary— From  April  13th  to  21st  the  Com- 
munity House  at  Moorestown,  New  Jersey,  cele- 
brated its  tenth  anniversary  with  many  residents 
participating.  During  the  week  a full  range  of  the 
activities  carried  on  at  the  center  was  dem- 
onstrated. 

The  Hobby  Show  At  Stout  Institute — Stout 
Institute,  Menomonie,  Wis.,  sponsored  a Hobby 
Show  in  April  in  connection  with  its  Annual 
Visiting  Days.  High  school  students  and  teachers 
throughout  Wisconsin  were  invited  to  attend  and 
exhibit  hobbies.  Among  the  exhibits  were  ap- 
plied arts,  collections  of  various  kinds,  handcraft, 
and  model  making.  Demonstrations  included 
table  decorations,  nature  hobbies,  carving  decora- 
tive pottery,  flower  arrangements,  puzzles,  candy 
making,  home  games,  leather  craft,  tie  dye,  pho- 
tography, model  airplanes,  individuality  and  dress, 
archery,  art  metal  lamp  shades,  outdoor  cookery, 
and  model  boats. 

Palo  Alto’s  Community  Center — Palo  Alto, 
California,  is  very  proud  of  the  addition  to  the  Ruth 
Stern  wing  of  the  new  community  center  which 
was  dedicated  a year  ago  in  a simple  ceremony. 
Mrs.  Louis  Stern,  the  donor,  presented  the  build- 
ing to  the  city  through  the  Mayor.  She  then 
kindled  the  fire  on  the  hearth  of  the  new  home 
with  embers  brought  from  the  fire  of  the  old  com- 
munity house,  which  had  served  so  well  for  almost 


WORLD  AT  PLAY 


169 


• THE 

WOLVERINE 

Line  Offers  the  Best 
Values  in  the  Archery 
Field! 

Ask  For  Estimate  and 
Recommendation  For 
Your  Recreation 
Project 

1936  Catalog  Free 

FREDERIC  A.  KIBBE 

Coldwater,  Mich. 
EST.  1918 


sixteen  years.  The  wing  was  opened  on  April  ii, 
1935,  and  the  first  activity  was  a beautiful  flower 
show  given  by  the  Garden  Club  of  Palo  Alto.  1 he 
proceeds  from  the  show  were  given  to  the  house 
committee  for  the  purchase  of  drapes,  Venetian 
blinds  and  other  necessary  furnishings.  Other 
events  such  as  the  Regional  Conference  of  the 
Girl  Scouts,  and  all  day  meeting  of  the  Federation 
of  the  American  Girls’  Clubs,  a dance  of  the 
Chinese  Young  People’s  Club,  a piano  recital  and 
a play  followed  in  rapid  succession. 

If  You  Are  a Fisherman  — The  Reading, 
Pennsylvania,  Recreation  Department  has  issued 
a bulletin  listing  the  seventeen  streams  which  have 
been  stocked  with  trout,  the  district  in  which  each 
is  to  be  found,  and  the  highway  route  which  will 
convey  the  angler  to  them.  This  is  a greatly  ap- 
preciated service. 

Training  in  Arts  and  Crafts  — The  arts  and 
crafts  training  center  and  the  school  of  recreation 
of  the  Works  Progress  Administration,  both  of 
which  are  operated  by  the  WPA  Recreation  Unit, 
are  training  many  workers.  There  are  eighteen 
departments  at  the  arts  and  crafts  training  center, 
each  teaching  a special  craft.  Over  750  recreation 
workers  assigned  to  250  social  agencies  and  or- 
ganizations in  Greater  New  York  receive  their 
training  at  the  center.  The  school  of  recreation 
operates  for  the  benefit  of  recreation  leaders  in 
the  unit. 

Community  Centers  in  Richmond,  Virginia 

— During  1935  the  Community  Recreation  Asso- 
ciation of  Richmond,  Virginia,  conducted  com- 
munity centers  in  seven  white  and  three  colored 
schools  in  the  city  of  Richmond  and  in  four 


Why  haven’t  YOU 

tried 

Paddle  Tennis? 


* That’s  all  we  ask  — just  try  the 
game  once  at  any  playground, 
school,  club,  or  camp.  Try  it  out- 
doors or  indoors.  Try  it  on  any 
surface  — grass,  clay,  cement,  or 
wood.  Let  children  or  adults  play. 

YouTl  find  it  has  all  the  sport  and 
speed  of  tennis.  And  it  requires 
less  than  one-third  the  space  and 
a fraction  of  the  expense.  More 
than  200  recreation  directors  are 
now  using  Paddle  Tennis  as  a 
part  of  their  regular  program. 

Send  for  complete  information 
about  Paddle  Tennis,  including 
court  layouts,  rules,  and  illustra- 
tions of  all  equipment. 

the  PADDLE  TENNIS  CO.  inc. 

285  Madison  Avenue  ■>  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Sole  Makers  of  Official  Paddle  Tennis  Equipment 


170 


WORLD  AT  PLAY 


Schools  — Homes  — Parks 


Mitchell  Whirl 

The  Mitchell  Whirl,  shown  above,  is 
just  one  number  in  the  “Betterbilt” 
line.  Send  for  free  illustrated  catalog 
and  name  of  your  state  distributor. 


MITCHELL  MFG.  CO. 

1540  Forest  Home  Ave.  Milwaukee,  Wis. 


NEW 

Revolutionary  Developments  in 
Practical  Designing  Prove  the 
Outstanding  Leadership 


PLAYGROUND  EQUIPMENT 

featuring 

Safety,  Durability,  and 
Beauty  of  Design 

Send  for  complete  new  catalog 

THE  J.  E.  BURKE  COMPANY 

Fond  du  Lac  Wisconsin 


schools  and  five  buildings  in  Henrico  County. 
These  centers  were  designed  to  teach  by  the  pro- 
ject method  music,  art,  handcraft,  drama,  physi- 
cal education  and  personality  development.  Social 
and  recreational  activities  and  clubs  were  con- 
ducted. There  was  a total  attendance  in  the  city 
and  county  centers  of  117,515  for  the  year.  Spon- 
soring committees,  composed  of  representatives  of 
schools,  churches,  clubs  and  similar  organizations, 
assisted  the  Community  Recreation  Association  in 
planning  and  interpreting  the  work.  As  a demon- 
stration of  the  community  center  activities,  the 
Henrico  County  centers  combined  with  the  Rich- 
mond centers  in  an  old  English  fair  held  in  May 
3:935.  The  early  seventeenth  century  was  chosen 
as  the  period  of  the  fair  as  this,  it  was  believed, 
could  best  display  through  various  activities  the 
many  different  departments  of  the  centers.  The 
music  department  presented  old  ballads  and  early 
English  songs ; the  dancing  department,  folk 
dances ; the  drama  department,  scenes  from 
Shakespeare ; the  handcraft  department  displayed 
handwork  made  in  the  centers,  and  the  crafts  de- 
partment presented  Punch  and  Judy  shows.  The 
cast  of  365  people  wore  costumes  of  the  period, 
which  gave  life  and  color  to  the  fair. 

First  National  Conference  On  Educational 
Broadcasting  — The  first  National  Conference 
on  Educational  Broadcasting  will  be  held  at  the 
Hotel  Mayflower,  Washington,  D.  C.,  December 
10,  11  and  12,  1936,  under  the  auspices  of  a num- 
ber of  national  organizations  including  the  Ameri- 
can Association  for  Adult  Education,  the  Ameri- 
can Council  on  Education,  the  General  Federation 
of  Women’s  Clubs,  the  National  Committee  on 
Education  by  Radio,  the  National  Education  As- 
sociation, and  a number  of  others.  The  purpose 
of  the  meeting  is  to  enable  the  people  who  are  in- 
terested in  educational  broadcasting  to  discuss 
means  by  which  radio  may  become  a more  ef- 
fective instrument  for  education  and  to  serve  as 
a clearing  house  for  information  on  the  latest 
technical  and  professional  developments.  Dr.  C. 
S.  Marsh  of  the  American  Council  on  Education, 
744  Jackson  Place,  Washington,  D.  C.,  is  execu- 
tive secretary  for  the  planning  committee. 

Bicycle  Riding  in  Reading  — The  Depart- 
ment of  Public  Recreation  in  Reading,  Pennsyl- 
vania, is  sponsoring  a bicycle  club  which  schedules 
Saturday  and  Sunday  rides.  Each  ride  has  some 
form  of  special  interest.  The  Saturday,  April 


GULF  SANI • SOIL* SET 

Solve!  JQLa.ujiou.nd.  &u!t  JQloblem! 


Here  is  a public  school  playground  which  was  treated  with  GULF  SANI-SOIL-SET  6 months  before  the  The  dust  problem  was  solved  at  this 

photograph  was  taken.  It  has  been  used  daily  by  school  as  well  as  neighborhood  children.  public  playground  m the  heart  of  a 

major  city  by  applying  GULF  SANI- 
SOIL-SET. 

New  Germicidal  Compound  is  Easily 
Applied , Inexpensive  and  Long  Lasting 


Recreation  officials  now  have  a practical  solution  to  the  playground 
dust  problem! 

A new  product — Gulf  SANI-SOIL-SET — has  been  developed  by 
the  Gulf  Refining  Company  for  dust  allaying  purposes  on  earth 
surface  playgrounds.  This  material  can  be  applied  at  low  cost,  will 
not  harm  or  stain  clothes  or  shoes  and  under  usual  conditions  of 
weather  and  soil,  one  application  per  season  will  suffice. 

Let  a Gulf  representative  tell  you  more  about  GULF  SANI- 
SOIL-SET. 

GULF  REFINING  COMPANY,  PITTSBURGH,  PA. 

District  Sales  Offices:  Boston  New  York  Philadelphia  Adanta 

New  Orleans  Houston  Pittsburgh  Louisville  Toledo 


This  booklet  tells  the  story  of  GULF 
SANI-SOIL-SET  and  its  use.  It  will  be 
mailed  without  cost  on  your  request. 
The  coupon  is  for  your  convenience. 


Makers  of 

That  Good  Gulf  Gasoline 
and  Gulfluhe  Motor  Oil 


f GULF  REFINING  COMPANY 

I 3800  Gulf  Building,  Pittsburgh,  Pa.  I 

Please  send  me  without  obligation,  a copy  of  the  booklet  “Gulf  i 
| Sani-Soil-Set  for  Treating  Playgrounds.” 

| Name | 

I Company I 

| Address J 


172 


world  at  Play 


ONE  CENT  EACH 


FULL  SCALE  HANDICRAFT  PATTERNS 
ON  8l/2"x  14"  WORKSHEETS 


Available  In  Any  Quantity  to  Subscribers  of 


THE  ARTCRAFTER 


For  a limited  time  we  offer  a special  service  to  Arts  and  Crafts 
Instructors  and  Recreation  Directors  of  Playgrounds,  Camps  and 
Community  Centers.  This  service  includes  weekly  full-scale 
plans  with  complete  construction  notes  and  color  suggestions  for 
a variety  of  Toys  and  Crafts  Projects  with  discarded  and  scrap 
materials  at  the  special  rate  of: 


5c.  PER  WEEK 

(Subscribe  for  as  long  as  you  like!) 

Previous  issues  available  at  50c.  per  dozen 
Each  subscriber  is  also  privileged  to  order  as  many  additional 
full  scale  worksheets  as  is  needed  for  Group  Work  at  lc.  each. 
Write  for  further  information 

ARTCRAFT  STUDIOS,  Central  P.  O.  775,  Toledo,  Ohio 


LEMONWOOD 

Selected  for  Archery  Bows 
Also  Purpleheart  and  Palma  Brava 

Footings  of  Beefwood,  Purpleheart  and  Ebony,  also 
Piles,  Horn  Tips,  Bowstrings,  Nocks,  Feathers,  etc. 

HOW  TO  MAKE  A BOW 

Complete  Instructions  and  Blue  Prints 
English  or  Modified  Flat  Type 

JOHN  A.  HUNTER  HARDWOOD  CORP. 

Importers  and  Dealers 

9-15  PARK  PLACE  NEW  YORK 


nth,  ride,  for  example,  was  known  as  the  Jack 
Rabbit  ride.  The  April  26th  ride  was  a treasure 
hunt,  while  the  schedule  for  May  10th  was  a 
breakfast  ride. 


Health 

Recreation 

Leisure 

Nutrition  .50 

Marie  Harrington  . . . What  has  it  to  do 
with  you?  Everything!  Mrs.  Harrington  of  the 
St.  Louis  Dairy  Commission  tells  in  a most  de- 
lightful way  what  to  eat  and  why  and  makes  the 
planning  of  the  daily  menu — including  the  busi- 
ness girls’  lunch — one  of  the  most  exciting  events 
of  the  day.  A book  for  health  education  leaders 
and  for  everyone  who  has  three  meals  a day  to 
plan. 

The  Health  Program 

in  Small  Associations  .65 

EDITH  M.  GATES  ...  A book  of  practical  sug- 
gestions for  the  health  education  program  and  a 
background  for  program  emphases  — prepared 
especially  for  Associations  in  which  there  is  no 
full  time  education  director;  how  to  make  your 
own  program  if  you  have  to. 

Tap  Dancing  $1.00 

Marguerite  Judd  and  Howard  M.  Stuart 
...  A new  and  unusual  book  on  tap  dancing 
with  a musical  note  for  every  tap  which  makes 
tap  dancing  amazingly  simple  and  easy  for  be- 
ginners . . . indispensable  for  dancing  instructors. 
. . . Steps  are  analyzed  from  both  a technical  and 
musical  standpoint.  . . . Each  routine  is  set  to 
an  original  musical  composition. 

THE  WOMANS  PRESS 

600  LEXINGTON  AVE.,  NEW  YORK  CITY 


Notes  From  Raleigh  — New  girls'  clubs, 
states  the  March  report  of  the  Raleigh,  North 
Carolina,  Recreation  Commission,  are  being  or- 
ganized rapidly  at  each  playground  in  the  city. 
Program  plans  include  hikes,  nature  study,  tours 
and  visits  to  many  points  of  interest  in  the  city 
and  county.  The  children’s  drama  group  on  each 
playground  will  sponsor  a community  program 
one  night  out  of  each  month.  Interest  in  music  is 
keen.  The  boy  or  girl  whose  parents  cannot  afford 
to  pay  for  private  instruction  may  secure  lessons 
free  from  instructors  who  visit  the  playgrounds 
each  day  after  school  hours  to  teach  any  type  of 
iristrument  the  child  may  bring  with  him. 

The  Recreation  Commission  is  planning  in  the 
near  future  to  open  a new  indoor  community  cen- 
ter at  which  a free  library  and  handcraft  classes 
will  be  operated.  The  handcraft  shop  will  be  well 
equipped  and  will  afford  the  people  of  the  neigh- 
borhood an  opportunity  to  develop  skill  and  to 
make  useful  things  for  their  homes.  There  will 
also  be  community  celebrations  at  the  center,  fun 
nights,  parties  and  lectures  by  some  of  the  well 
known  educators  from  the  University  of  North 
Carolina. 

The  yearly  per  capita  cost  of  the  recreation 
program,  which  is  sponsored  by  the  city  of 
Raleigh,  is  only  .075.  In  other  words,  it  is  possible 
for  the  citizens  of  Raleigh  to  enjoy  1,860  hours 
of  recreation  at  a cost  of  about  75  cents  a year. 

An  Instructional  Film  On  Swimming — The 
Motion  Picture  Committee  of  the  National  Sec- 


WORLD  AT  PLAY 


173 


J u ngl  m 

~%s  Climbing  Structure 


“ JUNGLEGYM”  (Trade  Mark  Registered) 
Climbing  Structures  are  manufactured  under  patents 
of  October  23,  1923  and  March  25,  1924 

JUNGLEGYM  TIME  IS  ALL  THE  TIME 

The  playground  with  a Junglegym  is  never  deserted.  Here 
is  the  ideal  apparatus  for  constant  all-year-round  play  and 
exercise.  The  children  to  use  it  must  exercise. 

Most  playgrounds  have  no  supervision  in  winter  — Jun- 
glegym does  not  need  supervision  or  watching. 

The  experience  of  all  playgrounds  that  use  it  is,  that  there 
is  no  quarreling  and  there  are  no  accidents.  No  quarreling 
because  there  are  no  fixed  positions  to  acquire  and  hold,  no 
moving  parts  to  strike  and  interfere  with  another  child.  No 
accidents  because  the  child  climbs  up  by  his  own  strength 
and  can  hold  on  by  his  own  strength.  There  are  bars  all 
around  to  grasp  with  hands,  arms  and  legs.  Each  person  can 
at  any  time  grasp  or  hold  on  to  any  two  or  more  of  sixteen 
bars. 

The  Children  Love  to  Play  and  Exercise 
on  Junglegym 


Junglegym  No.  2 “ More  fun  for  children ” 


It  meets  a deep-seated  instinct  for  climbing,  and  is  at  all 
times  absolutely  safe.  The  average  child  gets  but  little  op- 
portunity to  stretch  out  and  hang  the  weight  of  the  body 
from  the  arms.  Junglegym  gives  this  opportunity  and  the 
children  who  use  Junglegym  develop  a very  important  set 
of  muscles  of  the  upper  body  — a muscular  development 
that  is  fundamental  for  a real  vigorous,  healthy  life. 


Patented  Oct.  23,  1923,  Mar.  25,  1924. 


Junglegym  No.  1 


“ More  fun  for  children ” Junglecym  No.  6 


“ More  fun  for  children' 


JUNGLEGYM  TS  THE  CLIMBINGEST  THING  JUNGLEGYM  JUNIOR  OF  WOOD 


W rite  for  Complete  Cdialog 


THE  PLAYGROUND  EQUIPMENT  COMPANY,  Inc. 

82  DUANE  STREET  ....  NEW  YORK,  N.  Y.,  U.  S.  A. 


174 


WORLD  AT  PLAY 


TENNIS  NETS 

— also  — 

Backstop  Nets 
Soccer  Nets 
Golf  Practice  Nets 
in  fact 

All  Sport  Nets 

This  house  has  long 
been  headquarters 
for  all  the  above. 


W.  A.  AUGUR 

35  Fulton  Street  New  York 


Use  “Lime  Crest”  Crystal  Spar  No.  8 
tor  Playgrounds 
and  Recreation  Fields  nIp 

• This  splendid  product  meets  a 
long-felt  need.  It  produces  a 
hard,  dense,  compact  surface 
when  put  down  according  to 
specifications  supplied  by  us. 

• Changes  muddy,  unsightly 
grounds  to  clean,,  bright,  at- 
tractive playgrounds.  Easily 
kept  clean.  Very  economical. 

Try  it  and  be  convinced.  No 
other  material  can  compare 
with  “Lime  Crest”  Crystal  Spar 
No.  8,  Our  Engineers  are  at 
your  service. 

Full  information  and 
prices  on  request 

LIMESTONE  PRODUCTS  CORPORATION 
OF  AMERICA 

NEWTON  NEW  JERSEY 


Archery  Tackle 

that  has  proven  its  worth.  Write  for  price 
list  and  school  and  camp  discounts. 

ROUNSEVELLE-ROHM,  INC. 

HAZEL  CREST.  ILLINOIS 


tion  on  Women’s  Athletics  of  the  A.P.E.A.  has 
produced  an  instructional  film  on  the  front  crawl 
which  is  on  two  400  foot  reels,  16  mm.  silent,  with 
a showing  time  of  approximately  forty  minutes. 
The  first  reel  includes  good  form  on  a crawl  with 
an  analysis  and  correction  of  the  common  begin- 
ning faults  in  breathing,  armstroke  and  kick.  The 
second  reel  is  an  analysis  for  intermediate  and 
advanced  swimmers,  including  racing  starts  and 
turns  and  ending  with  the  showing  of  Lenore 
Kight  Wingard’s  stroke  in  normal,  easy  and  rac- 
ing tempos.  The  film  is  available  for  rental  at 
$6.00  per  showing  day  plus  transportation  charges. 
The  distributing  agency  is  the  Department  of 
Physical  Education  for  Women,  Pomerene  Hall, 
Ohio  State  University,  Columbus,  Ohio. 

A School  and  Civic  Spring  Festival  — On 

May  9th  the  public  and  parochial  schools  of  Cin- 
cinnati and  Hamilton  County,  Ohio,  presented 
their  twenty-second  annual  school  and  civic  spring 
festival  under  the  direction  of  the  Public  Recre- 
ation Commission  and  in  cooperation  with  the 
Cincinnati  Board  of  Education,  the  Board  of  Edu- 
cation of  the  parochial  schools  and  the  Hamilton 
County  schools.  Relays,  folk  dancing,  games, 
tumbling,  stunts,  singing  and  drills  of  various 
kinds  made  up  the  program  which  came  to  a cli- 
max in  a Maypole  dance  and  the  singing  of 
“America  the  Beautiful.” 

The  1936  English  Folk  Dance  Festival  — 

Over  450  dancers  took  part  in  the  English 
Folk  Dance  Festival  held  at  the  Seventh  Regi- 
ment Armory  in  New  York  City  on  Saturday 
afternoon,  April  25th.  A special  feature,  the 
Birthday  Cake  Processional,  was  arranged  in 
honor  of  the  twenty-first  birthday  of  the  Eng- 
lish Folk  Dance  Society  of  America.  Twenty- 
one  candle-bearers  and  eleven  Morris  men 
danced  around  the  cake  as  it  was  brought  in 
and  all  the  Festival  dancers  joined  in  the  cele- 
bration with  an  old  circular  dance  around  the 
Birthday  Cake. 


SERVICE  HELPS 


175 


Service  Helps 

The  Abingdon  Press,  150  Fifth  Avenue,  New  York 
City,  has  published  a book  telling  the  thrilling  story  of 
the  work  carried  on  with  children  representing  every 
race,  nationality  and  creed  in  the  vacation  church  schools 
of  Greater  New  York  in  the  summer  of  1935.  The  book 
was  prepared  by  Imogene  M.  McPherson,  with  an  intro- 
duction by  Dr.  Nicholas  Murray  Butler. 


The  American  Medal  and  Trophy  Co.,  manufacturing 
jewelers,  79  Fifth  Avenue,  New  York  City,  is  a leading 
maker  of  awards,  medals,  ball  charms,  cups,  trophies  and 
pins  for  every  athletic  and  recreational  activity.  The 
company  enjoys  a national  following  among  camps,  set- 
tlement houses,  schools  and  clubs.  A catalogue  showing 
many  styles  of  medals,  cups  and  trophies  may  be  had  on 
request. 

The  Artcraft  Studios,  Central  P.  O.  775,  Toledo,  Ohio, 
announces  a Portfolio  Series  I and  II  with  mimeographed 
sheets  giving  patterns  for  toys  and  other  craft  projects. 
This  will  be  especially  helpful  to  instructors  of  arts  and 
crafts,  home  craftsmen  and  to  WPA  recreation  directors 
assembling  toys  for  Christmas  distribution. 


The  Publication  Department  of  the  Y.M.C.A.  (Asso- 
ciation Press,  347  Madison  Avenue,  New  York  City), 
comes  forward  with  two  new  books  for  the  1936  camp. 
A new  monograph  from  the  camp  leaders’  institute, 
“Putting  Standards  in  the  Summer  Camp,”  edited  by 
Hedley  S.  Dimock,  is  the  fruit  of  the  annual  conference 
at  George  Williams  College.  This  is  Number  IV  of  the 
“Character  Education  in  the  Summer  Camp”  series. 
Roland  Ure  has  a booklet  on  actual  histories  drawn  from 
counselor  experience,  with  outlines  for  discussion  and 
references  to  sources  in  modern  camping  literature  — 
“Fifty  Cases  for  Camp  Counselors.”  Both  these  books 
are  useful  for  individual  study  and  for  leadership  train- 
ing courses. 


Write  the  Boslon  Badge-Bent  & Bush  Company,  15 
South  Washington  Street,  Whitman,  Mass.,  for  its  illus- 
trated catalogue  No.  36  showing  prize  trophies,  medals, 
cups  and  shields. 


The  J.  E.  Burke  Company,  manufacturers  of  Burke- 
Built  Playground  Equipment,  have  recently  published  an 
elaborately  illustrated  catalog  which  should  be  of  great 
interest  to  every  recreation  director.  In  addition  to  dis- 
playing a most  complete  line  of  improved  apparatus,  this 
catalog  contains  illustrations  and  descriptions  of  over 
three  hundred  parts  which  are  applicable  to  the  repair  of 
any  type  of  equipment.  This  is  indeed  an  innovation  that 
will  simplify  many  a problem  in  reconditioning  and  re- 
pairing. Copies  may  be  secured  by  writing  The  J.  E. 
Burke  Company  at  Fond  du  Lac,  Wisconsin. 


The  problem  of  lighting  play  areas  for  night  play  has 
become  an  important  one.  From  Crouse-Hinds  Com- 
pany, Syracuse,  New  York,  may  be  secured  an  interest- 
ing catalogue  (Bulletin  2299)  showing  types  of  flood- 
lights and  giving  information  regarding  their  installa- 
tion. Recreation  workers  will  be  interested  in  securing 
this  attractive  illustrated  booklet  entitled  “Night  time  is 
play  time.” 


The  Daytona  Beach  Shuffle  Board  Company,  manu- 
facturer of  reliable  equipment,  was  the  first  company  to 
manufacture  this  equipment  in  the  United  States,  having 
been  organized  in  1928.  From  shipboard,  where  the  game 
was  long  the  most  popular  of  deck  sports,  it  has  spread 
through  the  South,  then  the  West  and  North.  It  is  a 
game  anyone  can  play  and  appeals  especially  to  elderly 
people  since  they  can  play  it  without  overexertion.  For 


100,000,000 

CHILD  PLAY  HOURS 


WITHOUT  ACCIDENT 


LOUDEN  "Junglegym"  Climbing  Structures 
i combine  absolute  safety  with  ideal 
child  exercise.  Over  100,000,000  child  play 
hours  have  been  enjoyed  on  Junglegym 
Climbing  Structures,  without  a single  acci- 
dent. Small  wonder  these  popular  play- 
ground devices  win  the  enthusiastic  ap- 
proval of  leading  physical  education  au- 
thorities. 

This  device  is  a veritable  jungle  of  climb- 
ing bars.  It  brings  into  active  play  every 
muscle  of  a child's  body  and  every  fibre  of 
his  mind.  It  gives  vital  physical  exercise 
that  d e v e lo  p s the  muscles  of  arms, 
shoulders,  neck,  chest,  back,  abdomen  and 
legs.  And,  vital  mental  exercise  that  de- 
velops courage,  self-reliance,  initiative, 
sociability,  courtesy  and  consideration  of 
neighbors  rights. 

A variety  of  sizes  are  available  . . . the 
largest  accommodating  75  to  100  children 
at  a time.  Learn  more  about  this  safest 
and  most  economical  of  all  playground 
devices.  The  new  Louden  catalog  illustrates 
and  describes  all  "Junglegym"  Climbing 
Structures  together  with  the  complete  line 
of  finest  playground  apparatus.  Prices  are 
surprisingly  moderate.  A copy  is  yours  for 
the  asking,  without  obligation.  Write  us, 
today. 


J.  E.  PORTER 

CORPORATION 

120  BROADWAY,  OTTAWA,  ILLINOIS 


* JUNGLE 


176 


SERVICE  HELPS 


FOR  CLEANER,  SMOOTHER 

healthier  playgrounds! 

• There’s  a positive  way  now  to  elimi- 
nate dust  and  its  attendant  evils  — to 
keep  play  surfaces  firm,  compact,  clean 
and  safer  from  germs. 

S 0 L V A Y Calcium  Chloride  is  the 
modern  enemy  to  dust  and  the  danger- 
ous germs  it  carries.  Physicians  and 
playground  directors  endorse  its  germ- 
killing powers. 

Easy  to  apply  — and  economical.  Just 
spread  evenly  over  the  surface.  That's 
all.  This  clean,  odorless  and  harmless 
material  does  the  rest  — keeping  the 
surface  smooth,  dustless,  weedless  and 
even  reducing  sun-glare!  Ideal  for 
school  yards,  tennis  courts,  athletic 
fields  and  all  recreation  areas. 

Prompt  deliveries  from  100  conveni- 
ently located  stock  points.  Full  informa- 
tion and  prices  on  request. 

SOLVAY  SALES  CORPORATION 

Alkalies  and  Chemical  Products  Manufactured  by 
The  Solvay  Process  Company 

40  RECTOR  STREET  NEW  YORK 

BRANCH  SALES  OFFICES 
Boston  Charlotte  Chicago  Cincinnati 
Cleveland  Detroit  Houston 

Indianapolis  Kansas  City  Philadelphia 

Pittsburgh  St.  Louis  Syracuse 
New  York 


Solvay 

W TRADE  MARK  REG.  U.  S.  PAT.  OFF. 


Calcium  Chloride 


‘Distinctive 

CAMP  AND  SCHOOL  SERVICE 

OFFERING 

CAMP  AND  SCHOOL  REAL  ESTATE 

i i i i 

Leasing  - Selling  - Purchasing 
Outright  or  Mergers  - Partnerships 
Placement  of  Directors  and  Counselors 
Insurance 

i i i i 

CAMP  REAL  ESTATE  TRANSACTIONS 
MADE  BY  THIS  BUREAU  EXCEED  THAT 
OF  ALL  INDIVIDUAL  AGENCIES 
COMBINED. 


i i i i 

All  Arrangements  Treated  Confidentially 
Consultations  Gratuitous 

i i i i 

NATIONAL  BUREAU 
of  PRIVATE  SCHOOLS 

522  FIFTH  AVENUE  NEW  YORK,  N.  Y. 


SUITE  615  MUrray  Hill  2-9421 

PAUL  H.  HORNBECK  M.  OTTO  BORG 


churches,  lodges  and  clubs  a rubber-tired  disc  is  now 
manufactured  which  cannot  split  and  which  makes  no 
noise  when  striking  another  disc.  An  aluminum  footed 
cue  is  also  available. 

The  factory  and  main  office  are  at  Philmont,  New 
York,  where  information  about  laying  courts  and  cata- 
logues with  prices  may  be  secured. 


Since  the  early  Greek  camp  followers  tossed  discarded 
horseshoes  about  in  lieu  of  the  more  expensive  discus, 
the  game  of  horseshoe  pitching  lias  drawn  its  share  of 
fans.  In  recent  years  it  has  really  come  into  its  own 
with  the  establishment  of  the  National  Horseshoe  Pitch- 
ing Association  and  the  keeping  of  records.  Especially 
adaptable  to  parks  and  playgrounds  is  this  healthful  game 
that  makes  a more  general  appeal  than  most  sports.  Old, 
young,  men,  women  and  children  flock  to  the  courts  for 
practice  and  turn  out  in  sizable  crowds  when  a tourna- 
ment is  in  swing. 

For  information  on  the  complete  equipment  that  makes 
the  game  an  efficient  sport,  park  directors  are  asked  to 
correspond  with  Diamond  Calk  Horseshoe  Co.,  of  Du- 
luth, Minn.  The  company  makes  a complete  line  of  of- 
ficial pitching  shoes,  headed  by  the  well  known  “Eagle 
Ringer.”  Stakes  painted  white  aluminum  for  the  ten 
inches  that  appear  above  ground  and  rust  resisting  black 
for  the  underground  portion;  official  courts  with  stake 
holders  that  incline  the  stake  at  exactly  the  right  angle; 
leather  cases  to  carry  the  shoes ; score  pads ; percentage 
charts  and  rule  and  instruction  booklets  make  up  the  list 
of  items  produced  by  the  Diamond  Company  in  the  in- 
terests of  the  game.  Necessary  information  on  erecting 
courts,  organizing  clubs  and  official  rules  of  the  game 
are  printed  in  free  booklets  furnished  on  request. 

The  horseshoe  game  is  recommended  by  the  medical 
profession  as  one  of  the  finest  means  of  exercise  and  at 
the  same  time  is  thoroughly  enjoyed  by  everyone  who 
plays.  It  is  easy  to  learn — costs  practically  nothing  to 


SERVICE  HELPS 


177 


keep  courts  in  good  condition  and  is  an  ideal  project  for 
park  or  playground.  Write  Diamond  Calk  Horseshoe  Co. 
for  complete  information. 


From  earliest  days,  the  swing  contributed  greatly  to 
recreation.  The  grape  vine  swing  of  our  forefather’s  day 
gave  way  to  the  rope  swing  of  our  younger  days,  when 
larger  trees  still  were  available  for  use  as  supports.  \\  ith 
modern  congestion  of  population,  disappearance  of  forest 
trees  and  other  natural  means  of  recreation,  m idem 
playgrounds  and  playground  apparatus  came  into  iieing. 
If  in  mind’s  eye  one  sees  playground  apparatus  as  sub- 
stitutes for  nature,  which  man  has  destroyed,  the  uni- 
versal acceptance  of  such  apparatus  will  give  children  in 
effect  the  best  things  of  bygone  days. 

The  swing,  while  the  best  of  fun,  always  has  been  a 
source  of  accidents.  The  seat,  striking  a child  on  the 
head,  opens  cuts  and  causes  other  injuries.  On  the  play- 
ground this  effect  was  causing  some  to  dismantle  their 
swing  outfits.  For  years,  The  EverWear  Manufacturing 
Company  cf  Springfield,  Ohio,  studied  this  problem.  It 
was  first  to  introduce  a rubber  edged  swing  seat,  thus 
making  a great  contribution  to  safety  on  the  playground. 
Continuing  its  researches,  it  invented  and  patented  its 
Spring-Rubber  Safety  Swing  Seat  No.  SR-206.  This 


LOOMS 


WEAVING 

MATERIALS 

BASKETRY 


Reed 
Bases 
Raphia 
Fibre  Reed 


BOOKBINDING 
MODELING 
OTHER  CRAFTS 


J.  L.  HAMMETT  CO. 

School  Supplies  Since  1863 

Kendall  Square,  Cambridge,  Mass. 


No.  301  Loom  21"  wide 
Price  $35 


SEND  FOR 
HANDICRAFT 
CATALOG 


Tumbling  Mats 

Used  in  recreation  centers  everywhere. 
Unlimited  possibilities  for  physical  development. 

Send  for  booklet 

PETERSEN  6-  CO.  mi 

4225  N.  16th  STREET  PHILADELPHIA,  PA. 


(ya^et\j  'Teaching  1 Tlateriai  jjor  the  Recreation  T)irector 


The  Education  Division  of  the  National  Safety  Council  publishes  a variety  of 
material  designed  to  aid  in  the  teaching  of  safety  on  the  playground  or  in 
the  school.  We  recommend  the  following: 


SAFETY  EDUCATION  MAGAZINE — A monthly  publication  con- 
taining colored  posters,  graded  lesson  outlines,  short  plays 
and  stories,  informational  articles,  etc. 

Price  $1.00  a year 

THE  JUNIOR  SAFETY  COUNCIL— A handbook  of  safety  activi- 
ties containing  practical  program  suggestions,  patrol  organi- 
zation and  references. 

Price  $.35 


PLAYGROUND  PACKET — A collection  of  safety  material  for  the 
playground  director.  Contains  10  colored  safety  posters,  a 
safety  play,  crayon  lessons  and  instructions  for  the  safe  use 
of  playground  equipment. 

Price  $1.00 


Education  Division,  National  Safety  Council 

ONE  PARK  AVENUE  NEW  YORK,  N.  Y. 


178 


SERVICE  HELPS 


LE ATHERCRAFT 
PEWTERCRAFT 
CLOVE  MAKING 

• Special  Recreation  Center 
Prices  and  Discounts 

The  finest  tools  and  materials  at  the 
lowest  prices  consistent  with  quality! 
All  products  guaranteed  against  defect 
in  material  or  workmanship!  Immediate 
service!  All  orders  are  shipped  the  day 
they  are  received! 

You  can  save  money  in  your  arts  and 
crafts  program  if  you  are  thoroughly 
familiar  with  our  products,  special  prices 
and  service. 

Recreation  Directors  and  Leaders  in 
the  New  York  area  are  cordially  invited 
to  select  their  supplies  in  person  at  our 
studio. 

Catalogue  On  Request 
I Leather  Sample  Card,  10c. 


FOLEY -TRIPP  COMPANY 


Dept.  R 

193  William  St. 


New  York,  N.  Y. 


PLAYS 

for  the 

COMMUNITY 

THEATER 

Recommended  by 

JACK  STUART  KNAPP 

Drama  Director 

National  Recreation  Association 
New  York  City 

The  "Community  Theater"  is  not  a build- 
ing or  an  organization,  it  is  composed  of 
the  drama  clubs,  little  theaters,  churches, 
schools,  service  clubs,  granges,  farm 
bureaus,  and  all  the  other  organizations 
in  the  community  which  constantly  or  oc- 
casionally produce  plays.  It  is  the  present 
"American"  theater. 

Send  for  this  free  booklet  today 


SAMUEL  FRENCH 

25  West  45th  Street,  New  York,  N.  Y. 
81  I West  7th  Street,  Los  Angeles,  Calif. 


seat  reduced  accidents  70%  on  one  Cincinnati  playground. 
On  a Philadelphia  playground  accidents  were  eliminated 
entirely.  All  over  the  nation  this  new  swing  seat  is  pre- 
venting accidents,  saving  lives,  and  restoring  to  the 
swing  its  old-time  popularity  and  acceptance.  It  is  ex- 
tremely strong  and  durable. 

Continuing  researches  for  safety  and  durability  in  its 
products,  the  EverWear  Company  has  now  introduced 
its  latest  invention — No.  SR-216,  Air-Cushion-Rubber 
Safety  Swing  Seat,  which  brings  to  the  swing  an  ele- 
ment of  safety  never  heretofore  obtained.  The  EverWear 
Catalog  No.  28  gives  information  about  this  new  seat 
and  all  other  playground  outfits  in  the  EverWear  line. 
For  beach  and  swimming  pool  equipment,  ask  for  the 
EverWear  Catalog  No.  28W. 


The  Folcy-Tripp  Company , 193  William  Street,  New 
York  City,  has  developed  many  interesting  and  inexpen- 
sive handicraft  projects  for  children  and  adults  in  lea- 
thercraft,  pewtercraft  and  glovemaking.  Leathercraft 
supplies  may  be  purchased  in  bulk  or  in  project  form. 
Among  the  most  popular  items  for  recreation  centers  are 
link  belts,  braided  belts,  inexpensive  bill  folds,  key  cases 
and  braided  lanyards,  watch  guards  and  bracelets.  Gloves 
may  be  purchased  cut  out  according  to  sizes  and  colors 
and  complete  with  the  proper  needle  and  thread  and  in- 
structions. Pewtercraft  as  developed  by  the  Foley-Tripp 
Company  is  the  most  practical  of  the  metal  crafts  for 
recreation.  It  requires  only  small  inexpensive  equipment 
and  lends  itself  to  attractive  decorating. 

A card  addressed  to  the  Foley-Tripp  Company  will 
bring  you  catalogues. 


From  Samuel  French,  25  West  45th  Street,  New  York, 
and  811  West  7th  Street,  Los  Angeles,  there  is  now 
available  a complete  catalogue  which  classifies  and  fully 
describes  French’s  plays  of  distinction  for  every  need.  A 
new  system  of  classification  makes  it  possible  to  find  just 
the  play  desired  with  the  least  possible  effort.  Send  for 
a copy  at  once. 


The  P.  Goldsmith  Sons,  Inc.,  John  and  Findlay  Streets. 
Cincinnati,  Ohio,  issue  an  attractive  catalogue  available 
on  request  which  shows  the  company’s  complete  line  of 
sports  equipment.  A glance  at  the  index  to  contents  will 
show  you  exactly  what  supplies  and  equipment  are  avail- 
able and  on  what  page  of  the  catalogue  each  will  be 
found.  There  are  sections  on  football,  basketball,  volley 
ball,  soccer  ball,  hockey  and  boxing.  There  is  a miscel- 
laneous section  in  which  will  be  found  mention  of  balls 
for  a variety  of  games,  clothing  of  various  types,  shoes, 
emblems,  gloves,  letters,  vaulting  poles,  whistles  and  the 
many  items  which  go  into  a complete  equipment  for 
athletic  sports  and  games.  The  catalogue  is  profusely 
illustrated  and  prices  are  given  in  each  case. 


The  dust  nuisance  on  playgrounds  has  for  many  years 
been  a source  of  annoyance  to  recreation  supervisors.  In 
some  instances  hard  surfacing  with  various  compositions 
solved  the  dust  problem  but  was  too  expensive  generally 
for  all  playgrounds.  For  certain  purposes  the  bare  play- 
ground seems  the  most  desirable,  the  dust  nuisance,  how- 
ever, always  being  objectionable. 

Various  chemicals,  with  or  without  water,  were  used 
with  some  measure  of  success.  Effectiveness  of  the  known 
chemicals  or  compounds  was  short-lived  and  the  neces- 
sity for  repeated  applications  proved  expensive.  Research 
laboratories  of  the  Gulf  Research  and  Development 
Company  undertook  a study  of  the  dust  problem.  After 
many  months  of  diligent  research,  their  chemists  and  en- 
gineers perfected  Gulf  Sani-Soil-Set. 

Practical  demonstration  on  numerous  playgrounds  in 
one  of  America’s  major  cities  was  carried  out  over  a 
year’s  time  before  Gulf  Sani-Soil-Set  was  announced 
to  the  public.  After  Gulf  Sani-Soil-Set  was  announced 
in  the  December  1935  issue  of  Recreation,  the  keen  pub- 
lic interest  in  the  dust  problem  was  evidenced  by  the 


SERVICE  HELPS 


179 


All-Metal  Tennis  Net  Outfit 

Weather-proof,  vandal-proof.  Noth- 
ing to  rust.  Has  Canvas  Binding. 
No  attaching,  detaching,  or  stor- 
ing. Cost  soon  repaid. 


RECREATION 


LINE 

Is  the  result  of  more  active  experience  on  the  part  of  its  executives  in  all  phases  of  design,  production,  and  sell- 
ing than  that  of  any  other  line.  This  means  more  than  twenty  years  of  experience. 

Full  Line  of  Play  Equipment  for  Parks,  Playgrounds,  Beaches  and  Pools.  Write  for  catalog. 


RECREATION  EQUIPMENT  COMPANY 


Anderson,  Indiana 


fact  that  practically  every  major  city  in  the  United  States 
and  Canada  made  immediate  inquiry.  As  the  outdoor  sea- 
son opened  playgrounds  throughout  the  country  were 
treated.  Many  prominent  recreation  supervisors  pro- 
nounced Gulf  Sani-Soil-Set  the  solution  to  the  dust 
problem. 

Gulf  Sani-Soil-Set  is  a liquid  compound  possessing 
both  germicidal  and  dust  allaying  properties.  It  is  claim- 
ed that  one  quart  per  square  yard  will  control  the  dust 
throughout  the  season.  The  Gulf  Oil  Corporation  and 
the  Gulf  Refining  Company  have  been  highly  praised  by 
recreation  superintendents  and  ground  keepers  generally 
for  their  contribution  of  an  inexpensive  product  that  will 
effectively  control  dust.  Manufacturers  claim  Gulf  Sani- 
Soil-Set  is  ideally  suited  for  the  treatment  of  all  bare 
ground  where  control  of  dust  is  desired  and  is  recom- 
mended for  bare  playgrounds  in  general,  tennis  courts, 
parking  lots,  bridal  paths,  private  roads  or  driveways, 
race  tracks,  ball  grounds,  amusement  parks,  etc. 


I.  L.  Hammett  Company,  Cambridge,  Mass.,  offers  a 
complete  line  of  crafts  material  and  educational  items. 
This  company  has  been  supplying  the  schools  of  the 
country  for  the  last  seventy-three  years.  They  supply 
materials  for  making  baskets,  including  natural  reed, 
fibre  reed,  raffia,  wooden  tray  bases  and  other  models. 
Also  they  manufacture  weaving  looms,  and  supply  the 
yarns  for  use  on  these  looms.  Weaving  looms  are  ob- 
tainable in  many  styles  and  patterns.  Some  looms  are 
suitable  for  very  young  children,  and  other  looms  are 
suitable  for  more  advanced  harness  weaving.  Oil  colors, 
brushes,  bookbinding  materials,  and  items  for  decorating 
are  also  included  in  their  line,  and  batik,  toy-making 
supplies,  linoleum  blocks  and  modelling  materials. 


P.  C.  Herwiy  Company,  121  Sands  Street,  Brooklyn, 
New  York,  is  equipped  to  supply  materials  and  instruc- 
tions applicable  to  square  knot  handcraft,  the  art  of 
making  a variety  of  beautiful  articles  such  as  belts, 
purses,  dog  leashes  and  whistle  lanyards.  Square  knot- 
ting is  attractive  to  the  individual  worker  because,  it 
adapts  itself  readily  to  originality  of  design,  is  easy  to 
learn  and  makes  possible  combinations  which  form  new 
and  interesting  patterns.  It  is  practiced  by  individuals 
and  groups  in  schools,  colleges,  hospitals,  camps  and  con- 
valescent homes. 


The  entire  family  may  enjoy  archery  for  in  no  other 
sport  do  age,  weight  or  strength  make  so  little  differ- 
ence. It  develops  poise  and  correct  posture.  The  cost  is 
low  as  most  players  derive  enjoyment  from  making  their 
own  tackle  for  which  the  John  A.  Hunter  Hardwood 


etxtion  — 


Recreation  Directors 

SEND  FOR  OUR  FREE  BOOKLET  No.  20-R 
describing  the  following  excellent  new  handicrafts  for 

Centers. 

INDIAN  BEAD- 
CRAFT  presents  one 
of  the  finest  craft 
opportunities  for 
youth  or  adult.  Our 
new  “Walco”  Indes- 
tructible Bead  Loom 
enables  anyone  to 
daces,  hat  bands,  belts, 


WOOD  BEAD-CRAFT  offers 
classes  to  make  the  acces- 
sories now  in  vogue.  This 
Craft  can  be  accomplished 
with  such  ease  that  it  can  be 
mastered  after  a few  moments 
practice.  Wood  bead  bags, 
bracelets,  belts,  collars  and 
cuffs  are  but  a few  of  the 
useful  articles  that  can  be 
made. 


possibilities  for  craft 


n easily  make  fobs,  necl 
wristbands  and  bags. 


TILE  BEAD-CRAFT  will  aid 
your  children  in  making  dec- 
orative mats  and  coasters  In 
any  number  of  designs  and 
color  combinations  such  as 
those  illustrated  on  left.  Very 
simple  and  inexpensive. 


FELT-CRAFT  is  a new  and  appealing  craft  with  un- 
limited possibilities  for  everyone.  Useful  and  decora- 
tive articles,  such  as  pillows,  pictures,  toys,  card  table 
covers,  and  pennants  can  easily  be  made.  Very  in- 
expensive. 


JEWEL-CRAFT  enables  one  to  make  brilliant  and 
lovely  necklaces  and  bracelets. 

All  of  the  above  Crafts  illustrated  and  described  in  our 
Free  Booklet  No.  20-R.  SEND  FOR  IT  TODAY. 


Walco  Qcab  (3o. 

Department  R 

3 7 West  3 7th  Street  New  York,  N.  Y. 


180 


SERVICE  HELPS 


FOR  YOUR  RECREATION  LIBRARY 

SPORTS  FOR  RECREATION 

And  How  To  Play  Them 

Compiled  by  The  Department  of  Intramural  Sporta, 
University  of  Michigan,  E.  D.  Mitchell,  Editor. 

Covering  over  28  recreational  sports  this  new  book 
meets  a need  covered  by  no  other  publication. 
Nearly  2,000  copies  were  sold  within  two  weeks 
of  publication.  $2.50 

LEISURE  AND  RECREATION 

A Study  of  Recreation  and  Leisure  in 
Their  Sociological  Aspects 

By  Martin  H.  Neumeyer,  Ph.D.,  Associate  Professor  of 
Sociology,  University  of  Southern  California  and 
Esther  S.  Neumeyer,  A.M. 

The  first  book  giving  serious  consideration  to  this 
important  problem.  Is  of  immediate  interest  to  all 
recreation  leaders.  Recommended  by  The  Scien- 
tific Book  Club.  $3.00 

SOCIAL  GAMES  FOR  RECREATION 

By  B.  S.  Mason  and  E.  D.  Mitchell 

The  current  best  seller  of  game  books.  Containing 
over  1200  games  for  all  social  occasions,  it  is  the 
book  for  the  director  of  recreational  activities. 
Third  Large  Printing.  $2.50 

ACTIVE  GAMES  AND  CONTENTS 

By  B.  S.  Mason  and  E.  D.  Mitchell 

A companion  volume  to  Social  Games,  this  new 
book  offers  1800  games  and  contests  of  the  more 
vigorous  type.  Essential  to  every  library.  $3.00 

Our  Complete  Catalogue  of  Books 
on  Health,  Physical  Education,  I 
Sports,  Recreation,  Dancing,  etc.  h 
will  be  sent  postpaid  on  request 

A.  S.  BARNES  AND  COMPANY 

Publishers  Since  1838 

67  WEST  44th  STREET  NEW  YORK 


Corporation,  9-15  Park  Place,  New  York  City,  furnishes 
the  wood  cut  to  size,  arrow  dowels,  bow  strings,  piles, 
etc.  It  supplies  blue  prints  and  an  instruction  sheet 
which  are  material  aids  in  making  either  the  English  long 
bow  or  the  modified  flat  type. 


The  Indera  Mills  Company,  Winston-Salem,  N.  C., 
manufacturers  of  Indera  Figurefit  Swim  Suits,  have  per- 
fected a new  feature  in  construction  of  their  swim  suits 
which  has  met  with  instant  approval  of  the  trade  and 
consumer. 

Under  the  old  method,  the  fronts  and  backs  were  cut 
the  same  width  but  now  all  Indera  Figurefit  suits  are  cut 
with  narrow  backs  and  full  cut  chest.  The  reason  for 
this  idea  is  simple.  Everyone  measures  less  from  under 
the  arm  pit  across  the  shoulder  blades  than  he  does 
across  the  chest  section,  and  this  new  idea  gives  a per- 
fect fitting  “Sta-up”  shoulder  strap  that  will  not  slip  off 
the  shoulder  and  a snug  fit  of  chest  and  back. 

Their  1936  style  catalog  is  ready  for  mailing  and  has 
forty  illustrations  of  many  new  models  from  actual 
photographs  with  detailed  descriptive  matter.  This  cata- 
log will  be  mailed  free  upon  request. 


The  Wolverine  Line  of  Archery  Tackle  manufactured 
by  Frederic  A.  Kibbe  of  Coldwater,  Michigan,  is  de- 
scribed in  a new  catalogue  with  the  lowest  prices  ever 
offered  in  the  eighteen  years  during  which  the  firm  has 
served  the  increasing  number  of  archery  enthusiasts.  A 
copy  of  this  catalogue  may  be  secured  free  on  request. 


“Pastimes  Here,  and  Pleasant  Games ” 

TWICE  55  GAMES  WITH  MUSIC 

The  Red  Book 

FROM  childhood  to  old  age  the  normal  person  likes 
to  play — an  activity  that  means  spontaneous  rec- 
reation, with  study  as  a very  negligible  factor.  Sing- 
ing Games  offer  a simple  and  practical  means  of 
genuine  recreational  amusement  Send  25c.  in  coin 
for  The  Red  Book  containing  all  directions  for  games 
and  dances.  Separate  piano  edition,  75c. 

C.  C.  BIRCHARD  & CO. 

221  Columbus  Avenue  BOSTON,  MASS. 


The  Limestone  Products  Corporation  of  America  at 
Newton,  New  Jersey,  has  for  several  years  been  market- 
ing a product  known  as  Lime  Crest  No.  8 Playground 
Material.  This  has  been  used  with  great  success  on  some 
of  the  largest  municipal  playgrounds  of  the  country.  It 
is  far  superior  to  ordinary  trap  rock  which  washes  and 
accumulates  in  catch  basins.  It  is  made  of  the  proper 
size  so  that  it  will  pack  on  the  playground  with  hard 
usage.  It  is  very  light  in  color  with  light  reflecting  quali- 
ties which  effect  a substantial  saving  in  cities  where  play- 
grounds are  illuminated  at  night.  The  material  is  sani- 
tary and  clean  and  insures  a safety-first,  non-abrasive 
playground. 


The  National  Bureau  of  Private  Schools,  522  Fifth 
Avenue,  New  York  City,  represents  about  250  accredited 
private  boarding  and  day  schools  throughout  the  East  for 
the  purpose  of  recommending  schools  meeting  the  indi- 
vidual requirements  of  the  students.  It  also  maintains 
one  of  the  few  teachers’  agencies  exclusively  serving 
private  schools.  A unique  branch  of  the  Bureau  is  its 
real  estate  department  which  has  two  men  in  the  field 
twelve  months  of  the  year  inspecting  and  investigating 
summer  camps  which  may  be  leased  or  purchased.  The 
total  volume  of  this  department’s  transactions  exceeds 
the  combined  total  of  transactions  concluded  by  all  other 
real  estate  agencies  combined  in  this  specialized  field. 


The  Paddle  Tennis  Company,  285  Madison  Avenue, 
New  York  City,  sole  makers  of  Official  Paddle  Tennis 
equipment,  has  issued  a folder  on  their  fast-growing 
playground  sport.  The  folder  includes  illustrations  and 
prices  of  equipment,  complete  rules  for  playing  Paddle 
Tennis,  as  well  as  a diagram  which  shows  how  easy  it  is 
to  lay  out  a court  on  a space  one-fourth  the  size  of  a 
tennis  court.  Instructions  for  laying  out  the  popular, 
new,  all-year-round  Platform  Paddle  Tennis  court  are 
also  included.  This  pamphlet  is  free  on  request.  It  will 
be  of  interest  to  recreation  workers. 


Page  Stainless  Steel  Tennis  Court  Nets  (Page  Steel  & 
Wire  Division  of  American  Chain  Company,  Inc.,  Mones- 
sen,  Pa.)  are  ideal  for  private,  college,  municipal,  public 
and  club  courts.  They  have  many  advantages.  Main- 
tenance is  practically  eliminated,  for  once  erected  they 
may  be  allowed  to  remain  standing  day  and  night  during 
the  entire  playing  season.  They  require  only  small  stor- 
age space  and  that  eliminates  the  expense  of  the  removal 
and  erection  of  the  nets  each  day  and  of  repairs.  The 
nets  may  be  used  on  existing  wood  or  steel  posts  with 
the  aid  of  reel  attachments  which  may  be  supplied  on 
order.  They  will  not  rot,  sag,  stretch,  wear  out  or  tear 
and  are  made  from  one  continuous  piece  and  from  stain- 
less corrosion-resisting  steel  woven  wire.  This  wire  re- 
quires no  protective  coating  such  as  galvanizing,  and 
consequently  it  has  an  absolutely  smooth  surface  which 
will  not  injure  the  ball  or  player. 

Page  Stainless  Steel  Tennis  Court  Nets  pay  for  them- 
selves bv  reducing  upkeep  expenses  and  provide  a better 
net  involving  strength,  durability  and  elasticity.  Consid- 


SERVICE  HELPS 


181 


GIANT 

Equipment  doubles  the  enjoy- 
ment of  the  playtime  hours. 
Write  for  free  literature  on  any 
or  all  items. 


Giant  Floodlight  Projectors  provide 
perfect  visibility  for  all  night  sports. 
Produce  a mellow,  glare-free,  blue  white 
light,  evenly  distributed  and  free  from 
shadows.  Economical  to  install  and  main- 
tain. Complete  line  of  open  and  closed 
units. 


Giant  Playground  Apparatus  combines 
fun  and  health  building  features  essential 
for  enjoyment  of  children  of  all  ages.  Safe, 
sturdy,  durable.  Guaranteed  to  give  satisfaction. 
Giant  apparatus  leads  the  field. 


Giant  Sound  Systems.  Loud  speaker 
systems  for  stadiums,  athletic  fields,  school 
___  auditoriums,  class- 

S V rooms,  inter-communi- 

* 1 | cation,  etc.  Tailored 

to  meet  the  individual 
needs  of  every  instal- 
lation. 


■ r 


Pool  Equipment.  A most 
complete  line  of  high  and 
low  diving  equipment  fea- 
turing the  special  adjusta- 
ble fulcrum ; swings,  buoys, 
life  lines,  slides,  waves, 
ladders,  etc. 


Also  Portable  Bleachers,  Settees,  Flagpoles, 

Line  Markers  and  Line  White 
Dept.  R. 

Giant  Manufacturing  Co. 

COUNCIL  BLUFFS,  IOWA 


ering  replacements  and  maintenance  required  on  other 
types  of  tennis  court  nets,  Page  nets  cost  much  less  over 
a short  period  of  time. 


Send  for  Booklet  “E”  issued  by  Petersen  & Company, 
Philadelphia,  Pa.,  which  will  give  you  full  information 
about  their  gymnasium  and  wrestling  mats  and  mat 
covers,  and  athletic  goods. 


The  remarkably  popular  Junglegym-Climbing  Struc- 
tures that  have  been  promoted  and  distributed  for  the 
past  twelve  years  by  The  Playground  Equipment  Com- 
pany of  82  Duane  Street,  New  York,  are  still  making 
new  friends  every  day,  reaching  down  now  to  the  small- 
est group,  the  Nursery  School  children  of  ages  2 to  5, 
with  the  latest  models  No.  7 in  Galvanized  Steel,  and 
No.  8 in  Wood,  comparable  in  style  to  the  well-known 
Junior.  The  new  models  have  14  inch  squares  as  against 
18  inch  squares  in  the  No.  5 and  the  Junior,  and  24  inch 
squares  in  the  models  for  the  larger  children,  the  No.  1, 
No.  2 and  No.  4.  New  York  City  has  standardized  on 
the  No.  2 Junglegym,  and  each  of  the  several  hundred 
playgrounds  will  have  one  of  these.  New  York  City 
playgrounds  now  have  over  one  hundred  of  the  No.  1 


Junglegyms,  in  use  for  the  past  ten  to  twelve  years.  And 
by  the  time  the  playgrounds  are  under  way  this  summer 
there  will  be  about  two  hundred  of  the  No.  2 Junglegyms 
in  use.  And  about  fifty  of  the  No.  5 Junglegyms  for  the 
smaller  children. 

We  should  like  to  send  to  all  the  readers  of  the  Recre- 
ation magazine,  our  catalog,  together  with  letters  from 
directors  who  have  found  the  Junglegym  to  be  an  ideal 
play  device.  We  will  also  send  our  booklet — “Rules  for 
Games  and  Exercises  on  the  Junglegym.” 


During  the  current  month,  The  J.  E.  Porter  Corpora- 
tion of  Ottawa,  Illinois,  manufacturers  of  Louden  Stream- 
lined Pool  Equipment,  has  announced  a new  “Bachrach” 
Official  Championship  Diving  Board  and  “Bachrach” 
Fulcrum.  This  new  springboard  and  fulcrum  equipment 
bears  the  famous  name  of  William  Bachrach,  Head  Coach 
of  American  Olympic  Swimming  and  Diving  Teams, 
and  Director  of  Aquatic  Sports,  Illinois  Athletic  Club, 
Chicago.  This  equipment  was  designed  by  William 
Bachrach  himself,  in  collaboration  with  Louden  en- 
gineers. It  is  essentially  the  same  type  of  equipment  that 
has  been  used  by  Mr.  Bachrach  for  over  22  years  in  the 
training  and  development  of  many  National  A.  A.  U. 


CROUSE -HINDS  COMPANY  Syracuse,  n.  y. 

Manufacturer  of  a ■j-i'i  ji*  i , r -i  . n , 

Complete  Line  d Floodlights  for  Night  Sports 

Bulletin  2299,  “Nighttime  Is  Playtime”  will  be  sent  on  request 


182 


SERVICE  HELPS 


■k—  "i  ■— K 


A CAMPING 
EXPERIENCE 

jjOl  £oelii  Chile) 

• It  is  our  firm  belief  and  conviction 
that  every  child  should  spend  at  least 
a certain  period  each  year  at  Camp  . . . 
there  to  enjoy  the  wonders  of  Nature 
and  the  health  building  qualities  of 
the  out-of-doors.  Slowly  but  surely 
organizations  of  all  types  are  becom- 
ing aware  of  the  necessity  for  Camp- 
ing. as  a vital  part  of  their  recrea- 
tional programs. 

• In  these  fast  changing  times  — 
5,000  Camp  Executives  find  Camp- 
ing World  indispensible  in  complet- 
ing the  knowledge  they  require  to 
form  sound  opinions  on  Camping. 

We  believe  that  you,  too,  will  find 
Camping  World  so  satisfying  that 
you  will  never  wish  to  be  without  it. 

You  need  not  send  your  check  now. 

We  will  bill  you  later,  if  you  wish. 

But  to  insure  receiving  Camping 
World  we  urge  you  to  mail  your  sub- 
scription order  at  once. 

$2.00  for  ONE  YEAR 

CAMPING  WORLD 

THE  NATIONAL  MAGAZINE  OF  CAMPING 

Edited  by  L.  NOEL  BOOTH 

11  East  44th  Street,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Send  to  Dept.  R5  for  a sample  copy 

I - ★ 


H.  S.  SOUDER 

SOUDERTON,  PA. 

Manufacturer  of 

UNPAINTED 
NOVELTY  BOXES 

Attractive  Prices  / Write  for  Catalogue 


Champion  swimmers  and  divers.  In  fact,  more  National 
Championships  have  been  won  on  his  equipment  than  all 
others  combined.  Among  the  proteges  of  William  Bach- 
rach  are  such  famous  names  as  Johnnie  Weissmueller, 
Conrad  Wohlfeld,  Arthur  Hartung  and  many  others. 

The  new  “Bachrach”  Championship  Diving  Board  and 
“Bachrach”  Fulcrum  comply  with  all  official  regulations. 
The  unique  design  insures  the  greatest  possible  degree  of 
prevention  against  breakage,  warping  and  swelling.  The 
wood  is  subjected  to  an  exclusive  Louden  Bachrach  pro- 
cess of  oil  treatment  and  finishing.  The  new  fulcrum 
represents  a distinct  departure  in  design  and  construction 
from  all  others.  The  springboard  rests  directly  upon  a 
thick,  hard,  yet  resilient,  cushion  of  rubber.  This  rubber 
cushion  is  firmly  imbedded  into  a sturdy  Certified  Mal- 
leable Iron  Casting.  The  fulcrum  is  speedily  and  effici- 
ently adjusted  by  the  diver  to  give  any  desired  spring- 
board tension. 

William  Bachrach,  we  are  told,  has  expressed  his 
pleasure  with  the  opportunity  to  cooperate  in  commer- 
cializing this  diving  equipment  of  his  own  design,  thus 
making  it  available  to  ambitious  amateurs  everywhere. 
The  J.  E.  Porter  Corporation  of  Ottawa  now  has  ready 
for  distribution  new  literature  illustrating  and  describing 
the  new  “Bachrach”  Championship  Diving  Board  and 
Fulcrum.  A new  catalog,  is  also  just  ready.  It  gives  full 
particulars  on  the  complete  new  line  of  Louden  Stream- 
lined Pool  Equipment.  Copies  will  be  gladly  mailed  to 
all  architects,  engineers,  pool  operators,  and  others  in- 
terested in  the  selection  and  purchase  of  better  pool 
equipment. 

The  J.  E.  Porter  Corporation  guarantees  the  new 
Bachrach  Championship  Diving  Board  against  breakage 
for  two  years.  The  new  fulcrum  practically  eliminates 
diving  board  breakage  yet  provides  the  board  with  a 
spring  and  a distinctive  action  which  heretofore  have 
been  regarded  as  unattainable. 


The  Recreation  Equipment  Co.,  Anderson,  Indiana,  has 
developed  a number  of  new  ideas  in  design  and  construc- 
tion in  connection  with  the  manufacture  of  the  “Recrea- 
tion” line,  of  Park,  Playground  and  Swimming  Pool 
Equipment  These  new  developments  have  been  brought 
about  by  more  than  twenty  years  of  experience  on  the 
part  of  their  executives  in  all  phases  of  design,  construc- 
tion, and  selling.  Among  them  are  the  new  All-Metal 
Tennis  Net  Outfits,  new  Dual  Fulcrum  for  Diving 
Boards,  a superior  All-Metal  Slide,  and  a new  idea  in 
Laminated  Diving  Boards.  Every  one  of  these  new  ideas 
contributes  to  longer  life  and  more  satisfactory  service. 

A catalog  will  be  sent  for  the  asking. 


Any  questions  regarding  archery  for  school  or  camp 
use  and  finished  or  raw  material  for  making  bows  and 
arrows  will  be  gladly  answered  by  Rounsevelle-Rohm, 
Inc.,  Hazel  Crest,  Illinois. 


SERVICE  HELPS 


183 


Shuffleboard  Game  Equipment 

$7.50,  $10.00  and  $15.00  Sets 
of  Best  Material 

Rubber-tired  Discs — Cannot  Split — $5.00 

Catalogue 

• 

Daytona  Beach  Shuffle  Board  Co. 

Philmont  New  York 


The  Royal  Emblem  Company,  41  John  Street,  New 
York  City,  has  developed  several  very  new  and  inexpen- 
sive ideas  in  medal  awards  especially  designed  to  meet 
the  needs  of  the  recreation  director. 


“To  End  Dust”  is  the  title  of  an  interesting  new  24 
page  booklet  in  two  colors  published  this  month  by  the 
Solvay  Sales  Corporation,  40  Rector  Street,  New  York 
City.  The  contents  of  this  booklet  have  to  do  with  the 
dust  nuisance  from  unpaved  outdoor  surfaces  and  tell 
how  it  may  be  simply  and  successfully  combated  at  small 
cost  by  the  application  of  Solvay  Calcium  Chloride.  Com- 
plete instructions  and  table  for  use  are  included,  together 
with  half  tone  illustrations  of  specific  outdoor  areas 
where  treatment  is  recommended. 

Free  copies  of  the  booklet,  “To  End  Dust,”  will  be 
gladly  sent  on  request  to  the  Solvay  organization. 


As  publishers  of  music  for  recreational  activities,  the 
Clayton  F.  Sumtny  Company,  429  South  Wabash  Avenue, 
Chicago,  Illinois,  has  held  front  rank  for  a long  period  of 
years.  The  Summy  catalogue  of  physical  education,  dance 
and  recreation  books,  operettas,  pageants  and  panto- 
mimes, is  one  continuous  list  of  important  publications. 
It  is  the  aim  of  the  company  to  make  available  to  all 
the  outstanding  contributions  of  creative  workers  in  this 
field.  

Talens  School  Products  Inc.,  offers  free  to  heads  of 
schools  and  camps  a 32-page  Catalog  of  Materials  and 
Crafts  Instruction  Book.  This  booklet  offers  everything 
for  the  crafts  worker,  featuring  Leatherwork,  Beadwork, 
Metalwork,  Pottery,  Book  Binding,  Basketry,  Loom 
Weaving  and  Block  Printing.  The  company  has  offices 
in  New  York,  Chicago,  San  Francisco,  Dallas,  and  Terre 
Haute. 

Among  the  many  alluring  spots  to  visit  in  New  York, 
high  up  in  Rockefeller  Center,  overlooking  the  tops  of 
other  skyscrapers,  is  a school  devoted  entirely  to  self- 
expression  through  handicrafts.  Everyone  has  an  urge 
to  make  things  with  his  hands.  The  Universal  School  of 
Handicrafts  makes  available  conditions  that  are  ideal  for 
creative  expression  of  self.  Under  the  sympathetic  guid- 
ance of  instructors  who  are  masters  of  the  techniques  re- 
quired in  a broad  range  of  arts  and  handicrafts,  students 
may  develop  in  their  chosen  lines. 

Twenty  subjects  are  now  being  taught,  to  which  others 
will  be  added  as  the  need  develops.  Students  may  work 
out  any  combination  of  crafts,  as  the  aim  of  the  school 
is  to  fit  instruction  to  the  individual  requirements.  This 
spring  and  summer  instruction  will  be  offered  in  Loom 
Weaving,  Tapestry  Weaving,  Leather,  Jewelry,  Metalry, 
Glove  Making,  Wood  Carving,  Chip  Carving,  Block 
Printing,  Pottery,  Marionettes,  Celluloid  Etching,  De- 
sign, Camp  Crafts,  Occupational  Therapy  Crafts,  Settle- 
ment Crafts,  Book  Binding,  Model  Making,  Primitive 
Musical  Instrument  Construction. 


HANDICRAFT  SERVICE 

for  Playgrounds,  Camps 
and  Recreation  Centers 

INSTRUCTION  in  all  forms  of  handwork 
for  playgrounds — books,  instruction  sheets. 

MATERIALS:  leather,  metal,  wood,  lacing, 
yams,  over  2000  difficult  to  obtain  supplies. 

TOOLS  for  every  type  of  handwork, 
special  playground  equipment. 

FREE  ADVISORY  SERVICE,  Programs 
suggested  to  meet  every  reasonable  bud- 
get limitation,  a wide  range  of  projects 
from  5c.  to  15c,  instruction  material  for 
leaders. 

SUPPLY  CATALOG  6c.  Sent  free  if  request 
is  written  on  official  stationery  or  by  au- 
thorized leader. 

Universal  School  of  Handicrafts 

ROCKEFELLER  CENTER 

1270  SIXTH  AVENUE  - - - NEW  YORK.  N.  Y. 

(Boston  School,  165  Newbury  Street) 


Naturally  the  supply  service  required  for  such  a broad 
range  of  activities  includes  several  thousand  difficult-to- 
obtain  materials,  tools,  books  and  instruction  manuals. 
This  service  has  been  made  available  to  all  creative 
groups  as  well  as  individuals. 

Special  short  period  courses  have  been  arranged  for 
recreation  leaders,  projects  being  adapted  to  the  peculiar 
conditions  that  must  be  met.  One  course  of  this  nature 
covers  articles  costing  five  cents  or  less,  suited  to  junior 
age  boys  and  girls.  Another  feature  of  the  Universal 
Plan  covers  free  advisory  service  for  leaders  who  wish 
specific  data.  Those  who  wish  to  be  kept  informed  of 
new  developments  in  creative  work  may  secure  a free 
bulletin  service  covering  different  branches  of  creative 
work. 

Address  letters  to  the  Director,  Universal  School  of 
Handicrafts,  1270  Sixth  Avenue,  New  York  City. 


Indian  Beadcraft  is  one  of  the  most  interesting  and  in- 
expensive handicrafts  for  recreation  centers  and  play- 
grounds. Both  young  and  old  are  thrilled  with  the  op- 
portunity of  making  beaded  belts,  fobs,  necklaces,  hand 
bags,  hat  bands  and  rings,  and  the  cost  is  very  small. 

A new  Indian  bead  loom  has  just  been  developed  that 
is  the  most  practical  and  economical  bead  loom  ever  made. 
It  is  constructed  to  last  a lifetime.  This  loom  is  made 
in  three  sizes  and  ranges  in  price  from  25<f  to  $1.00  each. 

Send  for  free  folder  No.  20R  describing  this  loom  to 
IValco  Bead  Company,  37  West  37th  Street,  New  York 
City.  You  will  aiso  find  in  this  folder  complete  infor- 
mation regarding  practical  and  economical  handicrafts 
suitable  for  playgrounds  and  recreation  centers.  Walco 
Bead  Company  supplies  a large  number  of  these  play- 
grounds and  recreation  centers  with  all  types  of  beads 
and  they  will  be  glad  to  outline  programs  for  your 
groups. 


New  Publications  in  the  Leisure  Time  Field 


Leisure  for  Living 

By  Katherine  Glover.  Superintendent  of  Documents, 
Washington,  D.  C.  $.15. 

" I ei surf,  for  Living/’  the  second  of  the  bulletins  pre- 
pared  by  the  Committee  on  Youth  Problems,  Office 
of  Education,  offers  a challenging  presentation  of  the 
needs  of  youth  for  recreation  and  of  the  responsibility  of 
society  for  helping  to  meet  these  needs.  It  tells  of  new 
developments  in  the  field  and  cites  instances  of  com- 
munity programs  which  have  been  developed  in  an  ef- 
fort to  meet  youth’s  needs.  There  are  suggestions  for 
specific  leisure  time  activities  and  practical  examples  are 
quoted.  This  booklet  should  be  in  the  hands  of  all  groups 
working  with  young  people  or  concerned  about  their 
welfare. 

The  first  bulletin  of  this  series  was  Youth — How  Com- 
munities Can  Help.  ($.10.)  Others  to  appear  later  include 
Education  for  Those  Out  of  School;  Vocational  Guid- 
ance for  Those  Out  of  School;  Employment  Opportuni- 
ties; Health  Protection  and  Surveys. 

Boxing  for  Beginners 

By  Bernard  F.  Mooney.  M.  and  M.  Publishing  Company, 
Box  36,  Columbus,  Ohio.  $1.00. 

“This  book  is  the  second  of  a series  of  textbooks  to  be 

* used  in  teaching  classes  in  physical  education,  for 
coaching  teams  or  for  self-instruction.  The  plan  of  in- 
struction as  outlined  will  enable  instructors  to  teach  the 
fundamental  boxing  techniques  to  a large  number  of 
pupils  as  well  as  to  individuals. 

Planning  the  Future  with  Youth 

Edited  by  S.  M.  Keeny.  Association  Press,  New  York. 
$.50. 

The  six  sections  of  this  booklet  are  drawn  from  ad- 

* dresses  made  at  Niagara  Falls  in  October  1935  at  the 
meetings  of  the  National  Councils  of  Y.M.C.A.’s  of  the 
United  States,  the  International  Convention  of  the  Na- 
tional Councils  of  the  United  States  and  Canada,  and  the 
Educational  Council.  The  six  papers  published  in  this 
compilation  have  been  selected  with  a view  to  meeting 
one  test — what  light  do  they  throw  on  the  possibilities  of 
helping  youth  find  themselves  in  this  time  of  confusion? 
The  contributors  and  their  subjects  are:  “The  Religious 
Person  in  the  World  Today,”  by  Professor  Gregory 
Vlastos ; “The  Outlook  of  Youth  in  American  Life,”  by 
Dr.  Harry  Woodburn  Chase;  “North  America  and  the 
World  Crisis,”  by  Dr.  J.  W.  Dafoe;  “Youth  Speaks  for 
Itself,”  a summary  by  Professor  Harry  A.  Overstreet; 
“Our  Rights  As  a Christian  Movement,”  by  John  E. 
Manley;  “Youth’s  Challenge  to  Democracy:  What  the 
Y.M.C.A.  Can  Do  About  It,”  by  Thomas  H.  Nelson. 


Tennis  for  Teachers 

Bv  Helen  Irene  Driver.  W.  B.  Saunders  Company, 
Philadelphia.  $2.50. 

I n the  April  1935  issue  of  Recreation  we  reviewed 
Miss  Driver’s  book  originally  published  by  her  in  paper 
backed  form.  Since  that  date  the  book  had  been  published 
by  Saunders  in  a somewhat  enlarged  form  and  there  has 
been  some  revision  of  the  material  in  the  first  edition. 
In  the  book  Miss  Driver  sketches  the  history  of  tennis, 
discusses  scoring,  rules,  equipment  and  terminology, 
always  emphasizing  methods  of  teaching  them  to  the 
student.  She  describes  and  illustrates  the  details  of  good 
form,  the  various  strokes  and  tactics,  and  faults  and 
errors  to  be  avoided.  Elementary  games  for  the  develop- 
ment of  the  student  are  included,  and  suggestions  are  of- 
fered for  organizing  and  administering  a complete  tennis 
program. 

Tumbling  for  Girls 

By  Mama  Venable  Brady,  M.A.  Lea  and  Febiger,  Phila- 
delphia. $1.50. 

This  handbook  for  teachers  and  students  is  designed  to 
1 provide  a textbook  on  tumbling  for  girls  of  high  school 
and  college  age.  Its  particular  aim  is  to  develop  both  skills 
and  grace.  At  the  same  time  it  does  not  neglect  the  spirit 
of  play,  which  is  one  of  the  leading  factors  in  the  suc- 
cessful teaching  of  tumbling.  The  material  is  original, 
varied  and  practical. 

A Handbook  for  the  Amateur  Actor 

By  Van  H.  Cartmell.  Samuel  French,  New  York.  $1.50. 
This  book  is  intended  primarily  for  the  occasional  per- 
1 former — the  amateur  with  whom  acting  is  a hobby. 
In  it  the  author  reveals  a thousand  and  one  secrets  about 
the  art  of  acting,  and  an  exceedingly  helpful,  practical 
book  is  the  result.  “George,”  a one-act  play,  is  included 
with  complete  stage  directions  and  a running  commentary 
for  the  director,  together  with  a descriptive  glossary  of 
stage  terms. 

Planning  for  the  Small  American  City 

By  Russell  Van  Nest  Black.  Public  Administration 
Service,  Chicago,  Illinois.  $1.00. 

In  this  very  practical  booklet  Mr.  Black,  who  has  done 
1 much  planning  work  in  small  communities,  discusses 
the  problem  in  three  sections:  (1)  Making  the  City  Plan; 

(2)  What  Modern  Planning  Offers  the  Small  City,  and 

(3)  Carrying  Out  the  City  Plan.  An  interesting  chapter 
on  parks,  playgrounds  and  other  recreational  areas  pre- 
sents concisely  the  importance  of  careful  planning  for 
recreational  areas  and  suggests  how  such  planning  can 
most  effectively  be  done. 


184 


July  Has  C 


ome 


Courtesy  Cincinnati  Y.M.C.A. 


"Beauty  is  all  about  us  every  day  everywhere,  if  we  have 
the  eye  to  see  it  and  the  mind  to  recognize  it  and  enjoy 
it.  We  have  it  in  all  the  great  outdoors;  we  can  see  it 
in  the  flash  of  a blue  jay's  wing,  in  the  shapes  of  the 
clouds  as  they  float  endlessly  on  in  the  glorious  sky. 
We  can  see  it  in  the  lines  of  the  meandering  stream  and 
in  the  curves  of  far  distant  hills.  We  can  see  it  in  the 
design  and  color  of  the  simplest  flower  at  the  roadside." 

— Elizabeth  W.  Robertson 


185 


WILLIAM  BUTTERWORTH 

Member,  Board  of  Directors 
National  Recreation  Association 

1920-1936 


186 


William  Butterworth 

BACK  OF  the  work  of  the  local  recreation  systems  and  of  the  members  of  the  National  Recreation 
Association  staff  has  been  the  lay  membership  of  the  National  Board.  For  more  than  twenty-five 
years  Joseph  Lee  as  a layman,  as  President  of  the  Association,  worked  almost  as  if  he  were  a staff 
member.  Another  Board  member  whose  backing  has  meant  much  for  the  last  sixteen  years  has  been 
William  Butterworth. 

He  did  not  wait  to  be  called  upon  for  service.  He  himself  took  the  initiative  in  a creative  way. 
“As  President  of  the  United  States  Chamber  of  Commerce  I want  to  send  letters  to  each  local  chamber 
about  the  setting  aside  of  land  for  playgrounds  and  parks  in  the  new  real  estate  developments.  I want 
to  ask  certain  questions  about  recreation  planning.  Unless  you  see  some  objections  I shall  send  out 
these  letters."  That  was  his  characteristic  way.  And  again  he  took  the  leadership  in  arranging  for  cer- 
tain publications  relating  to  recreation  planning. 

William  Butterworth,  wherever  he  went,  was  observing  recreation  developments  and  sharing 
with  the  workers  what  he  had  learned.  After  a visit  to  Long  Beach,  California,  he  came  to  the  office  to 
run  over  what  might  be  helpful  to  other  cities.  As  he  made  trips  to  the  Southwest  or  to  the  Pacific 
Coast  he  was  willing  to  take  time  to  talk  to  individuals  about  the  national  recreation  program.  He 
presided  at  sessions  of  the  National  Recreation  Congress — remaining  throughout  the  convention.  Just 
last  April  he  attended  the  Pacific  Coast  District  Recreation  Conference.  When  he  learned  that  Dr. 
Lawrence  P.  Jacks  of  Oxford,  England,  was  to  be  in  the  Middle  West,  William  Butterworth  im- 
mediately arranged  important  meetings  in  his  home  city  of  Moline,  Illinois,  to  hear  Dr.  Jacks  and 
confer  with  him. 

Perhaps  no  part  of  the  national  recreation  program  interested  Mr.  Butterworth  more  than  the 
rural.  He  followed  closely  what  Mr.  and  Mrs.  John  Bradford,  W.  P.  Jackson,  Jack  Knapp  were  do- 
ing in  training  thousands  of  volunteer  recreation  leaders  for  service  in  the  rural  areas.  Only  a few 
days  before  his  death  he  telephoned  to  tell  about  a conference  he  wanted  to  arrange  for  John  Bradford 
in  Chicago  at  which  he  planned  to  be  present. 

The  task  of  money-raising  was  no  easier  for  him  than  for  any  one  else,  but  he  willingly  took 
hold  of  it.  At  the  time  of  the  25th  anniversary  Board  meeting  held  in  the  Cabinet  Room  at  the  White 
House,  it  was  William  Butterworth  who  introduced  a resolution  urging  the  need  of  establishing  a 
limited  period  $10,000,000  endowment  fund  for  the  national  recreation-leisure  time  movement. 

Even  as  a student  at  Lehigh  University  Mr.  Butterworth  had  been  in  the  Glee  Club  and  in  col- 
lege dramatics — as  well  as  playing  football  and  baseball.  Years  ago  he  had  himself  taken  the  leader- 
ship in  developing  a large  chorus  at  Moline.  He  was  always  much  interested  in  children's  gardens  and 
community  gardens. 

As  he  came  to  New  York  from  time  to  time  he  would  come  in  with  his  list  of  problems  he 
wanted  to  take  up — always  wholehearted,  enthusiastic,  so  very  human  and  kindly  that  all  of  us  who 
met  him  had  more  power  for  going  on  with  our  work.  He  was  like  a father  in  his  spirit  with  mem- 
bers of  the  staff.  One  could  talk  over  any  kind  of  problem  with  him  and  be  so  sure  of  his  interest 
and  of  the  wisdom  that  came  from  a long  experience  of  life.  Incidentally  as  one  talked  with  William 
Butterworth  one  would  catch  glimpses  of  many  things  he  was  doing  in  different  fields — doing  them 
all  quietly,  simply.  William  Butterworth  sought  nothing  for  himself.  He  gave  many  addresses  on  rec- 
reation and  many  of  his  articles  appeared  in  various  magazines.  He  was  always  ready  to  help,  but  he 
cared  nothing  for  recognition  for  himself. 

Several  times  when  William  Butterworth  had  gone  out  of  my  office  I thought  of  the  verse  — 
“Except  as  ye  become  as  little  children  ye  cannot  enter  into  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven."  William  But- 
terworth was  a man  of  great  strength  and  force  of  character,  but  with  it  all  he  kept  as  much  as  any 
man  I have  known  the  heart  of  a little  child.  One  could  sit  with  him  in  comfort  without  talking.  I 
have  been  with  him  as  he  talked  with  the  President  of  the  United  States  and  I have  been  with  him 
as  he  talked  with  unknown  strangers  and  to  all  men  and  women  he  was  just  himself — not  looking 
up  or  down,  but  straight  across. 

It  means  much  to  the  national  recreation  movement  that  from  1920  until  his  recent  death  it  has 
had  the  help  of  such  great-souled  leadership.  William  Butterworth  did  much  to  make  America  a place 
in  which  there  is  greater  opportunity  for  gracious  living. 

Howard  Braucher. 


JULY  193  6 


187 


From  a Letter  Written  to 

WILLIAM  BUTTERWORTH 

By  His  Father 


House  of  Representatives, 
Washington,  D.  C., 

September  15,  1886. 

My  dear  Son  : 

Thee  is  about  to  return  to  college  to  renew  thy 
studies,  but  will  realize,  if  thee  lives,  in  after  life, 
the  great  love  I have  for  thee,  and  the  anxiety  I 
feel  for  thy  welfare. 

My  son,  in  all  things  let  the  eternal  rule  of  right 
be  thy  guide.  Do  nothing  that  thy  conscience  does 
not  approve.  In  all  thy  dealings  with  thy  fellow 
men  act  honorably.  As  thy  grandmother  would 
say,  “Stick  to  the  right.”  It  is  a mere  matter  of 
policy,  the  best,  since  truth  and  right  are  of  God 
and  hence,  eternal,  while  error  and  wrong  are  of  a 
day  and  must  perish  from  the  earth. 

These  are  golden  hours  and  are  fleeing  fast. 
Improve  each  one. 

Let  thy  language  in  conversation  be  chaste  and 
elegant.  Avoid  saying  anything  that  will  wound 
the  feelings  of  another. 

Seek  to  fill  thy  mind,  not  only  with  the  knowl- 
edge of  text  books,  but  with  general  useful  knowl- 
edge as  well. 

Remember  thy  Creator  in  the  days  of  thy  youth, 
when  the  evil  days  come  not  and  the  hour  draw- 
eth  not  nigh  when  you  shalt  say,  “I  have  no 
pleasure  in  them.” 

“Honor  thy  father  and  thy  mother  that  thy 
days  may  be  long  in  the  land  which  the  Lord  thy 
God  giveth  thee.” 

Keep  thy  mind  clean  and  sweet.  Cultivate  en- 
nobling thoughts,  and  emulate  the  example  of  the 
good. 

Be  economical  without  parsimony.  Remember, 
there  can  be  no  storing  without  saving,  and  wise 
economy  is  the  true  source  of  benevolence. 


Study  philosophy  as  much  as  possible.  Culti- 
vate habits  of  thoughtfulness. 

Let  thy  conversation  be  characterized  by 
gravity.  Levity  compromises  dignity,  and  con- 
nects one  with  the  vulgar  throng,  while  true 
dignity  commands  respect. 

Remember,  a man  is  known  by  his  associates. 
Leave  a companion  who  urges  thee  into  evil  as- 
sociations or  compromising  places.  Go  nowhere 
thee  would  hesitate  to  take  thy  father  or  brother. 

Keep  a journal.  It  will  be  a record  of  thy  prog- 
ress in  study  and  mental  growth,  and  besides  it 
will  accustom  thee  to  writing  thy  thoughts  and  to 
describing  events. 

Seek  to  practice,  at  least  experimentally,  what 
thee  learns.  I will  procure  an  electrical  outfit  for 
thee  so  thee  may  increase  thy  knowledge  of  the 
science  by  experiments  as  well  as  by  study. 

Get  on  as  fast  as  thee  can  in  thy  studies,  as  I 
need  thee  very  much  to  assist  me  in  business. 

Be  careful  of  thy  health.  Don’t  fail  to  apply 
the  remedy  to  disease  in  its  inception.  Be  very 
careful  not  to  get  overheated  and  then  expose  thy- 
self to  sudden  cold  by  lying  on  the  ground  or 
otherwise. 

These  things  I have  written  thee  to  keep  them 
in  thy  memory. 

Once  more.  Be  a good  and  worthy  boy.  In  all 
things  so  live  that  when  thee  lies  down  at  night, 
no  stinging  conscience  will  disturb  thy  sleep. 

May  the  Father  of  us  all  keep  thee,  and  guide 
thy  footsteps  in  the  way  of  light  and  truth,  and 
in  good  health  bring  thee  again  to  thy  home. 

Thy  loving  father, 

Ben.  Butterworth. 

To  William  Butterworth, 

Washington,  D.  C. 


188 


Resolution  Presented  by 

WILLIAM  BUTTERWORTH 

at  the 

Twenty -fifth  Anniversary  Board  Meeting 

held  in  the 

Cabinet  Room  of  the  White  H ouse 


Whereas  it  is  estimated  that  the  annual  crime 
bill  of  the  United  is  $i 0,000, 000,000.  or 
more ; and 

Whereas  it  is  reported  by  responsible  medical 
authorities  that  diseases  of  the  heart  and  nervous 
system  are  rapidly  increasing  under  the  strain  of 
modern  life;  and 

Whereas  there  are  338,000  insane  individuals 
in  the  public  institutions  of  the  United  States  with 
an  annual  maintenance  cost  to  the  taxpayer  of 
$169,000,000.  with  the  number  rapidly  increasing 
each  year ; and 

Whereas  there  are  10,000  children  under  fif- 
teen years  of  age  killed  each  eighteen  month 
period  by  automobiles ; and 

Whereas  there  are  200,000  children  arrested 
annually  in  the  United  States  for  juvenile  delin- 
quency; and 

Whereas  the  White  House  Conference  on 
Child  Health  and  Protection  reports  that  there  are 
45,000,000  children  under  eighteen  years  of  age 
in  the  United  States  and  that  these  children  spend 
a startlingly  large  percent  of  their  time  outside 
the  school  and  home ; and 

Whereas  mental  and  physical  health,  safety, 
good  citizenship  and  normal  living  are  well  nigh 
impossible  without  wholesome  and  adequate 
recreation ; 

Therefore  Be  it  Resolved:  That  the  Na- 
tional Recreation  Association  at  this  twenty-fifth 
anniversary  meeting  reaffirm  its  former  vote  that 
a foundation  or  limited  period  endowment  of  not 
less  than  $10,000,000  is  needed  for  the  national 
Recreation  movement ; that 


For  all  that  is  involved  in  preparing  na- 
tionally for  the  recreational  use  of  the 
larger  leisure  which  is  coming  so  rapidly 
in  industry 

For  the  training  of  volunteer  and  pro- 
fessional recreation  workers  through  the 
Graduate  School  and  its  Extension 
Service 

For  research  in  the  leisure  time  and  rec- 
reation field 

For  assistance  to  educational  authorities 
For  study  and  service  in  the  training  of 
school  leaders  in  recreation 

For  assistance  in  training  rural  leaders 
in  recreation 

For  work  on  the  land  and  water  prob- 
lems involved  in  providing  for  the  future 
needs  of  the  population  of  the  United 
States  along  recreation  lines 

For  all  these  services  there  is  need  either  for 
an  endowment  of  $10,000,000  or  the  provision  of 
a stabilization  fund  which  would  guarantee  an 
assured  income  of  not  less  than  $500,000  a year 
for  the  next  twenty  years. 

That  no  organized  drive  be  undertaken  to 
secure  this  fund,  but  that  effort  be  made  to  bring 
this  need  to  the  attention  of  the  men  and  women 
in  America  who  at  the  present  time  are  consider- 
ing bequests  and  the  establishment  of  foundations 
and  endowments  and  trust  funds  for  essential  na- 
tional services  to  humanity  not  yet  adequately 
financed. 


189 


Th  ree  Months  Later 


On  January  15th  the  WPA 
recreation  project  in  the 
City  of  Berkeley  had  its  be- 
ginning. After  several  months  of 
waiting  word  was  received  that  the 
funds  had  been  allotted  and  that  on  the  15th 
workers  would  once  again  be  assigned  to  assist 
the  Berkeley  Recreation  Department  with  its 
year-round  recreation  program.  Hours  of 
careful  planning  and  thoughtful  consideration 
of  the  lessons  learned  from  past  experience 
under  CWA  and  SERA  went  into  setting  up 
the  best  possible  plans  for  making  the  new 
project  the  greatest  benefit  to  the  people  of 
the  City  of  Berkeley  and  of  equal  importance 
to  those  working  on  the  project. 

Careful  selection  of  administrative  person- 
nel, comprehensive  planning  of  a training  pro- 
gram for  the  play  leaders,  adequate  facilities 
for  housing  and  finally  the  preparation  of  a 
standard  of  efficiency  toward  which  it  was 
hoped  our  WPA  play  leaders  would  strive, 
completed  the  ground  work  laid  prior  to  the 
opening  date.  Consideration  was  also  given  to 
the  problem  of  using  as  many  applicants  sent 
to  us  as  possible.  This  was  determined  by 
painstakingly  listing  all  the  needs  of  the  Rec- 
reation Department.  Our  application  blank 
was  drawn  up  and  we  were  ready  to  proceed. 
Every  attempt  was  made  to 
absorb  as  many  workers  as 
the  project  would  allow.  An 
information  form,  supple- 
mented by  personal  inter- 
views, constituted  the  first 
steps  in  this  rehabilitation 
program.  Responsibilities 
were  assigned,  definite  hours 
set  and  an  effort  made  to 
make  the  work  as  interest- 
ing as  possible.  True,  the 
standards  were  high,  but  by 
means  of  our  training  course 
we  were  determined  to  give 
to  these  people  not  only  a 


knowledge  of  our  work,  but 
most  important,  to  instill  a de- 
sire to  better  themselves  and  to 
plan  for  the  day  when  they 
would  leave  us  to  secure  a per- 
manent position.  Such  was  the  foundation 
upon  which  our  program  of  recreation  under 
WPA  was  built. 

Now,  three  months  later,  we  stop  long 
enough  to  survey  the  results  obtained  and  to 
see  if  we  are  doing  all  we  can  to  reach  our 
objectives.  Reviewing  the  situation  we  find 
that  we  have  been  fortunate  in  having  assigned 
to  us  people  who  were  eager  to  work.  Those 
who  were  interested  in  recreation  truly  endeav- 
ored to  learn  all  they  could,  with  the  idea  in 
mind  of  doing  their  job  just  a bit  better.  Every- 
one was  given  at  least  twenty  hours  of  pre- 
liminary training  in  the  history,  function,  the- 
ory, value  and  need  of  leisure  time  supervision. 
All  started  at  the  bottom,  so  to  speak,  and 
were  advanced  according  to  our  standards  and 
their  ability  to  conform  to  these  standards. 
Following  this  training  they  were  sent  to  a 
play  area  to  observe  how  the  play  leader 
worked,  just  what  his  or  her  problems  were 
and,  in  short,  just  what  it  was  all  about.  After 
several  days  of  observation  they  were  organ- 
ized into  discussion  groups  where  an  experi- 
enced supervisor  answered 
all  questions  and  enlight- 
ened them  further  about 
their  duties. 

Fitting  the  Worker 
to  the  Job 

At  the  end  of  this  period 
the  superintendent  of  the 
project,  the  supervisor  of 
training  and  the  supervisor 
of  playgrounds  met  and  con- 
sidered each  candidate.  The 
position  and  the  candidate 
were  discussed.  An  honest 
attempt  was  made  to  fit  the 


By  Harry  H.  Stoops 

Supervisor  of  Playgrounds 
Recreation  Commission 
Berkeley,  California 


At  recreation  congresses,  district 
meetings  and  on  all  occasions  when 
recreation  executives  and  officials 
come  together  to  discuss  their  prob- 
lems, the  subject  of  WPA  workers  is 
invariably  discussed.  How  can  these 
workers  be  used  to  the  best  advan- 
tage? How  are  they  to  be  trained? 
What  is  their  place  in  the  municipal 
recreation  program?  Discussion  of 
these  and  similar  problems  is  sure  to 
fill  the  air! 

In  this  article  Mr.  Stoops  tells  us 
how  one  recreation  department  has 
met  the  situation  through  a carefully 
thought  out  plan  which  has  brought 
happy  results. 


190 


THREE  MONTHS  LATER 


191 


, Courtesy  Winnetka,  III.,  Public  Schools 


person  to  the  position  and  the  position  to  the 
person.  By  this  time  the  worker’s  weak  and 
strong"  points  were 


known,  and  we  were 
very  careful  to  assign 
the  man  or  woman  to 
a play  area  where  he  or 
she  would  have  the 
best  chance  of  doing  a 
good  job.  Every  possi- 
ble personality  trait  was  considered,  the 
worker’s,  as  well  as  the  characteristics  of 
those  with  whom  he  or  she  was  to  work. 

The  number  of  our  workers  grew  and 
their  interest  increased  accordingly.  They 
formed  their  own  organization  and  came 
willingly  on  their  own  free  time  to  re- 
ceive additional  training.  As  they  arrived 
at  the  predetermined  standards  advance- 
ments were  made  and  increases  in  pay 
were  gladly  given.  Additional  supervi- 
sion was  provided  by  the  training  super- 
visor who  spent  considerable  time  on  the 
playgrounds  with  the  directors  assisting 
them  with  their  problems  of  program  or 
discipline. 

At  the  present  time  sixty-five  play 
leaders  on  twenty-seven  play  areas  are 
increasing  the  service  to  the  community 
by  keeping  the  play  areas  open  additional 
hours  each  day  more  days  each  week;  by 
offering  leadership  and  training  in  new 
activities  heretofore  lacking  in  the  pro- 
gram. Roys’  and  girls’  clubs,  hiking,  pic- 


WPA workers  with  training  in  drama  are  engaged 
in  writing  and  producing  plays  for  children  and 
adults,  in  constructing  stage  sets  and  building 
scenery.  They  are  searching  libraries  for  in- 
formation and  are  compiling  bibliographies  and 
arranging  libraries  of  plays  for  community  use. 


nicking,  swimming,  tournaments, 
leagues,  special  classes — all  these  and 
many  more  are  being  promoted  by  these 
play  directors  who  are  genuinely  inter- 
ested in  their  newly  found  work.  Addi- 
tional play  areas  have  been  opened  and 
softball  leagues  organized  and  super- 
vised. Pet  shows,  pentathlons,  field  days, 
play  days,  carnivals  and  many  other  fea- 
tures have  been  promoted  successfully. 
Special  groups,  consisting  of  pre-school, 
school,  delinquents,  adults  and  old  per- 
sons are  all  benefiting  from  this  en- 
larged program. 

Individuals  have  been  given  a chance 
to  display  their  hobbies  by  being  placed 
on  the  project  as  specialists.  Boxing, 
wrestling,  tumbling,  dancing  — ballroom  and 
tap — dramatics,  handcraft,  story-telling,  bridge 

and  musical  activities 
are  only  some  of  our 
many  new  additions  to 
the  program. 

Leather  repair  men 
were  assigned  to  the 
repairing,  recondition- 
ing and  rehabilitating  of 


Courtesy  Hygeia 


192 


1 7/  REE  .1  / O N THS  LA  TER 


old  and  used  playground  supplies,  indoor 
baseballs,  volley  balls,  basketballs,  soccer  balls, 
punching  bags  and  bases,  were  all  placed  once 
again  into  service  through  a minimum  cost  to 
the  city  for  materials  used  for  repairs.  New  in- 
door and  medicine  balls  were  constructed 
from  old  sections  of  worn  out  leather  casings, 
thereby  making  new  supplies  available. 

Handymen  were  used  to  paint  lines  for  bas- 
ketball, volley  ball,  tennis  and  handball  courts. 
Circles  and  squares  were  painted  for  additional 
games.  Baseball  diamonds  were  marked  off 
and  bases  and  foul  lines  double  coated  with 
traffic  white  paint.  Thus  on  twenty-six  play- 
grounds all  game  areas  were  made  more  usable 
through  the  services  of  these  men.  Infields 
were  smoothed,  jumping  pits  dug,  bleachers 
painted  and  many  more  tasks  completed,  which 
added  considerably  to  the  appearance  of  the 
playgrounds. 

Carpenters  constructed  tiling  cabinets  and 
shelves  from  material  purchased  by  the  city. 
Bean  bag,  mill,  hang  it,  dart  targets,  dart  base- 
ball, croquet  bowling,  spot  dodo,  bull  board,  peg 
quoits,  bagwa,  halma,  helma,  star  puzzle,  queen's 
guard,  devil  in  the  deep  blue  sea,  were  some 
of  the  games  made  and  placed  into  service  for 
the  use  of  the  people  of  Berkeley.  Small  looms 
for  bead  and  yarn  work  were' constructed  and 
used  by  the  play  leaders  in  teaching  their  fel- 
low workers  their  hobbies.  Boxes  for  recrea- 
tional material  were  also  designed  and  con- 
structed. 

Additional  assistance  in  the  office  made  pos- 
sible the  reorganization  of  files  on  recreational 
information ; a classification  of  all  playground 
accidents  over  a three-year  period,  reorganiza- 
tion of  the  distribution  system  of  playground 
supplies,  the  sorting  and  segregating  of  newly 
. acquired  information  on  leisure  time  pro- 
grams and  dozens  of  small  odd  jobs  too  nu- 
merous to  mention,  which  saved  time  for  the 
office  staff. 

Recreational  information  was  classified,  bul- 
letins written,  stencils  cut,  copies  mimeo- 
graphed and  clipped,  giving  a wider  service 
to  the  community.  Letters  telling  people  of 
the  municipal  camps  were  mimeographed  bv 
the  thousand  and  mailed.  Many  hours  of  time 
were  saved  by  typists,  mimeograph  operators 
and  other  assistants. 

All  leather  and  wooden  playground  material 


was  branded  with  “B.R.D.”  to  insure  them 
against  theft  as  far  as  possible.  In  developing 
recreational  institutes  a search  was  made  for 
new  ideas,  bulletins  compiled  and  material 
mimeographed  and  clipped. 

A commercial  artist  was  assigned  to  us  as 
a playground  leader  and  his  contributions  to 
the  program  have  been  unlimited.  Alphabets, 
numbers  and  signs  for  social  recreation ; wood- 
en signs  for  pet  shows,  dramatic  performances, 
camps  and  other  events;  painting. and  lettering 
of  all  the  previously  mentioned  twenty  games 
for  social  recreation ; show  cards  advertising 
special  features  — all  these  and  more  have 
served  to  enlarge  our  program. 

Handymen  have  kept  the  office  in  the  best 
of  condition.  Others,  painters  by  trade,  paint- 
ed, shellacked  and  varnished  the  games,  signs, 
etc.,  as  they  were  turned  out,  making  them 
more  durable. 

Applicants  with  dramatic  ability  and  experi- 
ence were  assigned  to  us  and  from  their  good 
work  we  have  accomplished  much.  Construc- 
tion of  costumes,  stage  sets,  scenery,  proper- 
ties, provided  work  for  many.  Rehanging  and 
reconditioning  of  stage  curtains  in  the  city’s  com- 
munity houses  was  a real  task  well  done.  Plays 
were  written,  cast,  directed  and  produced.  Li- 
braries were  searched  for  information  on  dra- 
matics, and  bibliographies  compiled  and  mime- 
graphed  for  distribution.  Groups  were  trained 
in  the  various  phases  of  dramatics.  Plays  were 
written,  cast,  and  produced  for  children.  A 
library  of  plays  was  organized  for  the  use  of 
those  interested.  A one-act  play  contest  was 
organized  and  promoted  and  fourteen  groups 
successfully  provided  five  evenings  of  one-act 
plays  for  a most  enthusiastic  audience. 

Information  from  the  Berkeley  Public  Library 
and  the  University  of  California  is  being  com- 
piled, and  in  the  very  near  future  complete  classi- 
fied bibliographies  of  recreation  in  all  of  its  many 
phases  will  be  available  for  the  public.  Social 
recreation  and  game  material  is  being  segre- 
gated and  classified  with  the  idea  of  adopting 
a filing  system  which  will  instantly  indicate 
the  type  of  activity  desired.  Drawings  of  all 
game  areas,  along  with  the  rules  for  the  games, 
have  been  placed  at  the  disposal  of  the  public. 
Each  of  the  Berkeley  playgrounds  has  been 
drawn  to  scale  showing  the  play  areas  from 
( Continued  on  page  226) 


0old  Digging  in  the  Home 


Much  has  been  said  about  the  natural  re- 
sources of  this  country.  We  have  been 
mightily  concerned  with  the  extent  of  our 
natural  resources,  their  development,  their  con- 
servation and  their  potential  possibility  in  giving 
comfort  and  happiness  to  everyone.  Yet  all  the 
while  the  natural  resources  of  the  home  have  been 
grievously  neglected.  We  might  well  do  more 
prospecting  at  home.  Staking  a claim  there  and 
proving  it  will  yield  far  richer  ore  than  digging  in 
any  earthy  hills. 

For  happier,  richer  lives  in  a better  society  we 
must  appraise  the  home  mine’s  resources  in  the 
form  of  personality  and  character,  latent  talents 
and  abilities,  and  room  area  for  self-expression  in 
play  and  creative  activities. 

There  is  a great  deal  of  truth  in  the  time-worn 
song,  “The  more  we  get  together  the  happier  are 
we."  “Getting  together”  need  not  be  at  college 
rally  or  the  village  pub  or  at  a convention.  It  may 
be  in  the  home  where  the  attendant  happiness  is 
deeper  seated,  more  sincere  and  lasting.  Home  is 
coming  to  mean  more  than  a place  to  hang  one’s 
hat,  a place  to  eat  — sometimes  — or  a place  to 
sleep.  People  are  becoming  increasingly  aware  of 
the  value  of  playing  together  in  the  home  as  a 
potential  factor  in  developing  its  human  resources. 
In  addition  to  strengthening  the  family  ties,  home 
play  is  an  important  socializing  agent  for  prepar- 
ing the  children  for  the  more  complicated  social 
adjustments  to  be  met  in  the  larger,  more  complex 
social  institutions  upon  which  contemporary 
society  is  based.  Through  home  play  desirable 
play  habits  may  be  established  which  will  con- 
tribute to  the  development  of  an  adjusted  per- 
sonality and  good  character. 

Through  creative  home  play  activities  who 
knows  what  happiness  and  satisfaction  have  been 
experienced  ? The  annals  of  history  are  full  of  the 
artists  and  writers  and  inventors  who  happily 
“messed  about”  at  home  much  to  the  horror  of 
their  families  and  friends 
who  considered  such  waste 
of  working  time  little  short, 
if  short  of  sinful.  Nowadays 
the  creative,  instinct  is  care- 
fully fostered,  not  to  develop 


or  discover  geniuses  or  best-seller  writers  or  fore- 
most painters,  but  because  by  so  doing  the  person 
involved  leads  a happier,  richer  life,  becomes  a 
more  rounded  personality.  “Of  all  things  which 
give  eternal  satisfaction  to  the  spirit  perhaps 
making  things  is  the  most  far  flung.”  And  the 
“things  ’ made  may  be  collections,  books,  photo- 
graphs, craft  objects  or  castles  in  the  sandbox  or 
block  houses. 

But  where  can  we  get  together  informally  and 
carry  on  these  activities  ? Prowl  around  your 
house.  Look  to  your  basement ! And  if  there  be 
no  basement,  what  about  the  attic  ? or  the  garage  ? 
or  the  roof?  or  the  porch?  Have  you  a half- 
empty  store  room  that  could  be  rearranged?  A 
little  ingenuity,  hard  work,  some  wall  board,  a 
bucket  of  paint  and  a few  inexpensive  furnish- 
ings or  rejuvenated  old  ones  may  convert  an  attic 
or  basement  from  a dismal  cave  piled  high  with 
debris  and  murky  with  cobwebs  into  a cheerful 
room  for  home  play  for  the  family  group  or  its 
members.  Here  play  activities  may  be  carried  on 
without  disturbing  the  rest  of  the  household 
should  Jim  want  the  stamp  club  to  meet  when 
father  was  weary.  Unfiished  work  may  be  left 
out  without  causing  worry  lest  visitors  come  and 
find  the  makings  of  airplanes  or  quilts  all  over 
the  living  room  table. 

What  can  you  do  to  these  seemingly  impossible 
basements  or  attics  to  make  them  livable  and 
cheery  ? We  give  a few  suggestions : 

The  Attic  or  Basement  Play  Room 

Ceiling,  Walls  and  Floor.  An  infinite  variety  of 
finishes  may  be  worked  out  for  the  attic  or  base- 
ment room.  Boards  of  knotty  pine,  half  logs, 
panels  or  less  expensive  composition  sheets  of 
rigid  fibre  or  wall  board  may  be  used  for  the  ceil- 
ing, walls  or  partitions.  They  may  be  left  a 
natural  color,  stained,  painted  or  covered  with 
decorative  wall  paper. 


Have  you  ever  thought  what  a gold  mine  your  attic  or 
basement  may  be?  A voyage  of  discovery  will  pay  you! 


193 


194 


GOLD  DIGGING  IN  THE  HOME 


Rough  basement  walls  may  be  plastered  and 
decorated,  or  studs  may  be  extended  from  the 
ceiling  to  the  floor  and  covered  with  any  material 
desired.  In  case  of  slightly  damp  basement  walls, 
a coat  of  waterproof  paint  should  be  applied.  If 
there  is  continuous  seepage  and  dampness  it  may 
be  necessary  to  cover  all  or  parts  of  the  wall  space 
with  waterproof  dressing  or  filler. 

It  may  also  be  necessary  to  cover  the  basement 
floor  with  a damp-proof  cement.  Over  this  may 
be  applied  a coat  of  quick  drying  cement  paint  of 
a bright  and  cheerful  color.  For  those  who  want 
a more  elaborate  floor,  there  are  linoleum,  wood 
flooring,  tile  and  various  cork  and  rubber  com- 
positions. Wide  pine  boards  or  linoleum  are  very 
appropriate  for  the  attic  floor. 

Rugs  also  add  greatly  to  the  attractiveness  of 
the  recreation  room  floor.  All  of  the  old  cloths 
and  carpets  that  collected  during  the  clearing  of 
the  room  may  be  sent  to  a rug  weaving  company. 
Out  of  these  old  materials  reversible  rugs  can  be 
made  at  a surprisingly  low  cost. 

Light.  In  almost  every  attic  and  basement  room 
there  is  insufficient  light.  In  the  basement  it  may 
be  necessary  to  put  in  more  grade  line  windows 
or  to  have  wells  dug  or  deepened  so  that  present 
windows  may  be  enlarged.  The  attic  windows 
may  have  to  be  made  wider  and  longer. 

Additional  electric  lights  and  convenient  out- 
lets may  be  installed.  It  is  advisable  to  have  light 
fixtures  placed  close  to  the  ceiling  where  they  are 
less  easily  hit  and  broken.  Conveniently  located 
outlets  and  adjustable  lamps  for  the  work  bench 
or  study  table  will  eliminate  drop  lights.  Light 


colored  walls  are  best  for  a room  in  which  there 
is  a small  number  of  windows. 

Stairs.  The  attic  or  basement  stairway  is  usually 
very  steep,  so  every  precaution  should  be  made  to 
make  it  easily  negotiable  and  as  safe  as  possible. 
This  can  usually  be  done  without  disturbing  the 
order  of  other  rooms.  Hand  rails  on  one  or  both 
sides,  non-slip  mats  of  rubber  or  coarse  pile  car- 
pets, and  the  installing  of  two  way  switches  at 
both  the  top  and  bottom  of  the  stairs  are  aids  in 
the  prevention  of  accidents.  The  walls  and  stairs 
may  be  made  to  fit  into  the  decorative  scheme  of 
the  recreation  room.  One  family,  to  preserve  the 
"catch-all”  feature  of  the  basement,  built  a closet 
under  the  stairs.  A bag  was  hung  under  the  stairs 
and  one  of  the  top  steps  hinged  so  that  it  could 
be  lifted  up  and  refuse  sent  down  a chute  into  it. 

Decoration.  The  scheme  of  decoration  for  the 
attic  or  basement  recreation  room  may  be  de- 
veloped around  one  of  many  subjects — and  here 
the  imagination  may  be  brought  into  play.  It  may 
be  merely  a simply  well- furnished  room  or  it  may 
be  developed  around  an  individual's  hobby,  as  for 
example,  a sport  such  as  tennis,  boating,  fishing, 
hunting  or  golf.  Perhaps  it  may  suggest  a realistic 
cabin  of  a ship  or  be  built  around  the  theme  of 
aviation.  Other  motifs  may  be  used,  such  as 
western  life,  Indian  activities,  or  a circus  setting 
with  animal  paintings  on  the  walls  and  brightly 
cushioned  nail  kegs  for  seats.  Through  the  use 
of  advertising  posters  and  scenic  wall  paper  en- 
tirely different  atmospheres  will  be  achieved. 

Overhead  heating  and  water  pipes  or  gas  and 
electric  meters  are  in  many  cases  made  a part  of 
the  decorating  scheme. 
With  a western  ranch 
idea,  for  example,  the 
upright  pipes  may  become 
the  corner  posts  of  a 
ranch  fence,  or  with  the 
use  of  ropes  the  pipes 
may  suggest  yardarms  on 
a boat.  The  decorations 
should  in  no  way  imply 
that  only  activities  per- 
taining to  the  subject  are 

A basement  gold  mine 
prior  to  development 


Courtesy  American  Radiator  and  Standard  Sanitary  Corporation 


GOLD  DIGGING  IN  THE  HOME 


195 


to  be  carried  on  in  the  rooni.  They  should  offer  a 
pleasing  atmosphere  for  any  type  of  recreational 
activity  whether  it  be  games,  crafts  or  social 
activities. 

Facilities  and  Equipment.  The  size  and  type  of 
the  basement  or  attic  room  will  determine  to  a 
great  extent  the  nature  of  the  facilities  and  equip- 
ment that  can  be  placed  in  it  for  recreation  pur- 
poses. Careful  plans  should  be  made  so  that  all 
space  will  be  used  to  the  greatest  advantage. 

In  a low  sloping  attic  sides  may  be  used  for 
reading  nooks,  built-in  bunks,  cupboards,  chests, 
closets,  book  shelves,  drawers,  the  radio,  hobby 
collections  and  arts  and  crafts  supplies.  If  it  is  at 
all  possible  there  should  be  a fireplace  in  the  home 
recreation  room  as  a background  for  intimate 
family  gatherings.  It  serves  as  a setting  for  a 
wide  variety  of  home  gatherings  — story-telling 
hours,  family  sings,  popcorn  feasts,  taffy  pulls  and 
marshmallow  roasts.  A corn  popper  is  a good 
thing  to  have  in  any  home. 

Every  home  should  have  a musical  instrument 
or  instruments.  The  piano  comes  nearer  to  meet- 
ing all  needs  than  any  other.  The  phonograph 
and  radio  are  also  valuable  for  pleasure  and  edu- 
cational purposes.  Even  though  there  may  be  a 
piano  in  the  living  room,  why  not  try  to  secure  a 
second  one  for  the  recreation  room?  It  is  often 
possible  these  days  to  secure  for  the  cost  of  trans- 
portation an  old  piano  which  can  be  tuned  at  a 
small  cost. 

Furniture,  including  card  and  game  tables, 
chairs,  stands,  bookshelves  or  magazine  racks  will 
be  needed.  This  may  be  the  workmanship  of  the 
father  or  son  in  the  family,  or  mother  may  have 
repainted  several  dis- 
carded pieces,  covering 
the  chairs  with  gay-col- 
ored cretonne  remnants. 

Lamps,  rugs,  bric-a:brac 
and  pictures  add  to  the 
attractiveness  of  the 
room. 

Suggested  Uses 

As  has  been  suggested, 
the  scheme  of  decoration 

The  same  basement  with 

operations  completed 


or  the  name  given  a play  room  should  not  limit  its 
use.  If  a room  is  to  be  designated  as  a “putter 
shop"  it  should  not  be  restricted  to  arts  and  craft 
activities.  The  varied  recreational  interests  of  the 
members  of  the  family  should  be  kept  in  mind.  At 
some  time  during  the  day  it  may  become  a child’s 
play  room ; on  other  occasions  it  may  be  a sewing 
room  for  the  women  of  the  family.  If  the  family 
wishes  to  play  games,  tables  and  other  equipment 
may  be  placed  in  the  center  of  the  room.  These 
may  be  pushed  aside  for  dancing. 

The  recreation  room  may  serve  as  any  of  the 
following: 

A Miniature  Gymnasium.  With  a floor  mat  for 
tumbling,  wrestling  and  boxing,  suspended  rings 
from  the  ceiling  and  basketball  hoops  for  the 
smaller  boy.  In  the  corners  are  a punching  bag, 
rowing  machine,  jumping  ropes,  boxing  gloves, 
rubber  balls  of  various  sizes  and  other  equipment. 
If  the  basement  room  is  large  enough  there  may 
be  a net  for  deck  tennis  and  volley  ball.  Certainly 
there  should  be  a ping  pong  table  which  can  be 
folded  and  set  aside  when  not  in  use. 

Handcraft  Workshop  or  Laboratory.  Where  the 
members  of  the  family  may  putter  and  experi- 
ment; a place  where  the  boy  and  his  father  may 
construct  toys  and  furniture,  build  model  boats 
and  planes  or  mold  metal ; or  other  members  of 
the  family  may  tool  leather,  construct  marionettes, 
make  hooked  rugs  or  draw  and  paint. 

Hobby  Room.  Used  for  every  type  of  hobby. 
A place  where  treasures  may  be  brought  and  put 
for  safe-keeping.  Here  Mother  works  on  her 
priceless  patch  quilts ; Dad  shows  his  collection  of 


Courtesy  American  Radiator  and  Standard  Sanitary  Corporation 


196 


GOLD  DIGGING  IN  THE  HOME 


trophies,  sister  displays  her 
foreign  dolls  and  does  water 
color  paintings,  and  brother 
Bob’s  stamp  club  meets  and  barters  in  one  of  the 
world’s  most  exciting  markets. 

Game  Room.  A jovial  center  for  family  active 
game  nights,  progressive  game  parties  and  con- 
tests and  tournaments.  A closet  filled  with  check- 
ers, dominoes,  Pollyanna  and  other  board  and  table 
games  provides  equipment.  There  are  tables  for 
cards,  ping  pong  and  billiards.  Playing  courts  for 
shuffieboard  have  been  painted  upon  the  floor. 

Museum.  A room  where  the  child  or  adult  may 
start  his  natural  history  collection.  A place  to  dis- 
play and  store  collections  of  butterflies,  rocks, 
weeds  and  even  snakes  and  toads  is  essential  for 
children  and  the  adult  nature  lover. 

Bird  Cafeteria.  A very  interesting  project  for 
bird  lovers.  Place  a wide  board  outside  the  win- 
dow of  the  play  room  or  any  room  of  the  house 
near  which  birds  come.  Arrange  perches  by  in- 
serting dowling  in  the  outer  side  of  the  board. 
Place  suet  and  apple  (impaled  on  nails),  grain, 
crumbs  and  water  for  bird  visitors.  Watch  the 
birds  closely. 

The  Play  Room.  Every  home  in  which  there  are 
young  children  should  have  a room  or  at  least  a 
corner  of  a room  which  belongs  exclusively  to  the 
children  where  they  may  play  undisturbed  and  not 
disturb  others.  Possession  of  such  a room  elimi- 
nates disorder  and  confusion  in  the  house  and 


worry  for  mother.  It  de- 
velops the  child’s  sense  of 
ownership  and  respect  for  the 
rights  of  others.  A place  for  playing  and  proper 
toys  should  be  provided  if  the  child  is  to  receive 
the  essential  development  which  play  affords. 

An  attic  or  basement  recreation  room  will  make 
a fine  play  room  if  it  is  sunny,  well  ventilated  and 
well  lighted.  It  may  become  a play  room  at  cer- 
tain times  of  the  day  and  be  used  for  entirely  dif- 
ferent purposes  at  other  times.  Families  not  for- 
tunate enough  to  possess  such  space  reserve  a 
corner  of  the  child’s  sleeping  room  or  the  family 
living  room  for  a play  space.  An  effort  should  be 
made  to  mark  off  this  child’s  province  in  some 
definite  way. 

The  furnishings  for  a play  room  or  play  cor- 
ner need  not  be  expensive,  but  should  be  planned 
with  the  idea  of  the  child’s  comfort  and  use  rather 
than  with  the  purpose  of  appearing  attractive 
from  a grown-up’s  point  of  view.  The  height  and 
durability  of  tables,  chairs, sand  boxes,  shelves  and 
cupboards  as  well  as  the  height  at  which  pictures 
and  blackboards  are  hung  will  depend  on  the  age 
of  the  child.  Low  shelves  and  cupboards  are  an 
inducement  to  order  and  a convenience  for  the 
small  child.  The  pictures  should  be  appropriate 
for  the.  child,  and  if  changed  from  time  to  time 
they  add  interest  to  a simply  or  meagerly  fur- 
nished room.  Rugs  should  be  of  the  easily  clean- 
ed, reversible  kind. 

( Continued  on  page  226) 


This  basement  play  room  was  awarded 
a special  prize  at  a recent  contest 


Musical  Heights  for  the  Plain  Man 


Had  you  lived  in 
Cambridge.Mas- 
sachusetts,  a few 
years  ago,  and  liked  to 
sing,  you  might  on  a certain 
evening  have  gone  down  Gar- 
den Street  to  a handsome  old 
house  separated  from  the  road- 
way by  a spacious  lawn  and  trees.  There  soon 
after  eight  o’clock  about  thirty  men  and  women 
were  to  be  found  in  pleasantly  animated  conver- 
sation. Presently  you  would  have  heard  a young 
man  playing  softly  at  the  piano  the  opening  mea- 
sures of  a Bach  chorale,  likely  that  one  of  the 
loveliest,  set  to  the  words  commencing  “Deck  thy- 
self, my  soul,  with  gladness.”  Then  came  sing- 
ing, increasing  in  volume  and  expanding  in  har- 
mony as  the  conversation  gave  way  gradually 
before  it,  until  by  the  time  the  last  phrase  was 
reached  the  entire  company  was  embarked  for 
the  evening’s  adventures.  They  sang  folk  songs 
and  Elizabethan  madrigals  still  as  fresh  as  a bright 
May  day  in  merrie  England,  a stirring  chorus  or 
two  from  the  Brahm’s  “Requiem”  or  from  a Bach 
cantata  or  similar  work,  a mystical  motet  by  Byrd, 
Palestrina  or  one  of  the  great  modern  Russians, 
and  other  good  choruses  of  various  moods  and 
periods.  Romantic  sentiment  went  lilting  through 
some  of  the  Brahms  “Liebeslieder,”  and  good 
humor  frolicked  through  some  Gilbert  and  Sul- 
livan, perhaps  the  final  chorus  from  “The  Gon- 
doliers.” And  then  came  refreshments  and  more 
good  talk.  “Gute  Nacht” — one  of  the  lovliest  of 
German  folk  songs — was  sung  at  about  eleven. 

A very  extraordinary  thing  about  this  singing 
was  that  it  had  nothing  whatever  to  do  with  any 
concert.  It  was  not  a rehearsal.  The  music  and 
the  singers  made  up  its  entire  world.  The  audi- 
ence, so  dominating  a factor  in  almost  all  our 
music-making,  was  left  out.  Moreover,  the  sing- 
ers were  not  professional  vocalists.  More  than  half 
of  them  were  Harvard  and  Radcliffe  undergradu- 
ates, destined  for  about  as  many  different  voca- 
tions as  would  be  found  in  any  unselected  group 
of  students,  and  the  rest  were  also  amateurs  in 
performance  though  a few  of  them  were  teachers 


of  music  in  elemen- 
tary schools,  and  one 
the  director  of  the 
Radcliffe  Choral  So- 
ciety. Several  were  graduates  of 
one  or  the  other  Cambridge  col- 
lege. Through  two  college  years 
they  gathered  every  fortnight 
and  at  some  additional  times,  when  the  eagerness 
of  some  one  of  the  more  influential  among  them 
had  set  their  telephones  a-ringing. 

The  primary  causes  of  these  gatherings  were 
the  excellence  and  the  general  spirit  of  the  Har- 
vard Glee  Club  and  the  Radcliffe  Choral  Society. 
And  we  have  been  told  of  other  similar  groups 
said  to  be  at  least  partly  due  to  the  good  singing 
at  those  colleges.  This  is  something  new  under 
the  American  sun — music  of  a sort  long  regarded 
as  the  peculiar  profession  of  learned  and  skilled 
musicians,  most  of  them  foreigners,  being  sung 
by  musically  ordinary  natives  in  their  homes  for 
an  evening's  delight!  And  there  is  likely  to  be 
more  and  more  of  it,  especially  if  it  is  started  dur- 
ing undergraduate  days.  The  Harvard  and  Rad- 
cliffe choruses,  each  entirely  extra-curricular,  at- 
tract more  students  than  do  any  other  three  extra- 
curricular activities  of  the  college  combined, 
including  the  major  sports.  This  is  true  also  of 
Yale  where,  one  autumn,  512  students  sought 
admission  to  the  Glee  Club;  it  is  true  of  many 
other  colleges  where  excellent  music  is  well  sung 
for  the  love  of  it;  and  most  impressively  of  all, 
it  is  true  of  hundreds  of  high  schools.  In  many  a 
community  there  are  large  numbers  of  graduates 
of  these  schools  and  colleges  who  could  enter  very 
happily  into  such  home  gatherings  if  Only  the 
home  and  good  informal  leadership  were  made 
available. 

Another  Home  Group 

But  college  or  high  school  singing  is  not  at  all 
a prerequisite  to  good  amateur  music-making  in 
homes.  The  writer  sings  in  a group  of  twenty 
neighbors,  most  of  them  couples  — father  and 
mother  coming  together — of  whom  only  five  have 
ever  sung  in  a college  chorus  or  any  other,  and 


More  adventures  in  digging  for  gold  in 
the  home;  unearthing  musical  treasures 

By  A.  D.  Zanzig 

National  Recreation  Association 


197 


198 


MUSICAL  HEIGHTS  FOR  THE  PLAIN  MAN 


only  four  have  had  any  special  musical  training. 
We  sing  every  other  Tuesday  evening,  and  “at 
call,”  in  the  homes  of  the  singers : each  time  in 
another’s  home.  Like  the  Garden  Street  group, 
we  have  the  great  delight  of  singing  music  of 
Bach,  Brahms,  and  their  fellows.  We  are  in 
especially  great  debt  to  John  Dowland,  Tom  Mor- 
ley  and  Orlando  Gibbons  of  the  madrigalists. 
“Come  again,  sweet  love”  by  the  first,  and  “My 
Bonnie  lass  she  smileth,”  “Now  is  the  month  of 
Maying”  and  “April  is  in  my  Mistress’  face” 
by  the  second  are  among  the  least  difficult  of  the 
madrigals.  Coming  to  the  latter,  we  sing  with 
Morley  quite  praisefully  but  with  a strange  lack 
of  assurance  that  “April  is  in  my  Mistress’  face, 
and  July  in  her  eyes  hath  place.”  By  the  time 
we  are  ready  to  sing,  “Within  her  bosom  is  Sep- 
tember” we  have  grown  somewhat  more  eloquent, 
but  oh,  the  fervor  of  our  complaint  when,  upon 
turning  the  page,  we  find,  “But  in  her  heart  a cold 
December” ! This  page  we  usually  sing  at  least 
twice  over,  because  of  its  fascinating  interplay  of 
parts.  Soprano,  alto,  tenor,  bass,  each  in  succes- 
sion agreeing  knowingly  with  the  previous  one’s 
“But  in  her  heart,”  though  too  ardent  to  wait 
until  that  one  has  finished  the  phrase,  seems  to 
say,  “Ay,  ’tis  only  too  true !”  Our  only  difficulty 
is  to  avoid  having  the  less  romantic  basses  sound 
as  though  they  were  saying  instead,  “You’re  darn 
right!”  Gibbons’  “Silver  Swan,”  one  of  the  most 
beautiful  of  madrigals,  also  never  ceases  to  sur- 
prise us  with  its  closing  lines,  “More  geese  now 
live  than  swans,  More  fools  than  wise.” 

At  about  ten  o’clock  the  hostess  disappears,  and 
you  know  what  is  going  to  happen.  It  does  hap- 
pen ! The  refreshments  are  simple  and  the  talk 
delightful,  and  afterwards  we  sing  still  better. 
For  there  is  a subtle  relationship  between  music 
and  food,  good  food.  If  after  having  sung  a 
while  you  have  refreshments,  even  if  nothing 
more  than  coffee  or  cider  and  doughnuts,  and 
good  talk,  you  will  then  be  the  very  soul  of  music 
and  good  feeling,  and  sing  better  than  you  will 
ever  know  how. 

It  is  amazing,  how  readily  we  learn  what  seems 
to  be  difficult  part-music.  Under  the  circum- 
stances it  is  not  really  difficult  at  all ; the  perfect 
leisure  of  the  occasion  lets  mind  and  spirit  grow 
naturally  in  grasp  of  the  music.  The  hurry  and 
constraints  that  often  attend  rehearsals  for  a con- 
cert are  absent.  The  leader  plays  over  the  new 
music  while  the  singers  browse  through  it,  hum- 
ming or  singing  whatever  attracts  them  in  it.  Then 


their  attention  is  brought  to  an  especially  lovely 
or  significant  phrase  in  one  of  the  parts,  which  is 
played  and  sung.  The  other  parts  are  invited  and 
helped  in.  After  a little  of  this  more  intensive 
exploring,  the  whole  composition  or  the  section 
containing  the  now  more  familiar  part  is  played 
again  and  more  of  it  is  apprehended  by  the  sing- 
ers than  at  the  first  hearing.  So  we  grow  in  grasp 
of  it  until,  after  a half  hour  or  less,  it  is  put  aside 
for  the  next  time  we  gather. 

There  is  something  about  the  best  music,  espe- 
cially such  magical  stuff  as  is  in  the  Bach  chorales, 
that  nourishes  the  essentially  musical  powers  of 
a person,  those  intuitive  forces  that  teachers  of 
sight-singing  and  wielders  of  batons  often  over- 
look. Three  of  the  men  in  our  group  were  barely 
able  to  carry  a tune  in  the  beginning,  but  even  they 
can  now  maintain  a part  in  a simple  madrigal 
without  accompaniment,  to  say  nothing  of  their 
confidence  and  accuracy  in  accompanied  arrange- 
ments of  folk  songs  and  other  fine,  simple  music. 
Of  course,  we  also  sing  folk  songs  in  unison  now 
and  then,  some  of  them  with  descants  for  the 
women  while  the  men  sail  gallantly  along  with  the 
familiar  tune.  There  is  no  end  of  excellent  and 
delightful  music  suited  to  the  singing  of  small 
groups  of  amateurs,  much  of  it  never  heard  be- 
cause it  is  not  so  well  suited  to  concerts. 

One  of  those  three  men,  who  has  a robust 
though  uncertain  voice,  became  so  enthusiastic 
that  two  years  ago  he  joined  a good  church  choir. 
When  telling  the  rest  of  us  about  this,  he  felt 
obliged  to  explain  how  he  happened  to  get  into 
that  accomplished  choir.  “I  stand  next  to  an 
Englishman,”  he  said,  “who  sings  every  note  at 
exactly  the  right  pitch  and  time,  but  you  can 
hardly  hear  him.  You  see,  he  gets  the  pitches  and 
I sing  ’em.” 

The  growth  in  the  quality  of  our  singing  has 
been  little  less  striking  and  no  less  natural  than 
our  growth  in  power  to  learn  the  music.  Evi- 
dently the  spontaneous  shaping  of  the  spirit  again 
and  again  to  fine  feelings  is  accompanied  quite 
involuntarily  by  a shaping  of  the  voice  also,  at 
least  up  to  the  point  where  physiological  con- 
straints or  defects  place  a limit.  And  a hint  or 
good  model  of  vocal  freedom  from  the  leader  or 
some  other  one  of  us  goes  far  toward  overcom- 
ing the  constraints. 

How  It  Grew  and  What  It  Grew 

This  informal  singing  was  started  without 
previous  intention  when  four  of  us  were  once 


MUSICAL  HEIGHTS  FOR  THE  PLAIN  MAX 


199 


gathered  around  a piano  to  look  over  a book  of 
folk  songs  that  one  of  the  four,  a mother,  wished 
to  sing  with  her  children.  In  the  back  of  the  book 
was  some  four-part  music  in  which  we  attempted 
the  parts  just  for  fun.  The  mother  who  owned 
the  book  thought  the  experience  so  enjoyable  that 
she  exclaimed,  “Let’s  do  this  again  next  Wednes- 
day. I know  a tenor.’’  It’s  a wonderful  thing  to 
know  a tenor,  so  we  all  agreed,  and  on  the  next 
Wednesday  we  had  the  tenor  and  his  wife  who,  as 
luck  would  have  it,  sang  a pretty  good  alto.  So 
the  group  has  grown,  by  the  natural  effects  of 
acquaintanceships,  without  any  effort  at  promot- 
ing it. 

Other  enjoyable  activities  have  grown  out  of  it. 
Just  as  additional  persons,  one  by  one  or  two  by 
two,  have  been  attracted  to  the  singing  through 
the  normal  spread  of  such  an  interest  among 
neighbors  and  friends,  so  the  number  of  our  com- 
mon interests  has  been  growing  by  what  might  be 
called  the  neighborliness  of  good  ideas.  Recently 
we  went  together  to  hear  a symphony  concert,  and 
the  next  time  “Die  Meistersinger”  is  performed 
by  the  Metropolitan  Opera  Company  we  will  be 
there  to  hear  it.  (We  are  only  eighteen  miles 
from  Xew  York.)  We  have  several  times  sung  a 
chorus  from  that  most  delightful  of  all  operas,  and 
we  will  explore  more  of  it  before  the  perform- 
ance. The  interest  of  two  of  the  women  in  weav- 
ing has  spread  among  the  others  and  beyond  them 
to  other  women  in  the  vil- 
lage, and  their  growing  skill 
has  already  produced  some 


lovely  textiles.  Several  of  us  have  joined  with 
other  villagers  in  English  country  dancing  every 
Wednesday  evening. 

The  Children 

But  the  most  gladdening  of  all  the  outcomes  of 
the  singing  is  the  influence  that  it  must  be  having 
on  the  older  of  our  children.  It  is  pleasant  to  see 
one  or  two  of  them  “sitting  in”  at  some  of  our 
gatherings,  until  it  is  time  for  them  to  go  to  sleep. 
The  lovely  strains  must  continue  to  reach  them 
for  a little  while  after  they  have  gone  to  bed.  No 
influence  could  be  finer  than  that  which  comes 
from  having  in  one’s  own  home  such  “Great  Com- 
panions,’’ as  Whitman  would  call  them,  as  the 
composers  who  move  among  us  on  those  evenings. 
Surely  there  is  no  better  way  of  starting  children 
in  the  love  for  and  understanding  of  the  best 
music,  and  the  wish  to  make  it  themselves,  or  of 
introducing  them  into  a social  life  which  they  will 
be  glad  to  inherit  from  their  elders.  Compare  to 
this  the  ordinary  gathering  of  adults  and  children 
at  a home  party,  in  which  the  two  generations  find 
very  little  that  can  possibly  or  worthily  bring  them 
all  into  happy  companionship. 

Becoming  a Concert  Chorus 

The  Garden  Street  singers,  of  whom  we  have 
told,  have  become  the  Bach  Cantata  Club.  Through 
invitations  to  friends  and  acquaintances  they 
formed  a chorus  of  ninety 
and  gave  a concert  of  a 
Bach  cantata  and  other  re- 


A German  singing  society  in  Milwaukee 
enjoys  one  of  its  regular  rehearsals 


200 


MUSICAL  HEIGHTS  FOR  THE  PLAIN  MAN 


ligious  music  in  St.  Paul’s  Church  in  Boston.  This 
attracted  still  more  people  to  membership,  and 
now  they  are  a full-fledged  concert-giving  chorus 
rehearsing  diligently  every  week.  There  is  a loss 
in  making  such  a change;  it  is  somewhat  like 
equipping  a modest  sailboat,  heretofore  propelled 
only  by  wind  and  tide,  with  an  outboard  motor. 
Lovers  of  sailing  will  shudder  at  this  analogy. 
But  in  singing,  the  gain  may  be  greater  than  the 
loss,  especially  where  the  natural  propulsion  to 
sing  and  to  delight  in  the  music  itself  is  given 
every  opportunity,  even  though  the  necessity  of 
preparing  for  a concert  is  pushing  the  singers 
onward.  The  Garden  Street  group  was  quite 
large  even  in  the  beginning  and  therefore  it  prob- 
ably could  not  attain  the  degree  of  comradeship 
that  makes  a smaller  group  sail  along  without 
added  incentive.  But  the  natural  desire  for  utmost 
excellence  in  performance,  and  therefore  for 
added  incentive,  was  probably  the  main  cause  of 
the  change.  And  the  full,  val- 
orous, but  still  gay  effort  to 
fulfill  that  desire,  now  and  then 
rewarded  by  great  beauty,  is 
a rich  gain,  especially  to  any- 
one of  the  many  people  whose 
work  or  enforced  leisure  has 
given  them  no  opportunity  or 
no  motive  for  attaining  excel- 
lence in  any  field. 

It  is  through  striving  in  a 
chorus,  be  it  a concert-giving  one  or  not,  that,  the 
plain  man  may  reach  the  greatest  artistic  heights. 
In  no  other  art  or  craft  can  the  unskilled  person 
rise  so  high.  In  Bethlehem,  Pennsylvania,  it  is  a 
chorus  ’ not  of  musicians  but  of  steel  workers, 
stenographers,  tradesmen,  clergymen,  teachers, 
and  people  of  other  non-musical  professions  that 
has  each  year  given  a two-day  Bach  Festival  that 
is  eagerly  attended  by  music-lovers  from  far  and 
near.  “I  wouldn’t  go  across  the  street  to  hear  any 
one  of  ns  sing  alone,”  said  one  of  the  members, 
“but  when  we  sing  together,  I’d  go  a thousand 
miles  to  listen.”  The  reader  may  know  of  some 
of  the  other  choruses  of  amateurs  that  rise  equally 
or  nearly  as  high  in  artistic  achievement.  Their 
number  has  been  slowly  increasing. 

The  Church  Choir  Offers  Possibilities 

It  is  a pity  that  so  many  church  choirs,  though 
given  high  purpose  and  more  frequent  audiences 
than  any  other  companies  of  singers,  are  inferior. 
Their  fine  possibilities,  exemplified  by  excellent 


choirs  here  and  there,  are  especially  valuable  in 
these  times  when  it  is  critically  important  to  en- 
rich and  inspire  life  as  well  as  to  preserve  it.  The 
fault  is  principally  due  to  the  poor  taste  and  lack 
of  ability  of  many  choirmasters,  though  indiffer- 
ence, lack  of  initiative,  or  low  standards  on  the 
part  of  pastors  and  laymen  are  also  to  blame. 
Fortunately,  there  are  now  a number  of  good 
schools  for  the  training  of  choir  leaders,  among 
which  may  be  mentioned  the  department  of  sacred 
music  in  the  Northwestern  University  School  of 
Music,  St.  Dunstan’s  College  (Episcopal)  at 
Providence,  Rhode  Island ; the  Pius  X School  of 
Liturgical  Music,  the  School  of  Sacred  Music  at 
Union  Theological  Seminary,  and  the  West- 
minster Choir  School  at  Princeton,  New  Jersey. 
The  last  of  these  has  been  especially  influential  in 
the  growing  movement  toward  the  installation  of 
a really  capable  “minister  of  music”  in  every 
church,  whose  main  duty  it  will  be  to  enlist  an 
adequate  number  of  church 
members  in  each  of  three  vol- 
unteer choirs  — junior,  high 
school,  and  adult — and  to  bring 
them  to  as  high  a degree  of 
excellence  and  fine  vitality  as 
possible.  This,  it  will  be  seen, 
has  also  to  do  with  the  high 
musical  potentialities  of  the 
plain  man.  Of  course,  there 
should  also  be  a good  organist, 
who  may  be  the  choir  leader  himself.  And  a quar- 
tet of  excellently  trained  singers  can  be  of  im- 
mense benefit  in  a volunteer  choir,  especially  if 
each  one  is  allowed  to  assume  a tactful  tutorial 
attitude  toward  his  or  her  section. 

Will  the  Brightest  Promise  Come  True? 

The  brightest  promise  of  a rich  development  of 
amateur  music  among  the  American  people  is  in 
the  high  schools  where,  in  an  increasing  number 
of  places,  there  are  choruses  and  a cappeUa  choirs 
whose  singing  is  superb  in  selection  of  music,  in 
performance,  and  in  ardor.  But  there  is  no  assur- 
ance that  such  endeavors  toward  fuller,  richer 
living  will  have  a lasting  effect.  The  prevailing 
interests  and  activities  of  adults  in  “real  life”  out- 
side the  schools,  especially  as  they  are  reflected  in 
homes,  are  likely  to  have  greater  influence  than 
anything  done  inside  the  schools.  And  there  can 
be  no  doubt  that  those  interests  and  activities  are 
in  large  measure  contrary  to  such  singing  and 
other  ways  of  creating  beauty  for  the  love  and 


"Share  your  songs,  your  music, 
your  art,  your  sports  and  your 
heart's  desire,  and  you  have 
shared  what  has  greatest  lasting 
value.  Build  a community  with 
what  we  have  in  common  and 
the  rest  seems  less  important." 


MUSICAL  HEIGHTS  FOR  THE  PLAIN  MAN 


201 


jov  of  it.  The  inspiring  hope  that  the  world  or 
the  city  or  town  will  be  made  better  in  the  quality 
of  its  living  by  educating  the  children  is  largely 
frustrated  by  our  doing  little  or  nothing  to  make 
the  adult  community  fit  for  the  survival  of  the 
best  results  desired  from  that  education.  This 
thought  may  make  us  consider  what  opportuni- 
ties the  community  offers  for  continuance  of  ex- 
cellent singing  by  graduates  of  those  school 
choruses.  We  have  considered  the  church  choirs 
and  we  might  think  also  of  the  social  and  other 
clubs  and  societies  in  which  good  singing  might 
go  on.  But  there  should  be  musical  opportunities 
for  the  amateur  that  are  free  of  any  expected 
loyalty  or  other  commitments  to  a private  organi- 
zation not  purely  musical.  We  need  community 
musical  organizations. 

The  Community  As  Home 

A good  community  chorus  not  only  provides 
musical  opportunity  for  many  people ; it  can  be 
also  a means  of  cultivating  civic  spirit.  A festival 
such  as  might  be  given  by  a number  of  choirs 
combined  with  a community  chorus  can  be  even 
more  effective  in  this  regard,  at  least  during  the 
period  of  its  preparation  and  performance.  Be  it 
a permanent  chorus  or  an  occasional  fine  festival, 
it  can  be  in  truth  a civic  expression,  a token  of 
the  sort  of  thing  the  city  stands  for  and  admires. 
It  is  said  that  the  true  character  of  an  individual 
may  be  known  by  what  he  does  when  he  is  free 
from  compulsion.  So  is  it  with  a community  also. 
It  is  also  said  that  the  individual’s  character  is 
largelv  the  result  of  the  influences  of  his  home 
life.  But  the  influences  of  the  community  or  neigh- 
borhood in  which  he  lives  are  indissolubly  inter- 
twined with  those  home  influences.  After  all,  a 
home  is  not  merely  a house  and  lot,  detached  from 
the  city  of  which  it  is  a part.  A fine  community 
musical  enterprise,  given  an  honored  place  through 
the  newspaper  and  through  the  moral  support  of 
civic  and  religious  organizations  and  leading  citi- 
zens. and  enlisting  as  performers  or  listeners  all 
sorts  of  people  in  the  city,  must  in  some  degree 
influence  the  attitude  and  behavior  of  many  resi- 
dents toward  their  home  city  and  toward  one  an- 
other. Like  a beautiful  park,  a fine  public  library 
or  art  center,  or  a stately  public  building,  it  can 
be  a token  and  champion  of  the  dignity  and  inner 
life  of  the  people. 


Home  Music  Again 

Home  music,  however,  can  be  even  more  de- 
lightful, especially  in  the  social  qualities  for  which 
it  calls,  and  it  is  more  readily  commenced  and 
maintained  than  a chorus.  It  needs  no  organiza- 
tion, no  officers  or  committees,  no  considerable 
expense,  and  it  shuns  publicity.  Moreover,  it 
escapes  entirely  the  danger  of  discouragement  or 
disbandment  that  besets  every  concert-giving 
chorus  when  its  audiences  are  small.  It  needs 
musically  capable  leadership,  however,  of  a kind 
already  indicated  in  our  descriptions  of  two  home 
groups.  Fortunately,  such  leadership  is  likely  to 
grow  naturally  in  many  of  the  young  men  and 
women  in  the  good  high  school  and  college 
choruses.  And  there  is  at  least  one  school — The 
Concord  (Massachusetts)  Summer  School  of 
Music — mainly  for  teachers,  that  is  a most  in- 
spiriting means  of  developing  the  desirable  quali- 
ties. That  its  yearly  company  of  about  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  students  are  deeply  infused  with 
the  spirit  of  the  true  amateur  is  shown  not  only 
in  the  large  number  of  small  groups  self-initiated 
during  the  school  period,  but  also  in  the  singing  or 
playing  of  such  groups  in  many  of  the  places  in 
which  the  students  spend  their  winters.  Many  a 
musical  person  who  has  never  had  any  hope  of 
being  a conductor  may  find  himself  well  able  to 
take  the  lead  in  adventuring  with  good  neighbors 
through  such  music  as  we  have  mentioned. 

We  have  not  dared  to  commence  considering 
the  delights  of  instrumental  music-making  that 
are  within  reach  of  the  plain  man.  The  oppor- 
tunities in  choral  music  are  enough  to  consider  in 
a single  article.  Moreover,  singing  is  a much  more 
nearly  universal  means  of  reaching  the  heights 
than  playing  can  ever  be.  Even  a kindergarten 
child’s  singing  may  be  as  beautiful  a thing  as  has 
ever  been  heard  or  seen. 


“Art-  springs  from  leisure.  This  is  a well- 
established  and  generally  recognized  law.  Primi- 
tive peoples  whose  entire  energy  must  be  devoted 
to  the  obtaining  of  food  and  shelter  have  little 
to  show  in  the  realm  of  fine  arts.  It  is  true  that 
certain  products  of  primitive  races — fine  needle- 
work, rugs,  baskets  and  similar  articles  — might 
seem  to  discredit  this  statement,  but  the  fact  re- 
mains that  great  music,  poetry,  painting,  sculpture 
and  drama  are  the  products  of  leisure  and  of  those 
hours  of  meditation  and  contemplation  which  lei- 
sure renders  available.” — John  Winter  Thompson 
in  “Music  and  Leisure,”  Leisure  for  August  1935- 


In  a Wisconsin  Community 


Activities  of  many  kinds  featured  last  year’s 
k recreation  program  at  Two  Rivers,  Wiscon- 
sin, where  the  Department  of  Municipal 
Recreation,  whose  director' is  Arthur  P.  Eckley, 
is  seeking  to  provide  ade- 
quate recreational  services 
for  all  its  citizens. 

One  of  the  interesting 
features  of  the  program  is 
an  archery  club  composed 
of  people  over  25  years  of 
age.  The  Department  fur- 
nishes the  club  with  official 
targets  and  supervises  the 
range  during  the  summer 
months.  During  the  win- 
ter season  the  archery  pro- 
gram is  continued  indoors 
at  the  community  house. 

In  1935  horseshoe  play- 
ing aroused  a great  deal  of 
interest  and  eight  lighted 
courts  were  in  operation 
most  of  the  season.  Skat- 
ing rinks  and  sled  slides 
were  maintained  at  three 
playgrounds  during  the 
winter,  lights  being  pro- 
vided for  both  activities. 

Special  attention  is  be- 
ing given  to  the  needs  of 
girls,  after-school  activity 
being  provided  for  girls  of 
grade  school  age  and  an 
evening  program  for  em- 
ployed girls.  Two  girls’ 
clubs  have  been  organized 
as  an  experiment,  one  for 
girls  between  12  and  15 
and  the  other  for  older 
girls.  The  girls  themselves 
determine  the  nature  of 
the  program. 

At  the  beautiful  com- 
munity house,  the  gift  of 
J.  E.  Hamilton,  complete 
equipment  and  facilities 
(Continued  on  pcicjc  227 ) 


A graphic  presentation  of  some  of  the 
recreational  activities  in  Two  Rivers 


Courtesy  Report  of  City  Manager,  Two  Rivers,  IVis. 


202 


Nature  on  the  Playground 


IT  is  time  the  bugaboo  against 
nature  on  the  playground 
was  laid  low.  For  too  long 
nature  study  has  been 
wrongly  characterized  as  too 
difficult  for  unspecialized 
leaders,  too  unappealing  to 
the  children  and  unadapted 
to  city  conditions.  We  rise 
in  its  defense! 

Nature  study  does  not 
mean  learning  names  of 
things  in  groups  of  five  or 
ten  or  twenty.  It  does  not 
start,  stop  or  proceed  on  a 
basis  of  mere  observation 
of  color  or  form  or  adapta- 
tion. It  is  primarily  the  study  of  living  things 
living,  the  watching  of  an  insect  or  plant  or  bird 
day  by  day  or  hour  by  hour  in  its  struggle  for  ex- 
istence. You  can  do  that,  whatever  your  training. 
You  will  find,  too,  that  there  is  no  playground 
without  a spider,  a nearby  tree  or  space  for  a 
flower  pot.  And  the  children  are  inherently  in- 
terested in  nature,  though  a seeming  lack  of  en- 
thusiasm is  often  caused  by  the  strange  stigma  at- 
tached to  the  word  “nature.”  Call  it  “adventuring” 
or  nothing  at  all,  and  the  children  will  respond 
eagerly. 

The  following  suggestions  will  serve  as  guide 
posts  as  you  start  your  nature  program.  As  you 
proceed  new  vistas  and  new  activities  will  occur 
to  you.  Do  not  forget  to  watch  living  things  live 
lest  you  miss  a lot  of  fun  and  lose  out  in  the  life- 
long enrichment  the  nature  program  stands  ready 
to  provide. 

Watch  Live  Things  on  Your  Playground 

A spider  in  a glass  fruit  jar  — Feed  it  flies  and 
other  insects  and  see  how  it  handles  them ; watch 
it  spin  a web.  (Spiders  do  not  devour  their  vic- 
tims, they  suck  their  juices.)  Let  this  lead  to 
observing  spiders  everywhere. 

Mosquito  life  cycle — in  water  in  fruit  jar.  This 
is  also  a lesson  in  mosquito  control,  being  a warn- 
ing against  leaving  stagnant  water  about. 


Stage  a.  Black  eggs  in  little 
rafts  on  surface  of  water  look 
like  tiny  flecks  of  soot. 

Stage  b.  Wrigglers  hatch 
from  the  eggs,  swim  by 
jerking  and  come  to  the  sur- 
face to  breathe  through  the 
tail  end. 

Stage  c.  The  tumblers 
into  which  wrigglers  change 
also  have  power  of  motion 
(unlike  chrysalis  of  butter- 
fly) and  come  to  the  sur- 
face to  breathe  through 
tubes  in  the  shoulder  region. 

Stage  d.  Adult  winged 
mosquito  crawls  out  of  the 
split  back  of  the  tumbler  uses  the  discarded  skin 
as  a raft  while  its  wings  dry,  then  flies  away  to 
hunt  a victim  whose  blood  it  can  suck. 

Butterfly  life  cycle.  Start  with  tiny  eggs  laid  on 
leaves  or — easier  to  find — newly  hatched  caterpil- 
lars. Put  in  fruit  jar  with  leaves  they  have  been 
observed  to  eat.  Clean  jar  and  give  fresh  leaves 
daily.  If  a branch  of  leaves  is  placed  in  a jar  of 
water  and  the  opening  blocked  with  cardboard  or 
cloth,  the  leaves  stay  fresh  much  longer  and  the 
caterpillars  are  free  to  climb  from  leaf  to  leaf. 
Put  the  jar  in  a net-covered  box  so  the  caterpil- 
lars will  not  escape  should  they  drop  from  the 
leaves.  Watch  them  (a)  grow  by  crawling  out  of 
their  inelastic  skins,  ( b ) change  into  a chrysalis 
or  spin  a cocoon,  (c)  emerge  as  an  adult  butterfly 
or  moth,  ( d ) mate  and  lay  eggs.  Note  that  dur- 
ing the  cocoon  stage  the  chewing  mouth  of  the 
caterpillar  changes  into  the  sucking  mouth  of  the 
butterfly  and  that  wings  and  quite  different  legs 
develop. 

The  humble  polliwog.  Early  in  the  spring  a fruit 
jar  with  pond  water  and  water  plants  and  polli- 
wogs  which  can  be  watched  as  they  develop  legs 
and  absorb  their  tails  will  prove  interesting.  They 
feed  on  water  plants  and  bits  of  lettuce. 

Bird  feeding  table  and  bath — out  of  reach  of 
cats.  Scatter  dry  bread  crumbs  and  nail  down  a 
piece  of  clean  suet  and  provide  a flowerpot  saucer 


By  Elizabeth  H.  Price 

Santa  Clara,  California 


Many  people  have  the  idea  that  the 
difficulties  in  the  way  of  promoting  a 
nature  program  on  the  playground 
are  so  great  as  to  be  insurmountable. 
Mrs.  Price,  who  has  for  many  years 
specialized  in  nature  study,  exploded 
this  theory  at  an  annual  spring  train- 
ing course  for  playground  workers  held 
under  the  auspices  of  the  Recreation 
Department  of  Oakland,  California. 


203 


204 


XATUKE  ON  THE  PLAYGROUND 


for  a bath  (shallow  and  not  slippery).  Even  an 
English  Sparrow  is  interesting  in  a close-up.  The 
playgrounds  in  parks,  especially  in  winter,  should 
have  many  and  interesting  guests  at  their  bird 
tables.  Crumbled  cornbread  proves  irresistible 
bait. 

Germination  of  seeds.  Lay  some  dry  lima  beans 
on  wet  cotton  in  a saucer  of  water  and  watch 
them  swell  and  sprout  and  begin  to  grow  as  they 
would  in  the  gfound.  You  can  make  out  the  baby 
plant,  consisting  of  root  and  tiny  leaves,  which 
was  wrapped  up  in  the  seed  coat  with  two 
packages  of  food  to  serve  the  tiny  plant  till  it  can 
begin  to  manufacture  its  own  food.  Other  lima 
beans  planted  in  dirt  in  a flowerpot  will  carry  the 
story  of  growth  on  from  here.  Watch  the  packets 
of  food  shrivel  as  the  wee  plant  uses  them  up. 

Become  Mineral  Conscious 

Everything  in  the  world  is  either  animal  (milk, 
silk,  butter)  or  vegetable  (tea  and  coffee,  cotton 
and  linen,  pepper  and  sugar)  or  mineral  (water, 
asbestos,  salt)  in  origin.  Have  fun  thinking  up 
things  and  putting  them  in  the  proper  class.  Then 
think  of  all  the  minerals  you  can.  What  minerals 
can  you  find  on  the  people  on  the  playground  or 
in  the  playground  buildings,  fences  and  equip- 
ment? 

And  Always,  Flowers 

Encourage  an  occasional  or  else  a constantly 
changing  display  of  garden  flowers  in  labelled 
bottles  in  the  playground  office.  They  may  kindle 
new  interests. 

Flowering  weeds  in  vacant  lots  or  gardens  can 
be  worked  into  a delightful  project. 

Stress  conservation  of  wild  flowers,  enjoying 
them  where  they  grow,  without  picking. 

Exhibit  a chart  of  flower  parts  and  encourage 
comparison  with  very  simple  flowers.  Avoid  com- 


Leaf  forms  and  leaf  venation 
are  shown  in  this  diagram 


plicated  modifications  found  in 
many  cultivated  flowers.  In  the 
center  of  the  flower  is  the  pistil 
which  contains  the  seeds  and 
receives  the  pollen  on  its  tip. 
Next  around  it  are  the  stamens 
that  produce  the  pollen  neces- 
sary to  fertilize  the  seeds.  These  are  all  that  are 
essential  to  make  a flower.  Willows  and  cat-tails 
and  many  other  flowers  have  either  the  one  or 
the  other  in  a flower  and  no  sepals  and  petals. 
Most  flowers  have  petals  and  sepals,  however. 
The  petals  are  usually  bright-colored  to  attract  in- 
sects in  search  of  nectar  who  will  transport  pol- 
len from  one  flower  to  another.  The  sepals  are 
usually  green  and  form  the  protective  covering  of 
the  flower  bud.  Some  flowers  have  gay-colored 
sepals  (nasturtium).  In  many  lilies  (tulip)  you 
can’t  tell  petals  from  sepals,  so  together  they  are 
called  the  perianth. 

Trees — An  Ever  Fascinating  Study 

Trees  offer  one  of  the  very  best  of  all  nature 
projects  for  city  playgrounds.  Even  a fully  ce- 
meted  school  yard  has  a row  of  street-side  trees 
with  more  trees  in  neighboring  blocks. 

It  is  interesting  to  discuss  what  characteristics 
determine  which  trees  shall  be  chosen  for  street- 
side  planting,  such  as  beauty  of  form,  sun  in  win- 
ter, shade  in  summer,  hardiness  in  this  climate, 
not  demanding  excessive  watering,  not  having 
tendency  to  get  into  pipes,  neatness,  quick  growth, 
resistance  to  disease  and  insect  pests.  When  hik- 
ing along  city  streets,  you'll  have  a natural- oppor- 
tunity to  bring  up  this  discussion.  Fun  to  see  how 
long  a list  the  children  can  make  of  street-side 
trees  in  your  city. 

You  can  separate  trees  into  classes  in  several 
ways  as  deciduous  (Sycamore)  or  evergreen  (Fir)  ; 
broad-leafed  (Olive)  or  needle  (Pine)  or  scale- 
leafed  (Cypress)  ; native  (Buckeye)  or  imported 
(Eucalyptus)  ; opposite  branching  (Maple)  or 
alternate  branching  (Elm).  Notice  that  nearly  all 
the  needle-leafed  trees  are  evergreens  but  that  not 
all  the  broad-leafed  trees  are  deciduous.  Euca- 


NATURE  ON  THE  PLAYGROUND 


205 


lyptus,  Magnolia,  Acacia,  Pepper,  Live  Oak  are 
broad-leafed  and  evergreen. 

Two  kinds  of  growth  occur  in  a tree.  One  is 
the  increase  in  diameter  of  trunk  and  branches  by 
a new  layer  of  wood  each  year  on  the  inside  of 
the  bark  and  the  outside  of  the  heartwood.  On  a 
sawed-off  stump  or  limb  you  can  tell  the  age  by 
these  annual  rings.  Exhibit  one  on  the  playground 
and  find  a stump  on  a hike.  Let  the  children  count 
rings. 

The  other,  is  the  increase  in  length  of  branches 
and  the  season’s  new  leaves  and  blossoms.  Every 
bit  of  this  growth  is  packed  away  during  the  sum- 
mer in  miniature  form  in  buds  found  in  the  angle 
between  leaf  and  twig.  Look  for  them.  These 
buds  lie  dormant  during  the  winter,  protected 
from  the  weather  by  waterproof  scales.  In  the 
spring  the  buds  swell,  the  scales  drop  off  leaving 
scars  to  mark  their  position,  and  out  of  the  bud 
comes  the  new  year’s  growth  of  twig  and  leaves 
and  blossoms,  minute  at  first  but  rapidly  expand- 
ing. Out  of  one  three-quarter  inch  bud  on  a maple 
in  my  yard  came  a branch  almost  three  feet  long 
and  bearing  over  a dozen  leaves  that  average  fully 
eight  inches  in  diameter.  Could  a magician  beat 
that  with  hat  and  rabbits?  By  noting  the  scale 
scars  that  encircle  a branch,  you  can  count  back 
each  year’s  growth  and  tell  how  old  a branch  is. 
Some  species  are  easier  to  tell  than  others.  Select 
a simple  one  before  you  show  the  children. 

Leaves  become  a really  fascinating  study  as  you 
come  to  notice  their  beauty,  their  variety  in  form 
and  color  and  outline  and  texture  and  veining.  Ink 
prints  of  leaves  are  fun  to 
make,  beautiful  to  look  at, 
and  a perfect  approach  to  the 
study  of  leaves.  A simple 
leaf  is  just  a single  leaf 
with  a single  stem  even 
though  the  margins  may  be 
deeply  indented.  A compound 
leaf  is  made  up  of  several 
leaflets,  each  with  a little  stem 
of  its  own.  In  arrangement 
they  may  be  either  pinnately 
or  p a 1 m a t e 1 y compound. 


Veins  serve  as  supporting  skeleton  and  as  pipe 
lines  carrying  water  and  mineral  salts  into  the 
leaves  and  food  manufactured  in  the  leaves  back 
to  the  branches.  Their  arrangement  is  of  three 
types,  parallel  as  in  lilies  and  grasses  ; and  netted, 
netted  being  of  two  types,  pinnate  and  palmate. 
In  palmate  veining,  all  the  main  veins  come  from 
the  tip  of  the  stem. 

Earlier  in  the  year  it  is  a delightful  project  to 
try  to  catch  every  tree  in  the  act  of  blossoming 
and  make  a tree-blossom  calendar.  It  is  too  late 
for  most  trees  now  but  keep  your  eye  on  the  late 
blooming  ones. 

It’s  not  too  late  to  notice  what  each  tree  pro- 
duces in  the  way  of  seed,  whether  nut  or  berry  or 
winged  seed  or  so-called  fruit  or  pod  or  acorn  or 
what  not. 

Plant  trees  in  the  hearts  of  your  children  and 
in  your  own  as  well. 

Insect  Collections 

Encourage  the  making  of  insect  collections 
mounted  in  cigar  boxes  floored  with  smooth  cor- 
rugated cardboard.  Cotton  partly  soaked  in  gaso- 
line or  carbontetrachloride  and  covered  with  oiled 
paper  (to  protect  the  insects  from  the  moisture) 
in  a tightly  corked  bottle  is  a safe  way  of  killing 
and  should  be  carried  on  every  hike  into  the  coun- 
try. Lutz’s  “Field  Book  of  Insects,”  published  by 
Putnam  gives  full  directions  for  spreading  and 
mounting. 


A nature  room  in  a New  York 
City  school.  Make  your  play- 
ground an  outdoor  nature  room! 


206 


v 


NATURE  ON  THE  PLAYGROUND 


Animals 

Tt  is  very  much  worth  while  to  help  people  to 
discover  how  interesting  is  the  relation  of  struc- 
ture to  habit  in  animals. 

For  instance,  bring  onto  the  playground  a gen- 
tle dog  and  cat  and  show  the  children  how  to  com- 
pare them.  Go  just  as  far  as  you  are  able  but 
bring  out  the  following  facts : Which  has  more 
teeth?  (dog  42,  cat  30).  How  do  they  catch  their 
prey?  Cat  creeps  up  silently  or  springs  from  am- 
bush, catching  the  victim  with  its  'sharp  claws. 
The  dog  runs  its  victim  down  and  catches  it  in 
its  teeth.  Notice  the  difference  in  shape  of  heads, 
the  cat’s  round,  the  dog’s  with  muzzle  extending 
well  out  in  front  as  if  lengthened  by  millions  of 
years  of  reaching  after  prey.  Then  for  the  claws, 
the  dog’s  are  blunt  and  sturdy  to  save  wear  and 
tear  on  the  foot-pads  in  running,  the  cat’s  are 
needle-sharp  and  fine  for  seizing  prey  and  are 
protected  from  being  dulled  or  making  a sound 
by  being  withdrawn  into  little  pockets  in  the  toes. 
Listen  as  each  walks  across  pavement.  Does  either 
of  them  walk  flat-footed?  No,  only  on  toes  and 
ball  of  foot — characteristic  of  all  swift  runners. 
Note  the  five  toes  on  forefeet  and  four  on  hind 
foot  of  each.  Loss  of  toes  is  correlated  with  in- 
crease of  speed.  Hunt  for  trace  of  missing  hind 
toe.  Compare  shape  of  pupils  of  eye.  Compare 
texture  of  fur.  Compare  disposition  and  habits 
and  uses. 

Devices  on  a Hike 

It  is  great  fun  as  you  walk  along  with  your 
eyes  on  the  ground  to  guess  from  what  you  see  on 
the  ground  what  is  overhead.  Don’t  be  dis- 
couraged if  you  don’t  know  the  names  of  all  the 
trees  at  first.  You  can  get  them  in  time,  and  the 
youngsters  will  have  lenty  of  fun  matching  what 
they  pick  up  with  the  proper  tree  overhead — and 
they  will  be  learning  to  notice  things  at  the  same 
time.  A hillside  down  which  things  may  roll  for 
some  distance  adds  zest  to  this  game. 

If  all  the  seeds  produced  by  each  plant  just 
dropped  to  the  ground  and  germinated  there,  they 
would  be  so  crowded  they  would  choke  each  other 
to  death,  so  most  plants  have  developed  some  way 
of  getting  their  seeds  carried  farther  afield.  You 
won’t  have  to  wait  long  on  a hike  outside  town  or 
even  across  a vacant  lot  to  find  a child  picking 
wild  oat  stickers  out  of  his  clothing.  That  gives 
you  your  cue.  Hunt  for  all  manner  of  devices — 
the  coiled  hooked  seed  cases  of  bur  clover,  tufted 
parachutes  of  dandelions,  winged  seeds  of  maple, 


elm,  and  box-elder — dozens  of  them.  Less  obivous 
are  nuts  and  acorns  carried  off  and  buried  by 
squirrels  and  jays,  and  berries  eaten  by  birds  who 
do  not  digest  or  otherwise  harm  the  seeds.  Even 
a boy  may  toss  an  apple  core  to  the  roadside  and 
swell  your  list  of  seed-carriers. 

See  how  far  away  you  can  recognize  trees  by 
their  silhouettes.  Eucalyptus  is  very  easily  told, 
so  are  pines ; work  up  till  you  can  tell  the  harder 
ones.  You’ll  love  this  all  your  life. 

Plant  oddities 

a.  Sticky  Monkey  Flower  has  the  tip  of  its 
pistel,  the  stigma,  spread  open  flat  to  re- 
ceive pollen.  When  touched  by  pollen  or 
anything  else,  it  closes.  You  can  touch  it 
with  a grass  stem  and  watch  it  close.  Chil- 
dren like  to  do  this.  Feel  the  leaves ! 

b.  “Clocks”  or  Filaree  seeds  have  needle-like 
attachments  which  coil  round  and  round  in 
a tight  spiral  when  they  are  dry.  Place  a 
seed  on  a child’s  sleeve  and  watch  it 
wind  up. 

c.  Galls  on  trees  (abundant  on  some  oaks) 
are  abnormal  growths  caused  by  the  sting 
of  various  gall  flies  when  they  lay  their 
eggs  in  the  green  tissue  of  a young  twig. 
The  eggs  hatch  and  the  maggots  feed  on 
this  soft,  juicy  tissue  which  surrounds  them. 
They  finally  change  into  sleeping  pupae  and 
at  last  emerge  as  adult  gall  flies  from  the 
still  soft  ball  which  later  becomes  woody. 
You  can  see  the  holes  through  which  the 
fall  flies  have  emerged.  Cut  open  fresh,  soft 
ones  and  find  the  wriggling  maggots  or  the 
sleeping  pupae.  Be  on  the  lookout  for  galls 
of  different  shapes  and  sizes. 

What  trees  are  commonest?  Keep  a tally  on 
number  of  individuals  of  each  species  you  pass. 
You  might  vary  it  and  intensify  interest  by  letting 
each  child  choose  a different  kind  of  tree  to  record 
and  see  which  finds  the  largest  number  on  a hike. 
Census  of  trees  on  playgrounds 
Census  of  trees  in  block 
Census  of  trees  on  a hike 
Prepare  for  this  or  follow  it  up  (or  both)  with 
ink  prints  of  leaves. 

Smells  and  feels  are  fun  and  cultivate  the  habit 
of  noticing.  Hunt  for  plants  with  strong  odor, 
as  Bay  and  Eucalyptus  leaves,  various  mints, 
Wild  Onion,  etc.  On  another  hike  see  how  many 
different  feels  you  can  encounter — velvety,  sticky, 
rough,  smooth,  prickly,  waxy,  hairy,  slippery,  and 
a score  of  others. 

Be  ever  on  the  lookout  for  any  device  which 
will  cultivate  the  habit  of  noticing  the  wealth  of 
interest  with  which  we  are  surrounded. 


Puppetry  in  a New  Age 


Puppetry  began  amid  the 
roots  of  the  human  race. 

Few  authorities  agree  as  to 
which  land  saw  its  origin  and 
used  it  as  a medium  of  spon- 
taneous expression.  The  people  used  puppetry  in 
their  play,  in  their  religion  and  in  their  portrayal 
of  great  heroes  and  courageous  deeds,  as  well  as 
memorials  to  the  epochal  events  of  tribal  history. 
It  was  the  expression  of  the  people,  and  in  the  be- 
ginning there  was  no  idea  of  using  puppetry  as  a 
dramatic  production  for  entertainment. 

As  centuries  and  ages  passed,  puppetry  grew 
from  the  simple  performance  of  a people  at  play 
to  become  the  property  of  the  most  important 
class — the  priesthood.  The  dawn  of  recorded  his- 
tory reveals  puppetry  as  the  artistic  medium  for 
the  portrayal  of  the  myths  of  the  gods  by  their 
priests.  On  through  the  centuries  it  grew  until  it 
became  a highly  sophisticated  form  of  entertain- 
ment, subtle  and  whimsical  on  one  hand,  sheer 
buffoonery  on  the  other.  Thus  the  art  of  the 
many  was  gradually  focused  into  specialized  chan- 
nels until  in  Europe  and  Asia  up  to  the  present 
day  puppetry  has  become  a highly  individualized 
art,  a possession  of  the  few. 

Families  have  passed  the  art  down  from  father 
to  son  through  generations  by  word  of  mouth. 
Few  plays  have  been  written,  little  music  record- 
ed for  it,  yet  the  artistry  of  the  puppet’s  master 
has  gone  on. 

Guarded  through  many  centuries,  the  art  of  the 
puppet  has  reached  our  generation.  Today  it  lives 
in  a world  made  over  by  machine  civilization. 
Facile,  mobile  and  adapta- 
ble, the  puppet  is  extending 
its  range  of  influence  as  it 
did  in  ancient  days.  While 
masters  of  the  art  will  con- 
tinue to  enthrall  us  with  their 
skill,  the  growing  leisure, 
crying  out  for  opportunities 
for  the  creative  expression 
which  puppetry  and  other 
art  forms  make  possible,  is 


making  puppetry  a democratic 
art,  revealing  the  stream  of  life 
flowing  on  through  the  fingers, 
some  hesitant,  some  skilled,  of 
the  mass  of  the  people. 

A Puppet  Project  Is  Established  in  New  York 

Through  the  recreational  projects  of  the  WPA, 
recreational  activities  and  dramatic  entertainment 
have  been  brought  to  children  in  settlements  and 
community  centers  of  New  York  City.  By  the 
thousands  they  have  been  enabled  to  see  both 
marionette  and  puppet  shows.  In  parks  and  on 
playgrounds,  in  settlements  and  community  cen- 
ters they  have  laughed  and  applauded  and  have 
taken  the  puppets  to  their  hearts ! 

While  watching  a production  brought  much  joy 
to  the  children,  it  very  soon  became  apparent  that 
this  was  not  enough.  More  and  more  they  de- 
manded the  opportunity  to  share  in  the  creation 
of  the  production.  And  this  they  eventually  did 
through  the  establishment  of  the  educational  pup- 
pet project  within  the  recreation  unit  of  the  WPA. 

Centers  were  established  where  children  from 
the  age  of  six  to  sixteen  met.  Competent  teach- 
ers were  assigned  to  guide  them  and  their  crafts- 
manship from  the  modeling  of  the  heads,  the  con- 
struction of  the  bodies  and  the  dressing  of  the 
figures  to  the  writing  of  the  play  and  staging  of 
the  show.  The  rapid  growth  of  interest  in  edu- 
cational puppetry  gripped  the  imagination  of  the 
leaders.  With  their  cooperation  puppetry  de- 
veloped until  there  are  now  fifty-one  centers  with 
a weekly  attendance  of  13,000  children  from  pub- 
lic schools,  settlement  houses, 
community  centers  and 
churches.  Each  spring  a tour- 
nament is  held  and  each 
group  presents  the  results  of 
its  play  for  others  to  enjoy. 
Companies  are  managed  and 
trouped  by  the  children  them- 
selves. The  puppet  teacher 
acts  only  as  a guide  and 
counselor  for  each  t r o u p, 


By  Grace  Wilder 

Senior  Project  Supervisor 
Educational  and  Social  Puppetry 
New  York  City 


The  U.S.  Works  Progress  Administration 
for  New  York  City  is  carrying  on  a pup- 
petry project  interest  which  has  spread 
to  organizations  and  groups  of  such 
diverse  types  as  to  present  a most  con- 
vincing demonstration  of  the  universal 
appeal  of  this  ancient  and  fascinating 
art.  Miss  Wilder  gives  us  here  some- 
thing of  the  historical  background  of 
puppetry  and  points  out  the  educa- 
tional and  other  values  involved. 


207 


208 


PUPPETRY  IN  A NEW  AGE 


teaching  the  principle  that  it  is 
not  what  the  groups  do  with 
the  m e cl  i u m but  wrhat  the 
medium  does  for  the  group 
that  counts. 

At  first,  shops  were  formed 
in  basements,  any  available 
space  being  utilized,  but  now 
puppet  companies  have  attain- 
ed the  respect  demanded  by  the  troupers  and 
many  complete  shops  with  fully  equipped  theaters 
are  part  and  parcel  of  a community’s  activity.  The 
project  uses  as  its  focal  point  the  puppet . centei 
at  78  Fifth  Avenue  where  adults  may  go  and 
learn  the  fundamental  principles  of  construction 
of  marionettes  and  puppets  either  for  vocational 
or  avocational  use.  There  is  no  charge  except  for 
materials.  No  pretense  is  made  by  the  center  to 
establish  a set  form  of  construction.  The  con- 
struction of  a puppet  and  a marionette  and  the 
basic  fundamentals  for  a production  are  taught. 
There  is  no  set  time  nor  set  grade  for  the  com- 
pletion of  each  student’s  work.  This  is  entirely  a 
matter  of  the  adaptability  and  capacity  of  the  in- 
dividual student.  This  center  in  the  main  has  be- 
come a huge  laboratory  of  ex- 
periment and  research  con- 


"Docility is  the  great  asset  of  the 
puppet.  He  is  content  to  obey  a 
command.  Through  his  virtues  of 
obedience  and  silence,  he  leaves  to 
his  creators  the  power  to  express 
themselves  through  him.  He  carries 
them  beyond  reality.  He  is  an  inex- 
haustible mine  of  gaiety  and  caprice. 
He  is  Pan,  who  never  grows  old." 


A group  of  puppet  troupers  from  the 
Navy  Yard  Boys  Club,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 


tributed  by  the  community 
itself. 

This  winter,  with  the  co- 
operation of  the  Board  of  Edu- 
cation, puppetry  was  used  as 
another  medium  of  activity  in 
not  a few  public  schools  in 
New  York  City.  After  careful 
research,  courses  to  be  used  in 
the  elementary  grades  were  allied  in  an  adapted 
form  of  puppetry  with  the  syllabus  of  the  Board 
of  Education  itself.  Through  this  medium  the 
children  are  taught  by  a visual  record,  factual, 
academic,  the  knowledge  embracing  geography, 
history,  science,  English,  composition  and  group 
production  activity. 

An  interesting  unit  of  the  puppet  project  has 
been  established  in  the  psychopathic  ward  at 
Bellevue  Hospital.  Directed  by  the  doctors  them- 
selves, this  research  unit  gives  productions  made 
by  the  child  and  aids  through  the  medium  of  pup- 
petry the  work  of  the  psychopathic  stafT. 

To  stimulate  an  interest  in  the  art  of  puppetry 
and  to  aid  the  community  in  visualizing  all  its 
phases  and  its  novel  interpretations,  the  project 
has  established  a puppet  exhibit 
which  is  touring  the  city. 

( Continued  on  page  227) 


MaoMurr«y  Coiivtcv  J-ibr*fV 


That  Magic  Corner  in  the  Playground ! 

The  children  will  tell  you  that  a 

play  program  is  incomplete  with-  ^ 

out  story-telling  and  story- play-  Anne  Majette  Major 

ing.  So  plan  your  magic  corner!  Recreation  Commission 

Westchester  County,  New  York 


Not  sixce  the  days  of  the  minstrels  has  story- 
telling held  so  honored  a place  as  it  holds 
"today.  In  the  home,  on  the  playground,  in 
church  and  school,  in  the  library,  wherever  chil- 
dren foregather,  the  story  has  again  come  to  be 
regarded  as  a mighty  force.  By  its  skillful  use  we 
can  create  moods  and  call  into  play  every  response 
we  desire  to  arouse. 

It  is  interesting  to  know  that  the  Bureau  of 
Education  of  the  City  of  Shanghai,  China,  which 
views  with  disapproval  the  tendency  of  modern 
Chinese  to  patronize  such  Western  innovations  as 
dog-racing,  all-night  cabarets  and  sensational 
American  motion  pictures,  has  recently  sponsored 
story-telling  contests,  and  in  some  cases  subsi- 
dizes professional  Chinese  story-tellers.  The  wis- 
dom of  the  Orient!  But  we  are  making  our  be- 
ginnings here  toward  a real  revival  of  this  age- 
old  art.  In  Westchester  County,  through  the 
Westchester  Story  League  and  through  the  West- 
chester Recreation  Commission,  much  of  the 
ground  work  has  been  laid  during  the  past  five 
years.  We  look  to  recreational  groups  to  build 
still  further  upon  it. 

But  how  and  where  to  begin ! I have  dwelt 
thus  at  length  on  the  subject  generally  for  I have 
felt  that  perhaps  the  first  step  along  our  journey 
must  be  a realization  that  at  least  we  are  on  the 
right  road,  that  the  story  hour  is  indeed  a price- 
less possession  to  anyone  whose  work  is  with  chil- 
dren. I hope  that  some  of  you  have  looked  into 
the  faces  of  children  as  you  have  told  them  some 
interesting  tale.  If  you  have,  the  first  step  has 
been  taken ! 

The  Magic  Corner 

Of  course  it  isn’t  a “Magic  Corner"  at  all  when 
you  first  find  it;  it  is  just  the  most  beautiful,  most 


comfortable,  most  far-awav-from  things  place  on 
your  playground.  It  is  the  stories  and  plays  that 
happen  there  after  you’ve  found  it  that  make  it 
magic,  but  it  begins  to  be  different  the  minute  all 
of  you  begin  getting  it  ready  for  these  things. 
Even  the  older  boys  who  do  not  believe  in  magic 
any  more,  unless  it’s  black  magic,  begin  to  build 
a simple,  strong  stage  for  your  plays,  and  per- 
haps a nice,  low  bench  for  the  special  use  of  the 
story-teller  so  that  she  can  be  very  near  to  her 
listeners  and  look  straight  into  their  eyes.  And, 
if  there  is  a stage  on  which  to  present  plays,  and 
a bench  for  the  story-teller,  lots  of  other  things 
may  be  provided  such  as  oil-cloth  cushions  filled 
with  excelsior  (they  make  such  grand  “reserved 
seats”)  and  a tiny  table  for  a glass  of  water  or  a 
book  or  even  maybe  a hand-made  vase  of  very 
special  wild  flowers  just  seem  to  come  from  some- 
where ! And  because  so  many  hands  have  helped 
to  make  this  a “different”  place,  almost  anything 
can  happen  here,  if  you  are  wise  enough  to  let  it! 

Of  course  I know  that  some  of  you  have  told 
stories  to  a lot  of  people ; some  of  you  may  have 
told  them  to  just  a few,  and  some  of  you  may 
never  have  even  tried.  But  I do  believe  that  if 
you’ll  just  want  to  enough  and  do  the  thing  in 
your  own  way,  you  can  have  some  kind  of  a story 
hour  of  your  own.  It  may  not  meet  all  the  re- 
quirements of  the  experts,  but  if  it  brings  you 
closer  to  your  group,  if  the  children  enjoy  your 
tales,  though  they  may  be  yarns  of  your  own 
youthful  days  and  have  nothing  to  do  with  the 
classics;  if  they  share  some  of  their  own  experi- 
ences with  you,  if  for  a little  while  they  become 
Robin  Hoods  and  Cinderellas,  it  is  all  worth 
while  for  them  and  for  you. 

Will  not  baseball  take  on  a new  glory  if  you 
sit  with  the  boys  under  the  shade  of  a tree  one 


209 


210 


THE  MAGIC  CORNER  IN  THE  V LAY  GROUND ! 


day,  while  it  is  still  too  hot  to  begin  the  game, 
and  tell  them  a bit  about  how  the  game  first  began 
and  where,  about  the  boyhood  days  of  some  of 
the  men  who  have  made  it  the  great  American 
game?  You  might  even  find  out  some  interesting 
things  about  the  game  which  will  give  it  a new 
meaning  for  you.  Or,  if  the  girls  are  making 
baskets,  would  not  a timely  story  of  how  instinct 
taught  the  birds  — the  first  and  greatest  basket- 
makers  — to  weave  into  cozy  nests  the  materials 
which  nature  gave  them,  lend  importance  and  in- 
terest to  the  task  at  hand?  If  we  are  not  too  lazy, 
we  can  do  these  things  for  the  young  people  with 
whom  we  work,  and  if  we  do  them,  the  corner 
becomes  magic. 

It  is  gratifying  that  recreation  leaders  are  un- 
derstanding more  and  more  the  importance  of 
some  quiet  times  on  the  playgrounds.  And  cer- 
tainly story-telling  and  dramatization  must  play  a 
vital  part  in  these  times.  This  part  may  be  any- 
thing from  a half-hour  of  well  selected  jokes  and 
riddles  to  a formal  story  hour  or  a costumed  play. 
The  important  thing  is  to  make  the  part,  what- 
ever it  is,  vital.  Others  will  help  you.  The  chil- 
dren will  certainly  respond  in  kind,  and  always 
there  are  to  be  found  talented,  generous  people 
who  will  gladly  come  to  your  playground  for  a 
story  hour  or  to  direct  a simple  play.  But  the  im- 
portance of  these  things  and  the  need  for  them 
you  must  yourself  see  first  of  all. 

A Few  Hints  to  the  Story-teller 

Practically,  I have  had  the  happiest  times  in 
story-telling  when  the  children  are  about  the  same 
age — three  to  six,  six  to  nine,  nine  to  twelve.  This 
kind  of  division  tends  to  keep  the  group  small 
and  intimate,  always  a boon  to  the  story-teller, 
and  offers  the  opportunity  to  select  the  right 
stories  for  that  age  level.  For  the  most  part  I 
think  the  story-telling  and  story-playing  should 
be  used  for  the  children  up  to  nine  years  of  age. 
Many  children  are  eager  to  “act  out”  all  the  old, 
familiar  stories  like  “Sleeping 
Beauty”  or  “Jack  and  the  Bean- 
Stalk,”  but  these  same  children 
would  not  especially  care  simply 
to  hear  so  familiar  a story.  So 
I would  suggest  a new  story  or 
two,  and  then  give  them  the 
floor  by  letting  them  act  out 
some  of  the  old  stories,  after 
you  have  recalled  with  them  all 
the  high  spots  and  thus  helped 
them  with  dramatic  values  and 


continuity.  The  more  one  works  with  children, 
talks  over  the  story  with  them,  starts  their  imagi- 
nations filling  in  the  scenes,  background  and  ac- 
tion, the  better  the  results  not  only  in  dramatizing 
but  in  the  appreciation  of  good  stories,  because 
this  method  makes  stories  live. 

I have  spoken  long  for  story-telling  and  story- 
playing, but  this  does  not  mean  that  I do  not  be- 
lieve there  is  a place  for  the  rather  more  formal 
production  of  well  selected  plays,  especially  for 
the  older  boys  and  girls.  By  all  means,  if  your 
group  wants  to  put  on  a play,  it  is  well  for  you  to 
go  along  with  them.  But  please  do  keep  in  mind 
that  playground  drama  must  be  recreation,  that  if 
you  get  too  interested  in  the  finished  production 
you  are  apt  to  lose  the  very  thing  which  makes  this 
activity  valuable  as  recreation.  And,  again,  it  may 
be  well  to  find  a volunteer  who  is  just  longing  to 
produce  a play,  and  who  will  not  mind  the  infinite 
detail  required  to  produce  even  the  simplest  play 
worthy  of  the  stage  in  our  “Magic  Corner.” 

Mary  G.  Davis  of  the  New  York  Public  Library 
points  out  that  the  great  source  of  material  for 
story-tellers  lies  in  folk  lore,  and  this  is  particu- 
larly true  for  beginners.  Folk  stories  cannot  be 
really  hurt,  no  matter  how  crudely  they  are  told. 
They  are  always  simple,  clear,  dramatic  and  logi- 
cal, and  are  not  dependent  for  their  holding 
quality  upon  the  use  of  words  but  upon  action  and 
character.  When  well  translated  they  are  told  in 
the  fewest  possible  words.  The  story-teller  can- 
not subtract  from  them  and  it  is  a great  mistake 
to  try  to  add  to  them. 

In  addition  to  the  simple  objective  folk  tale 
there  is  the  myth  or  legend  which  has  the  element 
of  subjective  things  as  well  as  people  and  animals. 
Beyond  them  are  the  epic  or  hero  stories  which 
are  more  difficult  to  tell  because  they  require  a 
much  wider  knowledge  and  background.  One  of 
the  wisest  things  a story-teller  can  do  is  to  learn 
to  tell  at  least  one  epic  story.  As 
long  as  he  lives  it  wall  make  a 
background  for  stories  from 
that  country. 

The  second  group  in  story 
literature,  states  Miss  Davis,  is 
that  of  fanciful  tales  or  imagi- 
native stories,  such  as  the  “Just 
So”  stories.  These  must  be  told 
in  the  words  of  the  author  and 
are  therefore  more  difficult. 


"What  is  a story?  It  can  be  several 
things.  A good  story  is  a work  of 
art,  carries  a message  of  beauty 
and  contributes  joy  to  make  our 
lives  richer  and  fuller.  Lastly  it  is  a 
means  of  entertainment,  and  a mag- 
nificent one,  too.  Let  us  always  re- 
member that  a good  story,  well 
told,  gives  pleasure  first,  and  then 
instruction."  — From  Ptogtam 
Helps,  Agricultural  Extension  Ser- 
vice, Ohio  State  University. 


The  Boyolympics 


if 


By  Dr.  R.  Tait  McKenzie 

Courtesy  The  Journal  of  Health  and  Physical  Education 


To  bring  to  a grand  conclusion  its  summer  ac- 
tivities and  to  call  attention  to  its  new  fall 
and  winter  program,  the  Poinsettia  Play- 
ground, of  Hollywood,  operated  by  the  Los 
Angeles  Playground  and  Recreation  Depart- 
ment, annually  stages  its  “Boyolympics”  and 
“All  Nations  Festival.”  This  novel  event  had 
its  conception  in  1932,  the  year  the  Tenth 
Olympic  Games  were  being  staged  in  Los 
Angeles.  Planned  originally  as  a boys’  pro- 
gram, the  Boyolympics  has  been  expanded 
and  a few  features  added,  until  now  every  one 
of  the  forty  children’s  and  adults’  groups  meet- 
ing on  the  playground  participate  in  this  un- 
usual community-wide  feature. 


and 

All  Nations  Festival 


By  Ralph  Borrelli 

Director 

Poinsettia  Playground 
Los  Angeles,  California 

How  It  Started 

When  thousands  of  the  world’s  out- 
standing athletes  were  gathered  in  Los 
Angeles  in  1932  to  take  part  in  almost 
every  branch  of  sport,  hero  worship  and 
the  desire  to  emulate  the  great  athletes 
were  uppermost  in  the  minds  of  the  youth 
of  the  city.  Embryonic  Olympic  perform- 
ers were  to  be  seen  everywhere  attempt- 
ing to  duplicate  the  feats  of  their  favor- 
ite heroes.  “Coliseums”  blossomed  forth 
in  alleys,  streets,  backyard  and  empty 
lots.  On  the  basis  of  this  widespread  in- 
terest in  the  Olympic  Games,  was  con- 
ceived the  idea  of  the  Boyolympics,  and  a 
program  was  planned  patterned  after  the  great 
world  sports  event. 

The  miniature  games  for  boys  were  initiated 
at  Pionsettia  Playground  on  the  last  three  days 
of  the  summer  school  vacation.  Immediately 
they  attracted  considerable  interest  among  the 
boys,  and,  surprisingly  enough,  a large  number 
of  adult  spectators  as  well.  Boys  were  entered 
to  represent  the  country  of  their  ancestry. 
They  launched  the  Boyolympics  with  a parade 
of  all  contestants  led  by  their  national  colors. 
An  introductory  address  was  given  to  the  ath- 
letes by  a prominent  sports  writer.  The  Olym- 
pic Oath  was  taken  by  a boy,  so  honored  for 
his  good  behavior  and  athletic  accomplish- 
ments during  that  summer  on  the  playground. 


211 


212 


THE  “BOY OLYMPICS”  AND  ALL  NATIONS  FESTIVAL 


The  opening  ceremonies  were  followed  by 
the  first  day’s  events  which  included  track  and 
field,  hand-wrestling  and  “rooster  fights”  (sub- 
stituted for  the  wrestling  and  boxing),  softball 
and  basketball  games  with  neighboring 
playground  teams.  On  the  second  day  bicycle 
events  were  scheduled,  followed  by  box  hock- 
ey, and  apparatus  competition  on  the  rings  and 
on  the  horizontal  and  parallel  bars.  Shinnev 
hockey,  a game  which  proved  popular  on  the 
playground  during  the  summer,  was  demon- 
strated by  teams  of  younger  boys.  The  third 
and  final  day  featured  walking  and  relay  races 
and  a miniature  aircraft  meet. 

A six-oar  rowing  event,  held  late  in  the  after- 
noon, was  one  of  the  most  exciting  high  lights 
of  the  games.  The  fact  that  it  took  place  on  the 
green  lawn  did  not  dampen  the  enthusiasm  of 
the  curious  crowd  which  gathered  to  witness 
the  race.  Four  teams  lined  up  for  the  start. 
Each  crew  of  six  boys  then  sat  on  the  lawn  as 
in  a rowing  shell,  but  packed  more  closely  to- 
gether. Each  oarsman  leaned  forward  with 
arms  outstretched  and  grasped  one  of  the  long 
poles  which  were  at  the  sides  of  each  crew. 
Touching  his  head  to  the  back  of  the  teammate 
in  front  of  him,  he  leaned  back,  swinging  the 
pole  until  his  head  touched  the  chest  of  the  boy 
seated  in  back  of  him.  Backward  and  forward 
they  rowed,  and  the  team  which  first  finished 
completing  the  rowing  motion  twenty-five 
times  was  declared  the  winner. 

Climaxing  the  three  days  of  sports,  a stunt 
night  featured  dancing  and  singing  numbers  in 
the  auditorium  of  the  playground’s  clubhouse. 
At  that  time  all  event  winners  were  presented 
with  ribbon  awards,  and  members  of  the  team 
representing  the  winning  nation  received  certi- 
ficates of  commendation.  The  opportunity  was 
also  taken  to  distribute  mimeographed  copies 
of  the  fall  and  winter  program  at  the  play- 
ground. 

The  results  of  the  first  Boy- 
olympics  in  interest  and  parti- 
cipation far  exceeded  expec- 
tations, More  than  300  boys 
representing  18  different  na- 
tionalities participated.  So 
close  were  the  scores  through- 
out the  games  that  the  bulle- 
tin board  was  constantly 


checked  and  rechecked  by  the  boys  in  deter- 
mining the  standings  of  their  respective  na- 
tions. Newspapers  did  much  in  stimulating  in- 
terest, printing  pictures  and  results  of  the  daily 
activities. 

The  All  Nations  Festival  Develops 

So  successful  were  the  games  the  first  year 
that  the  girls  of  the  playground  felt  that  they, 
too,  should  be  given  a chance  to  be  included 
in  the  fun.  Consequently  plans  were  made  to 
enroll  them  in  the  next  year’s  program.  In  this 
way  the  All  Nations  Festival  idea  was  devel- 
oped and  added  to  the  Boyolympics. 

In  presenting  the  festival  a stage  was  con- 
structed over  a water-filled  wading  pool  fes- 
tooned with  colored  flags  and  light.  On  this 
the  girls  depicted  the  folk  dances  of  many  na- 
tions. In  their  picturesque  costumes  they  lent 
an  international  flavor  and  offered  an  impres- 
sive background  to  the  opening  ceremonies  of 
the  Boyolympics,  which  followed.  The  orches- 
tra presented  a concert  featuring  numbers  typ- 
ical to  the  various  states  of  the  union.  Exhibits 
from  the  stamp,  handicraft,  woodcarving  and 
other  hobby  clubs  were  displayed  during  the 
first  festival. 

Eventually  all  the  other  clubs  of  the  play- 
ground entered  into  the  program.  The  Choral- 
crafters,  a chorus  of  sixty  voices,  took  part  in 
the  musical  entertainment.  The  women’s  tap- 
dancing  and  gymnasium  classes  gave  demon- 
strations of  their  skill.  The  volley  ball  clubs, 
both  men  and  women,  scheduled  games  with 
other  playground  teams.  Thus  every  group 
gradually  came  into  the  picture  until  the  fes- 
tival became  truly  a community-wide  enter- 
prise. . . 

The  attendance  for  the  program  each  year 
is  now  2400,  of  which  over  a fourth,  or  700, 
are  participants.  This  high  percentage  of  par- 
ticipants in  relation  to  specta- 
tors compares  very  favorably 
with  attendance  at  other 
types  of  programs  planned  as 
special  events  to  close  the 
summer  season  at  play- 
grounds. The  gradual  devel- 
opment of  the  program,  more- 
over, has  reduced  the  amount 


Have  you  decided  what  the  closing 
event  of  your  playground  season 
is  to  be  this  year?  Are  you  plan- 
ning for  a circus?  A festival?  Or 
are  you  looking  for  something 
more  "novel"?  Since  this  is  the 
year  of  the  Olympic  Games  the 
suggestions  offered  in  this  arti- 
cle may  appeal  to  you  as  timely. 


THE  "BOY OLYMPICS”  AND  ALL  NATIONS  FESTIVAL 


213 


of  work  on  the  director's  part.  As  each  group 
came  into  the  festival  its  members  developed 
an  appreciation  of  the  nature  of  the  program 
and  now  have  quite  definite  ideas  of  what  they 
are  expected  to  do.  The  groups  coming  in  also 
served  to  stimulate  additional  interest  on  the 
part  of  those  who  already  had  taken  part. 

This  being  the  year  of  the  Eleventh  Olym- 
piade,  interest  in  the  miniature  games  is  al- 
ready mounting.  Plans  this  season  will  be  sim- 
ilar to  those  of  the  past  four  years.  At  Poin- 
settia  Playground,  however,  two  new  features 
will  be  added.  One  is  the  Olympic  Torch, 
which  will  be  a huge  candle  especially  made 
by  a noted  candle-maker  located  in  the  his- 
toric Spanish  quarters  of  Los  Angeles ; the 
other  is  an  addition  to  the  Boyolympics  in  the 
form  of  roller  skating  events.  These  tvco  addi- 
tions. it  is  expected,  will  do  much  to  increase 
interest  not  only  for  those  taking  part,  but  for 
many  thousands  of  others  in  the  community 
which  the  playground  serves. 

A Typical  Three-Day  Program 

First  Day 

i :oo  P.M. — Parade  of  the  flags  and  contest- 
ants of  Boyolympics 

i .20  P.M. — Boyolympic  track  and  field  events 

(All  boys  compete  for  the  country  of  their 
ancestry  on  their  fathers’  side.  Points  to  be 
awarded  for  first  five  places  as  follows : First, 
io  points ; second,  7 points ; third,  5 points ; 
fourth,  3 points;  fifth,  1 point.  Country  scor- 
ing highest  number  of  points  to  be  declared 
winner  of  the  Games.  Event  winners  to  re- 
ceive ribbon  awards.  Boys  to  be  classified  in 
three  divisions : 

Juniors,  12  years  and  under;  Intermediates, 
16  years  and  under;  Senior  17  years  and  over. 
Members  of  team  representing  winning  coun- 
try to  receive  certificates  of  commendation.) 


3 130  P.M.- — So  f t b a 1 1 game,  Poinsettia  vs. 

Mayberry  Playground,  intermedi- 
ates 

5:00  P.M.— Apparatus  meet,  junior  division 
rings,  parallel  and  horizontal  bars 

Official  Opening  Ceremonies,  Boyolympics  and 
All  Nations  Festival. 

7 45  P.M. — D a n c e festival,  girls’  dancing 

classes 

8:15  P.M. — Opening  address,  Mr.  George 
Hjelte,  Superintendent  of  Ree- 
creation 

8 130  P.M. — Taking  of  Olympic  Oath,  out- 
standing boy  in  athletics  of  the 
preceding  summer  season 

8:40  P.M. — Musical  program,  Poinsettia  or- 
chestra and  the  Choralcrafters,  a 
chorus  of  60  voices 

8:00  P.M.  to  9:30  P.M. — Crafts  exhibit  in  the 
music  room  of  the  clubhouse,  open 
to  public  during  the  three-day  fes- 
tival. 

Second  Day 

1 :oo  P.M. — Bicycle  events,  all  divisions — 75- 
yard  dash,  25-yard  slow  race,  ju- 
nior mile,  intermediate  Yi  mile, 
seniors  1 mile,  plank  riding,  all  di- 
visions 

3 :oo  P.M. — Miniature  aircraft  meet 

3 130  P.M. — Rooster  fights  and  hand  wrestling, 
all  divisions 

4:00  P.M. — Box  hockey,  all  divisions 

5:00  P.M. — Basketball  game,  Mayberry  vs. 
Poinsettia  Playground 

7:15  P.M. — Women’s  tap  dancing  and  gym- 
nasium class  demonstrations 

8 145  P.M. — Women’s  volley  ball  game.  Poin- 

settia vs.  Highland  Park  Play- 
ground 


Juniors 

standing  broad  jump 
call  put 
high  jump 

Seniors 


Intermediates 
fall  put 
high  jump 
hop-step-jump 


shot  put 
high  jump 
running  broad  jump 

2:30  P.M. — Men’s  horseshoe  meet,  Poinsettia 
vs.  Harvard  Playground 


Third  Day 

1 130  P.M. — Track  and  field  events 

Juniors  Intermediates 

50-yard  dash  75-yard  dash 

100-meter  walking  race  220-vard  walking  race 


Seniors 
75 -yard  dash 
240-yard  walking  race 

Relay  3-man  team,  one  boy  of  each  division 
(Continued  on  page  228) 


A New  Deal 

for 

Boys  and  0irls 


Not  a Christmas  Story,  al- 
though it  might  well  be  one 

By  C.  E.  Brewer 

Commissioner  of  Recreation 
Detroit,  Michigan 

IN  a big  city  like  Detroit,  Michigan,  where  boys 
and  girls  must  live  among  the  traffic  and  con- 
gestion hazards,  the  problem  of  where  to  play 
during  the  hot  summer  vacation  days  becomes  a 
vital  one.  In  these  districts,  near  the  heart  of  the 
city,  a few  scattering  vacant  lots,  the  streets  and 
alleys  serve  as  the  only  playgrounds.  Here  the 
ominous  tide  of  traffic  creates  an  everpresent 
threat  to  the  little  fellow  whose  heart  and  soul  is 
in  the  game.  . 

But  things  were  different  for  some  six  hun- 
dred fortunate  girls  and  boys  in  Detroit  last  sum- 
mer because  six  Kiwanis  Clubs  recognized  their 
plight  and  decided  to  do  something  about  it. 

How  this  all  came  about  is  very  interesting.  On 
Christmas  eve  of  1934,  Mr.  Joe  Prance,  along 
with  a score  of  other  Kiwanians,  volunteered  to 
deliver  personally  some  Christmas  baskets  for  the 
Salvation  Army.  Mr.  Prance’s  territory  was  down 
on  the  West  side  of  the  Mile  Circle,  where  con- 
gestion is  at  its  worst.  There  were  many  little 
boys  and  girls  on  his  Christmas  list.  He  became 
very  much  interested  in  them  and  went  back  to 
visit  them  many  times. 

One  day  Mr.  Prance  saw  a little  fellow  throw 
a stone  at  a big  grey  truck  that  had  just  run  over 
his  home-made  scooter  which  he  had  left  in  the 
middle  of  his  only  playground — a busy  alley.  He 
took  the  cause  of  these  little  children  to  his  fel- 
low Kiwanians  who  are  noted  for  their  interest 
in  the  under-privileged,  and  the  following  plan 
was  devised  and  carried  out. 


Six  hundred  children  were  selected.  They  were 
divided  into  three  groups.  Once  a week  for  seven 
weeks  the  same  group  of  approximately  two  hun- 
dred was  taken  to  one  of  the  most  beautiful  play- 
grounds in  the  country — Detroit’s  Belle  Isle.  Ar- 
rangements were  rpade  with  the  Department  of 
Street  Railways  for  a sufficient  number  of 
coaches  to  carry  the  children  to  and  from  the 
island.  Each  Monday,  Tuesday  and  Wednesday 
morning  at  eight  o’clock,  at  designated  localities, 
the  children  boarded  the  coaches.  They  were  re- 
turned to  the  same  places  by  five  o’clock.  Police 
officers  were  on  hand  to  supervise  the  loading  and 
help  the  little  ones  cross  the  busy  streets  in  safety. 

Wishing  to  have  their  young  guests  play  games 
and  engage  in  such  activities  that  impart  lessons 
in  good  sportsmanship,  honesty  and  individual  re- 
sponsibility, the  Kiwanians  came  to  the  Depart- 
ment of  Recreation.  With  the  assistance  of  the 
SERA,  the  Department  was  enabled  to  furnish 
two  playground  directors.  They  were  assisted  and 
supervised  by  the  Department’s  director  of  Social 
Recreation. 

But  how  was  the  selection  made  from  the  count- 
less numbers  of  under-privileged  little  folk  who 
should  be  taken  to  the  summer  stay-at-home  camp, 
one  may  well  ask?  Community  fund  officials, 
working  in  conjunction  with  officials  of  public  and 
parochial  schools  in  the  district,  did  the  choosing. 

Each  child  was  presented  with  an  identification 
card  and  a tag — a bright  red  one.  The  tag  was 
(Continued  on  page  228 ) 


214 


Clubs  in  the  Playground  Program 


The  old  saying  that  when 
a horse  moves  out  of  a 
barn  a Little  Theater  im- 
mediately moves  in,  might  well 
be  paraphrased,  as  far  as  the  Oak  Park  play- 
grounds are  concerned,  as  “whenever  a table  or  a 
chair  moves  out  a club  moves  in !”  Practically 
every  one  of  our  activities  is  now  built  about  a 
club,  and  the  request  for  this  organization  usually 
comes  from  the  children,  a fact  that  makes  the 
activity  doubly  desirable  and  important.  The  clubs 
include  athletics,  dramatics,  play-writing  and 
story-telling,  art,  swimming,  handcraft,  dances, 
nature  study  and  junior  police. 

Attempting  to  analyze  the  interest  in  the  or- 
ganizations and  their  value  to  the  children,  we 
have  come  to  the  following  conclusions : 

(i)  The  appeal  of  clubs  lies  in  the  fact  that  so- 
lidarity l^nds  strength  and  importance  to  an  ac- 
tivity. Children  suffer  from  a sense  of  individual 
inadequacy ; they  like  and  need  assurance  and  a 
feeling  of  permanence. 


(2)  Clubs  feed  the  social  in- 
stinct, the  natural  desire  to 
learn  social  usages. 

(3)  They  encourage  a sense  of 
responsibility  and  self-esteem,  through  the  per- 
formance of  the  duties  of  officers. 

(4)  They  lay  the  foundation  of  a knowledge  of 
parliamentary  procedure  which  later  will  be  nec- 
essary in  high  school  and  college  activities,  as  well 
as  in  adult  organizations  and  they  are  one  of  the 
best  means  of  teaching  children  to  express  a 
statement  clearly  and  forcibly. 

(5)  From  the  point  of  view  of  value  to  the  rec- 
reation system,  clubs  emphasize  the  activity,  help 
to  establish  playground  objectives,  develop  ini- 
tiative, self-control,  cooperation,  and  friendliness, 
help  to  solve  playground  problems  and  provide  a 
useful  means  of  publicity. 

For  many  years  we  had  a presidents'  council, 
designed  to  serve  as  a clearing-house  for  all  play- 
ground activities.  Its  membership  was  made  up 
of  the  president  of  every  club  and  one  delegate. 


By  Josephine  Blackstock 

Director  of  Playgrounds 
Oak  Park,  Illinois 


216 


CLUBS  IN  THE  PLAYGROUND  PROGRAM 


Its  members  discussed  major 
problems  of  the  playgrounds 
and  promoted  inter-club  pro- 
grams. The  group  met  once  a 
month.  Once  a year  the  united 
clubs  gave  a banquet  and  dance. 

On  account  of  the  curtailed 
staff  made  necessary  by  finan- 
cial conditions,  the  council  has 
been  abandoned  for  some  time. 

However,  we  hope  shortly  to 
reorganize  it,  since  it  has  prov- 
ed of  definite  value  to  the 
playgrounds.  It  was  remarkable  how  seriously  the 
delegates  took  their  duties,  how  well  the  different 
age  groups  mixed,  and  how  various  were  the  ac- 
tivities suggested  and  planned. 

Things  We  Have  Learned 

It  is  interesting  to  note  that  the  one  activity 
every  club  wanted  was  to  eat  together,  a fact  that 
emphasizes  the  statement  Howard  Braucher  has 
made  that  eating  is  the  oldest  of  recreational  ac- 
tivities. Rather  significantly  the  chief  interest  of 
the  children  was  in  the  friends  they  made,  the 
means  of  self-expression  they  found  rather  than 
any  sense  of  importance  or  of  imposing  their 
wills  on  others  in  their  roles  as  officers. 

We  feel  that  especially  among  the  boys  of  teen 
age  our  best  club  work  has  been  done.  There 
seems  to  be  what  amounts  almost  to  an  anxiety 
among  most  boys  to  learn  the  fundamentals  of 
parliamentary  procedure.  There  is,  too,  an  in- 
stinctive sence  of  fairness  that  they  feel  and  know 
comes  only  from  subjects  discussed  and  officers 
selected  through  parliamentary  rules.  In  this  con- 
nection, the  flair  for  fairness  and  fitness  that  most 
children  possess  is  noticeable  in  their  selection  of 
officers.  Their  candidates  must  stand  .on  their 
own  merit  or  they  just  don’t  register! 

"\\  e have  found  that  to  insure  a healthy  exis- 
tence every  club  must  have  a definite  program  of 
activities;  that  its  officers  must  function  and  that 
the  club  must  proceed  under  parliamentary  law. 
All  clubs  have  the  supervision  of  a play  director 
who  serves  in  the  capacity  of  advisor.  The 
directors  see  to  it  that  every  member  of  a club 
has  been  used  by  the  end  of  the  season  in  one 
capacity  or  another.  This  year,  in  organizing  the 
boys’  athletic  clubs,  we  have  tried  an  experiment 
in  having  men  in  the  neighborhood  serve  in  an 
advisory  capacity  as  club  directors.  As  a means 
of  encouraging  the  cooperation  of  adults  the  idea 


has  been  especially  valuable. 
In  one  case  this  has  resulted  in 
our  securing  the  awards  for 
the  entire  summer  program 
from  a neighbor  who  became 
interested  in  the  boys’  work. 

Perhaps  the  one  best  thing 
the  clubs  have  achieved  is  a 
feeling  of  unity,  of  working 
together  cooperatively  on  a 
rounded  program.  Two  years 
ago,  for  example,  we  organiz- 
ed an  adult  club  in  story  and 
play-writing.  This  club  has  fed  the  other  activi- 
ties, providing  material  for  amateur  nights,  festi- 
vals and  similar  events.  The  group  has  in  this 
way  come  to  take  a sympathetic  interest  in  the 
activities  of  the  children.  Along  this  same  line, 
the  adult  art  clubs  have  designed  and  made  scen- 
ery and  helped  plan  costumes  for  some  of  the 
children’s  plays. 

Today  on  the  playgrounds,  we  seldom  suggest 
a new  activity  but  some  boy  or  girl  pipes  up  hope- 
fully with  the  remark,  “Can  we  make  a club  out 
of  it?”  Well,  we  Americans  have  been  accused 
of  being  a nation  of  joiners.  Perhaps,  in  the  case 
of  some  adult  club  members,  the  term  “accusa- 
tion” may  fairly  be  used  — self-aggrandizement 
and  material  gain  are  so  often  their  objectives; 
but  in  the  case  of  children’s  organizations  this 
does  not  hold  true.  They  join  a club  because  they 
feel  an  instinctive  need  of  learning  how  to  mix 
with  others;  of  trying  out  their  fledgling  abilities; 
of  measuring  their  capacities  against  those  of 
others ; of  gaining  friends  and  of  learning  poise 
and  self-expression. 

Aptly  enough,  since  we  are  writing  of  recrea- 
tional matters,  the  dictionary  defines  one  mean- 
ing of  “club”  as  a baseball  bat,  a stick  for  playing 
golf,  or  one  of  a suit  of  playing  cards.  Our  play- 
grounds are  baseball  bats  and  golf  sticks  and 
card  playing  or  game  “clubs,”  but  they  are  much 
more.  They  are  made  up  of  groups  banded  to- 
gether for  a common  purpose — to  learn  the  real 
meaning  of  playing  together. 


“The  very  nature  of  youth  demands  adventure, 
the  opportunity  to  be  active,  the  chance  to  create 
and  discover,  the  challenge  of  a career,  the  promise 
of  achievement,  the  right  to  be  identified  with  a 
cause,  and  a reasonable  hope  to  give  reality  to 
high  ideals.” — Thomas  H.  Nelson  in  “Planning 
the  Future  with  Youth.” 


" 'Spot'  natural  leaders  during  the 
first  week  of  playground  activity. 
Start  organization  of  a club  informal- 
ly, preferably  through  participation 
in  some  activity  such  as  a hike.  Let 
the  members  select  a name  which 
appeals  to  their  imagination.  The 
constitution  and  by-laws  should  be 
simple  and  preferably  written  by  the 
children  themselves.  Encourage  them 
to  be  real  playground  leaders."  — 
From  Summer  Playground  Manual, 
York,  Pa.,  Department  of  Recreation. 


Boys’  Meets 

in 

Milwaukee 


A Round-the-Bases  relay  is  a very  thrilling 
event  tor  participants  and  onlookers  alike! 


The  Milwaukee,  Wisconsin,  Department  of 
Municipal  Recreation  and  Adult  Education 
conducts  sixty-five  organized  playgrounds 
and  a municipal  athletic  program  in  twenty-one 
sports.  The  department  conducts  many  meets  for 
boys  as  a part  of  its  athletic  program,  among  them 
mass  meets  and  stunt  meets. 

Mass  Meets 

Events 

In  the  mass  meets  the  following  events  are  used  : 
Round-the-Bases  Relay.  Use  the  regulation  soft- 
ball  diamond  (45  feet  bases).  Six  contestants  line 
up  in  single  file,  the  lead-off  man  taking  his  posi- 
tion in  the  right-hander’s  batting  box.  At  a sig- 
nal, he  makes  the  circuit  of  the  bases,  touching 
each  base,  and  hands  a baton  to  the  second  mem- 
ber of  his  team  as  he  passes  him  at  home  plate. 
After  the  start  of  the  lead-off  man,  the  second 
runner  takes  his  position  in  the  right-hander’s 
batting  box,  receives  the  baton,  circles  the  bases 
and  so  on  through  until  six  runners  have  com- 
pleted the  circuit. 

If  a runner  fails  to  touch  a base  (home  base 
excepted),  the  referee  shall  immediately  indicate 
this  omission  by  blowing  his  whistle.  Runners 
guilty  of  this  violation  must  immediately  return 
and  touch  the  “missed”  base  before  completing  the 
circuit.  The  baton  must  be  handed  to  the  follow- 
ing runner  as  the  previous  runner  passes  in  front 
of  him. 

The  contest  will  be  decided  by  time.  The 
watches  will  snap  the  “time”  when  the  foot  of  the 
sixth  runner  strikes  the  home  plate. 

Basketball  Throw  Backward  Overhead.  Use  a two 

inch  take-off  line.  The  contestant  must  stand  be- 


hind this  line  with  his  back  toward  the  direction 
of  the  throw.  The  ball  is  grasped  with  both 
hands,  swung  down  between  the  legs  and  cast 
overhead  on  the  rise.  The  ball  must  be  delivered 
from  a standing  position,  no  step  or  hop  being 
permitted  previous  to  the  final  swing.  Any  part 
of  the  body  on  or  across  the  take-off  line  consti- 
tutes a foul.  Each  contestant  shall  be  allowed 
three  trials. 

Standing  Broad  Jump.  The  edge  of  the  jump- 
ing pit  may  be  used  for  the  take-off.  The  con- 
testant places  both  feet  on  the  take-off  board  (toes 
may  extend  over  edge  of  pit)  and  leaps  forward 
into  the  pit  for  distance.  The  distance  shall  be 
measured  from  the  edge  of  the  pit  to  the  nearest 
impression  made  in  the  sand  by  any  part  of  the 
body.  Each  contestant  will  be  allowed  three  trials. 
If  the  jumping  pit  is  not  used,  a two  inch  take-off 
line  may  be  substituted. 

Stick  the  Peg.  Holding  the  peg  in  either  hand, 
hop  off  either  leg  landing  on  the  same  leg;  no 
step  or  steps  are  allowed  previous  to  this  take-off. 
Then  reach  forward  and  stick  the  peg  in  the  sand 
mound  as  far  from  the  body  as  possible.  Any  part 
of  the  body  touching  the  ground,  except  the  foot 
on  which  the  contestant  is  standing,  constitutes  a 
foul.  Moreover  any  attempt  in  which  the  contest- 
ant attains  balance  at  any  point  beyond  that  at 
which  he  first  made  contact  with  the  ground 
(slide  excepted)  will  be  considered  a foul.  Three 
successive  fouls  constitute  a trial.  Each  contestant 
will  be  allowed  three  trials. 

Rules  and  Regulations 

Membership  on  the  mass  athletic  team  is  re- 
stricted to  school  boys  attending  school  five  days  a 


217 


218 


BOYS’  MEETS  IN  MILWAUKEE 


week  who  have  passed  their  twelfth  birthday  by 
July  ist  and  who  have  not  reached  their  seven- 
teenth birthday  by  that  date.  Proof  of  age  must 
be  given  by  each  member  of  the  team  to  the  play 
leader  by  submitting  a birth  certificate  or  a baptis- 
mal record  or  a sworn  statement  by  the  parent 
signed  by  a notary  public. 

Each  director  shall  present  an  eligibility  sheet 
on  which  shall  be  listed  the  names,  ages  and  ad- 
dresses of  all  contestants  representing  his  play- 
ground. This  sheet  shall  be  given  to  the  person 
in  charge  of  the  meet. 

Contestants  may  be  entered  and  may  compete 
in  all  of  the  four  events  or  may  be  entered  and 
compete  in  only  one  event.  A boy  may  be  a mem- 
ber of  only  one  mass  athletic  team.  Six  boys  from 
each  playground  should  compete  in  each  event. 
This  is  a mass  meet  and  it  is  desirable  to  have  as 
many  different  teams  of  six  as  possible  from  each 
playground. 

In  scoring  the  records  of  all  contestants  of  a 
playground  team  in  each  event  are  added  to  obtain 
the  playground  score.  A playground  having  six 
entries  in  an  event  will  make  a larger  total  than 
one  entering  only  four  men. 

The  best  performance  in  a playground  team  in 
each  event  will  be  regarded  as  ioo  per  cent;  the 
other  playgrounds  will  be  rated  on  a percentage 
based  upon  this  highest  record.  The  total  score 
for  each  team  for  the  meet  will  be  obtained  by 
adding  the  number  of  per  cent  made  in  each  of  the 
four  events.  The  team  with  the  highest  total  is 
the  meet  winner.  The  winning  playground  of  the 
different  sectional  meets  will  compete  in  an  all- 
city mass  athletic  meet  to  decide  the  city 
championship. 

Stunt  Meets 

Events 

Some  of  the  events  of  the  stunt  meets  are  iden- 
tical with  those  of  the  mass  meets.  These  include 
stick  the  peg  and  backward  overhead  medicine  ball 
throw  which  is  similar  to  basketball  throw.  Other 
events  include  the  following: 

Forward  Basketball  Throw.  Use  a two  inch  take- 
off line.  The  contestant  must  stand  behind  this 
line  facing  the  direction  of  the  throw.  The  ball 
is  grasped  with  both  hands  and  swung  overhead 
and  then  thrown  forward  with  both  hands  for 
distance.  Contestant  may  not  take  more  than  one 
step  or  hop  in  making  the  throw.  A part  turn  of 
the  body  may  not  be  used  in  making  the  throw. 


Any  part  of  the  body  on  or  across  the  take-off 
line  constitutes  a foul.  Each  contestant  shall  be 
allowed  three  trials. 

Jump  the  Shot.  Draw  two  concentric  circles 
(using  two  inch  chalk  lines)  with  a six  foot  dis- 
tance between  them.  The  man  designated  as  the 
“spinner  of  the  shot”  is  given  a light  rope  about 
15  feet  in  length  with  an  old  rubber  or  slipper 
(“shot”)  attached  to  one  end.  The  “spinner” 
takes  his  position  in  the  center  of  the  circle.  At 
a signal  he  swings  the  rope  around  close  to  the 
ground  so  that  the  players  have  to  jump  it.  Play- 
ers must  remain  within  the  six  foot  area  at  all 
times.  A player  who  steps  on  or  outside  of  the 
white  chalk  shall  be  disqualified.  Likewise  a 
player  who  fails  to  jump  over,  or  is  struck  by  the 
shot  or  the  rope,  is  disqualified.  Disqualification 
is  elimination,  and  the  game  continues  until  only 
one  player  remains  in  the  game. 

Base  Running.  Each  runner  shall  start  from  the 
left  side  of  “Home  Plate  ” (right  hander’s  bat- 
ting position)  and  make  the  circuit  of  the  bases 
of  a regulation  softball  diamond  (45  foot  base 
lines).  Failure  to  touch  a base  or  home  plate  at 
the  end  of  the  run  constitutes  a foul  and  a trial. 
Runners  will  not  be  permitted  to  use  a sprint 
start  or  to  make  any  position  in  which  the  hands 
touch  the  ground.  The  runner  circling  the  bases 
legally  in  the  shortest  time  shall  be  declared  the 
winner.  Each  contestant  shall  have  two  trials. 

Ten  Trips.  Mark  off  a 45  foot  distance  using 
chalk  lines  two  inches  wide  and  about  six  feet 
long.  Place  another  chalk  line  of  similar  dimen- 
sions half  way  between  the  end  lines.  Players 
may  be  designated  as  Number  1,  2 and  3.  Num- 
ber 1 and  3 take  their  positions  behind  the  end 
lines ; Number  2 takes  his  position  behind  the 
center  line  facing  Number  1.  Give  Number  2 the 
ball.  At  the  signal  “go,”  a 12  inch  playground  ball 
is  to  be  thrown  as  follows : 

No.  2 to  No.  1 ; No.  1 to  No.  3 ; No.  3 to  No.  1 ; 
No.  1 to  No.  2. 

This  constitutes  one  trip.  Ten  trips  are  re- 
quired. Players  must  keep  one  foot  behind  the 
line  when  throwing.  Stepping  over  the  line  with 
both  feet  constitutes  a foul.  A team  will  be  given 
two  chances  to  complete  ten  trips.  However,  if 
ten  trips  are  completed  in  the  first  trial,  no  second 
one  will  be  given.  Teams  failing  to  complete  ten 
trips  in  two  trials  will  be  disqualified. 

(Continued  on  page  228) 


Necatos 


Recreation’s  Latest  Innovation 


The  announcement  of  a new  game  is  an  oc- 
casion of  importance  to  recreational  leaders 
everywhere,  for  games  are  the  leaders’  stock 
in  trade.  And  when  that  new  game  steps  forth 
full-grown  and  abounding  with  lusty  life  in  the 
very  year  of  its  conception,  it  is  proof  sufficient 
that  the  game  possesses  something  that  people 
want. 

Such  is  the  situation  in  regard  to  Necatos,  a 
brand  new  wrinkle  in  the  recreational  fabric,  yet 
one  that  a few  months  after  its  appearance  has 
captured  the  fancy  of  the  playing  public  hither 
and  yon  across  this  broad  land.  We  see  it  on  play 
fields,  school  campuses,  and  in  summer  camps ; in 
gymnasiums,  athletic  clubs,  handball  courts,  and 
on  tennis  courts ; at  golf  clubs,  country  clubs, 
summer  resorts  and  on  private  lawns.  And  on 
the  high  seas,  too,  for  Necatos  somehow  seems  to 
fit  the  shipboard  picture  and  graces  the  decks  of 
luxurious  ocean  liners. 

Necatos  is  really  not  a game  in  itself  but  a way 
of  playing  a number  of  games  with  which  the 
public  is  already  familiar.  Yet  so  different  do 
these  games  appear  when  played  the  Necatos  way 
that  they  seem  like  entirely  new  activities. 

Necatos  consists  of  catching  and  throwing  a 
tennis  ball  with  a cup-like  device  made  of 
aluminum  which  is  held  in  the  hand.  It  is  eight 
inches  long  with  a wooden  handle  at  the  bottom 
which  serves  as  an  extension  of  the  cup.  The 
opening  is  four  and  one-half  inches  wide  (about 
the  size  of  a person’s  hand  when  it  is  cupped  to 
catch  a ball),  and  tapers  down  to  a diameter  of 
two  inches  near  the  bottom. 

The  unique  feature  of  the  cup  is  the  thumb 
control  of  the  ball : Near  the  bottom  there  is  a 
rectangular  hole  through  which  the  thumb  is  in- 
serted. By  pressing  the  thumb  inward  as  the  ball 
enters  the  cup,  the  ball  is  easily  captured  and  pre- 
vented from  bouncing  out — the  thumb  presses  it 
against  the  side  and  bottom  of  the  cup.  Similarly, 
in  throwing  the  ball  with  the  cup,  the  thumb  pres- 
sure is  released  at  the  proper  moment  and  the  ball 
is  sent  forth.  And  do  not  think  that  it  cannot  be 
hurled  with  great  speed  and  accuracy! 


By  Bernard  S.  Mason 

Editor 

The  Camping  Magazine 


The  movements  used  in  controlling  the  ball 
with  the  thumb  are  all  natural  ones  and  can  be 
very  easily  acquired.  One  finds  himself  manipu- 
lating the  thumb  properly  the  first  time  or  two  he 
catches  the  ball.  Skill  is  required,  however,  in 
catching  balls  from  all  angles  in  the  cup,  but  no 
game  would  be  worth  the  playing  if  it  did  not  call 
for  skill. 

That  is  all  there  is  to  the  Necatos  idea.  It  is 
simple  indeed  in  its  plan,  yet  somehow  it  works — 
and  it  fascinates.  There  is  a peculiar  intrigue  in 
catching  a fast  zipping  ball  in  the  small  opening 
of  the  cup. 

Many  Games  Are  Possible 

Many  in  number  are  the  games  and  contests 
that  are  played  with  Necatos  — some  forty  are 
recorded  in  the  booklet  of  Necatos  games  which 
will  soon  be  off  the  press.  Some  of  these  are  de- 
signed for  the  playground  and  lawn,  others  are 
better  adapted  to  the  gymnasium  and  the  closed 
courts.  Of  greatest  interest  among  the  Necatos 
games  is  Necatos  Handball,  played  either  on  a 
four-wall  or  one-wall  court.  The  game  follows  in 
general  all  the  rules  of  handball  except  that  the 
ball  is  caught  and  thrown  with  the  cup  instead  of 
being  batted  with  the  hand.  The  ball  may  be 
played  either  on  the  fly,  first  bounce,  or  second 
bounce.  A tennis  ball  is  used  instead  of  the  usual 
handball.  Seasoned  handballers  are  reacting  fa- 
vorably to  this  new  type  of  court  game,  enjoying 
it  as  a variation  from  the  constant  playing  of 
handball.  It  is  as  a handball  type  of  game  for 
women,  however,  that  the  game  is  gaining  its 
greatest  favor.  Physical  directors  for  women  have 
received  it  with  wide-open  arms  because  it  gives 
to  women  a type  of  game  that  heretofore  has  been 
closed  to  them.  Women’s  hands  are  too  small  to 
( Continued  on  pac/e  229) 


219 


The  Bronx  Day  Camp 


In  planning  for  the  sec- 
ond season  of  the  Bronx 
House  Day  Camp  in 
New  York  City  the  first 
step  was  to  secure  a camp 
site.  Through  the  courtesy 
of  the  Park  Department, 

Claremont  Park  again  be- 
came the  official  headquar- 
ters. As  there  were  no  fa- 
cilities for  an  indoor  pro- 
gram in  the  park,  the  facilities  of  the  Bronx 
House  Play  School  were  used  on  rainy  days.  The 
Edenwald  School  for  Boys,  an  annex  of  the 
Hebrew  Orphan  Asylum,  about  a forty  minute 
ride  from  Bronx  House,  provided  many  camping 
experiences  for  the  children.  Through  arrange- 
ments made  with  the  Board  of  Education,  we  were 
permitted  to  use  the  swimming  pool,  at  P.  S.  No. 
4 three  days  a week. 

With  the  exception  of  one  leader,  a member 
of  the  staff  at  Bronx  House,  the  Day  Camp  per- 
sonnel of  eight  leaders  were  WPA  workers.  Each 
of  the  leaders  was  a specialist  in  certain  activities 
such  as  crafts,  folk  dancing,  nature  activities, 
music,  drama,  and  Indian  lore.  WPA  also  pro- 
vided medical  inspection  for  the  children.  . 

The  month  of  June  was  devoted  to  organizing 
and  publicizing  the  program.  Various  methods 
were  used.  The  camp  leader,  for  example,  visited 
clubs  and  gave  talks  telling  of  the  experiences  en- 
joyed by  children  who  had  been  in  the  Day  Camp 
the  previous  year.  The  children  were  asked  to 
submit  suggestions  for  activities  and  to  mention 
places  of  interest  they  would  like  to  visit.  An  at- 
tractive poster  with  sketches  showing  many  phases 
of  Day  Camp  activities  was  displayed  in  the  front 
lobby.  Another  poster  showed  the  schedule  of 
activities  and  special  events.  Members  of  parent- 
teacher  associations  were  told  about  the  program. 

June  23rd  was  registration  day,  and  127  chil- 
dren were  registered  from  June  23  to  28.  The 
total  registration  for  the  summer  was  227  chil- 
dren. No  children  over  fourteen  were  permitted 
to  attend  the  camp,  with  the  exception  of  a few 
older  boys  and  girls  who  were  made  junior  coun- 
selors and  who  were  extremely  helpful. 


Scheduling  Activities 
In  planning  the  daily  and 
weekly  program  of  activi- 
ties many  factors  were  taken 
into  consideration.  One  had 
to  do  with  scheduling  ac- 
tivities suitable  to  the  time 
of  the  day.  For  example, 
athletics  were  scheduled 
during  the  morning  when  it 
was  coolest.  Certain  days 
were  set  aside  for  trips  to  vary  the  routine.  Tues- 
day was  devoted  to  an  outing  at  Edenwald.  while 
Fridays  were  saved  for  trips  to  places  of  interest 
of  various  kinds.  Mondays  and  Wednesdays  were 
the  days  for  more  or  less  routine  activities.  On 
Thursdays  the  children  were  permitted  to  choose 
their  program.  Activities  were  kept  flexible.  If  a 
group  of  children  preferred  charades  to  painting, 
charades  were  substituted. 

On  any  Monday,  Wednesday  or  Friday  morn- 
ing at  the  park  boys  could  be  seen  trotting  up  the 
road  to  the  baseball  diamond  eager  to  start  their 
game.  The  girls  who  did  not  wish  to  go  swim- 
ming remained  at  camp  singing  newly  learned 
songs,  dancing,  or  playing  such  games  as  punch 
ball  or  twenty-one. 

After  a morning  of  active  play  the  children  re- 
turned to  their  groups  ready  for  the  luncheon  of 
sandwiches  and  fruit  which  they  had  brought 
from  home.  Through  the  cooperation  of  the 
School  Relief  Committee  a daily  supply  of  85  half 
pint  bottles  of  milk  were  delivered  and  needy 
children  were  supplied  without  cost. 

After  luncheon  came  the  rest  period,  usually 
given  over  to  quiet  games  or  storytelling.  At  1 :30 
the  children  enjoyed  specialized  activities — paint- 
ing, handcraft,  dramatics,  the  newspaper  club,  the 
stamp  club,  or  nature  work.  At  2 140  the  boys  left 
for  their  swimming.  The  girls  were  content  with 
their  specialized  activities  or  spent  the  rest  of  the 
day  playing  games.  At  3 rqo  the  children  formed  a 
circle  and  the  program  concluded  with  the  singing 
of  “Day  Is  Done.5' 

As  the  awarding  of  prizes  or  giving  of  points 
were  felt  undesirable  in  our  camp,  the  motivation 
( Continued  on  page  230) 


The  day  camp  conducted  last  summer 
for  the  second  year  by  Bronx  House 
of  New  York  City  was  an  example  of 
a project  made  possible  by  the  co- 
operation of  a number  of  agencies. 
The  facts  presented  here  have  been 
taken  from  the  report  submitted  by 
Morris  B.  Kronenfeld,  camp  director. 


220 


World  at  Play 


Folk  Lore  from  the 
Coal  Region 


The(  heritage  of  folk  lore  left 
by  past  generations  of  anthra- 
cite coal  miners  was  presented 
to  the  present  generation  on 
May  25th  at  the  folk  festival 
held  at  Wilkes-Barre,  Pennsyl- 
vania. The  Playground  and 
Recreation  Association  of  Wy- 
oming Valley,  Bucknell  Uni- 
versity and  the  State  WPA 
cooperated  in  making  possible 
this  event,  one  of  five  regional 
festivals  to  be  held  in  various 
parts  of  the  state  preliminary 
to  the  state-wide  festival  which 
will  take  place  at  Bucknell  in 
midsummer.  There  were  old- 
time  fiddlers,  groups  of  square 
dancers  with  their  own  music, 
and  figure  callers,  mine  skits, 
ballad  singers,  story-tellers  and 
folk  dancers  who  contributed 
their  talent. 


Courtesy  Parks  and  Recreation 


Baton  Twirling  in 
a New  Setting 


BATON  twirling  is 
reported  by  the  Park 
Department  of  Sa- 
lem, Massachusetts, 
to  be  one  of  the  most  interesting  activities  ever 
introduced  on  the  playgrounds  of  that  city. 
Last  summer  a schedule  was  set  up  at  the  be- 
ginning of  the  season  whereby  an  instructor 
visited  two  grounds  every  morning  and  two 
every  afternoon.  In  this  way  all  of  the  play- 
grounds were  covered  at  least  once  a week. 
From  the  beginning  the  idea  of  twirling  a 
baton  caught  the  interest  of  the  children  and 
all  the  classes  were  crowded. 


“Stars  of  Yesterday” 
Baseball  Teams 


FORTY  - THREE 
junior  baseball 
teams  are  playing  in 
the  Stars  of  Yester- 
day League  organized  under  the  leadership  of 


Harold  S.  Morgan,  Director  of  Athletics,  Mil- 
waukee Department  of  Municipal  Recreation 
and  Adult  Education.  Each  team  bears  the 
name  of  some  former  Milwaukee  star,  amateur 
or  professional,  and  all  are  community  or  self- 
financed.  The  professional  clubs  are  furnish- 
ing used  balls  and  civic  and  community  organ- 
izations are  supplying  equipment. 


A Message  to 
Hobby  Riders 


THE  Long  Beach, 
California,  Public  Li- 
brary has  issued  a 
folder  entitled  “A 
Word  to  Hobby  Riders  from  the  Long  Beach 
Public  Library,”  which  stresses  the  impor- 
tance of  hobbies^  lists  a number  of  them  and 
calls  attention  to  the  fact  that  books  on  hob- 
bies may  be  secured  from  the  Public  Library. 
The  folder  also  gives  information  regarding 
the  location  of  branch  libraries  and  the  hours 
during  which  they  are  open. 


221 


222 


WORLD  AT  PLAY 


•SdS*^ 


Organize 
A Horseshoe 
Club  ! 


There’s  nothing  like  a 
lively  pitching  horseshoe 
tournament  to  interest 
players  and  spectators  — 
old  or  young.  Organize  a 
club  at  your  playground 
and  have  a play-off  to  establish  the  cham- 
pionship. It’s  a healthful,  keenly  interesting 
game. 

Diamond  Official  Pitching  Shoes  and  acces- 
sories will  fulfill  all  requirements  — many 
models  and  styles. 

Let  us  send  free  instruction  booklets  and 
additional  information. 

WRITE 

DIAMOND  CALK  HORSESHOE  CO. 

4610  Grand  Ave.,  Duluth.  Minn. 


Quarry  Becomes  a Swimming  Pool — Naper- 
ville has  acquired  a beautiful  municipal  swim- 
ming pool  which  is  the  site  of  an  old  quarry, 
and  beautifully  located  between  the  hills  in  a 
very  picturesque  setting.  The  landscaping  and 
bath  house  add  greatly  to  the  beauty  of  the 
scene,  according  to  the  Illinois  Municipal  Re- 
view which  describes  the  project. 

The  Children’s  Community  Theater  at  Som- 
erville— Somerville,  Massachusetts,  has  a chil- 
dren’s community  theater  organized  in  Octo- 
ber 1934  by  the  Recreation  Commission.  Its 
leaders  are  workers  of  the  Commission  who 
conduct  afternoon  meetings  at  convenient  cen- 
ters from  3 130  o’clock  on.  Children  who  are 
members  participate  in  dramatics,  dancing  and 
singing.  Occasional  parties,  contests  and  plays 
are  arranged. 

Swimming  Pools  in  Illinois — According  to 
The  New  Swimmin’  Hole,  the  bulletin  issued  by 
the  Division  of  Sanitary  Engineering,  Depart- 
ment of  Public  Health,  Springfield,  Illinois,  the 
state  has  about  500  swimming  pools.  Of  this 


number  Chicago  has  over  200  within  its  cor- 
porate limits.  Approximately  30  pools  have 
been  built  in  the  past  year.  About  50  more  are 
in  various  stages  of  promotion  and  15  are  un- 
der construction. 

A Juvenile  Aid  Bureau  — The  New  York 
Police  Department,  according  to  the  New  York 
Times  of  April  23,  1936,  has  organized  a juven- 
ile aid  bureau  which  will  work  on  the  problem 
of  crime  prevention  among  boys  and  girls. 
This  bureau  will  seek  to  develop  recreational 
interests  and  to  tie  up  the  ringleaders  in  delin- 
quency with  recreational  agencies. 

Skating  in  Tokyo — Among  the  recent  devel- 
opments sponsored  by  the  YAV.C.A.  of  Tokyo, 
Japan,  are  the  skating  periods  at  the  Sanno 
Hotel  skating  rink.  Every  Saturday  morning 
from  8:00  to  10:00  the  rink  is  reserved  for  girls 
who  either  know  a little  about  skating  or  who 
are  anxious  to  learn  the  sport.  Teachers  for 
beginners  are  provided  by  the  Y.W.C.A.,  the 
group  being  limited  to  100  girls  in  order  that 
the  rink  will  not  become  too  crowded.  The 
girls  pay  a fee  of  Yen  2 for  five  two-hour 
periods  of  skating.  For  the  business  girls  spe- 
cial rates  have  been  secured  for  Friday  eve- 
nings. The  project  has  met  with  hearty  en- 
thusiasm. 

The  Growing  Need  for  Adult  Recreation — 

The  National  Resources  Committee  in  Octo- 
ber 1935  reported  that  the  United  States  could 
look  forward  to  a stable  population  in  twenty- 
five  years  with  twice  as  many  of  its  citizens 
over  60  years  of  age  as  there  are  now,  and  with 
age  gaining  an  ascendency  over  youth  in  busi- 
ness and  in  government  if  the  present  trends 
continue.  If  the  experts  in  the  National  Re- 
sources Committee  are  right,  twenty-five  years 
from  now  there  will  be  occasion  to  give  much 
more  attention  to  adult  recreation. 

A Kite  “Karnival”  in  Lancaster — One  hun- 
dred boys  and  girls  participated  in  last  sum- 
mer’s kite  “karnival”  held  in  Lancaster,  Penn- 
sylvania. The  material  for  making  the  kites 
was  distributed  free  to  all  boys  and  girls  wish- 
ing to  build  kites  and  suggestions  for  con- 
struction were  provided.  A three-weeks’  period 
was  devoted  to  the  building  of  the  kites,  and 
as  a climax  came  the  kite  “karnival.” 


WORLD  AT  PLAY 


22  3 


A Folk  Dance  Camp  — The  tenth  annual 
summer  school  of  the  English  Folk  Dance 
Society  of  America  will  be  held  August  22  to 
September  5,  1936,  at  Pinewoods  Camp,  Long 
Pond,  Buzzards  Bays,  Massachusetts.  The 
course  will  consist  of  both  practical  work  and 
informal  conferences,  and  will  include  choice 
of  dances  and  method  of  presentation  to  both 
adults  and  children’s  groups,  the  arrangement 
of  a festival  program  with  suitable  dances  and 
suggestions  on  starting  a folk  dance  group. 
Further  information  may  be  secured  from  Miss 
May  Gadd,  English  Folk  Dance  Society  of 
America,  235  East  22nd  Street,  New  York  City. 

20,000  at  Play — The  expanded  program  of 
the  Community  Recreation  Association  of 
Decatur,  Illinois,  with  help  provided  by  WPA, 
is  reaching  20,000  people  with  a program  of 
varied  leisure  time  activities.  Seven  community 
centers  were  established  during  the  winter  and 
plans  for  a number  of  lighted  summer  play- 
grounds are  under  way.  4,000  people  belong 
to  crafts  clubs,  athletic  groups,  music,  drama, 
nature  lore  and  other  membership  groups.  The 
remainder  have  participated  in  what  are 
termed  non-membership  activities.  No  fees  are 
charged  for  membership  in  any  of  the  classes 
or  clubs.  Between  January  6th,  when  the  pres- 
ent activities  started,  and  April  15th  the  total 
attendance  has  been  71,200  or  more  than  the 
city’s  total  population.  In  April  the  personnel 
included  47  workers  under  the  leadership  of 
Charles  K.  Brightbill,  Superintendent  of  Public 
Recreation. 

An  Exposition  of  Youth — From  May  5th  to 

10th  a Youth  Exposition  was  held  at  the  Inter- 
national Amphitheater  in  Chicago.  There  were 
exhibits  of  arts  and  crafts,  demonstrations  of 
activities,  contests  and  evening  entertainment 
features  such  as  the  presentation  of  a pageant 
“Youth  Through  the  Ages.”  The  Exposition 
was  sponsored  by  the  NYA  of  Illinois. 

Facts  from  the  National  Youth  Administra- 
tion— A statement  issued  on  May  26th  by  the 
National  Youth  Administration  states  that 
605,200  young  people  are  receiving  NYA 
wages  for  many  kinds  of  work  useful  both  to 
them  and  to  the  communities  in  which  they 
live.  6,600  graduate  students  are  earning  an 


NECATOS 

A New  Sport 

Catcher  and  Thrower,  With  Thumb 
Control  for  Tennis  Balls 


AN  IDEAL  SPORT 


Tennis  Courts 
Handball  Courts 
Gymnasiums 
Playgrounds 
School  Playgrounds 
School  Campuses 
Clubrooms 


for 

Aboard  Ships 
Summer  Camps 
Summer  Resorts 
Beaches 
Private  Homes 
Play  on  the  Street 
Athletic  Fields 


Write  for  Literature  and  Information 

ROBERT  H.  McCREA  CO. 


Oakmont  (Allegheny  Co.) 
Pennsylvania 


average  of  $25.  and  $30.  a month  to  help  pay 
their  way  through  graduate  school.  125,000 
college  students  are  earning  a maximum  aver- 
age of  $15.  a month;  263,600  high  school  stu- 
dents are  earning  up  to  $6.00  a month  to  pay 
for  carfares,  lunches,  textbooks  and  other  es- 
sentials, and  210,000  young  men  and  women 
are  employed  on  approximately  6,800  work 
projects.  4,500  young  women  are  attending  68 
camps  for  unemployed  women. 

A Gift  for  Kenosha — Carrying  out  the  plans 
of  her  husband,  the  late  W.  H.  Alford,  Mrs. 
Alford  has  donated  to  the  City  of  Kenosha, 
Wisconsin,  two  tracts  of  land  for  park  and  rec- 
reation purposes.  One  tract  of  twenty-seven 
acres,  conservatively  estimated  to  be  worth 
$60,000,  will  provide  a connecting  link  between 
Washington  Park  and  the  municipal  golf  links, 
thus  securing  the  continuance  of  the  park  area 
which  has  long  been  desired.  The  second  gift 
consisted  of  a strip  of  South  Shore  land  ap- 
proximately 1,400  feet  in  length  which  will 
give  the  city  all  riparian  rights.  This  makes 
certain  that  the  lake  frontage  will  always  be 


224 


FOR  YOUR  DRAMA  PROGRAM 


For  Your  Drama  Program 

To  help  recreation  groups  meet  the  difficulties 
involved  in  the  right  choice  of  plays  for  pro- 
duction in  the  community  recreation  program  and 
also  the  problem  of  royalty  charges,  the  National 
Recreation  Association  has  worked  out  the  follow- 
ing plan. 

After  carefully  studying  a long  list  of  plays, 
five  plays  suitable  and  available  to  community 
groups  have  been  selected.  All  of  them  have  been 
successfully  produced ; all  of  them  have  been 
popular,  and  the  production  of  any  one  of  them 
should  be  a successful  dramatic  event.  The  Asso- 
ciation has  entered  into  an  arrangement  with  the 
several  publishers  whereby  recreation  depart- 
ments may  obtain  a very  large  reduction  in  royal- 
ties. The  arrangement  which  the  Association  has 
made  with  the  publishers  carries  with  it  certain 
conditions  which  must  be  scrupulously  carried  out. 

The  wholesale  reduction  has  been  secured  for 
one  year  beginning  September  i,  1936  and  ending 
September  1,  1937.  The  reduction  will  be  avail- 
able only  to  bona  fide  groups  affiliated  with  recre- 
ation departments.  The  plan  is  to  be  an  experi- 
mental one  for  the  first  year,  and  if  it  proves  suc- 
cessful the  Association’s  hope  is  that  it  may  be  re- 
peated year  after  year  with  a different  list  of 
plays  and  perhaps  with  a wider  choice,  but  always 
with  good  plays.  Such  a plan  would  permit  local 
recreation  groups  to  be  sure  of  their  choice  of 
plays  at  small  cost. 

The  regular  royalty  rate  on  each  of  the  plays 
chosen  is  $25.00  per  performance.  The  reduced 
royalty  may  be  as  low  as  $10.00,  and  in  one  case 
$5.00  per  performance,  if  the  play  is  produced 
fifty,  or  more  times.  This  number  of  perform- 
ances, of  course,  does  not  mean  in  any  given  city 
or  given  group,  but  represents  the  total  number  of 
performances  of  the  play  by  all  recreation  groups. 

The  five  plays  which  have  been  chosen  are : 
Once  There  Was  a Princess  (Samuel  French)  ; 
Officer  666  (Samuel  French)  ; Expressing  Willie 
(Baker)  ; Mary  the  Third  (Baker),  and  Polly  of 
the  Circus  (Longmans  Green). 

Anyone  desiring  further  information  may 
secure  it  by  writing  to  the  National  Recreation 
Association. 


kept  for  park  purposes,  providing  on  the  south- 
east side  of  the  city  an  adequate  park  tract. 
\V.  H.  Alford,  before  his  death,  was  deeply 


HANDICRAFT  SERVICE 

for  Playgrounds,  Camps  and 
Recreation  Centers 

FREE  ADVISORY  SERVICE,  Programs  suggested  to 
meet  every  reasonable  budget  limitation,  a wide 
range  of  projects  from  5c.  to  15c.,  instruction  material 
for  leaders. 

f 

SUPPLY  CATALOG  6c.  Sent  free  if  request  is  written 
on  official  stationery  or  by  authorized  leader. 

Tools  and  Materials  of  Every  Nature 

Universal  School  of  Handicrafts 
ROCKEFELLER  CENTER 

1270  SIXTH  AVENUE  - - - NEW  YORK,  N.  Y. 

(Boston  School,  165  Newbury  Street) 


interested  in  park  and  recreation  development. 
As  a member  and  president  of  the  city  council 
he  was  active  in  support  of  the  park  and  recre- 
ation program.  Mr.  Alford  was  also  deeply  in- 
terested in  the  National  Recreation  Associa- 
tion and  contributed  to  its  work.  He  frequently 
discussed  with  representatives  of  the  Associa- 
tion plans  for  forwarding  the  park  and  recrea- 
tion movement  not  only  in  Kenosha  but 
throughout  the  country. 

More  and  more  forward-looking  men  and 
women  are  taking  deep  satisfaction  in  giving 
land,  money  and  facilities  for  the  further  de- 
velopment of  a movement  to  make  our  cities 
more  livable. 

Denver’s  Folk  Festival  — Thirty-three  na- 
tionalities took  part  in  the  International  Folk 
Festival  held  at  the  Civic  Center.  Music,  danc- 
ing and  a number  of  special  festivities  were  a 
feature  of  the  program  and  typified  the  cul- 
tures of  the  races  and  nationalities  participat- 
ing in  this  unique  event  in  the  city’s  cultural 
and  educational  life. 

A Festival  of  Arts — The  first  annual  South- 
ern California  Competitive  Festival  of  the  Al- 
lied Arts  was  brought  to  a close  with  a dra- 
matic pageant  of  art  at  the  Greek  Theater  in 
Griffith  Park,  Los  Angeles,  when  several  hun- 
dred young  artists  performed  before  nearly 
3,000  spectators.  The  pageant  was  given  as  a 
connected  story  of  the  development  of  art  in 
this  area  with  the  prize  winners  in  the  music, 
drama  and  dance  sections  combining  their  tal- 
ents for  a colorful  performance. 


MAGAZINES  AND  PAMPHLETS 


225 


Magazines  and  Pamphlets 

\ Recently  Received  Containing  Articles  j 
\ of  Interest  to  the  Recreation  Worker 


MAGAZINES 

Parks  and  Recreation,  April  1936 

The  Executive  Organization  of  a Park  or  Recrea- 
tion Department,  by  L.  H.  Weir 
Landscape  Conservation — Planning  the  Recreational 
Use  of  Our  Wild  Lands,  by  Dr.  Frank  A.  Waugh 
Concrete  Wading  Pool  Construction,  by  A.  E.  Berthe 
The  Charles  River  Basin,  Boston,  by  Arthur  A. 
Shurcliff 

An  Educational  Publicity  Program  for  a Park  Sys- 
tem, by  Robroy  Price 

“If  Winter  Comes  — ” How  About  a Recreation 
Plan?  by  Philip  E.  Minner 
Kicking  Golf — A New  Outdoor  Game 

Parents’  Magazine,  May  1936 

What  Next  for  Youth?  by  Grace  Phelps 

Landscape  Architecture,  April  1936 

National  Forest  Planning,  by  R.  D’Arcy  Bonnet 

Camping  World,  April  1936 

Philosophy  at  Work  in  Camping,  by  Robert  C. 
Marshall 

Creative  Aspects  of  Camping,  by  Charles  B.  Cranford 


Resettlement  Administration  Project  Camps,  by 
Julian  Harris  Salomon 

Safety  Education,  May  1936 

Enjoying  Our  Water  Playgrounds,  by  Fred  C.  Mills 

The  American  City,  May  1936 

A Town  of  527  Has  Established  a Fine  Community 
Park 

Sioux  City’s  Outdoor  Music  Pavilion,  by  C.  R.  Tracy 
The  Palo  Alto  Community  Center 

Leisure,  May  1936 

Make  Your  Own  Indian  Baskets,  by  A.  G.  Ridgway 
Simple  and  Inexpensive  Crafts  for  the  Summer  Camp 
Indian  Ball,  by  Harry  F.  Wild 

Sociology  and  Social  Research,  May-June  1936 

Recreation  Equipment  of  Underprivileged  Children, 
by  Everett  W.  Du  Vail 

Camping  World,  May  1936 

Evenings  at  Camp — What  to  Do  with  Them ! by 
I.  A.  Schiffman 
The  Indian  Council  Ring 
A Municipal  Boys’  Camp,  by  George  C.  Bliss 
Handicraft  Program  for  the  Limited  Budget,  by 
Edward  T.  Hall 
Archery  Target  and  Rounds 

The  National  Parent-Teacher  Magazine,  June  1936 

Back  to  Nature  with  the  Family,  by  Naomi  Smith 
The  Playroom  Grows  Up,  by  Adelaide  Nichols  Baker 

Mothers’  Activities,  June  1936 

An  Attic  Playroom,  by  Elizabeth  Crandall  Lewis 


P lay  Safe  With 


fever  Wear 


Safety 

PLAYGROUND  APPARATUS 

SAFETY  is  an  essential  of  every  outfit 
DURABILITY  is  built  in  to  give  longer  life 

Write  for  Catalog  28 

FOR  BEACH  AND  SWIMMING  POOL  EQUIPMENT 

Write  for  Catalog  28  W 

The  EverWear  Manufacturing  Company 

The  World’s  oldest  and  largest  exclusive  makers  of 
playground , beach  and  pool  apparatus 

SPRINGFIELD,  OHIO 


226 


MAGAZINES  AND  PAMPHLETS 


Parents’  Magazine,  April  1936 

Nature  Study  with  Young  Children,  by  Rhoda 
Bacmeister 

You  Can  Make  a Playground,  by  Regina  J.  Woody 
Family  Fun,  by  Elizabeth  King 
News  from  the  Toyery 

Careers  and  Hobbies,  March  1936 

Indian  Lore  as  a Hobby,  by  E.  O.  Norbeck 
Hygeia,  April  1936 

While  Your  Child  Is  Convalescing,  by  Florence 
Brown  Sherbon 

PAMPHLETS 

Baltimore — “Cradle  of  Municipal  Music,”  by  Kenneth  S. 
Clark 

Re-published  by  the  City  of  Baltimore 

Annual  Report  of  the  Recreation  and  Playground  Associ- 
ation, Lancaster,  Pa.,  1935 

Annual  Report  of  the  Park  Department  of  Salem,  Mass., 
1935 

Some  Current  Problems  in  American  Education 

Educational  Policies  Commission,  1201  Sixteenth 
Street,  N.W.,  Washington,  D.  C. 

The  New  Leisure,  Its  Significance  and  Use  (Bibliography) 
Russell  Sage  Foundation  Library  Bulletin  No.  137 
Russell  Sage  Foundation,  130  East  22nd  Street,  New 
York.  $.10. 

New  York  Adult  Education  Council  Annual  Report  for 
1935 

A Primer  for  Consumers,  by  Benson  Y.  Landis 
Association  Press,  New  York.  Price  $.10 

Louisville,  Ky.,  Municipal  Activities,  1935 

York,  Pa.,  Recreation  Department  Annual  Report,  1935 

Good  References  on  Discussion  Meetings,  Open  Forums, 
Panels,  and  Conferences 

Bibliography  No.  30.  Office  of  Education,  Washing- 
ton, D.  C. 

Good  References  on  Character  Education 

Bibliography  No.  15.  Office  of  Education,  Washing- 
ton, D.  C. 

Discovering  Latent  Talent — In  the  expand- 
ing service  of  the  Hartford,  Connecticut,  Park 
Department,  one  worker  has  been  used  to  make 
an  intensive  survey  of  a large  number  of  homes 
throughout*  sections  of  the  city  to  determine 
the  recreational  needs  of  the  boys  and  girls. 
This  worker  reports  that  he  has  found  a great 
deal  of  real  ability  and  promising  talent  along 
musical,  artistic  and  literary  lines  among  the 
children  and  young  people  of  the  families  he 
has  visited.  In  one  family,  for  example,  a boy 
of  twelve  shows  all  earmarks  of  a successful 
cartoonist  and  possibly  an  artist ; a girl  in  junior 
high  has  exhibited  a large  collection  of  original 
short  poems  and  an  unusual  prose  article,  while 
an  older  sister  possesses  an  exceptional  sing- 
ing voice. 

The  report  made  to  James  Dillon,  Director 
of  Recreation,  embodies  the  suggestion  that 


the  encouragement  and  development  of  such 
talent  might  well  be  a function  of  the  recrea- 
tion department. 

Three  Months  Later 

( Continued  from  page  192) 

the  standpoint  of  size,  shape,  facilities,  location 
of  game  areas  and  apparatus.  All  of  these  are 
to  be  filed  so  that  information  of  that  nature 
may  be  obtained  in  a short  time. 

Three  months  have  slipped  away  very  rap- 
idly, but  during  this  brief  space  of  time  we  feel 
that  we  have  something  to  show  for  the  money 
expended.  We  have  tried  to  utilize  the  talents 
of  the  many  individuals  sent  us  to  the  best  ad- 
vantage. We  have  also  endeavored  to  use  the 
materials  placed  at  our  disposal,  to  the  end 
that  the  people  of  Berkeley  might  avail  them- 
selves of  the  additional  leisure  time  opportun- 
ties  provided  bv  the  Berkeley  Recreation  De- 
partment through  the  assistance  and  coopera- 
tion of  the  WPA. 


Gold  Digging  in  the  Home 

( Continued  from  page  196) 

The  room  should  be  stocked  with  a number  of 
different  types  of  games,  toys  and  books  suitable 
for  the  children.  In  addition  pencils,  crayons, 
chalk,  paste,  paper,  blackboard,  pictures,  picture 
books,  clay,  sewing  materials  and  tools  should  be 
provided  for  the  child’s  enjoyment. 

Little  Theater  Workshop.  Here  is  a place  where 
amateur  plays  and  stunts  may  be  written  and  pro- 
duced and  where  favorite  stories  and  holiday 
themes  may  be  dramatized  or  presented  in  tab- 
leaux and  where  children  may  enjoy  themselves 
for  hours  on  rainy  days,  imitating  some  stage  or 
screen  notable.  There  may  be  a slightly  elevated 
portable  stage  with  draw  curtains  made  of  flan- 
nel. The  scenery  may  be  painted  on  packing  box 
cardboard  and  a back  drop  painted  on  inexpensive 
muslin.  An  old  chest  standing  in  one  corner  may 
serve  as  the  property  box.  In  it  are  kept  cast-off 
clothing,  hats  and  shoes  that  Grandmother  wore, 
fans,  jewelry  and  other  relics  of  days  gone  by. 
Several  second-hand  collapsible  chairs  may  be 
concealed  under  the  stage.  These  with  the  dining 
room  chairs  and  a few  box  benches  will  easily  seat 
the  Saturday  evening  audiences. 

There  may  be  occasional  showings  of  motion 
pictures.  You  may  not  have  a projector  but  some 
friend  will.  Through  a cooperative  enterprise 
with  neighbors  a film  may  be  rented  from  a rental 


PUPPETRY  IN  A NEW  AGE 


22  7 


library  and  shown  to  the  children.  It  will  be  found 
cheaper  and  far  more  enjoyable  than  going  to  the 
theater. 

Do  not  overlook  the  possibilities  of  a theater 
for  string  or  hand  puppets.  A small  and  portable 
one  can  be  set  up  with  little  difficulty  and  stored  in 
any  available  corner.  The  making  of  puppets  of- 
fers much  entertainment  and  enjoyment  involv- 
ing such  interesting  activities  as  modeling,  wood 
work,  costuming  and  painting.  Plays  must  be 
written,  rehearsals  held  and  puppets  manipulated 
— activities  which  will  keep  every  member  of  the 
family  creatively  occupied  for  many  hours. 


In  a Wisconsin  Community 

( Continued  from  page  202) 

are  provided.  In  1935  the  number  of  meetings 
held  in  the  building’s  meeting  room  totaled  509, 
while  the  auditorium  was  used  546  times  with  an 
attendance  of  over  93,000  people. 


Puppetry  in  a New  Age 

( Continued  from  page  208) 

Values  of  Puppetry 

By  its  very  nature  the  puppet  play  demands 
general  participation  on  the  part  of  its  audience 
and  hence  is  one  of  the  best  and  most  instructive 
of  all  dramatic  forms  in  the  artistic  education  of 
the  child. 

The  art  of  puppetry  opens  to  the  child  a new 
interest  in  the  plastic  arts  and  the  drama  and 
builds  his  appreciation  of  them.  Thus  it  provides 
a bridge  to  the  appreciation  and  enjoyment  of  all 
the  arts  from  the  purely  recreational  standpoint 
to  a specialized  artistic  creation. 

Through  puppetry  the  child  learns  to  express 
himself  and  to  use  tools  constructively  in  achiev- 
ing a concrete  goal.  History,  citizenship,  language 
and  common  interests  are  shared  with  others  and 
are  brought  to  the  community.  Thus  gradually 
this  ancient  art  is  coming  to  express  the  entire 
community. 

The  play  life  of  a child  should  include  oppor- 
tunity for  him  to  participate  and  to  show  his  skill 
in  a great  variety  of  play  activities.  The  marion- 
ette of  ivory,  metal,  wood,  stocking  or  paper  an- 
swers the  demand  for  artistic  expression. 

The  lure  of  using  this  medium  with  its  count- 
less potentialities  stimulates  the  child’s  desire  for 


an  END  to 

Germ-laden  DUST! 


• Playground  directors  and  doctors  agree 
that  dust  is  a dangerous  germ  carrier. 
And  these  same  men  endorse  SOLVAY 
Calcium  Chloride  as  an  effective,  harm- 
less method  of  combating  this  evil. 

• Solvay,  spread  evenly  over  the  surface 
of  a playground,  tennis  court,  school 
yard  or  athletic  field,  will  instantly 
eliminate  the  dust.  And  more,  it  re- 
duces sun  glare,  keeps  the  surface 
compact  and  firm,  and  eliminates  weeds. 

• Solvay  Calcium  Chloride  is  absolutely 
clean,  odorless,  easy  to  apply,  and  very 
economical.  Deliveries  are  prompt 
from  100  conveniently  located  stock 
points.  Full  information  and  prices  on 
request. 


SOLVAY  SALES  CORPORATION 

Alkalies  and  Chemical  Products  Manufactured  by 
The  Solvay  Process  Company 
40  RECTOR  STREET  NEW  YORK 

BRANCH  SALES  OFFICES 
Boston  Charlotte  Chicago  Cincinnati 
Cleveland  Detroit  Houston 

Indianapolis  Kansas  City  Philadelphia 

Pittsburgh  St.  Louis  Syracuse 
New  York 


Solvay 

W TRADE  MARK  REG.  U.  S.  PAT.  OFF. 


Calcium  Chloride 


228 


A NEW  DEAL  FOR  BOYS  AND  GIRLS 


FOR 

THAT 

“NEW  LEISURE” 

TRY 

WALKING 

The  Monthly  Magazine  for  Walkers 

SHOWS  YOU  HOW  AND 
WHERE  TO  WALK 

CONTAINS  INTERESTING  AND 
AUTHORITATIVE  ARTICLES 
BY  EXPERTS,  MAPS.  PHOTOS. 
ETC. 

10c  Per  Copy  SI. 00  Per  Year 

Trial  Subscription,  4 issues  for  25c 

Walking 

1440  BROADWAY,  NEW  YORK  CITY 


play  which  will  be  creative.  Children  have  the 
advantage  of  guidance  by  teachers  who  stimulate 
their  imagination. 


The  "Boyolympics”  and  All  Nations 
Festival 

( Continued  from  page  213) 

4:00  P.M. — Rowing  6-man  team,  2 boys  of 
each  division 

5 :oo  P.M. — Apparatus  meet,  intermediate  and 
senior  divisions 


A Journal  of  The  Non-Professional  Theatre 

CENTRE  AISLE 

Covering  the  dramatic  events  of  high  schools, 
colleges,  university,  professional  and  little 
theatres  of  Minnesota,  Wisconsin,  Iowa,  North 
and  South  Dakota. 

Sample  Copy  25  cents  $1.50  per  year 

1458  Hamline  Avenue  North 
Saint  Paul,  Minnesota 


7:00  P.M. — Volley  ball  game,  Poinsettia  vs. 

Highland  Park  men’s  teams 
8:15  P.M. — Stunt  night  and  closing  ceremo- 
nies, announcement  of  fall  pro- 
gram. 

A New  Deal  for  Boys  and  Girls 

(Continued  from  page  214) 

kept,  but  the  card  was  given  to  the  playground 
director  for  the  day.  At  the  end  of  the  day  it  was 
returned  for  use  next  time.  The  same  children 
went  on  the  same  day  of  each  week  for  the  period 
of  seven  weeks. 

The  Department  of  Recreation  took  complete 
charge  of  the  children  and  their  play  time.  A 
splendid  scheme  to  handle  all  the  charges  was 
worked  out.  Each  group  of  boys  and  each  group 
of  girls,  ten  in  number,  had  a captain.  The  cap- 
tains were  under  the  jurisdiction  of  a play  di- 
rector. Misbehavior  meant  giving  up  his  card. 
Thus,  each  felt  responsibility  to  himself  and  to 
the  others. 

Practically  no  restrictions  were  placed  on  the 
children.  Certain  hours  were  given  over  to  cer- 
tain diversions,  including  swimming,  games,  handi- 
craft, etc.  Every  noon  a fine  picnic  lunch,  consist- 
ing of  two  real  sandwiches,  fresh  fruit,  and  milk 
was  served  on  the  veranda  of  the  big  Casino. 
After  each  meal,  each  boy  or  girl  cleaned  away 
his  or  her  crumbs — and  there  wrere  not  many,  be 
assured — and  placed  his  empty  milk  bottle  in  the 
case,  leaving  the  picnic  ground  clean  as  a pin. 
Then,  a half  hour  of  quiet  was  given  to  teaching 
the  children  safety  problems  of  all  kinds. 

You  will  wonder  what  the  cost  of  all  this  was. 
According  to  Mr.  Prance,  of  Detroit  No.  1 Ki- 
wanis,  who  was  chairman,  it  cost  seventeen  cents 
per  child  per  day  for  food  and  transportation. 
During  the  seven  weeks  a total  of  3,211  children 
had  been  taken  to  Belle  Isle.  Next  year,  it  is 
hoped  to  increase  the  number  to  seven  thousand. 

It  is  interesting  to  note  that  there  was  not  one 
accident  — not  even  a minor  one  — during  the 
entire  summer. 


Boys’  Meets  in  Milwaukee 

( Continued  from  page  218) 

Rules  and  Regulations 

Membership  on  the  stunt  meet  team  is  limited 
to  boys  who  have  passed  their  sixteenth  birthday. 
Team  members  are  selected  through  a series  of 
elimination  trials  on  the  playground. 


THE  SAFE  AND  SANE  FOURTH 


229 


Each  director  should  present  an  eligibility  sheet 
listing  the  names  and  addresses  of  the  playground 
contestants.  As  soon  as  the  entry  sheet  is  filed 
with  the  clerk  of  the  meet  and  name  tags  received, 
each  contestant  shall  register  with  the  clerk  of  the 
event  in  which  he  is  participating. 

Each  playground  shall  be  limited  to  one  com- 
petitor in  each  event,  and  each  competitor  must 
not  have  represented  any  other  playground  in  a 
stunt  meet  during  the  present  year. 

In  scoring,  points  wi\l  be  awarded  in  each  event 
on  the  basis  of  the  number  of  playgrounds  regis- 
tered for  that  event.  Thus  if  there  are  forty  play- 
grounds registered  in  an  event,  first  place  scores 
40  points,  second  place  39  points,  etc.  Not  less 
than  ten  teams  from  each  sectional  stunt  meet  shall 
compete  in  an  all-city  stunt  meet  to  decide  the 
city  championship. 

Necatos— Recreation’s  Latest 
Innovation 

( Continued  from  page  219) 

permit  them  to  hit  a handball  effectively  and  the 
sting  resulting  from  slapping  the  ball  has  proven 
most  unpleasant  to  them ; there  are,  however,  no 
jarring  or  painful  effects  from  handling  the  swift- 
est of  balls  in  the  Necatos  cup.  While  play- 
grounds cannot  ordinarily  construct  a four-wall 
handball  court,  one-wall  courts  built  outdoors  are 
practical  and  inexpensive. 

As  a game  for  playgrounds  and  the  lawns  of 
homes,  High-net  Tennis  is  ideal.  It  is  played  on 
a deck-tennis  or  badminton  court,  with  a net  ap- 
proximately five  feet  high.  The  tennis  ball  is 
tossed  back  and  forth  over  the  net,  being  caught 
and  thrown  by  means  of  the  cup.  It  must  be 
caught  on  the  fly  and  no  steps  are  allowed  with 
the  ball  in  one’s  possession.  Scoring  may  be  as 
in  volley  ball  or  as  in  tennis,  to  suit  the  taste  of 
the  players.  This  is  a leisurely  sort  of  game  that 
all  ages  enjoy.  Being  a high-net  game  it  makes 
all  the  contributions  to  posture  development  that 
ac.rue  from  those  activities  that  call  for  playing 
the  ball  over  a high  net. 

Necatos  is  being  played  on  the  tennis  court, 
following  all  the  rules  of  tennis  except  that  two 
bounces  are  allowed  instead  of  one  in  playing  the 
ball.  The  ball  is  caught  in  the  cup  and  thrown 
over  the  net.  Even  golf  is  being  played  the 
Necatos  way,  the  ball  being  thrown  around  the 
course,  and  either  tossed  or  putted  in  the  hole 
using  the  cup  as  the  putter.  There  are  many  other 
(Continued  on  page  230) 


The  Safe  and  Sane  Fourth 

The  Fact  that  at  least  7,738  persons  were  in- 
jured and  30  killed  in  Fourth  of  July  celebra- 
tions in  1935  by  fireworks  makes  our  so-called 
“Safe  and  Sane  Fourth”  a rather  gruesome  mis- 
nomer. These  figures  are  not  complete,  however, 
for  they  include  only  accidents  appearing  in  the 
press.  Many  additional  unreported  accidents  swell 
the  appalling  and  tragic  total. 

Such  were  the  findings  of  the  Fireworks  Acci- 
dent Prevention  Committee  of  the  American  Mu- 
seum of  Safety  in  its  nation-wide  study  of  fire- 
works accidents  made  in  an  attempt  to  find  means 
of  checking  the  unnecessary  and  excuseless  loss  of 
life,  disfigurement  and  maiming  of  human  beings 
because  of  Fourth  of  July  celebrations.  The 
members  of  the  committee  represented  many 
agencies  who  are  seriously  concerned,  including 
safety,  public  health,  welfare,  insurance,  trans- 
portation agencies  and  organizations,  and  fire- 
works manufacturers. 

A careful  analysis  of  3,000  cases  revealed  that 
no  age  from  one  and  a half  to  eighty  years  is  safe 
from  injury,  either  as  spectator  or  participant, 
and  that  boys  from  eleven  to  fifteen  years  of  age 
received  the  most  injuries.  Three-quarters  of  the 
accidents  occurred  on  July  4th  and  two-thirds 
happened  in  the  street.  The  accidents  were  caused 
in  a number  of  ways.  1,359  of  the  3,000  cases 
were  caused  by  throwing  lighted  fireworks  at 
others,  900  by  holding  lighted  firecrackers,  many 
by  placing  firecrackers  in  cans  or  bottles  with  re- 
sulting flying  tin  or  glass.  Sparklers  caused  90  in- 
juries and  two  deaths.  Of  the  3,000,  2,572  went 
to  the  hospital ; 2,492  were  treated  by  doctors, 
and  276  by  nurses.  These  figures  sound  more  like 
the  report  of  a battle  than  of  a joyous  celebration ! 

On  the  basis  of  the  study  the  committee  made 
the  following  recommendations : 

1.  A lecture  should  be  given  in  the  schools  for 
boys  eleven  to  sixteen  years  of  age  ten  days  be- 
fore July  4th.  They  should  be  told  especially  of 
the  dangers  in  throwing  lighted  fireworks. 

2.  The  Board  of  Health  should  collect  all  cans 
and  bottles  possible  before  Independence  Day. 

3.  Movies  should  be  used  for  instruction  in  the 
dangers  of  fireworks,  especially  of  throwing  light- 
ed fireworks. 

4.  An  ordinance  should  be  passed  against 
throwing  fireworks  into  automobiles  and  other 
vehicles. 

5.  Parents  should  see  that  the  child  purchases 


230 


THE  BRONX  DAY  CAMP 


fireworks  from  reputable  firms  and  uses  them 
correctly. 

6.  Persons  in  charge  of  fireworks  displays 
should  be  provided  with  cheap  goggles  of  fine 
wire  mesh. 

In  addition,  the  Fireworks  Accident  Preven- 
tion Committee  has  promised  to  cooperate  with 
the  fireworks  manufacturers  in  their  efforts  to 
have  a federal  bureau  established  which  would 
approve  all  fireworks  before  they  are  manufac- 
tured or  imported  for  sale. 


Necatos — Recreation's  Latest  Innovation 

(Continued  from  229) 

Necatos  games — Volleyball,  High-fly  Ball,  Ten- 
catches,  Five-steps,  Keepball,  etc.  Similarly,  there 
are  many  contests  used  in  the  playground  and 
gymnasium  to  develop  the  Necatos  skills  and  to 
test  the  player’s  ability.  Necatos  is  also  finding  its 
way  into  social  recreation  for  the  home  and  club. 
Of  particular  interest  just  now  is  the  Necatos 
Progressive  Party. 

As  a playground  game,  Necatos  is  interesting 
from  many  angles.  It  is  inexpensive,  the  cups 
coming  at  a very  reasonable  rate.  It  is  safe — the 
cups  are  light,  are  never  swung  violently,  and  the 
possible  sources  of  danger  are  much  fewer  than 
in  most  sports.  It  is  suitable  for  all  ages  and 
both  sexes.  It  is  the  type  of  game  that  can  be  en- 
joyed the  first  time  it  is  played,  yet  it  possesses 
skills  aplenty  for  industrious  players  who  take 
their  sport  seriously.  And  lastly,  it  grips  and  fas- 
cinates to  a degree  beyond  the  fondest  hopes  of 
its  inventors. 

A booklet  of  over  forty  games  and  contests  has 
been  prepared  which  accompanies  the  Necatos 
cup.  It  is  hoped  that  recreational  leaders  and 
physical  directors  will  contribute  many  more 
Necatos  games  and  perfect  the  rules  of  those 
already  being  played.  Games  grow,  develop,  and 
are  perfected  as  they  are  played.  Necatos,  being 
but  a few  months  old,  is  still  in  its  infancy,  but 
judging  from  the  volume  of  its  growth  in  these 
few  months,  it  bids  fair  to  reach  the  status  of  a 
veritable  recreational  giant.  Send  along  your  ex- 
periences with  it  for  the  benefit  of  all  play  leaders. 

The  Bronx  Day  Camp 

( Continued  from  page  220) 

of  the  program  was  accomplished  through  trips, 
special  events,  a parents’  day  festival,  boat  rides, 
and  the  publication  of  a newspaper. 

Trips  of  Many  Kinds 

The  Tuesday  trips  to  Edenwald  were  anxiously 


looked  forward  to  by  the  campers.  Because  of  its 
ideal  location  and  natural  surroundings,  Eden- 
wald boasts  facilities  of  a real  camp,  including  an 
outdoor  swimming  pool  which  made  a strong  ap- 
peal to  the  children.  The  many  camping  facilities 
it  offers  afforded  the  Day  Camp  to  utilize  the 
facilities  to  every  advantage  in  bringing  real  camp 
life  to  the  children.  The  program  included  nature 
trails  and  study,  swimming  events,  camp  songs, 
camp  fire  pow-wows  and  Indian  lore. 

Interest  in  the  program  was  greatly  stimulated 
by  trips  to  places  of  interest.  Children  of  differ- 
ent age  groups  traveled  to  different  points  of  in- 
terest on  the  same  day.  Many  of  the  trips  were 
co-educational,  the  older  boys  and  girls  often  go- 
ing together.  Curators  at  the  various  museums 
received  the  children  most  cordially  and  assigned 
guides  to  take  them  on  trips  of  inspection.  Had 
it  not  been  for  the  cooperation  of  the  Department 
of  Public  Welfare  these  trips  to  the  parks,  where 
most  of  the  city  museums  were  located,  would  not 
have  been  possible.  The  department  gave  free 
transportation  on  the  Interboro  Transit  line  and 
the  Independent  System,  which  took  the  children 
to  parks  located  in  either  the  Bronx  or  Manhattan. 

Of  outstanding  interest  was  the  trip  taken  by 
over  ioo  children  to  the  Liner  He  de  France.  A 
gift  of  $27  by  the  Parents  Association  made  pos- 
sible a boat  ride  to  Hook  Mountain  for  80  chil- 
dren and  five  leaders. 

The  Budget 

The  budget  alloted  the  Day  Camp  this  year  ex- 
ceeded that  of  the  previous  season.  For  the  year 
1936  it  was  recommended  that  Bronx  House  set 
aside  a budget  of  approximately  $140  which  will 
provide  for  the  following: 

$40.00  for  equipment 

35-00  for  miscellaneous  expenses  (boat 
rides,  entertainment,  special  events, 
parties,  carfare) 

50.00  for  milk  fund 

15.00  for  medical  examinations  and 
doctors’  fees 

The  Day  Camp  has  passed  the  experimental 
stage.  Records  which  have  been  kept  during  the 
summer  indicate  that  the  camp  has  served  the 
needy  children  of  the  neighborhood,  many  of 
whom  have  never  seen  a real  cow  or  have  never 
spent  a day  of  their  lives  away  from  the  city.  The 
program  of  the  camp,  designed  to  give  a taste  of 
camp  life  to  children  in  a city  environment,  has 
not  only  stirred  their  imagination  but  has  left 
them  with  memories  which  they  will  never  forget. 


New  Publications  in  the  Leisure  Time  Field 


The  Mystery  of  the  Minds  Desire 

By  John  Finley.  The  Macmillan  Company,  New  York. 

$1.00. 

I n this  little  volume,  one  of  the  Kappa  Delta  Pi  lec- 
* ture  series,  Dr.  Finley  philosophizes  on  “the  mystery 
of  an  urge  that  will  not  let  man  rest  satisfied  with  which 
was  or  is,  however  much  he  may  respect  the  sanctions  of 
the  past  or  -be  tempted  to  inertness  by  the  comforts  of  the 
present — the  desire  for  knowledge,  the  desire  to  know 
the  utmost  truth,  which  has  its  highest  expression  in 
beauty.”  The  reader,  following  Dr.  Finley  in  his  search 
for  the  truth  that  explains  the  mystery  of  evolution  and 
progress,  is  rewarded  with  such  expressions  as  this,  “To 
be  seeing  the  world  made  new  every  morning,  as  if  it 
were  the  morning  of  the  first  day,  and  then  to  make  the 
most  of  it  for  the  individual  soul  as  if  it  were  the  last 
day — -is  the  daily  curriculum  of  the  mind’s  desire.” 

Sports  for  Recreation  and  How 
to  Play  Them 

Compiled  by  the  Staff  of  the  Intramural  Sports  Depart- 
ment, University  of  Michigan,  and  edited  by  Elmer  D. 
Mitchell.  A.  S.  Barnes  and  Company,  New  York.  $2.50. 

Three  definite  purposes  were  kept  in  mind  in  the  prep- 
aration of  this  book.  (1)  to  extend  and  develop  the 
increasing  interest  in  healthful,  wholesome  recreations ; 
(2)  to  assemble  in  convenient  form  needed  information 
on  the  various  forms  of  physical  recreation  that  has  not 
previously  been  easily  available,  and  (3)  to  treat  each 
sport  from  the  standpoint  of  the  beginner  or  average 
player  rather  than  to  go  into  it  extensively.  The  emphasis 
throughout  is  on  the  recreative  values  of  the  sports, 
which  include  the  following : archery,  badminton,  base- 
ball (softball),  basketball,  bowling,  boxing,  canoeing 
and  boating,  equitation,  fencing,  football  (touchball), 
golf,  gymnastics,  handball,  hockey  (ice),  horseshoes,  la- 
crosse, riflery,  speedball,  soccer,  squash,  swimming  and 
diving,  tennis,  track  and  field,  volley  ball,  water  polo, 
winter  sports  and  wrestling. 

"Handy  11” — Sections  N and  U 

Edited  by  Lynn  Rohrbough.  Published  by  Church  Recre- 
ation Service,  Delaware,  Ohio.  Ehch  $.25. 

Section  N of  “Handy”  is  devoted  to  “Ancient  Games 
from  Europe,  Africa  and  The  Orient”  which  may  ad- 
vantageously be  used  at  table  game  parties.  Practically 
all  of  the  equipment  can  be  made  at  home  or  impro- 
vised with  a little  ingenuity.  “Those  who  enjoy  exercise 
of  the  intellect  along  with  social  recreation  will  keenly 
appreciate  these  folk  treasures.”  Section  U — Puzzle  Craft 
— is  a revision  of  a popular  booklet  on  puzzles  which 
appeared  a few  years  ago.  Forty  interesting  puzzles  are 
described  and  pictured,  and  Puzzle  Shop  Notes  are 
offered. 


Official  Softball  Rules  1936 

Issued  by  Joint  Rules  Committee.  American  Sports  Pub- 
lishing Company,  New  York.  $.25. 

T he  revised  softball  rules  for  1936  contain  four  im- 
* portant  changes  and  a better  definition  of  the  umpire’s 
authority.  The  Joint  Rules  Committee  has  approved  the 
rules  for  softball  as  published  in  this  guide  and  urges 
their  adoption  by  all  national  organizations,  players,  man- 
agers, recreation  directors  and  others  interested  in  the 
game.  The  Committee  will  be  glad  to  receive  suggestions 
for  further  changes  and  improvements  in  the  rules.  Com- 
munications should  be  addressed  to  Arthur  T.  Noren, 
Secretary  of  the  Committee,  Superintendent  of  Recrea- 
tion, Elizabeth,  N.  J. 

The  Campers’  Handbook 

By  Dillon  Wallace.  Fleming  H.  Revell  Company,  New 
York.  $2.00. 

"T"  he  reader  of  this  book  will  gain  a vast  amount  of 
' information  which  will  help  him  in  his  camping  trips. 
He  will  find  out  how  to  plan  his  trip,  what  supplies  to 
purchase,  how  to  set  up  his  camp,  build  his  cabin,  cook 
his  meals,  how  to  apply  first  aid,  what  to  wear  and  how 
to  deal  with  the  many  problems  which  arise.  There  are 
many  illustrations  and  diagrams  in  this  volume  of  about 
300  pages. 

Wrestling  for  Beginners 

By  Bernard  F.  Mooney.  M.  and  M.  Publishing  Company, 
Box  36,  Columbus,  Ohio.  $1.00. 

There  is  need  for  a method  of  teaching  the  funda- 
mental wrestling  skills  to  large  numbers  of  pupils  in 
physical  education  classes.  This  book  is  designed  to  pre- 
sent the  simple  fundamentals  of  wrestling  in  a teachable 
way.  The  wrestling  moves  explained  and  illustrated  in 
the  book  are  simple  fundamentals  which  are  the  founda- 
tion of  all  wrestling  techniques  and  combinations.  The 
material  is  suitable  for  young  men  who  do  not  have  the 
advantage  of  skilled  coaching  and  who  may  learn  the 
fundamentals  by  following  the  lessons  outlined. 

The  Settlement  Primer 

By  Mary  Kingsbury  Simkbovitch.  National  Federation 
of  Settlements,  Inc.  $.50. 

I n this  primer,  the  first  edition  of  which  was  published 
* ten  years  ago,  Mrs.  Simkhovitch  has  given  us  the  ben- 
efit of  her  thirty-four  years  of  experience  in  settlement 
work.  In  this  revised  publication  there  are  few  phases  of 
neighborhood  life  which  Mrs.  Simkhovitch  does  not 
touch,  and  out  of  it  all  emerges  a fundamental  philosophy 
and  a faith  in  principles  which  are  veritable  beacon  lights. 
The  delightful  way  in  which  the  author  translates  her 
experiences  into  words  makes  the  booklet  readable  as 
well  as  exceedingly  practical. 


231 


232 


NEW  PUBLICATIONS  IN  THE  LEISURE  TIME  FIELD 


Catch  ’Em  Alive  Jack.  t 

By  Jack  Abernathy.  Association  Press,  347  Madison 

Avenue,  New  York  City.  $2.00. 

Here  is  a story  of  adventure  that  playground  boys 
will  find  fascinating.  Jack  Abernathy  has  gone  through 
experiences  which  few  men  could  survive  but  he  has  lived 
to  tell  us  about  them.  The  late  President  Roosevelt  heard 
about  Abernathy  and  went  to  Oklahoma  to  see  whether 
the  amazing  reports  he  had  been  hearing  were  true.  By 
so  doing  he  won  a place  in  the  author’s  story  and  some 
readers  will  be  most  attracted  to  the  book  because  of  the 
side-lights  it  throws  on  Theodore  Roosevelt.  Others  will 
read  it  as  a fascinating  chapter  in  the  opening  of  the 
frontiers  of  Texas  and  Oklahoma.  Many  more  read  it 
for  the  thrilling  adventures  it  relates. 

Individual  Sports  Guide  (Archery,  Golf,  Tennis)  1936. 

Compiled  by  Women’s  Rules  and  Editorial  Commit- 
tee, A.P.E.A.  Spalding’s  Athletic  Library.  No.  129R. 
$.25. 

So  important  have  archery,  golf  and  tennis  become  in 
the  list  of  sports  for  girls  and  women  that  a new  volume 
has  been  added  to  the  series  of  athletic  activities  for  wo- 
men and  girls — a series  which  recreation  workers  will 
find  exceedingly  valuable.  In  this  handbook  there  are 
articles  on  the  techniques  of  the  sports,  suggestions  for 
teaching  and  discussions  of  equipment,  upkeep  of  courts 
and  similar  considerations.  Sheets  are  included  presenting 
summaries  of  rules  and  diagrams  of  archery  technique. 

Recreation  and  Education. 

The  World  Peace  Foundation,  8 West  40th  Street, 

New  York  City.  $1.00. 

In  June  1935,  the  International  Conference  on  Workers’ 
Spare  Time  was  held  at  Brussels.  This  conference 
brought  together  a series  of  reports  and  documents  on 
the  activities  of  organizations  which  in  the  different  coun- 
tries are  seeking  to  provide  workers  with  means  of  utiliz- 
ing their  free  time.  In  this  booklet  appear  a number  of 
reports  which  form  the  basis  of  discussion  in  the  six 
committees  set  up  by  the  conference.  They  have  been 
arranged  under  three  main  headings  according  to  their 
subject  matter:  (1)  Problems  and  Methods;  (2)  Some 
Practical  Achievements;  (3)  The  International  Move- 
ment. 

Regional  Planning. 

By  Karl  B.  Lohmann.  Edwards  Brothers,  Inc.,  Ann 

Arbor,  Michigan.  $4.00. 

This  volume  deals  with  the  fundamental  elements 
which  underlie  the  planning  of  regions  in  general  and 
discusses  past  and  contemporary  planning  activities.  It  is 
built  upon  the  assumption  that  the  nation  is  a composite 
of  regions,  regions  within  regions,  every  one  of  which 
must  be  subjected  to  regional  planning  consideration.  A 
chapter  on  “Providing  for  Parks  and  Other  Open  Spac- 
es” describes  various  types  of  parks,  gives  examples  of 
each  and  offers  interesting  information  regarding  park 
development. 

The  Artcrafter. 

Artcraft  Studios,  Central  P.  O.  775,  Toledo,  Ohio. 

The  Artcraft  Studios  issues  in  “The  Artcrafter”  a 
weekly  series  of  patterns  designed  for  use  by  organiza- 
tions sponsoring  group  recreation  programs,  by  instruc- 
tors of  the  arts  and  crafts  in  institutions,  camps  or  play- 
grounds. There  are  projects  for  individual  hobbies  and 
for  children’s  groups  working  with  such  inexpensive  ma- 
terials as  soap,  inner  tubes,  orange  crates,  glass,  paper, 
tin  cans  and  linoleum.  The  projects  have  been  actually 
constructed  in  junior  workshops  and  have  been  modified 
and  developed  to  some  useful  end.  The  drawings  are 
original  and  in  every  case  possible  they  are  presented 
full  scale.  Annual  subscription  $2.50;  six  months  sub- 
scription $1.50;  single  copies  5 cents. 


Principles  and  Statutory  Provisions  Relating  to  Rec- 
reational, Medical,  and  Social  Welfare  Services  of 
the  Public  Schools. 

By  Everett  C.  Preston,  Ph.D.,  Bureau  of  Publica- 
tions, Teachers  College,  Columbia  University,  New 
York  City.  Price  $1.50. 

This  study  analyzes  the  legislative  provisions  governing 
services  of  a recreational,  health  and  social  welfare  na- 
ture as  they  relate  to  the  public  schools,  and  suggests 
the  principles  which  should  apply  in  the  organization  and 
control  of  the  services.  A chapter  on  Public  Recreational 
Service  traces  the  historical  development  of  public  rec- 
reational programs,  gives  facts  about  legislation  for  vari- 
ous forms  of  adfhinistration,  and  discusses  the  responsi- 
bility of  the  school  for  developing  the  recreation  program. 

American  Foundations. 

By  H.  C.  Coffman,  published  by  the  Association 
Press,  New  York  City.  $3.00. 

The  role  of  foundations  in  American  social,  religious 
and  educational  work  is  appraised  in  this  volume  and 
a definite  body  of  knowledge  is  presented  regarding  the 
methods,  principles  and  operations  of  foundations.  Much 
data  is  given  on  the  significant  growth  in  foundations 
interested  in  child  welfare.  We  have  in  this  book  a pic- 
ture of  the  work  of  the  foundations  in  helping  the  new 
sciences  of  child  development  and  child  psychology  to 
take  shape. 

Handbook  for  Nursery  Schools  and  Parent  Education 
in  Oregon. 

Prepared  by  Sarah  V.  Case,  issued  by  C.  A.  Howard, 
Superintendent  Public  Instruction. 

While  this  mimeographed  bulletin  is  designed  primarily 
to  furnish  information  regarding  the  Emergency  Nursery 
School  and  Parent  Education  Programs  in  Oregon,  it 
contains  much  information  of  practical  interest  to  all 
concerned  with  this  phase  of  education.  Layout  of  rooms 
is  shown.  There  are  lists  of  equipment  needed,  sugges- 
tions for  large  play  equipment  with  illustrations,  and 
other  practical  information. 


Officers  and  Directors  of  the  National 
‘ Recreation  Association 

OFFICERS 
Joseph  Lee,  President 
John  H.  Finley,  First  Vice-President 
John  G.  Winant,  Second  Vice-President 
Robert  Garrett,  Third  Vice-President 
Gustavus  T.  Kirby,  Treasurer 
Howard  S.  Braucher,  Secretary 

DIRECTORS 

Mrs.  Edward  W.  Biddle.  Carlisle,  Pa. 

Clarence  M.  Clark,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

Henry  L.  Corbett,  Portland,  Ore. 

Mrs.  Arthur  G.  Cummer,  Jacksonville,  Fla; 

F.  Trubee  Davison,  Locust  Valley.  L.  I.,  N.  Y. 

John  H.  Finley,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Robert  Garrett,  Baltimore,  Md. 

Austin  E.  Griffiths,  Seattle,  Wash. 

Charles  Hayden,  New  York.  N.  Y. 

Mrs.  Charles  V.  Hickox,  Michigan  City.  Ind. 

Mrs.  Edward  E.  Hughes,  West  Orange,  N.  J. 

Mrs.  Francis  deLacy  Hyde,  Plainfield,  N.  J. 

Gustavus  T.  Kirby,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

H.  McK.  Landon,  Indianapolis,  Ind. 

Mrs.  Charles  D.  Lanier,  Greenwich,  Conn. 

Robert  Lassiter,  Charlotte,  N.  C. 

Joseph  Lee,  Boston,  Mass. 

Edward  E.  Loomis,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

J.  H.  McCurdy,  Springfield,  Mass. 

Otto  T.  Mallery  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

Walter  A.  May,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 

Carl  E.  Milliken,  Augusta,  Me. 

Mrs.  Ogden  L.  Mills,  Woodbury,  N.  Y. 

Mrs.  James  W.  Wadsworth,  Jr.,  Washington,  D.  C 
J.  C.  Walsh,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Frederick  M.  Warburg,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

John  G.  Winant,  Concord,  _N.  H. 

Mrs.  William  H.  Woodin,  Jr.,  Tucson,  Ariz. 


Recreation 

Not  Merely  a Part  of  Something  Else  but  One  Side  of  Life 

RECREATION,  like  education,  is  for  all  men  everywhere  from  the  cradle  to  the 
grave.  It  is  not  merely  for  those  who  have  suffered  misfortune.  It  is  not  either 
simply  to  prevent  men  from  encountering  misfortune.  It  is  to  give  all  oppor- 
tunity for  growth,  opportunity  to  be  and  become  themselves. 

There  is  no  reason  why  recreation  should  become  tainted  with  the  odors  that 
have  become  associated  with  any  other  groups.  Of  course  recreation  workers  will 
cooperate  in  councils  of  social  work,  in  education-recreation  councils,  in  welfare 
groups,  in  educational  associations.  However,  recreation  has  a strong  and  special  appeal 
to  the  ordinary,  average,  garden  variety  of  man,  who  just  wants  to  live.  Recreation 
should  never  voluntarily  so  classify  itself,  so  name  itself,  as  to  throw  away  its  hold 
on  the  common  man  who  after  all  is  the  great  majority  of  us. 

Better  for  recreation  to  grow  a little  slowly  in  tax  support  than  to  accept  a 
ride  in  a buggy  that  is  too  small  and  cramped  anyway  and  besides  is  not  going  in  the 
right  direction  for  it,  or  is  going  in  too  many  directions  all  at  once  and  getting  the 
common  people  all  confused. 

It  would  not  be  in  accord  with  the  recreation  movement  to  be  “snooty.” 
Associate  with  all  groups.  Be  comrades  with  all.  The  recreation  movement,  how- 
ever, has  too  great  a future,  has  too  far  to  go,  to  tie  itself  down  unnecessarily.  It  can 
afford  to  wait,  to  grow  slowly,  to  take  its  time.  The  tides  are  bringing  it  in.  There 
are  no  gains  in  putting  on  hair  shirts,  or  loading  up  with  any  “balls  and  chains”,  no 
matter  how  quick  rides  are  promised.  The  recreation  movement,  the  joy  in  living 
movement,  the  strength  and  growth  through  joy  movement  is  a movement  for  the 
centuries  and  not  just  for  today  and  tomorrow.  It  belongs  to  and  is  a part  of  religion, 
education,  industry,  social  work,  health  movements,  prevention  of  crime  movements, 
character  building,  citizenship  movements  — yet  it  belongs  exclusively  to  no  one  of 
these  for  it  is  in  itself  one  side  of  life. 

Howard  Braucher. 


AUGUST  1936 


233 


August 


Courtesy  Girl  Scouts,  Inc. 


234 


Play  Schools  in  Chicago’s  Parks 


By  Jane  K.  May 


Thl  play  school  program  should  be  well  bal- 
anced with  different  kinds  of'  activities,  and 
quiet,  active,  and  creative  work  should  appear 
on  every  program.  Rest  and  bathroom  periods 
should  be  put  into  every  program,  regardless  of 
other  plans.  Usually  there  should  be  some  time 
reserved  for  stories,  music  and  rhythms,  some 
time  for  creative  activities,  and  some  time  for 
outdoor  play.  In  fact,  wherever  possible  the  pro- 
gram should  be  carried  on  out-of-doors. 

During  rainy,  very  cold  or  snowy  weather,  the 
children  will  be  obliged  to  stay  in  the  house,  and 
in  the  winter  they  cannot  use  the  playground  be- 
cause the  apparatus  has  been  taken  down.  They 
can,  however,  use  their  outdoor  blocks,  boxes,  and 
similar  playthings,  and  they  should  have  time  for 
this  whenever  possible,  since  this  type  of  activity 
gives  them  outdoor  exercise. 

When  the  children  are  forced  to  stay  inside,  the 
gymnasium  can  be  used  as  well  as  their  home 
rooms.  This  helps  to  keep  an  indoor  program 
from  becoming  monotonous.  During  the  winter 
outdoor  play  should  be  as  near  noon  as  possible, 
and  during  the  summer  the  children  should  be 
taken  in  the  house  if  the  sun  is  too  hot  for  them. 

If  the  group  is  large  or  if  the  age  range  is  wide, 
it  is  better  to  divide  the  group  and  have  the  same 
teacher  take  charge  of  the  same  small  group  every 
day. 

Some  Typical  Programs 

An  Indoor  Program  on  a 
Rainy  Day 

9 :oo-io  :oo — creative  work  in 
home  room 

10:00-10:15 — s o n g s or 
rhythms,  alternate  on  dif- 
ferent days 

10  :i5-io  45 — bathroom  period 
— stories  can  be  told  to 
children  who  are  not  in  the 
bathroom 

10:45-11  x>5 — rest  period 
11:05-12:00 — free  play  in 
gymnasium 


A Snow  Program 

(Same  as  Indpor  Program  except  for  last  period) 
11  :o5~  12:00 — children  can  play  in  the  snow 

An  Outdoor  Program  in  Winter 

(Same  as  Indoor  Program  except  for  last  period) 
11:05-12:00 — children  can  play  outdoors  with 
outdoor  blocks,  etc. 

An  Outdoor  Program  in  Summer 

9:00-10:00 — outdoors  with  outdoor  blocks 
10:00-10:15 — songs  or  rhythms  in  the  grass 
10:15-10 :45 — bathroom  period 
10:45-11  :o5 — rest  period  in  the  grass 
11:05-12:00 — creative  work  brought  outdoors 
or  free  play  in  the  playground 
and  swimming  pool 

Facilities  and  Equipment 

The  small  parks  of  Chicago  offer  unusual  op- 
portunities for  creating  play  schools  for  preschool 
children.  Facilities  in  the  parks  and  specific  guid- 
ance in  using  them  are  given  in  the  following 
sections. 

Rules  for  the  Use  of  Equipment 

1.  Carefulness  in  the  beginning  saves  trouble 
later.  Show  children  how  equipment  is  to  be 
used,  since  there  are  correct  techniques  in 
using  equipment. 

2.  Watchfulness  rather  than  anxiety  should  be 
the  teacher’s  attitude. 

3.  Consult  with  your  park  manager  as  to  what 
is  to  be  done  in  case  of  accidents.  Even 
though  we  do  not  expect  them,  it  is  well  to 

know  what  is  to  be  done  if 
there  is  an  accident. 

A well  equipped  playground 
is  usually  fenced  in  and  the 
small  children’s  playground  is 
usually  separated  from  the 
older  children’s  playground.  If 
a piece  of  equipment  is  found 
to  be  dangerous  for  small  chil- 
dren in  their  playground,  the 
teacher  should  explain  why  it 
is  not  to  be  used.  One  teacher 
should  watch  that  piece  of 


The  Chicago  Park  District  is  conduct- 
ing some  interesting  experiments  in 
play  school  for  young  children,  using 
the  buildings  and  outdoor  facilities 
provided  by  the  parks.  It  is  a WPA 
project  and  represents  an  activity 
which  would  in  most  instances  be 
impossible  without  federal  aid,  since 
more  leadership  is  required  for 
younger  children.  We  are,  however, 
presenting  the  project  here  because 
of  the  valuable  suggestions  it  has  to 
offer  on  techniques  and  procedure. 


235 


236 


PLAY  SCHOOLS  IN  CHICAGO’S  PARKS 


Courtesy  Chicago  Park  District 


equipment  until  every  child  has  learned  to  stay 
away  from  it. 

The  Swings  (two  types) 

Children  not  using  the  swings  should  be  taught 
to  stay  away  from  them. 

Every  child  should  be  watched,  from  a safe  dis- 
tance, while  he  is  in  the  swing. 

Children  differ  in  ability  to  manage  a swing  and 
should  be  encouraged  to  develop  their  use  of  the 
swinging  technique. 

Tf  the  park  has  a ruling  that  no  child  may  stand 
on  a swing,  this  should  be  enforced  even  though 
there  are  children  able  to  do  it  safely. 

Play  school  teachers  should  not  make  a prac- 
tice of  pushing  children  in  swings. 

The  box  swings  in  some  parks  are  good  only 
for  very  young  children. 

The  Slides 

In  using  slides  the  child  has  the  fun  of  the 
slide  and  the  exercise  of  climbing  the  ladder  to 
the  top  of  the  slide.  In  teaching  children  to  use 
slides,  make  sure  the  children  take  turns  and  do 
not  push  in  front  or  in  back. 

If  there  is  a slide  so  large  it  is  dangerous  for 
preschool  children,  explain  simply  and  firmly  that 


this  is  not  to  be  used  and  let  one  teacher  watch 
the  slide  until  every  child  learns  that  it  is  really 
not  to  be  used. 

The  See-saws 

Most  of  the  park  see-saws  are  somewhat  large 
for  preschool  children.  . The  following  points 
should  be  watched  in  using  them : 

Do  not  say,  “Be  careful,”  or  “Watch,  you'll 
fall !”  This  may  make  the  child  self-conscious  and 
cause  a fall. 

In  getting  on,  the  child  needs  help.  If  the 
teacher  holds  one  end  to  the  ground  the  child  can 
climb  up  to  his  end. 

Children  must  be  watched  to  see  that  one  does 
not  jump  ofif  while  the  other  child  is  in  the  air. 

Teach  the  child  to  land  on  his  feet  with  a 
springing  motion  instead  of  letting  the  board  hit 
the  ground. 

The  Merry-go-round 

The  merry-go-round  promotes  group  play.  The 
child  plays  “train,  boat,  street  car,  airplane.” 

If  the  top  of  the  merry-go-round  has  been  re- 
moved, children  should  not  be  allowed  to  use  it 
until  it  is  fixed. 


PLAY  SCHOOLS  IN  CHICAGO’S  PARKS 


237 


Children  should  be  taught  to  stay  on  until  it 
stops  and  to  stop  when  some  child  is  frightened. 

The  Junglegym 

This  is  a safe  and  desirable  piece  of  equipment 
conducive  to  imaginative  play.  It  gives  oppor- 
tunity for  learning  balancing  and  climbing.  Chil- 
dren rarely  go  higher  than  they  are  able  to  go 
safely. 

Horizontal  Bars 

These  are  usually  too  high  for  preschool  chil- 
dren. Older  children  who  want  to  play  on  the  bars 
can  be  lifted  up  to  hang  for  a few  seconds,  but 
should  be  taken  down  as  soon  as  they  ask  for  it. 
When  five-year-olds  are  helped  in  this  way, 
earlier,  they  are  often  able  to  chin  themselves  and 
get  their  legs  up  over  the  bars. 

Suggested  Trips 

In  the  Fieldhouse  In  the  Park 

Storeroom  for  equipment  Tennis  courts 
Heating  plant  Large  playground 

coal  Note  condition  of  shrubs 

water  system  and  grass  in  each  season 


(Upstairs) 
Cloakrooms 
Director’s  office 
Shops 

Swimming  pool 


In  the  Neighborhood 
Bakery 
Fire  house 
Market 
Flower  shop 

Anything  else  of  unusual 
interest 


Children  should  be  encouraged  to  answer  their 
own  questions  by  observation  and  should  be  al- 
lowed to  talk  over  the  trip  sometime  later  in  their 
home  room. 

The  Home  Room 

When  starting  a play  group  the  first  thing  to  be 
chosen  is  the  home  room  for  the  children.  They 
should  use  the  same  room  every  day,  and  care 
should  be  taken  to  have  a room  which  is  well  ven- 
tilated, well  lighted  and  sunshiny.  It  should  have 
a warm  floor  with  a covering  on  it  which  can  be 
washed  frequently.  Linoleum  is  desirable;  cement 
is  bad  for  the  health  of  the  child. 

The  room  should  not  be  used  by  any  one  else 
while  the  play  school  is  in  session,  but  since  it  will, 
in  all  probability,  be  used  by  other  people  when 
the  children  are  not  there,  all  equipment  and  ma- 
terials must  be  put  away  at  the  end  of  each  ses- 
sion and  brought  out  again  before  the  next  session 
starts.  If  this  is  done  systematically,  it  soon  be- 
comes just  a routine  job.  There  should  be  several 
shelves,  fourteen  to  eighteen  inches  wide,  made 
with  doors  which  can  be  removed  during  the  play 
school  session  and  be  put  back  on  and  locked  when 
they  are  not  in  use.  If  the  doors  are  made  of 
beaver  board,  they  can  be  used  as  bulletin  boards. 


Courtesy  Chicago  Park  District 


238 


PLAY  SCHOOLS  IN  CHICAGO’S  PARKS 


In  these  cupboards  can  be 
stored  crayons,  chalk,  paints, 
small  blocks,  hammers,  nails, 
wood,  scissors,  books,  rugs, 
dolls  and  everything  of  that 
type  which  will  fit  on  the 
shelves.  If  things  are  put  in 
the  same  place  each  day,  chil- 
dren can  help  put  them  away 
and  they  soon  learn  just  where 
everything  is  kept.  The  shelves 
should  be  kept  neat  and  clean 
by  the  teacher  not  only  be- 
cause of  appearance  but  be- 
cause of  the  effect  on  the  children.  A state  of 
confusion  exists  when  things  are  not  tidy. 

There  will  be  things  such  as  clay  jars,  easels, 
tables,  chairs  and  doll  furniture  for  which  a store- 
room should  be  found  which  is  as  near  as  possi- 
ble to  the  home  room.  These  things  will  have  to 
be  carried  back  and  forth  by  the  teachers  or  some- 
one else.  The  children  can  help,  but  care  must  be 
taken  not  to  have  too  much  of  the  children’s  time 
taken  up  with  “putting  away.”  If  this  happens 
the  task  will  become  boresome  to  them  and  trouble 
will  follow.  Sometimes  there  may  be  some  park 
workers  who  can  help  with  this.  Some  of  the 
parks  may  be  able  to  reserve  a room  for  just  the 
play  school ; if  this  is  the  case  the  situation  is  ideal 
and  the  teachers  can  leave  the  equipment  in  the 
room  at  night.  These  are  all  problems  which  must 
be  worked  out  with  the  park  director  and  with 
the  teaching  staff,  and  no  set  rules  can  be  made. 

The  equipment  in  the  home  room  should  be 
systematically  arranged.  The  paint  should  be 
mixed  each  morning  by  one  of  the  teachers,  and 
the  jars  should  not  be  more  than  half  full  of 
paint.  A different  brush  for  each  jar  should  be 
used.  The  children  should  learn  to  put  the  brushes 
back  into  the  same  color  each  time  to  avoid  the 
mixing  of  colors.  If  the  child  learns  to  wipe  his 
brush  across  the  side  of  the  jar  before  putting  it 
onto  the  paper  the  paint  will  not  run  down  his 
paper.  A child  should  not  be  told  what  to  draw, 
though  he  can  be  encouraged  and  helped  to  im- 
prove by  the  teacher.  At  the  end  of  each  period 
the  paint  jars  can  be  put  back  on  the  shelves  by 
the  children. 

When  the  children  come  into  the  home  room 
they  should  find  on  one  table,  paper,  crayons,  scis- 
sors and  paste,  and  a magazine  which  they  can  cut 
up.  On  another  table,  there  should  be  some  clay. 
The  clay  jar  with  more  clay  in  it  should  be  near 


this  table,  and  an  oil-cloth  or 
clay-board  should  be  put  on 
the  table.  The  clay  should 
always  be  kept  in  a soft,  pli- 
able condition  by  wrapping  it 
in  a cloth  and  then  putting  a 
small  amount  of  water  on  it 
each  night.  It  should  be  put 
in  the  clay  jar,  and  the  lid 
should  be  put  on  the  jar.  On 
a third  table,  hammers  and 
nails  and  wood  can  be  placed, 
or  a set  of  small  blocks  can  be 
used. 

One  corner  of  the  room  should  be  turned  into 
a doll  corner.  Screens  may  form  two  sides  of  the 
doll  house  ; the  corner  walls,  the  other  two  sides. 
In  this  doll  house  should  be  all  the  dolls,  doll  fur- 
niture and  doll  clothing. 

All  these  things  which  govern  the  child’s  ac- 
tivities should  be  arranged  before  the  children  ar- 
rive. After  the  best  possible  place  in  the  room 
has  been  found  for  each  set  of  play  materials, 
they  should  be  put  back  in  the  same  place  every 
day.  Only  in  rare  cases  do  children  need  to  be 
helped  in  selecting  play  activities. 

Outside  clothing  should  never  be  kept  in  the 
home  room  because  it  takes  up  valuable  space, 
and  having  wet  clothing  in  a room  where  there 
are  small  children  is  not  a healthful  procedure.  A 
rack  with  hooks  on  it  can  be  made,  or  chairs  can 
be  used.  The  parks  usually  have  chairs  which  are 
available.  Each  child  may  have  his  own  chair.  He 
may  hang  his  coat  and  leggings  on  the  back  of  the 
chair,  put  his  hat  on  the  seat,  his  gloves  in  his 
pocket,  and  his  overshoes  under  the  chair.  The 
same  procedure  should  be  followed  every  day,  and 
the  children  should  be  encouraged  to  take  up  and 
put  on  their  own  things.  Sometimes  a child  has  to 
be  helped  if  something  is  really  too  hard  for  him, 
or  if  he  needs  encouragement,  but  most  children 
from  three  to  six  years  of  age  can  do  much  to- 
ward dressing  and  undressing  themselves,  and  if 
they  are  in  an  atmosphere  where  independence  is 
encouraged,  they  usually  learn  to  do  what  all  the 
rest  of  the  children  are  doing.  Parents  should  be 
encouraged  to  let  their  children  learn  to  put  on 
their  own  wraps. 

The  home  room  should  be  near  the  bathroom, 
and  every  effort  should  be  made  to  establish  habits 
of  cleanliness;- 

(Continued  on  page  273) 


One  of  the  most  valuable  results  of 
the  Chicago  Park  Play  School  project 
has  been  the  formation  of  mothers' 
groups,  some  of  them  numbering  sev- 
enty-five women,  who  meet  for  instruc- 
tion in  child  training,  nutrition  and 
health,  and  also  for  social  recreation. 
Invaluable  help  has  been  secured 
from  the  McCormick  Fund  which  pro- 
vides the  lecturers  on  parent  educa- 
tion and  similar  subjects.  Training 
courses  for  leaders  have  been  con- 
ducted with  the  help  of  the  Fund 
which  the  women  physical  directors  of 
the  parks  have  been  invited  to  attend. 


Water 

0ames 


Pi, ay,  in  addition  to  being  recreational,  fur- 
nishes opportunities  for  developing  new  skills 
and  attitudes  without  subjecting  the  child  to 
the  monotony  of  a specific  learning  period.  It 
provides  situations  for  children  to  learn  in  a 
pleasant  way  skills  which  might  be  boring  if 
taught  by  technical  methods. 

One  of  the  best  examples  of  this  is  the  teach- 
ing of  swimming  by  games.  Many  of  the  splendid 
swimmers  found  in  park  pools  have  not  had  les- 
sons but  have  spent  many  hours  daily  playing  tag 
and  other  games,  and  have  without  effort  learned 
swimming  techniques. 

Here  are  a few  games  which  children  enjoy  and 
which  will  help  them  in  developing  skills. 

Some  Popular  Water  Games 

Dodge  Ball.  This  may  be  played  in  shallow  or 
deep  water  by  ten  or  more  players.  Equipment 
consists  of  one  or  two  water  balls  (old  volley  balls 
will  do). 

The  players  are  divided  into  two  teams — A and 
B.  Team  A forms  a circle  around  Team  B.  Team 
A players  throw  the  ball  in  an  attempt  to  hit  mem- 
bers of  Team  B who  must 
dodge  or  duck  to  avoid  being 
hit.  When  a player  is  hit  he 
must  leave  the  circle.  At  the 
end  of  five  minutes  the  play- 
ers remaining  are  counted 
and  the  teams  change  places, 

Team  B forming  the  circle 
while  members  of  Team  A 
scatter  about  in  the  center  of 
the  circle.  At  the  end  of  five 
minutes  the  remaining  play- 
ers of  Team  A are  counted 
and  the  team  which  has  the 


By  Vivian  Eubank 

Southern  Methodist  University 
Dallas,  Texas 

larger  number  remaining  at  the  end  of  the  five 
minute  period  wins  the  game. 

Catching  Fish.  Any  number  of  players  may  take 
part  in  this  game  which  is  played  in  either  deep 
or  shallow  water  and  without  equipment. 

The  players  are  divided  into  two  teams,  one 
known  as  the  net,  the  other  as  the  fish.  The  net 
players  form  a line  in  the  middle  of  the  pool.  The 
fish  try  to  swim  around,  under  or  between  the  net 
players  without  being  tagged.  After  a fish  has 
been  caught  he  becomes  a net  player  and  tries  to 
help  catch  the  other  fish.  When  all  the  fish  have 
been  caught,  the  net  players  become  fish  and  the 
fish,  net. 

Ball  Tag.  Any  number  of  players  may  play  this 
game  in  shallow  or  deep  water.  The  equipment 
needed  consists  of  one  ball. 

One  player  who  is  “it”  throws  the  ball  at  the 
other  players  trying  to  hit  them.  When  a player 
is  hit  he  becomes  “it”  and  the 
former  “it”  joins  the  other 
players  in  trying  to  avoid  be- 
ing hit. 

Tunnel  Race.  No  equip- 
ment is  needed  for  this  game 
which  is  played  in  shallow 
water  by  ten  or  more  players. 

The  players  are  divided 
into  teams  with  four  or  five 
on  a team.  Members  of  each 
team  stand  in  a straight  line 
with  legs  apart.  At  a signal 
the  first  one  in  each  team 


Miss  Eubank  gives  us  here  some  of  the 
games  she  has  found  most  popular  with 
children  of  all  ages.  Many  of  them  are 
favorite  land  games  that  can  easily  be 
adapted  to  the  water.  Some  of  the 
names  have  been  changed  to  make  them 
seem  like  water  games.  In  a number  of 
instances  the  rules  have  been  simplified. 
"I  have  found,”  says  Miss  Eubank,  "that 
young  swimmers  dislike  rules  and  equip- 
ment and  complex  situations.  The  success 
of  water  games  depends  on  simplicity, 
action  for  everyone,  and  opportunities 
and  situations  that  show  achievement.” 


239 


240 


WATER  GAMES 


starts  through  the  legs  of  his 
teammates  either  swimming 
or  crawling  on  the  bottom  of 
the  pool.  When  he  reaches 
the  end  of  the  row,  he  stands 
up  and  the  second  one  in  line 
starts  through.  The  winning 
team  is  the  one  whose  play- 
ers have  all  gone  through  the 
tunnel  in  the  shortest  time 
and  are  in  a standing  position. 

Shark  or  Swordfish.  Any 
even  number  of  players  may  take  part  in  this 
game  which  is  played  in  deep  water. 

Players  are  divided  into  two  teams,  sharks  and 
swordfish.  At  a signal  the  players  grasp  a rope 
which  has  been  stretched  across  the  pool,  and  at 
a second  signal  start  pulling.  The  team  which 
pulls  the  other  across  the  middle  of  the  pool  wins. 
This  game  requires  good  swimmers  who  can  pull 
and  tread  water  at  the  same  time.  It  may  be 
played  in  shallow  water  but  it  is  not  as  much  fun 
as  in  deep  water. 

Black  or  White.  Any  number  of  players  may 
take  part.  A large  card,  white  on  one  side  and 
black  on  the  other,  is  attached  to  a string  so  that 
it  can  be  turned  around  and  around. 

There  are  two  teams  — the  blacks  and  the 
whites.  The  players,  stationed  about  a yard  apart, 
stand  or  tread  water  in  .the  middle  of  the  pool. 
The  instructor  twirls  the  card.  If  it  stops  on  the 
white  side  the 
whites  must  swim 
or  run  to  their  side 
of  the  bank  before 
the  blacks  can  tag 
them.  If  the  card 
stops  on  the  black 
side  the  blacks  must 
swim  to  the  bank 
before  the  whites 
can  tag  them.  When 
a player  is  tagged 
he  becomes  a mem- 
ber of  the  team 
tagging  him.  At  the 
end  of  a stated 
period  the  team 
having  the  most 
players  wins. 

Snatch  the  Fish. 

A rubber  fish  is 
used  in  this  game 


in  which  any  number  may 
play. 

The  players  are  divided 
into  two  teams  lined  up  on 
opposite  sides  of  the  pool. 
The  fish  is  placed  in  the  mid- 
dle. At  a signal  the  player  at 
the  right  end  of  each  line 
swims  to  the  fish,  tries  to 
grasp  it  and  take  it  back  to 
his  line  before  the  player 
from  the  opposite  end  can 
secure  the  fish  or  tag  him.  The  player  who  is  un- 
successful in  securing  the  fish  tries  to  tag  the  suc- 
cessful contestant.  When  a player  returns  to  his 
line  without  being  tagged  and  with  the  fish  in  his 
possession,  he  scores  a point  for  his  side.  If  he  is 
tagged  no  point  is  scored  for  either  side.  When 
all  players  have  had  an  opportunity  to  secure  the 
fish  the  points  are  added  and  the  team  having  the 
most  is  declared  the  best  “fish  snatcher.” 

Catch  the  Tail  Fish.  One  player  is  “it.”  The 
others  — ten  or  more  may  play  this  game  — are 
divided  into  groups  of  fours,  each  group  consti- 
tuting a fish.  Every  fish  has  a head  girl,  two  mid- 
dle girls  and  a tail  girl,  each  of  whom  stands  with 
her  arms  around  the  waist  of  the  girl  in  front  of 
her.  That  is,  the  girl  at  the  head  has  her  arms 
free;  the  first  middle  girl  has  both  arms  around 
the  waist  of  the  leader ; the  second  middle  girl  has 
her  arms  around  the  waist  of  the  first  middle  girl, 

and  the  tail  em- 
braces the  second 
middle  girl.  “It” 
tries  to  tag  any  of 
the  fish  groups.  The 
head  girls  and  the 
others  must  twist 
and  turn  so  that  “it” 
cannot  get  to  the 
tail,  but  they  must 
not  let  go  of  their 
group.  When  “it” 
tags  a tail  the  head 
girl  becomes  “it” 
and  the  former  “it” 
becomes  the  new 
tail  for  that  group. 
If  there  are  five  or 
six  groups  there 
may  be  more  than 
one  “it.” 

( Continued  on  page  274) 


Additional  suggestions  for  water  games 
will  be  found  in  "Water  Play  Days" — a 
bulletin  published  by  the  National  Rec- 
reation Association  which  also  contains 
directions  for  novelty  features  and  fun- 
provoking  stunts.  Price,  twenty  cents. 
And  in  planning  your  swimming  program 
for  the  summer  don't  forget  the  Swim- 
ming Badge  Tests  for  Boys  and  Girls  is- 
sued by  the  Association,  together  with 
certificates  and  emblems  for  those  who 
pass  the  tests.  Send  for  a free  copy. 


The  swimming  pool  at  Look  Memorial  Park,  Northampton, 
Massachusetts,  which  is  the  scene  of  many  water  games 


Producing  the  Playground  Pageant 


By 

Jack  Stuart  Knapp 

National  Recreation  Association 

A pageant  is  a story,  told  by  means  of  action, 
light,  color  and  sound.  The  action  consists  of 
pantomime  or  dancing,  or  both.  Light  is 
necessary  to  create  illusion,  to  give  beauty  to  color 
and  costume,  to  create  an  atmosphere.  Pageants 
may  be  produced  in  daylight,  but  they  are  only 
partially  effective.  Color  is  an  essential  part  of 
the  story,  denoting  character,  creating  mood,  and 
is  used  in  costumes,  scenery  and  properties.  It  is 
brought  out  in  all  its  value  by  the  use  of  light. 
Sound  in  a pageant  is  speech  or  music,  or  both. 
Sound  effects  also  play  a part. 

Action,  light,  color  and  sound  must  be  woven 
together  so  as  to  tell  a story;  otherwise  you  will 
have  a demonstration,  not  a pageant. 

A pageant  is  effective  only  with  masses  of  peo- 
ple. A dramatic  presentation  containing  less  than 
sixty  characters  might  be  termed  a drama ; it 
would  hardly  be  called  a pageant.  The  very 
masses  add  interest  to  the  pageant,  give  it  power, 
beauty  and  emotional  strength,  provided, of  course, 
that  you  have  masses,  not  mobs. 

Pageants  can  be  classified  as  historical,  re- 
ligious, legendary  and  allegorical.  The  majority 
of  playground  pageants  are  either  legendary  or 
historical. 

Many  playground  pageants  are  produced  merely 
to  show  the  taxpayers  that  the  children  are  using 
the  playgrounds — a legitimate  reason.  It  is  neces- 
sary for  the  taxpayers  to  know  that  the  grounds 
are  being  used,  but  certainly  that  should  not  be 
the  only  reason  for  a playground  pageant. 

The  Pageant  as  a Climax  to  the 
Playground  Season 

A pageant  properly  produced  provides  an  ex- 
citing and  thrilling  climax  to  the  playground  sea- 
son. Pageantry  is  not  bound  by  realism  but  delves 
deeply  into  the  world  of  fantasy.  No  matter  what 
the  theme  or  story  of  the  pageant  may  be,  with  a 


Are  you  producing  a pageant  on 
your  playgrounds  this  summer? 
Are  you  sure  it  is  going  to  be  a 
pageant  — not  a parade,  a festi- 
val, or  a demonstration?  Mr. 
Knapp  defines  a pageant  for  you 
and  offers  you  practical  sugges- 
tions on  how  to  plan  for  the  pag- 
eant you  may  be  wanting  to  have 
at  the  close  of  the  playground 
season,  and  how  to  present  it. 


little  imagination  you  can  show  nearly  every  phase 
of  playground  activity,  introducing  it  as  a coor- 
dinated part  of  the  pageant.  Athletics,  games, 
dances,  arts  and  crafts,  music,  drama — all  can  be 
part  of  your  performance. 

The  theme  for  the  pageant  should  be  decided 
upon  at  the  beginning  of  the  playground  season; 
then,  without  stressing  (better  yet,  without  men- 
tioning) the  pageant,  the  interest  of  the  children 
should  be  aroused  in  the  theme.  Story-telling  is 
the  first  step.  If  the  theme  is  to  be  Robin  Hood, 
every  one  should  tell  Robin  Hood  stories;  if  King 
Arthur,  King  Arthur  stories;  if  Indian,  Indian 
stories;  if  pioneer,  pioneer  stories.  Be  sure  your 
theme  is  broad  enough  and  strong  enough  to  fur- 
nish material  for  a great  many  stories,  dances, 
songs  and  dramatic  performances.  If  you  wish 
the  boys  to  take  an  enthusiastic  part,  the  theme 
should  contain  the  elements  of  adventure. 

After  a week  or  so  of  stories,  when  everyone 
has  become  interested  in  the  theme  of  the  pageant, 
start  directing  the  other  playground  activities  in 
that  direction.  Teach  songs  and  dances  of  the 
particular  time  and  place.  In  handicraft,  make 
the  things  used  and  worn  by  the  characters  in  the 
stories.  Play  the  games  and  introduce  the  sports 
of  the  characters  in  your  story.  Act  out  situa- 
tions from  the  stories,  and  dramatize  in  play  form 
the  action.  Be  as  authentic  as  possible  in  your 
material,  thus  making  the  pageant  serve  as  a 
medium  of  education  as  well  as  one  of  recreation 
and  expression.  Of  course  you  do  not  exclude  all 
the  other  activities  upon  the  playground,  but  it  is 


241 


242 


PRODUCING  THE  PLAYGROUND  PAGEANT 


Sponsoring 
(TKe  Play 

Pageant- 
(lliUaMy  "the.  Plo 

ffia  Ay 
. Ptre^fpr 

jorounA  InitrutTcv) 

Co  wum  ittee 
Costume.  Co**** (Nee- 

\Gtrour\As  l 
InMsvttee'V 

MQke-Up 

in.rw.ttee-  \ 0U 

(VWk.  ani  Dance\C 

G>mw\  ittee.  tre 

imess  Committee. 

elHM  lllee. 
jperttj  Committee, 

Suggested  set-up  for  the 
organization  of  the  indi- 
vidual playground  pageant 


surprising  how  even  the  ball  teams  soon  pick  up 
the  flavor  of  the  theme  and  name  themselves  after 
different  groups  of  characters  in  your  theme 
stories. 

Organizing  the  Pageant 

About  a month  before  the  date  of  the  produc- 
tion it  is  time  to  start  the  formal  work  on  the 
pageant.  Logically  we  start  with  the  organiza- 
tion of  the  pageant,  since  a pageant  is  eighty  per 
cent  organization.  Two  plans  of  organization  are 
offered — one  for  an  individual  playground  pag- 
eant, another  for  a pageant  produced  by  a play- 
ground system. 

The  Book  Committee  writes  the  script  for  the 
pageant.  The  pageant  director  and  from  six  to 
ten  of  the  more  imaginative  children  on  the  play- 
ground might  be  upon  this  committee.  The  pag- 
eant director  writes  the  script  with  suggestions 
and  comments  from  the  rest  of  the  .committee. 

The  Grounds  Committee  prepares  the  stage  for 
the  pageant,  makes  arrangements  for  seating  the 
audience,  plans  for  a “back  stage”  for  the  actors 
and  attends  to  similar  details. 

The  Business  Commit- 
tee provides  for  publicity, 
issues  tickets  or  invita- 
tions, and  acts  as  pur- 
chaser for  materials. 

The  Lighting  Commit- 
tee secures  all  lighting 
equipment  and  arranges 


for  its  placement  and 
operation. 

The  Music  and  Dance 
Committee  rehearses  the 
groups  in  the  pageant 
who  are  to  sing  or  dance. 
Use  as  many  of  the  songs  and  dances  which  the 
children  have  learned  as  part  of  their  regular  ac- 
tivity as  you  possibly  can. 

The  Costume  Committee  makes  some  costumes, 
if  necessary,  or  helps  each  actor  secure  his  own 
costume.  Some  playground  mothers  should  serve 
on  this  committee. 

The  Make-up  Committee  makes  up  the  actors 
the  night  of  the  pageant. 

The  Property  Committee  secures  and  has  in 
place  all  properties  used  in  the  pageant. 

The  pageant  director  acts  as  adviser  of  all  these 
committees.  Playground  instructors,  supervisors 
and  specialists,  should  serve  upon  these  commit- 
tees. Volunteer  adults  or  outstanding  older  boys 
and  girls  may  also  be  used. 

In  planning  for  a playground  system  pageant, 
the  Book,  Business,  Grounds,  Music  and  Dance, 
Costume,  Make-up,  Lighting  and  Property  Com- 
mittees have  the  same  duties  as  in  the  organiza- 
tion for  an  individual  playground  pageant. 

The  Transportation  Committee  makes  ar- 
rangements for  the  transportation  of  the  cast  to 
rehearsals  and  performances.  It  arranges  for  the 


When  the  pageant  is  given 
by  the  entire  playground 
system  this  plan  is  usable 


Sponsor  \nd 
(Recreate*  Deputwent) 

RxofecivCt  Director 

Drama,  \rwtrucW  "W  ibe.  Recreation,  Deparfnnent' ) 


It. 


| Business 

Trons  ptxT&IwrK  Qjmmittee 
Mu-iic  <w\d  Qtuca  Com  u.ttee 

(V\ake--\Jp  Lo  w*y\ittVe. 

£ pi  soda 


CoMwviTte* 


Directors 


rrojxerly 


| QsiTOULKi  L. 

(rfeeruiTin*  Commi 

.5 

rty  G>w\. (Millet 


(Ov\e.  Play^reunsA  InstrutJSr  -from  each. 


PRODUCING  THE  PLAYGROUND  PAGEANT 


243 


transportation  of  the  audience,  perhaps  providing 
special  street  car  or  bus  service.  This  committee 
is  also  responsible  for  planning  for  the  parking  of 
automobiles. 

The  Recruiting  Committee  helps  the  pageant 
director  in  assigning  the  episodes  to  the  various 
playgrounds,  and  in  recruiting  actors,  musicians, 
dancers  and  back  stage  workers  for  them. 

Usually  an  episode  is  assigned  to  each  play- 
ground. x-\n  instructor  from  this  playground 
should  be  appointed  episode  director.  He  re- 
hearses the  episode  when  the  pageant  director  can- 
not be  present,  and  is  responsible  for  the  success- 
ful presentation  of  his  episode  in  the  pageant. 

Before  the  rest  of  the  committees  can  work  the 
Book  Committee  must  prepare  the  script.  Re- 
member that  the  theme  for  the  pageant  should  be 
selected  at  the  beginning  of  the  season.  Some  sug- 
gested themes  follow : 

The  American  Indian,  the  American  Pioneer, 
the  Old  South,  the  Contribu- 
tions of  Other  Nations  to 
America,  Robin  Hood,  King 
Arthur  and  His  Knights,  the 
Vikings,  Rip  Van  Winkle,  the 
Circus,  Colonial  Days,  Pirates, 

Gypsy  Caravans,  the  Scotland 
of  Sir  Walter  Scott,  Alice  in 
Wonderland,  the  Legends  of 
Sleepy  Hollow,  Hiawatha,  The 
Wizard  of  Oz. 

The  Book  Committee  should  have  listed  all  the 
activity  which  has  taken  place  on  the  playgrounds 
related  to  the  pageant  theme ; the  songs  and  dances 
learned,  the  dramatizations  made,  the  craft  objects 
created,  the  games  and  sports  played.  These 
should  be  worked  into  the  story  of  the  pageant. 

Pageant  Forms  Possible 

The  pageant  may  be  written  in  two  forms — the 
act  and  scene  form,  or  the  prologue,  episode,  in- 
terlude, epilogue  form. 

The  act  and  scene  form  has  the  advantage  of 
being  less  restricted.  There  can  be  as  many  acts 
and  as  many  scenes  in  each  act  as  you  desire. 

The  episode-interlude  form  lends  itself  to  a more 
logical  use  of  realism  and  fantasy.  The  episode  is 
usually  a realistic  portrayal  of  a happening.  The 
interlude  provides,  with  music,  dance  or  fantastic 
pantomime,  the  connecting  link  between  episodes. 
It  very  often  interprets  the  episode  which  is  to 
follow. 

If  the  pageant  is  to  be  presented  out  of  doors 


on  a large  stage,  and  before  a large  audience,  I 
suggest  you  write  the  pageant  in  pantomime  form, 
with  a prologizer  who,  in  verse  or  well-written 
prose,  explains  in  a few  words  the  text  of  each 
scene.  Unless  your  prologizer  has  a voice  of  ex- 
traordinary clarity  and  volume,  use  a loud  speaker. 
If  you  can  wire  the  entire  stage  with  overhead 
microphones  which  will  pick  up  the  words  of 
every  actor  upon  the  stage  with  clarity,  without 
having  some  dainty  little  fairy  boom  her  words 
to  the  audience  in  a huge  voice,  the  characters  in 
the  pageant  may  speak  lines. 

Remember  always  in  writing  a pageant  that  you 
are  not  bound  by  realism.  Let  the  imagination 
have  full  play.  Let  us  take  one  of  the  themes  sug- 
gested above  and  in  brief  form  outline  a pageant. 
For  this  purpose  we  will  use  the  story  of  Rip  Van 
Winkle. 

Rip  Van  Winkle  in  Pageant  Form 

Prologue.  Rip  Van  Winkle,  young  and  hand- 
some, comes  running  on  the 
stage,  gun  in  hand.  He  is  fol- 
lowed by  his  dog,  Schneider, 
a comical  looking  hound  with 
flopping  ears,  played  by  one  of 
the  agile  boys  on  the  play- 
grounds. They  hide  behind  a 
tree,  poking  their  heads  out 
occasionally  to  watch  Rip’s 
wife,  who  has  been  chasing 
them  with  a broom.  Rip’s 
wife  retires,  muttering  and  shaking  her  broom. 
Rip  and  Schneider  come  out,  join  hands  and  dance 
gleefully  in  a circle.  A group  of  Dutch  children 
from  the  village  come  running  on  the  stage  and 
begin  to  play  games ; they  see  Rip  and  rush  to  him, 
encircling  him  and  doing  a number  of  Dutch 
dances.  Schneider  keeps  getting  between  their 
feet  and  tripping  them  up.  At  the  end  of  the 
dancing  Rip  tells  the  children  that  he  is  going 
hunting,  and  he  goes  off,  followed  by  Schneider. 
The  children  wave  good-by  and  sing  him  a Dutch 
song  of  farewell. 

Episode  One.  A number  of  rabbits  (played  by 
the  small  children)  are  doing  a rabbit  dance,  hop- 
ping about  in  a circle.  Schneider  enters  and  runs 
at  them,  barking.  The  rabbits  turn  on  Schneider 
and  chase  him  off  the  stage,  yelping.  They  resume 
their  dance.  Rip  enters  followed  by  Schneider. 
He  points  his  gun  at  a rabbit,  but  the  rabbit  sits 
up  and  begs.  Rip  points  his  gun  at  another  rab- 
bit, who  does  the  same,  as  does  a third  rabbit.  In 


"Choose  a good  theme  and  interest 
your  children  in  it  at  the  beginning  of 
the  playground  season.  Build  your 
activities  about  it.  In  writing  your 
pageant  use  plenty  of  dash,  daring 
and  the  spirit  of  adventure.  Organize 
it  down  to  the  last  detail.  Rehearse  it 
briefly  but  intensively,  and  your  pag- 
eant cannot  fail  to  be  a success." 


244 


PRODUCING  THE  PLAYGROUND  PAGEANT 


disgust  Rip  and  Schneider  leave  the  rabbits  to 
finish  their  dance. 

Interlude  One.  Some  graceful  wood-fairies  are 
playing  in  the  forest.  Rip  and  Schneider  enter. 
The  fairies  tell  him  to  go  back,  but  Rip  pays  no 
attention  to  them.  The  fairies  try  to  keep  him  by 
dancing  for  him.  Rip,  with  Schneider  beside  him, 
sits  on  a log  watching  the  dance.  Finally  he  gets 
up  and  starts  to  leave.  The  fairies  hang  on  to  his 
coat  tails  and  urge  him  not  to  go  on.  Rip  and 
Schneider  leave.  The  fairies  weep. 

EP  isode  Two.  A great  many  dwarfs  are  busily 
working  upon  the  stage,  making  things.  (The 
articles  they  are  making,  of  course,  illustrate  the 
arts  and  crafts  work  of  the  playground  season.) 
Rip  and  Schneider  are  shown  about  the  work- 
shop by  the  dwarfs  who  proudly  hold  up  their 
objects  for  Rip’s — and  incidentally  the  audience’s 
— inspection.  They  finish  their  work,  rush  off 
stage,  and  return  dragging  in  some  huge  barrels. 
Rip  helps  them.  The  dwarfs  take  big  cups  and 
drink  from  the  barrels ; two  of  them  offer  Rip 
some.  Schneider  barks  warningly,  but  Rip  takes 
the  cup  and  drinks.  He  begins  to  nod.  The 
dwarfs  disappear. 

Interlude  Two.  The  Queen  of  Sleep  and  her 
dancers  enter.  They  dance  to  slow  music,  brush- 
ing long  silk  scarfs  over  Rip’s  face.  Rip  goes 
soundly  to  sleep.  The  Queen  of  Sleep  and  her 
dancers  steal  away.  Rip  sleeps  on. 

Episode  Three.  Rip  is  still  asleep,  dreaming.  In 
his  dreams  he  sees  the  men  of  Hendrick  Hudson 
marching.  They  are  in  uniform  and  armor.  The 
march  ends  and  they  take  part  in  games  and  sports, 
wrestling  and  racing.  They  finally  play  ten  pins. 
Ten  of  the  soldiers  stand  up  the  pins  while  others 
throw  huge  balls  at  them.  The  soldiers  fall. 
Thunder  from  off  stage. 

Interlude  Three.  The  Four  Seasons  — Winter, 
dressed  in  white,  Spring  in  green,  Summer  in 
pink  and  Fall  in  brown,  enter  and  dance  slowly, 
about  the  sleeping  Rip,  covering  him  with  the 
fruits  of  their  seasons.  Winter  sprinkles  snow 
upoh  him;  Spring,  flowers;  Summer,  rain,  and 
Fall,  brown  and  red  leaves.  Rip  disappears  under 
the  pile.  If  desired,  each  season  may  have  hand- 
maidens. 

Episode  Four.  Rip  is  having  a nightmare. 
Demons  (representing  anything  desired)  enter. 
They  are  horrid  things  wearing  terrible  masks. 
They  move  about  Rip,  poking  him  with  sticks. 


They  tear  his  clothes  and  pinch  him.  They  leap 
over  him  and  laugh  with  glee.  Rip  stirs  and  groans. 

The  Queen  of  Sleep  and  her  dancers  enter  and 
drive  the  demons  away,  following  them  off  the 
stage-. 

Interlude  Four.  Twenty  girls,  representing  the 
twenty  years  that  Rip  is  asleep,  enter  in  single 
file  and  slowly  dance  about  Rip.  Each  Year  does 
something  to  him.  Two  of  them  give  him  a long 
white  beard;  some  give  him  long  white  hair; 
others  with  long  brushes  paint  in  lines  and 
wrinkles ; still  others  bend  his  back  and  break  his 
gun.  While  some  of  the  Years  are  working  upon 
Rip,  the  rest  dance  slowly  about  him.  (At  this 
point  make  up  some  dreams  of  your  own.  Add 
as  many  episodes  and  interludes  as  you  desire.) 

Final  Interlude.  Slowly  Rip  awakens.  He 
stretches  and  yawns.  Creakingly  he  rises.  Brown 
leaves  cling  to  his  hair  and  beard.  He  has  great 
difficulty  trying  to  stand  erect.  He  passes  his  hand 
in  bewilderment  across  his  eyes.  He  looks  about 
him  and  calls  and  whistles  for  Schneider,  who 
does  not  come.  He  picks  up  his  gun.  It  is  broken 
and  rusty.  In  dismay  Rip  uses  it  as  a cane.  He 
looks  at  his  long  white  beard  in  terror.  He  begins 
to  shake  and  weep.  Then  he  slowly  starts  across 
the  stage  towards  the  building. 

Epilogue.  Another  group  of  children  are  play- 
ing games.  They  are  dressed  differently.  (Re- 
member that  this  is  twenty  years  later.)  They 
see  old  Rip  and  run  to  him.  They  laugh  at  him 
and  poke  fun  at  his  old  clothes  and  long  beard  and 
hair.  Some  older  people  enter  and  stare  at  him. 
Rip  tells  them  who  he  is,  but  they  do  not  recog- 
nize him.  Two  of  them  go  off  and  come  back 
with  an  old,  old  lady.  She  stares  hard  at  Rip, 
recognizes  him  and  tells  the  rest  who  he  is.  They 
shake  hands  with  him  and  clap  him  on  the  back, 
then  go  off.  The  children  form  a circle  about  Rip 
and  begin  to  dance  and  sing.  Rip  takes  a very 
little  girl  upon  his  knee  and  watches  the  children 
joyfully.  At  the  conclusion  of  the  dance  the  chil- 
dren group  about  Rip,  two  take  him  by  the  hand 
and  lead  him  off,  the  whole  group  singing  a merry 
song. 

A Few  Suggestions 

This  pageant  outline  is,  of  course,  roughly 
drawn.  It  can  be  added  to,  changed,  built  upon, 
in  any  way  that  you  please.  It  does,  however, 
show  the  place  of  imagination  in  pageantry.  Any 

(Continued  on  page  274) 


The  Institute  Comes  to  Town 


On  a raw  November 
afternoon  in  1935* 
seventy  men  and 
women  emerged  from  the  Latham  Community 
Center  in  Milwaukee  and  trooped  along  North 
Ninth  Street,  stopping  now  and  then  to  take  notes 
and  mystifying  the  residents. 

Two  women  were  heard  in  conversation.  One 
said,  “Look  at  all  them  people.  They  must  be  going 
to  widen  the  street.”  Another  woman  became 
militant.  Seeing  the  group  of  strangers  clustered 
about  a tree  in  front  of  her  house,  she  stalked  to 
the  edge  of  an  upper  veranda,  stood  with  arms 
akimbo  and  in  a high,  firm  voice  volunteered, 
“That’s  my  tree.” 

However,  the  expedition  which  so  puzzled  the 
residents  of  North  Ninth  Street  was  not  a street 
broadening  project.  It  was  an  observation  trip  of 
a class  in  nature  study,  led  by  Dr.  William  G. 
Vinal,  late  of  Western  Reserve  University,  now 
of  the  National  Recreation  Association,  and  fa- 
miliarly known  as  “Captain  Bill”  to  thousands  of 
campers,  teachers,  Scout  leaders  and  playground 
directors.  Captain  Bill’s  excursion  along  the 
“nature  trail”  of  North  Ninth  Street  was  one  of 
the  projects  of  a recreation  institute,  sponsored 
by  the  Milwaukee  Public  Schools,  the  Council  of 
Social  Agencies  and  the  Milwaukee  County  WPA, 
and  conducted  by  the  National  Recreation  As- 
sociation. 

Designed  for  employed 
recreation  workers  in  pub- 
lic and  private  agencies 
and  teachers  principally,  the 
institute  embraced  besides 
nature  study,  music,  drama, 
arts  and  crafts,  social  rec- 
reation and  games,  and  or- 
ganization and  administra- 
tion. James  Edward  Rogers, 
director  of  the  Physical 
Education  Service  of  the 
National  Recreation  Asso- 
ciation, was  director  of  the 
institute.  The  instructors 


were  A.  D.  Zanzig  in  music, 
Jack  Stuart  Knapp  in  drama, 
Ruth  Canfield  in  arts  and 
crafts,  J.  R.  Batchelor  in  social  recreation,  and 
Dr.  Vinal  in  nature  study  as  already  mentioned. 
Mr.  Rogers  taught  the  course  in  organization  and 
administration. 

Training  Secured  While  on  the  Job 

The  Milwaukee  institute  was  one  of  sixteen 
conducted  in  the  Middle  West  and  the  East  be- 
tween Labor  Day,  1935,  and  late  June,  1936. 
Other  than  Milwaukee,  the  cities  sponsoring  in- 
stitutes were  Pittsburgh,  Cleveland,  Cincinnati, 
Detroit,  Indianapolis,  St.  Paul,  Minneapolis,  Kan- 
sas City,  Mo.,  St.  Louis,  Louisville,  Baltimore, 
Boston,  Providence,  Worcester  and  Springfield, 
Massachusetts.  Eugene  T.  Lies,  Weaver  W. 
Pangburn,  James  E.  Rogers  and  J.  W.  Faust 
were  directors  of  the  institutes.  Besides  the  in- 
structors referred  to,  Frank  Staples,  formerly 
director  of  the  New  Hampshire  League  of  Arts 
and  Crafts,  and  now  on  the  staff  of  the  National 
Recreation  Association,  had  charge  of  the  arts 
and  crafts  courses  in  several  cities ; Ethel  Bowers 
taught  most  of  the  courses  in  social  recreation 
and  games,  and  in  activities  for  women  and  girls 
in  many  of  the  cities,  while  Mary  Breen  con- 
ducted them  in  others;  and  Robert  K.  Murray, 
Elizabeth  Mitchell,  George  D.  Butler,  and  E.  T. 

Attwell  were  also  associat- 
ed with  the  institutes  in 
teaching  and  other  capaci- 
ties. 

Governor  Theodore 
Francis  Green  of  Rhode 
Island,  speaking  at  the 
opening  of  the  Providence 
course,  well  voiced  the  ulti- 
mate purpose  of  the  insti- 
tutes, “The  public  in  gen- 
eral as  well  as  recreation 
leaders  in  public  and  pri- 
vate agencies  in  particular, 
needs  to  be  trained  in  the 


By  Weaver  W.  Pangburn 

National  Recreation  Association 


In  September  1935,  the  National  Recrea- 
tion Association  initiated  a series  of  four 
week  recreation  institutes  of  a new  type 
for  training  workers.  They  were  sponsored 
by  local  agencies  in  sixteen  cities  in  the 
East  and  Middle  West.  The  institutes  were 
received  with  such  enthusiasm  that  the 
Association  will  continue  to  conduct  them 
during  the  ensuing  year.  It  is  planned  in 
the  future  to  offer  fewer  courses  and  to 
double  the  amount  of  time  given  most  of 
the  subjects.  Information  regarding  the 
institutes  will  be  found  in  this  article. 
Further  facts  may  be  secured  from  the 
National  Recreation  Association,  315 
Fourth  Avenue,  New  York  City. 


245 


246 


THE  INSTITUTE  COMES  TO  TOWN 


more  advantageous  use  of 
leisure  time.”  The  immedi- 
ate purposes  were  to  arouse 
a larger  vision  of  the  con- 
tent and  value  in  recrea- 
tional activities,  to  add  to 
the  workers’  stock  of  skills 
and  techniques  and  to  ac- 
quaint them  with  the  re- 
sources of  their  own  com- 
munities. 

Beginning  at  nine  o’clock 
in  the  morning  and,  ex- 
cept for  special  late  after- 
noon and  evening  classes, 
concluding  in  mid-after- 
noon, the  sessions  permit- 
ted the  students  to  rush  off  to  their  settlements, 
offices,  community  centers  or  playgrounds  and 
carry  on  their  daily  work  without  much  loss  of 
time.  To  be  sure,  that  made  a very  full  day  of  it 
while  the  course  lasted,  but  it  fulfilled  one  of  the 
objectives  of  the  institute,  which  was  to  give 
training  to  people  on  the  job.  And  from  the  point 
of  view  of  the  students  it  was  also  very  inexpen- 
sive training,  as  no  one  was  obliged  to  lose  a part 
of  his  salary  and  to  go  to  the  expense  of  travel 
to  a distant  city. 

Subject  Matter 

Organization  and  Administration.  In  the  organi- 
zation and  administration  course  the  methods  of 
joint  thinking  and  action  among  recreation  agen- 
cies, the  relation  of  the  leader  to  his  neighbor- 
hood, and  the  interpretation  of  recreation  as  well 
as  many  details  of  administration  and  manage- 
ment were  presented.  There  was  much  discussion 
from  the  floor  and  sometimes  special  panel  dis- 
cussions were  held  with  executives  from  various 
agencies  invited  to  participate. 

M usic.  Among  other  subjects  the  music  course 
included  the  easy  learning  of  simple  vocal  music 
suited  to  informal  singing,  practice  in  song  lead- 
ing, and  discussion  of  the  organization  and  man- 
agement of  musical  groups,  the  qualities  and 
methods  of  music  group  leaders,  music  festivals 
and  music  appreciation.  Two  men  who  had  spe- 
cialized in  physical  education  wanted  to*  take  the 
entire  course  except  music.  The  director  of  the 
institute  suggested  that  they  attend  one  session  of 
the  music  class  before  making  their  final  decision. 
They  attended  that  session  with  their  tongues 
figuratively  in  their  cheeks.  But  like  the  man 


“who  came  to  scoff  and  re- 
mained to  pray”  they  then 
enthusiastically  enrolled 
in  the  class. 

P'ew  people  could  spend 
an  hour  in  the  music  group 
without  having  music 
mean  far  more  to  them 
than  it  had  ever  meant 
before.  As  the  educa- 
tional director  of  a large 
center  wrote,  “People  who 
were  sure  they  lacked  the 
power  of  self -entertain- 
ment and  knew  that  their 
voices  could  bring  neither 
joy  to  others  nor  solace  to 
themselves,  discovered  for  the  first  time  in  their  lives 
that  they  possessed  the  urge,  the  will  and  the  skill 
to  give  utterance  to  tuneful  and  captivating  lilts.” 
Nature.  The  nature  course  offered  a broad  in- 
troduction to  the  fascinating  field  of  nature  recre- 
ation. Dr.  Vinal  carried  his  class  through  such 
subjects  as  gardening,  camping,  hiking,  nature 
clubs,  trails,  trailside  museums,  arboretums,  zoos, 
museums,  nature  handcraft,  indoor  nature  games, 
collections,  bird  sanctuaries,  conservation,  and 
local  nature  history.  Charts,  slides,  demonstra- 
tions, hikes  and  cook-outs  were  employed  in  the 
development  of  the  course. 

School  teachers  came  out  for  Captain  Bill’s 
afternoon  and  evening  classes  in  large  numbers. 
And  so  did  some  of  his  former  campers,  for  Dr. 
Vinal  ran  a camp  on  Cape  Cod  for  twelve  sum- 
mers. In  every  city  he  found  many  friends. 

Drama.  In  drama,  stage  make-up,  casting,  re- 
hearsals, the  speaking  voice  and  to  a more  limited 
extent  scenery,  costuming  and  lighting,  were  dis- 
cussed, and  out  of  each  class  players’  clubs  were 
formed.  Much  time  was  given  to  the  production 
of  not  too  difficult  one-act  plays  which  were  put 
on  at  the  end  of  the  course  in  rehearsal  form  with 
a clinic  following.  In  the  drama  course,  along 
with  persons  never  before  in  a play  or  having  any 
connection  with  drama  were  ex-professionals  who 
had  played  with  Mantell,  DeWolf  Hopper  and 
. other  stars ; yet  they  worked  harmoniously  with 
the  novices.  Approximately  one-third  of  the 
drama  students  had  had  some  previous  experi- 
ence in  play  production;  possibly  yo%  had  taken 
part  in  a high  school  or  church  play. 

To  the  faculty  one  of  the  satisfactions  of  the 
institute  was  to  observe  the  reactions  of  individu- 


"In  addition  to  instruction  and  inspira- 
tion, the  institute  has  created  a spirit  of 
fellowship  and  oneness  among  workers 
from  the  several  agencies.  I am  looking 
forward  to  better  programs  within  agen- 
cies, better  cooperation  between  them 
and  a great  extension  of  recreation  ser- 
vice throughout  the  community.  We  want 
you  to  know  that  the  National  Recrea- 
tion Association  has  made  a great  con- 
tribution to  St.  Louis.  We  are  indebted 
to  you  and  we  hope  to  put  into  practice 
the  ideals  and  skills  which  you  have 
brought  to  us." 

From  L.  C.  Gardner,  Superintendent, 
Wesley  House,  St.  Louis,  Missouri. 


THE  IXSTITUTE  COMES  TO  TOWN 


247 


als  whose  work  had  been  highly  specialized  but 
who  were  taking  the  entire  course.  A golf  pro- 
fessional turned  out  to  be  an  excellent  leading 
man  as  Thornton  in  “The  Music  Box.” 

Social  Recreation.  In  the  social  recreation  course 
Miss  Bowers  and  the  other  instructors  helped  to 
solve  such  leadership  problems  as  what  to  do  on 
rainy  days,  breaking  the  ice  among  strangers  at 
parties,  solving  party  situations  where  there  were 
too  many  men  or  too  many  women,  and  adapta- 
tion of  social  affairs  to  small  space.  Musical  mix- 
ers, square  dances  and  folk  games  were  given 
much  attention,  as  were  the  organization  of  social 
recreation  teams  and  the  methods  of  party  plan- 
ning and  leadership.  At  a time  when  the  com- 
petitive idea  is  still  closely  linked  to  recreation, 
particularly  in  athletics,  the  emphasis  in  the  in- 
stitutes was  always  toward  cooperation.  In  Kan- 
sas City  an  old  janitor  stood  at  the  gymnasium 
entrance  watching  sixty  men  and  women  engaged 
in  folk  dances  and  games.  “What  kind  of  a game 
is  that?”  he  sniffed  contemptuously. 

“It  is  a very  good  game,”  said  the  director,  also 
an  onlooker,  “You  can  see  they  are  having  a good 
time.” 

“Don’t  think  much  of  it,”  the  old  man  growled, 
“nobody  seems  to  win.” 

“They  all  win,”  the  director  suggested. 

Miss  Bowers  constantly  pointed  out  how  the 
games  and  folk  dances  could  be  managed  and  ap- 
plied in  different  situations.  For  after  all,  the 
purpose  of  the  institute  was  not  just  to  provide 
the  persons  enrolled  with  a good  time.  It  was  to 
develop  skill  and  understanding  among  the  stu- 
dents as  leaders  and  teachers. 

The  recreational  activities  of  women  and 
girls  from  six  years  on- 
ward through  pre-ado- 
lescence, adolescence, 
the  mating  age,  and  mid- 
dle and  later  life,  com- 
prised the  subject  matter 
of  the  course  in  activities 
for  women  and  girls. 

Arts  and  Crafts.  Stu- 
dents in  arts  and  crafts 
had  opportunity  to  work 
with  materials,  brief  as 
the  time  was.  However, 

Miss  Canfield,  Mr.  Sta- 
ples and  Miss  Mitchell 
stressed  the  fundamen- 
tal nature  of  materials, 


the  appropriate  processes  and  tools,  and  the  plans 
or  designs  natural  to  the  respective  materials.  To- 
ward the  end  of  this  course  a mimeographed  state- 
ment was  given  each  student  which  listed  the  titles 
in  the  local  library  on  the  various  crafts  (with 
catalogue  numbers),  local  teachers  in  woodwork, 
carving,  carpentry,  pottery,  textiles,  block  print- 
ing, metal  crafts,  basketry,  leather  crafts,  papier- 
mache,  taxidermy,  etc.,  local  craftsmen  and  local 
sources  of  material. 

From  St.  Paul  a member  of  the  institute  wrote 
Miss  Canfield  after  the  course,  “It  might  interest 
you  to  know  that  when  I tried  to  buy  wood  carv- 
ing tools  today,  the  stores  were  sold  out.  In  one 
art  shop  the  man  wondered  what  had  been  going 
on  lately  because  both  men  and  women  had  been 
in  each  day  for  tools.” 

For  many  members  of  the  arts  and  crafts  course 
the  first  session  was  something  of  a shock.  At 
least  it  was  for  those  who  had  been  using  hand- 
crafts as  a kind  of  busy  work  or  time  filler  or  had 
been  working  with  flimsy  materials  and  patterns. 
The  instructors’  insistence  on  original  designs  and 
on  aiming  at  utility  and  durability  was  a new  chal- 
lenge at  the  outset.  The  second  session  usually 
found  the  students  adjusted  and  ready  to  go 
along  with  the  new  viewpoint. 

Councils  of  Social  Agencies  Active 

In  every  city  councils  of  social  agencies  were 
active  in  sponsoring  the  institutes,  usually  in  co- 
operation with  municipal  recreation  departments 
and  sometimes  with  public  schools.  WPA  and 
NYA  also  cooperated  enthusiastically  since  a 
special  division  of  the  course  had  been  set  up  for 
recreation  leaders  under  these  governmental  agen- 
cies. Thoroughness  of 
advance  work  in  prepar- 
ation for  the  institutes 
was  of  course  extremely 
important  in  building  up 
the  classes. 

These  itinerant  insti- 
tutes were  held  in  com- 
munity centers,  Y.M.C. 
A.’s,  public  schools, 
churches,  Y.  W.  C.  A.’s, 
boys’  clubs,  Jewish  cen- 
ters and  in  one  case  at  a 
college.  Organizations 
were  glad  to  house  the 
institute,  not  only  out  of 
a spirit  of  generosity  but 


"At  a meeting  held  yesterday  the  Execu- 
tive Committee  of  the  Council  of  Social 
Agencies  took  action  to  express  warm  ap- 
preciation of  the  splendid  piece  of  work 
done  in  this  community  by  the  staff  of  the 
Recreation  Institute.  Indianapolis  is  for- 
tunate to  have  been  included  by  the  Na- 
tional Recreation  Association  among  the 
cities  in  which  the  institute  was  held.  It 
has  been  most  gratifying  to  note  the  in- 
terest shown  by  recreation  workers  in  both 
public  and  private  agencies.  There  has 
been  a fine  spirit  of  cooperation  all  the 
way  through  and  much  good  has  been  ac- 
complished."— Raymond  F.  Clapp,  Execu- 
tive Secretary,  Council  of  Social  Agencies. 


248 


THE  INSTITUTE  COMES  TO  TOWN 


also  because  of  the  obvious  influence  on  their  own 
leadership  and  activities. 

The  Association  was  eager  to  have  as  many 
full-course  students  as  possible,  that  is,  persons 
enrolling  for  all  the  subjects  throughout  the  month. 
It  was  believed  that  for  individuals  whose  pro- 
fessional experience  had  been  limited  to  one  or 
two  interests,  an  introduction  to  others  would  be 
stimulating  and  broadening.  In  a total  of  3,823 
registrants  in  the  sixteen  institutes,  approximately 
one-half  did  take  the  whole  course. 

The  distribution  of  enrollment  among  those  not 
taking  the  entire  course  was  as  follows : 


Social  Recreation  and  Games 484 

Arts  and  Crafts 408 

Nature  406 

Organization  and  Administration 322 

Music  271 

Drama  262 

Recreation  for  Women  and  Girls 236 


Representative  of  the  sources  from  which  stu- 
dents came  to  the  institutes  is  the  following  analy- 
sis of  the  attendance  in  one  of  the  eastern  cities: 

Teachers  at  public  schools  and  institutions 

Teachers  at  CCC  Camps 

Recreation  leaders  at  playgrounds  and  clubs 

Recreation  supervisors  and  directors 

Housewives 

Y.W.C.A.  staff 

Taking  course  for  personal  interest 
Directors  and  staff  members  at  boys’  clubs 
Girl  Scout  leaders 
Settlements 

Business  organizations 

N urses 

Students 

Children’s  Bureau,  State  House 
Cam!)  Fire  Girls 

Dept.  Public  Welfare,  Social  Workers 
Homemakers  Club 
Music  directors 
Church  organist 

Board  of  Recreation,  City  Hall 
Bureau  for  the  Handicapped 
4-H  Club  director 
College  professor 
Y.M.C.A. 

Salvation  Army 
Girls’  City  Club 
Miscellaneous 

Their  days  well  filled  with  classes  and  individ- 
ual conferences,  the  members  of  the  faculty  had 
little  time  left  in  which  to  respond  to  the  numer- 
ous requests  which  came  for  talks  and  demonstra- 
tions. However,  they  managed  to  fill  a number 
of  such  engagements.  There  were  also  occasions 
which  brought  the  instructors  in  touch  with  the 
lay  people  of  the  communities.  One  of  the  largest 
of  these  was  a public  dinner  in  Cincinnati,  spon- 
sored by  the  Council  of  Social  Agencies  and  at- 
tended by  350  persons.  Russell  Wilson,  Cincin- 
nati’s brilliant  mayor,  presided. 


Results 

The  remote  results  of  such  training  courses 
cannot  be  gauged  so  soon  after  their  completion. 
However,  the  immediate  results  based  on  observa- 
tion of  what  is  happening  in  cities  and  on  the 
communications  and  verbal  comments  of  hundreds 
of  the  students,  may  be  outlined  as  follows : 

1.  In  some  cities  where  municipal  or  semi-pub- 
lic agencies  had  a large  number  of  their  staff  mem- 
bers in  the  institute,  the  whole  program  of  such 
agencies  was  revitalized.  The  director  of  the  lei- 
sure time  division  of  one  council  of  social  agen- 
cies declared  that  his  next  year’s  program  would 
be  formulated  on  the  basis  of  what  had  been 
learned  in  the  institute. 

2.  The  course  gave  rise  to  better  understanding 
among  organizations  and  to  cooperative  projects 
such  as  the  planning  of  a spring  festival  under- 
taken by  several  settlements.  Drama,  music,  art, 
nature  study  and  other  groups  formed  at  the  in- 
stitutes organized  to  continue  after  the  course 
concluded.  In  some  cities  it  was  reported  that  the 
joint  sponsorship  of  the  institute  had  been  the 
first  local  instance  of  close  cooperation  between 
public  and  private  recreational  agencies. 

3.  Departments  of  work  in  some  cities  were 
drastically  revised.  In  other  cities  new  activities 
were  added. 

4.  Individuals  completed  the  courses  in  posses- 
sion of  new  skills  in  activities,  new  factual  infor- 
mation on  program  planning  and  management,  the 
organisation  of  activities  and  community  re- 
sources, and  a better  understanding  of  the  mean- 
ing of  recreation. 

5.  Many  reported  a new  confidence  in  facing 
the  day’s  duties  in  recreation  leadership. 

6.  Finally,  and  by  no  means  least  in  importance, 
is  a widespread  testimony  to  the  receiving  of  that 
inspiration  which  magnetic  teachers  are  able  to 
give  members  of  their  classes.  Many  spoke  or 
wrote  of  this,  some  in  the  immoderate  terms  with 
which  fans  address  movie  stars  or  matinee  idols, 
others  with  restraint  but  no  less  enthusiasm. 

Perhaps  no  more  significant  comment  was  made 
than  that  by  one  who  herself  stands  in  the  highest 
rank  of  recreation  leaders.  Dorothy  Enderis,  di- 
rector of  municipal  recreation  and  adult  education 
in  Milwaukee,  wrote  the  Association : 

“Please  accept  our  most  sincere  gratitude  for  including 
Milwaukee  on  your  institute  list.  I assure  you  our  work- 
ers are  not  only  professionally  but  spiritually  the  richer 
for  this  contact  with  your  capable,  devoted  staff  of  in- 
structors. The  effects  of  their  work  will  long  be  felt  in 
Milwaukee.” 


Recreation  at  a Mental  Hospital 


By 

Betty  Snyder 

Director  of  Recreation 
Anna  State  Hospital 


WHEN  THE  average  layman  is  told  that  a very 
definite  recreation  program  is  being  planned 
as  a therapeutic  medium  for  patients  in  a 
mental  hospital  he  looks  somewhat  askance 
and  says,  “What  kind  of  recreation  could  you 
possibly  give  them  1'' 

Those  of  us  who  have  ever  been  inside  a 
hospital  know  that  by  far  the  vast  majority 
of  patients  are  orderly  and  well  behaved ; that 
they  have  a zest  for  living.  We  initiates  know 
that  we  can  give  our  patients  anything  that 
we  can  give  a normal  group  and  that  in  most 
cases  they  will  respond  as  well  or  even  better 
than  do  most  normal  groups.  We  have  tried 
everything  from  wienie  roasts  to  a miniature 
Century  of  Progress  Fair.  Not  only  have  they 
accepted  and  enjoyed  these  events  but  they 
have  come  up  smiling  for  more.  Just  as  soon 
as  one  project  is  completed  they  want  to  know 
how  soon  we  are  going  to  start  something  else. 
They  are  npt  overstimulated ; they  are  inter- 
ested ; they  want  to  be  doing  things. 

We  have  been  very  fortunate  to  have  as 
managing  officer  Dr.  Ralph  Allison  Goodner, 
a veteran  in  state  service  and  the  father  of 
many  reforms  in  the  treatment  of  mental  pa- 
tients. He  believes  thoroughly  in  recreation  as 
a therapeutic  medium.  Because  of  Dr.  Good- 
ner’s'  liberality  and  vision  the  department  has 
been  given  practically  carte  blanche  in  the 
type  of  activities  offered  our  patients.  It  is  be- 
cause we  have  tried  activities  that  are  given 
to  normal  groups  that  we  know  mental  pa- 
tients will  respond  to  any  recreation  program 
that  is  attractively  presented.  Adaptations  of 


At  the  Anna  State  Hospital,  Anna, 
Illinois,  much  emphasis  is  laid  on 
the  therapeutic  values  of  recrea- 
tion, and  experience  at  that  insti- 
tution is  proving  the  importance 
of  a recreation  program  in  the 
treatment  of  mental  patients. 


games  of  course  have  to  be  made,  but  where  is 
the  play  leader  of  a normal  group  that  hasn’t 
at  some  time  adapted  games  to  suit  the  needs 
of  her  group?  Our  better  groups  follow  game 
patterns  very  well.  It  is  for  our  deteriorated 
groups  that  most  adaptations  have  to  be  made. 

There  are  two  workers  in  the  department 
at  Anna  State  Hospital,  which,  incidentally, 
was  the  first  hospital  in  the  state  to  have  a 
trained  recreation  worker  as  distinct  from  the 
purely  physical  education  director.  Working 
in  close  cooperation  with  the  department  are 
the  director  of  music  and  the  Occupational 
Therapy  department.  There  is  no  recreation 
building,  but  a chapel  is  used  for  large  group 
activities  and  class  work.  The  work  is  divided 
into  three  classes : individual,  small  group  and 
mass  activities.  Individual  work  consists  of 
treating  patients  who  are  unsocial  in  their  atti- 
tudes or  who  are  apparently  crushed  in  contact 
with  other  patients.  Primarily  individual  work 
confines  itself  to  music,  hiking,  reading  and 
semi-formal  exercise.  The  goal  is  to  prepare 
these  individuals  for  a happy  adjustment  in  a 
social  group. 

The  Activities 

In  small  groups  quiet  and  active  games,  folk 
dancing,  singing,  clay  modeling,  drawing,  hik- 
ing, calisthenics,  and  informal  stunts  form  the 
basis  of  activities.  These  small  groups  consist 
largely  of  the  more  deteriorated  patients. 

With  the  better  type  of  patient  dramatics 
and  social  activities  are  stressed.  There  is  an 


249 


250 


RECREATION  AT  A MENTAL  HOSPITAL 


effort  to  socialize  the  patient  preparatory  to  his 
going  home.  The  interest  and  enthusiasm  for 
dramatics  has  been  more  than  gratifying.  Pa- 
tients have  not  only  taken  all  the  roles  in  plays 
but  have  assisted  materially  in  making  cos- 
tumes and  sets.  We  have  put  on  such  plays 
as  “Birds’  Christmas  Carol,”  “Old  Lady  31” 
and  the  “Holy  Sepulchre.”  In  addition,  several 
minstrels,  one-act  plays,  pantomimes  and  tab- 
leaux have  been  presented.  Indeed,  our  Christ- 
mas tableaux  have  become  somewhat  of  a tra- 
dition, for  the  patients' ask  for  them  each  year 
as  well  as  our  Christmas  play.  We  have  had 
numerous  stunt  nights,  radio  broadcasts  and 
a medicine  show.  Our  patients  like  comedy  far 
better  than  they  do  the  more  serious  type  of 
dramatic  activity  with  the  single  exception, 
perhaps,  of  religious  drama.  At  Christmas  and 
at  Easter  they  feel  that  we  ought  to  have 
something  dealing  with  the 
religious  aspects  of  those  hol- 
idays. It  is  interesting  to  note 
here  that  our  people,  particu- 
larly the  older  ones,  seem  to 
enjoy  the  singing  of  hymns 
more  than  they  do  popular 
songs  at  our  community  sing- 
ing. 

Anna  patients  have  a real 
and  very  healthy  pride  in 
their  dramatic  accomplish- 
ments. They  have  given  sev- 
eral plays  in  town.  The  invitation  which 
pleased  them  most  came  when  they  were  in- 
vited to  take  part  in  a community  pageant  in 
which  more  than  three  hundred  citizens  parti- 
cipated. They  acquitted  themselves  very  well, 
so  well,  in  fact,  that  many  people  in  town 
would  scarcely  believe  they  were  patients. 
They  expected  them  to  be  rowdies.  Instead 
they  proved  to  be  a most  cooperative  group 
of  ladies  and  gentlemen.  It  is  the  exception 
rather  than  the  rule  when  one  of  our  better 
patients  is  annoying.  When  that  does  happen 
group  censure  quickly  brings  the  culprit  back 
into  the  fold. 

Tn  my  opinion  dramatics  is  one  of  the  most 
important  of  patient  activities.  We  never  in- 
sist that  a patient  take  part  in  a play  or  in  any 
activity,  for  that  matter,  but  frequently  they 
are  urged  to  do  so.  Many  times  the  patient 
who  has  been  the  most  reticent  about  being  in 


a play  or  joining  a dancing  class  has  been  the 
most  enthusiastic  after  joining. 

“O,  I could  never  learn  that!”  has  been 
changed  to,  “When  do  we  start  a new  play?” 
or  “Let’s  have  another  party  soon.”  Very  re- 
cently a young  man  had  to  be  urged  and  urged 
to  take  part  in  a play.  The  worker  felt  that 
this  boy  really  needed  the  contact  with  the 
other  characters  in  the  play  who  were  all  on 
better  wards.  Finally,  on  the  advice  of  the 
ward  attendant,  of  whom  he  was  very  fond, 
this  boy  said  he  would  come  to  the  first  re- 
hearsal provided  he  might  drop  out  if  he  didn’t 
like  it.  We  agreed,  hoping,  with  our  fingers 
crossed,  that  he  would  decide  to  remain ! He 
came  to  the  first  rehearsal  and  then  kept  on 
coming.  He  forgot  that  he  had  said  he  was 
much  too  nervous,  that  he  could  never  get  up 
before  an  audience  and  that  he  didn’t  like  to 
be  with  people  anyway.  When 
the  pageant  was  given  this 
patient  was  one  of  the  most 
active  members  of  the  group. 
He  helped  with  the  sets  and 
with  the  make-up.  Nothing 
was  too  difficult  for  him  to  do 
to  help  make  the  pageant  a 
success.  It  might  be  interest- 
ing to  mention  that  this  boy 
received  a parole  just  before 
the  pageant  was  presented. 
Contact  with  people  on  the 
“outside”  helps  the  patient  a great  deal.  He 
feels  (if  he  acquits  himself  well)  that  the  dif- 
ference between  a normal  individual  and  him- 
self is  not  so  great.  It  gives  him  that  confidence 
in  himself  that  he  will  so  sorely  need  when 
he  gets  home  to  his  people  and  friends.  It 
makes  the  gulf  between  him  and  his  friends 
seem  so  much  smaller  and  the  process  of  ad- 
justment to  the  outside  world  when  he  does 
leave  the  institution  so  much  simpler. 

Patient  talent  is  used  whenever  possible. 
The  pride  in  accomplishment  by  members  of 
their  own  group  serves  as  a stimulus  and  in- 
spiration. We  try  to  suggest  activities  which 
we  feel  will  be  successful.  Nothing  succeeds 
like  success — that  adage  finds  full  vindication 
in  work  with  patients. 

What  are  some  of  the  activities  in  which  our 
better  patients  engage?  Aside  from  dancing 
classes  and  dramatic  groups  we  have  a har- 


"Not  only  does  recreation  prove  a 
contributing  factor  in  the  large 
number  of  cures  that  are  effect- 
ed each  year,  but  it  undoubtedly 
staves  off  deterioration.  We  do 
not  know  that  a recreation  pro- 
gram alone  can  effect  cures,  but 
we  do  know  that  our  patients  are 
happy.  When  sick  people  are  happy 
they  are  one  step  nearer  recovery." 
— Dr.  Ralph  Allison  Goodner. 


RECREATION  AT  A MENTAL  HOSPITAL 


251 


monica  band,  spiritual  singing  group  (com- 
posed of  Negroes),  orchestra,  band,  choir,  pub- 
lic speaking  and  reading  classes  for  our  pa- 
tients who  have  impairment  of  vision.  Per- 
haps one  of  the  most  successful  groups  at  the 
institution  is  the  Men’s  Club.  It  has  a member- 
ship of  148  parolled  men  and  is  run  as  is  any 
other  adult  club.  Their  club  room  is  a con- 
verted peeling  shed,  but  its  humble  origin  does 
not  in  any  way  detract  from  their  pride  in  their 
quarters.  Every  member  must  have  a member- 
ship card  and  woe  betide  the  man  who  seeks 
admission  without  that  card ! Of  course  every 
parolled  man  is  eligible  to  membership  and 
may  obtain  a card  for  the  mere  asking.  In  the 
two  years  of  the  club’s  history  only  one  man 
has  had  to  turn  his  card  in  because  he  did  not 
live  up  to  the  standards  of  the  group. 

Our  mass  activities,  which  more  than  three 
hundred  patients  attend,  are  divided  for  the 
patients  in  the  Occcupational  Therapy  depart- 
ment and  those  in  the  Industrial  department. 
For  both  groups  at  different  times  during  the 
week  we  have  community  singing,  band  con- 
certs, dances  and  movies.  We  vary  our  com- 
munity singing  by  having  what  wre  call  a “so- 
cial” twice  a month.  Much  the  same  program 
is  followed  here  as  at  a community  center 
game  hour — games,  singing  and  dancing,  both 
round  and  square  dances. 

An  effort  is  made  to  have  a special  dance  or 
party  at  least  once  a month.  These  parties  vary 
in  character  and  are  usually  in  observance  of 
some  special  day  or  holiday.  Among  the  affairs 
given  have  been  a kid  party,  newspaper  party, 
backward  party,  hobo  party,  April  Fool  party, 
and  barn  dance.  One  of  the  most  successful 
parties  we  have  ever  given  was  a wienie  roast 
attended  by  more  than  500  patients.  Under 
careful  supervision  each  patient  roasted  his 
own  wienie  and  fixed  his  sandwich.  Although 
this  affair  was  held  at  night  not  a single  in- 
stance of  misconduct  or  attempt  at  escape  was 
reported.  Even  our  most  deteriorated  patients 
have  responded  to  the  lure  of  building  a fire 
and  toasting  something  over  it.  The  latter 
group  must,  of  course,  be  very  small  and  the 
supervision  constant. 

At  intervals  fair  sized  groups  (25  to  30  pa- 
tients) have  gone  out  and  cooked  a whole  meal. 
It  is  rather  bewildering  to  a person  who  has 
the  privilege  of  preparing  his  own  food  to  see 


with  what  enthusiasm  these  patients  peel  po- 
tatoes, fry  hamburgers,  clean  pans  and  do  the 
scores  of  little  things  attendant  on  a supper 
outdoors.  One  patient  became  so  enthusiastic 
about  these  outdoor  suppers  that  she  sent  off 
to  a magazine  asking  for  specifications  for 
building  an  outdoor  stove.  The  specifications 
came  and  her  dream  of  an  outdoor  stove  and 
cooking  class  may  soon  be  a reality. 

At  present  we  are  attempting  to  bring  some 
sort  of  recreation  other  than  quiet  games  to 
those  patients  who  cannot  leave  the  wards. 
There  are  radios  on  practically  every  ward. 
An  itinerant  string  band  and  a choral  group 
visit  the  more  deteriorated  wards  on  special 
occasions.  Parties  and  programs  have  been 
held  on  many  of  these  wards.  We  have  both  a 
book  and  game  library.  While  our  library  is 
at  present  rather  limited  in  material  suitable 
for  our  patients,  we  are  gradually  increasing 
the  number  of  books  which  appeal  and  are  of 
benefit  to  our  patients.  We  try  as  much  as 
possible  in  reading  material  as  well  as  in  other 
recreational  pursuits  to  select  material  which 
does  not  involve  great  emotional  strain  or  pres- 
ent stirring  sociological  problems.  They  like 
those  activities  which  leave  them  with  a pleas- 
ant feeling.  Instinctively  most  of  our  patients 
choose  what  is  best  for  them. 

There  are  other  activities  of  which  our  pa- 
tients are  fond.  Baseball  is  chief  among  these, 
then  croquet,  horseshoe  pitching,  pinochle,  and 
rummy.  On  several  of  the  wards  ping  pong 
and  wall  baseball  have  gone  over  pretty  well. 
Checkers  is  a perennial  favorite  as  are  domi- 
noes, lotto,  and  pitch.  At  the  present  writing 
spelling  bees  seem  to  have  taken  the  place  by 
storm.  We  have  had  several  this  winter.  Now 
the  patients  have  challenged  the  employees  to 
a match.  It  wouldn’t  be  safe  to  gamble  as  to 
which  side  would  emerge  victorious ! 

Mention  should  be  made,  perhaps,  of  several 
events  which  proved  of  interest  to  the  towns- 
folk as  well  as  the  patients.  The  largest  of 
these  was  a miniature  Century  of  Progress 
Fair.  Hospital  grounds  were  transformed  into 
a fair  ground  patterned,  in  a very,  very  modest 
way,  after  the  Chicago  Fair.  One  of  the  most 
interesting  exhibits  both  to  patients  and  visi- 
tors was  one  prepared  by  the  nursing  depart- 
ment of  the  hospital  tracing  the  history  of  the 
( Continued  on  page  274 ) 


The  Island  of  Play 

By  John  H.  Finley 


The  dedication  of  this 
stadium  could  not  be 
complete  without  men- 
tion of  ancient  Greece  from 
which  it  takes  its  name.  And 
the  incident  which  seems 
most  appropriate  for  this  oc- 
casion is  that  recorded  by 
Themistocles  who,  being 
asked  whether  he  would 
rather  be  Achilles  or  Homer, 
answered,  “Which  would 
you  rather  be,  a conqueror 
in  the  Olympic  Games  or  the  crier  that  proclaims 
the  conqueror?” 

For  myself  I’d  rather  be  the  author  and  fin- 
isher of  this  wonderful  project  tying  three  great 
cities  together  and  into  the  mainland  of  America, 
and  incidentally  providing  a playground  for  mil- 
lions (who  will  forget  our  little  speeches),  than 
be  either  an  Olympian  conqueror  or  even  a Ho- 
meric announcer  at  the  Olympic  Games,  which 
will  many  times  in  the  coming  centuries  be  held 
here.  Those  who  have  done  this  should  be  “happy 
enough  to  pity  Caesar.” 

The  Indians  called  this  little  island  “Minna- 
hanonck.”  It  has  had  a drab  and  dreary  existence 
till  now  beside  the  famed  island  of  Manhattan, 
upon  which  it  has  seen  the  towers  mount  into  the 
skies.  For  a long  time  after  man  came  it  was  a 
potter’s  field,  a place  for  the  burial  of  the  poor 
and  the  stranger  dead.  It  was  also  an  almshouse 
for  the  living  without  home  or  friends.  It  has 
lately  been  desired  as  a resting  place  for  conva- 
lescents. But  it  now  has  come  into  a happier  fate. 
It  is  the  Island  of  the  Tir-nan-Og,  that  is,  the 
Island  of  the  Ever  Young,  like  the  Island  of  Syra 
mentioned  in  Homer  where  the  people  never  died 
of  any  hateful  sickness,  for  here  even  those  who 
are  aged  in  years  will  keep  young  of  heart,  the 
Island  of  Play — or  as  the  Indians  would  call  it  in 
their  language,  “Menatey  Papaley” — which  seems 
a stammering  toward  Men  at  Play.  . 

I was  brought  up  on  the  school  song,  “Work, 
for  the  night  is  coming.”-  We  were  to  work 


through  the  morning  hours, 
work  ’mid  springing  flowers, 
work  while  the  day  grows 
brighter  under  the  glowing 
sun  and  then  to  work  on  till 
the  last  beam  fadeth — fadeth 
to  shine  no  more  — to  work 
for  the  night  is  coming,  when 
man  works  no  more.  But  the 
workaday  world  is  to  live  not 
by  work  alone,  just  as  man 
is  not  to  live  by  bread  alone. 
He  is  to  have  more  and  more 
free  time  for  the  perfecting  of  his  own  being, 
through  recreation. 

When  flying  over  this  continent  between  the 
Atlantic  and  the  Pacific  and  looking  down  upon 
the  earth,  the  man-made  features  of  the  land- 
scape that  most  impressed  me,  aside  from  the 
churches  and  the  schoolhouses,  were  the  play- 
grounds. There  was  hardly  a city  or  town  (or 
village,  even)  in  which  there  were  not  clearly  dis- 
tinguished places  for  play  of  one  kind  or  other; 
school  yards,  ball  fields,  tennis  courts,  golf  courses, 
with  here  and  there  a stadium  or  open-air  theater 
— such  as  I saw  in  Berkeley  a few  weeks  ago 
looking  out  upon  the  Pacific  and  as  we  have  on 
St.  Nicholas  Heights.  The  urban  shadows  are 
lightened  by  these  open  spaces  for  recreation 
which  happily  grow  more  numerous. 

It  has  occurred, to  me  that  if  the  Lord  had  such 
an  intimate  view  of  this  part  of  His  planet  as  I 
have  had  in  these  flights,  and  as  I had  a few 
evenings  ago  in  walking  the  length  of  this  bridge, 
He  must  be  pleased  that  the  descendants  of  Adam 
and  Eve,  who  were  doomed  to  earn  their  bread 
in  the  sweat  of  their  face,  could  have  so  much 
time  to  play  and  so  to  recover  their  lost  paradise. 
Heaven  is  pictured  in  the  Book  of  Revelation,  not 
as  a country  place,  nor  as  an  orange  grove,  but  as 
a city — a city  with  trees  whose  leaves  are  for  the 
healing  of  nations,  a city  into  which  nothing  is 
admitted  that  works  an  abomination  or  makes  a 
lie.  Even  the  angel  inhabitants  of  that  city  must 
(Continued  on  Page  275) 


On  July  I Ith  the  new  stadium  at 
Randall's  Island,  New  York,  one  of 
the  city's  most  ambitious  recrea- 
tional projects,  was  dedicated  with 
appropriate  ceremonies.  In  his  de- 
lightful address  on  that  occasion 
Dr.  Finley  characteristically  found 
in  the  Indian  word  for  Island  of 
Play  — "Menatey  Papaley" — a 
phrase  which  "seems  a stammer- 
ing toward  'Men  at  Play.'  " 


252 


Making  Play  Safe  for  Our  Children 


A problem  which  is  becoming  increasingly  urgent  as 
automobile  traffic  every  year  grows  more  dangerous 


The  Somerville,  Massachusetts,  Recreation 
Commission  from  July  i to  August  23,  1935, 
conducted  a child  accident  survey  and  safety 
program.  As  features  of  the  campaign  large  signs 
“Showers,  Children,  Slow!”  were  attached  to  the 
barriers  set  up  on  either  end  of  the  areas  where 
street  hydrant  showers  were  in  use.  The  barriers 
were  not  removed  and  the  autoists  were  not  al- 
lowed to  drive  over  wet  streets  until  all  the  chil- 
dren were  on  the  sidewalks.  A hazard  noted  here 
was  the  danger  of  autoists  skidding  on  wet  streets. 
The  street  drains  into  which  hydrant  shower 
water  drain  were  checked  in  order  to  be  sure  they 
were  not  obstructed  by  refuse  at  the  entrance 
causing  an  overflow  and  subsequent  danger  from 
flooded  streets.  Children  going  to  or  returning 
from  playgrounds  were  instructed  to  cross  streets 
only  at  marked  cross  walks  and  preferably  where 
a police  officer  was  on  duty.  At  closing  periods 
on  the  playgrounds  play  leaders  escorted  groups 
of  children  across  streets. 

Ten  ERA  recreation  work- 
ers voluntarily  attended  a Red 
Cross  first  aid  course  given 
evenings  at  the  Recreation 
Commission’s  office.  In  ad- 
dition to  these  ten  trained 
workers,  ten  other  workers 
unable  to  devote  full  time  to 
the  training  course  received 
an  elementary  knowledge  of 
the  subject.  Well-equipped 
first  aid  kits  were  placed  on 
all  playgrounds  with  instruc- 
tions covering  accidents  and 
emergencies  listed  inside  the 
covers.  These  kits  were  fre- 
quently inspected  and  ma- 
terial replaced. 

Eight  performances  of 
safety  plays  furnished  by  the 


.Massachusetts  Safety  Council  were  given  before 
audiences  of  parents  and  teachers  at  the  play- 
grounds. Safety  talks  were  given  to  the  children 
on  all  the  playgrounds  and  a large  number  of 
safety  posters  furnished  by  the  Massachusetts 
Safety  Council  or  made  by  the  sign  painters  of 
the  Recreation  Emergency  Project  were  placed  in 
windows  of  empty  stores.  Posters  were  also 
mounted  for  use  on  playgrounds  and  placed  near 
exits. 

Sixteen  playgrounds  established  child  safety 
patrols  which  functioned  efficiently  and  materially 
aided  play  leaders  in  their  efforts  to  reduce  acci- 
dents. About  400  arm  bands  and  certificates  show- 
ing service  on  these  patrols  were  awarded  play- 
ground children.  On  some  playgrounds,  a “Help 
a Playmate  Club”  was  formed  with  celluloid  but- 
ton insignia  showing  probationary  service  as  a 
prerequisite  to  service  on  the  regular  safety  patrol. 

A child  accident  incident  survey  was  conducted 
in  connection  with  the  safety  program.  All  data 
concerning  child  street  acci- 
dents occurring  during  the 
playground  season  was  re- 
ceived in  accident  reports 
obtained  from  the  police.  Ac- 
cidents were  recorded  on  the 
child  accident  spot  map  at 
the  Recreation  Commission 
office  with  accidents  record- 
ed when  reported.  Individual 
accidents  were  summarized 
and  sent  to  the  playground 
nearest  the  scene  of  the  ac- 
cident to  be  used  as  the  basis 
for  safety  talks  by  play 
leaders. 

The  statistics  compiled 
show  a number  of  interest- 
ing factors.  The  high  level 
of  child  accidents  occurred 


Courtesy  Safety  Education 


253 


254 


MAKING  PLAY  SAFE  FOR  OUR  CHILDREN 


between  11:00  a.  m.  and 
i :oo  p.  m.  and  again  be- 
tween 5 too  and  7 :°°  p-  M- 
The  chief  cause  of  street 
accidents  was  running  out 
from  between  parked  cars 
into  streets  or  darting  into 
streets  from  sidewalks. 

Other  common  causes  were 
playing  in  streets,  hitching 
rides,  and  running  into  au- 
tomobiles while  riding  bicy- 
cles. No  known  instance 
was  found  of  any  child  be- 
ing injured  either  on  the 
way  to  or  from  supervised 
playgrounds. 

Over  thirty  newspaper  articles  and  editorials 
appeared  both  in  local  and  Boston  papers.  Five 
large  illustrations  were  published  in  a Boston 
paper  of  children  using  Somerville  playground 
safety  methods  and  appliances.  The  moving 
picture  houses  of  the  city  ran  an  effective  film 
“trailer”  showing  statistics  of  child  accidents. 

A playground  safety  exhibit  was  used  as  part 
of  the  program.  This  consists  of  a miniature 
street  scene  complete  with  a playground,  houses, 
vacant  lots,  streets,  traffic  lights,  marked  cross 
walks,  and  traffic  signs.  Child  figures  are  shown 
crossing  streets  in  both  the  right  and  wrong  way, 
the  street  scene  serving  as  a visual  safety  lesson. 
Other  articles  in  the  exhibit  include  safety  bar- 
riers, flags,  patrol  arm  bands,  and  first  aid  kits. 
A background  for  the  exhibit  was  supplied  by  a 
series  of  original  safety  posters.  All  workman- 
ship was  furnished  by  skilled  mechanics  and  rec- 
reation leaders  of  the  ERA  recreation  projects. 
The  exhibit  was  shown  in  store  windows  of  Bos- 
ton and  Somerville  and  at  the  playground  festi- 
val at  Concord,  Massachusetts. 

City  officials  gave  invaluable  cooperation  in  the 
campaign.  Police  cooperation  was  of  the  highest 
order.  Among  safety  measures  promoted  by  the 
Chief  of  Police  was  a public  warning  to  motorists 
that  speeding  would  not  be  tolerated  in  the  streets, 
the  reading  to  all  officers  of  a request  for  co- 
operation in  safety  measures  from  the  Massa- 
chusetts Safety  Council,  and  the  assigning  of  of- 
ficers and  cruiser  cars  to  the  neighborhood  play- 
grounds during  closing  hours. 

Through  the  cooperation  of  the  Street  Com- 
missioner, main  streets  adjacent  to  the  play- 
grounds not  connected  with  schools  were  marked 


in  large  white  letters,  “Play- 
ground, Children,  Slow  !” 
Streets  adjacent  to  school 
yard  playgrounds  were 
marked  with  the  usual, 
“School,  Slow !”  warning, 
together  with  large  red 
crosses.  Cross  walks  and 
safety  lines  were  marked 
conspicuously. 

Safety  Activities  in 
Philadelphia 

Safety  activities  on  the 
playgrounds  and  in  the  ad- 
joining streets  are  becom- 
ing increasingly  effective  in  Philadelphia,  Pennsyl- 
vania, according  to  a recent  report  by  the  Bureau 
of  Recreation  of  the  Department  of  Public  Wel- 
fare. Emphasis  on  accident  prevention  is  great- 
est during  the  summer  months  when  the  need  is 
greatest.  The  Keystone  Automobile  Club  co- 
operates with  the  Bureau  in  training  children  to 
be  careful  and  to  help  others  to  be  careful.  A 
member  of  the  safety  staff  of  the  club  made  reg- 
ular visits  to  the  thirty-eight  centers  last  summer 
inspecting  the  work  of  the  safety  squads  which 
were  organized  by  the  principals  and  teachers.  A 
check  against  official  records  of  accidents  indi- 
cated the  effectiveness  of  the  work  in  which  over 
1,200  children  took  part  as  safety  squad  members. 
During  the  Safety  Week  demonstration  it  was 
estimated  that  5,072  children  and  adults  par- 
ticipated. 

As  a reward  for  their  good  work,  flags  and 
medals  were  awarded  safety  captains  and  the  cen- 
ters which  made  the  best  records.  Presentation 
of  these  awards  by  Mayor  Moore  at  formal  exer- 
cises in  his  reception  room  in  City  Hall  placed 
an  official  seal  of  recognition  on  the  safety 
campaign. 

Backyard  Playgrounds  in  the  Safety  Program 
Last  summer  the  Flint,  Michigan,  Automobile 
Club  conducted  a safety  playground  contest  which 
resulted  in  the  reduction  of  child  traffic  accidents 
to  a remarkably  low  figure.  Twelve  hundred  and 
thirty-four  registered  backyard  playgrounds  were 
established  with  an  average  daily  attendance  of 
6,500.  These  were  exclusive  of  the  city  play- 
grounds operated  by  the  Recreation  Department. 

(See  page  263  for  an  account  of  the  project) 


"How  can  we  save  children  from  the  fright- 
ful deaths  so  many  of  them  meet  each  year 
from  automobile  traffic?"  Dr.  S.  Parkes 
Cadman  answers  this  question:  "By  spend- 
ing less  money  on  motors  and  motorists  and 
more  on  our  youngsters.  . . . Playgrounds 
are  their  chief  protection  not  only  against 
the  most  dangerous  vehicular  traffic  in  the 
world,  but  against  future  criminality  and  dis- 
grace. Child  health,  safety  and  moral  de- 
velopment are  fostered  by  recreation  cen- 
ters supervised  by  competent  leadership. 
Judges,  police  officials,  school  superintend- 
ents, business  men  and  parents  are  of  one 
mind  about  the  beneficial  effects  of  play- 
grounds for  growing  children  and  recreation 
centers  for  adolescents  and  young  people." 


For  the  Happiness 
of  the 
Community 


**A  PR0GRAM  for  leisure  time  that 
will  develop  a people  who  in- 
creasingly enjoy  working  to- 
gether for  the  betterment  and  the  hap- 
piness of  their  community,”  was  the 
plea  made  by  Eduard  Lindeman  at  the 
National  Recreation  Congress  last  fall. 
The  large  housing  developments  com- 
ing into  being  in  this  country  provide 
a rare  opportunity  for  the  achieve- 
ment of  this  ideal.  There  is  an  eager, 
adventurous  spirit  among  those  who 
move  into  such  developments  and  a 
universal  desire  to  establish  themselves 
as  active  members  of  the  community, 
which  go  far  toward  developing  a 
genuine  community  spirit.  The  archi- 
tectural setting  and  the  standard  of 
conveniences  for  living  which  such  de- 
velopments mean  establish  a basis  for 
pride  in  community. 


A Community  of  1,400  Families 


Courtesy  The  American  Architect 


Photo  by  Samuel  H.  Gottscho 


Hillside  is  an  exciting  demonstration 
of  the  building  of  community  life  by 
the  people  of  a housing  development. 

Within  the  first  year  of  its  existence 
1,400  families  from  various  parts  of  the  city  have 
discovered  and  are  rejoicing  in  the  surprising 
power  they  have  found  within  themselves  to  cre- 
ate all  the  advantages  necessary  for  a life  full  of 
interest  for  themselves  and  of  promise  for  their 
children. 

At  a recent  social  gathering  of  leaders  in  the 
community  there  were  present  men  and  women 
who  have  assumed  during  the  year  leadership  in 
boys’  and  girls’  clubs,  who  have  served  on  the 


By  Louise  P.  Blackham 

Recreation  Consultant,  Hillside  Homes 
Bronx,  New  York  City 

community  playground,  have  organized  music, 
art,  drama,  athletic  and  social  groups,  have 
worked  together  to  equip  the  playground  with 
adequate  supplies,  have  together  raised  funds  to 
finance  the  nursery  school,  and  each  week  have 


255 


256 


FOR  THE  HAPPINESS  OF  THE  COMMUNITY 


issued  a newspaper  to  keep  the  community  in- 
formed of  developments  and  to  carry  suggestions 
for  the  improvement  of  community  standards. 
The  individuals  at  this  gathering,  to  be  sure,  rep- 
resented specific  interests,  but  the  underlying 
spirit  which  pervaded  the  meeting  was  the  domi- 
nating spirit  of  the  people  of  Hillside  — a vital 
force  toward  a community  alive  and  progressive. 

There  are  many  leaders  in  Hillside’s  community 
life  perhaps  because  there  has  been  much  freedom 
and  naturalness  in  the  community’s  growth.  No 
employed  worker  is  permitted  to  direct  or  super- 
vise resident  activities.  There  is  a consultation 
service  provided  by  the  management  which  offers 
cooperation,  advice  and  sometimes  stimulation  in 
the  development  of  leisure  time  interests  and 
which  schedules  the  use  of  community  facilities. 
The  management,  however,  conducts  no  activity. 
Residents  who  find  an  interest  worth  pursuing 
take  upon  their  own  shoulders  the  full  responsi- 
bility for  carrying  it  on.  They  know  that  co- 
operation and  advice  are  to  be  found  in  the  office 
of  the  recreation  consultant  but  they  also  know 
that  responsibility  cannot  be  dropped  there. 

The  plan  which  provides  for  this  service  is  de- 
veloping a self-reliant,  self-confident  community 
of  citizens.  It  is  also  providing  a technique  of  ad- 
ministration 
which  makes 
possible  the  con- 
ducting  of  a 
practically  un- 
limited variety 
of  community 
interests  at  a 
minimum  of  ex- 
pense to  the  man- 
agement. This  is 
bf  the  utmost 
importance  and 
must  be  consid- 
ered in  a de- 
velopment where 
rentals  must  be 
kept  at  the  low- 
est rate  possible. 

Evidence  of  the 
success  of  this 
natural  though 
guided  commu- 
nity development 
is  seen  every  day 

in  the  a t rn  O s-  Courtesy  The  American  Architect 


phere  of  joy  in  living  which  pervades  the  com- 
munity. There  are,  of  course,  times  of  disappoint- 
ment for  those  who  watch  the  growth  when  sel- 
fish interest,  suspicion  or  desire  for  power  delay 
the  progress  or  threaten  the  confidence  of  the 
people.  But  real  progress  is  necessarily  slow. 
Forty-five  hundred  people  cannot  know  and  trust 
one  another  in  one  short  year ! 

The  aim  of  the  leaders  and  management  to  es- 
tablish confidence  and  a spirit  of  altruism  and  to 
eliminate  suspicion  was  not  set  up  without  the 
realization  that  these  virtues  are  rare  and  not 
easily  developed.  The  objectives  were  set  up  be- 
cause it  is  believed  that  a community  built  on  such 
virtues  is  strong  and  needs  no  cumbersome  or- 
ganization to  make  it  an  articulate,  vital  force. 

The  residents  of  this  interesting  new  commu- 
nity are  city  born  and  bred  and  come  almost  en- 
tirely from  the  Borough  of  the  Bronx.  There  are 
salesmen,  clerks,  owners  of  small  businesses,  and 
in  the  minority,  professional  people.  They  have 
had  little  experience  in  civic  responsibility  and 
little  opportunity  for  altruistic  expression.  To 
many  the  idea  of  standing  on  their  own  feet  and 
creating  and  financing  their  own  opportunities  for 
recreational  or  educational  activities  is  new.  To 
( Continued  on  page  276) 


Photo  by  Samuel  H.  Gottscho 


An  Experiment  in  Organized  Street  Play 


To  city  children,  streets  with  all 
their  noise  and  danger  are  indis- 
pensible  as  play  areas.  Inade- 
quate park  and  playground  space 
necessitate  their  being  used  in  this  manner.  A 
stroller  through  the  streets  of  New  York  City  will 
see  baseball  aspirants  imitating  Babe  Ruth,  hockey 
enthusiasts  chasing  the  puck,  and  children  of  all 
ages  satisfying  their  imaginative  and  creative  de- 
sires in  some  manner  or  other.  Streets  are  not  par- 
ticularly well  suited  to  good  recreation  programs, 
yet  they  afford  to  leaders  of  imagination  and  re- 
sourcefulness innumerable  educational  possibili- 
ties, as  well  as  the  opportunity  for  a play  program 
which  will  to  some  degree  satisfy  the  needs  of 
any  community. 

In  the  early  part  of  March  1936,  because  of 
work  being  done  in  Chelsea  Park  where  the  set- 
tlement’s outdoor  activities  are  carried  on,  it  be- 
came necessary  for  the  Hudson  Guild  Neighbor- 
hood Blouse  on  West  Twenty-seventh  Street  to 
plan  its  outdoor  recreation  program  so  that  it 
could  be  carried  on  in  the  street.  A plan  was 
drawn  up  by  the  boys,  in  cooperation  with  a 
leader,  which  would  involve  the  use  of  approxi- 
mately 600  feet  of  the  street,  and  would  provide 
different  types  of  games  for  both  boys  and  girls 
and  opportunities  for  instruction  in  painting, 
woodwork  and  chip  carving. 

The  street  was  divided  into  sections  for  quiet 
games,  active  games  and  other  activities  as  indi- 
cated in  the  diagram. 


After  the  general  plan  had  been 
decided  upon,  different  groups  of 
boys  volunteered  to  make  the  neces- 
sary equipment.  Wood  in  the  form 
of  large  planks  and  broomstick  handles  was 
brought  to  the  shop  together  with  quantities  of 
tin  cans  of  different  sizes.  Six  checker  boards 
were  painted  on  a large  plank,  and  broomstick 
handles  cut  up  and  dipped  in  paint  served  as 
checkers. 

Paddles  for  paddle  tennis  were  made  of  scrap 
wood,  and  broomstick  handles  sunk  in  cans  of 
cement  were  used  as  uprights  for  the  net.  Equip- 
ment for  shuffleboard,  rolling  ball  games,  and 
similar  activities  was  constructed  in  the  same 
manner.  This  done,  we  were  ready  to  launch  our 
program. 

The  Traffic  Problem 

The  greatest  problem  in  connection  with  the 
working  out  of  the  project  was  traffic.  Pleasure 
cars,  trucks  and  taxicabs,  paying  no  heed  to  the 
playstreet  sign,  drove  through  at  a terrific  speed, 
proving  a definite  menace  to  the  success  of  our 
work.  To  prevent  this  it  was  decided  to  tie  a 
rope  between  two  stanchions.  This  proved  a suc- 
cess until  the  policeman  on  the  beat  complained 
and  threatened  arrest  to  anyone  found  putting  the 
rope  up.  We  interceded  with  the  Police  Depart- 
ment and  received  permission  to  replace  the  rope 
with  a sign.  Painted  on  an  old  window  shade,  it 
showed  a boy  and  girl  catching  ball,  and  carried. 


By  John  Fox 

Recreation  Leader 
Hudson  Guild 


257 


258 


AN  EXPERIMENT  IN  ORGANIZED  STREET  PLAY 


in  addition  to  the  designation  “Play  Street,’’  the 
plea,  “We  Love  Our  Children.  Please  Detour 
Lmless  You  Plave  Business  in  This  Block.”  Thus 
the  traffic  problem  was  solved. 

Six  WPA  workers  and  a large  group  of  young 
boys  and  girls  employed  by  the  N.Y.A.  provided 
leadership.  Weekly  meetings  at  which  problems 
were  discussed  and  experiences  exchanged  helped 
the  program  considerably.  Meetings  were  also 
held  with  the  N.Y.A.  leaders,  as  means  of  edu- 
cating them  for  recreation  leadership. 

A Few  Street  Games 

A few  of  the  games  adapted  by  the  children  to 
use  on  the  play  street  are  show  here. 

Sidewalk  Bowling.  The  equipment  for  this  game 
consists  of  nine  pieces  of  scrap  wood  approxi- 
mately 4"  x 2"  x 2"  and  one  piece  of  broomstick 
handle  about  six  inches  long.  These  blocks  are  set 
up  in  the  same  way  as  bowling  pins,  and  with  one 
block  in  the  first  row,  two  in  the  second,  three  in 
the  third  and  four  in  the  last.  The  blocks  are  13 
inches  apart,  and  the  player  stands  15  feet  from 
the  first  block. 

The  object  is  to  roll  the  broomstick  handle  in 
an  effort  to  knock  down  as  many  blocks  as  pos- 
sible. The  players  roll  in  turn  and  the  one  who 
first  scores  .25  points  or  any  predetermined  num- 
ber is  declared  winner.  If  a player  misses  the 
blocks  entirely,  five  points  are  deducted  from  his 
total  score.  A player  stepping  over  the  15  foot 
line  loses  five  points. 


players,  and  a box  set  approxi- 
mately three  yards  away  from  a 
playing  line.  Each  player  is 
given  three  balls.  The  object  is 
to  roll  as  many  of  the  balls  as 
possible  into  the  box  hole.  Play- 
ers take  turns  at  rolling,  and  the 
one  who  first  obtains  100  points 
or  any  designated  score  is  win- 
ner. A player  overstepping  the 
three  yard  line  loses  five  points. 


Arts  and  Crafts 

Arts  and  crafts  proved  extremely  successful  and 
popular  as  street  play  activities.  It  was  found 
that  working  in  small  concentrated  areas  made 
teaching  easier.  Woodwork  proved  to  be  a less 
noisy  activity  out  of  doors  than  inside,  because  of 
the  fact  that  the  sounds  were  not  hemmed  in  by 
walls.  Many  interesting  paintings  and  articles  in 
wood  were  made. 

Robert,  a nine-year-old  newcomer  in  the  neigh- 
borhood, stood  one  day  watching  the  boys  and 
girls  chip  carving  until,  unable  to  resist  any  longer, 
he  asked  the  instructor  if  he  might  make  some- 
thing. He  was  soon  sitting  among  the  group  de- 
lightedly carving  at  an  elephant.  After  complet- 
ing the  chipping  he  went  to  the  painting  teacher, 
and  asked,  “May  I have  some  pink  paint  to  paint 
my  elephant  with?”  The  instructor,  surprised, 
asked  him,  “What  color  is  an  elephant?”  “Gray,” 
replied  the  boy.  “Well,  why  paint  yours  pink 
then?”  queried  the  instructor.  “Well,”  answered 
the  boy,  “it’s  for  my  father,  and  I heard  him  tell- 
ing my  uncle  about  the  pink  elephants  he  had 
seen.”  So  Robert’s  elephant  was  painted  pink. 
The  next  day,  Robert’s  mother  approached  the 
chip  carving  instructor  and  asked  many  questions 
about  the  work  with  the  result  that  she  registered 
for  the  coming  year. 

Picturesque  indeed  were  the  paintings  of  beau- 
tiful country  scenes  against  the  background  of 
the  poor  tenement  buildings.  Night  or  day  that 
big  yellow  sun  always  appeared  in  the  back- 
ground of  the  paintings.  Amusing  indeed  was 
Charles’  interpretation  of  a desert — a huge  white 
area  studded  with  pine  trees.  Many  thrills  could 
be  gotten  by  watching  the  young  artists  as  they 
imagined  scenes  and  interpreted  the  things  about 
them. 

Night  Play 

To  provide  activities  at  night  floodlights  were 
installed  on  the  outside  of  the  building,  and  pro- 
grams of  circle  and  street  games 
of  all  kinds  were  arranged  for 
both  boys  and  girls  of  all  ages. 
To  this  was  added  the  oppor- 
tunity of  street  social  dancing  on 
one  night  a week.  This  proved 
very  successful  from  a number 
of  standpoints.  It  provided  en- 
tertainment for  the  mothers  and 
fathers  of  the  neighborhood  who 
(Continued  on  page  276) 


All  of  the  games  indicated  in  the 
diagram  proved  very  popular  with 
both  boys  and  girls.  Directions  for 
most  of  them  will  be  found  in  88 
Successful  Play  Activities  pub- 
lished by  the  National  Recreation 
Association.  Price  $.60.  Rules  and 
diagrams  for  Paddle  Tennis  may 
be  secured  from  the  Paddle  Ten- 
nis Association,  285  Madison 
Avenue,  New  York  City. 


Organized  Camps  in 


State  Parks 


By 

Julian  Harris  Salomon 

Recreational  Specialist  in  Camping 
National  Park  Service 


There  ARE  some  sound  rea- 
sons why  organized  camping 
is  a legitimate  use  of  state 
parks  and  public  lands.  Organ- 
ized camps  provide  for  one  of  the 
most  intensive  uses  to  which  such 
lands  can  be  put,  for  the  camp- 
ers are  in  the  park  twenty- four 
hours  a day,  seven  days  of  the 
week.  Major  William  A.  Welch, 
who  pioneered  the  idea  of  or- 
ganized camping  in  state  parks, 
has  reduced  this  to  some  inter- 
esting figures.  On  a camp  site  of 
five  acres,  which  accommodates 
ioo  campers,  he  finds  there  are 
168,000  hours  of  recreational  use 
in  a ten-week  season.  We  can 
hardly  hope  to  better  such  a rec- 
ord with  our  other  facilities. 

When  it  is  taken  into  considera- 
tion that  organized  camps  are 
conducted  by  a great  variety  of  urban  groups  as 
well  as  by  such  rural  organizations  as  4-H  Clubs 
and  the  Future  Farmers,  it  can  be  seen  that  this 
type  of  park  use  can  be  made  available  to  all 
classes  of  our  population. 

Large  numbers  of  children  and  adults  who 
could  reach  our  parks  in  no  other  way,  are  brought 
into  them  by  organizations  operating  camps.  These 
organizations  also  provide  leadership  for  the 
campers  so  that  their  stay  in  the  park  may  be 
made  of  the  greatest  possible  benefit  to  them. 
Campers  in  a properly  conducted  camp  are  edu- 
cated to  live  comfortably  and  interestingly  out- 
of-doors.  Thus,  through  training  children  to  en- 
joy their  leisure  time  in  the  open,  we  are  raising 
up  generations  who  will  have  an  appreciation  for 


Courtesy  National  Parks  of  Canada 


America's  parks  offer  opportunities 
for  camping  that  cannot  be  surpassed 


the  proper  use  of  parks  and  who  will  become  the 
park  users  of  tomorrow. 

Another  reason  for  organized  camps  is  that 
they  can  be  provided  at  a ‘low  cost  per  camper. 
The  camping  organizations  can  pay  the  cost  of 
maintaining  the  facilities  and  at  the  same  time 
make  them  available  at  costs  any  child  can  meet. 

Camps  should,  furthermore,  also  be  provided 
because  they  are  badly  needed.  Many  organizations 
exist  that  aim  to  give  the  great  benefits  of  a 
camping  experience  to  large  numbers  of  children 
and  adults  at  a low  cost.  They  are  able  to  do  this 
because  funds  for  the  purpose  are  contributed  by 


259 


260 


ORGANIZED  CAMPS  IN  STATE  PARKS 


the  general  public.  While  they  are  able  to  raise 
funds  for  camp  operating  expenses,  they  often 
find  it  difficult  and  sometimes  impossible  to  secure 
amounts  sufficient  for  the  capital  expenditure 
necessary  when  a camp  site  is  purchased  and  the 
necessary  buildings  constructed.  In  many  cases 
such  organizations  are  compelled  to  get  along  with 
inadequate  sites  and  makeshift  structures. 

This  need  on  the  part  of  the  camping  organi- 
zations is  one  we  are  justified  in  meeting  when 
the  recreational  and  educational  values  of  camp- 
ing to  the  state  are  considered.  Public  agencies 
such  as  schools  and  city  recreation  departments 
are  operating  camps  at  present,  and  there  is  a 
strong  and  steady  trend  toward  more  camps  of 
this  kind.  It  is  natural  that  such  camps  should 
seek  sites  on  public  lands  and  that  we  should 
provide  for  them. 

While  I would  absolutely  limit  camps  on  public 
lands  to  those  operated  by  non-profit  organiza- 
tions, I would  not  exclude  the  camp  that  charges 
part,  or  all,  of  its  operating  costs  to  the  camper. 
It  has  long  been  recognized  that  money  should 
not  be  an  insurmountable  barrier  to  the  joys  of 
camping  and  that  children  should  not  have  to  be 
charity  cases  in  order  to  participate  in  subsidized 
camps.  The  organization  camp  that  charges  a low 
fee  provides  for  that  large  class  of  our  popula- 
tion that  cannot  afiford  to  send  its  children  to 
private  camps  and  which,  at  the  same  time,  scorns 
to  accept  that  to  which  it  cannot  contribute  its 
fair  share. 

Camps  should  also  be  given  a place  in  our  parks 
because  they  can  use  sites  which  are  best  suited  to 
their  purpose  but  which  otherwise  would  have 
little  or  no  use.  They  require,  above  all,  isolation 
and  seclusion ; consequently  outlying  areas,  not 
readily  accessible  to  the  general  public,  can  best 
be  put  to  this  use. 

I recognize,  of  course,  that 
all  of  our  parks  are  not  suited 
to  use  for  organized  camp- 
ing. We  should,  however, 
study  existing  areas  to  see 
what  possibilities  for  provid- 
ing this  type  of  facility  exist. 

It  is  possible  that  camps  can 
be  built  on  lands  bordering  a 
scenic  park  without  in  any 
way  detracting  from  the 
values  for  which  such  an 
area  was  created. 


Views  as  to  the  purposes  of  parks  have  some- 
times conflicted  between  those  who  hold  that  their 
sole  purpose  is  to  preserve  a bit  of  natural  domain 
intact  and  those  who  contend  that  parks  should 
be  entirely  developed  for  intensive  recreational 
use.  I believe  that  both  views  are  correct  and  that 
areas  for  both  purposes  should  be  set  aside  by  the 
state.  These  need  not  always  be  separate  areas, 
for  where  a park  is  large  enough  both  purposes 
may  be  achieved  without  interfering  • with  each 
other.  Parks  should  be  planned  for  use  as  well  as 
for  conservation.  Areas  for  use  may  be  selected 
without  destroying  scenic  beauty  or  wilderness 
areas.  The  latter,  of  course,  are  not  without  their 
special  use,  for  as  Col.  Lieber  has  so  well  pointed 
out,  they  must  be  protected  “for  the  nature  lover, 
student,  artist,  dreamer  and  other  impractical  but 
socially,  highly  important  people.”  What  use  a 
park  receives  will  depend  on  what  facilities  are 
provided  and  whether  or  not  people  are  educated 
to  use  them. 

Camp  Requirements 

Just  any  piece  of  land  will  not  do  for  a camp 
site.  Camps  need  privacy  and  isolation  so  we  do 
not  want  to  crowd  them  on  to  a hotel  or  picnic 
ground  which  will  interfere  with  their  normal  ac- 
tivities and  make  it  impossible  for  them  to  achieve 
the  objectives  for  which  they  were  established. 
Neither  do  we  want  to  crowd  camps  upon  one  an- 
other for  the  same  reason.  Better  one  good  camp 
in  an  area  than  three  poor  ones. 

Next  to  privacy  camps  require  safe  and  ade- 
quate water  and  sanitary  facilities,  and  as  swim- 
ming is  such  an  important  camp  activity  a lake  or 
pool  is  needed  almost  as  much  as  these  funda- 
mental services.  There  are  other  factors,  of 
course,  to  be  considered  in  selecting  a camp  site 
that  we  cannot  discuss  in  detail  here. 

Whether  organized  camps 
should  or  should  not  be  lo- 
cated on  a park  area,  can  be 
decided  only  after  a careful 
study  has  been  made  and  each 
section  of  the  area  has  been 
allocated  to  the  use  for  which 
it  is  best  fitted. 

At  present,  there  exists  a 
great  deficiency  in  camp  fa- 
cilities on  public  lands.  To 
remedy  this  situation  to  some 
extent  the  National  Park 
Service  and  the  Resettlement 


At  the  Sixteenth  National  Conference  on 
State  Parks  held  at  Hartford  last  June, 
Mr.  Salomon  classified  camps  under  two 
general  heads — independent  and  organ- 
ized. The  independent  camper,  he  said, 
has  been  fairly  well  cared  for  in  the 
state  parks,  forests  and  other  public 
lands  where  trail  shelters,  cabins  and 
auto  tent  camps  have  been  provided  for 
his  use.  Accordingly  Mr.  Salomon  has 
stressed  the  needs  of  the  organized 
camper  who  "has  been  provided  for 
only  in  a few  scattered  instances,  and 
there  are  those  who  challenge  his  right 
to  any  place  on  public  lands." 


ORGANIZED  CAMPS  IN  STATE  PARKS 


261 


Administration  are  developing 
what  are  known  as  “Recrea- 
tional Demonstration  Pro- 
jects.” These  are  areas  plan- 
ned primarily  to  provide  or- 
ganized camp  facilities.  By 
establishing  sound  policies  of 
administration  and  by  demand- 
ing high  standards  of  opera- 
tion, it  is  hoped  to  demonstrate  to  the  community 
at  large  the  values  of  organized  camping  and  to 
stimulate  state  and  local  authorities  to  develop 
similar  facilities.  These  areas  will  meet  but  a 
small  fraction  of  the  existing  need  for  organized 
camp  sites  and  structures.  We  should,  therefore, 
see  what  we  can  do  to  supplement  them  on  public 
lands  already  owned,  and  by  additions  to  parks 
and  other  public  areas  that  will  be  purchased  with 
this  specific  use  in  mind.  If  these  areas  are  care- 
fully chosen  to  meet  local  camping  needs  and  then 
properly  developed,  they  will  receive  use  ample 
enough  to  justify  fully  their  acquisition. 

After  we  have  acquired  these  sites  it  is  neces- 
sary that  we  develop  them  properly.  Organized 
camping  has  gone  a long  way  from  the  days  when 
it  was  only  considered  necessary  to  herd  a mass 
of  children  out  into  the  woods  where  it  was 
thought  that  fresh  air  and  sunlight  would  do  the 
rest.  Camping  now  has  definite  educational  as 
well  as  recreational  objectives  which  can  be 
achieved  only  under  trained  leadership  operating 
in  a proper  environment.  A great  fund  of  knowl- 
edge on  camping  has  been  built  up  as  a result  of 
years  of  experience  and  we  should  not  neglect  to 
use  it  in  carrying  out  our  developments.  Stand- 
ards of  camp  construction  and  operation  have  been 
developed,  based  on  practices  that  have  been  found 
desirable,  and  new  camp  developments  should  be 
planned  to  meet  them.  We  should  build  these 
camps  in  the  best  way  we  know  how  and  not  be 
content  with  furnishing  bare  essentials  or  sub- 
standard camps.  If  there  is  any  justification  for 
providing  camps  on  public  lands,  it  seems  to  me 
that  the  state  has  an  obligation  to  build  them  well. 

Unit  Development 

Organized  camps,  in  the  early  days,  continued 
to  grow  in  size  until,  as  one  writer  put  it,  “they 
became  huge  orphan  asylums  turned  loose  in  the 
woods.”  The  many  disadvantages  of  massing  a 
large  number  of  campers  in  a comparatively  small 
area  led  to  the  development  of  what  is  known  as 
the  unit  layout.  Under  this  plan  the  camp  is 


divided  into  a number  of  small 
units  which  are  located  out  of 
sight  and  hearing  of  each 
other.  As  an  example,  a camp 
of  one  hundred  campers  may 
be  divided  into  four  units  of 
twenty-four  campers  each  and 
an  administrative  center.  In 
the  latter  are  located  the  din- 
ing and  recreation  halls,  the  infirmary,  staff  quar- 
ters, hot  shower  house  and  other  buildings  neces- 
sary to  the  central  administration.  Outlying  from 
this,  perhaps  like  the  spokes  of  a wheel,  are  the 
units  which  are  composed  of  sleeping  cabins  for 
campers  and  leaders,  a washhouse,  a unit  lodge 
which  is  an  assembly  and  recreation  hall  for  the 
' unit,  and  an  outdoor  kitchen.  Such  an  arrange- 
ment makes  it  possible  for  the  units  to  be  operated 
as  independent  camps,  if  desirable  or  necessary. 
On  the  Recreational  Demonstration  Projects  the 
unit  lodges  are  planned  for  winter  as  well  as  sum- 
mer use  to  meet  the  growing  trend  toward  winter 
camping. 

To  serve  its  purpose  successfully,  a unit  should 
be  designed  to  house  16,  24,  or,  at  a maximum, 
32  campers.  Small  units  make  it  possible  to  group 
children  according  to  their  ages,  interests  and 
abilities.  Such  grouping  also  permits  a high  de- 
gree of  personal  attention  on  the  part  of  the  coun- 
selors, whereas  large  groups  exhaust  the  leaders. 

■ In  small  groups  the  child  has  a chance  to  find 
himself  and  to  easily  adapt  himself  to  camp  living 
conditions.  Children  in  large  groups  become  over- 
stimulated  and  the  possibilities  for  fatigue  are 
greatly  increased  when  a large  number  of  chil- 
dren eat,  sleep  and  generally  live  in  too  close  quar- 
ters. Noises,  disturbances  and  problems  of  disci-  . 
pline  all  increase  proportionately  to  the  size  of 
the  group  that  is  housed  together. 

In  addition  to  these  reasons  there  are  also  sound 
health  reasons  why  large  groups  should  not  live 
together  in  camps.  Communicable  diseases  are  not 
so  likely  to  spread  and  can  be  more  easily  con- 
trolled where  the  groups  are  kept  small. 

All  of  these  reasons  for  dividing  the  camp  in 
small  groups  apply  equally  to  the  planning  of 
campers’  sleeping  cabins.  Wherever  possible,  not 
more  than  four  campers  should  be  housed  in  a 
cabin. 

Cabins  are  recommended  for  use  as  sleeping 
quarters  for  camps  on  public  lands  instead  of 
tents,  because  they  have  a lower  maintenance  cost 
and  because  they  are  always  ready  for  use. 


The  Recreational  Demonstration  Pro- 
jects to  which  Mr.  Salomon  refers 
were  outlined  in  the  May  issue  of 
Recreation  in  an  article  entitled 
"The  Organized  Camp  on  Recrea- 
tional Demonstration  Projects."  In 
the  article  will  be  found  the  stand- 
ards for  camp  operation  mentioned 
in  this  paper  of  Mr.  Salomon's. 


262 


ORGANIZED  CAMPS  IN  STATE  PARKS 


Requirements  for  Camp  Structures 

It  is  not  possible  in  the  time  I have  here  to  go 
into  detail  as  to  the  requirements  for  camp  struc- 
tures. The  National  Park  Service  has  collected 
considerable  material  on  this  subject  which  is  fully 
available  to  any  park  authority  that  may  care  to 
make  use  of  it. 

Camps  on  public  lands  should  not  be  planned  to 
meet  the  specific  needs  of  any  one  organization. 
The  aim  should  be  to  provide  camps  of  standard 
capacities  such  as  25,  50  or  100  campers.  The 
exact  sizes  of  the  camps  you  build  should,  of 
course,  be  determined  by  a study  of  local  camp- 
ing needs.  Camps  of  over  100  capacity  are  ex- 
pensive to  operate  and  are  subject  to  the  disad- 
vantages cited  that  come  with  large  numbers.  An 
organization  can  provide  a better  program  in  two 
camps  than  in  one,  if  its  campers  number  over  one 
hundred. 

Organized  camps  in  state  parks  may  be  of  either 
the  long-term  or  short-term  type.  A long-term 
camp  is  generally  operated  by  an  organization 
whose  camping  program  runs  from  eight  to  ten 
weeks  in  the  summer  and  which  also  operates  the 
camp  for  school  vacation  and  week-end  groups 
throughout  the  winter.  A short-term  camp  is  one 
operated  by  a number  of  different  organizations 
for  a week  or  two  weeks  at  a time. 

In  addition  to  these  two  types  of  camps  there 
is  need  for  a third.  I do  not  know  just  what  to 
call  it  but  for  want  of  better  term  I might  christen 
it  a “group”  cabin.  This  cabin  would  be  planned 
for  summer  or  winter  use  and  would  be  built  to 
accommodate  organized  groups  from  10  to  25 
campers  and  their  leaders.  Such  cabins  are  badly 
needed  near  all  large  centers  of  population.  Like 
the  camps,  they  would  not  be  rented  to  individuals 
but  to  organizations  for  annual  or  short-term  use. 

Cabins  of  this  type  might  also  be  operated  by 
the  park  authorities  as  trail  lodges.  The  trail 
lodge  would  contain  living  quarters  for  a married 
park  employee  who  would  act  as  custodian,  in  ad- 
dition to  the  quarters  for  campers.  The  use  of 
these  facilities  would  be  open  to  all  organized 
groups  that  had  first  registered  with  the  park  au- 
thorities. Such  organizations  would  pay  an  an- 
nual registration  fee  to  help  cover  maintenance 
costs,  and  their  members  actually  using  the  lodge 
would  pay  a small  fee  in  addition.  This  regis- 
tration fee  would  also  limit  the  use  of  the  lodge 
to  groups  having  responsible  adult  leadership. 


Rentals 

This  brings  us  to  the  question  of  what  fees 
should  be  charged  for  the  use  of  organized  camps 
in  state  parks.  As  I stated  in  the  beginning,  one 
of  the  reasons  why  organized  camps  should  be 
provided  in  parks  is  that  only  in  this  way  can 
many  organizations  secure  adequate  sites  and 
structures.  If  we  then  proceed  to  charge  the  cost 
of  building  these  facilities  to  the  organizations, 
we  are  doing  them  little  service.  It  is  my  feeling 
that  the  state  should  bear  the  cost  of  constructing 
the  camps  and  that  the  camping  organization 
should  pay  the  cost  of  maintaining  the  buildings 
and  the  sanitary  systems,  including  garbage  re- 
moval. If  we  attempt  to  make  our  rentals  pay  for 
the  camps  we  either  provide  camps  that  are  in- 
adequately equipped  and  that  will  not  meet  recog- 
nized camp  standards,  or  we  get  our  rentals  so 
high  that  organizations  have  to  pay  the  greater 
part  of  their  funds  out  in  rentals  and  so  are  forced 
to  skimp  on  leadership  which,  after  all,  is  the 
most  important  factor  in  carrying  out  a successful 
camping  program.  Certainly  I do  not  believe  that 
camps  should  be  furnished  to  organizations  rent 
free,  no  matter  how  worthy  their  purpose.  It  is  a 
good  old  American  custom  not  to  appreciate  what 
we  get  for  nothing,  and  camping  organizations  are 
no  exceptions  to  this  rule.  In  the  same  way,  I 
believe  that  every  camper  should  pay  something 
as  a camp  fee  even  though  it  be  only  a few  cents. 

Another  disadvantage  of  trying  to  base  rentals 
on  building  costs  is  that  the  cost  of  constructing 
camps  of  the  same  size  will  vary  according  to 
their  locality  and  the  difficulty  of  providing  roads, 
sanitation,  and  water  supply.  The  camps  when 
completed  have  the  same  capacity  and  one  is 
worth  as  much  as  the  other  to  the  camping  organi- 
zations, but  the  rent  on  one,  if  honestly  based  on 
costs,  will  be  greater  than  that  on  the  other.  This 
seems  hardly  fair. 

In  addition  to  supplying  the  buildings  the  state 
should  plan  to  furnish  without  cost  to  campers, 
the  same  fundamental  services  of  police,  health 
and  fire  protection  that  it  gives  to  all  other  types 
of  park  users.  Campers  should  not  be  considered 
as  enjoying  special  privileges  if  camping  is  a legi- 
timate park  use,  for  parks  were  not  created  to 
confer  special  privileges  but  for  the  enjoyment 
and  use  of  all  the  people. 

Like  all  other  park  fees  the  rentals  charged  for 
camps  should  be  definitely  set  and  these  rates 
should  be  made  public. 

( Continued  on  page  276) 


Safety  Play  Yards  in  Flint 


The  world’s  second  city  in  automobile 
production  is  protecting  its  children 


SAFETY 

PLAY  YARD 

. FOR  EVERY' 


5 


achiiv 


m£V\y,  Al,  haven't  you  noticed  some- 

J thing  lately?”  a bus  driver  queried 
as  his  companion  pulled  alongside. 

“Well,  not  particular,”  Al  replied. 

“What  is  it?” 

“There  don’t  seem  to  be  hardly  any 
kids  playing  in  the  streets  any  more. 

What’s  happened  to  ’em?"’ 

“Now  that  you  mention  it,  it’s  certainly 
a fact.  I guess  it’s  this  safety  play  yard 
movement.  Swell  idea,  too,”  said  Al. 

Al  was  right.  A safety  play  yard  move- 
ment in  Flint,  Michigan,  is  keeping  the 
children  off  the  streets  in  this  city  of 
165,000  population.  And  the  outstanding 
benefits  were  practically,  if  not  eloquently, 
described  in  the  bus  drivers’  conversation. 

Flint  is  the  world’s  second  city  in  the 
production  of  automobiles.  Ninety-five 
per  cent  of  its  industry  is  devoted  to  the 
manufacture  of  motor  vehicles  and  auto- 
motive parts.  It  is  strictly  an  automobile 
community.  Therefore  the  traffic  problems 
are  manifold,  because  there  is  almost  one 
automobile  to  every  family  in  Flint.  To 
be  exact,  the  ratio  of  families  a car  is  .81. 

Total  car  registration  is  35,250. 

The  Accident  Toll  Drops 

Everywhere  accidents  to  children  reach  their 
highest  toll  during  the  summer  when  schools 
are  closed  and  youngsters  play  in  the  streets. 
Realizing  that  the  total  would  be  reduced  if 
children  could  be  kept  off  thoroughfares  dur- 
ing the  long  vacation  period,  public-spirited 
citizens  of  Flint  started  a movement  in  1934 
to  create  and  encourage  establishment  of  back 
yard  playgrounds.  There  were  only  forty  such 
yards  established  that  year,  but  the  accident 
toll  dropped  50%  below  the  1933  figure,  and 
the  number  of  child  deaths  was  reduced  to 
66%. 

Encouraged  by  the  success  of  the  initial  ac- 
tivity, Flint  conducted  in  the  summer  of  this  year 
probably  the  most  intensive  child  safety  play- 
ground movement  ever  launched  in  the  United 


States.  Now  it  promises  to  be  a permanent  safety 
program  in  that  city. 

A total  of  1,234  registered  back  yard  safety  play- 
grounds was  established,  exclusive  of  the  regular 
civic  playgrounds.  Accidents  to  children  were 
fewer  by  an  estimated  25  per  cent  than  in  1934. 
The  average  attendance  of  small  children  at  the 
back  yard  play  lots  was  6,500  daily,  and  the  weekly 
attendance  at  the  larger  supervised  civic  play- 
grounds jumped  from  23,700  in  1934  to  54.152 
in  1935- 

Safety  Work  Is  Centralized 

The  safetv  play  yard  movement  in  Flint  was 
organized  and  actively  managed  by  Wilson  S. 
Isherwood,  general  sales  manager  of  the  AC 
Spark  Plug  Division  of  General  Motors,  who  is 
also  president  of  the  Flint  Automobile  Club,  and 


263 


264 


SAFETY  PLAY  YARDS  IN  FLINT 


a leading  advocate  of  safety  measures.  Since  the 
success  of  a plan  of  this  kind  lies  to  a large  de- 
gree in  having  one  group  definitely  responsible 
for  carrying  it  out,  the  local  automobile  club  was 
asked  to  take  charge  of  the  project.  The  club  en- 
listed as  cooperating  agencies  the  Parent-Teacher 
Association,  the  Flint  Police  Department,  the 
Daily  Journal,  the  Junior  League,  the  Junior 
Chamber  of  Commerce,  the  Boy  Scouts  and  other 
members  of  the  Flint  Council  of  Recreational 
Agencies. 

The  name  “Safety  Play  Movement’’  was  select- 
ed and  an  emblem  was  adopted  consisting  of  a 
shield  with  the  words  “Safety  Play  Yard  for 
Every  Child."  A contest  was  decided  upon  con- 
sisting of  awards  for  the  best  play  yards  estab- 
lished, prizes  to  be  awarded  at  the  end  of  the  va- 
cation school  period. 

Play  yards  were  divided  into  the  following 
classifications : Home  yards  on  which  not  more 
than  $3.00  was  spent;  home  yards  on  which  not 
more  than  $15.00  was  spent;  community  or  co- 
operative play  yards  in  back  yards  or  vacant  lots 
which  were  made  by  the  joint  efforts  of  two  or 
more  families.  No  limit  was  set  on  the  amount 
spent  in  this  latter  class. 

Universal  Call  for  Aid 

A four-page  pamphlet  telling  of  the  entire  plan 
was  published.  Copies  were  distributed  by  all  the 
Flint  school  teachers  to  their  pupils  on  the  day 
schools  closed  for  the  summer  vacation.  A safety 
play  yard  contest  entry  blank  was  printed  on  the 
last  page  of  the  pamphlet. 

A publicity  program  was  drawn  up.  Window 
cards  were  designed  for  use  in  store  windows 
throughout  the  city  and  for  street  cars.  Painted 
posters  on  billboards  were  put  up  rent  free  and 
at  half  the  painting  cost  by  a local  sign  company. 
A printing  company  sympathetic  to  the  movement 
and  impressed  with  its  great  civic  appeal  made  up 
the  pamphlets  and  posters  at  cost. 

Follow-up  work  was  conducted  in  a vigorous 
manner.  Six  women  made  contacts  with  homes  in 
the  city.  Wherever  children 
were  found  playing  in  the  street, 
the  parents  of  these  children 
were  immediately  asked  to  join 
the  contest.  Those  families  who 
were  unable  to  purchase  neces- 
sary equipment  and  who  could 
find  no  obsolete,  cast-off  ma- 
terial were  furnished  free  iron 


pipe,  rope,  burlap  and  various  other  materials  that 
local  factories  and  stores  gave  to  the  club. 

The  Automobile  Club  made  an  arrangement, 
particularly  with  the  various  manufacturing  estab- 
lishments in  Flint,  whereby  the  factories  donated 
usable  salvage  material  to  the  club  which  stored 
it  in  a central  warehouse.  While  no  publicity  was 
given  to  this  free  material  for  play  yards,  it  was 
sent  to  persons  who  otherwise  would  have  been 
unable  to  equip  a yard.  The  names  and  addresses 
of  such  persons  were  noted,  their  enrollment  in 
the  contest  was  established,  and  the  equipment  was 
forwarded  to  them  in  a city  truck  without  cost. 
The  city  trucks,  in  some  instances,  were  employed 
without  cost  in  clearing  away  rubbish  for  install- 
ing play  yards. 

The  Safety  Crusaders 

A member  of  one  of  the  cooperating  agencies, 
the  Boy  Scouts,  donated  their  camp  facilities  for 
the  use  of  ninety  boys  known  as  “Safety  Cru- 
saders.” These  boys  were  selected  the  last  week 
of  school  by  the  principal.  They  were  required  to 
furnish  their  own  food  and  clothing,  and  after 
receiving  one  week’s  training  in  organizing  play, 
handicraft,  games,  story-telling  and  health  activi- 
ties, returned  to  Flint,  where  they  were  sworn  in 
by  the  Mayor  City  Manager  as  Safety  Crusaders, 
given  a card  designating  their  authority,  and  then 
sent  out  into  various  districts  to  work  with  the  six 
contact  women  in  charge  of  the  district.  These 
boys  watched  out  for  and  reported  all  hazards, 
guided  children  to  safe  places  to  play,  obtained 
the  permission  from  the  owners  for  the  use  of 
vacant  lots  as  play  yards,  worked  on  the  play 
yard  contest,  laid  out  play  yards,  organized  games 
and  helped  in  many  ways. 

While  the  work  of  the  Crusaders  contributed 
in  the  reduction  of  accidents,  it  was  decided  that 
in  order  to  make  the  boys  more  useful  and  to  get 
better  results  it  would  be  wise  to  organize  a Cru- 
sader junior  police  force  with  definite  assignments 
for  every  boy.  The  boys  selected  acted  as  leaders 
in  the  back  yard  and  play  yard  work  in  addition  to 
reporting  all  unsafe  places  and 
conditions  existing  within  their 
territory.  They  were  considered 
such  a vital  force  in  preventing 
accidents  to  school  children  that 
they  were  empowered  to  call 
the  Police  Department  when  any 
trouble  arose  with  which  they 
( Continued  on  page  278) 


"The  play  yard  movement  has 
been  the  means  of  saving  child 
lives  and  curtailing  accidents.  It  is 
educating  a future  generation  in 
habits  of  safety  and  is  exerting  a 
psychological  influence  upon  par- 
ents and  adults  in  general,  bene- 
ficial to  our  present  safety  prob- 
lems." — Wilson  S.  Isherwood. 


Balti  more’s  First  City-Wide  Hobby  Sh  ow 


The  increase  of  leisure  time 
for  people  who  know  not 
how  to  use  it  is  creating  a 
most  serious  sociological  prob- 
lem for  our  day.  In  these  days  of  widespread 
unemployment  what  shall  people  do  with  so  much 
time  on  their  hands?  What  can  they  do  to  keep 
from  getting  bored  with  life?  Enforced  leisure 
galls  men  and  makes  them  the  prey  of  the  dema- 
gogue. Reversals  of  life  in  our  tangled  times  have 
been  breaking  the  spirits  of  thousands  of  people 
who  have  time  to  kill.  The  future  for  thousands 
of  our  youth  is  not  rosy  with  the  prospect  of  em- 
ployment. To  maintain  morale  and  to  keep  sane 
is  a very  real  problem  of  modern  life. 

Hobby  riding  has  saved  thousands  from  a des- 
perate edge.  Increased  emphasis  is  being  placed 
upon  hobbies  these  days  because  a good  hobby  is 
a good  tension  reducer.  Life  is  guided  and  en- 
riched by  what  we  care  about  passionately.  A 
good  hobby  reaches  a man  where  he  lives.  Hav- 
ing a hobby  becomes  a recreative  leisure  time 
activity  because  it  is  an  expression  of  what  one 
likes  to  do. 

Many  people,  when  time  is  afforded  them  to  do 
what  they  like,  often  do  not  know  what  they  want 
to  do  or  might  do.  They  do  not  want  to  be  told 
what  they  must  do  but  they  are  open  to  sugges- 
tion as  to  things  they  might  do.  Education  for 
new  leisure  is  a need  of  today. 

As  a constructive  contribution  to  the  problem 
of  leisure  time  the  Directive 
Education  for  New  Leisure 
Committee  of.  the  Kiwanis 
Club  of  Baltimore,  in  co- 
operation with  the  city’s 
Enoch  Pratt  Free  Library, 
recently  presented  an  educa- 
tional project  of  unusual 
merit  in  a four-day  city-wide 
hobby  show  in  which  were 
exhibited  things  collected  and 
made  by  young  people  be- 
tween the  ages  of  nine  and 
twenty.  One  of  the  local 
papers  declared  this  hobby 


show  the  most  unique  show  the 
city  of  Baltimore  had  ever  known. 

Following  three  months  of 
carefully  planned  promotion,  Bal- 
timore’s first  city-wide  hobby  show  was  opened 
by  the  Mayor  of  Baltimore  on  October  8th,  in  the 
dignified,  cultural  atmosphere  of  the  city’s  mag- 
nificent and  spacious  Enoch  Pratt  Free  Library. 
Short  addresses  made  by  the  Librarian,  the 
Superintendent  of  Public  Education  and  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  Kiwanis  Club  were  indicative  of  the 
cooperative  nature  of  the  project.  Following  a 
cumulative  publicity  impact  by  means  of  radio 
broadcasts,  newspaper  articles,  street  car  posters, 
bait  exhibits,  and  the  distribution  of  more  than 
100,000  folders  giving  rules  and  complete  infor- 
mation about  the  show,  Baltimoreans  became 
hobby  conscious.  In  four  days  more  than  12,000 
people  feasted  their  eyes  upon  thousands  of  arti- 
cles collected  or  made  by  youthful  hobbyists  be- 
tween the  ages  of  nine  and  twenty.  Except  for  a 
half  dozen  non-competitive  exhibits  by  adults  and 
a special  library  contest  of  pictures  of  people 
reading,  the  show  was  confined  to  400  youthful 
hobby  riders.  The  prize  winners  in  a variety  of 
classifications  shared  in  awards  offered  by  the 
members  of  the  Kiwanis  Club. 

Scores  of  letters  were  received  from  stamp  col- 
lectors all  over  the  United  States  who  had  sent  in 
covers  to  receive  the  imprint  of  the  attractive 
cachet  that  was  made  for  stamping  mail  during 
the  week  of  the  show. 

A Helpful  Educational 
Project 

Everyone  was  amazed  at 
the  great  variety  and  the  fine 
quality  of  exhibits  on  dis- 
play by  the  youth  of  our  city. 
That  the  show  achieved  its 
purpose,  “to  bring  to  the  at- 
tention of  the  people  of  Bal- 
timore and  vicinity  numer- 
ous leisure  time  activities 
which  are  not  ordinarily 
brought  to  the  fore  in  con- 


By  Lloyd  M.  Keller 

Chairman 

Baltimore  Hobby  Show 


KIWANI5  CLUB  DF 
BALTIMORE  CITY  Inc. 


FIRST  CITY-WIDE 


HOBBY  5H0W 

□ CT  □ B ER,  8 to  12  1935 
_ ENOCH  PRATT  » 
f FREE  LIBRARY 


265 


266 


BALTIMORE'S  FIRST  CITY -WIDE  HOBBY  SHOW 


ventional  recreational  programs,  to  create  further 
interest  in  hobbies  and  to  direct  more  people  in 
the  art  of  hobby  riding,”  is  confirmed  by  extracts 
from  two  of  a great  number  of  letters  of  com- 
mendation received  concerning  the  show : 

“I  do  not  recall  any  single  incident  in  the  young- 
ster’s life,  which  has  given  him  more  happiness  and 
encouragement  than  this  grateful  act  by  your  hon- 
orable body. 

“I  wish  there  were  more  organizations  of  your 
kind  to  spread  the  ‘Gospel  of  Happiness’  through- 
out the  length  and  breadth  of  this  country  of  ours. 
In  this  age  when  more  leisure  than  ever  confronts  our 
youth,  you  have  created  a movement  which  will  be 
far  reaching  in  its  effect.” 

“I  want  to  express  my  appreciation  for  the  beauty 
and  usefulness  of  the  hobby  show  sponsored  by  the 
Kiwanis  Club  of  Baltimore.  It  was  a real  treasure 
house  of  things  fine  and 
worthwhile.  I saw  the 
show  three  times  and 
found  it  growing  on  me. 

I think  the  hobby  show 
should  become  an  annual 
event  and  that  it  should 
include  adult  hobbyists. 

It  would  fill  a real  need 
and  be  a godsend  to  a 
tremendous  number  of  job- 
less and  half-jobless  adults. 

Men  and  women  who  have 
more  leisure  than  they 
need  and  less  work  than 
they  need,  need  inspiring 
recreation  such  as  a hobby 
provides  and  suggests.” 

( Signed) 

“One  of  the  Jobless 
since  1932” 

Variety  and  Scope  of  the  Show 

There  were  two  classifications  of  exhibits,  col- 
lections and  creative  hobbies.  Thousands  of  pieces 
were  on  display  in  various  groups,  viz : Natural 
History,  Stamps  and  Seals,  Coins  and  Badges, 
History,  Curios,  Handicraft,  Woodcraft,  Metal- 
craft,  Wickerwork,  Household  Arts,  Mechanical 
Devices,  Art,  Mechanical  and  Architectural  Draw- 
ing and  Photography.  There  were  special  ex- 
hibits arranged  under  the  supervision  of  the  Crip- 
pled Children's  Committee,  4-H  Club  Committee, 
and  Vocational  Guidance  Committee. 

Many  visitors  at  the  show  expressed  amaze- 
ment at  the  variety  of  collections  and  evidence  of 
creative  work  by  the  youth  of  our  city  during 
hours  of  leisure  time.  A twelve-year-old  boy  dis- 
played specimens  of  a collection  of  more  than  600 
electric  light  bulbs  about  an  electrically  lighted 


Kiwanis  seal  in  small  white  and  blue  lamps.  A 
seventeen-year-old  girl  showed  a miniature  dog 
show  consisting  of  more  than  a hundred  china 
dogs.  She  began  her  collection  two  years  ago  with 
a gift  of  a small  china  dog.  She  bought  only  two 
of  her  entire  collection,  all  others  being  gifts  to 
her  to  help  her  build  up  her  collection.  A sixteen- 
year-old  Negro  boy  displayed  a clay  bust  of  Joe 
Louis,  declared  by  Baltimore’s  eminent  sculptor, 
Hans  Shuler,  one  of  the  judges,  a piece  of  unusual 
merit.  The  boy  had  never  had  any  special  training 
in  clay  modeling.  An  eighteen-year-old  girl,  com- 
memorating the  Mark  Twain  Centenary,  display- 
ed an  excellent  set  in  soap  carvings  in  character- 
istic dress  of  Mark  Twain  and  his  immortal 
characters,  Huckleberry  Finn,  and  Tom  Sawyer. 

Even  the  partly  white- 
washed fence  was  in  evi- 
dence in  this  excellent  set. 

Probably  the  most  edu- 
cational exhibit  in  the  cre- 
ative field  was  that  of  six 
high  school  boys  who  over 
a period  of  two  years  had 
made  a study  of  American 
Indian  life,  and  in  their 
project  reproduced  head- 
dress, weapons,  ornaments, 
utensils,  and  musical  in- 
struments. A part  of  their 
display  consisted  of  a 
parchment  upon  which  was 
drawn  in  the  Indian  sign 
language  an  historical  ac- 
count of  their  two  years  of  pursuit  of  their  hobby. 
A popular  program  was  presented  one  evening 
during  the  show  by  these  six  hobbyists  demon- 
strating with  commendable  artistry  the  Indian 
sign  language  and  Indian  dances.  A crowded  au- 
ditorium gave  rapt  attention  for  an  hour  to  the 
artistic  presentation  of  a native  Indian  dance. 

A Personality  at  the  End  of  Every  Hobby 

A fifteen-year-old  lad  spent  many  hours  ar- 
ranging his  miniature  stage  craft  exhibit,  com- 
prising complete  appointments  of  a legitimate 
theater  stage.  He  arranged  his  puppets  each  day 
of  the  show  for  a change  of  scene.  One  evening, 
with  several  assistants  he  presented  an  hour’s 
puppet  show  in  the  Library  auditorium  to  an  ap- 
preciative audience.  A twelve-year-old  youngster 
presented  a prize  winning  exhibit  of  a local  radio 
( Continued  on  page  278) 


"The  Enoch  Pratt  Free  Library  is  always 
glad  to  meet  people  with  a hobby. 
There  have  never  been  so  many  people 
with  hobbies  as  there  are  today.  . . . The 
Library  provides  the  'oats'  tor  many 
hobby  horses.  One  has  only  to  look  in 
the  eager  faces  of  Baltimore's  young  peo- 
ple to  see  the  constructive  value  of  let- 
ting them  cultivate  interests  they  have 
developed  on  their  own  initiative.  They 
deserve  every  encouragement,  and  the 
Library  is  glad  to  welcome  Baltimore's 
great  Hobby  Show  with  the  hope  that  it 
may  be  the  first  of  many  such  annual 
shows." — Joseph  L.  Wheeler,  Librarian. 


World  at  Play 


Kite  Contests  in 
Washington 


eration  with  the  Distri 


LAST  Spring  the 
Department  of  Play- 
grounds of  Washing- 
ton, D.  C.,  in  coop- 
of  Columbia  Model 


Aircraft  League,  conducted  five  kite  contests 


simultaneously  at  as  many  centers.  There  were 
three  classifications  of  contestants  — Junior, 
Senior  and  Father-Son.  Kites  were  classified 
according  to  principles  of  operation — A.  Tail- 
ed-kites,  plane  surface  kites  with  tails  ; B.  Para- 
kites,  plane  surface  kites  without  tails,  and  C. 
Cellkites,  including  box,  tetrahedral,  Convne 
and  all  other  kites  with  cells.  Awards  were 
made  on  the  basis  of  workmanship,  design,  ap- 
pearance and  performance. 


„ , _ . . A recent  court  de- 

A Park  Commissioner  . . ^ ini 

_ cision  restrained  Park 

Testifies  „ . . „ , , 

Commissioner  Robert 

Moses  of  New  York 

City  from  placing  a playground  in  Stuyvesant 

Park  on  the  basis  that  such  use  would  violate 

the  agreement  made  by  the  city  when  Peter 

Stuyvesant  thought  it  should  remain  a “place 

of  peace  and  quiet.”  In  this  connection  it  is 

interesting  to  note  that  Commissioner  Moses 

in  testifying  before  the  court  said  he  believed 

children  provided  with  proper  apparatus  and 

facilities  for  play  and  with  proper  supervision 

by  an  adult  would  make  less  noise  than  those 

compelled  to  find  their  own  diversions  in  an 

open  lot  or  in  a small  city  park  containing  only 

trees,  grass  plots  and  a few  benches. 


In  Payment  — 
One  Rose! 


A rental  of  one  rose  a 
year  is  provided  for  in 
a lease  made  by  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Daniel  H. 
Bradley  of  Pitman,  New  Jersey,  to  Harry  H. 
Beebe,  a member  of  the  local  Board  of  Educa- 
tion, for  a vacant  lot  which  Mr.  Beebe  has  con- 
verted into  a neighborhood  playground.  Mr. 
Beebe’s  lease  with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bradley  has 
been  duly  recorded  with  the  county  clerk  and 
payment  of  the  first  year’s  rent  has  been 
acknowledged. 


Courtesy  Department  of  Playgrounds,  Washington,  D.  C. 


_ , TT  IN  reply  to  the  ques- 

Nature  and  Hand-  . . 

, tion,  What  correla- 

craft  , . 

tion  between  the  na- 
ture program  and 
other  parts  of  your  playground  program  occur  to 
you  as  possible  and  desirable?”  a correspondent 
from  North  Carolina  writes : “In  our  particular 
community  I should  run  my  nature  activities 
almost  parallel  to  my  handcraft.  In  our  moun- 
tains we  have  many  things  at  hand  to  itse  in  mak- 
ing articles.  For  example,  one  group  of  girls 
wanted  to  dye  stocking  clippings  to  make  mats  and 
bags.  We  made  our  yellow  dye  from  yellowroot, 
another  yellow  from  broom  sage ; brown  from 
maple  bark,  tan  from  red  clay;  black  from  wal- 
nut roots,  red  from  bloodroot,  and  so  on.  We  also 
used  a certain  grass  that  grows  here  and  honey- 
suckle for  weaving  baskets,  and  pine  cones  for 
making  small  decorative  articles.  Laurel  wood 
and  ivv  we  used  in  making  rustic  furniture.” 


267 


268 


WORLD  AT  PLAY 


A Health  - Building  Game 
for  Old  and  Young 

Pitching  Horseshoes  is  muscle-building  rec- 
reation that  appeals  to  all  types  of  people. 
Install  a few  courts  on  your  grounds,  organ- 
ize a horseshoe  club,  schedule  a tournament. 
Write  for  free  booklets  on  club  organiza- 
tion, tournament  play.  etc. 

Diamond  Official  Shoes  and  accessories 
are  the  choice  of  professionals  and  ama- 
teurs alike.  It’s  economy  to  purchase 
equipment  with  the  longest  life. 

DIAMOND 

CALK  HORSESHOE  CO. 

4610  Grand  Avenue  Duluth,  Minn. 

Makers  of  DIAMOND  Official  Pitching  Shoes 


Children’s  Outdoor  Matinees — The  Depart- 
ment of  Playground  and  Recreation  of  Los 
Angeles,  California,  is  presenting  a series  of 
children’s  matinees  beginning  July  7th  and  ex- 
tending through  August  28th.  There  will  be 
eightv-three  programs  with  each  playground 
scheduled  for  participation  in  some  event.  Folk 
songs,  singing  games,  folk,  character  and  na- 
tional dances,  toy  bands,  fretted  instruments, 
harmonica  bands,  playground  orchestras,  boys’ 
stunts,  tumbling  and  Morris  dances  all  have 
their  place  in  the  program.  A Gypsy  story- 
teller delights  the  children  with  a wide  variety 
of  stories  after  each  performance. 

Louisville’s  Junior  Baseball  School  — The 

Louisville,  Kentucky,  Amateur  Baseball  Fed- 
eration, in  cooperation  with  the  Department  of 
Recreation,  is  sponsoring  weekly  sixteen  junior 
baseball  schools  at  Shawnee  Park  where  more 
than  fifty  volunteer  instructors  have  taken  a 
preliminary  training  course.  Each  of  eight 
weekly  lessons  is  outlined  in  a manual  prepar- 


ed for  the  volunteer  instructors  and  younger 
players  are  attending  in  large  numbers.  The 
school  operates  four  hours  each  Saturday 
morning,  concluding  with  a demonstration 
game  in  which  the  mistakes  of  the  pupils  are 
pointed  out  by  their  instructors.  Details  in- 
cluding the  outline  of  lessons  may  be  secured 
from  the  Athletic  Institute,  1712  Republic 
Building,  209  South  State  Street,  Chicago.  Ten 
cents  in  stamps  should  be  sent  to  cover  the 
cost  of  mailing. 

Why  Not  Rugby? — “Why  not  Rugby?”  asks 
Harry  S.  Cairns  of  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  who  in  a 
recent  communication  has  pointed  out  the  ad- 
vantages of  the  game. 

“Here,”  says  Mr.  Cairns,  “is  an  ideal  game 
for  mass  play.  There  are  fifteen  players  on  a 
Rugby  team.  The  equipment  is  nominal,  con- 
sisting of  a woolen  jersey,  a pair  of  flannel  or 
serge  shorts,  a pair  of  woolen  stockings  and  a 
pair  of  either  soccer  or  football  shoes.  Instruc- 
tions to  the  players  can  be  handled  by  any  rec- 
reation supervisor,  intramural  director  or  ath- 
letic instructor.  Rugby  does  not  allow  any 
substitutes  calling  for  more  teams  and  actual 
players.  Since  in  Rugby  no  player  can  be 
tackled  unless  he  has  the  ball,  it  would  appeal 
to  a great  many  boys  not  physically  fit  to  stand 
the  more  punishing  game  and  training  neces- 
sary in  football.  If  in  a given  community  there 
are  perhaps  a dozen  high  schools  which  feature 
football  teams  and  have  playing  fields,  it  takes 
only  half  the  number  of  fields  for  the  regular 
week-end  football  games.  The  other  fields  are 
lying  idle  and  can  therefore  be  used  to  advan- 
tage for  Rugby.  As  a matter  of  fact,  all  fields 
are  usually  lying  idle  after  the  regular  foot- 
ball season  is  over  around  December  1st.  Why 
not  utilize  them  during  this  period?” 

Mr.  Cairns  will  be  glad  to  answer  any  ques- 
tions about  Rugby.  He  may  be  addressed  at 
1820  John  Street,  Cincinnati. 

Durham  to  Have  Parks — The  recent  decision 
of  the  state  supreme  court  which  allows  Dur- 
ham, North  Carolina,  to  issue  bonds  and  levy 
a tax  for  the  establishment  and  maintenance  of 
parks  has  set  a precedent  in  placing  parks  in 
the  category  of  necessity  as  far  as  Durham  is 
concerned.  The  ordinance  authorized  a $25,000 
bond  issue  for  park  development. 


WORLD  AT  PLAY 


269 


Lafayette’s  First  Year  of  Recreation  — 

Lafayette,  Louisiana,  is  very  proud  of  the  rec- 
ord it  has  made  in  its  first  year  of  public  recre- 
ation. On  June  i,  1935,  the  newly  organized 
Recreation  Commission  secured  the  services  of 
a year-round  recreation  executive  and  initiated 
a program  in  which  all  types  of  interests  are 
represented.  A particularly  interesting  feature 
has  been  the  juvenile  delinquency  prevention 
program.  The  chief  of  police  arid  superintend- 
ent of  recreation  together  discussed  the  boys 
who  were  being  brought  to  the  attention  of  the 
Police  Department.  The  name,  address,  age 
and  description  of  each  boy  were  given  the 
recreation  executive  together  with  the  nature 
of  his  delinquency.  This  information,  recorded 
as  strictly  confidential,  was  used  to  assist  the 
play  leaders  in  recognizing  the  boy  when  he 
came  to  the  playground  and  planning  a pro- 
gram to  meet  his  needs.  If  a boy  fails  to  ap- 
pear on  the  playground,  a staff  member  known 
as  director-at-large  is  delegated  to  become  ac- 
quainted with  him  and  his  gang  in  the  com- 
munity. He  may  persuade  all  the  boys  to  go 
to  the  playground  or  he  may  organize  them 
into  a team  and  schedule  games  with  teams  on 
the  playground. 

More  Playgrounds  for  New  Orleans  — The 

city  of  New  Orleans,  Louisiana,  has  received  a 
gift  of  two  new  playgrounds,  one  for  white  and 
one  for  colored,  presented  by  Dr.  and  Mrs.  I. 
I.  Lemann.  The  playgrounds,  which  measure 
100'  by  900',  were  developed  by  FERA  which 
expended  $35,000  on  the  project. 

On  Children’s  Day  — On  Children’s  Day 
(June  20th)  Mayor  Angelo  Rossi  of  San  Fran- 
cisco, California,  issued  a proclamation  in 
which  he  said : 

“Since  the  character  of  tomorrow’s  citizens 
will  be  determined  by  the  moral,  mental  and 
physical  development  of  the  children  of  today, 
it  is  of  serious  consequence  to  every  community 
that  the  utmost  effort  be  made  to  furnish  each 
one  of  its  children  the  benefits  of  constructive 
play.  Therefore,  as  Mayor  of  San  Francisco,  I 
designate  Saturday,  June  20th,  to  be  Children’s 
Day — a day  set  apart  by  our  citizens  for  con- 
sideration of  the  vital  importance  of  play  in 
child  life  and  for  action  in  increasing  the  op- 
portunities which  should  be  the  birthright  of 
all  our  children.” 


THE  PERFECT  MIND 
AND  BODY  BUILDER 

HERE  is  the  one  outstanding  playground 
device  acclaimed  by  authorities  as  the 
"perfect  mind  and  body  builder."  It  has  no 
moving  parts,  yet  will  keep  the  interest  of 
children  of  all  ages,  year  after  year.  Chil- 
dren's natural  impulse  is  to  stretch,  pull, 
jump,  hang,  slide,  and  above  all,  CLIMB.  The 
Louden  "lunglegym  Climbing  Structure"  sup- 
plies, like  nothing  else  can,  endless  oppor- 
tunity to  do  ALL  of  these  things  safely,  co- 
ordinating body  muscles  in  abdomen,  back, 
chest,  arms  and  legs.  Over  100,000,000  child 
play  hours  have  been  devoted  to  them  without 
serious  accident!  The  "lunglegym  Climbing 
Structure"  encourages  initiative,  and  construc- 
tive impulses;  aids  in  forming  the  concepts  of 
space,  distance,  size.  And,  in  developing 
strong,  supple,  controlled  body  balance.  It 
fosters  courage,  ingenuity  and  cooperation, 
and  gives  opportunity  for  social  adjustments. 


Physical  authorities  everywhere  consider  this 
super  climbing  structure  vitally  necessary  to 
children's  health  and  development.  They  can 
be  found  in  large  numbers  in  almost  every 
big  city  in  the  world.  A variety  of  sizes  are 
available,  built  to  accommodate  from  15  to 
100  children  at  a time.  Mail  the  coupon  for 
full  particulars  and  prices.  These  devices  are 
moderately  priced.  All  metal  "lunglegym 
Climbing  Structure"  No.  5,  which  accommo- 
dates from  15  to  20  children  at  a time  and 
requires  ground  space  of 
5'  x 6'  6";  sells  F.  O.  B.  O E fifi 

Ottawa,  at  only 


J.  E.  PORTER  CORPORATION 

120  BROADWAY,  OTTAWA,  ILLINOIS 

Gentlemen:  I am  interested  in  getting  further 
particulars  and  prices  on  all  sizes  of  Louden 
"Junglegym  Climbing  Structures,"  together 
with  your  full  line  of  playground  equipment. 

Name  

Address 


‘JUNGLEGYM  CLIMBIN 


270 


WORLD  AT  PLAY 


Mayor  Frank  Couzens  of  Detroit,  Michigan, 
in  issuing  his  proclamation  for  children’s  day, 
said : ‘'Children  whose  energy  is  turned  to 

constructive  play  pursuits  are  known  to  de- 
velop ideals,  good  sportsmanship,  initiative,  in- 
tellectual curiosity  and  a sense  of  responsi- 
bility, as  well  as  strong,  healthy  bodies.  But 
children  who  are  deprived  of  their  birthright  of 
constructive  play  use  their  energy,  first  in  mis- 
chief, and  later  through  boredom  they  may  fall 
prey  to  bad  companions  and  learn  rapidly  the 
lessons  of  crime.  In  idle  hours  are  found  the 
roots  of  most  juvenile  delinquency.” 

Passaic’s  Hobby  Show  — From  February 
18th  to  2 ist,  Passaic,  New  Jersey,  held  its  Sec- 
ond Annual  Hobby  and  Collection  Show  spon- 
sored by  Mayor  Benjamin  F.  Turner,  Director 
of  Parks  and  Public  Property,  under  which  the 
city’s  Recreation  Department  functions.  There 
were  217  individual  exhibits  arranged  in  the 
following  classifications : Arts,  Crafts,  Collec- 
tions, Woodwork  and  Cabinet  Making,  Aero- 
nautics, Electric,  Natural  History,  Exhibits 
made  by  groups.  Special  Hobbies  and  Special 
Collections.  There  were  no  admission  charges. 
Exhibitors  received  certificates  signed  by  the 
Mayor  and  bearing  the  city  seal  certifying  that 
they  had  won  participating  places  in  the  hobby 
show. 

A Nature  Game  — A good  game  that  intro- 
duces nature  study  is  one  commonly  called 
“Holding  the  Front.”  In  this  game  the  hikers 
travel  in  single  file,  the  file  being  occasionally 
halted  and  the  first  person  is  asked  to  identify 
a tree  or  plant  by  the  side  of  the  trail  or  some 
distance  ahead.  If  he  fails  he  is  sent  to  the 
rear  of  the  file,  and  the  second  becomes  the  first 
and  is  asked  the  next  question.  The  one  able 
to  answer  the  most  questions  and  remain  at  the 
front  the  longest  wins. 

Motion  Pictures  in  Cincinnati — The  Public 
Recreation  Commission  of  Cincinnati,  Ohio, 
given  the  use  of  a sound  moving  picture 
machine,  has  made  arrangements  with  one  of 
the  local  film  companies  through  which  for 
every  two  talkie  pictures  purchased  the  film 
company  will  give  the  use  of  three  silent 
pictures.  The  Commission  has  purchased  such 
movies  as  “Mickey  Mouse”  and  a number  of 
so-called  educational  cartoons  which  are  talk- 


ies, and  each  night  two  sound  movies  and  three 
silent  are  being  shown  on  a different  play- 
ground. The  Playground  Mothers’  Club  on 
each  playground  pays  $3.00  a night  for  the 
films.  This  money  is  being  used  to  purchase 
new  films.  Since  it  is  possible  to  show  the 
same  two  films  on  all  playgrounds,  the  money 
will  be  kept  as  a reserve  fund  to  buy  films  in 
the  future  to  shove  at  the  various  community 
centers  and  playgrounds  during  the  fall  and 
winter  months. 

Providing  for  Our  Friends,  the  Birds! — The 

Division  of  Recreation  of  the  Park  Depart- 
ment, Framingham,  Massachusetts,  has  issued 
an  appeal  to  families  of  that  city  to  plant  sun- 
flower seeds  so  that  next  winter  the  birds  will 
not  be  forced  to  endure  the  hardships  which 
they  suffered  during  the  heavy  snows  of  last 
winter.  The  garden  clubs  for  boys  and  girls, 
too,  are  planting  sunflowers  for  the  same  pur- 
pose. In  the  fall  the  seeds  will  be  gathered, 
dried  and  ground  up  for  winter  use. 

An  Exhibit  of  WPA  Recreation  Activities — 

As  a part  of  the  fifteenth  annual  Women’s  Na- 
tional Exposition  of  Arts  and  Industries  held 
in  New  York  City,  May  23rd-30th,  a separate 
play  section  was  shown  which  proved  an  inter- 
esting feature.  This  section,  which  was  50  feet 
long,  showed  a typical  play  street  background 
and  a group  of  children  carrying  on  the  games 
and  play  activities  taught  in  the  day  camps 
which  last  summer  provided  recreation  for  ap- 
proximately 60,000  children  weekly.  Another 
feature  was  the  newly  developed  program  for 
the  physically  handicapped  in  which  the  local 
WPA  has  been  doing  exceptional  work.  The 
program  used  in  settlement  house  game  rooms 
was  also  shown. 

To  Lay  Dust  — The  Solvay  Sales  Corpora- 
tion has  issued  an  illustrated  booklet  entitled 
“The  Clean  Easy  Inexpensive  Way  to  End 
Dust !”  This  booklet  may  be  secured  on  re- 
quest from  the  Solvay  Sales  Corporation,  40 
Rector  Street,  New  York  City. 

The  Great  Lakes  Exposition — On  June  27th 
the  Great  Lakes  Exposition,  in  honor  of  Cleve- 
land’s one  hundredth  anniversary,  was  opened 
on  the  city’s  lake  front.  Rising  from  150  acres 
of  the  Exposition  grounds,  which  stretch  for  a 


Tot  JQLcujGtountiLi  and  Tennil  (?outtl 

BaE  m?n° 


lolvei  tPuit  T^tolflemi 


WMi: 


i Here  is  a public  school  playground  which 
was  treated  with  GULF  SANI-SOIL-SET 


6 months  before  the  photograph  was 
taken.  It  has  been  used  daily  by  school 
as  well  as  neighborhood  children. 


II 


. 


tlSfeilSli 


WRITE  FOR  THIS 


New  Germicidal  Compound  . . . h 


BOOKLET... 


This  booklet  tells  the  story  of 
Gulf  SANI-SOIL-SET  and  its 
use.  It  will  be  mailed  without 
cost  on  your  request.  The  cou- 
pon is  for  your  convenience. 


eaSiLg  applied. . inexpensive . . Long  Lasting 

RECREATION  officials  now  have  a practical  solution  to  the  play- 
_ ground  dust  problem! 

A new  product — Gulf  SANI-SOIL-SET — has  been  developed  by  Gulf  for 
dust  allaying  purposes  on  earth  surface  playgrounds.  This  material  can 
be  applied  at  a low  cost.  When  properly  applied  will  not  harm  or 
stain  clothes  or  shoes  and  under  usual  conditions  of  weather  and  soil, 
one  application  per  season  will  suffice. 

Let  a Gulf  representative  tell  you  more  about  GULF  SANI-SOIL-SET. 

GULF  OIL  CORPORATION-GULF  REFINING  COMPANY 


GENERAL  OFFICES:  GULF  BUILDING,  PITTSBURGH,  PA. 


| GULF  OIL  CORPORATION  • GULF  REFINING  COMPANY,  R-8 

General  Offices:  Gulf  Building,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 

Please  send  me  without  obligation  a copy  of  the  booklet  “Gulf  Sani-Soil-Set 
for  Treating  Playgrounds.” 

Name 

Company 

Address 


I 

i 


I 

I 

I 

I 

I 


272 


WORLD  AT  PLAY 


....an  END  to 


Germ-laden  DUST ! 


• Playground  directors  and  doctors  agree . 
that  dust  is  a dangerous  germ  carrier. 

And  these  same  men  endorse  SOLVAY 
Calcium  Chloride  as  an  effective,  harm- 
less method  of  combating  this  evil. 

• Solvay,  spread  evenly  over  the  surface 
of  a playground,  tennis  court,  school 
yard  or  athletic  field,  will  instantly 
eliminate  the  dust.  And  more,  it  re- 
duces sun  glare,  keeps  the  surface 
compact  and  firm,  and  eliminates  weeds. 

• Solvay  Calcium  Chloride  is  absolutely 
clean,  odorless,  easy  to  apply,  and  very 
economical.  Deliveries  are  prompt 
from  100  conveniently  located  stock 
points.  Full  information  and  prices  on 
request. 

SOLVAY  SALES  CORPORATION 

Alkalies  and  Chemical  Products  Manufactured  by 
The  Solvay  Process  Company 

40  RECTOR  STREET  NEW  YORK 

BRANCH  SALES  OFFICES 

Boston  Charlotte  Chicago  Cincinnati 
Cleveland  Detroit  Houston 

Indianapolis  Kansas  City  Philadelphia 
Pittsburgh  St.  Louis  Syracuse 

New  York 

Solvay 

W TRADE  MARK  REG.  U.  S.  PAT.  OFF. 

Calcium  Chloride 


mile  along  the  Lake,  are  more  than  250  color- 
fully decorated  buildings.  Here  the  nation’s 
greatest  industries  are  showing  their  most  re- 
cent developments.  Recreational  opportunities 
offered  are  many  and  varied.  There  are  sym- 
phony and  band  concerts,  radio  broadcasts  and 
dramatic  presentations.  Shakespearian  plays 
are  being  produced  in  an  exact  replica  of  the 
bard’s  own  famous  Globe  Theater.  Garden  en- 
thusiasts may  wander  through  the  half  million 
dollar  flower  and  garden  exhibit  which  sur- 
rounds the  horticultural  building. 

A Special  Invitation  — The  hirst  Presby- 
terian Church  of  Cedar  Rapids,  Iowa,  is  co- 
operating with  the  Recreation  Commission  by 
issuing  cards  of  introduction  to  members  of 
boys’  clubs  of  the  church.  These  cards,  signed 
by  the  director  of  young  people’s  work  of  the 
church,  introduce  the  boys  to  the  playground 
directors.  With  the  card  each  boy  receives  a 
mimeographed  letter  calling  his  attention  to 
the  service  of  the  playground  and  urging  him 
to  make  use  of  it. 

Maryland  to  Have  New  State  Park — Through 
the  will  of  Dr.  William  Louis  Abbott  of  Elk- 
ton,  Maryland,  the  state  is  to  have  a state  rec- 
reational park  and  forest  preservation  of  ten 
thousand  acres.  Dr.  Abbott  willed  to  the  state 
his  beautiful  farm. 

Camping  in  Westchester  County  — A novel 
experiment  in  camping  for  children  is  under 
way  at  Croton,  Westchester  County,  New 
York,  under  the  leadership  of  the  County  Rec- 
reation Commission.  Here  wooded  scenery 
fields  and  the  wooded  banks  of  the  Hudson  are 
bringing  the  glamorous  lore  of  the  American 
Indian  to  a reality.  John  L.  Nelson,  head  of 
research  for  the  Museum  of  the  American  In- 
dian, who  has  lived  with  the  Hopi  Indians  for 
ten  years,  is  in  charge  of  the  venture.  The  In- 
dian units  accommodate  thirty-six  children  at 
one  time.  Those  who  live  in  the  tepees  join 
with  the  other  campers  for  only  two  meals  a 
day  and  for  occasional  group  activities.  The 
lore,  the  crafts  and  the  ceremonies  of  the  Hopi 
are  serving  as  a background  for  the  varied 
program  of  activities  which  is  being  conducted. 

Provo’s  Summer  Program — Early  in  June  an 
estimate  in  Provo,  Utah,  showed  that  more 
than  2500  young  people  and  adults  would  par- 


PLAY  SCHOOLS  IN  CHICAGO’S  PARKS 


273 


ticipate  this  summer  in  a recreation  program 
covering  a wide  range  of  activities  such  as 
music,  nature  study,  fine  arts,  handicraft  arts, 
dramatics,  coaching  and  rhythmics.  This  pro- 
ject is  being  made  possible  by  assistance  fur- 
nished through  the  WPA. 


Play  Schools  in  Chicago’s  Parks 

(Continued  from  page  238 ) 

The  Gymnasium 

Nearly  every  park  has  a well  equipped  gym- 
nasium somewhere  in  the  building.  By  using  the 
gym,  the  children  can  have  playground  work  the 
whole  year  around  regardless  of  weather.  The 
'gymnasium  should  be  used  only  as  a playground, 
however,  because  formal  instruction  in  gymnas- 
tics has  no  place  in  the  life  of  a young  child.  The 
children  are  too  young  to  follow  the  teacher's  in- 
structions with  success  and  their  little  bodies  have 
not  been  trained  to  react  to  that  kind  of  routine. 

When  the  children  first  enter  the  gymnasium, 
they  should  probably  sit  down  on  one  of  the  black 
circles  on  the  floor.  This  is  the  only  time  we  ask 
our  children  to  sit  in  the  formal  circle,  but  here 
the  room  is  very  large  and  the  circle  merely  helps 
in  getting  the  children  all  together  for  a talk  with 
the  teacher  about  what  they  will  do. 

Here,  also,  the  beginning  activity  of  the  group 
is  very  important,  because  it  sets  the  standard  for 
future  times  in  the  gymnasium.  On  the  first  day, 
when  the  children  come  into  the  gymnasium,  their 
regular  teacher  should  go  with  them.  She  should 
get  them  seated  on  the  black  circle  on  the  floor 
and  then  introduce  them  to  the  physical  educator 
who  should  then  help  take  charge  of  the  group, 
though  the  regular  teacher  should  never  leave  the 
children  entirely  in  the  physical  educator’s  care. 

On  this  first  day,  the  gymnasium  teacher  should 
show  the  apparatus  to  the  children  and  explain 
how  to  use  it.  She  shows  them  the  ladders  on  the 
side  of  the  wall  and  asks  them  if  they  would  like 
to  do  something  on  them.  At  least  one  child 
usually  goes  over  and  climbs  on  them.  She  does 
the  same  type  of  thing  with  the  pulleys,  the  rings, 
the  swinging  ropes,  the  jumping  board,  the  horses, 
and  anything  else  which  she  wants  them  to  use 
while  in  the  gym.  It  is  better  to  accept  the  child’s 
idea  of  what  he  can  do  with  the  apparatus  than 
to  thrust  the  teacher’s  idea  of  it  onto  the  child, 
because  the  child  will  come  closer  to  doing  what 


SCIENCE  TRIUMPHS 

WITH  NEW  PREPARATION  FOR 

"ATHLETE'S  FOOT" 

— F.A.F.— I 

Developed  by  a College  Chemistry  Professor  in 
collaboration  with  Physicians,  Bacteriologists, 
Coaches,  Trainers  and  Athletes. 

7 Pleasing  Properties 

that  insure  happy  feet  to  your  athletes:  (1)  An  astrin- 
gent, it  prevents  moisture  which  fungi  need  for  growth. 
(2)  As  a mild  keralytic  agent,  it  destroys  upper  skin 
under  which  fungi  are  harbored.  (3)  Its  fungicidal  power 
kills  the  fungi.  (4)  It  is  strongly  germicidal  as  bacterio- 
logical tests  prove.  (5)  It  dries  quickly,  does  not  rub  off 
on  socks  or  sheets.  (6)  Two  local  anesthetics  allay  itch- 
ing. (7)  Economical,  only  a few  drops  being  required  for 
a treatment. 

DR.  R.  G.  MANCHESTER,  Noted  University  of 
Florida  trainer,  writes:  “F.A.F.  is  the  best 

treatment  I have  found  for  Athlete’s  Itch.” 

F.A.F.  PRICES:  V*  oz.  Bottle,  25<h  H oz.  Bottle  40£. 
1 oz.  65<b  Postage  prepaid.  No  additional  charge  for 
F.A.F.  Extra  Mild  for  very  tender  feet. 

SANITE  CHEMICAL  COMPANY 

GEORGETOWN,  KY. 


his  body  can  comfortably  do.  He  will  accept  the 
rings,  for  example,  by  just  hanging  onto  them. 
But  the  teacher  might  ask  him  to  put  his  feet  into 
them  and  swing,  and  if  he  were  not  ready  for 
this  he  would  probably  develop  a dislike  or  fear 
of  the  rings.  On  the  other  hand,  if  he  is  allowed 
to  do  only  what  he  can  do  at  first  he  will  develop 
surely,  at  his  own  rate,  and  soon  will  be  doing 
many  kinds  of  stunts  on  all  the  apparatus.  This 
same  technique  should  be  used  with  all  the  equip- 
ment, and  the  gymnasium  teacher  should  be  helped 
to  see  that  this  is  the  only  type  of  program  which 
a preschool  child  should  have. 

There  are  other  things,  • however,  which  the 
children  can  do  and  like  to  do  in  the  gymnasium. 
It  is  a good  place  in  which  to  play  games,  because 
there  is  so  much  room,  and  there  is  usually  a 
piano  which  can  be  used  for  singing  and  rhythm 
games.  Running  games  and  races  are  perfectly 
fitted  to  the  gymnasium,  and  dramatic  play  is  also 
successfully  carried  on  there.  Usually,  there  is  a 
large  mat  which  can  be  rolled  down,  and  it  be- 
comes a stage  where  a story  is  enacted  or  it  is 
turned  into  a house  for  a family  or  a cage  of  wild 
animals. 


274 


PRODUCING  THE  PLAYGROUND  PAGEANT 


Adventures  in  Recreation 

# Just  off  the  press  — a book  prepared  by 
Weaver  W.  Pangburn,  of  the  National  Rec- 
reation Association,  and  addressed  to  junior 
and  senior  high  school  students.  The  volume 
offers  these  young  people  for  their  explora- 
tion the  richly  varied  and  enticing  field  of 
recreation. 

• “It  does  not  stop  with  merely  depicting 
the  surface  possibilities  of  recreation,”  says 
Dr.  John  H.  Finley  in  his  foreword.  “It 
shows  not  only  what  recreation  is,  what 
kinds  of  recreation  there  are,  what  the  com- 
munity has  to  offer,  what  the  national  recrea- 
tion movement  is,  and  to  what  extent  this 
life-enriching  activity  is  a governmental 
function,  but  it  also  outlines  what  you  have 
a right  to  expect  from  your  community,  and 
how  you  can  help  to  bring  it  about.” 

Price  $ .72 

National  Recreation  Association 
315  Fourth  Avenue,  New  York 


The  same  alert  watchfulness  is  necessary  in  the 
gymnasium  as  on  the  playground.  Accidents  are 
not  anticipated,  but  they  are  sometimes  warded  off 
by  the  teacher’s  awareness  of  every  child  in  the 
room. 

Water  Games 

(Continued  from  page  240) 

Other  games  that  can  be  successfully  adapted 
to  water  use  are  end  ball,  volley  ball,  keep  away, 
wolf  over  the  river,  stealing  sticks,  a simple  form 
of  baseball,  and  many  others. 

Producing  the  Playground  Pageant 

(Continued  from  page  244) 

of  the  suggested  themes  could  be  treated  in  the 
same  manner. 

A pageant  should  not  play  more  than  two  hours. 
An  hour  and  a half  is  much  better.  Each  scene, 
therefore,  must  be  limited  as  to  time. 

It  simplifies  matters  greatly  if  each  playground 
can  be  made  responsible  for  one  scene,  or  for  an 
episode  and  an  interlude.  The  scene  can  then  be 
rehearsed  at  the  home  playground  and  all  the 
scenes  can  be  put  together  at  one  rehearsal  a day 
or  so  before  the  pageant. 


When  several  hundred  or  thousand  children  are 
brought  together  to  rehearse  or  perform  a pageant, 
the  need  for  a detailed  organization,  and  even  a 
bit  of  discipline,  becomes  apparent.  If  a card 
bearing  the  number  of  the  scene  is  fastened  to  a 
small  stake,  and  these  stakes  are  driven  in  logical 
order  back  stage,  or  off  stage  on  the  side  from 
which  the  entrance  is  to  be  made,  and  if  the  cast 
for  that  episode  is  gathered  about  the  stake  and 
kept  there  by  the  episode  director  until  the  time 
for  their  entrance,  confusion  and  delay  will  be 
minimized.  At  the  conclusion  of  the  episode  the 
episode  director  should  collect  his  actors,  lead 
them  back  to  the  stake  and  keep  them  there,  un- 
less other  arrangements  are  made  for  their 
disposition. 

In  addition  to  the  episode  director  each  episode 
should  have  an  episode  leader.  This  leader  is  in 
costume  and  plays  a part  in  the  scene.  He  is  re- 
sponsible for  the  actors  on  the  stage  during  the 
performance,  sees  that  they  get  off  the  stage  at 
the  right  time  and  in  the  right  place,  and  is  ready 
to  fill  in  in  any  emergency. 

For  the  use  of  light,  color,  costume,  make-up  in 
a pageant,  refer  to  the  bibliography  at  the  end  of 
this  article. 

Bibliography 

The  Art  of  Producing  Pageants , by  Bates.  Walter  H. 

Baker  Company,  Boston,  Mass.  $1.75 
The  Technique  of  Pageantry,  by  Taft.  Barnes  and  Com- 
pany, New  York  City.  $1.50 

Historic  Costume  for  the  Stage,  by  Barton.  Walter  H. 
Baker  Company.  $5.00 

Lighting  the  Stage,  by  Knapp.  Walter  H.  Baker  Com- 
pany. $1.25 

A List  of  Music  for  Plays  and  Pageants,  by  Holt.  Ap- 
pleton, New  York  City.  $1.00 
Time  to  Make-up,  by  Whorf.  Walter  H.  Baker  Com- 
pany. $1.25 


Recreation  at  a Mental  Hospital 

(Continued  from  page  251) 

care  of  mental  patients.  A circus  was  another 
event  which  called  for  the  complete  coopera- 
tion of  patients  and  employees.  The  success  of 
a County  Fair  of  our  own  last  summer  led  to 
the  determination  to  have  it  an  annual  affair. 
Handwork,  farm  products  and  stock  will  play 
an  important  part  in  the  fair  as  will  the  various 
free  concessions,  planned  for  the  most  part 
and  made  by  the  patients.  Events  of  this  kind 
have  not  only  been  valuable  to  our  patients 
but  have  also  proven  helpful  in  educating  the 
public  in  methods  now  used  in  the  treatment 
of  the  mentally  ill. 


THE  FOURTEENTH  ANNUAL  WOMEN’S  DEMONSTRATION 


275 


In  justice  to  the  patients  it  is  only  fair  to 
state  that  many  of  our  most  successful  events 
have  been  suggested  by  them.  Many  of  their 
ideas  obviously  harken  back  to  their  past  ex- 
perience. It  is  a great  source  of  satisfaction  to 
them  to  be  able  to  re-live  those  events  of 
former  days.  One  woman,  who  refused  to  take 
part  in  anything,  one  day  suggested  that  we 
have  a hog-calling  contest.  We  did  so  and  were 
almost  overwhelmed  at  the  number  who  took 
part.  This  woman  who  had  appeared  to  be 
most  reticent  called  the  imaginary  hogs  far 
more  lustily  than  did  her  more  forward  sisters. 
She  had  been  born  and  raised  on  the  farm  and 
the  memories  were  very  dear.  This  was  a 
.chance  to  live  them  all  over  again.  She  seized 
the  opportunity. 

Diversion  of  mind  is  one  of  the  most  impor- 
tant things  in  the  world  for  the  sane  as  well 
as  the  insane.  We  are  trying  to  divert  the 
minds  of  our  patients ; we  are  trying  to  make 
them  laugh.  We  need  laughter  for  the  main- 
tenance of  both  mental  and  physical  health. 
Since  doctors  deem  laughter  to  be  of  thera- 
peutic value,  and  since  it  is  the  aim  of  the  de- 
partment to  provide  laughter  and  diversion  of 
mind,  it  should  follow  that  if  we  are  doing  our 
jobs  well  recreation  should  have  definite  thera- 
peutic value. 

Recreational  therapy  is  still  in  its  infancy. 
There  are  few  if  any  books  written  on  the  sub- 
ject. In  our  department  we  are  not  at  all  sure 
that  we  are  effecting  cures.  We  feel  that  we 
are  contributing  a little  along  with  the  other 
media  used  in  mental  treatment.  We  are  sure 
of  this,  however,  that  after  a special  program, 
dance  or  sing  there  is  laughter  and  laughter 
is  “the  happiest  sound  in  the  world.” 


The  Island  of  Play 

(Continued  from  page  252) 

rejoice  to  see  the  nearest  approach  to  the  celestial 
city  that  we  can  make  on  this  earth. 

So  may  we  employ  the  words  of  the  Indians, 
these  “men  of  always,”  as  they  called  themselves, 
in  dedicating  this  island  to  its  new  uses : 

This  Minnahanonck  “Menatey,” 

Where  men  will  learn  again  to  play  — 

So,  may  it  become  from  this  glad  day 
The  happy  isle  of  “Papaley.” 


The  Fourteenth  Annual 
Women’s  Demonstration 

Culminating  a winter  of  recreational  activity, 
i, 600  women  from  Detroit’s  recreation 
classes  presented  their  Fourteenth  Annual  Demon- 
stration to  a crowd  of  over  16,000  enthusiastic 
relatives  and  friends  who  jammed  the  Olympia 
to  the  roof  and  applauded  generously  every  num- 
ber on  the  program  from  start  to  finish.  Gray 
heads,  red  heads,  blonde  heads  and  black  heads 
nodded  in  time  as  the  mammoth  organ  peeled  out 
its  tunes  and  the  1,600  women  danced,  marched, 
glided  and  tripped  their  way  through  intricate 
mass  calisthenics,  drills,  ballets  and  syncopated 
rhythms. 

Quoting  from  one  of  the  large  daily  papers: 
“The  demonstration  has  become,  through  the 
years,  an  event  to  anticipate.  Expert  direction  has 
come  to  make  the  occasion  one  worthy  of  chalking 
up  on  the  family  calendar  and  Thursday  night’s 
packed  galleries  proved  that  fathers  and  sons,  not 
to  mention  uncles  and  brothers,  were  right  on 
hand  to  witness  the  program.” 

The  program  opened  with  mass  calisthenics  and 
a mass  dance,  performed  by  700  women  uniform- 
ed in  blue,  and  as  they  marched  on  to  the  floor 
from  all  six  entrances  of  the  Olympia,  a most 
spectacular  picture  was  presented. 

The  balance  of  the  program  was  divided  into 
three  episodes  showing  the  various  phases  of  the 
development  of  the  dance.  The  first  episode  rep- 
resented dances  and  drills  of  Norway  and  Sweden. 
A Swedish  family  group  occupied  a raised  dais 
in  the  center  of  the  floor  and  made  a colorful 
setting  for  the  numbers  presented. 

In  the  second  episode  the  legend  of  the  Bird 
Princess  was  translated  into  the  rhythm  of  music 
and  dance  and  told  the  story  of  an  aged  czar  and 
the  efforts  made  by  members  of  his  court  to  end 
his  melancholy.  In  this  episode  a Russian  guards 
drill,  a Russian  dance  and  a ballet  dance  were 
presented. 

The  jazz  tempo  of  modern  youth  was  portray- 
ed in  the  third  episode  when  the  quaintness  of  the 
peasants  gave  way  to  the  Astaire-Rogers  mood 
of  today.  A vanity  drill,  a modern  dance  and  two 
tap  dance  numbers  were  presented  in  this  — the 
final  episode. 

Interspersed  all  through  the  program  were  some 
very  dramatic  episodes  presented  by  members  of 
the  Theodore  Smith  School,  and  when  the  Astaire- 
Rogers  tap  dancing  number  was  introduced  by 
the  arrival  of  modern  youth  in  a beautiful  12- 


276 


AN  EXPERIMENT  IN  ORGANIZED  STREET  PLAY 


An  Unusual  Oppnrtunity 

To  all  new  subscribers  to 
Recreation  and  to  all  old  sub- 
scribers renewing  their  subscrip- 
tion before  October  1st,  we  are 
making  the  following  special 
offer : 


A year's  subscription  to  Recreation 
and  a copy  of  425  page  volume 

Recreation  For  Girls  and  Women, 

by  Ethel  Bowers,  for  $3.75. 


Note  the  date — October  1st — 

and  send  your  order  while  this 
offer  is  in  force.  It  cannot  be 
continued  indefinitely. 


cylinder  Packard  roadster,  the  enthusiasm  of  the 
huge  crowd  reached  its  highest  peak. 

Visitors  and  friends  of  the  Department  came 
from  many  surrounding  towns.  With  letters  of 
congratulation  still  coming  in  the  Department  of 
Recreation  feels  that  the  yearly  demonstration  not 
only  provides  joy  and  happiness  for  the  i,6oo 
women  participants,  but  it  also  has  the  satisfaction 
of  knowing  that  thousands  of  citizens  of  Detroit 
and  the  surrounding  cities  have  come  to  look  upon 
the  demonstration  as  one  of  the  outstanding 
events  of  the  year. 


For  the  Happiness  of  the  Community 

(Continued  from  page  256) 

some  it  is  stimulating,  and  progress  is  rapid ; to 
others,  accustomed  to  patronage  of  one  kind  or 
another,  it  is  temporarily  stunning  and  progress 
is  very  slow.  It  will  take  much  time  for  our  ideals 
to  be  accomplished. 

The  recurring  suggestion  that  there  be  a great 
celebration  of  the  opening  of  Hillside  points  to  a 
unity  and  a community  pride  which  are  inspiring. 
It  redoubles  our  confidence  in  the  philosophy 
which  demands  strength  and  initiative  of  the  peo- 
ple, in  the  belief  that  a community  must  be  built 
by  its  own  people.  It  is  thus  the  conviction  of 


Hillside  that  here  in  one  fairly  isolated  site  in 
New  York  City  is  a group  of  4,500  people  who 
are  developing  a whole  community  of  individuals 
who  “increasingly  enjoy  working  together  for  the 
betterment  and  the  happiness  of  their  community.” 


An  Experiment  in  Organized  Street  Play 

( Continued  from  page  258) 


sat  and  enjoyed  their  dancing  daughters  and  sons. 
It  was  also  a means  of  advertisement  for  the 
house.  Many  faces  strange  to  Twenty-seventh 
Street  were  seen  on  these  nights,  and  varied  ques- 
tions with  regard  to  Guild  activities  asked  and 
answered. 


How  the  Residents  Felt  About  It 

The  play  street  program  was  productive  of 
many  interesting  comments  and  attitudes  on  the 
part  of  people  of  the  neighborhood  and  residents 
passing  through  on  their  way  from  work.  There 
were  the  many  men  who  stopped  to  give  the  boy 
checker  players  the  benefit  of  their  knowledge. 
Very  often  they  sat  down  with  the  boys  to  show 
how  the  game  is  played  only  to  be  beaten  by  their 
young  opponents.  There  was  Mrs.  Delaney,  who 
could  not  stand  the  noise  of  the  children  at  play, 
but  was  not  at  all  annoyed  by  the  iron  riveting  up 
the  street.  There  was  the  WPA  recreation  leader 
from  the  public  school  playgrounds  who  came  for 
information  on  the  games  used,  and  presented  his 
report  to  the  principal  of  his  school  with  very 
favorable  results.  There  was  the  woman  who  said, 
“These  darned  kids  are  running  away  with  the 
world.”  There  was  the  man  who  commented 
favorably  on  the  program,  and  asked  the  leader  if 
he  might  make  a slight  criticism.  “The  checker 
boards  are  painted  wrong.”  There  was  the  Irish- 
man’s comment  on  the  street  dancing,  “We  gotta 
be  careful  or  the  place  will  be  overrun  with 
foreigners.” 

On  the  whole,  the  attitude  of  the  adults  was 
favorable,  and  the  play  street  project  proved  very 
successful  as  an  advertising  agency  for  making 
busy  adults  more  conscious  of  the  importance  of 
recreation  in  modern  life. 


Organized  Camps  in  State  Parks 

( Continued  from  page  262) 

The  Importance  of  Having  Facts 

In  the  past  when  camping  facilities  have  been 
made  available  to  organizations  they  have  been 
allocated  on  the  basis  of  first  come,  first  served. 


MAGAZINES  AND  PAMPHLETS 


277 


We  believe  there  is  a better  way  of  doing  this.  In 
many  communities,  studies  have  been  made  of 
the  local  camping  situation.  These  studies  have 
shown  that  in  some  cases  needed  types  of  camps 
were  not  being  provided  while  there  was  a dupli- 
cation in  others.  We  should  be  guided  by  such 
studies  in  allocating  camp  facilities  and  where 
studies  have  not  been  made  we  should  appoint 
local  committees  of  social  workers  to  do  this  job 
for  us.  Committees  of  this  kind  serving  in  an 
advisory  capacity  can  help  in  many  ways  to  make 
our  work  in  this  specialized  field  of  organized 
camping  fully  effective. 

Organizations  that  are  given  the  privilege  of 
using  facilities  in  state  parks  should  be  required 
to  observe  high  standards  of  camp  operation.  It 
is  not  enough  to  merely  require  that  camping  or- 
ganizations observe  park  regulations  and  pay  the 
rent.  There  is  a lot  more  to  good  camp  operation 
than  this.  Standards  covering  leadership,  health 
and  sanitation,  safety,  insurance,  food  and  records 
should  be  set  and  maintained.  Such  a set  of  stand- 
ards has  been  prepared  for  use  on  the  Recreational 
Demonstration  Projects  and  copies  are  available 
to  any  who  may  be  interested  in  securing  them. 

In  addition  to  providing  camping  and  other 
recreational  facilities  it  is  our  feeling  that  the 
park  authorities  have  a duty  to  educate  people 
how  to  use  them.  In  all  areas  where  the  number 
of  organized  camps  is  sufficient  to  warrant  it,  the 
park  should  employ  a person  as  director  of  camp- 
ing who  has  had  a sufficient  professional  back- 
ground of  training  and  experience  for  this  im- 
portant phase  of  park  work.  Such  a person  could 
raise  the  standards  and  the  general  quality  of 
camping  in  the  park  so  that  the  camps  would 
achieve  the  results  which  they  are  capable  of 
attaining. 

Camping  offers  tremendous  possiblities  for 
character  building  and  for  general  education  in 
ways  to  make  life  better.  We  need  to  carry  on 
the  good  work  in  this  field  that  has  been  begun 
by  private  organizations,  by  some  state  parks  such 
as  those  in  New  York  and  Indiana,  and  by  the 
municipal  family  camps  on  the  Pacific  Coast. 

In  camping,  as  I see  it,  lies  the  solution  of  the 
problem  of  providing  park  use  for  the  great  mass 
of  the  people  who  need  the  benefits  of  outdoor 
living  with  its  fresh  air,  sunshine,  appreciation  of 
beauty  and  all  of  the  other  fine  things  of  life  that 
our  parks  have  to  contribute  to  the  lives  of  all 
of  the  people. 


Magazines  and  Pamphlets 

\ Recently  Received  Containing  Articles  ) 

\ of  Interest  to  the  Recreation  Worker  v 


MAGAZINES 

Leisure,  June  1936 

Come  in — The  Water’s  Fine,  by  G.  C.  Larcon  and 
Dairs  Humphrey 

Games  for  the  Picnic,  by  Alice  Crowell  Hoffman 

The  Research  Quarterly,  May  1936 

Modern  Revival  of  the  Folk  Dance,  by  Alice  Hayden 
Interests  and  Abilities  as  a Basis  for  Program  Plan- 
ning, by  Elsie  Jacobsen  Stuhr 
A Camp  Study,  by  Henry  S.  Curtis,  Ph.D. 

The  Camping  Magazine,  June  1936 

Physical  Education  in  Camps  as  a Factor  in  Social 
Development,  by  Josephine  Schain 
National  Park  Service  Plans  for  Organized  Camps, 
by  Julian  Harris  Salomon 

The  Parents’  Magazine,  July  1936 

When  They  Ask:  What  Can  I Do  Now?  by  Martha 
Wirt  Davis 

How  to  Organize  a Play  Group,  by  Marian  Berman 
Family  Fun,  by  Elizabeth  King 
Playthings  of  the  Month 

Camping  World,  June  1936 

Camping  and  Personality  Development,  by  Joshua 
Lieberman 

The  Progressive  Camp  Program,  by  Barbara  Ellen 
Joy 

Dramatics  in  Camp,  by  Irving  A.  Schiffman 
Camp  Craft  Projects 

The  National  Parent-Teacher  Magazine,  July  1936 
Your  Child  and  Music,  Frances  M.  Andrews 

The  Journal  of  Health  and  Physical  Education,  June  1936 
A Progressive  Camp  Program,  by  Barbara  Ellen 
Joy 

A Playground  Window  Demonstration,  by  Ethel 
Rockwell 

A Camp  Aquatic  Program,  by  J.  Stuart  Wickens 
Racquet  Lacrosse,  by  Nel  Chater 
A Novice  Swimming  Meet,  by  Ruby  J.  Cline 

PAMPHLETS 

T wenty-sixth  Annual  Report  of  the  Boy  Scouts  of 
America,  1935 

Sixteen  Million  Books — The  New  York  Public  Library 
in  193  5 

Miners’  Welfare  Fund — Fourteenth  Annual  Report,  1935 


An  Error  Corrected 

In  the  July  issue  of  Recreation  there  appeared 
an  article  under  the  title  “That  Magic  Corner  in 
the  Playground.”  Through  an  error,  the  author’s 
name  was  given  as  “Anne  Majette  Major.”  The 
correct  name  is  Anne  Majette  Grant. 


278 


SAFETY  PLAY  YARDS  IN  FLINT 


Playgrounds  . . . 

Their  Organization 
and  Operation 

Under  this  title  the  National  Rec- 
reation Association  announces  the 
publication  in  October  1936  of  the 
most  comprehensive  volume  on 
the  subject  playgrounds  and  their 
administration  ever  issued. 

Practical,  detailed,  informational, 
the  book  will  fill  a long  felt  need 
and  will  be  invaluable  to  recrea- 
tion workers.  It  will,  it  is  felt,  have 
wide  use  as  a text  book  of  col- 
leges and  universities. 

0 The  price  of  the  book  will 
be  $3.,  but  anyone  order- 
ing a copy  before  October 
1st,  may  secure  it  for  $2.60 

National  Recreation  Association 
315  Fourth  Avenue,  New  York 


Safety  Play  Yards  in  Flint 

( Continued  from  page  264) 

were  unable  to  cope  and  the  message  would  be 
broadcast  to  the  radio  cars  and  a cruiser  sent  to 
the  scene. 

Girls,  Too,  Serve  as  Leaders 

The  Girl  Scouts,  also  a part  of  the  Flint  Council 
of  Recreational  Agencies,  contributed  toward  this 
program  by  training  a group  of  sixty-five  girls  to 
act  as  play  leaders  and  organizers  of  cooperative 
lots  and  back  yard  playgrounds  in  their  neigh- 
borhood. As  natural  leaders  in  their  respective 
communities,  they  were  given  instruction  in  the 
art  of  telling  stories,  simple  handicraft  and  light 
dramatics,  games  for  smaller  children  and  ath- 
letics for  girls  of  their  own  age. 

The  Junior  Chamber  of  Commerce,  the  Civitan 
Club  and  other  luncheon  clubs  were  also  brought 
into  the  program.  The  entire  plan  was  presented 
to  these  organizations  at  their  weekly  meetings, 
and  they  were  given  definite  assignments,  such  as 
making  contacts  with  manufacturing  plants  in  ob- 
taining salvaged  material,  sponsoring  neighbor- 


hood cooperative  play  yards  and  obtaining  enroll- 
ments in  the  contest. 

The  entire  cost  of  the  play  yard  program 
amounted  to  $402.93.  This  consisted  of  30,000 
folders  for  school  children,  $247.38;  500  posters 
for  shop  windows,  $57.68;  100  posters  for  street 
cars,  $15.45  ; fifteen  painted  billboards,  at  $5  each, 
$75,  and  $7.42  to  a lumber  company  for  erecting 
a miniature  billboard. 

An  important  contributing  factor  in  the  success 
of  the  play  yard  movement  in  Flint  was  the  edi- 
torial support  accorded  the  activity  by  the  Flint 
Journal.  Richard  Roberts,  city  editor,  gave  special 
attention  in  the  news  column  to  the  child  safety 
work.  Messages  of  inquiry,  congratulations  and 
indorsement  have  marked  the  play  yard  campaign. 
These  came  from  different  parts  of  the  United 
States,  Canada  and  Europe. 

Baltimore’s  First  City-Wide  Hobby  Show 

( Continued  from  page  266) 

station.  An  accident  in  his  home  demolished  the 
exhibit  the  first  time  he  made  it.  Many  hours 
were  spent  reconstructing  his  exhibit  for  the  show. 
A seventeen-year-old  boy  had  an  excellent  natural 
history  exhibit  of  more  than  200  fine  specimens  of 
moths  caught  during  the  summer  in  and  near  the 
city. 

A twelve-year-old  boy  who  has  been  confined  to 
his  bed  during  the  past  two  years  was  made  happy 
by  a second  place  prize  he  received  for  a miniature 
exhibit  of  four  completely  furnished  rooms.  Ly- 
ing in  his  bed  the  youngster  had  occupied  his 
weary  hours  by  constructing  this  exhibit  from 
four  pasteboard  cake  boxes.  Walls  of  the  rooms 
were  papered  and  hung  with  pictures.  Complete 
furnishings  were  made  from  spools,  cardboard 
and  rag-bag  scraps. 

A twelve-year-old  girl  won  a prize  in  the  divi- 
sion of  art  by  painting  a picture  with  paint  left 
over  from  decorating  the  bath  room  in  her  home. 
A seventeen-year-old  girl  dying  from  osteomyelitis 
in  the  Children’s  Ffospital  School  was  thrilled  to 
have  a first  prize  brought  to  her  bedside  for  an 
unusual  display  of  needlework.  A sixteen-year- 
old  boy  in  the  same  school  said  he  would  give  his 
prize  money  for  a stamp  collection  to  some  chil- 
dren who  were  coming  to  school  from  poverty- 
stricken  homes  without  breakfast^  in  the  morning. 
A shabby  old  man,  shyly  but  profoundly  grateful, 
came  to  the  Kiwanis  office  to  claim  his  first  prize 
in  the  special  library  exhibit  of  pictures  of  people 
reading. 


ew  Publications  in  the  Leisure  Time  Field 


Leisure  and  Recreation 

By  Martin  H.  Neumeyer,  Ph.D.  and  Esther  S.  Neu- 
meyer,  A.M.  A.  S.  Barnes  and  Company,  New  York. 
$3.00. 

Tacts,  theory  and  philosophy  are  combined  in  this  in- 
” teresting  study  of  leisure  and  recreation  in  their 
sociological  aspects.  In  preparing  the  material  many 
treatises  on  play,  commercial  amusements  and  related 
subjects  were  consulted.  The  authors  from  the  material 
available,  from  their  own  experience  and  philosophy,  have 
given  a remarkably  clear  presentation  of  the  problems  in- 
volved in  the  varied  manifestations  of  leisure  activities 
and  have  given  a summary  of  the  history,  philosophy  and 
practice  of  recreation  which  represents  a real  contribu- 
tion to  the  literature  in  this  field. 

Survey  of  Parks  and  Recreation  in 
Providence,  Rhode  Island 

A Report  of  a Study  Conducted  by  Lebert  H.  Weir  of 
the  National  Recreation  Association.  Published  by  the 
Civic  Improvement  and  Park  Association,  39  East 
Manning  Street,  Providence,  R.  I.  $1.00. 

Under  the  auspices  of  the  Civic  Improvement  and 
Park  Association  of  Providence  the  park  and  rec- 
reation facilities  of  the  city  were  studied  during  the  past 
year  and  definite  recommendations  were  made  for  future 
developments.  In  addition  to  giving  a picture  of  condi- 
tions in  Providence  the  report  sets  forth  certain  ideals 
and  objectives  toward  which  governing  boards  and  execu- 
tives should  work  in  the  administration  of  public  recrea- 
tion. City  park  and  recreation  officials  interested  in  keep- 
ing in  touch  with  present  day  trends  will  be  interested  in 
securing  copies  of  this  study. 

Nature  Guiding  on  Wheels 

By  William  G.  Vinal  and  members  of  the  Nature  Guide- 
School-on-Wheels.  Curriculum  Laboratory,  School  of 
Education,  Western  Reserve  University,  Cleveland, 
Ohio.  $.75. 

this  112  page  mimeographed  booklet  is  the  record  of 
* the  findings  of  elementary  school  science  teachers  on 
a three-week  bus  field  trip  from  New  York  through 
New  England.  Nature  is  approached  from  various 
angles,  including  nature’s  place  in  history,  literature  and 
music.  Among  other  subjects  covered  are  the  aesthetic 
and  economic  value  of  nature  study  collecting,  museums, 
gardens,  conservation,  outdoor  leadership  and  outdoor 
public  and  rural  education.  The  material  is  local  in  part, 
but  the  approach  and  subjects  covered  reveal  the  present 
trend  in  nature  study  and  are  applicable  anywhere.  It 
may  be  used  as  a source  book  for  those  who  are  plan- 
ning the  future  nature  offerings  for  any  one  community. 


Archery  Tackle 

By.  Adolph  Shane.  The  Manual  Arts  Press,  Peoria, 
Illinois.  $1.75. 

The  archer  who  wishes  to  make  his  own  bow  and 
arrow  will  find  here  complete  directions  for  procedure. 
From  a discussion  of  the  best  kinds  of  wood  to  use,  the 
author  proceeds  through  the  various  technical  processes 
involved  in  making  various  types  of  equipment.  Informa- 
tion is  also  given  on  how  to  shoot  and  there  are  a num- 
ber of  illustrations. 

The  Young  Child  in  the  Home 

Report  of  the  Committee  on  the  Infant  and  Preschool 
Child.  John  E.  Anderson,  Ph.D.,  Chairman.  White 
House  Conference  on  Child  Health  and  Protection.  D. 
Appleton-Century  Company,  New  York.  $3.00. 

This  volume,  one  of  the  series  from  the  White  House 
Conference  on  Child  Health  and  Protection,  reports 
the  findings  of  a survey  of  the  conditions  of  child  life, 
particularly  of  the  infant  and  young  child,  in  3,000 
American  homes.  Subjects  considered  include  the  en- 
vironment of  the  child,  his  development,  the  home  and 
its  facilities,  the  parents  and  child  care,  sleep,  health  pro- 
tection, discipline,  intellectual  and  social  life.  Several  sec- 
tions deal  with  the  Negro  home  and  its  facilities  and 
child  care.  The  importance  of  play  is  stressed  in  a num- 
ber of  sections  and  interesting  data  is  given  on  the  child’s 
social  life. 

Sing  Together 

Issued  by  the  Girl  Scouts,  Inc.,  570  Lexington  Avenue, 
New  York  at  20#  a copy  (16#  each  when  12  to  49 
copies  are  purchased;  12#  each  for  50  or  more  copies). 

So  many  community  songbooks  have  been  published 
recently  that  one  grows  a little  weary  with  the  pros- 
pect of  looking  at  another  one.  Many  of  the  same  songs 
are  in  every  one  of  them.  But  this  book  is  as  distinctive 
and  fascinating  as  any  book  could  be,  containing  98  folk 
songs,  art  songs,  rounds  and  canons  reflecting  together 
every  sort  of  fine  feeling  and  delightful  activity.  Chan- 
ties, cowboy  songs,  spirituals,  songs  of  the  dance,  of  hik- 
ing, and  campfire  ceremonies,  grace,  evening  quiet  time 
and  the  morning  rousing  time — every  most  enjoyable  sort 
of  song  is  well  represented  in  this  collection.  It  is  a 
great  pleasure  to  recommend  it  heartily  to  all  recreation 
leaders  and  all  other  people  who  like  to  sing  or  who  lead 
others  in  singing. 

For  only  a few  of  the  songs  are  accompaniments  given, 
but  most  of  the  others  are  such  as  to  be  easily  learned 
and  fully  enjoyed  even  without  accompaniments.  There 
are  several  arranged  in  two  or  more  voice  parts,  includ- 
ing seven  with  descants.  Though  this  book  is  published 
especially  for  the  Girl  Scouts,  there  is  only  one  song  in 
it  that  is  not  equally  well  suited  to  other  groups. 

A.  D.  Zanzig. 


279 


280 


NEW  PUBLICATIONS  IN  THE  LEISURE  TIME  FIELD 


1936  Handbook  of  the  Smoky  Mountains  Hiking  Club. 

Published  by  Smoky  Mountains  Hiking  Club,  Knox- 
ville, Tennessee.  $.50. 

One  of  the  most  attractive  hiking  club  handbooks  to 
come  to  our  attention  is  the  eleventh  annual  Handbook 
of  the  Smoky  Mountains  Hiking  Club,  affiliated  with  the 
Appalachian  Trail  Conference.  It  is  intended  to  serve  as 
a guide  to  the  activities  of  the  club  through  the  year  1936 
and  “when  the  year  has  passed  as  a tangible  means  of 
recalling  happy  hours  of  varied  pleasures  and  whole- 
hearted companionship.”  The  photographs  which  ac- 
company the  informational  material  and  maps  make 
the  booklet  doubly  attractive. 

The  Young  Child  in  the  Museum. 

Compiled  by  Carolyn  Heller.  The  Newark  Museum, 
Newark,  New  Jersey.  $.50. 

In  the  Junior  Museum  of  the  Newark  Museum  experi- 
ments have  been  made  with  activities  for  children  under 
seven  years  of  age.  Recently  the  Museum  asked  thirty- 
five  other  museums  to  tell  of  their  experiences  with 
young  children.  The  replies  have  been  brought  together 
in  a pamphlet  which  may  be  secured  from  the  Newark 
Museum. 

Bibliography  on  Education  in  Family  Life,  Marriage, 
Parenthood,  and  Young  People’s  Relationships. 

Federal  Council  of  Churches,  105  East  22nd  Street, 
New  York.  $.10. 

This  bibliography  has  been  compiled  for  the  use  of 
ministers,  religious  educators,  workers  in  the  field  of 
parent  education,  and  for  parents  and  young  people  in- 
terested in  the  problems  of  homemaking.  Recreation 
workers  will  find  it  helpful.  Among  the  publications 
listed  are  such  booklets  as  “Partners  in  Play,”  by  Mary 
J.  Breen,  published  by  the  National  Recreation  As- 
sociation. 

Physical  Education  Achievement  Scales 
For  Boys  in  Secondary  Schools. 

By  Frederick  W.  Cozens,  Martin  H.  Trieb  and  N.  P. 
Neilson.  A.  S.  Barnes  and  Company,  New  York. 
$1.60. 

This  study,  one  of  a series  of  five,  was  made  possible 
by  the  cooperation  of  a large  number  of  teachers  in  the 
junior  and  senior  high  schools  of  Los  Angeles.  More 
than  56,000  records  were  obtained  as  a basis  for  the 
achievement  scales  contained  in  the  volume.  Forty-five 
different  events  are  listed  and  instructions  given  for 
teaching  procedures. 

How  to  Build  Motor  Car  Trailers. 

By  A.  Frederick  Collins.  Published  by  J.  B.  Lippin- 
cott  Company,  Philadelphia,  Pa.  $2.00. 

Roger  Babson,  the  well-known  statistician,  has  pre- 
dicted that  in  twenty  years  half  of  America  will  be  living 
on  wheels.  If  this  is  true,  -Mr.  Collins  book  is  a timely 
contribution.  In  it  he  offers  plans  and  directions  for 
building  two  types  of  trailers — an  inexpensive,  easy-to- 
build  trailer  with  frame  work  made  of  wood,  and  a de 
luxe,  streamline  trailer.  Here  is  occupation  for  the  handy 
man,  especially  if  he  be  possessed  of  the  wanderlust. 

The  Teaching  of  Body  Mechanics  in 
Elementary  and  Secondary  Schools. 

By  Ivalclare  Sprow  Howland,  M.A.  A.  S.  Barnes 
and  Company,  New  York.  $2.00. 

Mrs.  Sprow  Howland  has  given  us  a manual  which 
will  help  the  teacher  organize  the  program  of  body  me- 
chanics to  meet  the 'needs  of  ordinary  school  situations. 
The  material  presented  is  readily  adaptable  to  varying 
age  groups. 


Libraries  of  the  South — A Report 
On  Developments,  1930-1935. 

By  Tommie  Dora  Barker.  American  Library  As- 
sociation, Chicago.  $1.75. 

For  the  past  five  years  intensive  work  in  the  library 
field  in  the  South  has  been  carried  on  by  the  American 
Library  Association  under  a grant  from  the  Carnegie 
Corporation  of  New  York.  The  work  has  been  con- 
ducted as  an  activity  of  the  association  from  a regional 
office  in  Atlanta,  Georgia,  through  a regional  field  agent. 
This  volume  tells  of  the  developments  over  a five  year  j 
period  and  presents  a picture  of  the  situation  together 
with  the  conclusions  which  have  been  drawn  and  recom- 
mendations for  steps  to  be  taken  in  the  future.  The  study 
can  properly  be  classed  along  with  the  other  social  studies 
that  have  appeared  regarding  the  South.  Its  interest, 
however,  is  not  limited  to  people  who  live  in  the  South 
but  it  will  appeal  to  those  who  are  concerned  generally, 
with  the  conditions  and  agencies  of  social  progress. 

Parents  and  the  Latch  Key. 

Edited  by  Elizabeth  J.  Reisner,  Harriet  de  Onis, 
Thalia  M.  Stolper.  Bureau  of  Publications,  Teachers 
College,  Columbia  University,  New  York  City.  $.70. 

In  this  booklet  mothers  of  adolescent  boys  and  girls  en- 
rolled in  two  progressive  schools  — Horace  Mann  and 
Lincoln  School,  New  York  City — meet  to  exchange  ex- 
periences. These  papers  were  written  for  and  read  in 
small  “seminar”  study  groups  which  paralleled  and  sup- 
plemented series  of  lectures  by  professionally  trained 
leaders,  in  the  belief  that  parents  themselves  have  some- 
thing of  value  to  present  in  a study  of  parent-child  rela- 
tionships. These  seminars  were  planned  so  that  parents 
could  meet  in  small  intimate  groups  for  such  an  ex- 
change of  experience.  The  word  “Latch-Key,”  which 
appears  in  the  title,  is  used  as  a symbol  for  the  freedom 
which  the  parent  accords  the  child  to  develop  initiative 
and  responsibility. 


Officers  and  Directors  of  the  National 
Recreation  Association 

OFFICERS 

Joseph  Lee,  President 
John  H.  Finley,  First  Vice-President 
John  G.  Winant,  Second  Vice-President 
Robert  Garrett,  Third  Vice-President 
Gustavus  T.  Kirby,  Treasurer 
Howard  S.  Braucher,  Secretary 

DIRECTORS 

Mrs.  Edward  W.  Biddle,  Carlisle,  Pa. 

Clarence  M.  Clark,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

Henry  L.  Corbett,  Portland,  Ore. 

Mrs.  Arthur  G.  Cummer,  Jacksonville,  Fla. 

F.  Trubee  Davison,  Locust  Valley,  L.  1.,  N.  Y. 

John  H.  Finley,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Robert  Garrett,  Baltimore,  Md. 

Austin  E.  Griffiths,  Seattle,  Wash. 

Charles  Hayden,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Mrs.  Charles  V.  Hickox,  Michigan  City,  Ind. 

Mrs.  Edward  E.  Hughes,  West  Orange,  N.  J. 

Mrs.  Francis  deLacy  Hyde,  Plainfield,  N.  J. 

Gustavus  T.  Kirby,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

H.  McK.  Landon,  Indianapolis,  Ind. 

Mrs.  Charles  D.  Lanier,  Greenwich,  Conn. 

Robert  Lassiter,  Charlotte,  N.  C. 

Joseph  Lee,  Boston,  Mass. 

Edward  E.  Loomis,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

J.  H.  McCurdy,  Springfield,  Mass. 

Otto  T.  Mallery,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

Walter  A.  May,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 

Carl  E.  Milliken,  Augusta,  Me. 

Mrs.  Ogden  L.  Mills,  Woodbury,  N.  Y. 

Mrs.  James  W.  Wadsworth,  Jr.,  Washington,  D.  C 
J.  C.  Walsh,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Frederick  M.  Warburg,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

John  G.  Wiinant,  Concord,  N.  H. 

Mrs.  William  H.  Woodin,  Jr.,  Tucson,  Ariz. 


Recreation  Workers  and  the  Preservation  and 
Development  of  Democracy 

THE  PURPOSE  of  the  recreation  movement  is  not  to  build  democracy,  but  rather  to  build  perma- 
nently satisfying  life.  No  lesser  purpose  is  adequate. 

Incidentally  we  do  believe  that  when  life  activities  are  warmly  human  and  satisfy  both  in 
the  doing  and  the  remembering,  men  are  less  likely  to  murder,  steal  and  commit  adultery.  Men  are 
better  citizens,  probably,  when  life  flows  strongly  than  when  it  is  stagnant.  However,  the  funda- 
mental purpose  of  the  recreation  movement  is  not  to  end  adultery,  theft,  murder,  bad  citizenship. 
The  fundamental  purpose  is  no  purely  negative,  “Thou  shalt  not.”  It  is  the  opening  of  gates  to 
life  rather  than  the  closing  of  paths  to  death.  Yet  many  of  us  have  a faith,  probably  not  capable 
of  proof  because  contributing  factors  cannot  be  isolated,  that  to  bring  about  a strong  current  of  life 
tends  to  cleanse  the  whole  stream  and  to  bring  about  a loyalty  to  life  itself  that  casts  out  many  of  the 
evils  of  the  world.  In  other  words  the  incidental  by-product  of  the  recreation  movement  is  all-im- 
portant, but  it  is  not  to  be  sought  directly. 

Heights  of  goodness  and  virtue  come  as  a by-product  not  as  a result  of  direct  seeking. 
Having  said  all  this,  may  we  not  also  write  down  that  one  issue  is  so  fundamental  to  perma- 
nently satisfying  life  that  recreation  workers  cannot  dodge  it;  that  they  are  justified  in  choosing  their 
methods  with  reference  to  the  effect  on  this  issue?  It  is  the  issue  of  democracy,  of  liberty,  of  freedom 
for  the  individual  to  build  his  own  life,  to  choose  his  own  activities,  in  short  to  be  himself.  This  is 
the  issue  of  self-determination. 

Recreation  workers  are  justified  in  planning  all  the  methods  of  work  in  music,  drama,  crafts, 
athletics,  from  the  point  of  view  of  training  men  and  women  in  intelligent  choice,  in  giving  oppor- 
tunities for  self-training  in  self-management,  collective  management  of  their  own  affairs. 

If  you  and  I lived  in  an  absolute  monarchy  we  would  still  want  to  sing  and  dance  and  write 
and  try  to  make  beautiful  things.  However,  most  of  us  who  have  grown  up  in  the  world  of  Joseph 
Lee,  Jane  Addams,  Jacob  Riis,  Charles  W.  Eliot,  George  E.  Johnson,  Clark  W.  Hetherington,  John 
Dewey,  cannot  think  of  most  men  obtaining  the  greatest  permanent  satisfactions  when  all  their  lives 
are  controlled  from  without  by  a totalitarian  state,  whe/i  they  are  told  what  to  think,  whether  to  vote 
yes  or  no,  when  they  are  told  what  God  to  worship.  ' 

To  us  active  participation  in  our  government,  national,  state  and  local,  or  at  least  the  right  to 
so  participate,  is  a part  of  abundant  living,  a form  of  recreation  if  you  will.  Something  is  taken  away 
from  us,  we  are  no  longer  complete,  fully  member§<if  we  do  not  participate  through  our  government 
in  such  controls  of  our  joint  living  as  are  essential  in  a world  of  cooperative  planning. 

It  is  impossible  for  most  of  us  to  ^think  of  men  as  supremely  happy  except  as  they  share  in  the 
self-determination  of  their  own  lives.  Our  whole  picture  of  life — our  whole  thinking  for  generations 
has  been  on  that  basis.  That  is  America — our  United  States. 

If  then  democracy  is  the  air  we  breathe,  is  essential  to  our  life  and  happiness,  even  though  it 
be  not  the  end  and  purpose  of  our  recreation  program,  still  we  are  justified  in  studying  all  our  work 
in  all  its  branches  from  the  point  of  view  of  what  methods  do  most  to  give  self-training  for  democ- 
racy; do  most  to  preserve  and  further  develop  democracy. 

What  methods  do  most  to  train  in  intelligent  choice,  in  learning  to  work  happily  with  others, 
in  learning  to  follow  as  well  as  to  lead  when  we  have  chosen  our  leaders,  in  learning  to  choose  others 
for  service  according  to  their  gifts,  in  learning  to  abide  by  decisions  which  have  been  arrived  at  under 
democratic  processes,  even  when  we  are  outvoted,  in  learning  how  to  work  for  changes  within  our 
democratic  framework  by  other  means  than  physical  violence? 

In  our  government  recreation  systems  in  order  to  further  democracy  we  may  well  help  men  to 
canvass  the  great  variety  of  human  activities  open  to  them,  to  learn  how  to  choose  intelligently  be- 
tween them,  to  help  individuals  and  groups  in  music,  drama  and  other  specific  activities  to  plan  to- 
gether and  work  together  in  carrying  through  musical  and  dramatic  festivals  and  other  special  occa- 
sions. We  must  recognize  that  democratic  planning  is  more  costly  in  time  and  leadership,  is  in  im- 
mediate results  less  efficient  than  executive  planning.  However — every  one  is  interested  in  recreation 
activities,  every  one  has  a measure  of  knowledge  in  this  field.  Here  is  an  unusual  field  for  the  exer- 
cise of  democracy,  for  training  in  democracy.  Recreation  planning  ought  to  be  kept  close  to  the 
people. 

Of  course  in  health,  education,  recreation  there  are  technical  questions  which  belong  to  the  ex- 
perts, but  painful  and  difficult  as  the  democratic  process  is  there  are  many  questions  related  to  recrea- 
tion in  the  neighborhood  that  can  wisely  be  settled  only  by  the  democratic  process.  If  we  become  so 
enamored  of  efficiency  that  we  decide  to  leave  all  questions  for  the  city  manager,  the  recreation  com- 
missioner, the  staff  executives,  we  may  wake  up  to  find  we  have  established  an  efficient  machine,  but 
have  helped  to  abolish  democracy.  The  recreation  movement  has  a vital  part  to  perform  in  buttressing 
democracy.  Its  great  function  is  to  establish  vital  living,  but  its  methods  should  be  those  that  build 
democracy.  HOWARD  BRAUCHER. 


SEPTEMBER  1936 


281 


September 


282 


The  P 


rogram 


of  G 


ames 


for 

Very  Young 
Children 


By 

Jamina  Adamczyk 

Pre-School  Director 
Dvorak  Park,  Chicago 


Before  the  pi<ay  program  for  the  children  can 
be  arranged,  the  important  question  to  be 
answered  is  that  which  pertains  to  the  game 
itself  and  to  the  reason  why  it  has  such  a hold  on 
the  child.  What  we  call  a game  is  most  of  the 
child’s  life;  it  is  the  way  the  child  develops.  The 
enormous  body  of  experience  and  knowledge 
which  the  child  gathers  in  the  first  couple  of  years 
is  gathered  in  his  play.  He  plays  all  the  time  and 
he  takes  his  games  seriously. 

In  analyzing  the  child’s  behavior  and  develop- 
ment we  see  that  development  takes  place  simul- 
taneously in  different  directions  and  on  different 
levels.  The  child  is  born  whole  and  grows  as  such. 
Not  only  his  eyes  develop,  or  his  ears,  or  his  feet, 
but  the  whole  organism  develops  while  the  child 
coordinates  his  experiences.  The  function  stimu- 
lates the  organs,  and  more  developed  organs  grope 
for  new  experiences.  The  games  must  be  varied 
so  as  to  fit  this  orderly  development  of  the  child. 
They  must  stimulate  his  eyes,  ears,  legs  and  his 
whole  being. 

For  the  youngest  children  the  games  should  be 
very  simple,  and  the  growth  in  skill  which  each 
of  them  involves  should  be  very  gradual  and  fitted 
to  the  age  and  experience  of  the  group  in  ques- 


tion. For  instance,  the  older  child  plays  more 
readily  than  a very  young  child  and  gets  more  out 
of  a game;  the  child  who  has  had  experience  only 
in  watching  other  children  playing  will  play  better 
than  an  older  child  who  has  never  participated  in 
or  witnessed  any  games. 

The  way  in  which  the  child  plays  may  be  safely 
taken  as  an  indication  of  his  development.  To 
play  a game  the  child  must  be  sufficiently  de- 
veloped physically,  mentally  and  socially.  This 
does  not  mean  that  we  must  wait  for  certain 
tests  to  establish  with  definiteness  the  degree  of 
development.  It  is  obvious  that  if  the  child  can- 
not run  we  would  not  introduce  a game  in  which 
running  is  the  main  feature.  We  do  not  begin  to 
teach  a spelling  game  before  the  child  can  spell, 
and  we  do  not  score  players  on  colors  when  the 
child  does  not  know  them.  Similarly,  we  do  not 
force  a very  small  child  into  a group  before  he 
has  a chance  to  look  around  and  has  noticed  his 
playmates.  But  on  the  other  hand  we  do  not  wait 
passively  until  all  the  powers  of  the  child  are  fully 
developed.  The  game  serves  as  a tool  with  which 
we  can  aid  in  development.  All  of  us  have  played 
games,  and,  even  now,  we  can  observe  how  we 
learn  to  play  a new  game.  We  never  do  it 


283 


284 


THE  PROGRAM  OF  GAMES  FOR  VERY  YOUNG  CHILDREN 


perfectly  and  we  improve  with  time  and  practice. 
This  is  much  more  true  of  the  child. 

Fundamentally,  most  of  the  child’s  games  re- 
quire only  primary  skills.  This  is  probably  why 
the  games  for  a very  young  child  grow  so  rapidly 
in  type  and  number.  There  is  a game  for  every 
skill,  such  as  skipping,  running,  jumping,  muscu- 
lar coordination,  for  capacities  in  the  sensory  field, 
and  for  mental  abilities  such  as  concentration  and 
others.  In  time,  as  the  child  develops  further,  he 
combines  these  skills  and  his  games  become  more 
and  more  elaborate  while  they  also  become  less 
numerous.  This  is  probably  the  reason  why  the 
child  who  has  had  a very  limited  experience  in 
game  life  does  not  enjoy  outdoor  sports  later  on. 
He  has  been  deprived  of  the  development  of  skills 
which  are  essential  in  the  field'  of  sports. 

In  preparing  lists  of  children’s  games  it  is  es- 
sential to  analyze  what  skills  each  game  involves 
so  that  the  games  will  fit  the  needs  of  individual 
groups.  One  would  not  play  games  requiring  a 
long,  sustained  effort  with  undernourished  chil- 
dren, nor  running  games  with  children  who  have 
heart  trouble.  A crippled  child  would  have  his 
games  suited  accordingly,  though  we  must  never 
permit  the  child  to  be  convinced  that  he  is  hopeless 
because  of  being  crippled,  or  that  there  is  nothing 
for  him  in  life. 

An  unwise  choice  of  games  presents  manifold 
dangers.  First,  it  may  cause  physical  strain.  We 
must  remember  that  certain  skills  cannot  be  ac- 
quired through  exercise  but  must  wait  for  the 
maturation  of  the  organism.  This  is  probably  most 
important  with  the  youngest  children.  The  next 
danger  lies  in  creating  inferiority  complexes  in 
children  who  for  specific  reasons  always  fail  in 
games.  This  danger  is  most  serious  in  a group  of 
children  of  wide  age  range  and  also  among  chil- 
dren whose  physical  development  is  very  unequal. 
Dividing  groups  upon  a more  equal  basis  will 
minimize  this  danger  and  will  prevent  a good 
deal  of  bullying  and  inferiority  complexes.  Total 
elimination  of  competition,  praise  and  reward 
helps  also  to  minimize  these  dangers. 

Another  danger  lies  in  playing  games  in  which 
one  child  chooses  another  one  to  take  his  place. 
The  children,  even  the  smallest,  take  their  own 
friends,  and  there  are  always  one  or  more  chil- 
dren whom  no  one  seems  to  choose.  Even  the 
youngest  children  feel  this  very  keenly.  It  is  the 
place  of  the  teacher  to  look  out  for  the  lost  little 
souls.  If  the  teacher  is  chosen  she  should  give  a 
turn  to  such  a lost  child,  or,  in  a friendly  manner, 


suggest  that  perhaps  the  children  should  give  a 
turn  to  everyone,  or  one  neighbor  to  the  other. 
The  point  on  which  the  teacher  should  score  is 
that  arbitrary  rule  is  not  her  only  alternative.  She 
should  teach  the  children  to  consider  others  will- 
ingly. The  choice  in  such  a game  is  very  im- 
portant. Depriving  the  child  of  free  choice  takes 
away  much  of  the  child’s  enjoyment.  The  game 
training  should  give  to  every  child  the  feeling  that 
everyone  should  have  a turn.  Thus  the  game  pro- 
perly conducted  will  produce  not  selfishness,  but 
consideration  of  others. 

Games  of  the  Sensory-motor  Field 

We  group  under  this  heading  all  games,  tradi- 
tional and  designed  by  educators,  which  explicitly 
involve  the  perceptive  power  of  the  children.  It 
is  not  true  that  the  games  comprising  this  group 
are  sensory  games  in  the  restricted  meaning  of  the 
word.  The  distinction  is  purely  a matter  of  con- 
venience. As  an  illustration  we  may  take  a game 
of  color  matching.  We  choose  to  begin  with 
objects  which  are  similar,  such  as  blocks.  To  the 
child  they  are  identical.  They  are  equal  in  size, 
their  color  is  the  same  and  so  is  their  shape.  The 
child  is  requested  to  differentiate  one  from  an- 
other. When  we  take  the  situation  as  a whole  we 
see  that  it  involves  not  only  discrimination  con- 
cerning the  blocks,  but  that  it  also  involves  the 
teacher,  other  children,  the  room  in  which  the 
child  plays,  the  child’s  condition  and  a host  of 
other  factors.  Thus  we  see  the  sensory-motor 
games  are  labeled  arbitrarily,  purely  for  conveni- 
ence of  classification,  and  not  because  of  any  fun- 
damental separation  of  the  factors  involved. 

In  proceeding  with  this  arbitrary  classification, 
we  may  establish  the  following  grouping  within 
the  sensory-motor  field : discrimination  of  color, 
of  sound,  of  muscular  coordination  and  of  obser- 
vation. 

Sight  Games 

Color  Matching.  Take  three  objects  each  of 
which  has  a duplicate  in  color  and  shape.  Tell  the 
child  to  pick  one.  After  he  does  this,  tell  him  to 
find  one  just  the  same  in  the  duplicate  set.  Do 
not  use  the  names  of  the  colors  with  the  children 
of  about  two  years  of  age.  The  child  must  have 
sufficient  experience  on  the  subverbal  level.  After 
the  child  has  had  some  experience  in  discriminat- 
ing between  colors,  supplying  the  name  will 
help  him  without  undue  confusion.  With  older 
children  the  game  may  progress  more  quickly. 


THE  PROGRAM  OF  GAMES  FOR  VERY  YOUNG  CHILDREN 


285 


As  the  second  step  take  six  objects  which  are 
different  in  shape  but  paired  in  colors.  The  child 
should  be  told  to  pick  two  things  that  look  the 
same.  If  the  child  has  had  sufficient  experience 
in  matching  identical  objects  he  will  pick  out  the 
only  similarity,  which  is  the  color. 

Name  the  colors,  as  the  third  step,  and  tell  the 
children  to  pick  out  blue,  red,  and  yellow.  Be 
sure  to  have  only  the  primary  colors  at  the  be- 
ginning. When  one  is  sure  the  children  know  the 
colors  well  and  are  able  to  apply  the  right  names 
to  them,  one  can  go  on  to  the  next  step  of  the 
game. 

The  teacher  begins  the  game  by  saying,  “I  see 
something  in  this  room  that  is  red.”  She  does  not 
name  the  object,  and  she  tells  the  children  to  guess 
which  object  she  means.  The  child  who  guesses 
correctly  names  the  next  object.  Soon  the  chil- 
dren play  this  game  very  skillfully  and  choose  not 
only  objects  of  one  color,  but  tiny  spots  on  the 
objects  which  are  the  specific  color  which  they 
name. 

Color  matching  can  be  played  anywhere  and 
one  need  not  begin  with  the  first  step.  The  de- 
cision as  to  what  to  play  must  be  based  upon  the 
experience  and  knowledge  of  colors  of  those  in 
the  group.  The  game  should  be  played  with 
rather  small  groups,  because  every  child  should 
have  a few  turns.  Individual  attention  should 
be  paid  to  children  who  fail  in  recognizing  colors 
and  the  reason  for  failure  established. 

Sound  Games 

Jingle  Keys.  The  children  sit  or  stand  in  a cir- 
cle, with  one  player  in  the  middle.  The  teacher 
gives  one  of  the  children  in  the  circle  a bunch  of 
keys  which  the  child  shakes.  The  child  in  the 
middle  must  guess  who  has  the 
keys.  Care  must  be  taken  that 
the  keys  do  not  jingle  out  of 
turn  because  it  is  very  con- 
fusing to  the  children.  The 
child  who  fails  to  guess  loses 
his  turn  and  the  holder  of  the 
keys  takes  his  place  in  the 
middle  of  the  circle. 

Hiding  the  Clock.  The  chil- 
dren leave  the  room,  and  the 
teacher  hides  the  alarm  clock. 

The  children  come  back  and 
try  to  locate  the  clock.  The  one 
who  finds  it  first  has  the  next 
turn  to  hide  the  clock. 


Knocking  on  the  Object.  One  child  is  blind- 
folded in  the  middle  of  the  group.  Some  other 
child  knocks  on  a certain  object.  The  blindfolded 
child  tries  to  guess  on  what  the  other  child  is 
knocking.  If  the  child  fails  he  loses  his  turn,  but 
he  always  should  be  shown  again  so  he  can  iden- 
tify the  sound  and  the  object. 

Dog  and  a Bone.  The  room  must  be  absolutely 
quiet  for  this  game.  No  one  should  move  around. 
All  the  children  sit  around  in  a circle.  One  child 
with  his  eyes  closed  sits  in  the  middle.  In  front 
of  him  lies  an  object  which  represents  a dog’s  bone. 
The  teacher  points  to  one  child.  This  child  gets  up 
noiselessly  and  tries  to  creep  up  into  the  middle 
and  take  away  the  dog’s  bone.  If  he  is  success- 
ful, he  becomes  a dog.  After  some  time  the  bone 
should  be  placed  in  back  of  the  child  as  it  is  more 
difficult  to  tell  when  the  sound  is  approaching 
from  the  rear.  The  teacher  should  watch  very 
carefully  that  the  child  does  not  open  his  eyes. 
When  “the  dog”  hears  someone  approaching,  he 
keeps  his  eyes  closed  and  points  his  finger  in  the 
direction  of  the  approaching  sound.  He  may  also 
say  “Bow-wow.”  Care  must  be  taken  that  the 
child  points  only  where  he  hears  the  sound  and 
not  just  anywhere.  If  the  game  is  always  played 
exactly  according  to  the  rules  children  soon  play 
it  very  well.  When  it  is  played  carelessly  it  opens 
the  way  to  cheating. 

Jacob  and  Rachel.  This  game  is  considered 
most  difficult  as  it  involves  movement  while  blind- 
folded. Previous  games  described  give  children 
the  experience  of  being  blindfolded,  but  at  the  be- 
ginning only  the  bravest  children  take  the  risk  of 
being  “it”  in  this  game,  and  only  the  oldest  group 
in  the  room  should  play  it.  Never  urge  the  child 
to  permit  blindfolding.  This  game  affords  much 
fun  to  the  spectators,  so  the 
children  enjoy  watching  it. 

The  safest  way  to  play  the 
game  is  in  circle  formation. 
Two  blindfolded  children  are 
in  the  circle.  One  calls  out: 
“Rachel,  where  are  you  ?”  And 
Rachel  answers,  “I  am  here, 
Jacob.”  Jacob,  directed  by  the 
sound,  goes  and  catches 
Rachel.  Never  hurry  this  game. 
It  may  take  a year  of  nursery 
school  experience  for  a three- 
year-old  before  he  volunteers 
to  play. 


286 


THE  PROGRAM  OF  GAMES  FOR  VERY  YOUNG  CHILDREN 


Observation  Games 

The  Peddler.  The  child  takes  three  objects  and 
gives  them  out  to  three  children.  Then  he  chooses 
a child  to  collect  the  distributed  objects  in  the 
order  in  which  they  were  given  out.  If  the  child 
succeeds  in  collecting  the  objects  in  their  proper 
order,  he  is  next  to  distribute  the  articles  and  to 
choose  some  one  to  collect  them.  The  eyes  of  the 
child  should  not  be  covered  when  he  first  begins 
to  learn  to  play  the  game.  When  the  children 
master  the  game  and  know  it  is  the  order  in  which 
they  collect  the  objects  that  matters,  one  more 
object  should  be  added,  and  the  children  change 
places  while  the  child  looks  on.  When  the  children 
are  thoroughly  familiar  with  this  step  in  the 
game,  the  eyes  of  the  child  may  be  covered  while 
the  children  holding  the  objects  change  places. 
The  addition  of  the  objects  should  not  be  rapid 
as  the  addition  of  one  object  means  more  than  one 
step  in  difficulty.  There  are  six  possible  positions 
with  three  objects,  but  with  four,  there  are  twenty- 
four  possible  positions. 

A similar  game  may  be  played  with  the  chil- 
dren seated  around  in  a circle.  The  objects  are 
placed  on  the  floor.  One  of  the  children  changes 
the  position  of  the  objects,  the  other  child  tries  to 
restore  the  original  order.  The  one  who  succeeds 
has  the  next  turn  in  arranging  the  objects.  This 
game  should  be  played  with  a smaller  number  of 
children,  because  there  are  fewer  people  partici- 
pating actively  in  the  game.  If  many  children 
play,  they  have  to  wait  too  long  for  their  turn, 
while  in  Peddler  every  child  who  holds  the  object 
feels  he  has  a turn.  Peddler  has  also  a stronger 
appeal  than  just  playing  with  the  objects. 

Who  is  Gone  from  the  Circle?  In  this  game  all 
the  children  stand  in  the  circle.  One  child  is  in 
the  middle ; he  has  a good  chance  to  look  around 
to  notice  who  is  in  the  circle.  Then  he  is  blind- 
folded, and  one  child  is  sent  out  of  the  room.  The 
signal  “ready”  is  given  and  the  child  takes  off  the 
covering  from  his  eyes.  Now  he  tries  to  guess 
who  left  the  circle.  At  the  beginning  the  child 
guessing  may  have  three  turns ; later  on,  only  one. 
This  game  should  not  be  played  until  all  the  chil- 
dren are  well  acquainted  with  each  other  and 
know  one  another’s  name. 

Where  Was  Bobby  Standing  Before?  This  game 
is  usually  played  with  a small  number  of  children, 
not  more  than  eight  or  ten  at  first,  and  they  must 
be  acquainted.  The  children  may  sit  in  a row  or 
circle,  or  stand,  but  each  keeps  an  assigned  place. 


One  child  covers  his  eyes  and  another  changes  his 
place.  When  the  change  is  made  the  child  is  told 
to  uncover  his  eyes  and  find  where  Bobby  was 
before.  The  child  is  seldom  satisfied  with  point- 
ing. He  usually  takes  the  child  and  brings  him 
back  to  his  place.  When  the  child  guesses  cor- 
rectly he  chooses  a successor  to  have  the  next 
turn. 

The  same  game  may  be  played  with  added  dif- 
ficulties. The  next  step  would  be  to  have  two 
children  change  their  places  and  have  to  be  brought 
back,  and  so  on  increasing  the  number  until  all 
children  change  their  positions  and  the  child  is 
asked  to  restore  the  original  order. 

Coordination  Games 

The  coordination  games  include  all  games  in- 
volving muscular  coordination  such  as  throwing, 
catching,  stepping,  hopping,  and  others.  Before 
the  child  is  able  to  walk  he  is  able  to  roll  a ball 
providing  the  ball  is  large  enough  and  not  too 
large,  and  the  target  at  which  he  rolls  the  ball  is 
also  large  enough. 

The  first  game  with  the  ball  is  to  have  two 
children  sit  on  the  floor  opposite  each  other  with 
legs  widely  spread  and  roll  the  ball  to  each  other. 
In  first  attempts  in  throwing  and  catching,  it  is 
well  to  use  bean  bags  instead  of  balls.  They  do 
not  bounce  and  are  much  easier  to  get  hold  of 
than  the  rubber  ball.  It  is  well  to  have  a few  of 
them  for  the  use  of  the  children. 

A following  scale  of  games  may  be  arranged 
with  bean  bags : 

Have  a few  boxes  or  baskets  and  ask  the  chil- 
dren to  aim  at  the  basket,  first  from  a short  dis- 
tance and  then  from  further  away. 

Have  a smaller  aim  at  which  to  throw,  like  a 
much  smaller  box,  anything  that  can  hold  the 
bean  bag. 

Play  catch  with  the  bean  bag  with  one  child  or 
more.  No  games  should  be  played  where  the 
scores  are  kept,  where  children  who  fail  are 
eliminated,  or  where  one  side  wins. 

The  child  is  not  interested  in  winning  but  in 
his  own  achievement.  Putting  these  into  the  play 
school  would  defeat  the  purpose  of  the  game  and 
violate  the  natural  development  of  the  child.  Next 
in  difficulty  come  the  games  with  the  ball. 

Rolling  the  Ball  at  the  Object.  Cover  a corner 
with  a large  piece  of  cardboard.  On  the  side 
touching  the  floor  have  a large  opening  cut  out ; 
the  smaller  the  children  the  larger  should  be  the 
opening.  Stand  a short  distance  away  and  show 


THE  PROGRAM  OF  GAMES  FOR  VERY  YOUNG  CHILDREN 


28  7 


the  child  how  to  roll  the  ball  into  that  semi-circu- 
lar opening.  Have  a few  cardboards  with  open- 
ings of  different  sizes,  and  also  an  assortment  of 
rubber  balls.  The  children  play  freely  and  like 
this  game  very  well. 

Catching  the  Ball.  The  first  catch  is  always  on 
a bounce.  Small  children  seldom  try  to  play  catch 
with  a ball  alone.  The  rubber  ball  is  too  unruly 
for  them  and  they  need  the  teacher’s  help.  Play- 
ing catch  can  be  played  only  with  a few  children. 

Hot  Potato.  The  children  sit  in  a circle.  The 
teacher  shows  them  the  ball  and  tells  them  it  is  a 
hot  potato — very  hot.  No  one  can  hold  it — he 
must  roll  it  away  at  once.  The  tempo  of  this 
game  should  be  quick,  as  the  children  soon  begin 
to  hold  the  ball  and  the  game  loses  its  imaginative 
power. 

Teacher  Goes  Last.  A few  children,  never  more 
than  ten,  stand  in  a row.  One  is  a teacher  and 
stands  before  them.  He  throws  the  ball  to  each 
child  in  succession  and  every  child  catches  it  on  a 
bounce,  and  then  throws  it  back  on  the  bounce.  If 
the  teacher  loses  the  ball  he  goes  last,  and  the 
first  child  in  a row  then  becomes  a teacher.  After 
the  children  learn  to  play  the  game  well,  not  only 
the  teacher  goes  last  when  he  loses  the  ball,  but 
also  a,ny  child  who  does  not  catch  the  ball.  This 
last  rule  should  never  be  introduced  in  the  begin- 
ning, however,  as  it  produces  confusion  among 
the  children. 

Walking 

Games  involving  walking  are  well  liked  by  chil- 
dren and  many  games  of  this  type  may  be  played 
with  a large  number  of  children. 

Stepping  Along  the  Board.  Place  a plain  board, 
quite  large,  on  the  floor,  and  let  the  children  walk 
along  on  it.  Elevate  it  by  placing  a few  cigar 
boxes  under  it.  If  the  elevation  is  high,  have 
both  sides  of  the  board  well  guarded.  A person 
at  each  end  follows  the  child  carefully.  If  at  any 
stage  of  the  game  the  child  is  afraid,  hold  him  by 
the  hand  or  take  him  off  entirely.  Nothing  is  ac- 
complished when  a child  is  afraid. 

Stepping  the  Stones.  Place  a few  large  squares, 
or  square  blocks,  on  the  floor,  and  tell  the  children 
to  hop  over  them.  Arrange  the  stones  in  a line. 
Tell  the  children  that  these  are  stones  in  the  river 
and  that  they  will  have  to  step  carefully  on  the 
stones  ; if  they  miss,  they  will  step  into  the  river 
and  their  feet  will  be  wet. 


Jack  Be  Nimble.  Place  a block  on  the  middle  of 
the  floor,  with  the  children  sitting  around  in  a 
group.  One  child  is  Jack.  All  the  children  recite 
the  nursery  rhyme,  “Jack  be  nimble,  Jack  be 
quick,”  and  on  the  words  “Jack  jump”  the  child 
jumps  over  his  “candlestick.” 

Crosses.  Mark  one  cross  less  on  the  floor  than 
you  have  children.  The  children  march  to  the 
music  around  the  room.  When  the  music  stops, 
all  of  them  must  run  and  stand  on  a cross.  The 
one  who  fails  to  find  a cross  goes  to  the  end  of 
the  marching  line.  Repeat  as  long  as  the  children 
enjoy  playing  it. 

Follow  the  Leader.  The  leader  should  always  be 
the  teacher.  A good  march  music  should  accom- 
pany the  game.  The  movements  which  the  chil- 
dren are  to  repeat  should  be  simple  and  done  over 
and  over  again  until  the  children  do  them  quite 
accurately. 

Singing  Games 

1.  Sally  Saucer 

2.  Drop  the  handkerchief.  I tisket 

3.  Did  you  ever  see  a lassie  ? 

4.  Rosy  apple,  lemon  and  pear 

5.  Sally  goes  round  the  moon 

6.  Looby  Loo 

7.  Our  shoes  are  made  of  leather 

8.  Here  we  go  round  the  mulberry  bush 

9.  Ring  a ring  o’  roses 

10.  Isabella 

11.  The  muffin  man 

12.  London  bridge 

13.  The  farmer  in  the  dell 

14.  Round  and  round  the  village 

15.  Poor  Mary  sits  aweeping 

16.  Here  comes  a bluebird 

17.  Old  Roger  is  dead 

18.  Bingo 

19.  It  is  so  nice  in  the  woods  today 

20.  Thorn  Rosa 

The  description,  music,  and  words  for  the 
games  listed  above  are  to  be  found  in  “Old  Eng- 
lish and  American  Games”  by  Warren  Brown  and 
Neva  Boyd. 


“The  task  of  a leader  is  not  one  of  merely 
teaching  the  rules  of  a game.  Such  rules  must  of 
necessity  be  explained,  but  they  are  only  the  me- 
chanics of  real  fun,  and  once  the  children  under- 
stand a game,  the  leader’s  part  is  one  of  interpre- 
tation rather  than  explanation — an  interpretation 
of  the  spirit  of  play.” — Edna  Geister. 


Nationality  Night  at  a School  Center 


The  Union  School  center  in  Wheeling,  West 
Virginia,  is  located  in  an  Italian  district  of 
the  city  the  majority  of  whose  residents  are 
on  relief  or  in  very  needy  circumstances.  At  least 
75  per  cent  of  the  people  in  this  district,  it  was 
estimated  at  the  time  the  nationality  night  pro- 
gram was  inaugurated,  were  on  the  relief  rolls. 

Attendance  at  the  center  having  dwindled  some 
time  ago  to  a point  where  not  more  than  fifteen 
people  were  taking  part  in  the  program,  it  was  de- 
cided to  try  a nationality  night  program  in  an 
effort  to  rebuild  interest.  The  program  was  or- 
ganized to  make  a special  appeal  to  the  Italians. 
Their  selections  were  all  presented  both  in  Italian 
and  English ; Italian  favorites  were  played 
on  the  accordion  by  amateurs ; 
songs  were  sung  by  children, 
and  there  were  dance  num- 
bers and  selections  by  a hill- 
billy band  and  a vocal  quartet. 

A short  community  song 
period  completed  the  program. 

On  the  evening  on  which  the 
accompanying  photograph  was 


taken,  “Tony  and  Dominick,”  two  popular  radio 
stars  in  Wheeling,  had  donated  their  services  to 
the  program. 

Some  of  the  other  programs  conducted  during 
the  winter  included  one  act  plays,  motion  pictures, 
short  musical  comedies,  classical  dances  and  simi- 
lar types  of  activities.  Other  nationality  night 
programs  that  were  held  during  the  season  in- 
cluded “A  Night  in  Poland,”  “A  Night  in  Ger- 
many,” “Syrian  Night,”  and  “A  Night  in 
America.” 

The  programs  usually  lasted  from  one  hour  and 
fifteen  minutes  to  one  and  a half  hours.  Occa- 
sionally professional  talent  was  donated  but  in 
most  instances  the  program 
consisted  of  local  community 
talent. 

The  attendance  at  Union 
School  center  averaged  400 
per  night  during  the  winter 
and  occasionally  the  hall  was 
filled  to  its  capacity  of  525 
people. 


David  D.  Hicks,  Acting  State  Super- 
visor of  Recreation,  WPA,  has  written 
of  the  community  and  nationality 
night  programs  conducted  with  great 
success  by  the  WPA  staff  of  which 
Jack  Maloney  is  the  county  supervisor. 
The  WPA  staff  is  working  in  close  co- 
operation with  the  Wheeling  Recre- 
ation Department  in  its  program. 


Where  H armonica  Bands  Flourish! 


By  Louis  A.  Canarelli 

Assistant  Supervisor  of  Recreation 
Newark,  New  Jersey 


Through  the  recreation  program  conducted  in 
Newark,  New  Jersey,  efforts  are  being  made 
to  create  an  appreciation  of  music  early  in 
the  life  of  the  child  by  organizing  toy  and  rhythm 
bands.  The  small  children  are  given  cymbals, 
drums,  sticks  and  triangles,  and  in  this  way  are 
taught  the  fundamental  rhythms.  As  they  grow 
older  and  progress,  these  children  become  inter- 
ested in  harmonica  bands ; they  join  them  and  this 
in  turn  leads  the  way  to  their  interest  and  par- 
ticipation in  school  orchestras  and  bands.  In 
reality,  it  creates  a devotion  to  some  other  more 
pretentious  musical  instrument  and  a fuller  ap- 
preciation of  music  and  its  charm. 

It  is  estimated  by  Mr.  Sonnen,  in  charge  of  the 
harmonica  bands,  that  almost  sixty  per  cent  of  the 
students  who  have  been  under  his  supervision, 
after  discovering  their  musical  talent  in  the  har- 
monica bands  were  stimulated  to  further  study  of 
the  standard  and  orchestral  instruments.  Many 
of  these  boys  and  girls  now  playing  with  the 
school  bands  and  orchestras  had  their  first  musical 
experience  in  the  harmonica  bands  organized  by 
the  Recreation  Department. 

Paul  Oliver,  Director  of  Music  in  the  Public 
Schools  of  Newark,  discussing  this  phase  of  the 
recreation  program  said : “Any  musical  expres- 
sion is  very  valuable  to  children,  especially  at  the 
adolescent  stage  when  they  be- 
gin to  be  self-conscious  about 
their  feelings  and  emotions. 

Through  music  they  can  ex- 
press their  feelings  without 
fear  of  ridicule.  Through  the 
harmonica  a greater  apprecia- 
tion of  music  can  be  brought 
about  and  melodic,  rhythmic 
and  harmonic  senses  developed 
as  well.”  Ernest  H.  Seibert, 

Director  of  the  Board  of  Edu- 


"Frequently the  first  musical  in- 
strument a child  gets  is  the  har- 
monica, and  its  reedy  notes  are 
his  introduction  to  musical  sounds. 
It  is  perfectly  natural,  then,  that 
this  discovery  should  stimulate  him 
to  proceed  further  in  musical  ex- 
ploration."— Fred  Sonnen. 


cation’s  Recreation  Department,  added  his  testi- 
mony when  he  said : “Harmonica  playing  incul- 
cates the  fundamentals  of  music;  it  stimulates  a 
greater  interest  in  music  appreciation,  captures 
the  interest  of  the  boy  and  girl  and  thus  leads  to 
a finer  character  development  and  better  social 
adjustment  which  make  these  participants  more 
valuable  community  assets.” 

At  present,  under  the  leadership  of  the  Recre- 
ation Department,  thirty-two  harmonica  bands 
have  been  organized  at  the  various  schools.  The 
membership  in  these  ranges  from  twenty-five  in 
one  school  to  one  hundred  and  sixty-two  in  an- 
other. In  the  latter  school  every  boy  and  girl  is  a 
member  of  the  school  band.  The  children  attend- 
ing this  school  are  classified  as  mentally  retarded 
pupils.  With  the  introduction  of  harmonica  play- 
ing in  this  school  it  was  found  that  these  pupils 
possessed  a surprising  musical  ability. 

For  the  more  advanced  students  a City  Har- 
monica Band  has  been  organized.  It  comprises 
seventy-five  boys  and  girls  selected  from  the  vari- 
ous school  bands.  This  group 
holds  special  practice  one  eve- 
ning each  week  rehearsing  the 
more  difficult  numbers.  The 
band  has  made  several  nation- 
wide broadcasts  and  has  also 
played  at  numerous  civic  and 
church  functions.  Because  of 
the  danger  of  exploiting  the 
children  they  are  permitted  to 
play  at  these  functions  only 
with  the  consent  of  the  super- 


One  of  the  most  popular  activities 
conducted  by  the  Recreation  Depart- 
ment of  the  Newark,  N.  J.,  Board  of 
Education,  is  the  teaching  of  har- 
monica playing.  Fifteen  hundred  boys 
and  girls  each  week  attend  classes  at 
which  they  are  taught  how  to  play 
the  harmonica.  Since  1930,  when  the 
feature  was  introduced,  Mr.  Fred  Son- 
nen, harmonica  instructor  for  the  De- 
partment, has  taught  10,000  children 
the  fundamentals  of  harmonica  playing. 


2S9 


290 


WHERE  HARMONICA  BANDS  FLOURISH! 


intendent  of  schools  and  the  permission  of  their 
parents. 

Teachers,  and  Policemen,  Too! 

Because  of  the  demand  made  by  many  teachers 
in  the  school  system  for  instruction  to  enable  them 
to  help  their  pupils,  and  because  many  wished  to 
study  for  their  personal  pleasure,  a teachers’  class 
was  organized  during  the  past  year.  The  registra- 
tion in  this  class  has  reached  one  hundred  and 
twenty-five.  A number  of  school  principals  as 
well  as  members  of  the  Board  of  Education  are 
members  of  this  class.  One  of  the  principals  said 
she  decided  to  study  the  harmonica  when  she  saw 
how  much  fun  the  pupils  in  her  school  were  hav- 
ing. “I  hope  I’ll  be  able  to  play  as  well  as  some 
of  my  boys,”  she  said  doubtfully  at  the  first  lesson. 

Another  group  organized  during  the  past  year 
is  the  Police  Harmonica  Band.  A patrolman,  de- 
tailed at  a function  where  the  City  Harmonica 
Band  had  played,  saw  the  possibilities  for  recrea- 
tion in  this  type  of  activity  for  his  fellow  officers, 
got  in  touch  with  the  Recreation  Department  and 
thus  the  Police  Harmonica  Band  was  organized. 
At  present  there  are  twenty-five  men  in  the  band, 
including  patrolmen,  radio-car  men,  plain  clothes 
men  and  some  of  the  superior  officers  from  the 
precinct  headquarters.  Their  class  is  held  at  the 
precinct  house  after  the  men  report  in  from  duty, 
one  evening  each  week.  They  have  such  a good 
time  that  a number  of  them  report  for  practice 
even  on  their  day  off. 

Their  Repertoire 

The  repertoire  of  the  harmonica  bands  includes 
favorite  old  time  songs,  patriotic  melodies  and  a 
selected  number  of  modern  popular  tunes.  Not  so 
long  after  they  are  introduced  to  the  possibilities 
of  the  harmonica  playing,  the  groups  swing  into 
an  attack  on  classical  music.  Indeed,  in  a call  for 
a vote  on  which  type  of  music  was  most  enjoyed 
a majority  preferred  classical  music  and  the  bet- 
ter modern  songs. 

The  City  Harmonica  Band  has,  in  addition,  ex- 
plored the  works  of  the  old  masters,  including 
many  tuneful  operatic  selections.  In  such  a pro- 
gram the  pupils  become  familiar  with  the  works 
of  £uch  famous  masters  as  Mozart,  Beethoven, 
Mendelssohn,  Bach,  Kreisler  and  many  others. 

As  a culmination  of  the  year’s  work  a Har- 
monica Jubilee  is  held  each  year  at  which  the  vari- 
ous harmonica  bands  unite  under  the  supervision 
of  the  Department  and  play  together.  This  year 


the  Jubilee  was  held  on  the  opening  day  of  New- 
ark's Youth  Week  Celebration  and  approximately 
one  thousand  children  took  part.  Represented  in 
the  Jubilee  were  the  thirty-two  school  bands,  the 
teachers’  band,  and  the  City  Harmonica  Band. 
The  attendance  at  the  Jubilee  has  grown  to  such 
great  proportions  that  it  is  difficult  to  find  an 
auditorium  large  enough  to  accommodate  all  those 
who  wish  to  attend. 

With  the  invention  of  the  chromatic  harmonica, 
this  instrument  is  no  longer  regarded  as  a toy  but 
rather  as  a satisfying  means  of  self-expression. 
Dr.  Bruce  B.  Robinson,  Director  of  Child  Guid- 
ance in  the  Newark  Schools,  when  questioned  as 
to  the  relative  merits  of  this  instrument  as  com- 
pared with  others  in  relation  to  his  own  work, 
made  the  following  statement : “The  harmonica  is 
the  quickest  and  easiest  musical  instrument  to 
learn.  The  satisfaction  derived  in  mastering  it  in 
so  short  a time  is  a great  contribution  to  the  men- 
tal health  of  an  individual.” 

The  great  interest  shown  wherever  this  activity 
is  introduced  is  a happy  indication  that  the  youth 
and  adults  of  our  country  are  becoming  aware  of 
its  real  advantages  and  musical  values.  Through 
it,  many  people  have  discovered  latent  musical 
talents,  as  well  as  the  fact  that  in  this  activity  a 
worthy  use  of  leisure  time  is  to  be  found. 

A Bibliography 

“How  to  Play  the  Harmonica”— Free  booklet  issued  by 
M.  Hohner,  Inc.,  351  Fourth  Avenue,  New  York. 

“How  to  Play  the  Harmonica  at  Sight”' — Borrah  Mine- 
vitch  (Carl  Fischer,  Inc.,  56  Cooper  Sq.,  New  York, 
30£).  Booklet  of  practical  instruction,  with  complete 
directions  for  playing  twenty  simple  tunes  and  some 
exercises  in  breath  technique ; also  advice  to  harmonica 
contestants  and  notes  on  care  of  the  harmonica. 

“New  Standard  Harmonica  Course” — published  by  the 
M.  M.  Cole  Publishing  House,  2611  Indiana  Ave., 
Chicago,  Illinois,  contains  two  hundred  songs  arranged 
for  the  harmonica,  having  the  melody  but  without 
piano  accompaniment,  25<h 

“Modern  Harmonica  Method” — published  by  Bibo-Lang, 
Inc.,  1619  Broadway,  New  York,  contains  twenty  songs 
arranged  for  the  harmonica  with  piano  accompani- 
ment, 35^. 

“New  Standard  Harmony  Course  for  the  Harmonica” — 
published  by  the  M.  M.  Cole  Publishing  House,  2611 
Indiana  Ave.,  Chicago,  Illinois,  contains  fifty  selec- 
tions— forty  prepared  for  two-part  work  and  ten  for 
three-part  work  on  the  harmonica,  25^. 

“Harmonica  Budget  of  Famous  Melodies” — published  by 
Carl  Fischer,  Inc.,  56  Cooper  Sq.,  New  York,  contain- 
ing forty-five  selections,  including  operatic  and  popular 
melodies.  A number  of  these  are  arranged  for  four- 
part  harmony  playing,  50 (f. 

“How  to  Play  the  Chromonica” — free  booklet  issued  by 
M.  Hohner,  Inc.,  351  Fourth  Ave.,  New  York. 


We  Celebrate  Halloween! 


The  party  is  planned 
for  a large  group  and 
requires  a good-sized 
recreation  hall  or  gym- 
nasium. 

Decorations 

The  entrance  to  the  hall 
is  made  by  placing  two  ladders  peaked  to  form  an 
arch  at  the  door,  making  it  necessary  for  the 
guests  to  walk  under  the  ladders.  To  break  the 
“jinx”  a horseshoe  dangles  from  the  top.  The 
number  thirteen  is  placed  inside  the  horseshoe. 

A weird  effect  is  achieved  by  the  use  of  blue 
lights.  The  windows  are  covered  with  black  paper 
with  the  number  thirteen  on  it.  A slim  new  moon 
is  cut  out  on  each  window  making  it  possible  for 
the  blue  light  to  shine  through.  In  the  corners  and 
about  the  hall  are  placed  corn  stalks,  pumpkins, 
ghosts,  and  scare  crows.  Every  now  and  then  a 
ghost  groans  horribly. 

There  is  a ghost  at  the  door  to  meet  the  guests, 
all  of  whom  come  in  costume.  In  greeting  guests 
the  welcoming  ghost  simply  utters  a groan  ac- 
companied by  a loud  bang  from  some  hidden  spot. 

A table  is  placed  at  one  end  of  the  hall  with  a 
huge  pumpkin  in  the  center  of  it.  From  this 
pumpkin  black  and  orange  ribbons  dangle  to  the 
edge  of  the  table.  The  ribbons  are  tied  to  favors 
of  pop  corn  witches  wrapped  in  bright  orange  and 
black  cellophane.  Black  candles  are  burning  at 
both  ends  of  the  table. 

Games 

The  March  of  the  Ghosts.  The  players  form  a 
circle  around  the  room.  On  the 
floor  at  intervals  draw  with  chalk 
circles  three  feet  in  diameter. 

Someone  plays  the  piano  and  the 
group  marches  around  the  room, 
walking  through  the  circles  when 
they  come  to  them.  The  music 
stops  abruptly  every  so  often,  and 
the  person  caught  standing  in  the 
circle  is  a ghost  and  is  out  of  the 


group.  This  goes  on  until 
the  players  are  nearly  all 
eliminated. 

Half  Ghost.  The  guests 
are  seated  in  a large  circle. 
The  leader  of  the  group 
names  some  letter  of  the 
alphabet ; the  next  player 
adds  a letter  but  must  avoid  an  addition  which 
completes  the  word.  If  the  player  does  finish  the 
word,  he  becomes  a half  ghost  and  no  one  must 
speak  to  him.  Anyone  who  speaks  to  him  also 
becomes  a half  ghost.  The  half  ghost  finishes  the 
next  word  and  he  is  a whole  ghost.  He  is  then 
eliminated,  but  he  tries  to  get  someone  to  talk  to 
him.  If  they  do  they  become  half  ghosts,  and  so 
on.  The  last  person  to  become  a ghost  wins  and 
may  be  awarded  a prize. 

The  Witch  Is  Out.  Divide  the  group  into  two 
equal  teams,  choosing  one  witch.  Place  one  team 
on  one  side  of  the  room  and  one  on  the  other. 
Give  several  individuals  in  each  group  Hallowe’en 
names  such  as  cat,  ghost,  bat,  and  so  on.  The 
witch  stands  in  the  center  and  calls  out  a name 
such  as  cat,  and  all  cats  from  both  sides  must  run 
to  the  opposite  side.  The  witch  tries  to  catch  as 
many  as  she  can  before  they  get  to  their  places. 
The  ones  she  catches  must  join  her  and  assist  in 
catching  the  rest  of  the  group. 

Catch  the  Broomstick.  From  ten  to  thirty  or 
more  players  may  take  part  in  this  game  which 
requires  a large  space.  The  players,  who  should 
be  numbered  consecutively,  stand  in  a circle  or 
semicircle.  One  player  stands  in  the  center  of  the 
circle  or  in  front  of  the  semi- 
circle with  his  index  finger  on 
the  top  of  a cane,  wand,  or  clos- 
ed umbrella,  which  is  perpendicu- 
lar to  the  floor.  Suddenly  he  lifts 
his  finger  from  the  cane,  at  the 
same  time  calling  the  number  as- 
signed to  one  of  the  players  in  the 
circle.  The  person  whose  number 
is  called  must  run  forward  and 


"Wailing  cats  and  flying  bats, 

Ghostly  figures  seen. 

Pumpkins  mellow,  moon  that's  yellow, 
That  means  Hallowe'en." 


In  the  recreative  games  course 
given  at  Utah  State  Agricul- 
tural College  under  the  leader- 
ship of  Maxine  Heiss,  instructor 
in  Physical  Education,  the  stu- 
dents, working  with  Miss  Heiss, 
plan  parties  for  holidays  and 
special  days.  Through  the  cour- 
tesy of  Miss  Heiss  we  are  pre- 
senting a Hallowe'en  party. 


291 


292 


WE  CELEBRATE  HALLOWE’EN! 


catch  the  cane  before  it  lies  on  the  floor.  If  he 
fails  he  must  return  to  his  place  in  the  circle;  if 
he  is  successful  he  changes  places  with  the  center 
player. 

This  game  will  be  very  enjoyable  if  the  action 
is  lively  and  the  player  who  is  calling  the  numbers 
gives  them  in  unexpected  order,  sometimes  re- 
peating a number  that  has  recently  been  given, 
then  giving  a few  in  consecutive  order,  and  later 
skipping  over  a long  series. 

Lame  Witch.  This  game  may  be  played  by  from 
ten  to  a hundred  players.  A starting  line  is  drawn 
on  the  floor,  behind  which  the  players  stand  in 
two  or  more  double  files  facing  a goal.  The  goal 
should  be  ten  or  more  feet  from  the  starting  line, 
and  may  consist  of  a wall,  or  a line  drawn  on  the 
floor.  At  a signal  the  first  two  players  in  each 
line  travel  to  the  goal  and  back  to  the  end  of  their 
line,  Avhich  should  have  moved  forward  to  fill  the 
places  vacated.  They  take  their  places  at  the  rear 
end  of  the  line,  tagging  the  first  players  in  their 
lines  as  they  pass  them.  These  players  at  once  go 
forward  to  the  goal.  Each  two  players  thus  take 
their  turn.  The  line  wins  whose  last  couple  first 
reach  the  rear  of  their  line,  and  there  raise  their 
hands  as  a signal.  The  right  column  of  each  team 
is  to  skip,  beginning  forward,  the  left  column  is 
to  hop,  beginning  backward.  (Players  have  left 
arms  interlocked.) 

Witches'  Tribunal.  The  players,  numbering  from 
ten  to  forty,  are  seated  in  a circle,  each  player 
acting  as  his  left-hand  neighbor’s  lawyer.  One 
player  stands  in  the  center  and  asks  any  questions 
which  may  come  to  his  mind,  his  position  being 
that  of  a judge.  The  person  questioned  must  not 
answer,  but  rather,  the  question  must  be  answered 
by  his  lawyer  before  the  judge  can  count  ten.  Any 
answer  may  be  used  except  single  words  or  “yes” 
or  “no.”  If  the  judge  counts  ten  before  the  ques- 
tion is  answered  by  the  lawyer  of  the  person  ques- 
tioned, the  one  to  whom  the  question  was  ad- 
dressed must  take  the  place  of  the  judge  in  the 
center  of  the  circle. 

This  game  usually  proves  quite  laughable  and 
affords  a great  deal  of  fun,  as  most  of  the  answers 
given  do  not  apply  to  the  question  asked. 

Nut  Race.  The  players — from  ten  to  forty  may 
play — are  lined  up  in  two  lines,  equal  in  number. 
The  players  at  the  front  of  the  lines  are  each 
given  a nut,  preferably  a walnut,  which  each 


balances  on  the  back  of  his  right  hand  while  go- 
ing over  a given  course  which  may  be  a circle 
around  four  chairs.  His  left  hand  is  placed  be- 
hind him  so  it  'will  not  be  a temptation  to  use  it. 
At  a signal  the  players  begin  the  race.  Anyone 
dropping  his  nut  or  helping  himself  with  his  left 
hand  must  return  and  start  over.  When  these 
players  have  succeeded  in  reaching  the  goal  and 
return  the  next  two  players  take  their  turn.  The 
line  finishing  first  is  the  winner. 

Capering  Cats.  The  players  are  lined  up  in 
several  single  files  behind  a starting  line  which  is 
drawn  at  from  ten  to  fifty  feet  from  a finishing 
line  parallel  to  it.  At  a signal  the  first  players  in 
each  file,  who  have  been  standing  with  their  toes 
on  the  starting  line,  jump  forward  with  both  feet 
at  once  and  continue  the  jumping  to  the  finish 
line,  when  they  turn  and  run  back  to  the  starting 
line.  Each  player,  on  returning  to  the  starting 
line,  should  touch  the  hand  of  the  next  player  in 
his  file,  who  should  be  toeing  the  line  ready  to 
start,  and  should  begin  jumping  as  soon  as  his 
hand  is  touched  by  the  return  player.  The  first 
jumper  goes  at  once  to  the  foot  of  the  line,  which 
moves  up  one  place  each  time  that  a jumper  starts 
out,  so  that  the  next  following  player  will  be  in  a 
starting  position.  The  file  wins  whose  last  player 
first  gets  back  to  the  starting  line. 

Sing  for  Your  Fortunes.  Each  person  is  given  a 
slip  of  paper  on  which  is  written  the  name  of  a 
song.  There  are  two  slips  having  the  same  title. 
Each  player  finds  his  partner  by  going  around  in 
the  group  singing  that  song.  When  he  finds  his 
partner,  they  go  together  for  their  fortunes  or 
for  refreshments.  The  fortunes  are  printed  on 
yellow  paper  pumpkins  and  are  drawn  from  a 
large  pumpkin  centerpiece  by  ribbons. 

Refreshments 

Funny-face  sandwiches — (The  top  of  the  sand- 
wich has  eyes,  nose  and  mouth  cut  out  with  a 
cheese  filling  pushing  its  way  up  through.) 

Salad — Fruit  salad  served  in  an  apple  cup 

Drink — Orange  punch 

Dessert — Chocolate  cake  cut  in  the  middle  and 
filled  with  crushed  peaches.  Whipped  cream 
should  be  placed  on  the  top. 


Recreation  Center 

On  November  18,  1935,  the  Alumni  Associa- 
tion of  the  American  Academy  of  Rome 
announced  a competition  closing  on  Janu- 
ary 1 7,  1936,  on  the  problem,  “A  Community 
Recreation  Center  for  a 
Town  of  About  12,000 
People.”  The  American 
City  in  its  April  issue 
announces  the  team  win- 
ning the  first  prize.  The 
members  of  this  team 
are  B.  J.  Rabe,  archi- 
tect ; A.  Briggs,  painter ; 

J.  C.  Lawrence,  sculp- 
tor, and  R.  S.  Kitchen, 
landscape  architect  of 
the  College  of  Archi- 
tecture of  Cornell  Uni- 
versity. The  project  is 
described  as  follows  by 
The  American  City. 

The  Problem 

A public-spirited  citi- 
zen in  an  American 
town  of  10,000  to  12,000 
people  has  decided  to 
undertake  an  experi- 
ment in  encouraging  the 
development  of  the  arts 
and  recreation  in  his 
community  to  the  ad- 
vantage of  all  concern- 
ed. A piece  of  land  has 
fallen  into  the  hands  of 
the  city  through  default 
in  taxes  and  has  failed 
to  pay  adequate  returns 
as  a parking  space.  The 
client  has  agreed  to  pro- 
vide the  services  of 
architect,  painter,  sculp- 
tor and  landscape  archi- 
tect, and  pay  the  cost  of 
construction,  if  the  city 
will  furnish  labor 
through  its  work  relief 


Prize-Winning  Design 

program  and  donate  the  use  of  the  land  toward 
the  erection  of  a building  suitable  for  a com- 
munity recreation  center.  It  is  hoped  that  this 
(Continued  on  page  318) 


A RECREATION  CENTER  IN  NATCHEZ  MISSISSIPPI  - 


Courtesy  The  American  City 


293 


A Factory  Building  Serves  a Community’s 

Recreational  Needs 


In  Evansville,  Indiana,  there  is  an  old  factory 
building  which  for  years  stood  vacant — a sym- 
bol of  idleness.  Today  it  is  one  of  the  busiest 
centers  of  activity  in  the  city.  Hundreds  of 
women,  who  a year  ago  knew  want,  are  engaged 
in  sewing  projects,  receiving  wages  for  making 
garments  for  people  on  relief,  and  learning  not 
only  sewing  but  crocheting,  knitting,  weaving,  rug 
making,  and  child  care  and  home  making.  And 
thousands  of  people,  many  of  them  boys  and  girls, 
are  enjoying  the  recreational  activities  to  which  a 
large  part  of  the  building  is  devoted  under  the 
leadership  of  James  R.  Newcom,  City  Recreation 
Director. 

This  old  furniture  plant  was  turned  over  last 
September,  rent  free,  to  WPA.  A three-story 
brick  building,  it  contains  150,000  square  feet  of 
floor  space.  The  lower  floor  is  occupied  by  the 
sewing  project,  which  provides  employment  for 
nearly  700  women.  On  the  second  floor  there  is  a 
smaller  sewing  project  sponsored  by  Pigeon 
Township.  When  the  women  have  completed 
their  quota  of  plain  sewing,  they  turn  with  keen 
enjoyment  to  a program  of  handicraft,  which 
utilizes  waste  material. 

It  is  estimated  that  an  average  of  2,000  people 
each  day,  from  3 o’clock  in  the  afternoon  until 
10:30  at  night,  use  the  recreation  facilities  pro- 
vided throughout  the  building.  On  the  second 
floor  there  is  a dance  hall,  and  each  Thursday 
night  hundreds  of  people  attend  the  dances  held 
there.  On  one  of  the  hottest  July  nights  on  rec- 
ord 2,300  people  were  present  at  the  dance.  No 
admission  fee  is  charged,  but  no  man  is  admitted 
unless  he  is  accompanied  by  a woman.  No  drink- 
ing is  permitted,  and  the  only  place  in  the  build- 
ing where  smoking  is  allowed  is  a lounge  in  the 
basement.  Music  for  the  dancing  is  provided  by 
a WPA  band.  For  the  older  people  old-time 
dances  are  held  each  Wednesday  night,  and  1,500 
people  attend. 

On  Monday,  Tuesday,  Friday  and  Saturday 
nights  the  dance  hall  becomes  a skating  rink. 
There  is  no  admission  fee,  and  skates  may  be 
rented  at  cost.  Other  recreational  facilities  in- 
clude ping  pong  tables,  horseshoe  courts,  an 

294 


Old  factories,  abandoned  schools  and 
churches,  vacant  shops  and  empty 
buildings  of  all  kinds  are  today  being 
converted  almost  over  night  into  rec- 
reation centers  and  service  buildings. 
No  community  need  be  without  such 
a center  at  the  present  time,  and 
hundreds  of  cities  and  towns  are  seiz- 
ing the  opportunity  to  add  such 
buildings,  however  simply  equipped, 
to  their  existing  recreational  assets. 


archery  range,  a badminton  court,  a rifle  range 
and  marble  courts.  Two  game  rooms  equipped 
with  radios  and  games  of  many  kinds  are  very 
popular. 

There  are  133  boys  and  23  girls  from  the  NYA 
helping  in  the  program  under  Mr.  Newcom’s 
leadership.  Twenty  of  them  are  engaged  in  the 
making  of  marionettes  and  the  production  of 
marionette  shows.  They  are  also  helping  in  the 
city  playgrounds. 

One  of  the  major  activities  of  the  Recreation 
Division  is  instruction  in  weaving  and  other  forms 
of  handcraft.  On  the  top  floor  of  the  building  is 
a woodwork  shop  where  men  who  formerly  were 
employed  as  furniture  craftsmen  and  expert 
cabinet  makers  are  using  their  skill  to  make  use- 
ful articles,  and  are  keeping  in  practice  for  the 
day  when  they  will  again  be  back  at  their  old  jobs. 
From  discarded  baseball  bats,  otherwise  unusable 
left-overs  from  the  old  furniture  factory,  and 
bits  of  wood  picked  up  here  and  there,  these  men 
are  making  a great  variety  of  articles,  among  them 
toys,  looms  used  by  the  Recreation  Division,  and 
frames  for  making  rugs.  They  have  built  an  up- 
to-date  marionette  stage  and  are  constructing  a 
travelling  outdoor  stage  built  on  a large  trailer 
chassis.  The  stage,  which  will  be  about  20  feet 
square,  will  provide  plenty  of  space  for  dressing 
rooms  and  similar  facilities.  The  side  of  the 
(Continued  on  page  318) 


Courtesy  Newark  Museum 


It  Beats  the  Movies! 


A small  boy  put  the  last  of  a series  of  animals 
he  had  been  inspecting  back  in  its  cage  in 
a corner  of  the  Junior  Division  of  the  New- 
ark Museum.  He  twirled  on  his  heel,  waved  his 
cap  and  said,  “Gee,  this  beats  the  movies !” 

Beats  the  movies?  “It  is  the  movies,”  says  the 
museum  staff.  “It  is  an  idea  in  motion,  an  idea 
put  to  work.  That  idea  is  that  people  obtain  more 
satisfaction  from  anything  when  they  do  some- 
thing with  it,  to  it  or  for  it.  Seeing  is  good.  See- 
ing with  doing  is  a hundred  times  as  good.” 

The  children  do  things  at  the  Newark  Junior 
Museum,  not  only  in  nature  but  in  many  other 
activities  as  well.  During  the  past  six  months  the 
museum  has  been  more  like  a beehive  than  ever 
since  the  children  have  stepped 
from  the  streets  of  Newark 
through  the  doors  of  the  mu- 
seum into  the  far  away  and 
mysterious  land  of  Tibet.  Just 
within  the  entrance  is  display- 
ed a rich  store  of  treasures 
from  Tibet,  one  of  the  mu- 
seum’s most  prized  and  valu- 


able collections.  The  children  might  have  slipped 
by  en  route  to  the  rooms  set  aside  as  the  Junior 
Museum  with  but  a casual  “visitors’  glance”  at 
the  exhibit,  but  these  museum  adventurers  were 
not  content  at  a mere  glance.  They  wanted  to 
know  something  more  about  it.  Where  is  Tibet? 
Why  did  Tibetans  make  such  ugly  masks?  How 
did  the  people  live?  To  find  out  required  doing. 

So  during  the  past  few  months  the  various 
clubs  of  the  Junior  Museum  have  taken  a voyage 
of  discovery  north  of  India  and  west  of  China  to 
little-known  Tibet.  They  have  examined  the  col- 
lection of  “treasures”  to  the  minutest  detail, 
browsed  about  in  books  and  asked  innumerable 
questions.  They  have  learned  the  customs  of  the 
simple  nomad  herder  and  his 
family,  and  have  gone  into  the 
ways  of  city  dwellers,  delving 
into  their  manners,  dress, 
dances  and  religious  beliefs. 
They  have  come  to  know  the 
importance  and  some  of  the 
customs  of  the  saffron-robed 
lamas,  and  their  interest  has 

295 


Recently  the  Newark  Museum,  which 
maintains  a Junior  Museum,  asked 
thirty-five  other  museums  to  tell  of 
their  experience  in  developing  activi- 
ties for  young  children.  The  replies 
which  were  received  have  been 
brought  together  in  a booklet  which 
may  be  secured  from  the  Museum, 
Newark,  N.  J.,  at  a price  of  50c.  each. 


296 


IT  BEATS  THE  MOVIES! 


been  captured  by  the  stories  and  grotesque  cos- 
tumes of  the  Devil  Dancers. 

Out  of  It  Evolved  a Pageant 

Two  brothers  of  literary  bent  put  the  discov- 
eries of  the  group  into  pageant  form  and  it  was 
decided  to  use  this  pageant  for  this  year’s  May 
festival.  The  museum  became  a busier  place  than 
ever,  for  to  put  on  a pageant  with  over  no  chil- 
dren of  ages  running  from  4-17  years  in  which 
the  children  shouldered  most  of  the  responsibility 
is  no  mean  undertaking! 

All  the  museum  clubs  cooperated  in  the  enter- 
prise. The  sewing  club  and  various  members  of 
the  cast  made  costumes ; the  modeling  club  made 
a dozen  or  two  grotesque  devil  masks  of  intricate 
design  and  coloring  patterned  after  the  exhibit 
samples.  The  drawing  club  made  huge  panels,  re- 
productions of  sacred  paintings,  which  were  to 
hang  over  the  doors  and  windows  of  the  lamasery. 
Others  erected  a nomad  yurt  or  tent,  while  still 
others  collected  instruments  for  a Tibetan  orches- 
tra. The  Round  the  World  Club  of  7,  8 and  9 
year-olds  made  prayer  wheels,  tea  bowls  and 
jewelry,  and  the  Junior  Drums  Magazine  staff 
prepared  the  programs  by  folding-  them,  placing 
them  between  two  decorated  cardboards  and  tying 
them  with  a string  in  the  manner  of  Tibetan 
books.  The  invitations  were  sent  in  mysterious 
“mirror  writing”  which  at  first  glance  was  enig- 
matic enough  to 
be  real  Tibetan 
writing.  The 
members  of  the 
Junior  Arts  Club 
and  the  Junior 
Science  Club 
prepared  to  act 
as  hosts  and 
hostesses  for  the 
performance. 


Then  came  the  pageant,  produced  in  the  mu- 
seum garden  with  the  red  brick  back  of  the  mu- 
seum decorated  with  sacred  paintings,  making  a 
startlingly  realistic  lama  temple.  Before  this  wall 
collected  the  villagers  gathered  for  the  Devil 
Dance  Festival.  So  natural  were  they  in  costume 
and  manner  that  the  adult  audience,  rusty  in  its 
ability  to  “make  believe,”  had  no  difficulty  in  join- 
ing the  throng  in  Tashi-Lunpo,  Tibet  on  the  other 
side  of  the  world.  The  children  were  not  putting 
on  a “show.”  They  were  Tibetans  as  excited 
about  the  Devil  Dances  as  an  American  on  the 
Fourth  of  July,  experiencing  unconsciously . the 
essence  of  the  culture  of  which  each  had  absorbed 
his  mite  in  the  months  of  exploration  and  adven- 
ture preceding  the  pageant. 

This  was  not  a new  experience  to  many,  for 
each  year  the  Junior  Museum  members  spend 
some  time  exploring  and  investigating  some 
special  exhibit.  Last  year  they  became  acquainted 
with  the  Maya  Indians,  and  the  year  before  gave 
a play  “When  Books  Come  to  Life”  as  a result 
of  their  museum  adventures. 

The  Museum  Clubs 

Basic  even  to  these  specialties,  which  absorb 
only  a part  of  the  year,  are  the  museum  clubs.  If 
you  are  10  years  old  or  more  you  may  join  the 
nature,  drawing  , sewing,  clay  modeling  and  stamp 
(Continued,  on  page  319) 


Junior  Museum 
Club  members 
worked  enthusi- 
astically at  the 
congenial  task  of 
making  scenery 
for  the  pageant 


Courtesy  Newark  Museum 


Luther  Halsey  0ulick 

An  appreciation  of  a useful  life 
By  J.  H.  McCurdy,  M.  D. 

Springfield,  Massachusetts 

■ uther  Gulick  lived  a full  and  varied  life.  His 
l contribution  to  the  National  Recreation  As- 
sociation during  its  formative  years  was  a 
large  one. 

He  had  the  rare  combination  of  vision,  initiative, 
promotive  ability  and  organizing  talent.  His  word 
pictures  of  what  might  be  stimulated  people  to 
action.  His  initiative  developed  self-starters  in 
other  people.  His  promotive  talent  and  ideas  set 
other  people  to  work  apparently  on  their  own 
initiative.  He  had  the  unique  ability  of  being  able 
to  select  and  inspire  leaders  without  their  feeling 
any  sense  of  compulsion  or  direction. 

He  was  impulsive  and  visionary.  His  impul- 
siveness led  him  at  times  to  do  quite  unusual 
things.  In  his  early  years  he  wore  a flannel  shirt 
on  all  occasions  including  church  and  social  func- 
tions to  save  on  his  laundry  bill  so  that  he  might 
give  more  to  missionary  work.  Later  he  wore 
formal  dress  for  dinner  in  his  own  home  to  add 
dignity  to  the  occasion  and  to  accustom  his  chil- 
dren to  formal  dress. 

He  was  never  content  to  stay  with  the  details 
of  any  organization.  His  death  in  his  fifty-third 
year  was  probably  the  result  of  his  impetuous 
living.  His  last  service  for  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.  in 
France  during  the  World 
War  was  an  illustration  of 
his  rapid  decisions.  He  had 
come  over  for  six  months 
to  gather  impressions  and 
facts  for  publicity  work 
back  in  the  States.  After  we 
had  visited  army  camps  to- 
gether during  his  first  two 
weeks  in  France,  he  said: 

“Mac,  you  need  men  for 
your  recreation  work.  I can 

4 


LUTHER  HALSEY  GULICK 
1865—1918 


get  them.  I will  cut  my  stay  from  six  months  to 
six  weeks.”  He  returned  after  six  weeks  in 
France,  and  within  three  months  had  secured  700 
additional  workers.  Fie  visualized  dramatic  situa- 
tions in  a way  that  impelled  men  to  leave  impor- 
tant positions  to  serve  the  soldiers  in  France. 

His  Education 

Luther  Halsey  Gulick  was  born  in  the  Hawaiian 
Islands  on  December  4,  1865.  His  boyhood  was 
spent  chiefly  in  Japan  and  his  adolescent  years  in 
the  States.  He  planned  to  follow  his  father’s 
career  as  a medical  missionary  and  looked  upon 
his  missionary  work  in  physical  education  as  tem- 
porary, though  he  was  strongly  drawn  to  this  pro- 
fession through  his  study  at  Oberlin  through  the 
influence  of  Dr.  Hanna.  Both  Dr.  Thomas  D. 

Wood  of  Teachers  College 
and  Dr.  Gulick  were  led 
into  physical  education 
through  Dr.  Hanna. 

His  early  education  was 
irregular  and  superficial  due 
to  the  missionary  travels  of 
his  family  and  also  to  his 
periodic  headaches.  He 
spent  two  years  at  Oberlin 
( 1880-82)  partly  in  the  pre- 
paratory department  and 


In  offering  this  appreciation  of  Dr.  Gulick 
Dr.  McCurdy  says:  "His  life  was  an  inspira- 
tion to  many  older  men  in  leading  positions. 
A fuller  knowledge  of  his  life  and  work  can 
only  inspire  others  to  a larger  life  of  useful 
service."  The  information  presented  in  this 
article  has  come  from  a close  acquaintance- 
ship of  thirty  years,  and  from  data  in  a re- 
cent book — Luther  Halsey  Gulick  by  Ethel 
Josephine  Dorgan,  published  by  the  Bureau 
of  Publications,  Teachers  College,  Colum- 
bia University,  New  York  City.  Price  $2.10. 


297 


298 


LUTHER  HALSEY  GULICK 


partly  in  the  freshman  class.  He  spent  one  winter 
in  the  Hanover,  New  Hampshire,  High  School 
(1882-83).  He  attended  the  Sargent  School  of 
Physical  Education  for  six  months  in  1885-86. 
He  entered  New  York  University  Medical  School 
in  December  1886,  graduating  in  1889.  His  father 
had  prepared  for  medical  missionary  work  in  the 
same  school  thirty-six  years  earlier.  He  was 
greatly  influenced  in  his  psychological  ideas  and 
philosophy  of  recreation  and  physical  education 
by  G.  Stanley  Hall,  a leading  psychologist  forty 
years  ago.  During  the  early  life  of  his  children 
both  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Gulick  left  their  children  with 
helpers  to  go  to  Worcester  for  special  work  in 
child  psychology. 

Gulick  was  essentially  a self-educated  man.  In 
his  method  of  intensive  study  of  a topic  he  for- 
got all  else.  This  was  exasperating  to  his  friends 
and  coworkers.  When  I came  to  Springfield  to 
teach  in  1895  he  put  me  in  charge  of  gymnastic 
instruction  but  kept  one  class  himself.  His  at- 
tendance was  very  irregular.  I complained.  He 
said,  “You  think  I ought  to  attend  to  my  teach- 
ing or  quit.”  I said,  “Yes.”  “Well,  I will  quit 
now!”  He  appointed  another  instructor  at  once. 

Early  Work  (1886-1900) 

His  first  position  was  as  director  of  physical 
education  of  the  Jackson,  Michigan,  Y.M.C.A. 
beginning  in  1886.  During  his  medical  course  he 
served  as  medical  examiner  of  the  Twenty-third 
Street  Y.M.C.A.,  New  York  City.  In  July  and 
August  of  1887,  with  R.  J.  Roberts  he  conducted 
the  first  Y.M.C.A.  summer  school  at  Springfield, 
Massachusetts.  In  September  1887,  he  organized 
the  first  regular  course  at  Springfield,  preparing 
physical  education  leaders.  In  October  1887,  he 
added  to  his  medical  study  the  supervisorship  of 
the  national  physical  education  work  for  the  Y. 
M.C.A.’s  of  the  United  States  and  Canada.  After 
his  graduation  from  medical  school  in  1889  he 
gave  his  full  time  to-  the  promotion  of  physical 
education  at  the  College  and  served  as  the  first 
secretary  of  physical  education  for  the  Interna- 
tional Committee  of  the  Y.M.C.A.  He  acted  as 
director  at  Springfield  for  thirteen  years  and  with 
the  International  Committee  for  sixteen  years. 

In  those  early  days  he  was  the  author  of  many 
important  articles.  Of  these  only  two  important 
contributions  are  mentioned.  One  was  “Our  New 
Gymnastics,”  which  gave  a new  philosophy  on  the 
relations  of  physical  education  to  character  build- 
ing. I he  Y.M.C.A.  previously  had  looked  upon 


SPI  R.IT 


the  gymnasium  as  a sort  of  spiritual  flytrap  with 
which  it  might  ensnare  the  members.  Gulick, 
against  opposition  from  leading  secretaries,  in- 
sisted on  Christian  character  as 
an  essential  factor  in  choosing 
directors.  The  triangle — spirit, 
mind  and  body — was  a develop- 
ment of  this  idea. 

Another  contribution  to  the 
field  of  education  was  the  Tri- 
angle Magazine , promoted  by 
Dr.  Gulick  in  February  1891.  In  March  1892,  the 
name  was  changed  to  Physical  Education  and 
under  this  name  had  continued  until  July  1896. 
This  was  the  first  physical  education  journal  pub- 
lished in  this  country  with  the  exception  of  a 
trade  journal  published  by  Coop  and  Boms,  gym- 
nasium outfitters,  in  1890. 


Gulick  joined  the  American  Physical  Education 
Association  in  1887  at  its  third  annual  meeting, 
going  on  the  National  Council  in  1888.  As  secre- 
tary he  drafted  in  1893  the  scheme  of  reorgani- 
zation of  the  association.  He  was  a leader  through 
this  period — 1893-1901 — when  he  became  editor 
of  the  Quarterly  Journal  published  by  the  associa- 
tion, continuing  in  that  office  until  December  1903. 
He  served  as  president  of  the  association  from 
September  1903  to  March  1907. 


National  Recreation  Association  Leadership 

Gulick  was  the  first  president  serving  from 
1906  to  1910.  Joseph  Lee  has  been  president  of 
the  Association  continuously  since  1910.  Gulick 
continued  on  the  Board  of  Directors  up  until 
May  1917-  The  Playground  Association  of 
America  \vas  organized  in  Washington,  D.  C.,  in 
April  1906,  with  Gulick  as  its  first  president.  Only 
forty-one  cities  were  known  to  have  playgrounds 
up  to  this  date.  Eighty-three  additional  cities  were 
added  from  1906  to  1909.  In  April  1907,  the  first 
number  of  the  monthly  Playground  Journal  ap- 
peared. In  November  1907,  the  Board  elected 
Grace  E.  J.  Parker  financial  secretary  and  author- 
ized a financial  campaign.  Lee  F.  Hanmer  was 
elected  field  secretary  at  the  same  time.  On  May 
14,  1909,  Howard  Braucher  was  elected  secretary 
of  the  Association.  Joseph  Lee  succeeded  Gulick 
as  president  on  June  7,  1910. 

Gulick  showed  outstanding  leadership  in  many 
different  ways.  Some  of  them  were:  (1)  A rare 
pre-vision  of  oncoming  movements;  (2)  Dramatic 
ability  in  visualizing  to  leaders  new  movements  as 


LUTHER  HALSEY  GULICK 


299 


they  appeared  above  the  horizon;  (3)  Selection 
of  able  leaders  who  would  carry  on  the  work. 

Appreciations 

Many  leaders  wrote  articles  on  his  work  and  in- 
fluence at  the  time  of  his  death.  I quote  brief 
paragraphs  from  a few  of  these  men.  Joseph  Lee 
wrote  in  the  American  Physical  Education  Re- 
view which  published  a symposium  on  Dr.  Gulick 
in  October  1918: 

“My  personal  acquaintance  with  him  was  mostly 
in  connection  with  the  Playground  and  Recrea- 
tion Association  of  America,  of  which  with  Dr. 
H.  S.  Curtis  he  wras  joint  founder  and  of  which 
he  was  first  president  and  leader  during  its  forma- 
tive period.  I very  well  remember  his  informal 
and  wholly  improper  methods  of  presiding  at  our 
Chicago  convention.  He  knew  how  to  put  life  and 
originality  even  into  official  dealings. 

“I  was  rather  carried  off  my  feet  by  the  rate  at 
which  he  developed  the  organization  up  to  the 
enormous  budget  of  $25,000  a year  and  even  more 
— not  appreciating  that  a year  or  two  afterwards 
the  budget  would  be  five  times  that  size  and  that 
during  the  present  year  it  would  be  $15,000,000. 

“But  whatever  the  size  the  baby  may  grow  to 
be,  it  was  Dr.  Gulick’s  baby.  And  the  fact  that 
there  is  any  such  organization  in  the  country 
capable  of  marshaling  the  social  resources  of  the 
communities  near  the  training  camps  or  of  any 
other  communities  in  an  adequate  and  self-effac- 
ing way  is  due  very  largely  to  his  early  leadership. 
His  power  of  selecting  the  right  people  (the  great- 
est of  all  requirements  in  an  executive)  was  well 
illustrated  by  his  engaging  as  executive  secretary 
such  a man  as  Howard  S.  Braucher,  who  has  been 
able  to  grow  even  in  the  geometric  ratio  of  the 
organization  itself.” 

Howard  Braucher  said  in  October  1918:  “When 
the  leaders  of  the  play  movement  came  together 
in  Washington  in  1906,  Dr.  Gulick  was  the  nat- 
ural choice  as  president  of  the  new  Playground 
Association  of  America.  As  the  delegates  talked 
together,  swam  together,  played  together  at  the 
first  Play  Congress  in  Chicago  in  1907,  all  felt  his 
inspiration.  After  the  work  of  the  Association 
was  well  started  he  insisted  that  he  be  relieved 
of  the  responsibility  of  the  presidency,  but  he 
always  remained  a great  power  behind  the  Play- 
ground and  Recreation  Association  of  America, 
as  it  had  later  come  to  be  called.  ...  He  so  lived 
that  his  friends,  still  under  the  spell  of  his  for- 
ward-looking vision,  glad  for  the  years  during 


which  they  enjoyed  comradeship  with  him,  can- 
not be  sad  and  heavy-hearted  even  when  he  has 
gone." 

John  Collier  said:  “Community  workers  owe 
to  Dr.  Gulick  more  than  any  one  of  them  can 
fully  appreciate.  His  direct  contribution  to  pub- 
lic recreation  and  to  the  community  center  move- 
ment was  important  and  his  indirect  contribution, 
growing  out  of  a life  work  of  more  than  thirty 
years,  was  momentous  not  only  to  the  community 
center  movement  but  to  the  development  of 
American  social  policy.  . . . He  formulated  the 
doctrine  that  social  values  are  collective,  not  per- 
sonal; that  the  community  transmits  social  he- 
redity; that  the  dynamics  of  human  behavior  are 
to  be  understood  through  contemplating  human 
relations  rather  than  isolated  human  beings.’’ 

Clark  W.  Hetherington,  in  the  Journal  of 
Health  and  Physical  Education  for  February  1932, 
said : “The  Association  was  fortunate  in  the  be- 
ginning in  having  the  services  of  the  late  Dr. 
Luther  Gulick.  Dr.  Gulick  had  made  a study  of 
play  and  he  had  become  deeply  convinced  of  the 
significance  of  play  as  a social  force  and  in  edu- 
cation. He  was  one  of  the  first  men  to  recognize 
the  character-educating  significance  of  play.  He 
was  one  of  the  few  men  of  the  day  who  had  a 
consciously  formulated  philosophy  concerning  the 
power  of  social  promotion  in  changing  public 
opinion  and  he  had  analyzed  its  technique.  Finally, 
he  had  something  of  the  qualities  of  a politician. 
And  he  put  these  qualities  into  the  work  of  the 
Association.” 

H.  M.  Burr,  a faculty  associate  at  Springfield, 
said  in  the  American  Physical  Education  Review 
in  October  1918:  “But  perhaps  it  will  be  as  a 
light  bearer  that  he  will  be  remembered  longest  by 
those  who  knew  him  best.  His  own  light  seemed 
to  be  fed  from  the  limitless  reservoir  of  the 
spirit.  Other  men  lighted  their  lamps  from  his 
and  spread  the  illumination.  He  radiated  light. 
Dr.  Gulick  had  creative  imagination  in  an  extra- 
ordinary degree.  He  had  not  merely  the  power  to 
see  visions  but  of  translating  them  into  realities. 
He  dreamed  dreams  and  made  his  dreams  come 
true.” 

Warburton,  one  of  the  leading  secretaries  in  the 
Y.M.C.A.,  said  in  Association  Men  for  October 
1918:  “Luther  Gulick  was  one  of  the  creative 
geniuses  of  our  movement.  McBurney  was  one 
and  so  was  Glen  Shurtlefif,  and  in  that  small  but 
noble  group  Gulick  properly  belongs.” 

(Continued  on  page  319) 


Wayside!  Parks  in  Texas 


Texans  choosing  to  refer  to  their  native  state 
as  the  “Garden  Spot  of  America”  now  have 
another  point  in  their  favor,  for  the  natural 
charm  and  beauty  of  Texas  roadsides  is  being 
combined  with  landscaping  and  tourist  conveni- 
ences to  create  scores  of  “pocket-size”  parks 
throughout  the  state  where  travelers  may  pause 
and  enjoy  the  refreshing  country  air  without  the 
hazards  which  accom- 
pany the  parking  of 
automobiles  on  high- 
ways. 

These  tiny  parks 
have  an  added  feature 
in  that  they  represent 
the  ability  and  talent 
of  thousands  of  young 
Texans  employed  on 
work  projects  set  up 
by  the  National  Youth 
Administration  in 
Texas,  in  conjunction 
with  the  State  High- 
way Department. 

Lyndon  B.  Johnson, 

Texas  NYA  director, 
and  Gibb  Gilchrist,  state 
highway  engineer,  pooled 
ideas  and  resources  and 
started  production  of  the  small  recreational  areas 
on  a large  scale,  while  searching  for  a type  of 
work  which  would  captivate  the  enthusiasm  of  the 
young  people  to  be  employed,  which  would  be  a 
fitting  memorial  to  their  efforts,  and  would  be  of 
permanent  value  to  the  public. 

The  first  park  was  constructed  in  1933  by  the 
highway  department  near  Edgewood,  Van  Zandt 
County,  Texas,  and  at  intervals  others  were  added 
until  the  National  Youth  Administration  came 
into  the  picture  in  1935.  Officials  now  estimate 
that  NYA  youths  have  completed  or  have  under 
construction  140  of  the  small  areas. 

The  availability  of  these  pleasure  grounds, 
which  are  usually  two  or  three  acres  in  size,  makes 
it  no  longer  necessary  for  weary  travelers  to  stop 
at  the  edge  of  pavement  and  eat  lunches  from  the 


running  boards  of  automobiles  dangerously  near 
to  speeding  traffic.  Instead,  the  motorist  may 
drive  in  a gravelled  roadway  and  pull  up  into  the 
shade  of  large  trees.  There  he  may  rest,  prepare 
hot  meals  over  a barbecue  pit  if  he  desires,  and 
eat  them  on  picnic  tables  which  are  being  con- 
structed by  the  youths. 

Materials  for  the  parks  are  furnished,  together 

with  competent  super- 
vision, by  the  highway 
department.  Those  in 
charge  follow  no  spe- 
cific pattern  but  use 
their  own  initiative  in 
designing  and  land- 
scaping the  parks.  As 
one  approaches  from 
the  highway  a little 
white  sign  advises  that 
a park  is  just  ahead. 

Low  stone  walls 
separate  the  picnic 
grounds  from  the  main 
road.  Some  of  the 
areas  have  stone  or 
concrete  steps  leading 
up  to  a vista  where  the 
tourist  may  get  a pano- 
ramic view  of  the  country 
side.  Other  parks  have  stone  stairways  or  walks 
retreating  to  the  edge  of  a brook  or  bubbling 
spring.  “Standard  equipment”  for  the  parks  con- 
sists of  one  or  more  tables  built  of  stone  masonry 
with  smooth  concrete  tops,  and  benches,  stools 
and  cooking  pits  of  the  same  materials.  Landscap- 
ing of  the  grounds  is  usually  coordinated  with  the 
rustic  beauty  of  the  surroundings  with  native 
trees  or  shrubbery  being  left  intact,  or  added,  to 
supply  the  shaded  retreats. 

The  parks  offer  a variety  of  appearances  in 
different  localities  throughout  the  state.  In  East 
Texas  the  shade  is  provided  by  tall  virgin  pines, 
while  in  the  southern  part  of  Texas  large  live 
oaks,  festooned  with  Spanish  moss,  invite  the 
motorist  to  rest.  In  the  treeless  areas  of  West 
( Continued  on  page  320) 


One  of  the  attractive  wayside  parks  which 
are  proving  a boon  to  travelers  in  Texas 


300 


Play 

Past 

Sixty 


Never  too  old 
to  play  is  an  ex- 
cellent adage 
for  all  who  are 
in  middle  life 


Courtesy  Board  of  Public  Recreation,  Tampa,  Fla. 


The  day  when  it  was  deemed  fitting  and  pro- 
per and  only  decent  to  retire  to  the  post  of- 
fice bench  or  to  one’s  knitting  and  rocker 
sometime  in  the  middle  or  late  forties  and  quietly 
wait  for  the  end  is  definitely  past.  Now  life  just 
begins  at  forty! 

And  what  of  sixty  and  more?  Shelved?  The 
Three-Quarter  Century  Club  of  St.  Petersburg, 
Florida,  playing  softball  before  4,000  people, 
would  shout  a lusty  "no.”  The  "Kids”  versus  the 
"Kubs”  and  the  youngest  one  75  years  old ! Care- 
ful supervision  for  five  years  by  the  recreation  de- 
partment has  resulted  in  there  being  no  casualties 
to  these  softball  fans. 

Nor  does  their  activity  stop  at  ball  games.  A 
Three-Quarter  Century  Club  Chorus  rehearses 
twice  a week  and  gives  concerts  before  various 
societies  and  organizations  in  the  city.  At  social 
dances  the  director  reports  that  many  of  the  “old- 
sters,” some  between  89  and  92  years  of  age,  never 
miss  a dance. 

The  Battle  Creek,  Michigan,  Three-Quarter 
Century  Club,  150  strong  and  dressed  in  the 
clothes  of  yesteryear,  went  on  a spree  to  Green- 
field Village  to  revive  memories  of  their  youth. 
They  took  over  the  country  store,  ground  a pot  of 


coffee  in  an  old-fashioned  grinder,  smiled  at  out- 
moded fascinators  and  derbies,  and  one  spry  lady 
of  83  even  did  a jig  for  the  club. 

The  Three-Quarter  of  a Century  group  does 
not  have  a corner  on  all  the  opportunities  for  joy- 
ous living  provided  for  older  people  by  recreation 
departments  and  institutions  in  response  to  a 
growing  awareness  of  the  need  for  recreation  for 
older  people,  a need  which  has  been  made  more 
apparent  by  the  steady  increase  in  the  number  of 
older  people  in  proportion  to  the  total  population, 
especially  in  the  cities.  A longer  average  life 
span,  earlier  retirement  and  the  impersonality  of 
city  life  makes  the  recreation  problem  of  those 
past  sixty  a real  and  vital  one. 

Recreation  executives  of  a number  of  cities  re- 
port what  they  are  doing  to  meet  the  needs  of 
these  men  and  women  past  sixty,  either  in  special 
groups  or  in  groups  open  to  all  adults. 

The  Director  of  Health  Education  for  Denver, 
whose  program  is  a summer  one,  reports  activities 
for  people  past  sixty.  In  the  winter  semi-public 
agencies  provide  facilities  for  checkers,  chess, 
cards  and  other  activities.  One  of  the  community 
centers  conducts  a goodwill  industrial  program 
wherein  some  of  the  older  people  are  employed 


301 


302 


PLAY  PAST  SIXTY 


in  mending  clothing,  repairing  toys  and  in  other 
handwork. 

In  Detroit  the  older  men  take  part  in  horseshoe 
pitching,  bowling-on-the-green,  old-time  dancing, 
volley  ball,  chess  and  checkers,  bridge  and  bunco, 
shuffleboard,  croquet  and  quoits.  A small  number 
take  part  in  playground  ball.  Membership  in  read- 
ing, stamp  collecting  and  other  hobby  groups  is 
also  open  to  those  who  wish  to  participate.  There 
is  no  segregation  of  the  older  women  in  the  rec- 
reation program  in  Detroit,  as  it  is  felt  that  most 
women  do  not  like  to  be  definitely  set  apart  in  any 
specific  age  group  even  at  sixty.  Older  women 
enjoy  gymnasium  and  swimming  classes,  the  sew- 
ing and  handcraft  groups,  old-time  dancing  and 
bridge  parties. 

Groups  of  older  people  in  Oakland,  California, 
come  regularly  to  enjoy  dramatics,  checkers, 
chess,  cards  and  special  programs.  A number  be- 
long to  hiking  clubs.  The  branch  libraries  are  of 
especial  interest  to  this  group,  and  the  Oakland 
Forum  is  largely  made  up  of  older  people. 

Recreation  activities  for  older  people  (some 
over  45,  some  over  60)  are  organized  chiefly  for 
women  in  Philadelphia.  The  Hobby  League  of 
the  Playground  and  Recreation  Association  of 
that  city  oflfers  opportunities  to  all  age  groups  and 
both  sexes.  Philadelphia’s  experience  has  been 
that  older  men  and  women  do  not  hold  together  in 
one  organization,  seeming  to  prefer  to  join  groups 
of  all  ages,  especially  those  over  twenty-five.  A 
number  of  the  older  people  have  joined  the  writ- 
ers’ and  literary  discussion  group  and  participate 
in  dramatics,  handcraft,  music,  dancing  and  pho- 
tography. In  the  writers’  group  many  older  peo- 
ple are  quite  deaf  and  the  younger  ones  eagerly 
and  willingly  assist  them.  In  dramatics  the  older 
people  do  more  of  the  manual  stage  craft  than 
acting. 

Many  institutions  for  the  aged  have  been  deso- 
late and  dreary  places.  True,  food  and  clothing 
and  such  material  necessities  were  provided,  but 
little  or  nothing  was  done  to  make  the  old  people 
feel  they  were  wanted  or  needed,  or  to  make  the 
days  colorful  and  interesting.  One  woman,  when 
asked  how  she  was,  replied  without  looking  up, 
“Hm,  waiting  to  die.”  There  wasn’t  much  else  for 
her  to  do.  Games  were  thought  sinful,  a walk 
around  the  house  was  considered  an  adequate  out- 
ing, and  exercise  and  recreation  were  for  young 
people  anyway,  not  for  the  elderly,  especially  when 
they  were  infirm,  partly  deaf  or  blind.  Let  them 
sit ! 


We  are  gradually  developing  a more  sympa- 
thetic, more  intelligent  and  keener  understanding 
of  the  needs  of  older  people.  We  are  providing 
not  only  food  and  clothing  and  shelter  that  is  more 
attractive  and  cheerful,  but  we  are  providing  for 
contentment  and  happiness  in  their  daily  lives. 
Tomorrow  is  no  longer  to  be  anticipated  and  en- 
dured with  resignation,  but  to  be  awaited  eagerly 
since  it  brings  more  time  for  hobby  activities, 
committee  meetings  to  arrange  for  the  monthly 
birthday  celebration,  checker  tournaments,  old- 
time  sings ; croquet  games  or  a picnic  in  the  coun- 
try. They  find  again  the  joys  of  being  needed,  of 
serving  others,  of  having  gay,  good  times. 

A few  years  ago  a questionnaire  was  sent  by 
Professor  Robert  F.  Clark  of  Marietta  College  to 
eighty-eight  county  homes  in  Ohio,  asking  the 
superintendents  to  describe  the  recreational  and 
social  life  of  the  aged  in  these  institutions.  In 
spite  of  many  handicaps  county  home  superin- 
tendents have  devised  recreation  programs  of 
some  sort.  Some  of  the  activities  listed  were  fish- 
ing trips,  picnics,  automobile  rides,  flower  gar- 
dens, music,  reading  groups,  dominoes,  checkers, 
horseshoes,  cards,  special  holiday  programs  and 
even  baseball  and  football.  One  of  the  larger 
homes  has  an  occupational  therapy  room  or  toy 
shop. 

An  account  of  recreation  in  New  York  City’s 
homes  for  the  aged  is  given  by  Mary  F.  Kohl, 
Director  of  Social  Service.  She  reports  that  since 
the  inmates  come  from  all  strata  of  society  the 
recreation  activities  must  be  diversified.  For  the 
“intellectuals”  there  is  a library  containing  many 
books  and  periodicals.  For  those  interested  in 
games,  cards,  checkers,  cribbage  and  dominoes  are 
provided  for  indoor  amusement.  In  the  summer 
horseshoes  is  exceedingly  popular  and  the  courts 
at  one  institution  were  laid  out  by  the  players 
themselves.  Quoits  is  also  played  and  tourna- 
ments arranged  for  which  prizes  are  awarded. 
“Competition  is  intense  and  youthful  in  its  spirit 
and  the  renewal  of  strength  and  faith  in.  them- 
selves is  the  result  of  these  simple  recreations,” 
reads  the  report. 

At  this  time  when  much  intelligent  thought  is 
being  given  to  the  problem  of  secure  and  happy 
old  age  for  the  men  and  women  in  America  it  is 
heartening  to  learn  that  those  in  charge  of  our 
recreation  departments  and  institutions  realize 
that  men  and  women  are  never  too  old  to  learn  or 
to  enjoy  creative  hobbies  and  active  play. 


Recreation  Through  Handicraft 


There  is  plenty  of  testimony  to  the 
eagerness  of  boys  to  'make  things/’ 
but  here  is  some  special  evidence! 


By  Ellick  Maslan 

Director,  Vocational  Work 
Toledo  Newsboys'  Association 
Toledo,  Ohio 


i join  the  junior  workshop?  I wanna 
make  somp’n!” 

Usually  he  comes  into  the  office  accom- 
panied by  three  or  four  of  his  buddies  who  crowd 
around  the  desk  expectant  and  wide-eyed,  once 
that  question  has  been  put.  They  are  boys  rang- 
ing in  age  from  9 to  15  whose  parents  may  be 
Polish,  German,  Hungarian,  Irish,  Syrian  or  any 
combination  of  twenty-nine  nationalities;  half  of 
them  are  Catholic  boys  in  parochial  schools  where 
manual  training  is  not  provided.  A third  of  them 
sell  newspapers  and  only  a handful  can  muster  up 
enough  money  to  join  other  boys’  organi- 
zations. They  either  walk,  ride  a bike  or 
street  car,  or  hitch-hike  within  a three 
and  one-half  mile  radius  of  the  Club 
House.  They  come  once  a week,  twice  a 
week  or  as  many  times  as  they  can,  and 
take  part  in  such  daily  activities  as  swim- 
ming, athletics,  library  and  game  room. 

The  older  boys  have  a choice  of  such  vo- 
cational classes  as  carpentry,  printing, 
commercial  art,  radio  or  electricity  in 
well-equipped  work  rooms  provided  by 
the  late  J.  D.  Robinson.  But  all  that  is 
still  not  enough;  it  leaves  a thousand 
youngsters  itching  to  do  something  with 
their  hands. 

For  a number  of  years  we  tried  to 
meet  this  need  in  the  usual  way  with 
classes  meeting  once  or  twice  a week 
for  toy-making,  soap  carving,  block 
printing  or  metal  work  and  supervised 
by  volunteers  or  part-time  instructors. 

As  usual,  the  turnover  was  enormous ; 
boys  entered  a class,  stayed  for  a few 
weeks  and  then  wandered  into  other 
classes  to  see  what  the  instructors  had 
to  offer. 


Creating  the  Workshop 

Last  year,  however,  we  had  an  opportunity  to 
try  a new  experiment  through  leadership  made 
available  by  the  City  Recreation  Department  and 
the  WPA ; and  this  is  what  we  did.  We  tore  down 
the  partition  between  two  of  the  classrooms,  thus 
making  available  a workshop  approximately  18 
feet  by  50  feet.  We  brought  in  all  available  work 
tables,  benches  and  movable  cupboards.  We 
erected  a barrier  at  the  entrance  and  set  up  a 


303 


304 


RECREATION  THROUGH  HANDICRAFT 


control  desk  near  the  door.  For  equipment  we 
provided  eight  coping  saws,  two  back  saws,  two 
planes,  four  vices,  ten  hammers,  a dozen  half- 
round  bastard  files,  an  assortment  of  nails  and 
some  special  tools  for  wood  burning  and  linoleum 
cutting,  all  laid  out  on  a special  tool  table.  We 
fitted  out  one  table  with  a dozen  saw- jacks,  an- 
other for  painting  and  still  another  for  drying  and 
finishing.  We  brought  in  two  small  folding  tables 
provided  with  drawing  boards  for  sketching  and 
art  work.  All  that  constituted  our  physical  set-up. 

Leadership 

We  then  made  a careful  selection  of  three  men 
to  operate  the  shop.  One  leader  had  been  assigned 
to  us  last  year  for  the  first  time.  He  had  no  ex- 
perience in  teaching  handicraft  to  a group  of 
youngsters  but  he  had  had  several  years  of  manual 
training  and  sheet  metal  work.  The  second 
worker  had  taught  commercial  art  the  year  before. 
The  third  had  had  considerable 
Y.M.C.A.  training  in  physical  edu- 
cation, a summer  of  playground 
handicraft  and  several  months  rec- 
reation supervision  at  the  Juvenile 
Detention  Home.  He  had  come  to 
us  toward  the  end  of  the  previous 
season  and  had  developed  a variety 
of  craft  projects,  using  discarded 
materials.  The  responsibility  for 
supervising  the  program  and  the 
work  of  the  other  two  men  was 
placed  in  his  charge. 

We  called  this  new  activity  the  Junior  Work- 
shop and  opened  it  up  to  any  regular  member  of 
the  Association  on  one  condition  only  — that  of 
good  behavior.  In  order  to  enroll  in  the  Junior 
Workshop,  each  youngster  was  asked  to  have  an 
interview  with  the  vocational  director,  after  which 
he  was  given  an  entry  card  to  admit  him  to  class 
for  five  sessions.  If  he  decided  to  remain  after 
that  he  was  considered  a regular  member  of  the 
workshop.  The  activity  was  carried  on  continu- 
ously without  closing  from  four  in  the  afternoon 
until  nine  in  the  evening  on  week  days,  and  from 
twelve  until  three  on  Saturdays. 

With  his  entry  card  a youngster  would  make 
himself  known  to  the  instructor  in  charge,  who 
showed  him  around  the  shop,  pointed  out  the 
various  projects  that  had  been  completed,  the  full- 
size  plan  sheets  on  the  bulletin  board  and  the 
several  crafts  that  were  all  going  on  at  the  same 
time  in  different  parts  of  the  room.  At  the  wood 


"In  every  child  there  is  the 
capacity  to  create;  scattered 
as  we  are  from  genius  to 
moron  or  imbecile  or  idiot 
in  every  one  of  these  arts, 
each  of  us  has  some  capacity 
to  invent,  to  originate,  to 
speak,  to  dance,  to  play  an 
instrument,  to  make  with  our 
hands." — Dr.  Harold  Rugg 
in  "Building  Character." 


work  table,  the  boy  could  watch  other  boys  cutting 
out  toys  from  orange  crates  or  making  furniture ; 
at  the  paint  tables  finishing  touches  were  being  ap- 
plied in  color.  Here  was  a boy  working  on  a 
metal  tapping;  beside  him  there  might  be  another 
boy  cutting  linoleum  blocks,  carving  soap,  paint- 
ing on  glass,  burning  wood  or  doing  any  one  of  a 
number  of  things.  The  youngster  was  told  to  look 
around  for  himself,  select  what  he  wanted  to  do 
and  come  back  to  one  of  the  instructors.  He 
would  then  be  given  the  materials  with  which  to 
work  and  a demonstration  of  the  correct  method. 
He  would  continue  as  long  as  he  liked  or  come  in 
again  at  any  time  or  any  day  that  the  shop  was  in 
operation  so  long  as  he  kept  busy  working  on  his 
own  materials. 

When  he  had  completed  the  project  which  he 
had  selected,  he  could  start  another  in  the  same 
craft  or  pass  on  to  some  other  craft  after  con- 
sulting with  the  instructor.  In  this  way  he  could 
progress  from  simple  objects  to 
more  difficult  ones  or  try  his  hand 
at  a variety  of  skills.  If  there  was 
something  in  particular  which  he 
wanted  to  make  for  his  own  home, 
he  was  given  all  possible  assistance ; 
he  could  bring  in  materials  with 
which  to  repair  articles  or  to  do 
special  work.  In  any  case  he  could 
work  the  entire  season  and  still 
there  remained  many  projects  from 
which  to  choose. 

Every  two  or  three  weeks  the  instructors  made 
the  rounds  of  wholesale  fruit  houses,  department 
stores,  warehouses,  and  lumber  yards  to  gather 
up  orange  and  lemon  crates,  liquor  boxes,  scrap 
battleship  linoleum,  glass  jars,  inner  tubes,  oil  cans 
or  cardboard.  Saturday  afternoon  was  usually 
devoted  to  breaking  up  boxes,  straightening  out 
the  nails  and  putting  the  shop  in  order  for  the 
following  week. 

The  Results 

Thus  it  went  on  for  the  entire  season — an  ap- 
proach to  recreation  through  handicraft.  We  kept 
accurate  records  of  attendance  and  found  that 
almost  a thousand  boys,  or  forty  per  cent  of  our 
membership,  had  availed  themselves  of  the  ac- 
tivity and  that  the  average  attendance  per  boy 
was  as  great  as  in  the  games  room  or  the  gym- 
nasium. With  three  instructors  we  had  taken  care 
of  more  than  twice  as  many  boys  as  six  instrue- 
(Continucd  on  page  322) 


The  Recreation  Program  in  Areas 


In  congested  city  areas  where  large  numbers  of 
people  from  other  lands  establish  their  own 
communities,  where  foreign  born  parents  and 
American  born  children  live  together  in  an  atmos- 
phere of  unrest  and  turmoil  because  neither  un- 
derstands the  other,  the  resulting  social  pattern  is 
one  of  conflict  and  of  intolerance  that  brings  in  its 
wake,  all  too  frequently,  juvenile  delinquency  and 
a breakdown  of  family  unity.  Conformity  to 
socially  acceptable  patterns  for  family  living 
seems  impossible  for  parents  and  children  who 
interpret  life  in  widely  different  terms,  and  the 
results  are  frequently  disastrous. 

These  foreign  born  parents  come  from  middle 
European  peasant  stock.  In  their  native  environ- 
ment life  was  simple  and  the  peasant  dealt  with  life 
in  simple  and  direct  terms.  Parents  controlled  all 
the  circumstances  that  touched  family  life  and  as 
their  children  married  and  established  their  own 
homes,  they  in  turn  carried  on  the  home  tradi- 
tions of  the  “old  folks.”  Jung,  with  penetrating 
clearness,  depicts  the  peasant  in  his  native  en- 
vironment — 

“He  has  a variety  of  wealth  in  his  work  and  secures 
unconscious  satisfaction  through  its  symbolical  content — 
a satisfaction  which  workers  in  factories  do  not  know 
and  can  never  enjoy.  What  do  these  know  of  the 
peasant’s  real  life  with  Nature,  those  beautiful  moments, 
when  as  lord  and  fructifier  of  the  earth  he  drives  his 
plough  through  the  ground,  when  with  kingly  gesture  he 
scatters  the  seed  for  the  future  harvest,  of  his  deep  and 
justifiable  fear  of  the  destructive  power  of  the  elements, 
his  joy  in  the  fruitfulness  of  the  wife  who  bears  him 
daughters  and  sons  who  mean  increased  working  powers 
and  prosperity?” 

A Different  Pattern  of  Life 

Contrast  this  vivid  picture  with  that  of  the 
peasant  as  we  see  him  in  America  today,  trudg- 
ing home  from  the  foundry,  his  face  toughened 
with  the  heat  of  the  seething  furnace  whose  fires 
he  must  keep  at  Gehenna-like  heat,  his  hands 
scarred  and  often  maimed  and  mutilated  by 
molten  steel.  Watch  him  as  he  handles  the  crane 
on  one  of  America’s  colossal  creations,  one  of 
those  stupendous  man-made  buildings  “into  which 
the  life  of  the  peasant  is  frozen.” 

Women  in  the  families  of  these  toilers  no  longer 
live  close  to  Mother  Earth,  helping  with  the  plant- 


of 

Cultural  Conflict 

By  Halcyon  M.  Thomas 

Supervisor 

Martin  School  Recreation  Center 
Germantown,  Pa. 


ing  of  small  truck  patches  and  gaily  colored  flower 
gardens  that  hem  in  the  thatch-roofed  houses.  In- 
stead, they  watch  with  apprehension  as  their  men 
come  home  from  the  steel  mills,  the  foundries 
and  the  leather  factories.  “Their  daily  lives  in 
America  lack  grace  and  charm  and  the  simple 
amenities  that  were  the  rule  among  the  peasant 
people  of  the  ‘Old  Country.’  ” 

In  an  atmosphere  of  contradictions,  our  peasant 
neighbors  endeavor  to  rear  their  American  born 
children.  Instead  of  the  soothing  music  of  an  ac- 
cordion in  the  hands  of  a skillful  player  who  taps 
the  floor  to  the  rhythm  of  his  own  music,  the 
peasant  hears  the  blatant  radio  as  it  jerks  out, 
“The  Music  Goes  ’Round  and  ’Round,”  while  his 
adolescent  daughter  gyrates  or  “trucks”  her  way 
around  the  small  front  room.  He  cannot  sit  on 
his  low  doorsill  and  look  out  over  well  tilled, 
even  growing  grain  or  luscious  vineyards.  Instead 
he  must  sit  on  the  stone  step  of  a small  house  that 
is  stuffy  from  the  heat  of  the  day  and  from  in- 
sufficient cross  ventilation ; he  must  look  at  other 
small  houses  built  like  his  own,  houses  that  stretch 
in  even  rows  as  far  as  his  eye  can  see.  He  waits 
patiently,  dreams  of  other  evenings  in  another 
country,  while  his  little  bedroom  gradually  cools 
off  and  he  finds  it  possible  to  get  sufficient  rest  to 
enable  him  to  gather  energy  for  the  next  day’s 
monotonous  toil. 

Every  turn  of  Dame  Fortune’s  wheel  carries 
with  it  the  hopes  and  fears  of  the  peasant.  He  is 
among  the  first  to  be  laid  off  in  time  of  economic 

305 


306 


THE  RECREATION  PROGRAM  IN  AREAS  OF  CULTURAL  CONFLICT 


stress.;  though  he  has  been  frugal  his  savings 
gradually  disappear  as  he  supports  a large  family 
during  time  of  unemployment.  He  realizes  he  will 
never  go  “home.”  He  must  fold  up  that  dream 
and  tuck  it  away.  Added  to  this  sorrow  is  the 
keen  and  cutting  knowledge  that  his  children  are 
not  his,  but  belong  to  a country  and  a culture  of 
which  he,  the  peasant,  can  never  become  a part. 
Quietly  but  surely  the  distance  between  these 
European  born  parents  and  American  born  chil- 
dren broadens.  Conflicting  cultures  bring  bitter 
misunderstandings ; misunderstandings  provoke  al- 
tercations ; altercations  destroy  good  will,  and  that 
structure  on  which  society  rests  its  assurance  of 
continuation,  the  family  group,  begins  to  disinte- 
grate. Members  of  families  no  longer  need  each 
other,  their  interests  are  diversified,  and  the  es- 
sentials of  home  life  are  lacking. 

Not  one  family  but  hundreds  that  make  up  our 
“foreign  sections”  find  themselves  in  this  state  of 
disintegration.  While  each  family  has  its  own 
specific  problem,  sometimes  apparently  insignifi- 
cant to  the  casual  observer,  the  effect  of  this  un- 
solved problem  is  exceedingly  potent.  Family  pat- 
terns are  projected  beyond  the  confines  of  homes 
and  become  the  set  patterns  of  the  social  atmos- 
phere of  the  neighborhoods. 

How  Recreation  May  Help 

The  inherent  possibilities  in  a well  planned  edu- 
cational-recreational program  for  such  communi- 
ties are  legion.  A well  trained  recreation  worker 
sees  these  possibilities,  seizes  them  at  the  logical 
moment  and  through  group  activities  enlarges 
on  the  opportunities  offered,  builds  his  pro- 
gram to  fit  the  needs  of  the  community  and  be- 
comes a force  in  family  adjustment.  He  may  aid 
in  reducing  delinquency,  help  to  lift  the  mem- 
bers of  the  groups  participating  in  the  pro- 
gram out  of  their  usual 
activities  that  have  become 
monotonous,  and  stimu- 
late imagination  that  leads 
to  greater  activity.  All 
these  concomitants  of  a 
well  planned  recreational 
program  make  progress  to- 
ward good  citizenship  in- 
evitable, for  “character  is 
developed  through  the  in- 
teraction of  the  individual 
with  his  social  environ- 
ment . . .”  since  “character 


is  both  cause  and  effect  of  one’s  status  in  social 
groups.” 

Family  participation  is  essential  in  the  building 
of  such  programs,  for  where  children  and  parents 
play  together  they  learn  to  know  each  other  bet- 
ter. In  the  American  scene  there  are  few  family 
picnics,  little  reading  of  good  literature  in  family 
groups  and  no  commercialized  recreation  that 
makes  a family  appeal.  Our  foreign  born  citi- 
zenry can  scarcely  be  expected  to  feel  there  is 
great  value  in  American  family  life  as  viewed 
from  the  foreigner’s  point  of  vantage. 

In  order  to  promote  family  participation  in  an 
educational-recreational  program  in  a community 
made  up  of  foreign  born  parents  and  American 
born  children,  a special  program  was  planned 
comprising  the  folk  songs  and  folk  dances  of  the 
countries  represented  in  one  social  center’s  mem- 
mership.  The  group  leader  planned  this  program 
knowing  that  except  for  the  knowledge  of  the 
parents  themselves  there  were  no  records  of  some 
of  the  dances  and  songs. 

One  mother,  with  thick  ankles,  knotted  fingers, 
lumpy  figure  and  a shawl  on  her  head,  came  reg- 
ularly to ' the  center  to  teach  the  dance  of  her 
country,  fearing  that  her  American  born  children 
might  not  remember  the  intricacies  of  the  dance 
after  she  had  taught  them  at  home.  There  was 
deep  pathos  in  her  statement,  “My  children  not 
know  my  country,  they  America” — and  she  spoke 
truly.  She  also  taught  a group  of  children  a lul- 
laby she  had  heard  her  mother  sing  years  before. 
On  the  evening  of  the  program  she  changed  her 
shawl  for  a dust  cap  and  sat  in  the  front  row  on 
the  platform  which  had  been  reserved  for  parents ; 
with  sparkling  eyes  and  smiling,  parted  lips  she 
watched  the  dance  of  the  old  country  executed 
faultlessly  by  her  American  born  children.  Nor 
was  she  the  only  mother  who  had  this  experience. 

Another  group  in  this 
same  center  dressed  dolls 
in  the  folk  dress  costumes 
of  Poland,  Lithuania,  Rus- 
sia and  the  Ukraine,  and 
in  order  that  the  interest 
of  the  group  might  reach 
beyond  the  members  of  the 
group  themselves,  China, 
Japan,  and  other  countries 
were  included  in  the  study 
of  the  habits  and  customs 
of  foreign  countries. 

( Continued  on  page  322) 


As  the  community  center  season  approaches, 
recreation  workers  will  be  confronted  with  the 
problems  attendant  on  the  planning  and  con- 
ducting of  activities  for  the  foreign  born.  To 
do  this  successfully  there  must  be  a real  un- 
derstanding of  the  difficulties  and  unhappi- 
ness many  people  from  other  lands  are  fac- 
ing in  a new  country  into  which  their  children 
are  being  rapidly  assimilated  while  they  them- 
selves continue  to  cling  to  old  customs  and 
ideals.  Miss  Thomas  has  given  us  in  this 
article  a sympathetic  interpretation  of  the 
situation  which  should  help  materially.  With 
it  she  offers  some  practical  suggestions  based 
on  her  experience  in  a community  center. 


Making  Waste  Places  Blossom 


To  provide  a park  and  play- 
ground in  a selected  residen- 
tial district  after  the  district 
was  well  settled  was  the  task  a 
year  ago  of  Commissioner  P.  H. 

Goggin  of  the  Salt  Lake  City  Park  Department. 

The  only  available  property  was  a narrow  gully 
about  one-half  mile  long  through  the  center  of 
which  flowed  a stream  from  a neighboring  canyon. 
Approximately  seven  acres  of  sloping  hill  were 
in  the  original  plot  owned  by  the  city.  Before  a 
park  could  be  made  it  was  necessary  to  secure 
four  and  one-half  acres  of  privately  owned 
property  in  the  lower  part  of  the  ravine,  includ- 
ing the  only  open  flat  territory  in  the  neighbor- 
hood. Two  acres  of  this,  held  in  mortgage,  were 
exchanged  for  two  acres  owned  by  the  city  in 
another  section  of  the  town.  At  the  request  of 
numerous  women’s  clubs  and  the  Park  Depart- 
ment, Mrs.  Lee  Charles  Miller,  owner  of  the  re- 
maining two  and  one-half  acres,  donated  the 
property  for  a park  and  playground,  and  through 
her  generosity  the  Lee  Charles  Miller  Park  be- 
came an  actuality. 

Under  the  supervision  of  George  Wilson,  Super- 
intendent of  Parks,  and  with  WPA  funds,  work 
is  being  done  to  transform  dry,  waste  property 
into  a place  of  beauty,  with  adequate  facilities  to 
care  for  the  play  and  recreational  life  of  the  many 
children  and  adults  in  the 
neighborhood.  From  a land- 
scape point  of 


By  Jessie  Schofield 

Supervisor,  Girls  and  Women 
Recreation  Department 
Salt  Lake  City 


view,  the  park 
will  present  a 
delightful  vista. 
Sloping  hills  are 
being  planted 
with  lawn  and 
flowers,  10,000 
shrubs  and  trees. 
Six  foot  trails 
wind  with  intri- 
guing irregular- 
ity throughout 
the  length  and 
breadth  of  the 


Section  of  main  picnic  area  showing  three 
large  fireplaces  in  process  of  construction 


area.  A stream,  turbulent  only 
during  the  spring  freshets  but 
shallow,  sparkling  and  refresh- 
ing during  the  greater  part  of  the 
year,  meanders  through  the  cen- 
ter of  the  ravine.  Natural  rock  is  being  used  to 
wall  the  sides  of  the  stream  to  prevent  erosion. 

The  park  is  not  being  built  from  the  point  of 
view  of  beauty  alone.  Its  use  as  a playground  and 
recreation  center  is  of  primary  importance.  Five 
cement  tennis  courts,  six  horseshoe  courts  and  a 
small  children’s  baseball  field  fill  the  only  large 
open  space.  A large  picnic  area  has  been  hollowed 
out  of  the  lower  part  of  the  canyon.  Five  fire- 
places have  been  built  in  the  wall  surrounding  one 
side  of  the  area.  Four  of  these  are  cooking  fire- 
places. The  center  one  is  a large  open  fireplace 
which  will  transform  the  area  into  a council  ring 
for  scouts  or  club  groups. 

In  the  center  of  the  park,  an  amphitheater  with 
a double  stage  on  either  side  of  the  stream  is  be- 
ing constructed  which  will  provide  seating  facili- 
ties for  8,000  people.  Perfect  acoustics,  discovered 
when  men  working  in  the  center  of  the  ravine  and 
talking  in  normal  tones  could  be  distinctly  heard 
all  over  the  surrounding  hillside,  prompted  the 
building  of  the  theater,  which  will  fill  a decided 
need  in  Salt  Lake  City  for  outdoor  musicals,  dra- 
matic productions,  and  meetings  of  various  types. 

Natural  rock  is  being  used 
in  all  construction  work. 

A small  chil- 


dren’s play- 
ground  w i t h a 
wading  pool 
made  by  cement- 
ing and  widen- 
ing part  of  the 
bed  of  the  stream, 
play  houses, 
swings,  slides, 
and  a sand  box, 
is  situated  in  a 
sheltered  part  of 

( Continued  on 
page  323) 


307 


Fencing  and  Its  Place 

By  Anthony  A.  Scafati 

Fencing  Supervisor 
WPA  Recreation  Project 
Union  County,  N.  J. 


in  Recreation 


It  may  surprise  many  recreation 
leaders  to  learn  that  fencing  is 
becoming  a feature  of  the  recrea- 
tion program  in  some  communities. 
In  this  article  Mr.  Scafati  enumer- 
ates some  of  the  values  of  the 
sport  which  make  it  a desirable 
activity  for  municipal  recreation. 


One  oe  the  activities  least  known,  though 
undeservedly  so,  is  fencing.  For  many 
years  it  has  been  almost  entirely  legendary 
and  has  remained  in  obscurity  fostered  by  a faith- 
ful few.  The  sport  has  always  been  regarded  as 
definitely  continental,  hence  it  was  left  to  the  Euro- 
peans to  enjoy  and  develop.  But  today  in  this 
country  thousands  are  buying  the  necessary  out- 
fits and  going  at  it  enthusiastically.  This  re- 
nascence must  have  some  reason  back  of  it.  Why 
has  it  caught  the  imagination  of  the  public?  Why 
is  it  being  so  fervently  introduced  and  accepted 
by  many  of  our  secondary  schools  as  well  as  hun- 
dreds of  colleges? 

New  York  City  has  a regular  public  school 
league ; schedules  are  made  and  annual  interscho- 
lastic championship  tournaments  are  conducted. 
In  Newark,  New  Jersey,  four  high  schools  have 
teams.  With  this  interest  the  demand  for  facili- 
ties by  the  public  becomes  an  avenue  for  the  in- 
troduction of  a really  beneficial  activity  to  the 
community  centers.  Some  years  ago  fencing  was 
included  in  the  regular  program  by  the  Newark 
Board  of  Recreation.  Three  centers  were  devoted 
to  it  and  so  responsive  was  the  public  that  today 
more  than  ten  centers  have  regular  time  devoted 
for  lessons  and  practice. 

The  Experience  in  One  County 
During  the  past  year,  as  an  experiment,  Arthur 
E.  Boutot,  Union  County  Supervisor  of  the  WPA 
Recreation  Project,  gave  a prominent  place  to 
fencing  in  his  program.  The  results  were  beyond 
expectation,  and  so  well  was  it  received  that  it  was 
found  necessary  to  continue  most  of  the  classes 
throughout  the  summer.  Through  the  program 
more  than  seven  hundred  men  and  women  have 
received  an  introductory  knowledge  of  fencing. 
Many  of  these,  because  of  financial  circumstances, 
would  never  have  been  able  to  have  the  benefit  of 


private  instruction.  A number  of  the  fencers  be- 
came quite  expert  and  those  of  the  community 
centers  which  were  entered  in  a recent  mid-Jersey 
tournament — an  event  open  to  all  fencers  living 
in  central  and  south  Jersey — won  twelve  of  the 
possible  eighteen  medals.  This  achievement  re- 
sulted in  a great  increase  in  the  registration  of 
the  centers.  More  than  thirty  married  couples  de- 
voted at  least  one  night  a week  to  fencing,  at- 
tending classes  together. 

Perhaps  the  most  valuable  result  accomplished 
was  that  it  attracted  the  professional  community 
leaders,  many  of  them  active  members  of  strong 
business  men’s  clubs  who  harbored  the  idea  that 
the  community  recreation  centers  were  operated 
solely  for  children  and  youths.  In  the  course  of 
their  own  personal  participation  they  soon  realized 
their  mistake  and  consequently  came  to  regard  the 
centers  as  their  neighborhood  club.  These  people 
will  be  the  source  of  real  civic  support  in  the 
future  expansion  of  the  recreation  program,  and 
any  activity  which  is  able  to  attract  this  needed 
strength  is  well  worth  while,  whatever  the  in- 
vestment. 

Some  of  the  Values 

Many  lengthy  volumes  have  been  written  on 
the  theory  and  practice  of  fencing,  its  history  and 
important  exponents.  The  average  playground  or 
community  center  director  will  be  interested  in 
knowing  just  what  this  activity  would  mean  to  his 
program.  A project,  to  be  of  any  consequence, 
must  have  a semblance  of  universal  appeal.  Fenc- 
ing has  all  of  the  qualities  of  an  ideal  sport  and 
is  adaptable  to  people  of  any  physical  proportion. 
The  common  conception  that  the  man  who  fences 

(Continued  on  page  324) 


308 


Folk 

Dancing 

in 

Chicago 


(ITw  !] 

W 

1 w 

jSvf  yi 

J JB*  ' ' k • 

By  f] 

& 

■ / . s * fl 

KWamII 

X I 4 s* 

mjf 

'i  t j 

MO  j 

!U.  TOM 

toft-  ^^*:J 

WE  have  in  Chicago  approximately  twenty- 
five  folk  dance  groups,  authentically  cos- 
tumed, which  are  appearing  at  many  of  the 
outstanding  affairs  occurring  in  the  city.  The  great 
ovations  with  which  these  groups  are  greeted 
wherever  they  appear  clearly  demonstrates  that 
even  those  who  do  not  actively  participate  in  the 
dance  have  a keen  interest  in  it. 

The  Chicago  Park  District,  fully  realizing  the 
great  beauty  and  the  cultural  value  of  the  folk 
dance,  has  established  free  classes  in  folk  dancing 
at  the  various  parks  and  community  centers.  The 
city,  in  sponsoring  folk  dance  festivals,  uses  every 
means  to  encourage  the  revived  interest  in  folk 
dancing  among  the  different  nationalities.  And  to 
those  national  groups  which  maintain  their  own 
instructors  the  city  generously  opens  its  park 
facilities. 

The  most  outstanding  event  in  this  summer’s 
folk  dance  program  will  be  the  huge  festival 
scheduled  for  Labor  Day  at  Soldier’s  Field.  This 
is  to  be  something  of  the  nature  of  a formal  pre- 
sentation of  folk  dancing  to  the  general  public 
from  which  it  is  hoped  much  encouragement  for 
future  activity  will  be  received. 

The  festival  is  being  planned  on  a large  and 
elaborate  scale.  Use  is  to  be  made  of  mass  spec- 
tacles, parades  and  flag  and  lantern  drills  to  create 
a gala  atmosphere. 


By  Vytautas  F.  Beliajus 

Folk  Dance  Instructor 
Chicago  Park  District 


Differentiating  Characteristics 

There  is  no  doubt  that  the  festival  is  to  be  one 
of  the  most  colorful  events  in  Chicago’s  cultural 
history  and  one  filled  with  vast  educational  poten- 
tialities. For  the  first  time  there  will  be  portrayed 
for  the  public  the  characteristics  in  the  dance 
which  differentiate  one  nation  from  another.  We 
shall  be  able  to  note  the  differences  in  the  rhythmic 
tempo ; we  shall  see  how,  in  the  dances  of  one 
nation,  foot  action  predominates,  while  in  those 
of  another  nation  it  is  the  motion  of  the  hands 
which  make  the  dance ; in  some  we  shall  see 
peculiar  turns  or  certain  steps  which  the  other 
nations  have  not,  and  we  will  wonder  why.  But 
everything  has  its  reason,  and  we  shall  find  these 
reasons  contained  within  the  story  of  the  nations’ 
lives.  We  shall  be  able  to  see  in  the  dances  some- 
thing of  the  nations’  national  temperament,  some- 
thing of  their  national  history,  something  even  of 
the  topography  of  the  lands  from  which  these 
dances  come,  and  we  shall  see  how  the  very  clothes 
worn  by  a people  influences  their  dancing. 


309 


310 


FOLK  DANCING  IN  CHICAGO 


A folk  dance  "consciousness"  is  being  created 
in  Chicago  through  the  organization,  in  every 
part  of  the  city,  of  groups  whose  sole  purpose 
is  the  promotion  and  development  of  the 
art  of  folk  dancing.  Some  of  the  language 
groups  boast  not  only  one  but  several  folk 
dance  units.  The  fact  that  even  those  na- 
tionalities whose  communities  are  very  small 
are  forming  groups,  is  an  indication  of  an  in- 
terest so  vital  as  to  require  little  stimulation 
for  its  awakening.  Building  on  the  interest 
aroused  by  the  introduction  of  folk  dancing 
into  the  Chicago  World  Fair,  the  Chicago 
Park  District  is  organizing  a community-wide 
program  which  is  developing  rapidly. 


Let  us  take  the  Spanish  folk  dancer,  for  in- 
stance. The  skirt  part  of  the  Spanish  costume  is 
very  full.  It  is  because  of  this  fullness  of  the  skirt 
that  the  “ronde  de  jambe”  and  other  graceful  foot 
turns  predominate  in  the  “Jotas”  and  other  dances 
of  North  Spain  where  such  turns  give  to  the 
dancer  the  opportunity  to  display  the  rich  fullness 
of  the  flare  in  the  skirt.  In  the  south  of  Spain — 
about  Malaga  and  Granada  — the  countryside  is 
famous  for  its  vineyards.  It  is  to  these  vines  that 
we  can  probably  trace  the  graceful  and  snake-like 
hand  turns  which  we  find  in  the  dances  which  are 
native  to  these  parts,  for  these  hand  turns  may 
well  have  their  source  in  the  graceful  motions 
with  which  the  women  pluck  the  clusters  of  grapes 
from  the  vines.  In  these  hand  turns  of  the  dances 
of  Southern  Spain,  the  hand  is  extended  either 
forward  in  a turned  position  or  upward,  afterward 
being  brought  in  toward,  or  down  toward,  the 
body  of  the  dancer  — a perfect  picture  of  the 
motion  used  in  removing  grapes  from  the  vines. 
And  here  in  the  south  of  Spain  the  dances  have 
many  characteristics  of  the  Oriental,  an  influence 
remaining  from  the  reign  in  centuries  past  of  the 
Moors. 

In  the  Islands  of  Hawaii  where  weeds  grow  in 
profusion,  the  native  dancers  sway  their  bodies  in 
emulation  of  these  reeds  as  they  are  swayed  by 
the  winds.  It  would  require  much  space  in  which 
to  enumerate  the  reasons  which  lie  behind  every 
figure  in  the  dance,  for  every  figure  in  the  dance 
has  a reason  for  its  being;  they  are  far  from  hav- 
ing been  arrived  at  purely  through  chance. 

At  the  Labor  Day  festival  the  general  public 
will  be  given  the  rare  opportunity  to  study  and  to 
enjoy  these  fine  points  in  the  dance  which  will,  we 


hope,  give  much  impetus  to  the  future  develop- 
ment of  folk  dancing  in  the  United  States. 


In  preparing  for  the  festival  a letter  was  sent 
over  the  signatures  of  Miss  Dorothea  Nelson  of 
the  Chicago  Park  District  and  Mr.  Beliajus,  to 
the  various  nationality  groups  of  the  city,  stress- 
ing the  importance  of  preserving  the  folk  lore  of 
different  countries,  and  inviting  the  groups  to  send 
units  to  a large  mass  meeting  to  be  held  on  a 
specified  date.  The  groups  were  urged  to  come  in 
native  costume  and  to  bring  their  musicians.  “It 
will,”  stated  the  invitation,  “be  a public  exhibi- 
tion, but  for  the  invited  groups  only.” 

“During  the  meeting,”  the  invitation  continued, 
“we  will  have  the  opportunity  to  show  to  those 
present  the  dances,  the  way  they  are  danced,  and 
why  they  are  danced  that  way.  We  will  have  an 
opportunity  to  get  better  acquainted  with  all  the 
groups  and  to  enter  into  friendlier  relations.  Then, 
on  that  very  evening,  we  are  to  endeavor  to  form 
an  Association,  League,  or  whatever  we  may  call 
it,  with  the  main  purpose  in  mind  of  demonstrat- 
ing to  the  city  the  beauty  that  lies  in  the  various 
folk  dances,  to  bring  folk  dancing  to  the  standard 
where  it  belongs,  to  maintain  this  particular  in- 
herited art  in  its  traditional  form,  to  give  large 
scale  festivals  to  the  public  and  to  keep  friendly 
relations  among  all  national  groups  existing  in  our 
cosmopolitan  metropolis.” 

Thus  a park  department  is  seeking,  by  bringing 
together  groups  from  different  nationalities  but 
with  a common  interest  in  their  love  of  their  folk 
art,  to  promote  neighborliness  in  one  of  America’s 
great  cities. 


In  connection  with  its  folk  dance  program  the 
Chicago  Park  District  published  a monthly 
mimeographed  booklet  called  "Lore,"  which  is 
a clearing  house  for  folk  activities.  The  June 
issue  contains  an  editorial  on  the  exploitation 
of  folk  dance  groups,  the  description  of  an 
International  Night  at  Henry  Booth  House, 
a report  of  the  Lithuanian  art  exhibit  and  a 
radio  talk,  "Lithuanian  Folk  Dances,"  which 
was  broadcast.  The  steps  for  a Swedish  dance 
are  described,  as  are  a number  of  Swedish  cos- 
tumes. The  themes  and  plans  for  several  fes- 
tivals and  pageants  are  given  in  some  detail, 
including  plans  for  the  Sixth  Annual  American 
Song  Festival.  A folk  dance  calendar  announces 
the  time  and  place  of  meeting  for  each  group. 


A Municipal  Sketch  Club 


About  five  years  ago  the 
^ Recreation  Commission 
of  Long  Beach,  Califor- 
nia, organized  a Sketch  Club 
for  the  purpose  of  encour- 
aging a better  appreciation 
of  art  both  for  the  public  at 
large  and  the  individual. 

Since  its  organization  the 
club  has  been  under  the  lead- 
ership of  Mrs.  Josephine 
Hyde,  a local  artist,  who  for 
many  years  has  been  inter- 
ested in  the  promotion  of  art 
and  has  taught  in  the  schools  of  Los  Angeles 
and  Compton. 

Membership  and  Meetings 

The  club,  which  is  open  to  men  and  women, 
las  a membership  of  sixty-five  individuals  in- 
erested  in  art  as  a means  of  self-expression. 
There  are  no  membership  fees,  no  officers  or 
organization.  Each  member  provides  his  own 
materials.  The  director’s  salary  and  other  ex- 
penses incidental  to  the  arranging  of  exhibits 
are  met  by  the  Recreation  Commission. 

Meetings  are  held  weekly  on  Thursdays, 
occasionally  at  the  homes  of  the  members  or 
in  the  beautiful  gardens  of  some  of  the  mem- 
bers where  many  fine  still  life  subjects  are  to 
be  found.  In  some  instances  living  models 
pose  in  costume  as  subjects  for  the  more  ambi- 
tious artists. 

Art  Pilgrimages 

Frequent  trips  are  made  to  nearby  selected 
scenic  spots  where  the  natural  perspective  sug- 
gests interesting  subjects  for  sketching.  Box 
luncheons  and  covered  dishes  are  taken  to 
these  meetings,  making  them  delightful  social 
occasions.  Prominent  artists  are  sometimes 
invited  to  the  meetings,  which  are  held  in  suit- 
able outdoor  spots,  to  point  out  some  possibili- 
ties for  sketching.  Numerous  club  excursions 
are  planned  to  art  galleries  and  exhibits  of  in- 
terest, to  Fish  Harbor,  the  municipal  docks 


and  Laguna.  One  trip  was 
arranged  to  Balboa  where  a 
famous  artist  painted  a large 
boat  picture  before  the  class 
giving  instructions  to  mem- 
bers who  were  painting  the 
same  subject. 

The  director  of  the  club 
has  done  much  to  promote 
the  community’s  interest  in 
art  by  initiating  art  pilgrim- 
ages for  groups  in  the  Wo- 
men’s City  Club.  In  the 
spring  she  took  a party  of 
seventy-five  women  on  an  all  day  trip  to  Los 
Angeles  and  Glendale.  On  this  particular  trip 
the  members  viewed  the  eighteenth  century 
English  art  at  the  Exposition  Park  Museum,  the 
Hugh  Ballen  murals  in  Temple  B’nai  Brith,  and 
the  art  treasures  and  statuary  at  Forest  Lawn 
Memorial  where  they  also  saw  the  famous  win- 
dow depicting  the  Last  Supper. 

Values  of  the  Sketch  Club 

Few  activities  of  the  Long  Beach  Recreation 
Commission  have  a greater  cultural  value  to 
the  community  than  the  Sketch  Club.  Since 
its  organization  it  has  been  the  means  of  self- 
expression  to  many  people  who  have  been 
anxious  to  pursue  the  study  of  art  but  have 
lacked  the  opportunity  or  funds  to  do  so.  The 
mediums  used  are  pencil,  crayon,  pastel,  pen 
and  ink,  oil  and  water  colors.  Special  subjects 
such  as  block  printing  are  studied  from  time  to 
time.  The  various  types  of  work  done  make 
it  possible  for  everyone  to  find  an  interest  in 
the  club,  and  the  novice  is  as  welcome  as  the 
experienced  artist.  Unusual  talent  is  often  dis- 
covered and  some  members  have  followed  their 
club  work  with  courses  of  instruction  under 
prominent  artists.  Aside  from  the  primary  pur- 
pose of  art  study,  the  club  has  been  the  means 
of  establishing  some  very  fine  friendships 
among  people  of  kindred  tastes. 

The  values  for  the  individual  have  been 
marked.  One  woman  who  has  brought  up 
(Continued  on  page  326) 


By  Helen  Huston 

Supervisor,  Social  Recreation 
Long  Beach  Recreation  Commission 


"Art  is  a mighty  element  tor 
civic  progress.  Let  us  bring 
art  to  the  people  and  the  peo- 
ple to  art." — Otto  H.  Katin 


311 


Industrial  Recreation— 1936  Trends 


<*  |“verything  Stops  for  Tea,” 
or  an  enjoyable  arrange- 
ment of  any  other  equal- 
ly popular  dance  tune,  executed 
with  smoothness  not  unlike  that  heard  in  any 
metropolitan  supper  club,  fills  the  room.  The 
music  stops,  and  a pleasing  voice  announces  over 
the  public  address  system  that  “Bob  Jones”  of  De- 
partment 8B-Finishing,  and  Mrs.  “Jones”  have 
recently  “three-ed,”  and  that  it  would  be  nice  to 
send  flowers  to  “Chuck  Quinn’s”  (Main  Office) 
mother,  who  is  ill  at  the  City  Hospital. 

Can  this  be  radio  and  night  club  of  Broadway 
or  the  Loop?  To  the  contrary,  it  is  the  daily 
luncheon  music  in  the  cafeteria  of  a large  indus- 
try in  Cleveland,  Ohio,  adding  as  a special  feature 
today  the  weekly  news  broadcast  of  company 
high-lights.  Five  half-hour  lunch  periods  each 
working  day,  this  employee  orchestra  and  the  em- 
ployee-batoneer,  who  also  pinch  hits  as  the  an- 
nouncer on  the  weekly  news-casts,  are  relieved  of 
their  duties  without  reduction  of  pay,  to  play  and 
bring  entertainment  to  their  fellow  employees. 

This  is  a pleasant  sampling  of  a 1936  trend  of 
industrial  recreation. 

In  the  Early  Days 

Back  in  the  post-World  War  days  of  the  early 
’20s,  industry  as  a whole  became  “personnel”  and 
“efficiency”  conscious.  Perhaps  it  was  the  result 
of  the  army  training  of  some  executives,  or  it 
may  have  been  just  the  realization  of  the  fact  that 
in  many  cases  much  energy  was  being  wasted  by 
the  lack  of  constructive  personnel  organization. 

Personnel  managers,  in  the  course  of  their  re- 
organization of  industry,  thinking  on  psychologi- 
cal levels,  came  to  the  conclusion  that  there  should 
be  some  plan  of  bringing  about  a better  feeling 
between  employee  and  employer.  This,  they 
thought,  would  be  accomplished  if  the  company 
would  organize  a program  of  pleasant  leisure- 
time activities  for  the  employees  and  their  fam- 
ilies. But  here  the  psychological  thought  ceased 
in  many  instances,  for  it  developed  that  though 
these  recreation  activities  were  conceived  and 
planned  by  the  officials  of  industry,  money  needed 

312 


to  carry  on  the  organizations 
was  taken  from  the  employees’ 
pay  envelopes. 

Organized  labor  is  in  favor 
of  recreation  in  industry,  and  to  the  extent  of  ap- 
proximately 35%  of  its  present  members  with 
recreational  opportunities,  is  taking  part  in  it. 
But,  organized  labor  is  not,  and  has  not  been,  in 
favor  of  having  money  taken  unsolicited  from 
pay  envelopes  to  finance  activities,  in  the  organi- 
zation and  development  of  which  they  have  no 
representation.  Hence  in  the  pioneering  days  of 
the  movement  there  occurred  some  labor  unrest 
and  a barrier  in  the  path  of  rapid  recreational 
advancement. 

Methods  Change 

The  industrial  executives  of  1936,  however, 
have  profited  by  the  costly  mistakes  of  the  past 
fifteen  years,  and  today  it  is  difficult  to  find  an 
industrial  recreational  organization  of  any  conse- 
quence that  is  not  being  operated  under  the  joint 
sponsorship  of  company  officials  and  employee 
committees,  or  by  employee  representatives  alone. 
Many  industries  have  employed  trained  and  ex- 
perienced men  and  women  as  full-time  recreation 
directors  to  coordinate  the  leisure-activity  pro- 
gram and  to  work  with  employee  committees.  The 
finances  are  still  necessary  to  carry  on  a compre- 
hensive program,  but  the  employees  may  pay  dues 
or  fees,  or  give  contributions  toward  the  maim 
tenance,  only  if  they  desire  to  participate  or  to 
help  the  organization. 

The  company  budget-employee  dues  combina- 
tion plan  for  financing  recreation  in  industry  is 
the  most  popular  one  used  today.  Others  in  les- 
ser use  are  profits  from  company-employee  cafe- 
terias and  stores,  vending  machines,  and  receipts 
from  the  sale  of  activities  tickets.  The  dues  vary 
from  $1.00  a year  to  $6.00  a year,  including  club 
fees  where  there  are  club  houses,  and  range  as 
high  as  $20.00  a year  where  golf  privileges  are 
included.  As  an  additional  source  of  revenue, 
memberships  in  some  industrial  clubs  are  sold  to 
non-employees,  and  include  golf  privileges.  Wives, 
husbands,  and  families  of  employees  are  permit- 


By  Willis  H.  Edmund 

Director  of  Recreation 
Akron,  Ohio 


INDUSTRIAL  RECREATION  — 1936  TRENDS 


313 


ted  to  become  associate  members  of  the  clubs  by 
paying  special  fees.  The  old  slogan  of  executives 
in  the  early  ’20s,  “They  will  play  because  they 
must  pay,”  in  the  1936  version  reads,  “We  will 
make  our  recreation  program  so  attractive  that 
the  employees  will  want  to  cooperate  and  par- 
ticipate.” 

Many  Activities  Sponsored 

A recent  study  shows  that  in  one  hundred 
and  fifty-three  industries  in  thirty  states  of  the 
United  States,  forty-five  different  and  distinct 
activities  are  being  sponsored  for  men  employees, 
and  that  twenty-seven  activities  are  being  spon- 
sored for  women  employees.  It  has  been  a popu- 
lar conception  of  many,  and  still  is  of  some,  that 
recreational  activities  mean  only  athletic  activities, 
but  the  dictionary  states  that  recreation  is  the  re- 
freshment of  body  or  mind  after  toil,  and  does 
not  indicate  that  this  may  be  done  only  through 
athletics. 

Personnel  managers,  recreation  directors,  and 
employee  representatives  are  utilizing  the  broad 
meaning  of  the  word  “recreation”  in  organizing 
their  leisure-activity  programs,  including  with 
every  possible  type  of  athletics  such  activities  as 
dramatics,  musical  organizations,  pageantry,  li- 
brary browsing,  hobby  shows,  etc.  Programs  are 
being  organized  on  all  age  levels,  to  include  the 
families  of  employees,  if  they  desire  to  participate. 

A large  percentage  of  industrial  officials  believe 
that  organized  industrial  recrea- 
tion tends  to  decrease  the  possi- 
bilities of  serious  inside  labor  un- 
rest, but  very  few  have  data  or 
statistics  to  substantiate  their 
opinions.  In  one  state,  however, 
including  part  of  the  largest  steel 
manufacturing  area  in  the  Ohio 
River  Valley,  the  director  of  in- 
dustrial relations  in  a company 
has  kept  record  month  by  month 
for  two  years  of  the  complaints 
made  to  the  officials  by  the  em- 
ployees through  their  represen- 
tation plan.  These  records  show 
conclusively  that  during  the  per- 
iod of  the  year  when  the  recrea- 
tional activities  are  the  most 
highly  organized  on  all  age  levels, 
the  number  of  employee  com- 
plaints is  the  lowest. 


Effect  of  the  Depression 

The  depression,  strange  as  it  may  seem,  had 
very  little  effect  upon  industrial  recreation  as  a 
whole  throughout  this  country.  It  is  true  that 
expenses  were  greatly  curtailed  in  many  instances, 
some  activities  were  dropped,  and  in  a very  few 
industries  the  entire  program  was  discontinued. 
However,  to  balance  this  curtailment  and  disor- 
ganization, many  other  companies,  realizing  that 
the  lessening  of  working  hours  and  the  cutting  of 
wages  was  leaving  their  employees  with  more  lei- 
sure and  less  means  with  which  to  spend  their 
leisure  constructively,  made  possible  an  increase 
in  recreation  activities  and  facilities.  But  the 
greatest  number  of  industries  experienced  little 
change  in  the  scope  of  their  programs.  Some  poli- 
cies were  altered  to  accommodate  a lack  of  sur- 
plus money  on  the  part  of  employee  and  employer, 
and  substituted  activities  that  could  be  financed 
with  less  budget.  1936  reports  from  officials  of 
industries  who  dropped  their  programs  during  the 
depression  state  that  reorganization  is  under  way 
in  many  instances,  and  that  it  is  being  enthusiasti- 
cally received  by  the  employees. 

Cooperation  Essential 

The  relationship  between  industrial  recreation 
and  municipal  recreation  should  be  a most  cordial 
one  because  they  should  have  the  same  funda- 
mental objectives.  Small  industries  often  rely 


Courtesy  Eiectric  Storage  Battery  Company,  Philadelphia 


314 


INDUSTRIAL  RECREATION  — 19 3 6 TRENDS 


A gateman  of  the  Sheet  Mill,  Weir- 
ton  Steel  Company,  who  takes  tre- 
mendous pride  in  his  home  surround- 
ings, has  made  the  beautification 
of  his  back  lawn  his  special  hobby. 


now,  completing  the  inevitable  cycle, 
there  are  the  officials  of  some  indus- 
tries who  see  no  benefit  in  employee 
recreation  because  it  has  no  adver- 
tising value  to  the  company,  and 
others  who  respond  to  the  query, 
“Why  don't  you  have  employee  lei- 
sure-time activities?”  with  the  an- 
swer, “Why  should  we?” 


upon  community  recreation  to  give  to  their  em- 
ployees opportunities  that  the  companies  cannot 
organize  themselves.  Large  industries  located  in 
small  communities  supply  facilities  and  activities 
for  the  entire  community,  thus  realizing  not  only 
the  benefit  of  better  morale  among  the  employee 
group,  but  the  friendship  and  cooperation  of  the 
employees’  families  and  friends. 

In  the  cities  which  are  industrial  centers,  of- 
ficials of  municipal  and  industrial  bodies  should 
cooperate  because  of  the  services  they  can  do  for 
each  other.  Plans  carefully  worked  out  together 
may  mean  the  evasion  of  a needless  and  wasteful 
overlapping  in  activities  in  one  area  of  the  city, 
while  another  area  must  be  without  recreational 
opportunities.  Facilities  also  may  be  loaned  and 
traded  between  the  two  departments  at  times 
when  a change  in  location  of  activity  might  mean 
its  success  or  failure. 

Some  industries,  feeling  that  the  success  of  an 
organized  program  lies  in  the  interest  of  the  em- 
ployees in  such  activities,  have  hesitated  even  to 
suggest  the  idea  because  of  the  apparent  lack  of 
interest  in  the  employee  group.  Profiting  by  the 
sad  experiences  of  some  industries  who  in  the  past 
attempted  to  force  recreation  on  the  employees, 
with  resulting  labor  unrest  and  dissatisfaction, 
these  industries,  though  officially  they  feel  kindly 
toward  a leisure-time  program,  have  adopted  a 
hands-off  policy,  preferring  to  wait  for  a spon- 
taneous request  for  it  from  their  workers. 

Mention  has  been  made  of  successful  industrial 
recreation  organizations,  of  interested  companies 
waiting  for  the  opportune  time  to  organize,  and 


At  one  of  the  section  meetings  on  the  subject 
of  recreation  in  industrial  plants  held  at  the 
Twenty-first  National  Recreation  Congress  at 
Chicago  in  October  1935,  Guy  L.  Shipps,  of  the 
Dow  Chemical  Company,  Midland,  Michigan,  pre- 
sented some  of  the  information  secured  from  cor- 
respondence with  a limited  number  of  industrial 
plants  in  Michigan  which  promote  recreation. 

In  response  to  the  question  “What  has  been 
the  effect  of  the  depression  upon  recreation  pro- 
grams in  industrial  plants?”  the  majority  of  in- 
dustries reported  no  adverse  effects  or  an  intensi- 
fying of  the  program.  One  large  industry  wrote — 
“Insofar  as  our  plant  is  concerned  — we  have 
about  4,000  employees — we  did  not  allow  the  de- 
pression to  have  any  effect  on  our  program.  If 
anything,  we  lived  a little  closer  to  the  recreational 
program  and  slightly  intensified  it  during  the  de- 
pression period.” 

Almost  all  of  the  replies  to  the  question  “What 
types  of  recreation  have  proved  most  successful  ?”  I 
indicated  physical  recreation  as  the  most  highly  I 
developed  type  in  industries.  Social  recreation,  I 
according  to  the  reports,  is  second  in  importance.  I 
But  the  program  in  the  plants  communicated  with  I 
is  quite  limited,  and  in  most  cases  consists  of  a few  I 
dances  given  during  the  year,  or  general  social  I 
mixers.  Dances  and  attendance  at  games  are  prac-  I 
tically  the  only  activities  entered  into  by  members  I 
of  the  families  of  workers,  except  for  picnics  in  I 
the  summer  time.  An  outstanding  exception  is  I 
the  Industrial  Mutual  Association  at  Flint,  with 
its  summer  cottages. 


What  Are  the  Possibilities 

of 

Coeducational  Physical  Education 


By 

Winifred  Van  Hagen 

State  Department  of  Education 
California 


in 

Secondary  Schools? 


Training  in  the  social  usages  that  help  to  oil 
the  wheels  of  daily  living  should  begin  in  the 
earlier  years  of  life.  Taught  and  practiced 
then  they  become  as  fundamentally  a part  of  the 
individual’s  personality  as  the  other  mechanical 
habits  of  living,  such  as  walking,  talking,  and 
sleeping.  Automatically  the  little  courtesies  will 
occur  that  leave  the  recipient  with  a feeling  of  re- 
freshment and  uplift — the  ego  is  satisfied.  Much 
unhappiness  and  emotional  disturbance  for  adults 
are  due  to  the  fact  that  they  do  not  know  what  is 
socially  the  correct  thing  to  do  in  a given  situation 
when  humans  work  or  play  together. 

The  habit  of  consideration  for  others  cannot  be 
started  too  early.  It  should  be  well  established 
before  children  start  to  school,  so  fundamentally 
in  the  beginning  it  is  a home  responsibility.  The 
fact  remains,  however,  that  many  adults  who  have 
been  educated  in  our  public  schools  did  not  receive 
from  their  parents  or  teachers  such  specific  train- 
ing, and  as  a result  have  no  background  with 
which  to  meet  the  situation 
in  an  adequate  way  when  try- 
ing to  help  their  own  children. 

Probably  in  no  phase  of 
the  school  life  is  there  greater 
opportunity  to  practice  the 
amenities  that  make  life  the 
happier  for  their  observation 
than  during  the  physical  edu- 
cation periods,  provided  the 
boys  and  girls  are  permitted 
to  work  together. 

Custom  to  date  has  sent 
the  boys  to  one  area  of  the 


school  for  their  physical  education,  the  girls  to 
another.  Not  even  during  inclement  weather  has 
any  vision  been  shown  in  arranging  for  them  to 
use  together  the  gymnasium  or  auditorium 
facilities. 

In  the  elementary  grades,  high  school  and  col- 
lege, teachers  should  select  and  organize  an  ac- 
tivity program  in  which  boys  and  girls  play  to- 
gether frequently.  In  the  lower  grades  this  cus- 
tom should  be  a daily  occurrence,  and  in  the  upper 
grades  should  be  scheduled  not  less  frequently 
than  once  a week,  preferably  more  often. 

What  Some  Schools  Are  Doing 

A growing  number  of  schools,  high  and  ele- 
mentary, are  scheduling  facilities,  faculties,  and 
physical  education  periods  so  that  boys  and  girls 
together  now  have  frequently  repeated  experi- 
ences in  studying  leisure-time  activities  and  the 
social  customs  that  are  part  of  them. 

During  1930-31  the  Abraham  Lincoln  High 
School  of  Los  Angeles,  at  the 
suggestion  of  the  principal, 
Dr.  Ethel  Percy  Andrus, 
“undertook  an  experiment  of 
their  combined  physical  edu- 
cation departments  in  which 
the  normal  social  situation  of 
boy  and  girl  together  would 
be  maintained  and  the  con- 
tent would  be  avocational  in 
nature.”  Archery,  golf,  ten- 
nis, and  social  dancing  were 
offered.  Boys  and  girls  were 
permitted  to  elect  and  study, 


The  subject  of  so-called  "co-recreational" 
activities,  so  long  neglected  in  our  rec- 
reational and  physical  education  pro- 
grams, is  at  last  receiving  attention.  We 
quote  here  from  an  interesting  article 
which  appeared  in  the  September  1935 
issue  of  The  Journal  of  Health  and 
Physical  Education.  This  article  deals 
with  the  problem  in  secondary  schools. 
Definite  activities  for  older  boys  and 
girls  and  for  young  men  and  women  are 
to  be  found  in  "Partners  in  Play"  pub- 
lished by  the  National  Recreation  As- 
sociation. $.75. 


315 


316 


POSSIBILITIES  OF  COEDUCATIONAL  PHYSICAL  EDUCATION 


during  two  of  the  five  weekly  periods  in  physical 
education,  one  of  the  above  activities,  each  of 
which  has  an  appeal  for  use  in  adult  living. 

The  most  popular  classes  were  those  in  social 
dancing — open  to  all  pupils  but  required  of  none. 
Early  outcomes  were:  improved  personal  appear- 
ance for  the  students  and  social  ease,  both  boys 
and  girls  overcoming  their  extreme  bashfulness. 

Campbell  Union  High  School,  by  a different 
method,  met  the  problem  of  providing  training  for 
its  students  in  social  skills  and  courtesies,  needed 
where  persons  gather  together  for  dancing.  Prin- 
cipal D.  H.  Cramer  and  members  of  the  Board  of 
Education,  knowing  that  the  young  people  of  the 
school  were  acquiring  standards  and  ideals  from 
attendance  at  road  houses  and  dance  halls,  sent  a 
notice  home  that  by  their  authority  a certified 
teacher  in  social  dancing  would  conduct  a social 
dancing  class  on  Friday  afternoon  for  an  hour; 
the  school  day  would  close  fifteen  minutes  earlier 
and  the  school  busses  would  be  held.  Practically 
all  parents  permitted  their  children  to  have  the  in- 
struction, and  as  a result  the  school  parties  which 
followed  were  very  successful.  It  is  hoped  that 
this  will  be  an  annual  custom. 

University  High  of  Oakland  has  made  Friday 
elective  day.  Three  choices  are  possible : archery, 
social  dancing,  and  games.  For  archery  the  school 
has  twenty  bows,  two  students  being  assigned  to 
a bow.  This  fall  they  will  have  additional  bows 
suitable  to  the  strength  of  the  boys.  Social  danc- 
ing is  given  each  period  of  the  day.  As  many 
girls  are  assigned  to  each  class  as  there  are  boys 
signed  up  for  the  instruction.  Some  classes  have 
as  many  as  sixty  boys,  others  as  few  as  nine. 

Claremont  Junior  High,  Oakland,  is  doing  some 
intensely  interesting  work  with  coeducational 
classes  in  social  dancing.  Those  who  took  part  in 
the  social  dancing  instruction  given  at  the  insti- 
tute session  in  Oakland  last  fall,  by  four  boys  and 
four  girls  from  this  school,  will  not  forget  the 
ease,  poise,  and  dignity  with  which  they  demon- 
strated, taught,  and  corrected  approximately  125 
grown-ups. 

A List  of  Activities 

Boys  and  girls  who  are  temporarily  or  perma- 
nently handicapped  very  especially  need  the  thrill 
of  acquiring  and  perfecting  skill  in  games  suited 
to  their  particular  limitations. 

It  is  entirely  possible  to  arrange  boy  and  girl 
groups  for  these  students  so  that  they  may  study 
and  enjoy  different  activities  together.  A partial 


list  of  the  activities  they  might  do  together  are : 
(1)  Games  that  may  be  played  on  a table  or  on 
which  small  objects  are  thrown  toward  a game 
board  or  diagram  while  the  students  are  seated, 
such  as  Airway  games,  Babe  Ruth  baseball  game, 
bean  bag  bowling,  bull  in  the  china  shop,  canball, 
conette,  crokay  (table),  do-do  ball,  hang-it  game, 
indoor  tetherball,  jolly  tumblers,  kank,  poosh-m- 
up,  ring-o-lett,  ring  the  chair  leg,  smiling  faces, 
spin  the  ring,  table  baseball,  whirr;  (2)  Games 
with  darts  such  as  bolo-nette,  darts,  dart  baseball, 
dart-mor  game,  hearts  and  darts,  poppin  ball, 
riflery,  smithy  target  game;  (3)  Games  played 
with  equipment  or  with  a diagram  drawn  on  the 
floor  such  as  bean  bag  bowling,  bean  bag  toss, 
boccie-indoors,  boloball,  bridgeball,  bullboard,  cro- 
quet, ding  dong  bell,  duck  pin  bowling,  floor  base- 
ball, lucky  strike  bowling  games,  golf  putting  in- 
doors using  Wilson’s  putting  discs ; (4)  More  vig- 
orous games  that  this  group  may  enjoy  together 
are  archery,  battledore  and  shuttlecock,  bonarro, 
bowling  on  the  green,  clock  golf,  codeball  on  the 
green,  deck  shuffleboard,  deck  tennis,  diabolo, 
disco,  fly  casting,  lawn  bowls,  paddle  tennis,  pig- 
in-the-hole,  ping  pong,  quoits,  rhythms  of  various 
kinds  — folk,  social,  and  square  and  longway 
dances ; sail-o-rett,  six-hole  basketball,  tetherball, 
volley  ball  doubles. 

For  the  boys  and  girls  who  may  enjoy  vigorous 
play,  the  following  are  suggestive  of  the  activities 
that  they  may  enjoy  together : archery,  badmin- 
ton, basket  end  ball,  batball,  le  boccie  (outdoors), 
bombardment,  boundball,  bowling,  captainball, 
captain  basketball,  codeball  on  the  green,  crossball, 
curling,  dancing — social,  tap,  quadrilles,  double 
cornerball,  driving  in  golf,  duck  on  the  rock, 
duello,  endball,  field  dodgeball,  four-court  dodge- 
ball,  handball,  hand  tennis,  hit-pin  baseball,  kick- 
ball,  longball,  netball,  nine-court  basketball,  pad- 
dle handball,  paddle  tennis,  ping  pong,  progres- 
sive dodgeball,  relays,  roller-skating,  sail-o-rett, 
simple  mass  games,  hunting,  snow  games,  soccer 
baseball,  stunt,  swimming,  tennis,  tetherball,  tri- 
angleball,  two  old  cats,  volley  ball,  volley  ball 
doubles,  work-up. 

It  goes  without  saying  that  games  mentioned  in 
the  previous  lists  are  useful  for  this  vigorous 
group  but  not  of  necessity  during  their  physical 
education  periods.  Many  of  the  games  should  be 
useful  during  the  noon  hour  and  for  intramural 
play  when  too  strenuous  activities  are  not  desir- 
able. They  will  be  useful,  too,  for  other  recrea- 
(Continucd  on  page  326) 


World  at  Play 


Lost  — One 
Park  ! 


“ THE  June  issue  of 
City  Planning  pub- 
lished by  the  Buffalo, 
New  York,  City  Plan- 
ning Association  laments  the  fact  that  Bird  Island 
Park,  a 25  acre  park  representing  an  investment 
of  over  $2,000,000,  has  been  taken  over  as  a sewer 
disposal  site.  The  park  was  ready  to  be  surfaced 
and  seeded,  and  with  the  addition  of  shrubs  and 
trees  in  a few  years  would  have  been  a very  at- 
tractive beauty  spot.  All  of  the  drainage  and  water 
required  for  active  recreation  areas  had  been  pro- 
vided including  a complete  layout  of  tennis  courts 
and  baseball  diamonds  and  a small  children’s  play 
area.  “Had  the  master  plan  been  adopted  by  the 
city,”  states  City  Planning,  “it  is  very  questionable 
whether  this  transfer  of  city  property  would  have 
been  made  almost  without  debate  on  the  part  of 
the  citizens  of  Buffalo.” 


A Soap  Box 
Derby 


IN  connection  with 
the  Third  Annual  All- 
American  Soap  Box 
Derby,  the  Chevrolet 
Motor  Company  of  Detroit,  sponsors  of  the  event, 
has  issued  the  1936  Official  Rule  Book,  which  con- 
tains rules  and  regulations  for  the  derby  and  also 
detailed  instructions  and  diagrams  for  making 
four  types  of  racing  cars.  These  designs  have 
been  prepared  by  Edwin  T.  Hamilton,  author  of 
a number  of  books  on  handcraft. 


Negro  Group 
Singing 


THERE  is  no  sing- 
ing more  real  or  more 
generally  interesting 
to  people  than  that  of 
Negro  groups.  The  possibilities  in  this  field  are 
much  greater  than  we  have  commenced  to  realize 
not  only  with  respect  to  the  music  itself,  but  also 
to  its  human  and  social  values  to  the  singers  and 
to  those  who  would  listen  to  them.  It  is  very 
gratifying  therefore  to  learn  that  in  one  city  at 
least,  in  Lexington,  Kentucky,  there  is  a Negro 
Choral  Alliance  which  recently  had  its  first  festi- 
val of  choral  music.  This  festival  included  the 
Silvertone  Choral  Society,  a group  of  women’s 


voices,  the  Lexington  Jubilee  Singers,  a group  of 
men  who  make  a specialty  of  Negro  spirituals, 
and  the  Dett  A Cappella  Society  which  is  an 
unusually  fine  community  chorus  of  1 1 5 men  and 
women  gathered  from  the  choirs  of  about  a dozen 
churches  and  rehearsing  every  other  week  some  of 
the  best  choral  music  in  the  world.  The  leader  of 
these  groups,  Mr.  R.  Hayes  Strider,  formerly  of 
Fisk  University,  intends  also  to  organize  a com- 
munity orchestra  which  besides  giving  concerts  of 
its  own  will  take  part  with  the  chorus  in  light 
operas,  Christmas  and  Easter  programs  and 
another  choral  festival. 


P _ The  American  Girl, 

The  Interests  of  Teen  . . , 

. . the  monthly  magazine 

ge  U S of  the  Girl  Scouts,  in 

its  issue  of  July  1935, 
published  a full  page  questionnaire  asking  about 
the  activities,  interests,  hobbies  and  household 
duties  of  girls  from  ten  to  eighteen  years  of  age. 
The  results  of  this  study  based  on  a tabulation  of 
1,000  out  of  2,911  responses,  has  been  published. 
Arts  and  crafts  ranked  high  in  the  list  of  activi- 
ties in  which  girls  participate  and  also  in  the  list 
of  activities  in  which  they  are  especially  inter- 
ested. For  692  girls  music  ranked  first  in  the  list 
of  participation  activities,  while  496  reported  a 
special  interest  in  music.  Pageants  and  plays 
ranked  fifth  in  the  participation  table,  fourth  in 
the  special  interests  list.  Reading  was  the  hobby 
mentioned  most  often. 


A Craft 
Center 


JUNE  26-27  saw  ^e 
opening  at  Howell, 

Michigan,  of  the  Cro- 

maine  Crafts  in  the 
boyhood  home  of  Francis  J.  and  Edmund  C. 
Shields,  donated  by  the  Shields  brothers  in 
memory  of  their  parents  to  Cromaine  Crafts  of 
Hartland,  a Hartland  area  project,  which  will 
hereafter  be  used  as  a crafts  center  and  gift  shop 
by  the  citizens  of  Howell  and  Livingston  County. 
In  addition  to  addresses  and  social  events,  the 
opening  ceremonies  included  music,  a demonstra- 
tion of  craft  activities,  a ci'aft  exhibit,  a craft 


317 


318 


WORLD  AT  PLAY 


play — “The  Three  Weavers” — and  folk  dances. 
The  Hartland  area  project  is  an  effort  to  lay  out 
a district  in  a typical  rural  country  with  a village 
center  containing  a school  population  of  about 
1,000  children  and  a total  population  of  about 
4,000,  and  to  bring  to  bear  on  this  group  all  the 
creative  and  constructive  social  and  educational 
influences  to  make  possible  a richer  and  more 
abundant  individual  and  community  life. 

A Gift  to  Spokane  — Mrs.  E.  A.  Shadle,  of 
Spokane,  Washington,  has  presented  the  city  with 
a memorial  area  and  center.  It  will  contain  a 
plunge  and  a bath  house,  a field  house,  children’s 
playgrounds  and  major  sports  buildings  and  fa- 
cilities for  adult  recreation. 

A Course  in  Folk  Dancing  — Beginning 
October  4th  the  Folk  Festival  Council  will  present 
a course  embracing  the  songs  and  dances  of 
twenty-eight  peoples.  There  will  be  four  sections 
of  eight  sessions  each.  The  teaching  member 
groups  of  the  Folk  Festival  Council  are  authentic 
folk  groups,  who  will  demonstrate  and  teach  the 
songs  and  dances  and  their  nationalities  in  regional 
costume.  Wherever  possible  native  musical  in- 
struments will  be  used.  Further  information  may 
be  secured  from  the  Folk  Festival  Council.  222 
Fourth  Avenue,  New  York  City. 

Playground  Music  in  Ann  Arbor  — Instru- 
mental music  classes  were  offered  last  summer  as 
a part  of  the  program  of  the  Ann  Arbor,  Michi- 
gan, Department  of  Recreation.  There  were 
classes  in  piano,  harmonica  and  flageolet  playing 
and  an  all-city  junior  band  and  orchestra  were 
organized.  The  project  was  made  possible  through 
the  cooperation  of  the  Public  School  Music  De- 
partment of  the  University  School  of  Music.  No 
charge  was  made  for  instruction. 

Recreation  Center  Prize-Winning 
Design 

( Continued  from  page  293) 

building  will  encourage  local  expression  in  drama, 
music,  dance  and  graphic  arts,  as  well  as  prove 
an  attractive  and  inexpensive  meeting  place  for 
the  town  at  large. 

The  architect  and  other  artists  have  consented 
to  reside  in  the  town  for  a year  and  have  agreed 
that  $6,000  shall  be  adequate  compensation  to  each 
for  their  services  during  that  time.  Office  space 
and  incidental  expenses  will  be  provided  by  the 


city,  and  adequate  assistance  will  be  furnished 
through  its  work  relief  bureau. 

It  has  been  decided  to  erect  a community  rec- 
reation center  for  this  town  with  sufficient  stage 
facilities  for  normal  local  productions,  orchestra, 
some  allowance  for  exhibition  space,  and  facilities 
for  serving  ice  cream,  pastry  and  such  wines,  beer 
or  liquors  as  might  be  approved  by  the  community. 

The  site  chosen  is  a plot  of  ground  300  by  200 
feet  one  block  removed  from  the  main  street,  and 
faced  on  four  sides  by  a miscellaneous  collection 
of  small  retail  shops  of  the  second  class  and  rather 
run-down  residences.  It  is  the  hope  of  the  client 
that  this  surrounding  property  will  be  so  increased 
in  value  by  the  erection  of  the  community  recre- 
ation center  that  its  owners  will  retain  the  design- 
ers for  remodeling  at  or  before  the  conclusion  of 
their  year  of  service. 


In  the  note  of  warning  to  cooperating  students 
it  was  said : “Ideally  the  four  arts  should  be 
thought  of  and  used  as  basic  units  with  which  a 
unified  design  is  to  be  developed  and  perfected. 
The  choice  of  interesting  subject  matter  or  indi- 
vidual brilliance  can  in  no  way  be  considered  to 
offset  these  primary  relations.” 

The  design  of  the  winning  team  is  here  repro- 
duced. Natchez,  Mississippi,  was  chosen  as  the 
site,  and  the  buildings  were  done  in  Mississippi 
Georgian  style,  with  large  open  courts.  A mural 
for  the  entrance  to  the  foyer  of  the  theater  de- 
picts in  the  modern  mode  life  on  the  Mississippi, 
and  several  open  air  cafes  are  included. 

The  Jury  of  Award  was  composed  as  follows : 
Architects  — Edgar  I.  Williams  and  William 
Adams  Delano 

Landscape  architect — Michael  Rapuano 
Painters — Francis  Scott  Bradford  (chairman 
of  the  committee)  and  Barry  Faulkner 

Sculptors  — Sidney  B.  Waugh  and  Joseph 
Kiselewski 

The  drawings  were  exhibited  from  January 
27th  through  February  1st  at  the  Architectural 
League  in  New  York  City  and  were  then  sent  on 
a tour  to  the  many  schools  participating  in  the 
competition,  later  to  be  returned  to  the  owners. 

A Factory  Building  Serves  a 
Community’s  Recreational  Needs 

(Continued  from  page  294) 

stage  trailer  may  be  lowered  to  serve  as  a plat- 
form for  the  band  or  orchestra  which  will  ac- 
company the  play. 


IT  BEATS  THE  MOVIES! 


3 19 


When  the  sewing  project  was  established  the 
women  employed  experienced  difficulty  in  caring 
for  their  children  while  they  were  working.  The 
result  was  the  establishment  of  nursery  schools, 
one  located  at  the  Community  Center,  one  in  an- 
other district,  and  a third  for  Negro  children  at 
the  Negro  Community  Center. 

The  building  also  houses  the  classrooms  of  the 
Emergency  Education  Division.  Conversational 
English,  business  arithmetic,  home  economics  and 
home  nursing,  first  aid,  child  nutrition,  hygiene, 
workers’  education,  art  and  sculpture  are  included 
in  the  curriculum. 

Using  Salvaged  Materials 

When  the  Community  Center  building  was  ob- 
tained, rent  and  tax  free,  the  sewing  project  had 
not  yet  been  approved,  and  labor  costs  could  not 
be  charged  to  it.  Fifty  men  from  the  transient 
bureau  were  obtained  to  prepare  the  sewing  rooms. 
Materials  needed  for  repairs  were  secured  from 
salvage  from  the  old  FERA  offices,  and  the  local 
township  trustees  provided  funds  to  obtain  the 
items  it  was  necessary  to  purchase.  The  building 
was  painted  with  paint  manufactured  without  cost 
from  the  used  carbide  obtained  from  a local  manu- 
facturing plant.  Old  shipping  crates  in  which  the 
sewing  machines  were  shipped  were  converted 
into  music  stands  for  the  band.  Steel  fire  cover- 
ings for  elevator  shaft  openings  were  made  by 
straightening  out  the  galvanized  steel  in  an  old 
cyclone  sawdust  blower  that  had  been  discarded 
by  the  furniture  factory. 

The  brick  work  of  the  power  plant  was  found 
to  be  defective.  The  owners  of  the  building  fur- 
nished the  necessary  materials,  and  WPA  workers 
laid  approximately  50,000  bricks.  Areaways  and 
old  lumber  yards  outside  the  building  were  clean- 
ed and  resurfaced  with  old  brick  bats  and  cinders 
to  provide  parking  facilities. 

It  Beats  the  Movies! 

(Continued  from  page  296) 

clubs.  If  you  are  7,  8 or  9 you  may  be  a member 
of  the  Round  the  World  Club  and  though  you 
may  be  only  4,  5 or  6 you  are  invited  to  join  the 
Little  Club.  For  the  high  school  age  there  is  a 
Junior  Science  Club  and  a Junior  Arts  Club.  All 
these  groups  meet  regularly  once  a week,  but  the 
members  are  free  to  come  Saturday  afternoons  if 
they  wish  to  continue  their  activities. 

To  what  purpose  is  all  this  activity?  To  what 
avail  is  the  sympathetic,  patient  and  trained  guid- 


SPORTS  EaUIPM 

A Complete  Line  of 
Playground  Basketballs  — Volley  Balls 
Footballs  and  Soccer  Footballs  for 


Playground  and 
Recreational 
Departments 


Catalogs  sent 
on  request 


THE  P.  GOLDSMITH  SONS,  Inc. 

John  and  Findlay  Sts.  Cincinnati,  Ohio 


ance  and  assistance  of  the  museum  staff  ? The  chil- 
dren through  doing  are  having  joyous  adventures 
which  in  their  own  opinion  “beat  the  movies,” 
no  slight  praise  in  a movie-mad  world.  Uncon- 
sciously they  are  widening  their  cultural  horizon, 
deepening . their  appreciation  of  beauty  and  de- 
veloping leisure  time  interests  and  latent  abilities 
which  are  carried  over  into  the  home  and  may 
carry  over  into  adult  life.  The  activities  and  or- 
ganization of  the  Junior  Museum  make  the  situa- 
tion one  rich  in  character  developing  possibilities. 
Of  this  the  staff  is  keenly  aware,  molding  the  pro- 
gram and  methods  to  achieve  the  best  possible 
results. 


Luther  Halsey  Gulick 

(Continued  from  page  299) 

Leadership  in  Other  Fields 

Gulick  was  a prolific  writer.  He  wrote  sixteen 
books,  eight  handbooks,  eight  pamphlets  and  223 
articles.  In  1914  he  gave  his  private  library  on 
physical  education,  recreation  and  related  subjects 
to  the  College  at  Springfield.  This  gift  included 


320 


WAYSIDE  PARKS  IN  TEXAS 


A Health  - Building  Game 
for  Old  and  Young 

Pitching  Horseshoes  is  muscle-building  rec- 
reation that  appeals  to  all  types  of  people. 
Install  a few  courts  on  your  grounds,  organ- 
ize a horseshoe  club,  schedule  a tournament. 
Write  for  free  booklets  on  club  organiza- 
tion, tournament  play.  etc. 

Diamond  Official  Shoes  and  accessories 
are  the  choice  of  professionals  and  ama- 
teurs alike.  It’s  economy  to  purchase 
equipment  with  the  longest  life. 

DIAMOND 

CALK  HORSESHOE  CO. 

4610  Grand  Avenue  Duluth,  Minn. 

Makers  of  DIAMOND  Official  Pitching  Shoes 


350  books,  300  pamphlets  and  seventeen  volumes 
of  manuscript.  This  collection  in  English,  French 
and  German  gave  an  index  of  the  breadth  of  his 
intellectual  interest. 

Space  does  not  permit  giving  an  account  of  his 
leadership  in  other  fields.  He  was  the  outstanding 
leader  in  the  building  of  the  new  curriculum  in 
professional  preparation  of  men  and  women  for 
physical  education  and  recreation.  He  led  in  the 
development  of  physical  education  as  the  first 
director  in  Greater  New  York.  His  organization 
of  the  Public  Schools  Athletic  League  opened  a 
new  approach  to  recreational  athletics  under  con- 
gested city  conditions.  Gulick  with  Dr.  Thomas 
A.  Storey  led  in  the  development  of  the  American 
School  Hygiene  Association.  With  Mrs.  Gulick 
he  founded  the  Camp  Fire  Girls  giving  leadership 
to  new  activities  for  girls. 

As  a personal  friend  and  associate  in  many  ac- 
tivities for  thirty  years  I saw  him  meet  and 
master  new  situations.  He  still  lives  in  the  hearts 
and  ideals  of  individuals  and  in  the  attitudes  and 
activities  of  organizations. 


Wayside  Parks  in  Texas 

( Continued  from  page  300 ) 

Texas  where  natural  shade  is  unavailable,  the  pic- 
nic tables  and  benches  are  protected  from  the 
weather  by  shelters  which  include  four  stone  col- 
umns supporting  a roof. 

The  enthusiasm  of  land  owners  in  donating 
sites  for  the  parks  has  proved  their  popularity. 
Since  funds  are  not  available  for  purchasing  loca- 
tions, all  must  be  donated.  Roadside  land  owners 
have  almost  unanimously  supported  the  idea  with 
gifts  of  land.  In  some  instances  city  officials  have 
favored  construction  of  the  parks  in  their  sections 
to  such  an  extent  that  steps  have  been  taken  to 
buy  desirable  tracts  and  turn  them  over  to  the 
highway  department. 

With  the  cooperation  of  motorists  the  small 
parks  will  last  indefinitely,  as  the  tables  and 
benches  are  not  easily  damaged.  Moreover,  the 
Texas  Highway  Department,  ever  interested  in 
increasing  the  pleasure  of  motor  travel  in  the 
state,  plans  to  keep  the  grounds  in  tip-top  shape 
as  a part  of  its  regular  maintenance  program. 

Writing  about  one  of  these  parks,  the  editor  of 
the  Bee-Picayune  says : 

“The  highway  department,  with  the  help  of 
boys  from  the  NY  A,  has  done  much  toward  beau- 
tifying the  park  at  Tulsita,  about  two  and  one- 
half  miles  north  of  here.  With  the  grand  old  oaks, 
convenient  water  and  good  drainage  it  makes  an 
ideal  spot  where  one  may  stop,  relax  and  really 
enjoy  life.  The  people  of  that  community  make 
use  of  it  by  gathering  there  for  moonlight  parties, 
picnics  and  other  diversions  that  make  young 
folks  happy  and  old  folks  young.” 

Originally  undertaken  as  a civic  beautification 
and  recreation  program,  Texas’  200-odd  “baby 
parks”  along  main  highways  also  may  promote 
safety.  Already  the  roadside  rests  have  proved 
efficacious  in  reducing  fatigue  at  the  wheel,  which 
the  National  Safety  Council  has  shown  to  be  a 
common  cause  of  accident.  The  lure  of  the  little 
park,  with  its  picnicking  facilities,  shade,  graveled 
driveways,  flower  plots  and  general  air  of  hospi- 
tality, is  irresistible  to  the  tired  motorist.  He 
stops  to  rest  while  the  women  in  the  party  prepare 
lunch  and  the  children  go  on  exploring  expedi- 
tions, and  thus  is  able  to  resume  the  drive  feeling 
refreshed. 

By  that  service  alone  those  spots  doubtless  will 
save  numerous  lives.  They  help  in  another  way, 
by  almost  eliminating  the  temptation  to  park  in 


MAGAZINES  AND  PAMPHLETS 


321 


Magazines  and  Pamphlets 

\ Recently  Received  Containing  Articles  \ 

\ of  Interest  to  the  Recreation  Worker  V. 


MAGAZINES 

Camping  World , July  1936 

The  Progressive  Camp  Program,  by  Barbara  Ellen 
Joy 

Crafts  That  Combine  Beauty  and  Practicability,  by 
Albert  L.  Opie 

Parks  and  Recreation,  July  1936 

Recreation  in  the  National  Forests,  by  L.  Glenn  Hall 
Our  Rivers.  As  Parks,  by  Henry  S.  Curtis 
Owl’s  Head  Park,  by  Richard  Murdock 

, Parents'  Magazine,  August  1936 

What  Are  Your  Children  Reading?  by  Henrietta 
Peabody  Carlson 

Hobby  Rooms  From  Cellars,  by  Henel  Sprackling 

The  National  Parent-Teacher  Magazine,  August  1936 
Hobby  Rooms  From  Cellars,  by  Helen  Sprackling 
Marjorie  Johnson 

Red  Cross  Courier,  August  1936 

Taking  the  Peril  Out  of  Canoeing,  by  Carroll  L. 
Bryant 


PAMPHLETS 
Back-Yard  Playgrounds 

By  Benjamin  F.  Betts.  Bulletin  No.  5 — Better  Homes 
in  America,  Purdue  University,  Lafayette,  Indiana 

Standardized  Rules  Games 
Union  County  Park  System 

Rhythms  and  Songs  for  the  Very  Young  Child 
Available  from  Dorothea  Nelson,  Chicago  Park  Dis- 
trict, 10^  for  postage. 

Rules  of  Golf 

United  States  Golf  Association,  73  East  57th  Street, 
New  York  City 

Thirty-Eighth  Report 
Essex  County,  N.  J.,  Park  Commission 

Fifty-Third  Annual  Report 

Board  of  Park  Commissioners,  Minneapolis,  Minn. 


the  traffic-lane  or  on  the  road-shoulder  — both 
dangerous  practices.  Though  the  motorist  fre- 
quently is  reminded  of  the  regulations  against 
such  parking,  he  will  stop  when  fatigued  or  to 
change  a tire.  The  Texas  innovation,  which  has 
attracted  country-wide  attention,  goes  about  reme- 
dying that  condition  in  the  right  way. 


P lay  Safe  'With 


fever  Wear 


Safety 

PLAYGROUND  APPARATUS 

SAFETY  is  an  essential  of  every  outfit 
DURABILITY  is  built  in  to  give  longer  life 
Write  for  Catalog  28 

FOR  BEACH  AND  SWIMMING  POOL  EQUIPMENT 

Write  for  Catalog  28 W 

The  EverWear  Manufacturing  Company 

The  World’s  oldest  and  largest  exclusive  makers  of 
playground,  beach  and  pool  apparatus 

SPRINGFIELD,  OHIO 


322 


THE  RECREATION  PROGRAM  IN  AREAS  OF  CULTURAL  CONFLICT 


Ingram’s  New  Plays 

Readings — Radio  Plays— Operettas 

For  Recreation  Programs 
At  Prices  Your  Budget 
Can  Stand 

• 

4 Brand  New  50  4 Brand  New 

Full  Length  Brand  New  1-Act  Contest 
Comedies  Readings  Winners 

And  Brand  New  Departments  of 
Radio  Plays  and  Operettas 

• 

The  New  Plays  of  the  Month  is  just  chuck 
full  of  new  features  and  ideas  for  your  Fall, 
Winter,  and  Spring  Programs 

Send  for  your  copy  today  — 
free  with  our  compliments 

• 

FREDERICK  B.  INGRAM  PUBLICATIONS 

Publishers  of  Plays  of  the  Month 
Gansert  Building,  Rock  Island,  Illinois 


NYA  youths,  in  helping  construct  the  parks, 
have  received  valuable  work  experience,  have 
done  something  of  definite  community  value,  and 
their  pay  checks  have  been  of  financial  assistance 
to  their  families. 


Recreation  Through  Handicraft 

(Continued  from  page  304) 

tors  in  as  many  rooms  had  looked  after  the  year 
before.  The  average  daily  attendance  was  85 
youngsters  with  a record  high  of  156.  There  were 
times  when  by  actual  count  as  many  as  sixty  boys 
were  working  in  the  workshop  at  the  same  time. 
More  than  twenty  different  skills  were  taught  at 
some  time  during  the  season  and  some  4,000 
articles  were  completed  and  taken  home  by  the 
boys.  Original  patterns  and  projects  were  de- 
veloped from  scrap  materials  and  kept  on  hand 
for  future  use.  Exclusive  of  supervision  and 
maintenance  costs,  less  than  $100.  had  been  spent 
on  supplies  such  as  paint,  glue,  saw  blades,  brushes, 
solvents,  and  hardware.  Disciplinary  problems 
were  reduced  to  a considerable  extent,  and  rooms 
which  were  formerly  used  for  craft  purposes  were 
instead  made  available  for  other  activities. 


Altogether  it  was  an  experiment  which  turned 
out  to  be  a satisfying  experience  for  the  young- 
sters as  well  as  the  staff.  It  was  an  experiment 
in  working  with  individuals  in  groups  and  it 
pointed  for  us  a new  approach  to  recreation  and 
to  the  development  of  skills  in  children. 

The  Recreation  Program  in  Areas 
of  Cultural  Conflict 

(Continued  from  page  306) 

Still  another  “tie-up”  between  the  children  and 
parents  in  this  community  was  made  by  a group 
leader  who  asked  each  girl  to  bring  to  the  group 
some  story  of  the  country  of  her  parents,  a story 
of  the  life  on  the  farm,  crops  that  were  raised, 
types  of  recreation  or  unique  experience  of  the 
parents  in  their  European  homes.  One  mother 
told  her  twelve  year  old  daughter  the  story  of  a 
Lithuanian  holiday,  the  visit  to  a gypsy  fortune 
teller,  her  own  embarrassment  as  the  gypsy  said, 
“You’ll  have  many  boy  friends  and  marry  a fel- 
low with  blond  hair.”  The  value  of  this  particular 
activity  did  not  end  with  the  telling  of  the  story  for 
the  girl  said,  “My  mother  never  told  us  stories 
like  that  before  and  she  says  she  liked  it.  She 
says  she  will  tell  us  some  more  some  night  when 
we  are  all  at  home.” 

Educational-recreational  programs  serve  to  en- 
rich the  appreciation  of  leisure  time  and  make  lei- 
sure time  an  opportunity  “not  for  idleness  but  for 
spiritual  growth.”  The  lad  on  a camping  trip  who 
says,  “I  felt  queer  when  the  sun  looked  so  gold 
and  yellow” ; the  girl  on  a hike  who  asks,  “Did 
you  hear  the  bubble  in  the  throat  of  the  bird  as  it 
was  singing?” — are  feeling  with  the  Infinite.  The 
seventeen  year  old  young  man  who  says,  “Birds 
fly  so  surely  through  the  air,”  has  common  knowl- 
edge with  the  poet  who  wrote, 

“He  who  from  zone  to  zone, 

Guides  through  the  boundless  sky  thy  certain  flight,” 
though  the  lad  never  knew  the  poet  nor  his  verse. 

Building  for  Citizenship 

How  does  all  this  blend  and  become  part  of 
training  in  citizenship?  The  question  is  fair. 

As  children  grow  in  appreciation  of  the  cul- 
tural background  of  their  parents,  the  parents 
themselves  acquire  a feeling  of  companionship 
with  their  children  and  this  in  itself  brings  a sense 
of  belonging  in  a country  where  their  children’s 
interests  are  rooted.  A sense  of  belonging  brings 
with  it  a further  sense  of  security,  and  to  the  ex- 
tent that  parents  feel  secure  they  are  happy  and 
contented  and  they  are  better  citizens.  However, 


THE  RECREATION  PROGRAM  IN  AREAS  OF  CULTURAL  CONFLICT 


323 


the  great  task  of  developing  citizenry  must  be  ac- 
complished with  the  children  as  they  grow  up  in 
what  we  term  our  “American  culture.” 

Since  the  individual  growing  up  outside  the 
group  is  not  only  isolated  from  the  group  but  lost 
to  society,  participation  in  group  activity  is  essen- 
tial to  normal  and  socially  acceptable  living 
patterns. 

In  group  activity  life  situations  exist.  We  have 
the  leader  and  his  followers ; the  dictator  is  easily 
discovered;  the  autocrat  quickly  emerges;  the  in- 
dividual with  wavering  opinions  soon  reveals  him- 
self. Through  group  participation  the  child  learns 
to  sense  the  value  of  another’s  contribution  to  the 
group  welfare ; he  learns  a respect  for  the  per- 
sonality of  every  other  individual  in  the  group; 
his  own  participation  in  the  activity  is  full  of 
meaning  and  builds  his  inner  self ; he  knows  that 
he  must  adjust  to  the  others  in  the  group  to  be 
happy  himself.  Thus  the  foundation  of  good 
citizenship  is  laid.  The  child  thus  adjusted  during 
his  formulative  years  is  a constructive  citizen,  and 
his  patriotism  is  of  lasting  value  in  his  social 
thinking  and  acting. 

In  play  groups  — games,  crafts,  folk  dancing, 
music,  dramatic  groups — where  the  environment 
of  the  group  is  controlled  by  the  group  itself, 
under  the  guidance  of  intelligent  leadership,  the 
opportunities  for  teaching  good  citizenship  are 
limitless.  It  is  the  “situation,  not  the  subject”  that 
discovers  the  individual  to  himself  and  to  the 
group  where  he  must  make  a satisfactory  ad- 
justment. 

With  an  intimate  knowledge  of  the  back- 
grounds of  the  families  represented  in  these  play 
groups,  by  utilizing  all  the  past  experiences  of  the 
group  members,  by  interpreting  to  the  group 
members  the  trend  of  the  times,  by  using  the 
program  as  a medium  of  guidance,  the  group 
worker  in  the  educational-recreational  field  of 
Social  Science,  becomes  the  correlator,  the  co- 
ordinator, of  two  cultures  that  are  no  longer  con- 
flicting, but  which  enrich  each  other. 


Making  Waste  Places  Blossom 

(Continued  from  page  307) 

the  park.  Reading  nooks  will  be  concealed  about 
the  park.  Four  additional  cooking  fireplaces  with 
picnic  facilities  will  be  situated  in  the  upper  end 
of  the  park  where  families  may  cook  their  dinners 
in  the  open  without  having  to  travel  far  from 
home  to  do  so. 


FOR  CLEANER,  SMOOTHER 

healthier  playgrounds! 


• There’s  a positive  way  now  to  elimi- 
nate dust  and  its  attendant  evils  — to 
keep  play  surfaces  firm,  compact,  clean 
and  safe  from  germs. 

S O L V A Y Calcium  Chloride  is  the 
modern  enemy  to  dust  and  the  danger- 
ous germs  it  carries.  Physicians  and 
playground  directors  endorse  its  germ- 
killing powers. 

Easy  to  apply  — and  economical.  Just 
spread  evenly  over  the  surface.  That’s 
all.  This  clean,  odorless  and  harmless 
material  does  the  rest  — keeping  the 
surface  smooth,  dustless,  weedless  and 
even  reducing  sun-glare ! Ideal  for 
school  yards,  tennis  courts,  athletic 
fields  and  all  recreation  areas. 

Prompt  deliveries  from  100  conveni- 
ently located  stock  points.  Full  informa- 
tion and  prices  on  request. 

SOLVAY  SALES  CORPORATION 

Alkalies  and  Chemical  Products  Manufactured  by 
The  Solvay  Process  Company 
40  RECTOR  STREET  NEW  YORK 

BRANCH  SALES  OFFICES 
Boston  Charlotte  Chicago  Cincinnati 
Cleveland  Detroit  Houston 

Indianapolis  Kansas  City  New  York 

Philadelphia  Pittsburgh  St.  Louis 
Syracuse 


Solvay 

W TRADE  MARK  REG.  U.  S.  PAT.  OFF. 


Calcium  Chloride 


324 


FENCING  AND  ITS  PLACE  IN  RECREATION 


PO$TERS»PLAYS»PROGRAMS 
LESSON  OUTLINES 


Safety  Materials 
for  the  Teacher 

• The  Education  Division  of  the  National 
Safety  Council  offers  a consultation  and 
publications  service  to  the  schools  on  all 
problems  relating  to  safety  teaching. 

• A Special  Safety  Packet  for  Playground 
Directors  is  now  available.  This  is  a valu- 
able collection  of  materials  to  help  the 
playground  director  promote  safety  on  the 
playground  and  consists  of  ten  attractive 
safety  posters,  crayon  lessons  for  small 
children,  a short  play  and  a program  of 
activities  for  supervised  playgrounds. 

Price  $1.00 

• SAFETY  EDUCATION  MAGAZINE 

provides  the  teacher  with  material  for  a 
well-rounded  safety  program  based  on 
seasonal  hazards.  The  colored  posters, 
graded  lesson  plans,  plays,  stories,  infor- 
mational articles,  accident  facts,  patrol 
news  items  and  other  features  are  pre- 
pared by  school  people  who  are  experts 
in  the  field  of  safety  teaching. 

Subscription — $1.00  a Year 
EDUCATION  DIVISION 

National  Safety  Council 

One  Park  Avenue,  New  York,  N.  Y. 


And  so,  through  the  generosity  of  one  of  its 
citizens.  Salt  Lake  City  will  own  another  beauti- 
ful park  in  a selected  residential  area,  with  facili- 
ties of  many  types  to  care  for  the  varied  recrea- 
tional life  of  the  community. 


Fencing  and  Its  Place  in  Recreation 

( Continued  from  page  308) 

should  have  a strong  arm  and  a wrist  of  steel  is 
fictitious.  The  weak,  the  strong,  the  tall,  the  short, 
the  stout,  the  lean,  and  even  some  of  the  deformed 
and  lame  are  able  to  carry  on  in  fencing.  (Expert 
guidance,  however,  is  necessary  for  the  adapta- 
tion of  a peculiar  style  to  fit  the  requisite  of  the 
individual  abnormal  in  any  way.)  So,  aside  from 
its  flexibility  in  this  respect,  we  have  in  fencing 
an  unusual  appeal  for  normal  people.  For  the 
adult  it  has  romantic  and  aesthetic  appeal ; for  the 
youth  it  is  vivid,  historical  and  excites  the  imagi- 
nation; its  relaxing  and  recreational  qualities  at- 
tract the  business  and  professional  people.  Above 
all,  it  is  conducive  to  good  posture  and  is  a great 
health-building  agency. 

The  Equipment 

How  expensive  is  the  sport?  What  facilities 
are  required?  Playgrounds  having  a hard  sur- 
face available,  about  twenty  to  thirty  feet  in 
length,  are  equipped  for  the  sport.  A hard  ball 
court,  the  floor  of  a spacious  shelter  house,  or 
cement  walks  within  the  field  serve  excellently. 
For  the  indoor  centers  any  well  illuminated  and 
ventilated  space  is  ideal. 

The  foils  and  masks  necessary  may  be  pur- 
chased as  cheaply  as  eight  dollars.  This  will  pro- 
vide two  masks  and  two  foils.  Four  masks  and 
ten  foils  will  satisfy  the  need  of  the  average  play- 
ground. Where  fencing  is  included  in  the  pro- 
gram of  a municipality  the  equipment  can  be  taken 
from  center  to  center,  making  the  equipment  cost 
low.  Experience  shows,  however,  that  after  the 
organized  classes  are  under  way  more  than  sixty 
per  cent  of  the  participants  will  purchase  their 
own  equipment  so  that  they  may  practice  at  home. 
The  plastron  used  to  protect  the  chest  where  the 
touches  are  scored  is  of  special  importance.  It 
may  be  fashioned  from  a heavy  baby  pad  which 
resembles  a quilt,  and  can  be  purchased  for 
twenty-five  cents  or  less. 

Fencing  on  the  playground  should  be  a twilight 
activity  and  organized  as  a group  activity  with 
special  registration.  It  should  be  on  a club  basis 


FENCING  AND  ITS  PLACE  IN  RECREATION 


325 


so  that  there  will  exist  a feeling  of  discipline  and 
organization  will  prevail.  The  sponsors  should 
encounter  little  difficulty  in  soliciting  the  help  of 
an.  amateur  fencer  to  instruct  the  interested  in  the 
preliminaries. 

As  a Character-Building  Activity 

We  have  found  fencing  perhaps  the  best  activity 
for  some  problem  children.  It  corrects  posture, 
because  muscular  exertion  is  essential  in  perfect- 
ing the  form  of  the  body,  and  those  exercises 
which  require  the  use  of  the  greatest  number  of 
muscles  are  the  most  conducive  to  accomplishing 
this.  Fencing  causes  more  muscles  to  act  at  the 
same  time  than  most  exercises.  It  promotes  the 
expansion  of  the  chest  and  improves  respiration 
through  which  the  functions  of'  the  most  im- 
portant organs  of  the  body  are  more  perfectly  per- 
formed. For  the  mind  it  means  discipline  and 
concentration.  A degree  of  patience  is  necessarily 
gained  through  regular  practice.  One  very  im- 
portant characteristic  of  fencing  is  that  it  trains 
the  participant  to  be  self-reliant.  There  is  no 
team  mate  to  help,  and  all  his  efforts  are  the  ex- 
pression of  his  own  personality.  Through  this 
medium  he  should  be  aided  in  attaining  courage 
and  confidence. 

Fencing  includes  all  of  the  advantages  of  box- 
ing, with  none  of  its  disadvantages.  There  is  no 
pain,  differences  in  size  and  weight  play  no  part, 
yet  the  physical  contact  is  present  and  the  problem 
of  winning  must  be  solved  by  the  participant  alone. 

John  J.  Hall,  President  of  the  Elizabeth  Board 
of  Recreation  and  Sports  Editor  for  the  Eliza- 
beth Daily  Journal,  in  his  column  of  July  7th, 
under  the  caption  “Sports  That  Boomed,”  said : 
“In  order  to  drive  home  the  argument  of  what  it 
means  for  any  sport  to  be  included  in  a munici- 
pal recreation  program  let’s  take  an  altogether 
different  game.  Let’s  take,  as  an  example,  fenc- 
ing. A year  ago  there  was  practically  no  fencing 
in  Elizabeth  outside  of  a small  group  which  gath- 
ered at  the  Y.M.C.A.  In  the  fall  it  was  taken  up 
by  the  recreation  commission  and  speaking  for 
myself  as  one  member  of  the  board,  let  me  say 
that  it  was  taken  up  with  some  misgivings.  They 
were  misgivings  badly  founded.  Fencing  caught 
on  like  wildfire — so  much  like  wildfire  that  some 
difficulty  was  encountered  in  meeting  the  demand 
for  accommodations  and  this  year,  for  the  first 
time,  a successful  summer  program  is  being  car- 
ried out.” 


THE 

HIGH  SCHOOLTHESPIAN 

An  Educational  Journal 
For  Teachers  and  Students  of 
Dramatics,  Directors,  and 
Drama  Club  Sponsors 

The  High  School  Thespian  is  the  only 
educational  journal  in  America  devoted 
exclusively  to  the  interests  of  high 
school  dramatics.  Each  issue  brings  you 
a wealth  of  time-and-money  saving 
ideas,  timely  articles,  editorials,  stage 
sets,  reviews  of  plays  and  periodicals, 
practical  suggestions,  and  reports  which 
present  an  impartial  picture  of  what 
is  occurring  in  dramatics  in  our  sec- 
ondary schools.  . . . Indispensable  for 
teachers  and  students  of  dramatics. 

If  Published  bi-monthly 
II  during  the  school  year 

Place  Your  Subscription  Now 


The  High  School  Thespian 

(Dept.  H) 

Campus  Station,  Cincinnati,  Ohio. 

Enclosed  is  $1.50  for  my  subscription 
for  The  High  School  Thespian.  (Sample 
copy  25 f.) 

Name  

Address 


326 


A MUNICIPAL  SKETCH  CLUB 


A Municipal  Sketch  Club 

( Continued  from  page  311) 

eight  sons  and  who  has  very  little  leisure  to 
pursue  her  lifelong  interest  in  art  is  now  en- 
joying her  first  opportunity  for  study  and  is 
one  of  the  happiest  members  of  the  club.  An- 
other woman,  who  did  very  ordinary  work 
when  she  first  joined  the  club,  through  persis- 
tence and  effort  has  become  one  of  the  best 
water  color  artists  in  the  club  and  sells  her  pic- 
tures readily. 

An  old  Welshman,  eighty-two  years  old 
whose  interest  has  been  in  music  and  art,  has 
been  attending  the  club  for  several  years  and 
is  doing  creditable  work.  An  interesting  family 
group  composed  of  grandmother,  mother  and 
two  children  have  been  regular  attendants  at 
the  club  since  the  day  it  was  organized. 

Outgrowths  of  Club  Activities 

One  of  the  most  valuable  contributions 
which  the  Sketch  Club  has  made  to  the  com- 
munity is  the  exhibits  which  are  arranged  and 
hung  under  the  supervision  of  Mrs.  Hyde  in 
various  recreation  club  houses  and  municipal 
buildings.  More  than  3,000  paintings  of  out- 
standing artists  have  been  hung  since  the  or- 
ganization of  the  club.  These  exhibits  are 
catalogued,  newspaper  publicity  is  given  them, 
and  receptions  are  arranged  for  each  artist. 
The  work  of  Long  Beach  artists  is  also  in- 
cluded in  the  exhibits,  the  paintings  being  se- 
lected by  a jury  in  Los  Angeles.  Exhibits  are 
changed  each  month,  the  Recreation  Commis- 
sion arranging  for  the  delivery  of  the  pictures 
to  and  from  the  club  houses. 

Another  outgrowth  of  the  club  is  the  “morn- 
ings in  art”  which  are  held  at  the  Wayside 
Colony.  Speakers  on  costume  and  dress  de- 
sign, arts  and  crafts,  and  general  art  are  in- 
vited to  take  part.  The  attendance  at  these 
meetings  is  made  up  chiefly  of  people  inter- 
ested in  art  from  the  layman’s  point  of  view 
rather  than  from  the  creative  side.  The  di- 
rector of  the  club  has  done  much  to  take  art 
into  the  home  by  inviting  women  to  meet  at 
some  member’s  home  to  listen  to  an  interior 
decorator  and  see  a demonstration  of  various 
arrangements  of  furniture. 

One  of  the  greatest  cultural  needs  of  Long 
Beach  is  an  art  gallery.  We  are  creating  new 
artists  in  our  leisure-time  activities  as  well  as 
in  the  schools,  and  this  increases  the  need  for 
places  where  their  works  can  be  hung. 


Coeducational  Physical  Education 

(Continued  from  page  316) 

tion  periods,  such  as  fun  nights,  progressive  (ro- 
tative) parties,  play  nights,  play  days,  etc. 

How  Is  the  Problem  to  Be  Met? 

How  shall  a school  meet  this  present-day  prob- 
lem of  creating  life  situations  in  which  boys  and 
girls  study  and  work  together?  Social  projects, 
involving  boy  and  girl  participation  and  managed 
by  students,  should  be  developed  as  the  result  of 
the  work  of  a committee  composed  of  faculty  and 
student  representatives.  The  nature  of  these  pro- 
jects will  vary  greatly  in  different  locations  and 
under  changing  needs,  but  always  the  principle 
should  be  — student  participation  and  leadership, 
with  the  faculty  members  in  the  background  in  an 
advisory  capacity.  “Hands  off”  is  difficult  for 
adults,  but  for  the  best  development  of  adoles- 
cents, it  is  necessary. 

To  give  an  example.  If  800  or  more  girls  from 
high  schools  in  Santa  Clara  County  can  be  met, 
organized  and  can  play  simultaneously  under 
student  leadership  of  the  hostess  school,  Sequoia 
Union  High,  surely  other  schools  of  the  state 
which  have  not  attempted  even  a small  play  day 
have  a surprisingly  rich  experience  ahead  of  them. 
But  careful  forethought  to  the  problems  of  or- 
ganization and  leadership  is  absoultely  essential. 

The  time  has  arrived  for  high  schools  and  col- 
leges which  during  the  past  years  have  held  joy- 
ous and  successful  girls’  play  days  to  take  the 
final  step  and  include  boys. 

It  is  earnestly  urged  that  high  schools  organize 
their  programs  so  that  boys  and  girls  at  stated 
intervals  shall  share  together  the  play  equipment 
and  services  of  an  instructor — that  no  one  may 
leave  school  a “recreational  illiterate.”  The 
students  may  well  be  made  responsible  for  the 
success  of  a given  occasion,  in  class  or  elsewhere, 
whether  under  the  immediate  leadership  of  an 
adult  or  left  to  their  own  devices  to  “carry  on.” 
At  least  during  dust  storms,  hot  weather  or  the 
rainy  seasons,  there  are  innumerable  relays,  team 
games,  hunting  games  and  rhythmical  games  that 
can  be  enjoyed  together  in  large  or  small  groups. 
Courtesy,  consideration  for  others,  and  self-con- 
trol should  dominate-  the  groups.  During  the  les- 
sons, as  an  essential  to  final  success,  there  should 
be  a real  spirit  of  fun  and  enthusiasm  evidenced 
by  the  physical  education  instructors,  by  the  prin- 
cipal, the  faculty  members,  and  the  students. 


New  Publications  in  the  Leisure  Time  Field 


Paint,  Powder  and  Make-Up 

By  Ivard  Strauss.  Sweet  and  Son,  New  Haven,  Con- 
necticut. $5.00. 

With  the  greatly  increasing  interest  in  amateur  dra- 
matics, the  need  has  been  intensified  for  a practical 
book  which  will  disclose  the  secrets  of  the  important  art 
of  make-up.  Here  is  such  a book  written  from  the  ama- 
teur and  classroom  viewpoint.  With  its  profuse  illustra- 
tions it  is  an  exceedingly  valuable  and  practical  guide. 

Principles  and  Practice  of  Recrea- 
tional Therapy  for  the  Mentally  III 

By  John  Eisele  Davis,  in  collaboration  with  Dr.  William 
Rush  Dunton,  Jr.  A.  S.  Barnes  and  Company,  New 
York.  $3.00. 

This  book,  the  outcome  of  large  experience,  represents 
the  collaboration  of  a physician  who  has  done  much 
to  develop  the  theory  and  practice  of  resocializing  physi- 
cal therapy  and  a physical  director  of  skill  and  under- 
standing who  has  worked  with  an  unusually  difficult  type 
of  patient,  and  an  able  corps  of  helpers.  Detailed  infor- 
mation and  difficult  procedures  are  given  as  a guide  to 
the  therapist  in  organizing  his  program.  The  volume  is 
an  invaluable  addition  to  material  in  this  field. 

Man  and  the  Motor  Car 

By  Albert  W.  Whitney.  National  Bureau  of  Casualty 
and  Surety  Underwriters,  1 Park  Avenue,  New  York. 
$1.00  postpaid. 

Of  this  book  William  McAndrew  says : “Gathered 
from  tested  and  perfected  lessons  in  advanced  schools 
and  from  the  traffic  suggestions  of  city  and  county  ex- 
perts, subjected  to  practical  school  men,  rewritten  and 
again  submitted,  approved  by  the  president  of  the  N.E.A. 
and  by  an  advisory  board  of  public  school  teachers,  uni- 
versity professors  and  automotive  experts,  a notable  text- 
book for  training  in  automobile  driving  comes  to  us.  The 
contributors  to  this  volume  have  made  it  a series  of  les- 
sons in  thinking  and  practice  appertaining  to  all  the  known 
situations  in  driving.  The  educational  collaborators  have 
put  the  material  into  simple  and  vital  words  suited  to 
the  understanding  of  children  of  from  ten  years  of  age 
upward.” 

Selected  Bibliography  on  Recreation 

Compiled  by  C.  O.  Jackson,  Assistant  Professor  of  Phy- 
sical Education,  University  of  Illinois.  Curriculum 
Laboratory,  University  High  School,  Urbana,  Illinois. 
Free. 

This  bibliography  lists  selected  references  under 
twenty-seven  individual  classifications  ranging  from 
administration,  athletics,  camping,  dancing,  games,  golf, 
hobbies,  music,  swimming,  etc.,  to  wrestling. 


Outdoor  Baseball  for  Women 
and  Girls  1936 

Women’s  Athletic  Editorial  Committee,  A.P.E.A.  Spald- 
ing’s Athletic  Library.  No.  121R.  $.25. 

Several  new  articles  have  been  added  to  the  guide,  the 
chart  on  comparative  rules  has  been  revised  and 
brought  up-to-date,  as  has  the  section  on  tests.  Miss 
Margaret  H.  Meyer,  Chairman  of  the  Committee  on 
Girls’  Baseball,  will  be  glad  to  receive  any  suggestions 
or  information  on  changes  in  rules,  the  improvement  of 
the  game  or  additional  articles  for  the  guide.  These 
comments  should  be  sent  Miss  Meyer  at  the  University 
of  Wisconsin,  Madison,  Wisconsin. 

Along  Nature’s  Trails 

By  Lillian  Cox  Athey.  Published  by  the  American  Book 
Company,  New  York  City.  $1.20. 

The  purpose  of  this  book  is  “to  share  with  eager  chil- 
dren all  over  North  America  the  wealth  of  the  woods, 
the  hills,  the  brooks,  the  streams  and  the  open  places ; to 
show  each  reader  that  there  is  an  open  door  to  the  great- 
est happiness  in  getting  acquainted  with  the  many  neigh- 
bors who  live  all  about  us.”  The  volume  is  full  of  fas- 
cinating information  for  those  who  would  understand  the 
ways  of  outdoor  folks. 

An  Index  to  Folk  Dances  and 
Singing  Games 

Compiled  by  the  Staff  of  the  Music  Department,  Minne- 
apolis Public  Library.  Published  by  the  Chicago 
American  Library  Association.  $2.00. 

Originally  prepared  in  1926  as  a guide  to  the  col- 
lection of  folk  dances  and  singing  games  in  the 
Music  Department  of  the  Minneapolis  Public  Library,  the 
index  has  been  enlarged  in  scope  to  include  classic  dances, 
tap  and  clog,  and  some  of  the  earlier  square  and  contra 
dances.  An  attempt  has  been  made  to  produce  a simple, 
workable  index  not  over-burdened  with  unnecessary  de- 
tails but  accurate  and  helpful. 

The  Teaching  of  Archery 

By  Dave  and  Cia  Craft.  Published  by  A.  S.  Barnes  and 
Company,  New  York  City.  $1.00. 

The  growing  popularity  of  archery  has  given  impetus 
to  the  writing  of  practical  books  on  the  subject  and 
recently  a number  of  publications  have  appeared.  Here 
is  one  of  the  most  recent.  It  deals  with  such  subjects  as 
Getting  School  or  Camp  Tackle  in  Order,  Selecting 
Tackle  for  Use  on  Outdoor  Ranges,  Laying  Off  Ranges, 
Teaching  Archery,  Competitive  Rounds  and  Procedure, 
and  Methods  of  Stimulating  Interest. 


327 


328 


NEW  PUBLICATIONS  IN  THE  LEISURE  TIME  FIELD 


Cookery  in  Camp  and  on  the  Trail. 

Prepared  by  Ernest  A.  Dench.  American  Nature 
Association,  1214  Sixteenth  Street,  Washington,  D.C. 
$.10. 

This  compilation  of  sources  of  information  will  be  ex- 
ceedingly helpful  to  all  concerned  with  the  management 
of  camps.  In  it  will  be  found  a list  of  camp  cookery 
books  for  the  library  shelf,  suggested  food  supplies  for 
varying  periods,  a list  of  camp  cookery  pamphlets  which 
may  be  secured  free  or  at  little  cost,  a list  of  recipe 
literature  offered  by  food  manufacturers,  and  other  facts 
of  interest  to  camp  directors. 

Nature  Lore  or  Listen  to  the  Voice  of  Nature. 

By  H.  P.  Kjerschow  Agersborg,  Ph.D.  John  S. 
Swift  Company,  Inc.,  New  York.  $.75. 

This  volume  is  offered  as  collateral  reading  in  nature 
study  for  older  children  in  the  intermediate  schools,  for 
students  of  normal  schools  and  teachers’  colleges,  and  for 
adults  at  home.  It  is  written  in  the  form  of  a series  of 
stories  on  topics  of  interest  to  the  average  person,  young 
and  old,  in  city  as  well  as  in  the  country,  and  the  lan- 
guage used  is  non-technical  throughout. 

Songs  and  Hymns  for  Many  Occasions. 

Selected  by  the  Music  Committee  of  the  National 
Board  of  the  Y.W.C.A.,  Womans  Press,  600  Lex- 
ington Avenue,  New  York.  Price,  10  cents  per  copy. 

This  leaflet  is  in  the  same  form  as  “Songs  for  In- 
formal Singing,”  published  by  the  National  Recreation 
Association,  and  contains  some  of  the  songs  included  in 
the  latter.  But  it  contains  also  the  melodies  and  words 
of  several  other  very  attractive  songs  and  hymns  and  the 
words  only  of  some  additional  ones.  It  was  used  at  a 
recent  national  convention  of  the  Y.W.C.A.  in  Colorado 
Springs  and  must  have  been  a means  of  great  pleasure. 

The  Fundamentals  of  Personal  Hygiene. 

By  Walter  W.  Krueger,  Ph.B.'  W.  B.  Saunders 
Company,  Philadelphia.  $1.75. 

Problems  of  healthful  living  and  problems  of  teaching 
healthful  living  are  simplified  in  this  textbook.  Through- 
out the  author  emphasizes  the  importance  of  mental 
health,  encouraging  the  student  to  form  correct  attitudes, 
desires  and  ideals.  The  book  is  a manual  on  the  art  of 
healthful  living. 

The  Simplified  Human  Figure. 

By  Adolfo  Best-Maugard.  Alfred  A.  Knopf,  New 
York.  $2.50. 

This  book,  a companion  piece  to  “A  Method  for  Crea- 
tive Design,”  is  devoted  for  the  most  part  to  an  exposi- 
tion of  the  author’s  easy  and  original  method  based  on 
simple  principles  of  drawing  correctly  the  human  body 
and  its  parts  in  any  imaginable  position.  Not  only  be- 
ginners, but  more  experienced  workers  in  the  field  of  art 
will  find  this  helpful. 

The  second  part  of  the  book  is  inspirational,  and  be- 
ginners are  urged  to  realize  their  own  ideas  .instead  of 
copying  the  work  of  others. 

Let  the  Child  Draw. 

By  Van  Dearing  Perrine.  Frederick  A.  Stokes 
Company,  New  York.  $2.00. 

In  this  book  Mr.  Perrine  presents  a new  and  im- 
portant method  for  encouraging  children  to  express 
themselves  through  drawing.  The  book  is  designed  for 
the  use  of  parents  and  educators,  and  is  intended  to  serve 
as  a guide  which  will  enable  them  to  recognize,  the  values 
of  a child’s  efforts  to  draw. 


Handbook  of  Adult  Education  in  the 
United  States,  1936. 

Edited  by  Dorothy  Rowden.  American  Association 
for  Adult  Education,  60  E.  42nd  St.,  New  York.  To 
members  of  the  Association,  $1.75;  to  others,  $2.25. 

The  two  handbooks  published  by  the  American  Asso- 
ciation for  Adult  Education,  one  in  1934,  the  second  in 
1936,  represent  an  attempt  to  correlate  in  convenient 
reference  form  data  relating  to  the  many  activities  which 
have  come  to  term  themselves  during  the  last  decade 
“adult  education  enterprises.”  More  than  thirty  people 
have  contributed  articles  on  various  phases  of  the  adult 
education  field.  An  exceedingly  valuable  section  of  the 
book  comprises  the  leading  lists  offered,  and  the  lists  of 
over  a thousand  national  and  local  organizations  engaged 
in  some  phase  of  adult  education. 

Youth  Action  in  the  Use  of  Leisure  Time. 

International  Council  of  Religious  Education,  203 
North  Wabash  Avenue,  Chicago,  Illinois,  $.15. 

This  pamphlet,  prepared  by  a committee  of  leaders  in 
young  people’s  work  and  in  recreation,  deals  with  the 
problem  of  providing  a constructive  use  of  leisure  time. 
It  is  a “guide  to  action  for  Christian  young  people  and 
their  leaders  in  the  new  united  youth  movement,  ‘Chris- 
tion  Youth  Building  a New  World.’  ” The  pamphlet 
contains  suggestions  for  activities  and  organization.  A 
bibliography  adds  to  the  usefulness  of  the  booklet. 

Elementary  Photography. 

By  C.  B.  Neblette,  F.R.P.S.,  Frederick  W.  Brehm, 
and  Everett  L.  Priest,  B.S.,  M.A.  The  Macmillan 
Co.,  New  York.  $.72. 

Every  step  in  developing  a mastery  of  photography  is 
so  clearly  outlined,  and  every  step  so  definitely  explained 
in  the  text  and  by  illustrations,  that  a beginner  may  use 
this  manual  for  self-instruction. 

Officers  and  Directors  of  the  National 
Recreation  Association 

OFFICERS 

Joseph  Lee,  President 

John  H.  Finley,  First  Vice-President 

John  G.  Winant,  Second  Vice-President 

Robert  Garrett,  Third  Vice-President 

Gustavus  T.  Kirby,  Treasurer 

Howard  S.  Braucher,  Secretary 

DIRECTORS 

Mrs.  Edward  W.  Biddle,  Carlisle,  Pa. 

Clarence  M.  Clark,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

Henry  L.  Corbett,  Portland,  Ore. 

Mrs.  Arthur  G.  Cummer,  Jacksonville,  Fla. 

F.  Trubee  Davison,  Locust  Valley,  L.  I.,  N.  Y. 

John  H.  Finley,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Robert  Garrett,  Baltimore,  Md. 

Austin  E.  Griffiths,  Seattle,  Wash. 

Charles  Hayden,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Mrs.  Charles  V.  Hickox,  Michigan  City,  Ind. 

Mrs.  Edward  E.  Hughes,  West  Orange,  N.  J. 

Mrs.  Francis  deLacy  Hyde,  Plainfield,  N.  J. 

Gustavus  T.  Kirby,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

II.  McK.  Landon,  Indianapolis,  Ind. 

Mrs.  Charles  D.  Lanier,  Greenwich,  Conn. 

Robert  Lassiter,  Charlotte,  N.  C. 

Joseph  Lee,  Boston,  Mass. 

Edward  E.  Loomis,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

J.  H.  McCurdy,  Springfield,  Mass. 

Otto  T.  Mallery,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

Walter  A.  May,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 

Carl  E.  Milliken,  Augusta,  Me. 

Mrs.  Ogden  L.  Mills,  Woodbury,  N.  Y. 

Mrs.  James  W.  Wadsworth,  Jr.,  Washington,  D.  C 

J.  C.  Walsh,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Frederick  M.  Warburg,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

John  G.  Wiinant,  Concord,  N.  H. 

Mrs.  William  H.  Woodin,  J*.,  Tucson,  Ariz. 


Reasons  for  Not  Becoming  a 
Recreation  Leader 

THE  RECREATION  profession  is  no  place  for  men  who  desire  a large  money  income,  quick 
returns,  a surface  life. 

It  is  no  place  for  the  man  who  wants  short  hours,  long  vacations,  little  to  do,  an 

easy  berth. 

It  is  no  place  for  the  man  without  fortitude. 

It  is  no  place  for  the  man  without  the  pioneer  spirit,  without  the  desire  to  build,  without 
the  will  for  growth,  for  progress  in  the  world  about  him. 

It  is  no  place  for  the  man  who  wants  glory. 

The  recreation  profession  is  no  place  for  “dead’'  men.  It  is  bad  enough  to  be  a '‘dead’' 
teacher.  It  is  much  worse  to  be  a “dead”  recreation  worker. 

It  is  no  place  for  those  who  do  not  care  for  men,  women  and  children. 

The  recreation  movement  is  no  place  for  the  man  without  faith,  who  does  not  believe 
life  worth  living,  who  does  not  believe  that  men  are  worth  while,  who  thinks  it  would  have 
been  better  if  he  himself  and  nearly  all  other  persons  had  never  been  born. 

It  is  not  the  place  for  the  man  who  does  not  trust  men,  who  believes  that  men  cannot  be 
trusted  with  free  time,  that  it  is  better  to  keep  men  working  all  the  time  to  keep  them  from  sin. 
It  is  not  the  place  for  men  who  are  afraid  of  life,  for  themselves  and  for  every  one  else. 

It  is  no  place  for  men  who  do  not  want  to  be  careful  about  their  personal  life.  For  many 
hours  each  day  the  worker  is,  so  to  speak,  in  a gold  fish  bowl  where  all  may  see  what  he  is  and 
what  he  is  not.  A man  who  is  half  drunk  all  the  time — under  present  American  traditions — 
ought  to  have  no  place  on  a playground,  in  a recreation  center,  as  an  organizer  in  a neighbor- 
hood, or  as  a caretaker  or  janitor.  Any  person  who  wants  to  drink  hard  and  continuously 
ought  to  recognize  that  he  does  not  belong  in  railroad  engineering,  or  as  a pilot  in  flying,  or 
as  a teacher,  or  as  a recreation  leader  or  executive.  There  are  too  many  quick  important  de- 
cisions to  be  made. 

Some  egotistical,  conceited,  opinionated,  dogmatic  men  have  done  well,  but  the  way  has 
been  very  hard  for  them — unnecessarily  so. 

The  number  of  men  really  qualified  to  find  supreme  happiness  and  rewarding  service  in 
the  recreation  movement  is  not  large.  It  is  much  easier  to  teach,  to  preach,  to  write,  to  build 
bridges  and  skyscrapers.  The  quality  of  leadership  possessed  by  the  best  recreation  workers  is 
found  in  only  a limited  number  of  each  million  persons  born.  For  these  few  the  rewards  are 
very  great. 

Until  we  care  enough  for  the  art  of  living  and  the  art  of  playing  to  discover,  develop, 
educate,  the  individual  youngsters  who  have  the  natural  gifts  for  recreation  leadership  it  will  be 
necessary  to  call  upon  many  to  serve  in  the  recreation  profession  who  are  much  better  qualified 
for  other  work,  who  would  find  greater  satisfaction  elsewhere. 

The  recreation  field  is  the  place  for  men  who  want  to  live  and  to  see  every  one  else  live  and 
who  have  satisfaction  in  forgetting  all  about  themselves  in  the  common  life  about  them,  to 
which  they  give  themselves  completely. 

The  recreation  fellowship  is  a rare  one  for  those  who  like  it, — deeply,  enduringly  satisfy- 
ing. The  satisfactions,  however,  often  lie  deep  rather  than  on  the  surface  and  are  long-time 
rather  than  short-time. 

Howard  Braucher. 


OCTOBER,  1936 


329 


October 


Photo  by  Ewing  Galloway,  N.  Y. 


330 


Revolutions— for  What? 


The  revolutions  of  the  last 
decade,  which  have  chang- 
ed, and  are  changing  the  face  of  Europe,  and 
setting  up  new  faiths,  new  myths,  and  new  forms 
of  organization,  which  for  better  or  worse  will 
influence  the  course  of  history  for  a long  time  to 
come — these  revolutions  are  revolutions  of  youth. 
They  are  the  revolutions  of  a generation.  Al- 
though they  have  been  led  by  men  who  grew  to 
manhood  before  the  war,  their  very  leaders  are 
relatively  young,  are  men  whom  the  war  struck 
while  they  were  still  of  impressionable  age.  And 
the  followers  of  these  men  are  youths  who  were 
children  or  unborn  in  1914.  This  is  the  out- 
standing fact  about  the  movements,  and  it  is  to 
this  fact  that  we  ought  to  direct  our  attention. 

I do  not  believe  that  these  revolutions  were 
isolated  phenomena.  I do  not  think  that  they  can 
be  explained  away  by  saying  that  Italy  is  an  over- 
populated  country  and  that  some  extreme  form 
of  nationalism  was  necessary  to  win  for  Italy  a 
place  in  the  sun ; or  that  Germany  is  a nation  nat- 
urally fond  of  regimentation,  and  that  the  na- 
tionalist revolution  there  is  the  result  of  the  lost 
war;  or  that  these  revolutions  are  the  work  of 
single  individuals,  evil,  or  men  of  genius,  accord- 
ing to  the  standards  by  which  they  are  judged. 
The  time  has  passed  when  we  could  make  any 
such  superficial  judgments.  In  country  after 
country  a process  has  been  going  on  before  our 
eyes,  as  in  a laboratory.  The  process  is  almost 
identical  everywhere.  It  has  run  its  course  and 
reached  its  apotheosis  in  Russia  and  in  Germany 
and  in  Italy.  It  is  at  the  height  of  conflict  in 
Spain.  It  is  going  on  in  France.  These  are  the 
most  dissimilar  possible  nations.  Russia  is  a na- 
tion emerging  into  modernity;  Italy  is  a nation 
with  one  of  the  most  highly  individualistic  peoples 
in  the  world.  Spain  is  a coun- 
try largely  illiterate,  and  still 
steeped  in  feudalism.  Germany 
is  a highly  organized,  widely 
cultured  and  modern  indus- 
trial state.  France  is  the  birth- 
place on  the  continent  of  the 
idea  of  liberty  and  equality, 


and  is  that  continental  nation 
which  won  the  war.  We  are 
forced,  therefore,  to  admit  that  there  are  sources 
of  discontent,  sources  of  revolution,  which  are  ap- 
parently universal  in  the  western  world. 

I do  not  think  that  it  will  take  me  very  widely 
afield  of  my  subject,  if  I try  to  trace  what  seem 
to  be  the  sources  of  that  discontent,  and  what 
seem  to  be  the  processes  which  are  at  work. 

The  Sources  of  Discontent 
In  every  country  in  the  world,  you  are  con- 
fronted by  the  fact  that  a highly  productive  ap- 
paratus, an  apparatus  which  as  far  as  actual  pro- 
duction is  concerned  is  unbelievably  efficient, 
periodically  stalls,  breaks  down  and  results  in  the 
most  appalling  economic  disorder.  This  economic 
disorder  reveals  glaringly  that  a collectivism  exists 
of  which  we  are  all  a part,  whether  we  admit  it 
or  not.  For  when  the  apparatus,  stalls,  all  of  us 
are  affected.  And  men  wake  up  to  the  fact  that 
their  individual  freedom  is  a myth.  The  farmer 
on  his  own  acreage  discovers  that  he  will  lose  his 
tools,  his  machines,  because  he  cannot  pay  the  in- 
stallment on  them,  or  buy  for  them  gas  and  oil. 
Or  he  finds  that  his  acreage  is  not  really  his  own 
at  all,  but  that  the  ownership  resides  with  the 
holder  of  a mortgage,  which,  suddenly,  in  terms 
of  his  products,  is  an  unbearable  load.  The  in- 
dustrial worker  or  the  white  collar  worker  finds 
that  the  factory  doors  are  shut  or  his  office  is 
laying  off  its  staff,  and  that  his  rainy  day  re- 
serves, which  he  has  been  persuaded  to  invest  in 
the  functioning  apparatus,  are  gone,  too.  Every- 
one finds  that  he  has  been  leading  a profoundly 
communalized  life,  and  that  as  an  individual  he 
can  do  nothing  whatever  about  it.  In  fact  he  dis- 
covers, in  his  own  life,  in  the  most  fundamental 
sense  of  the  word,  the  sense  of 
whether  or  not  he  eats,  that 
he  is  a part  of  a highly  inte- 
grated wholeness,  and  that  the 
wholeness  is  not  working. 

The  result  of  that  over- 
whelming awakening  mani- 
fests itself  in  many  ways  ac- 


By  Dorothy  Thompson 


At  the  Mobilization  for  Human  Needs 
Conference  held  at  Washington  in 
September,  Dorothy  Thompson,  well- 
known  author  and  news  commentator, 
made  a plea  for  a new  society  in 
the  making  of  which  community  agen- 
cies will  play  an  important  part. 


331 


332 


REVOLUTIONS 


FOR  WHAT ? 


cording  to  the  individual.  The  man  of  thought, 
the  man  of  science,  affirms  a fact.  He  says: 
Something  is  wrong  with  this  system.  Many 
things  are  right  with  it.  Let  us  reconsider,  re- 
study, the  whole  apparatus,  and  find  out  where 
the  screw  is  loose,  and  what  adjustments  must  be 
made.  And  let  us  proceed  to  make  those  adjust- 
ments, regardless  of  what  particular  private  in- 
terests may  be  temporarily  discomfited.  Let  us 
attempt  to  establish  new  principles  where  new 
principles  are  quite  evidently  needed. 

There  are,  thank  heavens,  men  of  this  kind  in 
the  world,  whose  policies  are  guided  by  principle ; 
who  believe  that  the  thing  that  must  be  is  the 
thing  that  is  true,  that  coincides  with  realities. 
But  such  men  are  not  numerous,  and  often  they 
are  not  men  of  action.  And  unfortunately  society 
seldom  listens  to  them  until  it  is  in  the  most  ter- 
rific jam,  and  sometimes  it  is  then  too  late. 

For  this  is  not  the  reaction  of  the  weak  man, 
or  even  of  the  average  man.  His  reaction  is  im- 
mediately to  blame  the  people  who  pull  the  strings. 
If  the  factory  door  is  closed  the  villain  is  the  man 
who  closed  it.  Obviously,  since  he  himself  is  not 
in  control,  someone  must  be,  and  that  somebody 
is  the  devil.  One  must  therefore  kill  the  devils, 
and  everything  will  be  all  right.  He  conceives  that 
the  disorder  in  society  is  due  to  a plot.  It  is  very 
difficult  to  tell  him  that  perhaps  what  is  wrong 
with  society  is  that  man’s  inventive  genius  has  far 
outstripped  his  capacity  for  social  organization, 
and  that  the  scientific  mind  is  functioning  every- 
where except  on  the  matter  of  the  nature  and 
organization  of  man. 

The  men  who  approach  reorganization  in  terms 
of  a revolution  of  principles  are  the  true  radicals. 
Which  is  the  same  as  saying  that  they  are  the 
true  conservatives.  For  they  judge  a program  by 
attempting  to  get  to  the  roots,  to  underlying  prin- 
ciples. And  in  doing  that,  they  are  no  more  will- 
ing to  reject  two  thousand  years  of  history  and 
experience  than  they  are  willing  to  deny  a modern 
and  a new  fact  because  it  has  not  happened  be- 
fore. They  are  bent  upon  seeking  an  integration 
between  what  has  been  and  what  must  be.  And  I 
say  now,  that  whether  we  save  civilization  in  the 
next  hundred  years  depends  upon  the  race  be- 
tween the  men  of  principle  and  the  men  of  catch- 
words. In  Europe  the  men  of  principle  are  los- 
ing that  race.  That  is  the  overwhelming  fact  of 
the  times  in  which  we  live. 


Devil-Chasing 

In  Europe  the  devil-chasers  are  in  the  saddle. 
In  Russia  the  devil  is  the  bourgeois,  in  Germany 
the  devil  is  the  Jews,  in  Spain  the  devil  is  either 
the  church  and  the  aristocracy  or  the  whole  work- 
ing class.  In  France  the  devil  is  Russia  or  the 
devil  is  Germany.  And  we  are  beginning  to  get 
an  uncomfortable  number  of  devil-chasers  in  our 
own  country.  For  some  citizens  of  Long  Island, 
especially  idle  women,  the  devil  is  Mr.  Roosevelt. 
And  for  some  gentlemen  of  Fourteenth  Street, 
the  devil  is  the  Economic  Royalists,  that  is  to  say, 
rich  Republicans.  But  we  must  tell  our  youth 
there  is  no  personal  devil.  There  is  only  apathy, 
and  ignorance,  and  complacency. 

The  youth  of  Europe  followed  the  devil-chas- 
ers because  the  devil-chasers  promised  them  ac- 
tion. Do  not  think  that  they  played  upon  their 
baser  emotions.  On  the  contrary  they  appealed  to 
their  highest  ideals.  And  do  not  make  the  mis- 
take that  the  devil-chasers  themselves  were  in- 
sincere men.  On  the  contrary,  they  believe  in  their 
devils  even  more  strongly  than  do  their  followers, 
only  there  is  one  thing  to  remember  when  you 
start  devil-chasing.  And  that  is  that  if  you  go  at 
it  hard  and  sincerely  enough,  the  devil  tends  to 
become  your  own  alter  ego.  You  tend  to  take  on 
his  features.  I do  not  know  how  otherwise  to  ex- 
plain that  Russian  communism  in  so  many  im- 
portant ways,  so  closely  resembles  Russian  Tsar- 
ism, or  that  Mr.  Hitler’s  ideas  of  racial  national- 
ism and  the  chosen  people  should  so  closely  fol- 
low those  expressed  by  the  ancient  Jews.  The 
book  of  Ezra  has  got  most  of  the  Hitler  race 
program  including  the  grandmother  clause. 

Setting  New  Patterns 

But  these  movements  which  have  overturned 
democratic  orders  and  are,  for  better  or  worse, 
setting  new  patterns  of  social  organization  for  a 
long  time  to  come,  have  come  into  existence  to 
meet  a demand.  They  have  come  in  answer  to  a 
yearning.  They  are  one  form  of  answer  to  a uni- 
versal desire.  Fascism,  Nazism  and  Communism 
have  not  attracted  the  best  youth  of  some  highly 
civilized  nations  purely  because  of  the  negative 
aspects  of  their  philosophies.  And  therefore  we 
must  ask  ourselves  what  on  the  constructive  side, 
is  the  key  to  their  success. 

They  have  swept  nations  because  they  accept 
and  affirm  the  conception  of  the  integrated  com- 
munity. They  set  their  faces  against  the  indi- 


REVOLUTIONS  — FOR  WHAT? 


333 


vidualism  of  the  past.  They  in- 
sist that  man  exists  in  every 
feature  of  his  life,  whether  eco- 
nomic or  social,  as  an  inalien- 
able part  of  a whole.  They  af- 
firm that  the  welfare  of  the 
whole  is  superior  to  the  wel- 
fare of  the  unit.  And  in  assert- 
ing that,  they  merely  confirm 
what  is  already  the  overwhelm- 
ing experience  of  the  masses  of 
modern  man. 

In  the  second  place,  they  af- 
firm the  ideas  of  unity,  order 
and  direction.  They  envisage  a goal.  They  direct 
a people  towards  a purpose. 

These  ideas  have  enormous  vitality  in  the  world 
today  in  all  democratic  countries.  Germany,  be- 
fore the  Nazis  came  into  power,  Italy,  before 
Mussolini  took  the  helm,  had  reached  a state  of 
such  internal  division  that  it  amounted  to  an- 
archy. I am  not  speaking  of  the  economic  organi- 
zation alone.  The  production  apparatus  of  Ger- 
many functioned  admirably.  But  the  distribution 
apparatus  did  not.  Unemployment  was  rife,  and 
the  youth  emerging  from  the  high  schools  and 
universities  came  out  into  a world  where  they 
were  not  wanted,  where  the  only  thing  open  to 
them  was  to  rot  on  the  dole.  It  seemed  that  the 
world  could  get  on  perfectly  well  without  them. 
They  belonged  nowhere.  Democracy  had  degen- 
erated into  a continual  warfare  between  pressure 
groups;  agreement  took  the  form  of  compro- 
mises, bargains  and  treaties  between  those  groups. 
And  nowhere  was  a clear  purpose,  or  a clear  goal 
envisaged.  There  was  a time  in  this  world  when 
men  believed  the  words  of  the  catechism : Little 
Child,  why  were  you  born?  And  the  answer:  To 
serve  God  and  keep  his  commandments.  But  that 
unity  established  by  a common  creed  was  gone. 
So  was  the  unity  established  by  a common  gov- 
ernmental symbol,  which  is  always  a powerful 
force  in  integrating  national  life.  Royalty  had 
capitulated  in  fact  or  had  been  overthrown  in 
men’s  minds  by  human  reason. 

I do  not  want  to  use  mystic  words,  but  it  was 
true,  it  was  a fact,  that  the  youth  of  these  coun- 
tries did  not  know  why  it  lived.  It  was,  in  the 
most  profound  sense  of  the  word , unemployed. 
Not  only  were  its  hands  unemployed,  but  its 
hearts,  its  ideals,  its  spiritual  energies  were  un- 
employed. This  was  not  true  of  the  most  superior, 


or  the  most  creative.  There  are 
always  men  who  can  summon 
out  of  themselves  reserves, 
dreams,  directions.  But  it  is  not 
true  of  the  masses  of  men,  not 
now,  and  not  ever.  The  indi- 
vidual can  exist  without  an  aim, 
but  he  cannot  live.  For  life 
means  growth,  expansion,  di- 
rection, purpose.  And  society 
was  at  cross  purposes.  Young 
men  killed  themselves  not  be- 
cause they  were  hungry,  but  be- 
cause there  was  no  reason  to 
live.  Or  they  wasted  their  lives  in  a restless  search 
for  pleasure,  for  immediate  sensation.  And  inside 
everyone’s  heart  was  a feeling  of  frustration. 

Does  that  picture  seem  very  strange  to  you? 
Have  you  ever  seen  anything  like  it  nearer  at 
home?  When  such  a state  of  feeling  exists  some- 
one only  needs  to  arise  and  cry : Men  Wanted ! 
to  get  a following.  It  doesn’t  even  matter  much 
what  he  wants  them  for. 

We  know  what  the  results  of  this  Fascism 
movement  have  been.  The  conception  of  the  whole 
has  swallowed  the  conception  of  the  parts.  In- 
stead of  integration  we  have  regimentation.  In- 
stead of  unity,  we  have  uniformity.  Instead  of 
societies,  we  have  armies.  The  idea  of  an  army 
is  after  all  the  simplest  form  of  collectivism  and 
unity.  It  is  the  most  primitive  manifestation  of 
order  and  direction.  Just  as  war  and  conquest  are 
the  most  tangible  of  all  possible  purposes.  These 
vast  armies  of  young  men  who  are  both  regi- 
mented and  exalted  menace  western  civilization. 
For  these  are  not  civilized  conceptions  of  unity  or 
civilized  goals.  But  they  are  proof  that  men  would 
rather  have  unity  and  order  in  the  service  of 
death  than  anarchy  and  atomization  for  no  end 
which  can  be  envisioned.  . And  one  cannot  look 
across  the  ocean  and  see  at  Nuremberg  fifty  thou- 
sand youths,  uniformed,  armed,  organized,  in- 
spired, on  the  march  somewhere,  no  one  knows 
quite  where,  without  knoiving  that  unless  these 
conceptions  of  unity,  order  and  direction,  are  chal- 
lenged by  better  ones,  these  concepts  will  win. 
That  is  what  Professor  Gilson  of  the  University 
of  Paris  meant  when  he  said  last  week  at  Har- 
vard : “The  future  of  civilization  rests  upon  what 
the  United  States  will  do  in  the  next  hundred 
years.” 


"There  is  a better  conception  of 
society  than  that  of  the  ant  hill  or 
that  of  the  regiment.  It  is  the 
picture  of  society  as  an  orchestra. 
It  has  leadership,  it  has  unity,  it 
has  a purpose.  ...  It  is  a collec- 
tive whose  power  and  beauty  de- 
pend upon  manifold  activities; 
upon  the  highest  possible  develop- 
ment of  very  unequal  individuals. 
And  each  individual  is  not  demean- 
ed by  his  participation  in  the  col- 
lective, but  vastly  augmented  and 
expanded  by  it." 


(Continued  on  page  371) 


Tomorrow’s  Citizens 

V 

By  Charles  P.  Taft 


There  has  been  one 
worthwhile  product  of 
the  depression.  Those 
of  us  who  are  interested  in 
the  social  agencies  have 
been  forced  to  educate  our 
communities  about  exactly 
what  we  do  and  stand  for. 

There  are  not  many  communities  where  we  have 
not  established  clearly  and  fairly  what  we  do  that 
the  government  does  not  do  and  cannot  do.  It  is 
not  a bad  thing,  I believe,  that  an  institution  of 
such  standing  as  the  Community  Chest  should  be 
saying  in  more  than  300  of  our  principal  cities 
that  the  government  cannot  be  all  things  to  any 
man,  that  man  cannot  live  by  bread  alone,  that  our 
job  is  more  than  furnishing  bread. 

This  product  of  the  depression  is  worth  while 
because  in  the  past  we  laymen  that  raise  the  money 
and  direct  the  work  of  the  agencies  have  been 
entirely  too  ready  to  base  our  pleas  upon  the  wan 
faces  of  starving  children,  upon  a charity  that 
people  think  of  as  a handout.  The  trouble  with 
that  idea  is  that  it  puts  a definite  limitation  upon 
the  amount  of  money  that  a community  will  give. 
If  you  remember  the  squabbles  of  the  agencies  in 
some  chest  cities  because  there  was  not  enough 
money  to  go  around,  that  reliance  on  the  plea  for 
relief  was  probably  behind  it.  They  will  give  so 
much  and  no  more  for  a handout,  for  relief,  but 
they  will  give  until  it  hurts  for  something  con- 
structive, for  the  rebuilding  of  lives,  for  the  sal- 
vation of  souls. 

In  these  depression  campaigns  we  have  been 
forced  in  spite  of  our  inertia  to  find  the  real  heart 
of  social  work,  the  reconstruction  of  families  and 
the  building  of  character,  and  to  tell  our  con- 
stituents about  it.  We  have  been  forced  to  edu- 
cate the  man  who  talked  about  frills  and  the  man 
who  talked  about  taxes.  We  should  be  very 
proud  that  we  have . succeeded  to  a substantial 
degree. 

It  is  significant  of  that  success  that  you  should 
invite  Dorothy  Thompson  and  me  to  the  princi- 
pal event  on  your  program  to  talk  about  youth 


agencies.  Ten  years  ago  they 
were  the  stepchildren  of  the 
chest,  the  ones  most  criti- 
cised, the  campaign  problem. 
Today  you  make  them  the 
spearhead  of  advance  to- 
ward wider  support  of  so- 
cial work.  That  is  the  prod- 
uct of  the  depression,  the  emphasis  upon  charac- 
ter building,  something  which  is  no  exclusive  pos- 
session of  the  youth  agencies,  but  the  basis  of  the 
program  of  every  private  agency. 

From  the  standpoint  of  the  youth  agencies,  the 
boys  and  girls  we  deal  with  are  really  in  these 
groups,  problem  children,  the  underprivileged, 
and  all  the  others.  I am  much  interested  to  hear 
Miss  Thompson  tell  this  evening  of  youth  move- 
ments and  regimented  children  in  Europe.  We 
have  no  youth  movement  in  this  country  and  I am 
glad  of  it.  Youth  belongs  in  the  middle  of  things 
helping  to  run  them,  not  off  by  itself,  grumbling 
and  demanding.  Youth  was  in  the  saddle  in  1775 
and  1787.  I believe  it  is  regaining  its  place  both 
in  public  life  and  in  our  Community  Chest  move- 
ment in  1936. 

I mentioned  three  groups  of  boys  and  girls,  but 
we  deal  with  them  as  individuals  in  our  youth 
agencies.  The  significance  of  my  classification  is 
one  of  program  and  approach  and  finances.  Uncle 
Dick  Morse,  the  great  original  General  Secretary 
of  the  Y.M.C.A.,  used  to  say  that  we  existed  for 
the  up  and  coming,  not  for  the  down  and  out. 
But  we  have  a branch  in  Cincinnati  down  by  the 
tracks  and  the  river  where  one  secretary  on  a 
slim  budget  has  taken  some  250  boys  from  the 
juvenile  court  over  a period  of  years  and  kept  all 
but  fourteen  from  getting  into  trouble  again.  He 
delivers  babies  on  the  shanty  boats,  runs  a navy 
for  flood  relief  and  protects  boys  that  some  might 
call  fugitives  from  justice.  Some  of  those  boys 
are  feeble-minded  and  many  more  take  hours  of 
time.  Naturally  they  don’t  pay  their  share  of  the 
cost.  No  gang  groups  ever  do.  The  Boys  Clubs 
found  out  all  this  years  ago;  the  Y and  the 
Scouts  are  just  beginning  to  learn  how  to  be  lit- 


At  the  Youth  Conference  of  the  1936 
Mobilization  of  Human  Needs  Confer- 
ence, Charles  P.  Taft  emphasized  the 
vital  function  of  youth  agencies  and 
the  necessity  for  supporting  them. 


334 


TOMORROW’S  CITIZENS 


335 


tie  brothers  to  the  poor.  The  financial  problem  is 
not  easy  to  solve,  and  neither  is  the  problem  of 
getting  volunteer  leaders. 

That’s  all  very  well,  says  your  skeptical  con- 
stituent, but  you  work  with  a lot  of  other  boys 
and  girls  that  aren’t  underprivileged  at  all.  That’s 
right.  Those  of  us  that  are  connected  with  the 
youth  agencies  have  always  aimed  to  guide  the 
future  leaders  of  the  community.  Some  of  them 
can  pay  all  it  costs,  but  we  can’t  divide  boys  and 
girls  on  the 
basis  of  what 
money  their 
parents  have. 

We  have  to 
fix  flat  rates 
and  then  go 
to  the  par- 
ents and  the 
community 
for  the  rest 
of  what  we 
need.  Some- 
times  we 
think  we 
prevent  de- 
1 i nquency 
even  here. 

Don’t  the 
schools  do 
that  job? 

Yes,  they  are  trying 
to  build  character  in 
our  young  people  and 
so  are  the  churches.  I 
believe  they  are  doing 
a better  job  each  year. 

But  schools  and 
churches  are  con- 
stantly asking  for 
more  Y clubs  and 
scout  troops  than  we  can  furnish.  I don’t  know 
that  they  always  understand  just  what  we  are 
trying  to  do,  but  they  want  us  around  because 
they  see  that  somehow  our  stuff  works,  that  it 
gives  something  to  their  boys  which  perhaps  they 
haven’t  been  able  to  give  by  themselves.  At  any 
rate  it  helps. 

I should  like  to  tell  you  what  my  interpretation 
of  that  something  is.  I believe  that  the  youth 
agencies  are  trying  to  show  boys  and  girls  how 
to  live.  The  schools  and  churches  really  ought  to 
• be  doing  that.  They  are  not. 


The  schools  have  a curriculum  and  the  sum 
total  of  what  they  teach  ought  to  lead  us  through 
to  the  life  of  the  world.  But  nobody  ties  it  to- 
gether for  the  boy  or  girl.  The  schools,  or  at 
least  the  colleges,  are  beginning  to  realize  that. 
They  have  faculty  advisers  whose  job  is  to  help 
a student  to  see  his  college  life  whole.  But  those 
men  and  women  are  teaching  classes,  too;  this 
isn’t  their  main  job. 

The  churches  have  a fearful  handicap  in  the 

way  Sunday 
is  cut  off 
from  the 
rest  of  the 
week.  Their 
young  peo- 
ple’s groups 
are  fine,  but 
look  at  the 
way  the 
numbers 
drop  off  as 
each  succes- 
sive class 
moves  up  in 
Sunday 
School. 

The  young 
people  want 
some  guides 
they  can 
trust.  They  aren’t 
really  cynical  and  hard. 
That  is  just  a veneer. 
They  want  friendship 
and  guidance  but  the 
person  that  gives  it  to 
them  must  talk  their 
language.  What  a job 
is  there  to  be  done ! 
And  these  youth  agen- 
cies are  not  only  there  to  do  it,  but  they  know 
how. 

Showing  our  children  how  to  live  sounds  like 
the  duty  of  a parent,  but,  God  forgive  us,  we 
don’t  do  it.  We  ought  to  possess  an  accumulated 
experience  of  the  race  of  man  and  of  our  own, 
and  we  should  by  this  time  have  built  up  for  our- 
selves a satisfying  theory  for  living.  Maybe  we 
have,  but  somehow  we  don’t  have  the  courage  to 
tell  it  to  our  own  flesh  and  blood.  Even  the 
pussycats  do  it  better  and  they  can’t  even  talk. 
We  give  them  books  about  it,  or  we  write  them 


Courtesy  Division  of  Arts,  Department  of  Education,  Baltimore 


"That  our  youth  has  need  of  beauty  and  desires  it 
is  shown  by  the  ardor  and  universality  of  its  quest. 
The  interest  and  activity  of  the  younger  generation 
is  centered  as  never  before  in  the  studio,  the  ate- 
lier, the  theater.  Young  people  are  trying  to  paint, 
model,  sing,  dance,  act,  write  poetry,  plays  and 
tales. ...  As  blind  eyes  yearn  for  light  they  are  seek- 
ing love  and  joy  and  beauty." — Claude  Btagdon. 


336 


TOMORROW’S  CITIZENS 


letters.  If  we  did  our  part  as  parents,  we 
wouldn’t  need  any  youth  agencies. 

What  kind  of  a philosophy  of  life  do  the  youth 
agencies  teach?  Well,  they  believe  in  all-round 
living,  in  the  cultivation  of  body,  mind  and  spirit. 
They  believe  in  God,  and  they  believe  in  good  citi- 
zenship. They  want  to  stimulate  a boy  or  a girl 
to  find  his  place  in  the  world,  to  study  his  own 
capacities,  to  understand  how  the  business  world 
is  growing  here,  contracting  there,  and  to  lay  out 
a course  of  living  that  will  bring  opportunities 
for  service  and  tranquillity  of  spirit. 

These  agencies  are  a curious  mixture  of  indi- 
vidualism and  collectivism.  Perhaps  that  is  not 
quite  fair.  Let  me  say  rather  that  they  are  a good 
example  of  the  conflict  between  the  freedom  of 
the  individual  and  the  compulsion  of  the  com- 
munity which  has  gone  on,  I suppose,  since  peo- 
ple first  gathered  in  clans  and  tribes. 

If  there  is  one  lesson  to  be  learned,  it  seems 
to  me,  from  work  with  boys  and  girls,  your  own 
or  somebody  else’s,  it  is  that  every  personality  is 
individual  and  that  you  make  progress  only  as 
you  deal  with  each  as  a person.  The  Hebrews  of 
the  Old  Testament  learned  that  slowly  and  first 
Jeremiah  and  last  the  Great  Prophet  of  Galilee 
drove  home  the  lesson  that  personality  is  indi- 
vidual and  sacred. 

That  is  more  than  a principle  of  boy’s  work; 
it  is  the  basis  of  the  democratic  idea.  The  small 
religious  congregations  of  the  seventeenth  century 
were  the  real  beginning.  Each  member  spoke  with 
a little  something  of  the  voice  of  God,  and  must 
be  listened  to  with  respect.  When  the  majority 
decided  after  tolerant  discussion,  it  was  likely  to 
be  the  best  for  all.  To  extend  that  idea  to  govern- 
ment of  all  the  people  took  an  act  of  faith  that 
even  the  fathers  of  our  Constitution  150  years 
later  were  not  quite  ready  for.  Only  one  person 
in  twenty-five  was  allowed  to  vote  in  1787.  The 
franchise  went  to  the  wiser  ones,  those  with  a 
stake  in  the  country,  a bit  of  property,  you  know. 
It  took  the  Wesleyan  revival  to  bring  again  the 
faith  that  permitted  manhood  suffrage.  In  Rhode 
Island  it  took  fifty  years  and  a revolution. 

You  think  that  is  off  my  subject?  No,  for  the 
most  important  question  in  life  for  the  agencies 
and  for  the  boys  and  girls  is  whether  you  believe 
in  God,  so  that  you  find  Him  working  through 
men,  all  men.  Don’t  try  to  work  with  boys  and 
girls,  and  don’t  put  any  money  in  the  youth  agen- 
cies unless  you  think  there  is  the  divine  spark  in 
those  small  spirits,  the  tough  egg  from  the  gas 


house  district  and  the  irritating  smarty  from  the 
suburb,  as  well  as  the  bright-eyed  leader  of  the 
gang. 

It  is  no  idle  speculation  I am  leading  you 
through  this  evening.  After  those  revolutionary 
days  of  the  seventeenth  century  in  England,  John 
Locke  thought  deeply  and  gave  reason  to  the 
bloodless  overthrow  of  James  II.  The  will  of  the 
people  must  prevail,  he  said  in  substance ; govern- 
ment should  exist  only  with  the  consent  of  the 
governed.  Hegel  a hundred  years  ago  accepted 
that  principle,  so  he  said ; but,  he  went  on,  only 
the  divine  ruler  can  know  what  that  will  really  is. 
Only  He  knows  what  is  really  best  for  the  people. 
That  is  the  philosophy  of  the  supremacy  of  the 
state.  It  cannot  be  reconciled  with  democracy.  All 
of  us  vote  for  democracy  of  course.  The  prin- 
ciple is  clear. 

But  its  application  is  not  so  easy.  We  believe 
in  individual  liberty,  but  we  can’t  let  a boy  who 
is  a sex  pervert  remain  at  large  to  contaminate 
our  boys’  club.  We  work  for  an  ordinance  or  a 
state  law  to  regulate  poolrooms  and  we  try  to 
have  it  enforced.  We  go  one  step  further  and 
have  constitutional  prohibition,  and  somehow  it 
doesn’t  work  and  we  have  to  repeal  it.  Where 
shall  we  draw  the  line  for  the  intervention  of 
government  ? 

It  is  not  only  we  workers  with  young  people, 
but  long-haired  Communists  and  short-haired 
business  men  alike  who  are  tempted  to  believe 
that  we  know  what  is  good  for  people,  for  the 
masses,  better'  than  the  people  do  themselves.  We 
are  tempted  to  look  on  them  as  a mob,  tossing 
their  sweaty  night  caps  as  Caesar  rejects  the 
crown,  but  accepting  his  power  gratefully  never- 
theless. It  is  so  easy  that  way  to  mould  the  com- 
munity to  your  heart’s  desire,  or  so  it  seems.  But 
when  the  mould  is  set  there  is  something  of  the 
living  flowing  metal  that  has  escaped,  and  we  find 
that  we  were  not  wise  enough  to  make  the  blue 
print  right. 

It  is  hard  the  other  way.  You  look  at  all  the 
boyhood  of  a city  and  think  that  you  must  get 
close  enough  to  each  individual  to  hold  him  to  you 
while  you  give  him  the  words  of  life.  You  know 
that  you  can’t  do  it  by  yourself  and  that  you  must 
find  helpers,  arms  of  the  agency  and  of  the  chest 
and  of  the  spirit  behind  the  chest.  It  is  so  hard 
to  find  them,  for  the  helpers  seem  to  be  few,  and 
it  is  so  hard  to  train  them.  The  words  of  life  are 
so  elusive.  They  must  be  clothed  in  the  language 
( Continued  on  page  372) 


IT  is  a pity  that  there  are  not  more  occasions  in 
our  year  like  Christmas,  when  almost  every- 
one enters  into  feelings  of  simple  joy  and  jol- 
lity, thankfulness  and  universal  friendliness.  Then 
the  vitalizing  social  spirit  of  play  that  we  all  hope 
to  find  on  the  playing  field,  in  the  drama  or  handi- 
craft club,  the  chorus  or  orchestra,  or  elsewhere, 
is  everywhere  ready  to  spring  into  being,  into 
singing,  acting,  dancing  or  bright  walking  in  a 
procession,  or  into  some  other  self -giving. 

Long  ago  this  spirit  was  as  active,  or  nearly  so, 
on  Twelfth  Night,  May  Day,  Midsummer  Eve, 
Harvest  Time,  Saints’  Days  and  other  yearly  oc- 
casions, and  one  of  the  most  engaging  of  these 
was  the  Harvest  Time.  It  still  is  engaging  in  the 
country  districts  of  most  of  the  European  coun- 
tries. In  France  peasants  dance  in  procession  to 
the  vineyards.  The  leaders  hold  the  largest  bunch 
of  grapes  high  in  triumph  and  sing  and  imitate  in 
dance  some  of  the  activities  connected  with  the 
care  of  the  vines.  Italians  have  similar  customs. 
In  the  north  of  England  the  last  handful  of  grain 
is  dressed  up  with  ribbons  like  a doll  and  hailed  as 
the  “Corn  Maiden.”  “She”  rides  on  the  top  of 
the  last  load  and  is  brought  to  the  landlord’s 
house  in  triumph  where  she  holds  a conspicuous 
place  amidst  the  feasting  and  dancing  that  follow. 
In  Poland  a lovely  girl  is  wrapped  in  the  last 
sheaf  of  wheat  and  is  borne  on  the  shoulders  of 
men  to  the  landlord’s  house.  There  the  reapers 
dance  around  her  and  sprinkle  her  with  water  to 
ensure  a plentiful  rainfall  in  the  following  year. 
Other  customs,  and  plans  for  combining  them  in 
a festival  are  given  in  Folk  Festivals  and  the  For- 
eign Community  by  Dorothy  Gladys  Spicer.* 
Frazer’s  Golden  Bough,  available  in  public  librar- 
ies, is  brim  full  of  Harvest  customs  and  others. 

Distinctively  American  Possibilities 
In  our  country  in  these  years  almost  all  the 
celebrations  of  this  autumn  season  are  religious 

* Womans  Press,  600  Lexington  Avenue,  New  York.  $1.00. 


services  held  in  churches,  and  it  is  indeed  right 
that  such  services  should  be  held  in  all  churches 
and  that  even  the  secular  celebrations  should  grow 
out  of  what  are  essentially  religious  feelings  of  joy 
and  thankfulness.  But  there  might  well  be  also  a 
revival  of  the  best  kinds  of  simple  pageantry  and 
merry-making  that  have  made  the  harvest  cele- 
bration of  country-folk  another  occasion  for  full 
expressiveness  and  social  happiness.  And  from  the 
old  customs  we  might  grow  into  new  modes  of 
doing  the  thing,  modes  still  closer  to  our  own  in- 
terests and  backgrounds.  The  maple  sugar  har- 
vest, for  example,  is  distinctively  American  and 
has  an  interesting  background,  and  so  has  corn  or 
maize,  the  potato,  the  tomato,  the  pumpkin,  to- 
bacco, all  of  which  were  given  to  the  world  from 
North  America.  A celebration  of  the  harvest  from 
the  sea,  associated  as  it  is  with  the  sea  chanteys 
and  all  the  romance,  danger  and  heroism  of  the 
life  of  fisher-folk,  could  be  a very  stirring  affair, 
expanding  most  liberatingly  the  often  cramped 
vision  of  city-folk.  The  codfish  is  another  natively 
American  product  and  there  are  doubtless  others. 
Distinctively  American  characters  like  Johnny 
Appleseed  and  Paul  Bunyan  with  their  very  inter- 
esting legendry  could  be  interwoven  in  a festival 
as  the  Indians  and  Pilgrims  and  their  legendry  have 
been.  A harvest  celebration  might  well  include 
products  of  man’s  skills  and  spirit  in  the  arts  and 
crafts,  as  well  as,  or  instead  of,  the  products  of 
farms  and  fields.  A hobby  show  this  might  be, 
but  one  made  much  more  attractive  than  a mere 
exhibition  by  being  associated  with  singing,  danc- 
ing and  other  festive  doings. 

The  working  out  of  distinctively  American 
harvest  festivals  will  give  plenty  of  stimulating 
opportunity  for  some  research  and  much  creative- 
ness. A bulletin  entitled  Harvest  Festival,  pub- 
lished by  the  National  Recreation  Association  at 
ten  cents  a copy,  contains  some  definite  sugges- 
tions, including  some  for  a Husking  Bee ; and  the 
second  volume  of  Plays  for  Our  American  Holi- 


337 


338 


FOR  A HAPPY  THANKSGIVING 


days  by  Schauffler  and  Sanford,  published  by 
Dodd,  Mead  and  Company,  contains  three  Thanks- 
giving plays  that  might  be  used  either  as  they 
were  intended  or  as  sources  of  ideas  for  a festi- 
val. There  are  undoubtedly  other  publications  of 
ready-made  ideas  for  the  purpose.  But  in  these 
days  when  creativeness  is  more  and  more  widely 
recognized  as  a fundamental  trait  and  need  of 
human  nature,  and  a means  of  keen  enjoyment,  we 
can  regard  the  possibilities  in  harvest  festival- 
making as  offering  especially  rich  opportunities, 
and  be  thankful  for  them.  It  is  hoped  that  this 
article  will  be  suggestive  enough  to  start  a com- 
mittee or  individual  working  out  some  plans  of 
their  own  that  will  be  well  suited  to  the  interests 
and  creative  abilities  of  themselves  and  other 
people  in  the  neighborhood. 

There  may  not,  however,  be  sufficient  interest 
among  the  people  to  work  out  a harvest  festival 
requiring  a good  deal  of  preparation.  City  people 
are  usually  too  far  from  the  farms  and  fields  to 
appreciate  the  “stately  procession  of  the  seasons” 
and  the  wonders  of  the  growth  and  fruition  of  the 
things  that  we  take  so  glibly  or,  if  we  are  poor, 
have  to  do  without,  in  the  bags  and  little  tin  cans 
of  the  grocery  store.  And  they  are  not  interested 
in  the  labors  and  wisdom  of  the  farmer  on  which 
they  depend.  We  are  too  absorbed  in  human  an- 
tics in  business,  recreation,  politics,  scandals, 
amusements,  or  in  some  dulling  routine  of  work 
or  search  for  work,  to  sense  those  great  silent 
workings  of  nature  and  to  marvel  and  rejoice  at 
the  amazing  array  of  colors,  shapes,  tastes  and 
sustenances  that  grow  out  of  them.  And  this  is  a 
pity  because  it  narrows  or  eliminates  entirely  a 
source  of  rich  satisfactions  that  must  be  part  of 
everyone’s  natural  heritage  and  that  might  be  a 
fine,  steadying  influence  amidst  the  confusions  and 
strains  of  present-day  human  affairs.  If  these 
things  be  true,  and  we  are  not  accustomed  to  hav- 
ing festivals  in  which  everyone  present  takes  part 
freely  and  well,  we  would  better  start  with  one  so 
simple  that  it  requires  no  more  preparation  than 
would  be  given  to  a “community  night”  and  yet  it 
accomplishes  the  main  values  of  such  a celebra- 
tion. Then  in  succeeding  years  the  content  of  it 
could  be  made  more  richly  significant. 

A Harvest  “Community  Night” 

On  this  “community  night,”  for  it  need  be 
nothing  more  than  that,  a platform  or  an  end  of 
the  auditorium  floor  would  be  bedecked  with  corn- 
stalks, autumn  leaves  and  any  other  natural  tokens 


of  the  season  that  can  be  secured.  We  might  com- 
mence with  general  singing  of  the  well-known 
harvest  hymn  starting  with  the  words,  “Come,  ye 
thankful  people,  come,”  which  is  in  many  hymn 
books  and  could  appear  on  the  mimeographed  pro- 
gram with  the  words  of  all  the  other  songs  of  the 
evening. 

Then  as  the  song,  Alleluia  * is  sung  with  its 
“Dear  Mother  Earth,  who  day  by  day 
Unf oldest  blessings  on  our  way,” 

Mother  Earth  herself  appears  from  the  side  and 
proceeds  to  the  platform  in  time  with  the  radiant, 
dignified  music.  She  is  a rather  tall  and  robust 
person  wearing  a simple  dress  of  yellow  or  of 
some  other  autumn  color  decorated  with  wild 
flowers,  bittersweet  or  the  like.  Her  golden  crown 
with  its  radiating  points  reminds  one  of  the  sun, 
especially  so  if  her  hair  is  blonde  or  golden.  She 
is  attended  by  six  or  more  well-proportioned 
young  men  or  boys  of  high  school  age,  each  bear- 
ing on  his  shoulder  a basket  of  fruits  or  vege- 
tables or  both  arranged  handsomely.  Ordinary 
bushel  baskets  colored  or  otherwise  decorated 
without  as  well  as  within  will  do. 

Each  boy  might  wear  a jerkin  of  brown  reach- 
ing slightly  below  the  hips  and  laced  up  the  front, 
or  it  might  be  a “slip-over”  which  needs  no  lac- 
ing. (This  sleeveless  jerkin  could  be  easily  made 
of  canton  flannel  which  would  look  like  leather.) 
He  might  wear  green  tights  made  of  old  or  cheap 
underwear  or  long  stockings  that  had  been  dyed, 
and  low  buskins  or  socks  of  the  brown  canton 
flannel  might  take  the  place  of  shoes.  A Robin 
Hood  hat  of  the  same  material,  perhaps  with  a 
feather  in  it,  and  loose-fitting  sleeves  and  collar  of 
green,  blue,  tan  or  white  would  complete  the  cos- 
tume. In  a number  of  rural  places  where  such  a 
festival  was  given,  these  bearers  of  Earth’s  gifts 
wore  overalls,  the  only  distinction  in  them  being 
that  they  were  clean.  In  any  costume,  each  one 
might  have  hanging  around  his  neck  or  over  one 
shoulder  and  under  the  other  arm  a garland  of 
wheat  heads,  corn  husks  or  ears,  fruit  or  some 
other  native  gift  of  nature.  An  especially  hand- 
some feature,  if  it  were  possible,  would  be  a 
flower-  and  leaf -bedecked  cart  of  proper  size  load- 
ed with  the  harvest  and  drawn  in  by  the  last  two 
attendants  or  the  first  two.  If  the  festival  were 
out  of  doors,  this  might  be  an  oxcart  or  other 
farm  wagon  and  be  drawn  in  by  all  the  attend- 
ants together,  or  by  horses  or,  very  picturesquely, 
by  oxen. 

* In  Folk  Songs  and  Ballads,  Set  I,  IS  cents.  E.  C.  Schirmer 
Music  Co.,  Boston,  Mass. 


FOR  A HAPPY  THANKSGIVING 


i 


339 


As  Mother  Earth  reaches  the  platform  with  her 
attendants,  the  latter  all  together  set  down  their 
baskets,  each  one  tilted  toward  the  audience  by 
being  placed  on  a block  of  wood  or  a stone  that 
was  set  on  the  stage  beforehand  and  covered  with 
greenery  or  autumn  leaves.  By  outstretched  arms 
as  she  faces  the  audience  she  betokens  her  offer- 
ing of  the  products  to  them.  Then  as  everyone 
rises  and  sings  Now  Thank  We  All  Our  God, 
another  hymn  found  in  almost  every  good  hymn 
book,  Mother  Earth  and  her  attendants  turn  about, 
their  backs  to  the  audience,  their  faces  and  arms 
lifted  toward  the  Superior  Being.  After  this  she 
takes  her  throne,  a distinguished-looking  chair  set 


(Barnes,  New  York)  and  in  Elizabeth  Burchenal’s 
Folk  Dances  of  Finland  (G.  Schirmer,  Inc.,  New 
York).  Almost  any  good  group  dance  would  do'. 
Reap  the  Flax,  a singing  dance  in  Folk  Games  of 
Denmark  and  Sweden  by  Pedersen  and  Boyd 
(Saul  Brothers,  Chicago)  is  very  appropriate,  and 
so  is  Bean-setting,  an  English  Morris  Dance  for 
which  the  music  and  directions  can  be  obtained 
from  the  H.  W.  Gray  Company,  159  East  48th 
Street,  New  York,  or  from  the  public  library.  Or 
so  simple  and  familiar  a singing  dance  as  Come, 
Let  Us  Be  Joyful  would  do  very  well.  A great 
virtue  of  Bean-setting  is  that  it  is  essentially  a 
he-man’s  dance,  a sturdy  one  done  with  sticks  and 


The  Jolly  Plough  Boy 


~w 

Come  all  you  Jolly  plough  boys  aid  lis-ten  to  me,  1*11 
Here’s  Ap-ri\  here’s -May,-  here’s  June  and  Ju-  ly.  What 
whpi^  we,  have  la^TSor^d  anri^rwynd  ev-*ry  t s^aaf,  And 


3.  Then  when  we,  have  labored  and  reapfld  ev-’ry  1 sheaf , 

j.  T . ~~  yp.  "?  jTff  g ",gp| 

sing  in  xhe-praise  ox  you  all,  r or if  we  dont  la-bo 


is# 


sing  in 

pleasure 

gleaned 


.e-praise  of  you  all,  For if  we  dont  la-bor  how 

to — see  the  com  grow.  In — Aug-ust  we  moil  it,  we 
up ev  - e - rye ar,  7fe*ll  nake  no  more  to,  flo  byt  to 


».  Je’ 


f t J niTJ  1 


shall  we  get  bread?  LeV-e  sing  and  be  mer-ry  with  - al*. 
reap,  sheath  aid  tie.  And  go  down  with  out  scythes  fbr  to  mow.  - 
plough  we  will  go.  To  pro-vide  for  the  ver-  y naxt  year. — 


From  Folk  Songs  for  Schools,  Set  VI,  copyrighted  by  Novello  and  Co.,  Ltd.,  London.  Obtainable  with  accompaniment  from 
the  H.  W.  Gray  Co.,  159  East  48th  Street,  New  York  City  (12  cents)  Used  by  permission 


in  the  rear  center  of  the  platform,  and  her  at- 
tendants seat  themselves  on  the  floor  or  remain 
standing.  Now  we  have  the  setting  for  merry- 
making in  song,  dance,  simple  “acting”  and  pos- 
sibly games,  all  in  joyful  homage  to  Mother 
Earth. 

First  of  all,  perhaps,  we  have  a processional  of 
plowmen,  gardeners,  and  other  workers  of  the 
fields,  including  women,  each  bearing  a rake,  hoe, 
scythe  or  sickle,  milk  bucket  or  other  suitable  im- 
plement while  everyone  or  a special  group  sing 
The  Jolly  Plough  Boy. 

Overalls  for  the  men  and  simple  frocks  for  the 
women  will  be  appropriate.  After  these  workers 
have  made  an  obeisance  to  Mother  Earth,  they 
might  be  the  ones  to  start  the  merrymaking,  say, 
with  the  Finnish  Harvest  Dance  to  be  found  in 
Caroline  Crawford’s  Folk  Dances  and  Games 


a kind  of  swagger  that  make  it  entirely  acceptable 
to  men  and  boys  and  are  likely  to  give  its  validity 
to  all  the  other  folk  dancing. 

Groups  of  children  from  the  schools  or  the 
playground  might  do  one  or  more  folk  dances  or 
special  dances  as  of  autumn  leaves  while  a song 
like  Come,  little  leaves,  said  the  wind  one  day, 
which  is  in  many  school  music  books,  is  sung. 
Singing  games  like  the  Farmer  in  the  Dell  would 
be  appropriate.  Older  children  might  give  a sim- 
ple, short  musical  play  like  the  Robin  Hood,  based 
on  old  English  songs,  that  is  obtainable  from  the 
E.  C.  Schirmer  Music  Company,  Boston.  In  Folk 
Songs  and  Ballads,  Set  I,  which  contains  Alleluia, 
mentioned  above,  The  Old  Woman  and  the  Ped- 
dler, might  be  acted  out  by  children  or  adults.  In 
Indian  Action  Songs  by  Densmore  (C.  C.  Birch- 
ard and  Company,  25  cents)  is  one  entitled  Mak- 


340 


FOR  A HAPPY  THANKSGIVING 


ing  Maple  Sugar  that  would  be  very  appropriate. 
O Soldier,  Soldier  in  Twice  55  Community  Songs, 
Brown  Book  is  another  good  song  to  act  out.  One 
of  the  milkmaids  already  in  the  scene,  upon  rec- 
ognizing a soldier  as  he  enters,  greets  him  with 
delight  and  then  sings  her  question  to  him.  After 
each  of  his  answers  she  goes  and  gets  the  article 
of  clothing  he  claims  to  be  without,  and  he  puts 
it  on  with  a fine  swagger  and  satisfaction.  When 
he  tells  her,  finally,  that  he  already  has  a wife,  she 
is  enraged  and  makes  him  take  off  and  return 
everything  she  gave  him.  Still  another  song  to 
act  out  is  The  King’s  Breakfast  which,  from 
A.  A.  Milne’s  When  We  Were  Very  Young  is 
published  separately  by  E.  P.  Dutton  and  Com- 
pany (New  York)  with  music  and  very  amusing 
directions  for  “acting.”  This  costs  $1.50,  but 
might  be  found  in  the  public  library,  where  there 
would  very  likely  be  also  a collection  of  English 
folk  songs  by  Cecil  Sharp  in  which  The  Hus- 
bandman and  the  Serving-man  and  other  songs 
offer  further  opportunities  for  acting. 

Musical  Mixers,  a twenty-cent  bulletin  issued 
by  the  National  Recreation  Association  contains 
several  simple  singing  dances  of  which  the  Szviss 
Polka  with  its  words  of  outdoor  pleasure  would 
be  an  especially  happy  choice  for  a group  of 
young  people  or  adults.  And  an  American  Square 
Dance  would  certainly  fit  in  well.  Some  tumblers 
or  jugglers  or  both  might  also  pay  homage  to 
Mother  Earth.  Especially  fortunate  would  we  be 
to  have  one  or  more  neighborhood  groups  repre- 
senting other  countries  come  in  their  folk  cos- 
tumes and  give  some  of  their  dances  or  harvest 
customs. 

At  the  close  of  the  merrymaking,  which  should 
not  be  too  prolonged,  Mother  Earth  and  her  at- 
tendants would  leave,  and  with  the  same  song,  but 
the  products  might  all  be  left  on  the  platform  and, 
if  there  is  an  oxcart,  she  herself  might  ride  “in 
state”  in  it.  Then  with  the  singing  once  more  of 
The  Jolly  Plough  Boy,  the  workers  would  follow 
immediately  and  bear  the  products  away  in  their 
own  arms,  forming  a gay  procession  in  which  all 
the  dancers,  actors  and  other  special  perform- 
ers would  join,  going  along  a central  aisle 
amidst  the  audience  or  proceeding  in  some  other 
formation  for  a “grand 
march”  out  among  the  peo- 
ple. The  general  singing  of 
America,  the  Beautiful 
might  be  preferred  for  this 
processional. 


Later,  the  products  might  be  distributed  among 
the  poor. 

Now  for  a Party 

Now,  the  festival  proper  being  over,  the  floor 
might  be  cleared  of  chairs,  the  audience  them- 
selves moving  them  perhaps,  and  everybody  be 
invited  to  join  in  some  of  the  dances  seen  in  the 
festival,  or  in  some  appropriate  games. 

Additional  Pointers 

In  the  festival  the  special  performing  groups 
need  not  and  should  not  be  announced.  No  speak- 
ing is  necessary.  Each  group  comes  in  to  its  music 
played  at  a piano,  dancing  in  or  walking  in- 
formally in  rhythm.  After  the  group  has  per- 
formed, it  should,  if  there  is  room  enough,  re- 
main in  the  scene,  standing  on  either  side  of  the 
center.  Its  members  should  know  beforehand 
where  they  are  to  stand.  Thus  the  “picture”  be- 
fore the  audience  will  grow  larger  and  larger  and 
more  and  more  varied. 

The  mimeographed  or  printed  program  should, 
as  we  have  said,  contain  the  words  of  all  the  songs 
and  it  might  be  on  autumn-colored  rather  than 
white  paper.  If  the  names  of  the  performers, 
leaders  and  the  sponsoring  organizations  must  ap- 
pear, tuck  them  away  on  the  back  of  the  program 
or  on  the  last  page,  not  in  the  midst  of  the  pro- 
gram. Let  the  songs,  dances  and  processionals 
themselves,  and  all  else  that  is  done,  occupy  our 
attention  completely,  letting  all  the  performers  and 
their  leaders  forget  themselves  in  full,  free  enjoy- 
ment and  thanksgiving. 

The  audience  should  be  given  to  understand 
that  they  are  really  not  an  audience  at  all,  but  es- 
sential participators  in  the  festival.  They  should 
have  had  opportunity  to  learn  the  songs  before- 
hand at  their  club  meetings,  if  they  belong  to  co- 
operating clubs,  at  neighborhood  sings  held  on 
previous  evenings,  or  in  the  period  of  an  hour  or 
less  just  before  the  festival  begins.  A special 
group  might  have  been  formed  to  learn  the  songs 
very  well  to  give  support  to  the  rest  of  the  audi- 
ence. Set  I of  Folk  Songs  and  Ballads,  mentioned 
above,  contains  several  songs  appropriate  to  such 
a festival  and  so  do  Set  II  and  Set  III  of  the 
same  series,  each  one  costing 
20^.  One  lasting  value  of  the 
festival  will  be  the  linger- 
ing memory  and  enjoyment 
of  the  folk  songs  learned  in 
connection  with  it. 


Singing  the  reapers  homeward  come,  Io!  Io! 
Merrily  singing  the  harvest  home,  Io!  Io! 

Along  the  field,  along  the  road, 
Where  autumn  is  scattering  leaves  abroad, 
Homeward  cometh  the  ripe  last  load,  Io!  Io! 


Thanksgiving 

Party 


Three  hundred  and  fifteen 
years  ago  a Pilgrim  wrote 
of  the  first  Thanksgiving : 

“Our  harvest  being  gotten  in, 
our  governour  sent  foure  men  on  fowling  so  that 
we  might  after  a more  special  manner  rejoyce  to- 
gether after  we  had  gathered  the  fruit  of  our 
labours.  They  foure  in  one  day  killed  as  much 
fowle  as,  with  little  help  beside,  served  the  Com- 
pany almost  a weeke.”*  The  Indians  brought  in 
more  game,  and  Pilgrims  and  Indians  sat  down 
together  for  three  days  of  feasting  and  celebra- 
tion. Not  only  was  there  feasting,  but  there  were 
games,  music,  and  friendly  competition  as  well. 

Three  hundred  and  fifteen  years  later  we  re- 
celebrate that  first  Thanksgiving  day  in  much  the 
same  way  in  our  homes  and  at  our  parties.  For 
the  large  community  group  we  plan  a harvest 
festival  as  the  one  described  in  the  article  entitled 
“For  a Happy  Thanksgiving”  in  this  same  issue 
of  Recreation.  For  a smaller  group  we  give  a 
party  with  friendliness,  games,  music  and  as  much 
feasting  as  our  club  pocketbooks  will  allow. 

Invitations  and  Decorations 


Little  did  the  Pilgrim  fathers  think 
that  the  day  they  set  apart  on  which 
to  give  thanks  for  an  abundant 
harvest  would  become  one  of 
our  most  delightful  holidays! 


enough  so  that  at  refreshment 
time  it  will  be  seated  at  a table 
or  tables,  a little  ingenuity  and 
imagination  and  a few  odds  and 
ends  will  enable  you  to  create  clever  centerpieces 
representing  a turkey,  a log  cabin,  an  Indian  tepee, 
Plymouth  Rock  or  the  Mayflower.  Crepe  paper 
and  decorated  tablecloths,  plates,  cups  and  napkins 
all  add  to  the  festive  feeling. 

As  the  Guests  Arrive 

As  the  guests  arrive  give  each  one  a bit  of  in- 
signia which  will  make  him  feel  the  spirit  of  in- 
formal gayety  and  at  the  same  time  identify  him 
as  one  of  a team  for  the  coming  games  and  stunts. 
For  a small  group  make  cardboard  and  paper  Pil- 
grim hats  and  bonnets  as  well  as  Indian  head- 
dresses (with  feather  for  man,  simple  band  for 
woman),  while  for  a large  group,  for  which  it 
would  be  too  difficult  a task  to  make  hats,  have 
small  emblems,  tomahawks,  Pilgrim  hats  or  tur- 
keys to  be  pinned  on  the  guests.  Turkey  or 
chicken  feathers  are  not  difficult  to  obtain  at  this 
season  and  will  make  headdresses  a quick  and 
simple  matter. 


Invitations  may  be  printed  or  made  by  the  group 
planning  the  party.  They  may  be  in  rhyme  or 
written  with  the  curious  spelling  of  the  sixteen 
hundreds.  If  they  are  cut  in  Thanksgiving-time 
shapes  (turkey,  pumpkin,  Pilgrim)  or  decorated 
with  an  appropriate  and  simple  sketch  they  will  be 
much  more  attractive.  Colored  paper,  in  autumn 
shades,  will  further  carry  out  the  theme. 

Decorations  also  follow  the  theme  and  may  be 
simple  decorations  of  lights,  windows  and  corners 
with  fall  leaves  and  flowers,  or 
made  more  elaborate  with  the 
use  of  corn  shocks,  pumpkins, 

Indian  tepees,  and  pictures  or 
cut-outs.  If  the  group  is  small 

* Compton’s  Pictured  Encyclopedia. 


Pre-Party  Activities  and  Games 
Pilgrim  Crafts.  In  the  old  days  the  Pilgrims  had 
to  make  their  own  clothes  and  shoes  and  other 
equipment;  so  if  the  group  is  not  too  large  the 
early  arrivals  might  make  their  own  hats  and 
headdresses  or  small  emblems  with  materials  — 
pins,  papers,  paste,  scissors,  crayons,  string — con- 
veniently laid  out  on  large  tables.  As  they  enter 
they  may  be  told  to  which  team  they  belong  and 
then  turned  loose  at  the  craft 
tables.  They  might  make  a few 
extras  so  that  late  arrivals  will 
have  some  decoration. 

Hawk-eye  will  keep  your 
early  guests  busy.  Post  several 


There  are  many  more  suggestions 
here  than  will  be  needed  for  any 
one  party.  Select  from  them  the 
activities  best  adapted  to  your 
particular  group  and  situation. 


341 


. 342 


A THANKSGIVING  PARTY 


pictures  about  the  room — duplicates — preferably 
of  some  Thanksgiving  or  harvest  scene.  Covers  of 
current  magazines  will  be  adequate.  Give  each 
guest  a pencil  and  paper  and  let  him  find  as  many 
objects  as  possible  in  the  picture  which  start  with 
S or  B or  any  other  letter.  The  letter  you  choose 
will  depend  on  the  picture  to  some  extent.  When 
the  party  officially  begins,  the  papers  are  checked 
and  the  one  with  the  longest  list  wins  an  appro- 
priate prize. 

Counting  the  Harvest  may  be  used  as  the  pre- 
party activity.  Lay  out  several  objects  on  a large 
table  or  tables,  spaced  so  that  guests  will  not  have 
to  crowd  to  look  at  them.  These  objects  might  in- 
clude an  ear  of  corn,  a bunch  of  grapes,  a chrys- 
anthemum, a small  pumpkin,  and  some  nuts  or 
beans  in  a jar.  Let  each  guest  guess  and  write 
down  the  number  of  kernels  on  the  ear  of  corn, 
grapes  on  the  bunch,  petals  on  the  flower,  seeds  in 
the  pumpkin  and  nuts  or  beans  in  the  jar.  To  the 
one  with  the  closest  grand  total  or  to  those  with 
the  nearest  correct  answer  for  each  separate 
object  give  a prize.  The  numbers  have  been  de- 
termined by  count  before  the  party.  No  guest  may 
touch  an  object;  he  may  only  look  at  it  and  write 
the  number  down. 

Mixers  or  Ice-breakers 

Brunswick  Stew.  Pin  on  the  back  of  each  guest 
the  name  of  an  ingredient  of  a Brunswick  stew. 
These  ingredients,  fifteen  in  number,  are  beef, 
potatoes,  turnips,  carrots,  salt,  rice,  pepper,  onions, 
water,  celery,  tomatoes,  aitchbone,  pork,  parsnips 
and  butter.  Each  guest  has  paper  and  pencil  and 
attempts  to  write  a complete  list  as  quickly  as 
possible,  looking  at  other  guests’  backs,  but  at  the 
same  time  trying  to  keep  the  name  on  his  own 
back  from  being  observed.  A prize  goes  to  the 
first  with  all  fifteen  ingredients  listed.  The  guests 
should  be  told  there  are  fifteen  names  to  list. 

Grand  March  figures  will  serve  to  arrange  the 
group  in  file  formation  for  the  relays  which  are 
to  follow,  and  they  will,  as  well,  put  the  guests  in 
a friendly  informal  mood.  Any  of  the  figures  may 
be  used,  but  vary  them  by  telling  the  guests  that 
they  are  Indians  and  must  walk  as  though  seek- 
ing game  or  prance  as  in  a war  dance  (with  ac- 
companying Avar  cries)  or  by  informing  them 
they  are  Pilgrims  walking  to  church  or  singing  at 
their  \\rork.  This  will  add  interest  to  old  figures. 


Relays 

Bean  Porridge  Relay.  The  guests  are  in  file  for- 
mation. Player  number  i of  each  file  turns  and 
plays  the  game  “Bean  porridge  hot,  bean  porridge 
cold,  bean  porridge  in  the  pot,  nine  days  old,” 
which  everyone  knows,  with  player  number  2. 
Number  2 then  plays  it  with  number  3 and  so  on 
to  the  end  of  the  line.  The  first  line  through  wins, 
and  a prize  (a  piece  of  candy,  perhaps)  is  given 
each  player. 

Indian  Relay.  Two  teams  face  each  other.  Each 
pair  of  teams  has  a covered  can  with  pebbles  in  it. 
As  some  one  plays  music  the  can  is  tossed  back 
and  forth  between  the  two  lines.  When  the  music 
stops  (or  when  a whistle  is  blown  if  there  is  no 
music)  the  side  holding  the  can  or  last  touching  it 
loses  five  points  to  the  other  side.  Fifty  to  one  hun- 
dred points  constitute  a game.  A marshmallow 
is  given  to  each  member  of  a winning  team. 

Turkey  Javelin.  Give  each  team  a turkey  feather 
of  approximately  the  same  size.  At  “go”  the  first 
player  in  each  line  throws  the  feather,  point  first, 
as  far  as  he  can.  Number  2 then  runs  to  it,  picks 
it  up  and  hurls  it  as  far  as  he  can.  Each  player  in 
turn  throws  the  feather.  The  first  team  to  throw 
it  across  the  finish  line  at  the  other  end  of  the 
room  wins.  If  distances  are  short,  throw  the 
feather  to  a goal  and  back  to  the  starting  line. 
Give  a small  feather  to  each  member  of  the  win- 
ning team. 

Harvesting.  At  the  head  of  each  file  place  a 
waste  basket  or  cardboard  box.  At  the  other  end 
of  the  room  opposite  each  file  place  another  con- 
tainer in  which  is  a potato  for  each  member  of  the 
team.  On  “go”  number  1 runs  to  the  other  end  of 
the  room  and  takes  a potato  from  the  “field”  run- 
ning back  to  place  it  in  the  “barn”  or  box  at  the 
head  of  the  line.  Player  number  2 then  runs  to 
the  “field,”  and  so  on.  The  first  team  to  harvest 
its  potato  crop  wins  a small  prize. 

Mental  Games  and  Stunts 

Thanksgiving  Pies.  Give  each  team  a paper  and 
pencil.  The  team  members  then  gather  around  a 
self-appointed  secretary  who  writes  down  with 
their  assistance  the  name  of  a Thanksgiving  pie 
which  is  described  in  each  of  the  following  coup- 
lets. The  couplets  may  be  read  aloud  to  the  group 
or  be  mimeographed.  The  group  with  the  largest 
number  correct  wins. 


A THANKSGIVING  PARTY 


343 


A word  that  means  “to  elevate” 
A preposition  for  its  mate. 

Raisin 

What  freezes  up  in  winter  weather, 
Thanksgiving  families  met  together. 

Pumpkin 

The  way  one  feels  when  life  goes  ill, 
What  sextons  do  when  graves  they  fill. 

Blueberry 

The  fruit  that  Eve  preferred  to  eat, 

But  picked  and  pie-d  before  it’s  sweet. 

Green  apple 

A 

Try  this  in  winter  when  you  dine, 
It  means  “to  chop  up  very  fine.” 

Mince 

A silly  fowl  that  loves  to  swim, 

A fruit  that  grows  on  branches  slim. 

Gooseberry 

A drink  you’ll  choose  some  chilly  day, 
A seed  that  squirrels  hide  away. 

Cocoanut 

What  happens  when  a salesman  fat 
Sits  down  on  someone  else’s  hat. 

Squash 

On  farms  it’s  thick,  it  makes  you  grin, 
The  city  sort  is  all  too  thin. 

Cream 

Folk  Dancing 

The  list  of  folk  dances  and  appropriate  songs 
appearing  in  the  article  “For  a Happy  Thanks- 
giving” in  this  issue  is  an  excellent  source  for 
material  for  a folk  dance  or  two  at  this  point  in 
our  party  and  for  group  singing  at  refreshment 
time. 

Dramatic  Activities 

Puritan  Plays.  Now  let  each  group  select  a word, 
such  as  Pilgrim,  turkey,  Puritan,  holiday,  grate- 
ful, good-will,  which  is  appropriate  to  the  season. 
Let  each  group  act  the  word  it  has  chosen. 

Mayflower  Tintypes.  Or  let  each  group  select 
a suitable  subject  concerning  the  Pilgrims  and 
portray  it  as  a picture,  posing  motionless  for  a 
minute  or  so.  Such  “paintings”  might  include 
“The  Landing  of  the  Pilgrims,”  “Going  to 
Church,”  “John  Alden  and  Priscilla,”  “The  First 
Thanksgiving.” 


You  meet  a pretty  girl,  oh,  baby!  Peach 

You  know  what  word  describes  her,  maybe. 

Turkey  Conundrums.  On  the  reverse  side  of  the 
paper  used  in  the  previous  game  are  to  be  written 
in  the  same  manner  as  for  “Thanksgiving  Pies” 
the  answers  to  these  turkey  conundrums. 

1.  What  part  of  a turkey  is  used  to  assist  one  in  dress- 
ing? Comb 

2.  What  part  of  a turkey  opens  the  front  door?  The 
last  part — Key 

3.  What  part  of  a turkey  appears  after  dinner?  Bill 

4.  What  part  of  a turkey  is  part  of  a sentence?  Claws 
(clause) 

5.  What  part  of  a turkey  is  used  for  cleaning?  Wings 
(feather  duster) 

6.  What  part  of  a turkey  does  the  farmer  watch  closely? 
Crop 

7.  What  part  of  a turkey  is  an  oriental?  The  first  part 
— Turk 

8.  Why  ought  the  turkey  be  ashamed?  We  see  the  tur- 
key dressing 

9.  Why  is  a fast  eater  like  a turkey?  Both  are  gobblers 

10.  What  color  gets  its  name  from  a turkey?  Turkey 
red 

11.  When  the  turkey  is  cooking,  what  country  is  he  in? 
Greece 

12.  What  part  of  a turkey  is  a story?  Tail  (tale) 

13.  What  part  of  a turkey  appears  on  the  battlefield? 
Drum  stick 

Priscilla  Alden's  Skill.  Choose  one  woman  from 
each  group.  Give  her  a bowl  of  slippery  pumpkin 
or  squash  seeds,  a needle,  thimble  and  thread. 
Then  on  signal  she  starts  to  thread  as  many  as 
she  can  in  three  minutes.  The  Priscilla  who  wins 
keeps  her  thimble  for  a prize. 


Creative  Activities 

Turkey  Carving.  The  guests  will  be  ready  to  sit 
down  awhile  and  do  quiet  things.  Pass  out  paper 
(black  if  possible,  or  brown)  and  ask  the  guests  to 
tear  out  a turkey  or  Indian  silhouette.  Post  these 
works  of  art  on  white  paper  and  judge,  if  the 
group  is  quite  small ; if  it  is  larger,  let  each  group 
select  the  best  and  enter  it  in  competition  with 
those  of  other  groups. 

Animal  Fair.  Pair  off  the  guests,  if  the  party  is 
quite  a small  one  — not  more  than  twenty  or 
thirty  couples.  On  a table  lay  out  cranberries, 
potatoes,  turnips,  squashes,  apples,  peanuts,  pins, 
matches  and  toothpicks,  glue  or  paste  and  odd  bits 
of  feathers  or  colored  cloth.  Give  each  couple 
from  ten  to  fifteen  minutes  to  make  an  animal, 
mount  it  on  a card  bearing  their  names  and  the 
name  of  the  animal.  Judges  award  prizes  to  the 
best. 

Refreshments 

Having  talked  so  much  about  harvests  and  food 
all  through  this  party  and  having  raced  and  acted 
and  danced,  the  guests  will  welcome  rather  sub- 
stantial refreshments  such  as  pumpkin  pie  and 
milk,  if  the  club  pocketbook  will  permit  it.  If 
funds  are  limited  candied  apples  and  punch,  cof- 
fee and  doughnuts  or  other  simple  refreshments 
will  suffice. 


The  Federal 


Child  ren’s  Theater 


New  York  City 


By  Anne  Powell 


For  many  years  educators  and  social  workers 
have  dreamed  about  a children’s  theater  — 
one  free  enough  from  money  entanglements 
to  devote  itself  exclusively  to  the  creation  of  fine 
juvenile  theater  productions  and  to.  a study  of 
the  wants  and  needs  of  the  young  theatergoer. 
The  dream  materialized  when  the  administrators 
of  the  Federal  Theater,  feeling  there  was  a defi- 
nite need  for  such  a project  incorporated  it  into 
their  already  gargantuan  program. 

For  its  first  offering  the  Federal  Children’s 
Theater  gave  Charlotte  Chorpenning’s  adaptation 
of  Hans  Anderson’s  fairy  tale  The  Emperor's 
New  Clothes.  It  was  presented  originally  at  the 
Adelphi  Theater  on  June  2nd,  after  which  it 
played  on  portable  stages  in  parks  to  over  100.000 
people  in  a six  weeks  period. 

The  Press  Enthusiastic 

How  very  charming  this  play  is,  and  what  appeal 
it  has  for  both  child  and  grown-up  has  been  ade- 
quately expressed  by  reviewers  of  two  New  York 
newspapers : 

Said  the  New  York  American: 

“Much  too  modestly  for  anyone’s  good,  there  came  re- 
cently to  the  Adelphi  Theater,  somewhat  removed  from 
Broadway  in  54th  Street,  one  of  the  most  charming  pro- 
ductions of  a playgoer’s  season.  It  is  a fable  of  pretty 
steady  and  sheer  delight,  The  Emperor’s  Neiv  Clothes. . . . 

“For  the  youngster  the  play’s  the  thing — the  story  of  a 
couple  of  urchin  zanies  who  chase  a lost  ball  into  an  em- 
peror’s city  and  remain  within  the  gates  for  an  adventure 
in  rescuing  a group  of  wretched  weavers  from  a villain- 
ous cabinet  minister.  It  is  a lively,  playful,  comical  tale, 

344 


done  with  an  imagination  that  provides  for  juveniles 
every  bit  of  color,  tomfoolery  and  exaggeration  that  the 
occasion  demands.” 

The  reviewer  from  the  New  York  Sun  had  the 
following  to  say : 

“To  be  a member  of  an  audience  that  is  having  a glori- 
ous time  and  isn’t 'in  the  least  inhibited  about  showing  it, 
is  one  of  the  most  satisfactory  experiences  a playgoer 
can  have.  It  awaits  anyone  who  will  drop  into  the  Adelpi 
Theater,  up  in  Fifty-fourth  Street,  any  afternoon  except 
Sunday. 

“There,  the  Children’s  Theater  is  presenting  a com- 
pletely enchanting  fairy  tale  called  The  Emperor’s  New 
Clothes,  with  the  rapturous  and  highly  vocal  approval  of 
as  many  youngsters  as  can  jam  into  the  place.  It  is  a 
moot  question  whether  the  children,  the  actors  or  the 
highly  self-conscious  adults,  ostensibly  present  merely  as 
escorts,  have  the  most  fun.  I can  only  report  that  when 
the  somewhat  soiled  ten-year-old  who  sat  next  to  me 
yesterday,  began  to  shriek  that  the  all-important  sign- 
post the  heroes  were  seeking  was  ‘Right  over  there !’  it 
required  an  effort  of  will  not  to  yell  with  him. 

“The  Emperor’s  New  Clothes  tells  how  two  boys,  in  the 
best  fairy  tale  manner,  outwit  a cruel  servant  of  the 
ruler,  who  is  cheating  his  master  and  oppressing  the 
people.  They  claim  to  have  woven  a cloth  that  is  visible 
only  to  those  worthy  of  filling  the  positions  they  hold. 
No  one,  not  even  the  dull,  amiable  Emperor,  will  admit 
he  cannot  see  the  cloth,  but  the  boys  eventually  trick  the 
rascally  minister  into  confessing  that  it  is  invisible  to 
him.  He  is  dismissed  in  disgrace,  and  all  the  others  live 
happily  ever  after. 

“The  play  has  been  mounted,  costumed  and  directed  with 
extraordinary  wit  and  imagination  and  all  of  the  actors, 
from  Joseph  Dixon,  who  plays  the  Emperor,  to  the  citi- 
zens, weavers  and  court  maidens  of  the  crowd  scenes, 
look  and  behave  just  as  characters  in  a fairy  tale  should. 
I am  too  old,  perhaps,  to  be  accepted  as  an  authority  on 
such  matters,  but  several  hundred  of  those  who  aren’t, 
left  no  doubt  about  it  yesterday.  They  scorned  mere 
handclapping  to  express  their  approval,  in  favor  of  joy- 
ous whoops  that  must  have  been  audible  all  the  way  to 
Times  Square.” 


THE  FEDERAL  CHILDREN’S  THEATER  IN  NEW  YORK  CITY 


345 


Questionnaire  Reveals  Needs 

In  order  to  gauge  as  accurately  as  possible  the 
theater  needs  of  children,  Jack  Rennick,  super- 
visor of  the  Children’s  Theater,  sent  out  question- 
naires to  the  heads  of  a large  number  of  settle- 
ment houses.  The  inquiry  brought  some  very  in- 
teresting results,  conveying  to  the  project  the  past 
experiences  of  directors  with  some  243,000  young 
people. 

Children  ranging  in  age  from  4 to  7 these  set- 
tlement directors  believed,  evinced  a great  interest 
in  fairy  tales  and  historical  plays;  of  8 to  11,  in 
adventure  and  historical  fantasy;  of  12  to  16,  in 
operettas  (Hansel  and  Gretel)  and  more  serious 
plays. 

It  is  of  course  not  as  accurate  a check  as  the 
Children’s  Theater  would  like  to  obtain.  But  until 
children  are  given  an  opportunity  to  see  a great 
many  plays,  a standard  of  measurement  for  their 
theater  wants  will  be  difficult  to  evolve. 

In  the  meantime  a very  interesting  experiment 
is  being  carried  on  in  this  direction  during  the 
regular  performances  of  the  Emperor’s  New 
Clothes.  Children  are  given  questionnaires  and 
queried  on  their  reactions  to  the  performance. 
Smaller  groups  of  children  have  also  been  asked 
to  write  reviews  of  the 
play  and  send  them  to  the 
theater. 


Types  of  Plays 

The  plays  the  Children’s  Theater  are  consider- 
ing for  presentation  are  of  two  types : those  which 
are  imaginative,  humorous  and  fantastic  in  nature, 
and  secondly  those  which  give  a sense  of  realism 
to  the  play,  and  so  help  the  youngster  obtain  a 
greater  awareness  of  himself  as  a personality,  as 
well  as  a realization  of  his  particular  relation  to 
the  world  in  which  he  lives. 

No  matter  what  the  treatment  or  subject  mat- 
ter of  the  play  is,  it  must,  in  order  to  meet  the 
demands  of  the  Children’s  Theater,  excite  and 
stimulate  the  emotional  and  intellectual  interests 
of  the  child.  As  Mr.  Rennick  put  it : “At  no  time 
will  we  give  plays  which  will  provide  entertain- 
ment value  only.  It  is  our  intention  to  combine 
the  educational  and  entertainment  qualities  of  the 
theater — and  place  the  greater  emphasis  on  the 
educational,  though  not  in  a pedagogical  manner. 
We  do  not  believe  in  treating  children  as  such, 
but  rather  as  human  beings  who  must  be  ap- 
proached on  an  equal  level.  Whatever  pedagogic 
effects  we  achieve  must  come  as  a result  of  the 
proper  selection  of  plays,  and  through  a pre- 
sentation which  is  attractive  enough  to  appeal 
to  the  child’s  need  for  fun,  laughter,  fantasy,  and 
sustained  adventurous  in- 
terest.” 

(Continued  on  page  372) 


Thousands  of  people  of  all  ages  make  up  the 
audiences  which  sit  enthralled  through  the 
outdoor  performances  given  in  New  York  City 


Dearborn  Dedicates  Ford  Field 


For  ten  years  Dearborn,  Michigan,  has  held 
an  annual  “Dearborn  Day”  with  an  elaborate 
program  of  sports,  games,  music,  dramatic 
presentations  and  similar  activities. 

Recent  estimates  show  that  there  has  been  an 
influx  of  25,000  people  to  Dearborn  since  the  last 
census  was  taken.  There  is,  therefore,  greater 
need  than  ever  for  such  an  opportunity  as  Dear- 
born Day  presents  to  welcome  these  newcomers, 
and  each  year  an  increasing  number  of  people 
look  forward  with  the  keenest  anticipation  to  the 
neighborliness  and  the  festivities  of  this  gala  day. 

This  year  the  celebration  was  a particularly 
happy  one.  Not  only  was  there  an  especially  ex- 
tensive program  of  recreation  arranged  by  the 
city’s  Recreation  Department  of  which  Henry  D. 
Schubert  is  the  executive,  but  the  closing  evening 
of  the  two-day  celebration  marked  the  formal  pre- 
sentation to  the  city  by  Henry  Ford  of  Ford 
Field.  This  twenty  acre  amphitheater  along  Rouge 


River  had  for  many  years  been  used  as  a recrea- 
tion center  through  the  courtesy  of  Mr.  Ford. 

With  its  four 
baseball  dia- 
monds  and 
grassy,  shaded 
picnic  grounds  it 
had  provided 
play  opportuni- 
ties for  many 
thousands.  Now 
it  was  to  become 
the  property  of 
the  city.  July 
1 6th  was  indeed 
a red  letter  day 
for  Dearborn ! 

Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Ford  were  pres- 
ent at  the  dedi- 
cation and  took 
part  in  the  cere- 
mony, Mr.  Ford 
broadcasting  a 
message  over  a 
coast  to  coast 
hookup  of  the 
Columbia  Broad- 
casting System. 
(Continued  on 
page  373) 


"Friends  and  Neighbors  — Thanks 
for  your  greetings  tonight.  It  is  good 
to  see  so  large  a gathering  in  such  a 
happy  mood.  That  is  because  we 
Dearbornites  know  how  to  play  as  well 
as  work.  If  we  don't  play  a little  we 
shall  not  be  able  to  work  very  well. 

"This  field  is  really  the  'village 
green'  of  our  town,  and  for  many 
years  it  has  been  a place  of  outdoor 
recreation  for  both  old  and  young. 
Mrs.  Ford  and  I now  take  great  pleas- 
ure in  presenting  it  to  Dearborn  so 
that  it  may  always  be  used  for  this 
good  purpose." 

Henry  Ford 


346 


Securing  the  Use  of  Schools 


Most  recreation  departments  have  little  dif- 
ficulty in  securing  the  gymnasium  facilities 
of  a public  school  but  when  those  same 
recreation  departments  seek  the  wider  use  of  the 
building  for  activities  which  cater  to  youth  and 
adult  groups,  the  School  District  will  often  op- 
pose the  project.  Usually  the  District  has  certain 
reasons  for  its  refusal,  one  of  them  being  the 
extra  cost  for  light,  heat  and  janitor  services,  and 
to  the  average  taxpayer  the  School  District’s  at- 
titude is  apparently  logical. 

How,  then,  may  a recreation  department  secure 
the  wider  use  of  a school  plant? 

Creating  Public  Sentiment 

First,  by  building  up  public  sentiment.  This 
procedure  takes  time  but  is  well  worth  the  ef- 
fort. School  and  city  officials,  service  clubs, 
women’s  organizations,  parent-teacher  associa- 
tions must  be  shown  the  need  for  the  wider 
use  of  school  buildings.  Get  the  Parent- 
Teacher  Association  interested  in  making  a 
survey  of  what  young  people  in  the  neighbor- 
hood of  the  school  building  are  doing  during 
their  leisure  time.  Take  the  various  members 
of  the  School  Board  and  City  Council  on  an  in- 
spection trip  in  the  vicinity  of  a school  build- 
ing and  show  them  the  gang  hang-outs.  Have 
the  judge  of  the  juvenile  court  make  a public 
speech  on  the  necessity  of  having  a school 
building  lighted  at  night  for  community  recre- 
ation purposes.  Secure  the  cooperation  of  the 
local  newspapers  in  writing  editorials.  Point 
to  the  fact  that  Milwaukee,  Wisconsin,  has 
many  school  buildings  open  at  night  and 
boasts  of  the  lowest  juvenile  delinquency  rec- 
ord of  any  city  in  America.  Have  a meeting  of 
case  workers  and  group  workers  of  your  Coun- 
cil of  Social  Agencies  and  let  the  case  working 


as 

Community  Centers 

By  Thomas  W.  Lantz 

Superintendent  of  Public  Recreation 
Reading,  Pennsylvania 


agencies  show  the  need  for  neighborhood  rec- 
reation centers  in  school  buildings.  Give  their 
statements  wide  publicity;  they  know  neigh- 
borhood conditions  about  as  well  as  anybody 
in  the  city.  Get  the  records  of  the  police  de- 
partment and  the  juvenile  court  and  show  the 
large  percentage  of  young  people  under 
twenty-five  years  of  age  who  have  been  sent  to 
reformatories  and  prisons  and  the  cost  of  main- 
taining these  same  youths  in  institutions. 

Creating  public  sentiment  will  take  much  of 
your  time  as  it  will  be  necessary  for  you  to  make 
many  addresses,  but  sooner  or  later  you  will 
discover  various  organizations  in  the  neighbor- 
hood responding  to  your  plea,  and  they  will  ap- 
peal to  the  school  board  for  the  opening  of  a 
school  building  in  their  district  for  a daily  pro- 
gram of  recreation  activities  which  will  attract 
post-school  ages. 

You  will  find  a more  ready  response  from  the 
School  Board  if  the  appeal  for  opening  a school 
building  comes  directly  from  the  taxpayers 
than  from  you. 

How  Reading  Secured  Its  School  Centers 

The  Junior  League  members  of  the  City  of 
Reading  were  operating  a small  settlement 
house  near  a school 
building  whose  gymna- 
sium was  being  used  by 
the  Recreation  Depart- 
ment. The  settlement 
house  facilities  were 
quite  inadequate.  The 

347 


Community  center  days  are  coming!  If  the  use  of  schools 
as  community  centers  is  a new  project  in  your  community 
it  will  be  helpful  to  learn  how  one  city  secured  the  co- 
operation of  its  school  board  and  built  up  public  support. 


348 


SECURING  THE  USE  OF  SCHOOLS  AS  COMMUNITY  CENTERS 


director  of  the  Junior  League  settlement  house 
was  reaching  only  a small  number  of  children 
after  school  and  in  the  evenings.  The  superin- 
tendent of  the  public  recreation  system  of  the  city, 
believing  that  a better  piece  of  work  could  be  done 
in  the  nearby  school  building,  pointed  out  to  the 
Junior  League  that  they  could  reach  more  people 
and  do  a more  effective  piece  of  work  if  they 
could  secure  the  use  of  the  school  building  in  co- 
operation with  the  Recreation  Department. 

After  an  exhaustive  study  of  the  situation  and 
many  conferences  with  the  superintendent  of  pub- 
lic recreation,  the  Junior  Leaguers  appeared  be- 
fore the  local  School  Board  and  requested  the  use 
of  a large  grade  school  building,  stating  that  they 
wanted  to  give  up  their  small  house  and  reach 
more  people.  The  Junior  • 

Leaguers,  representing  a 
large  portion  of  the  big- 
gest taxpayers  in  the  city, 
carried  some  weight  with 
the  School  Board  officials, 
and  they  were  granted 
the  use  of  the  building 
with  free  light,  heat  and 
janitor  services.  The 
League  agreed  to  pay  for 
leadership  and  supplies. 

The  Recreation  Depart- 
ment assumed  responsi- 
bility for  administering 
and  providing  leadership 
for  the  new  neighbor- 
hood center  in  a school 
building.  Thus  through  the  cooperation  of  the 
School  Board,  Junior  League  and  the  Recreation 
Department,  the  City  of  Reading  secured  its  first 
real  recreation  center  in  a school  building. 

The  center  was  first  opened  in  1930  and  today 
the  program  reaches  a total  number  of  approxi- 
mately 5000  participants  each  month.  Rooms  in 
the  school  building  are  used  for  chess,  art,  handi- 
craft, fencing,  boxing,  wrestling,  music,  dramat- 
ics, a charm  school  for  girls,  Boy  Scouts,  Camp 
Fire  Girls,  community  nights,  illustrated  lectures 
and  a wide  range  of  activities. 

Another  way  in  which  the  wider  use  of  school 
buildings  may  be  secured  is  through  cooperation 
with  other  agencies  in  the  community. 

For  several  years  the  Inter-Racial  Committee 
of  the  Council  of  Social  Agencies,  composed  of 
colored  and  white  members,  among  them  the  su- 
perintendent of  recreation,  discussed  the  possi- 


bility of  opening  an  inter-racial  neighborhood  rec- 
reation center  in  a school  building. 

Recently  several  school  buildings  were  aban- 
doned by  the  school  district  for  larger  and  more 
modern  buildings.  When  the  opportunity  arose, 
the  Inter-Racial  Committee  of  the  Council  of 
Social  Agencies  appeared  before  the  School  Board 
and  made  an  urgent  appeal  in  behalf  of  the  Rec- 
reation Department  for  the  use  of  the  abandoned 
school  building.  The  School  Board  was  favorably 
impressed,  and  when  the  Board  of  Recreation 
formally  requested  the  use  of  the  building  the  re- 
quest was  granted.  The  same  Inter-Racial  Com- 
mittee appeared  before  the  City  Council  and  se- 
cured a fine  appropriation  to  operate  the  first  in- 
ter-racial center  under  Negro  and  white  leader- 
ship. The  school  building 
is  used  from  top  to  bot- 
tom every  day  except 
Sunday  for  activities 
ranging  from  sewing 
classes  to  boxing. 

A strong  County  Edu- 
cation, Recreation  and 
Youth  Advisory  Council, 
which  is  a part  of  the 
Works  Progress  Admin- 
istration, was  an  influen- 
tial factor  with  the 
School  Board  when  the 
Recreation  Department 
desired  the  use  of  a new 
million  dollar  grade 
school  for  community 
center  purposes.  With  the  backing  of  the  County 
Education,  Recreation  and  Youth  Advisory  Coun- 
cil, the  Recreation  Board  had  little  difficulty  in 
securing  not  only  the  gymnasium  facilities  of  the 
new  school,  but  any  part  of  the  building  desired 
for  a comprehensive  leisure  time  program.  The 
recreation  center  is  now  being  entirely  operated 
with  W.P.A.  recreation  leaders  under  the  super- 
vision of  the  Recreation  Department.  The  School 
District  pays  for  light,  heat  and  janitor  services; 
the  Recreation  Department  provides  all  the  equip- 
ment necessary  for  the  conducting  of  activities. 

Reading  has  twenty-five  neighborhood  Parents’ 
Playground  Associations  and  they  are  tradition- 
ally strong.  These  neighborhood  parents’  associa- 
tions, w'hich  heretofore  only  took  an  interest  in 
their  summer  playgrounds,  are  now  taking  the 
lead  in  securing  the  wider  use  of  school  buildings 
(Continued  on  page  373) 


"We  have  only  begun  the  intelligent,  long- 
term planning  of  school  buildings,  play- 
grounds and  other  educational  and  recrea- 
tional facilities.  The  time  will  come  when 
current  criticisms  of  the  amounts  expended 
for  school  buildings  will  be  looked  upon  as 
ridiculous.  . . . Instead  of  debating  whether 
a gymnasium  or  auditorium  will  be  included 
in  a school  building,  the  question  will  be  how 
many  gymnasiums  and  auditoriums  are  re- 
quired to  provide  adequate  facilities  for  the 
athletic,  recreational  and  cultural  activities 
of  the  community." — Henri)  C.  Morrison 
and  John  K.  Norton  in  National 
Municipal  Review. 


:ory 
Hours— and 


By  Anne  Majette  Grant 


H 


ours 


I 


Specialist  in  Story-telling 
Westchester  County  Recreation  Commission 


What  can  a recreation  leader  who  believes  in 
story-telling  but  is  not  trained  in  the  art 
do  toward  promoting  and  developing  this 
“activity”  on  the  playground?  I use  that  word 
activity  advisedly.  If  you  have  watched  a group 
of  children  during  a story  hour  you  know  already 
how  truly  they  participate.  They  are  not  merely 
passively  listening.  They  have  become  actors.  They 
are  the  hero  or  heroine,  truly  experiencing  the 
thrills  or  hardships  about  which  they  are  hearing. 

Certainly  it  is  with  no  thought  of  making  story- 
telling a less  beautiful  or  less  perfect  art  that  I 
insist  that  folk  not  trained  for  story-telling  can 
make  a very  worthwhile  contribution  in  this  field. 
Nor  do  I think  for  one  moment  that  every- 
one can  become  a good  story-teller,  although  in 
my  goings  up  and  down  I have  unearthed  a few 
excellent  story-tellers  who  had 
not  previously  been  aware  of 
their  talent.  But  for  the  sake  of 
clarity  in  presenting  certain 
definite  suggestions,  let  us 
divide  story-telling  into  two  dif- 
ferent categories — the  informal 
and  the  formal. 

The  Informal  Times 

Recently  I was  delighted  to 


hear  an  authority  on  music,  speaking  before  a 
general  recreation  conference,  say,  “It’s  music  if 
it  sounds  like  music  to  the  ones  who  are  making 
it.”  That  expresses  my  feeling  about  this  informal 
tale-telling,  and  there  is  no  recreation  leader 
worthy  of  the  name  who  cannot  develop  these  im- 
portant moments.  It  may  be  the  tennis  coach  sit- 
ting on  the  side  lines  with  his  players  before  the 
game — or  between  sets — telling  them,  quite  inci- 
dentally, how  ancient  tennis  had  no  net,  the  ball 
being  played  over  an  earthen  mound  and  struck 
by  the  palm  of  the  hand  instead  of  a racquet.  Or 
he  may  tell  them  a bit  about  the  boyhood  of  “Big 
Bill”  Tilden,  the  great  tennis  champion.  Whatever 
he  tells  them,  he  will  be  building  on  their  interest 
in  tennis ; he  will  be  creating  a spirit  of  comrade- 
ship between  himself  and  these  young  people,  and 
he  will  be  linking  them  up  with 
all  the  champions  of  this  par- 
ticular sport.  And  that’s  story- 
telling ! 

There  is  a little  book  called 
“Popular  Sports,”  published  by 
Rand  McNally  and  available  for 
ten  cents  at  the  Wool  worth 
Stores,  which  gives  hundreds  of 
facts  about  the  origin  and  de- 
velopment of  our  sports.  Such 


In  the  July  issue  of  Recreation  we 
presented  an  article  by  Mrs.  Grant 
urging  that  every  playground 
which  could  possibly  arrange  for  it 
have  a "magic  corner"  for  story- 
telling and  simple  dramatics  for 
children.  In  this  article  Mrs.  Grant 
offers  some  practical  suggestions, 
especially  for  the  benefit  of  the 
inexperienced  story-teller,  on  in- 
formal and  formal  story-telling. 


349 


350 


STORY  HOURS  — AND  STORY  HOURS! 


a book  in  the  hands  of  an  alert  leader  could  be 
the  basis  of  many  weeks  of  quiet  informal 
sessions. 

If  the  children  have  been  interested  in  soap- 
carving, would  not  this  activity  be  made  more 
interesting  if  they  heard  something  of  the  coal- 
carving of  the  Pennsylvania  miners  during  their 
spare  time?  Or  might  not  such  a story  as  “The 
Scullion  Who  Became  a Great  Sculptor”  ( Book 
Trails)  stimulate  and  encourage  them  in  a way 
nothing  else  could,  especially  if  it  is  given  to  them 
as  they  sit  at  their  own  carving? 

If  they  have  been  on  a nature  trip  or  a hike  and 
have  “discovered”  a skunk,  would  not  such  a 
story  as  “The  Fearless  One”  ( Story  Parade 
Magazine,  July  1936),  which  tells  graphically  the 
habits  of  this  animal,  whet  their  appetites  to 
know  more  about  the  lives  of  these  field  folk? 
So  much  of  our  learning  is  unrelated  that  any- 
thing which  brings  facts  and  experiences  together 
is  certainly  worth  trying. 

Do  you  know  how  interested  children  are  in 
what  you  did  when  you  were  a little  boy  or  girl? 
Share  some  of  these  experiences  with  them,  espe- 
cially some  of  those  none-too-perfect  things  — 
such  as  playing  hooky  from  school  or  smoking  a 
long  black  cigar  on  a dare.  I do  not  think  there  is 
much  danger  of  their  emulating  this  example, 
particularly  if  you  go  all  the  way  through  to  the 
end  and  tell  the  truth  about  the  prize  not  being 
worth  the  punishment,  and  I am  very  sure  that 
this  confidential  information  will  give  you  a rat- 
ing with  children  scarcely  equalled  by  any  other 
characteristic ! 

Encourage  the  children  to  tell  you  and  the 
group  about  the  most  thrilling  times  they’ve  ever 
had  or  the  stories  they  like  best.  You  can  offer 
to  read  their  favorite  book  aloud  to  the  group. 
(A  shelf  of  well-selected  books  borrowed  from 
the  local  library  is  a boon  to  any  program.  In- 
cidentally, this  is  a good  first  step  toward  getting 
your  librarian  interested  in  what  you  are  doing. 
And  librarians  are  such  good  story-tellers!) 

Visits  to  and  stories  about  historical  spots, 
monuments  or  characters  in  the  community  can  be 
easily  managed  and  give  such  abundance  to  the 
very  world  in  which  we  live.  It  is  amazing  to  see 
how  many  things  that  children  so  stimulated  and 
awakened  can  discover  for  themselves.  And  who 
knows  but  that  this  may  be  the  beginning  of  a 
life-long  interest  in  history  and  folk-lore?  Or  the 
first  step  in  the  foundation  of  a local  museum? 
Big  oaks  from  little  acorns  do  grow ! 


Then  there  are  tales  to  be  told  about  all  the 
local  and  national  celebrations;  holidays  and  why 
we  have  them.  Children  are  interested  in  such 
learning  if  you  bestir  yourself  enough  to  make 
these  things  interesting  to  them.  By  a local  cele- 
bration I mean  such  a one  as  the  recent  one  in 
Hastings-on-Hudson  honoring  the  memory  of 
Admiral  Farragut.  An  interested,  able  story-tel- 
ler could  vivify  not  only  the  life  of  the  man  him- 
self but  the  whole  period  in  which  he  lived. 

Every  day  we  read  in  our  papers  things  which 
would  be  of  special  interest  to  children  if  only  we 
would  clip  them  and  stick  them  into  a convenient 
pocket  for  that  lull  when  everyone  seems  to  just 
hang  around  with  nothing  to  do  or  say  or  think. 
The  clipping  may  be  something  about  the  stars 
and  related  to  their  nature  program,  or  it  may  be 
the  account  of  the  finding  of  an  Indian  bowl  many 
hundreds  of  years  old,  or  it  may  be  about  a faith- 
ful dog  who  travelled  eight  months  and  many 
miles  to  return  to  his  master.  But  this,  too,  is 
story-telling ! 

An  hour  of  riddles  and  jokes  is  fun.  And 
surely  there  is  nothing  more  important  on  a rec- 
reation program  than  healthy,  hearty  laughter. 
Youngsters  will  enjoy  finding  these  riddles  and 
jokes  to  share  with  the  group.  Made-to-order 
stories  are  always  fun.  The  leader  — or  some 
child — will  begin  a story  such  as,  “One  day  an  old 
man  was  going  down  the  street  with  a big  bag 
over  his  shoulder.”  At  this  point  the  next  child 
takes  up  the  story  and  carries  it  a few  sentences, 
passing  it  on  to  the  next  line.  Dorothy  Canfield 
Fisher’s  Made-to-Order  Stories  will  give  valuable 
suggestions  for  this  kind  of  activity. 

It  is  these  informal  moments — or  hours — which 
add  richness  and  depth  to  the  program,  giving  it  a 
meaning  beyond  the  telling. 

The  Formal  Story  Hour 

This  more  formal  story  hour  will  require  a 
trained  or  experienced  story-teller  whom  the  rec- 
reation leader  will  perhaps  have  the  responsibility 
of  finding.  It  is  well  to  keep  in  mind  that  the 
special  story  hour  requires  a program  of  well- 
selected,  well-told  stories  if  it  is  to  be  worthy  of 
a place  on  your  “Special  Activities”  program,  and 
that  it  is  better  to  have  no  special  hour  than  to 
have  a poor  one.  But  assuming  that  a satisfac- 
tory story-teller  is  available,  there  are  certain 
things  which  the  director  can  do  which  will  defi- 
nitely help  the  story-teller. 

(Continued  on  page  373) 


Texas  Celebrates  Its 
Hundredth  Birthday 


And  the  National  Folk  Fes- 
tival its  third  anniversary 

By  Sarah  Gertrude  Knott 

Director 

National  Folk  Festival 


Texas  was  celebrating  its  one  hundredth 
birthday;  the  National  Folk  Festival,  its 
third : Old  customs  and  traditional  folkways 
were  being  recalled  by  both.  The  people  from 
twenty  states,  with  their  folk  dances,  songs,  plays 
and  handicraft  expressions,  had  joined  the  proces- 
sion of  American  people  moving  to  Dallas  for  its 
Centennial  celebration. 

The  evening  programs  of  the  National  Folk 
Festival  were  held  in  the  Amphitheater  under 
Texas  blue  skies.  During  the  day  more  informal 
programs  were  given  here  and  there  on  the  Cen- 
tennial grounds.  At  almost  any  place  one  was 
likely  to  see  fiddlers  wandering  minstrel-like 
around,  or  to  hear  bands  strike  up  these  favorite 
folk  tunes,  and  play  on  and  on.  Cowboys  with 
their  highly-decorated  boots,  wide-brimmed  hats, 
and  gay-colored  shirts,  were  in  evidence  on  every 
hand.  It  was  not  an  uncommon  sight  to  see  large 
numbers  of  Negroes  on  their  way  to  the  spots 
designated  for  them,  to  sing  the  spirituals.  Given 
the  slightest  encouragement,  they  sang  before  they 
arrived  pr  after  they  left.  Indians  and  Spanish 
groups  added  color  as  they  roamed  down  the 
Esplanade  or  stopped  by  the  Reflecting  Basin  to 
sing  or  dance  as  their  inclination  led  them,  for  this 
was  a “peoples’  festival.” 

“The  history  of  folk  expression  shows  three 
different  stages,”  said  Dr.  Van  der  Ven  Ten  of 
Netherlands,  in  one  of  the  morning  conferences 
of  the  International  Folk  Dance  Festival  held  at 
the  Cecil  Sharp  House  in  London  last  summer.  In 
the  first  stage  the  folk  expressions  are  in  their  full 
vigor.  Here  there  are  no  outside  influences  to 
disturb  them  in  any  way  and  they  are  uncon- 


sciously “folk.”  In  the  second  stage  there  is  less 
vigor  and  certain  influences  are  needed  to 
strengthen  their  vitality  or  give  incentive  for  con- 
tinued use.  If  this  incentive  is  lacking  they  are 
likely  to  die.  In  the  third  stage  they  have  passed 
the  point  of  being  revived. 

We  believe  that  America  is  passing  through  the 
second  stage.  The  truth  of  the  vitality  of  the  folk 
expressions  was  strikingly  noted  in  many  presen- 
tations at  the  third  National  Folk  Festive,  but  in 
some  cases  it  was  evident  if  they  are  to  continue 
to  be  a part  of  our  America  life,  plans  must  be 
made  to  keep  them. 

Folk  Expressions  from  All  Sections 

There  could  be  no  mistaking  the  fact  that  the 
War  Dances,  Eagle  Dances,  and  other  traditional 
ceremonials  from  the  fierce  Kiowa  Indian  tribe 
from  Oklahoma,  as  well  as  the  Bear  Dance  and 
the  Buffalo  Dance  of  the  Cherokee  Indians  from 
North  Carolina  and  Texas’  own  Tigua  Indians 
from  Isleta,  Texas,  with  their  La  Figura  and  El 
Primer  Baile,  had  been  handed  down  traditionally. 
Each  had  certain  rhythms  that  belong  universally 
to  the  Indian,  but  certain  individual  differences 
were  evident. 

Surely  there  was  life  in  the  Mexican  and  Span- 
ish presentations  by  the  Tipica  Orchestra  from  El 


351 


352 


TEXAS  CELEBRATES  ITS  HUNDREDTH  BIRTHDAY 


Paso  and  by  the  Spanish  dancers  from  Dallas  and 
San  Antonio,  with  their  national  folk  dances. 
There  were  the  early  mission  hymns,  known  as 
the  Alabado  and  the  Albanzas,  which  were  brought 
to  America  by  the  Spanish  missionaries  and  have 
been  sung  by  people  of  Spanish  descent  since  the 
sixteenth  century.  But  some  of  the  songs,  like  Del 
Cielo  Bajo,  taught  the  Indians  by  the  early  mis- 
sionaries and  sung  to  the  accompaniment  of  guitar 
and  dances  on  their  long  pilgrimages  to  the  mis- 
sion of  their  patron  Our  Lady  of  Guadalupe,  were 
brought  back  from  the  half-forgotten  memories 
of  older  people  and  taught  to  a group  of  Mexican 
girls  under  the  direction  of  Father  J.  G.  O’Dono- 
hoe,  Chairman  of  the  Catholic  Exhibit  of  the 
Texas  Centennial  Exposition. 

Acadian  groups  from  Louisiana,  directed  by 
Lauren  C.  Post  of  the  University  of  Louisiana  at 
Baton  Rouge,  were  represented  by  bands  and  the 
Acadian  dances,  Les  Varieties  Parisiennes  and  the 
Landers  Acadian.  While  these  dances  are  remem- 
bered by  a number  of  older  Acadians,  yet  this 
particular  group  of  younger  people  had  to  revive 
them  under  the  direction  of  Fred  DeCuir  for  pre- 
sentation at  the  festival. 

The  Germans  from  Fredericksburg,  Texas, 
brought  their  living  customs  and  traditions  in  the 
German  Folk  dances,  sketches  and  music.  The 
German  language  is  still  spoken  to  a great  extent 
by  the  people  in  Fredericksburg,  who  have  held 
rather  closely  to  these  traditions  throughout  the 
ninety  years’  life  of  the  “City  of  Windmills.” 

While  representation  from  most  of  the  groups 
on  the  National  Folk  Festival  program  was  to  be 
found  only  in  certain  sections,  the  Anglo-Saxon 
materials  and  participants  were  much  more  gen- 
erally found.  In  every  one  of  the  thirty  sectional 
festivals  held  in  Texas  there  was  always  strong 
Anglo-Saxon  representation,  along  with  the  Mexi- 
can, Spanish,  Cowboy,  German  or  whatever 
special  type  of  expression  most  abounded  in  any 
particular  community.  In  addition  to  the  wealth 
of  Anglo-Saxon  material  found  in  Texas,  Bascom 
Lamar  Lunsford  from  the  Mountain  Song  and 
Dance  Festival  from  Asheville,  N.  C.,  brought 
over  his  group  of  ballad  singers,  using  the  Old 
World  ballads,  as  well  as  those  indigenous  to  the 
Great  Smokies.  Fred  J.  Colby  of  the  Agricultural 
Adjustment  Administration  in  Nashville  furnish- 
ed one  of  the  most  interesting  groups,  using  the 
singing  games  and  square  dances  of  the  Tennessee 
mountains.  Mrs.  May  Kennedy  McCord  brought 
from  the  Missouri  Ozarks  fiddlers  and  ballad  sing- 


ers with  a wealth  of  material  in  its  truest  type. 
From  the  Arkansas  Ozarks  came  A.  E.  Stroud 
with  his  many  stringed  dulcimer  on  which  he 
played  many  traditional  tunes.  Happy  Eugene 
Staples  with  his  daughter,  Mrs.  Wynifred  Staples 
Smith,  was  sent  down  by  Governor  Brann  of 
Maine  to  show  the  rich  heritage  of  traditional 
Anglo-Saxon  folklore  existing  in  that  state. 

The  versions  of  the  ballads  used  by  these  groups 
from  the  different  sections  held  more  truly  to  the 
one  form  than  the  square  dances  and  singing 
games.  In  the  dances  and  games  from  Texas,  the 
words  had  often  been  adapted  to  express  the 
spirit  of  the  West.  They  seemed  more  spontan- 
eous, the  action  was  quicker  and  the  players  seem- 
ed really  to  get  more  fun  out  of  it  and  to  put  a 
little  more  of  their  own  life  into  the  execution 
than  the  groups  from  the  East  did  in  their  dances. 
Calvin  Allbright  of  Farmers  Branch,  Texas,  with 
his  sixteen-couple  team,  had  his  own  interesting 
version  of  one  of  the  most  familiar  of  the  old 
square  dances : 

“Eight  hands  joined, 

Circle  eight ; 

Now  you  catch 
That  Eastbound  freight 
Break  the  trail  home, 

Sash  your  corner 
And  your  taw. 

Rope  the  cow, 

Drive  the  calf 
When  you  meet  her 
Swing  her  one  and  a half. 

Treat  ’em  all  alike 
If  it  takes  you  all  night. 

Hurry  up,  boys, 

Don’t  get  slow, 

For  you’re  not  goin’ 

Like  you  did  a while  ago.” 

The  Quadrille  on  Horseback,  presented  in  the 
Agrarian  Parkway  by  a group  of  Houston  people 
under  the  leadership  of  Mrs.  Mary  E.  Storey  and 
Corinne  Fonde  of  the  Recreation  Department  of 
Houston,  was  an  interesting  novelty  with  West- 
ern atmosphere.  They  used  the  square  dance, 
“Lady  Around  Lady,”  and  the  horses  were  almost 
as  nimble  on  their  feet  during  this  old  square 
dance  as  were  many  of  the  other  ladies  who 
“swung  around  the  gents”  in  the  same  square 
dances  done  by  the  East  Texas  State  Teachers 
College  from  Commerce,  Texas. 

The  Sacred  Harp  Singers 

About  two  hundred  sacred  harp  singers  from 
Texas,  Georgia,  and  adjoining  states  came  to- 
gether for  an  all-day  singing  on  June  21  in  the 
Foods  Building.  More  than  30,000  people  in 
Texas  still  sing  the  old  sacred  harp  songs,  using 


TEXAS  CELEBRATES  ITS  HUNDREDTH  BIRTHDAY 


353 


the  same  old  book  which  has  been  used  for  more 
than  one  hundred  years,  with  its  fa-so-la  method. 
The  tuning  fork  is  used  to  get  the  pitch.  The 
notes  are  sung  first  and  then  the  words.  W.  T. 
Coston,  who  has  been  a leader  of  the  Sacred  Harp 
group  in  the  South  for  more  than  twenty-five 
years,  and  other  leaders  are  making  a determined 
effort  to  get  the  younger  people  interested  in  this 
old  traditional  form  of  music  so  that  it  will  be  car- 
ried on.  While  there  is,  of  course,  a chance  that 
the  younger  folk  will  eventually  take  on  the  new 
methods,  yet  when  one  has  attended  many  of  their 
singing  conventions  and  seen  the  devotion  of  the 
older  people  in  Texas  and  in  other  Southern  states 
to  the  Sacred  Harp,  it  seems  likely  that  several 
generations  at  least  must  pass  before  they  are 
forgotten. 

Negro  Spirituals 

Thousands  of  Texas  Negroes  participated  in 
the  program  of  spirituals,  lining  hymns,  cotton- 
field  songs,  and  work  songs,  which  told  unmis- 
takably of  the  living  quality  of  these  folk  expres- 
sions in  the  Negro’s  life. 

A Negro  spiritual  chorus  of  1700  students  from 
Booker  T.  Washington  High  School,  Dallas, 
opened  the  National  Folk  Festival  program.  A 
state  chorus  of  5,000,  assembled  by  A.  S.  Jackson 
of  Dallas,  Eliza  Champ-Gordon  McCabe  of  Beau- 
mont, and  Helen  Flagan  of  Marshall,  sang  spirit- 
uals on  June  19;  another  chorus  of  1200  from 
the  Emergency  Education  Association  and  the  G 
Clef  Club  of  Dallas  closed  the  national  program. 
Old  favorites  like  Swing  Low  Sweet  Chariot,  We 
Are  Climbing  Jacob’s  Ladder , and  Steal  Away 
were  used,  along  with  those  not  so  well  known. 
On  this  evening  a group  of  200  people  sang  the 
moving  old  lining  hymns, 

Father  I Stretch  My  Hands 
to  Thee,  and  I’m  Not 
Ashamed  to  Own  My  God. 

An  inescapable,  impres- 
sive Negro  folklore  seems  to 
be  more  genuinely  repre- 
sentative of  and  nearer  and 
dearer  to  the  Negro  race 
than  other  folk  expressions 
are  to  any  other  race  or 
group  of  people  in  our 
country. 

The  foreman  of  the  rock 
quarry  at  Farmers  Branch, 
eager  to  cooperate  in  the 


preliminary  plans  for  the  festival,  asked  that  rep- 
resentatives be  sent  out  to  the  rock  quarry  to 
hear  his  Negroes  sing.  Work  was  suspended,  the 
Negroes  were  called  out  of  their  quarry,  and  with 
picks  in  hand  to.  make  the  rhythm,  together  they 
sang : 

“God  made  the  ’gator 
And  the  ’gator  got  died 
God  knocked  knots 
All  over  the  ’gator’s  eyes. 

Gwan  ol’  ’gator 
God  bless  yo’  soul 
I’m  goin’  to  beat  yuh 
To  yuh  muddy  hole.” 

This,  along  with  John  Henry  and  Good  Mornin 
Cap’n  represented  their  contribution  to  the 
festival. 

Folk  Plays 

Unlike  the  other  presentations  on  the  National 
Folk  Festival  program,  the  Carolina  folk  plays 
presented  by  the  Carolina  Playmakers  in  the 
Artists’  Auditorium  Saturday  and  Sunday  were 
not  traditional.  We  are  only  in  the  beginnings  of 
the  creation  of  our  native  American  drama. 
“Quare  Medicine,”  the  first  play  presented  by  the 
Carolina  Playmakers  from  the  University  of 
North  Carolina,  under  the  direction  of  Frederick 
H.  Koch,  was  Paul  Green’s  first  comedy.  The 
other  play,  “Texas  Calls,”  a story  of  a Carolina 
family  rooted  in  traditions,  and  a young  hero  who 
pioneered  to  Texas,  was  written  especially  for  this 
occasion  by  Mr.  Green,  who  is  President  of  the 
National  Folk  Festival.  Other  dramas  based  on 
folk  life  were  “Lost  Mines,”  by  Margaret  Harri- 
son of  Ft.  Worth,  presented  by  a group  from 
Beeville,  Texas,  under  the  direction  of  Mrs.  W. 
R.  Ouin.  Annie  Randall’s  Negro  group,  the  Thes- 
pians, from  Waco,  gave  Paul  Green’s  “No  ’Count 
Boy.”  Sketches  from  the 
Upper  Red  River  Valley, 
depicting  frontier  Texas, 
were  given  by  groups  from 
Memphis,  Crowell  and  Qui- 
taque.  These  were  plays 
with  themes  peculiar  to  the 
sections  from  which  the 
different  groups  came,  but 
each  expressed  a universal 
element  of  folk  life. 

Sea  Chanteys  and 
Folk  Songs 

In  the  old  days  Captain 
Dick  Maitland  from  Sailors’ 
(Continued  on  page  374) 


"If  we  are  +0  consider  the  cultural  and  cre- 
ative development  of  the  individual,  or  if 
we  are  interested  in  building  up  audiences 
to  appreciate  the  more  sophisticated  forms 
of  art,  we  must  begin  with  people  as  they 
are,  as  we  found  them  at  this  festival.  We 
must  give  them  the  thing  they  understand 
and  like,  and  the  chance  to  express  it.  If 
there  is  danger  of  our  losing  the  Negro 
spiritual,  the  Sacred  Harp  hymns,  the  square 
dances  and  the  singing  games,  the  fiddlers 
playing  the  old  traditional  tunes  and  the 
ballad  singers,  what,  then,  will  there  be  as 
a beginning,  as  a base  for  creative  arts? 
What  else  could  fill  the  idle  hours  of 
thousands  who  have  it  in  their  hearts  to 
sing  and  dance  and  play?" 


Building  a Bomber 

By  Richard  B.  Hoag 

Chicago  Park  District 


Model  airplane  design- 
ing and  constructing 
has  definitely  taken  its 
place  among  the  most  popu- 
lar of  boys’  recreational  ac- 
tivities at  Mozart  Park,  Chi- 
cago. Here  a class  of  fifty- 
five  boys  is  at  present  busi- 
ly engaged  in  building  out- 
door models  which  will  be 
entered  in  the  approaching 
seasonal  flying  contests. 

Under  the  guidance  of  their 
instructor,  Harry  Dromer- 
hausen,  this  group  has  been  carrying  out  an  ex- 
tensive program  of  experimental  work  which  has 
resulted  in  some  remarkable  achievements  and  in- 
valuable contributions  to  model  airplane  develop- 
ment. 

One  of  the  recent  models  of  the  group,  a mar- 
vel of  neat,  accurate  work- 
manship and  ingenuity,  is 
equipped  with  a 
bombing  compart- 
ment. The  novel 
and  exclusive  fea- 
ture of  this  plane  is 
the  trap  door  which 
is  designed  and  ad- 
justed to  open  au- 
tomatically and  re- 
lease a bomb,  a 
parachute  or  a 
shower  of  confetti 
while  it  is  in  flight. 

No  ready  - made 
or  machined  parts 
are  used  in  the  con- 
struction  of  this 
plane.  Each  piece  is 
fashioned  entirely 
from  raw  material 


by  members  of  the  class. 
With  the  exception  of  a 
few  necessary  strips  of  reed 
for  the  wing  tips  and  cock- 
pit enclosure,  balsa  wood  is 
used  throughout  the  entire 
plane  structure.  The  wings 
have  a three-foot  span  and 
are  of  double  camber  tap- 
ered sweep  back  type.  The 
covering  material  is  Japa- 
nese superfine  tissue.  After 
each  unit  of  the  assembly  is 
completed,  the  covering  is 
sprayed  with  a special  preparation  which  imparts 
a smooth,  transparent  finish  and  adds  rigidity  to 
the  fuselage. 

The  Trap  Door 

The  opening  of  the  trap  door  is  controlled  by 
the  action  of  a fuse  which 
is  ignited  shortly  before  the 
plane  is  released  for 
a flight.  The  door  is 
first  cut  to  fit  the 
dimensions  of  the 
compartment.  For 
the  purpose  of  re- 
ducing fire  hazard, 
a three-quarter  inch 
strip  of  aluminum 
tissue  is  folded  over 
the  edge  of  one  end 
of  the  door  and  at- 
tached to  the  inner 
and  outer  surfaces. 
The  next  operation 
is  to  fasten  a 
double  eye  of  small 
gauge  wire  to  the 
exterior  side  of  the 

(Continued  on  page  374) 


The  design  and  construction  of  model 
airplanes  has  assumed  a place  of  im- 
portance as  one  of  the  most  popular 
of  boys'  recreational  activities  at 
Mozart  Park,  Chicago.  Throughout  all 
its  centers  the  Chicago  Park  District 
seeks  to  make  airplane  construction 
scientific  as  well  as  recreational. 
Particularly  interesting  is  the  exper- 
imental work  which  is  being  done  by 
the  boys,  a phase  of  which  is  de- 
scribed in  this  article  by  Mr.  Hoag. 


Note  the  trap  door  which  opens  automatically 
releasing  a bomb  or  parachute  while  in  flight 


354 


Looking  Backward  Forty  Years 


Behind  every  settlement  in  the  slums  of 
our  great  cities  there  is  a personality 
who  dreamed  and  sacrificed  and  worked! 

Forty  years  ago  there  came  from  Hiram  Col- 
lege a young  man  imbued  with  a great  and 
compelling  desire  to  serve.  He  chose  one 
neighborhood  in  the  city  of  Cleveland  and  for 
forty  years  he  has  devoted  the  major  part  of 
his  strength  to  this  community.  The  result  is 
Hiram  House  and  a very  considerable  contribu- 
tion to  the  recreation  movement.  The  man  is 
George  A.  Bellamy. 

Hiram  House  Playground 

The  early  years  of  Hiram  House  were  not  easy 
ones  for  George  Bellamy.  He  started  in  1896 
with  a small  rented  house,  no  money,  no  trustees, 
and  no  friends.  At  the  end  of  two  years  he  was  in 
debt  $500  and  had  no  salary.  But  he  persisted, 
and  by  1900  he  was  able  to  obtain  a new  house. 
In  that  same  year  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Samuel  Mather 
founded  the  Hiram  House  playground,  replacing 
an  unsightly  junk  yard  with  a play  area  later  to 
be  enclosed  by  a beautiful  grill- work  fence, 
donated  thirty  years  ago  by  Mr.  H.  W.  Hunt  who 
still  serves  on  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  Hiram 
House.  The  playground  was  unique  for  it  was, 
Mr.  Bellamy  believes,  the  first  brightly  lighted  all- 
year-round playground  with  trained  leadership 
open  morning,  afternoon  and  evening.  This  was 
but  the  beginning  of  many  outstanding  con- 
tributions to  recreation  tech- 
niques and  policies  originated 
or  developed  by  Hiram  House. 

Hiram  House  has  always 
emphasized  the  need  for  train- 
ed leadership.  From  the  be- 
ginning there  has  been  a boys’ 
and  a girls’  play  director  and 
a year-round  program.  As 
early  as  1906  a system  of  vol- 
unteer leadership  was  inaugu- 
rated whereby  colleges  sent 


GEORGE  A.  BELLAMY 


summer  students  to  the  settlement  who,  in  return 
for  their  services,  were  given  board  and  room  and 
training.  Men  and  women  from  many  cities  have 
visited  the  Hiram  House  playground  to  study  its 
method  and  to  be  helped  in  the  planning  of  their 
own  work.  A leading  recreation  worker  who 
visited  Hiram  House  while  making  a study  of  the 
playgrounds  of  America,  stated  at  a National  Rec- 
reation Congress  that  the 
Hiram  House  playground  was 
the  best  socialized  playground 
in  America. 

In  1906  the  Progress  City 
plan  was  started.  Under  it  the 
playground  was  organized  with 
the  departmental  set-up  of  a 
real  city.  The  child  members 
of  the  playground  police,  san- 
itation and  other  departments 
did  much  of  the  cleaning,  po- 


Hiram  House  is  celebrating  its  birth- 
day with  a symposium  during  the  next 
two  months  that  will  take  the  form  of 
a series  of  public  luncheon  meetings 
and  reunions.  Guests  will  be  alumni, 
present  club  members,  past  and  pre- 
sent staff  members,  trustees  and 
friends  of  Hiram  House — a consider- 
able section  of  Cleveland's  citizenry 
whose  lives  have  been  touched 
through  the  years  by  the  settlement 
and  its  influences. 


355 


356 


LOOKING  BACKWARD  FORTY  YEARS 


licing  and  caring  for  the  play- 
ground, even  to  constructing  a 
wading  pool  themselves. 

Mr.  Bellamy  has  always  be- 
lieved in  working  with  local  or- 
ganizations and  in  helping  to  en- 
rich their  programs.  A few  years 
ago  he  approached  the  schools, 
proposing  an  informal  experi- 
ment “to  evolve  a plan  of  cooperation  between 
public  and  private  agencies  for  the  development 
of  health,  character  and  citizenship  in  Cleveland 
school  children.”  The  plan  involved  the  coopera- 
tion of  Hiram  House  workers  with  the  schools  in 
developing  desirable  habits  in  children.  Before 
formulating  a program,  the  first  step  was  a com- 
prehensive study  of  children’s  food,  sleep  and  ac- 
tivities. The  results  have  been  published  by 
Hiram  House  in  “Children’s  Food,  Sleep  and 
Activities”  — a series  of  studies  of  conditions 
under  which  the  average  child  in  four  public 
schools  is  growing  up.  The  study  shows  a need 
for  a program  such  as  Mr.  Bellamy  proposes. 

Contribution  to  the  National 
Recreation  Movement 

Not  only  has  Mr.  Bellamy  promoted  recreation 
locally  through  Hiram  House, 
through  the  schools  and 
through  service  as  the  first 
recreation  com- 
missioner  in 
Cleveland,  but 
he  has  also  con- 
t ri  b ute  d his 
rich  experience 
to  the  national 
movement 
through  his  af- 
filiation with 
the  National 
Recreation  As- 
sociation. For 
the  Association, 
in  the  early 
days  of  its  his- 
tory, he  visited 
some  forty 
cities  through- 
out the  country, 
taking  a week 
here,  a week 
there,  some- 


"Evolution discards  the  useless 
and  builds  on  the  useful.  If 
there  is  not  definite  change  in 
the  form  of  growth  in  an  insti- 
tution every  ten  years,  some- 
thing is  wrong.  Life  does  not 
stand  still.  When  it  does,  it  is  no 
longer  life  but  decay  and  death." 


Officers  of  Progress  City  in  1908,  as 
they  decided  weighty  affairs  of  state 


times  a few  days  or  even  a single 
day  whenever  time  could  be  spar- 
ed from  his  busy  life  at  Hiram 
House.  In  many  of  these  cities 
recreation  systems  have  solid 
foundations  in  part  because  of 
the  devotion  and  practical  ability 
which  George  Bellamy  showed  in 
helping  local  citizens  face  their 
recreation  problems  and  in  assisting  them  in  plan- 
ning, not  for  one  year  or  five,  but  for  a generation 
to  come. 

During  the  World  War  he  was  one  of  a small 
group  who  did  most  in  building  up  War  Camp 
Community  Service.  Much  that  happened  na- 
tionally and  in  localities  was  due  to  his  energy 
and  ability. 

A further  extension  of  the  influence  of  Hiram 
House  in  the  national  movement  was  the  mem- 
bership for  a number  of  years  on  the  Board  of 
Directors  of  the  National  Recreation  Association 
of  Samuel  Mather,  donor  with  his  wife  of  the 
Hiram  House  playground,  and  for  many  years 
closely  associated  with  the  settlement. 

Hiram  House  celebrates  its  fortieth  anniversary 
this  month,  and  the  settlement  can  look  back  with 
justifiable  pride  upon  the  position  it  has  held 
throughout  its  history  as  a 
real  contributor  to  the  rec- 
reational well-being  of  the 
neighborhood, 
the  city  and  the 
country.  It  can 
also  look  for- 
ward to  more 
years  of  in- 
creased service 
under  the  dy- 
namic leader- 
ship of  George 
A.  Bellamy,  na- 
tionally recog- 
nized as  one  of 
the  country’s 
pioneers  in  the 
great  adventure 
of  neighborli- 
ness which  is 
making  Ameri- 
ca’s slum  dis- 
tricts far  more 
livable  for 
many  t h o u- 
sands. 


Recreation  in  One  Community 


On  June  8th  the  Recrea- 
tion Department  of  Dan- 
ville, Illinois,  inaugurat- 
ed its  summer  playground  pro- 
gram for  a period  of  ten  weeks.  Four  park 
playgrounds  and  four  community  center  grounds 
were  opened  from  9:45  to  8:30  daily  except  on 
Saturdays  and  Sundays,  each  playground  with  a 
man  and  a woman  serving  as  co-directors  with 
one  or  more  assistants  as  attendance  necessitated. 

Attendance  Doubles 

Practically  every  type  of  recreative  activity  for 
boys  and  girls,  men  and  women  was  introduced, 
and  there  was  a marked  increase  in  interest  and 
participation  during  the  season.  The  list  of  rec- 
reational activities  encouraged  at  the  playgrounds 
included  more  than  150  different  forms  of  play. 
The  total  attendance  more  than  doubled  that  of 
previous  years,  almost  325,000  taking  part  in  some 
form  of  activity.  Of  this  total  36%  attended  Gar- 
field Park  where  the  major  interests  were  athletics 
and  where  there  were  evening  activities  consisting 
of  amateur  shows,  community  singing  and  mov- 
ing pictures.  Lincoln  Park  was  second  highest  in 
attendance  with  20%  of  the  total  attendance  of  all 
the  playgrounds.  The  central  location  of  this  park 
no  doubt  accounts  for  the  surprising  increase  over 
other  playgrounds  and  parks  in  the  city.  An 
analysis  of  attendance  for  the  season  showed  that 
73-5%  of  the  people  coming 
to  the  centers  were  actual 
participants;  77.1  % of  the 
playground  visits  were  paid 
by  children.  The  attendance 
of  boys  and  men  at  the 
grounds  was  68.8%  more 
than  twice  the  percentage  of 
girls  and  women. 

The  Activities 

Athletics  and  Sports.  A 
wide  variety  of  organized 
sports,  leagues,  tournaments 
and  similar  events  was  ar- 
ranged during  the  summer 


playground  season,  the  princi- 
pal sports  fostered  being  base- 
ball, playground  ball,  tennis, 
swimming,  track  and  field 
events,  horseshoe  pitching,  volley  ball  and  athletic 
badge  tests.  The  total  participation  in  athletics 
was  70,691,  and  there  were  approximately  sixty 
softball  teams  organized  in  leagues,  eight  junior 
baseball  teams,  two  tennis  tourneys,  two  horse- 
shoe tournaments,  two  swimming  meets,  a tele- 
graphic track  meet,  eighteen  volley  ball  teams,  and 
a number  of  fields  days  and  low  organized  ath- 
letic events. 

A baseball  school  which  attracted  approximately 
500  boys  from  all  sections  of  the  city  began  June 
1st  and  lasted  three  weeks.  After  this  the  boys 
were  divided  into  teams  representing  each  play- 
ground. As  an  added  interest,  the  boys  who  won 
honors  in  athletic  events  during  the  summer  were 
given  free  passes  to  see  a National  League  base- 
ball game  in  Chicago.  Three  hundred  and  twenty- 
five  boys  attended  the  games.  Danville  was  fifth 
in  the  nation-wide  telegraphic  track  meet  which 
was  a highlight  of  the  athletic  program. 

Dramatics  and  Pageantry.  The  dramatic  pro- 
gram of  the  department  was  given  much  emphasis 
during  the  season,  and  almost  16,000  participated 
in  the  activities  sponsored  by  the  department.  The 
two  outstanding  events  were  the  story-telling  fes- 
tival and  the  story  book  pageant.  The  festival  at- 
tracted nearly  3,000  children. 
Stories  from  foreign  coun- 
tries, tales  of  early  American 
Indian  life,  adventure  and 
ghost  stories  featured  the 
week’s  program.  Eight  girls 
who  had  previous  dramatic 
training  at  the  University  of 
Illinois  volunteered  their  ser- 
vices for  this  activity.  As  a 
result,  story-telling  had  a 
definite  part  of  the  daily  pro- 
gram on  each  playground. 

The  story  book  pageant 
was  the  closing  event  of  the 
summer’s  program,  and  more 

357 


By  Robert  L.  Horney 

Superintendent  of  Recreation 
Danville,  Illinois 


Danville,  Illinois,  has  in  past  years  con- 
ducted summer  playground  activities  on 
a small  scale.  Not  until  this  year,  how- 
ever, after  a mill  tax  had  been  passed 
providing  funds,  a recreation  depart- 
ment established  and  a superintendent 
of  recreation  employed,  was  the  objec- 
tive achieved  of  presenting  a program 
so  broad  in  its  scope  and  so  productive 
of  definite  values  as  to  be  wholeheart- 
edly accepted  by  the  citizenry.  The  city 
has  had  a very  high  delinquency  rate. 
While  complete  figures  are  not  yet  avail- 
able, careful  estimates  show  a decrease 
in  delinquency  for  the  summer  play- 
ground season  of  approximately  30%  as 
compared  with  figures  of  past  years. 


358 


RECREATION  IN  ONE  COMMUNITY 


than  300  children  representing  all  the  playgrounds 
composed  the  cast.  This  was  the  first  outdoor 
pageant  ever  produced  by  the  children  of  the  city, 
and  it  furnished  an  opportunity  for  mass  effects 
in  dancing,  pantomime  and  pageantry  which  were 
colorful  and  impressive.  The  event  attracted  4,000 
spectators  from  Danville  and  the  surrounding 
territory. 

In  June  we  experimented  with  amateur  hour 
nights.  So  popular  did  these  events  become  that 
before  the  summer  was  half  over  each  playground 
had  a scheduled  night  for  its  program.  The  vari- 
ous amateur  contest  winners  throughout  the  sum- 
mer were  taken  as  a troupe  to  the  Veterans  Ad- 
ministration Facility  for  disabled  soldiers,  and  a 
program  lasting  about  an  hour  and  a half  was 
given  as  a part  of  the  Recreation  Department’s 
service  to  shut-ins. 

City-Wide  Music.  The  community  and  play- 
ground orchestra,  organized  as  a city-wide  group 
to  provide  expression  for  musicians  of  all  ages, 
during  the  past  year  has  been  developed  into  a 
group  capable  of  presenting  classical  works  with- 
out approaching  the  more  difficult  symphonies. 
Since  its  organization  a year  ago  it  has  appeared 
several  times  in  public  concerts.  In  the  future  it 
is  expected  to  develop  into  one  of  the  outstanding 


An  activity  of 
the  Recreation 


music  organizations  of  the  department  and  to  fill 
a real  need  for  this  type  of  organization  in  the 
musical  life  of  the  city. 

A dance  orchestra  has  been  organized  which 
plays  for  the  weekly  dances  in  each  park  pavilion. 
The  members  of  this  group  are  paid  by  WPA 
funds.  The  orchestra  plays  popular  music  during 
the  summer  and  square  dance  music  in  the  com- 
munity centers  during  the  winter  months. 

Community  singing  proved  one  of  the  most 
popular  activities  of  the  evening  program.  A 
schedule  was  arranged  through  which  each  play- 
ground was  visited  during  the  week.  The  depart- 
ment rented  lantern  slides  which  made  it  possible 
for  everyone  to  read  the  verse  and  chorus  of  each 
song  shown  on  the  moving  picture  screen.  As 
many  as  300  people  came  together  on  a single 
night  to  sing  old  songs  and  the  popular  tunes  of 
the  day.  This  was  one  of  the  most  enjoyable  ac- 
tivities sponsored  on  the  playgrounds. 

The  most  outstanding  musical  feature  of  the 
summer  was  the  series  of  outdoor  Sunday  after- 
noon civic  concerts.  Local  musicians,  including 
bands,  orchestras,  vocalists  and  groups  of  enter- 
tainers, were  heard  at  different  times  throughout 
the  summer.  The  department’s  sound  system  and 
a large  traveling  stage  made  it  possible  for  each 


RECREATION  IN  ONE  COMMUNITY 


359 


program  to  be  well  presented.  The  average  at- 
tendance of  these  programs  was  2,500  people,  and 
the  total  participation  in  musical  activities  during 
the  summer  months  was  over  28,000. 

Arts  and  Crafts.  Realizing  that  man  is  a skill 
hungry  animal,  the  Recreation  Department  has 
made  every  effort  to  provide  varied  handcraft 
projects  to  attract  the  individuals  coming  to  the 
playgrounds.  Such  special  activities  as  the  lan- 
tern parade,  playground  circus  parade  and  pag- 
eants provided  a great  variety  of  projects  for  all 
who  were  interested  in  the  craft  program.  Nearly 
500  children  worked  more  than  three  weeks  in 
order  to  have  lanterns,  floats  or  costumes  appear- 
ing in  the  public  lantern  parade  held  during  June. 
'Approximately  1,000  children  took  an  active  part 
in  creating  bears,  elephants,  wild  cats  and  other 
animals  which  made  up  a major  part  of  the  circus 
parade.  All  the  hobby  horses,  flowered  hoops, 
wreaths  and  scenery  were  promoted  as  handcraft 
projects  for  the  pageant  presentation,  and  each 
child  had  an  opportunity  to  take  part  in  this  vast 
stage  production. 

The  craft  shop,  which  made  more  than  fifty 
grotesque  heads  for  the  circus  parade,  provided 
plenty  of  interest  for  the  children  who  made  cos- 
tumes for  the  animals. 

Recently  the  Recreation  Department  has  started 
making  puppets  and  marionettes  on  a large  scale, 
and  a great  deal  of  time  has  been  spent  securing 
information  on  details  of  construction  and  play 
production.  As  a result  of  this  study,  a manual 
has  been  prepared  containing  much  practical  in- 
formation. A hand  puppet  theater  has  been  built 
and  several  plays  nearly  completed.  In  the  near 
future  we  shall  have  a good  sized  marionette  stage 
built  which  will  be  used  in  entertaining  school  and 
church  groups,  hospitals  and  children’s  homes. 
This  is  another  phase  of  our  shut-in  service  which 
has  been  developed  during  the  past  year. 

Special  Events.  In  order  that  the  Recreation 
Department  might  prove  its  value  to  citizens  of 
Danville,  a very  extensive  program  was  planned 
for  the  summer  playground  season.  The  general 
public  before  it  will  accept  new  ideas  must  have  an 
opportunity  to  see  the  beneficial  results  which  are 
possible.  Recreation,  therefore,  has  been  made  a 
product  for  sale  to  Danville.  It  needed  newspaper 
publicity  and  pictures,  but  most  of  all  it  needed 
demonstration.  Conscious  of  this,  the  Recreation 
Department  provided  a special  activity  each  week. 
The  combined  effect  of  these  events  has  been  very 


helpful  in  selling  our  product.  We  held  a wading 
pool  carnival,  a wheel  week,  patriotic  week,  music 
week,  a pet  and  hobby  show,  a lantern  parade,  a 
playground  circus,  pageants  and  tournaments. 
Each  event  included  a very  large  percentage  of 
the  children  attending  the  playground.  It  was 
hoped  that  through  stimulating  the  child’s  inter- 
est we  could  reach  the  parents  and  citizens  of  the 
city. 

Cooperation 

Whether  or  not  we  have  accomplished  all  our 
objectives  may  be  a question,  but  we  do  know  that 
we  have  had  the  finest  and  most  generous  cooper- 
ation from  business  men,  newspapers,  parents  and 
service  clubs  in  promoting  our  activities.  The 
present  city  administration  has  encouraged  uni- 
versal cooperation  among  all  such  departments  to 
the  end  that  the  Recreation  Department  might 
most  effectively  and  economically  serve  commu- 
nity needs.  Outstanding  cooperation  was  given  by 
the  Park  Department  and  the  Mayor,  and  through 
their  generosity  we  were  not  only  provided  with 
areas  on  which  to  conduct  activities,  but  we  have 
always  been  able  to  secure  advice  and  counsel  in 
carrying  out  our  special  programs.  The  city  li- 
brary has  been  especial  helpful  in  helping  us  or- 
ganize our  story-telling,  music  and  other  cultural 
activities.  The  Police  Department  has  always  been 
ready  to  assist  us  in  our  parades  and  special 
events,  while  the  Fire  Department  aided  us  in 
promoting  street  showers. 

Most  gratifying  of  all  were  the  interest  and  ap- 
proval shown  by  the  City  Council  when  it  pro- 
vided approximately  $8,000  to  be  used  for  recre- 
ation and  leisure  time  activities. 

Danville  is  now  recreation  conscious,  and  the 
summer’s  playground  program  with  its  demon- 
strations and  special  events  played  an  indispensa- 
ble part  in  bringing  about  this  state  of  mind. 


“We  have  studied  statistics  on  crime.  We  know 
its  extent,  something  of  its  cost,  but  we  have 
thought  of  it  as  a faraway  problem.  We  haven’t 
faced  what  we  can  do  about  it  in  our  own  com- 
munities. Most  communities  have  factors  which 
aggravate  the  problem.  Conditions  which  pre- 
dispose to  crime,  such  as  bad  housing,  lack  of 
recreational  facilities,  false  standards  of  values, 
warp  the  lives  of  scores  of  our  young  people  even 
when  they  do  not  push  them  over  into  crime.” 
— Paid  W . Garrett. 


\Gfcrld  Congress  for  Leisure  Time 

and 

Hamburg,  Germany 
July  23-30,  1936 


Recreation 


The:  World  Congress  for  Leisure  Time  and 
Recreation  opened  in  Hamburg,  Germany, 
with  an  impressive  ceremony.  Dr.  Robert 
Ley,  the  head  of  the  Deutschen  Arbeitsfront,  was 
elected  president  of  the  general  committee. 

During  the  Congress  there  were  general  meet- 
ings and  also  sessions  of  working  committees. 
There  were  also  many  outside  demonstrations  and 
much  general  entertainment.  The  folk  plays  and 
festivals  were  delightful.  The  newly-opened  ex- 
hibition hall  illustrating  the  native  crafts  and  arts 
was  most  attractive.  There  were  exceedingly  in- 
teresting mass  demonstrations.  A huge  parade  of 
groups  from  all  over  Germany  and  of  represen- 
tatives from  some  of  the  visiting  nations  was  held 
on  Sunday.  More  than  three  hours  were  required 
for  the  parade  to  pass.  Many  of  the  participants 
were  dressed  in  their  native  costumes  and  illus- 
trated products  and  arts  of  their  communities. 

Working  Sessions 

The  working  sessions  of  the  Congress  were 
divided  into  seven  parts : 

I.  The  social  problem:  public  and  private  initiative. 

The  political  and  economic  significance. 

II.  The  character  of  the  recreation  movement  and  the 
forms  its  organization  assumes. 

III.  The  question  of  situation — factory  and  housing.  The 
influence  of  beauty  in  his  working  surroundings  on 
the  man  and  his  home  culture. 

IV.  The  week-end.  Holidays  and  recreation.  The 
value  of  physical  culture  for  the  working  man. 

V.  The  women’s  leisure  time. 

VI.  Leisure  time  for  children  and  young  people. 

VII.  The  fundamental  relation  between  leisure  and  work. 
The  influence  of  work  on  art  and  culture.  The  re- 
lations between  work  and  national  culture. 

People’s  education,  traditional  customs  and  creative 
amateurism. 

These  seven  working  sessions  were  arranged  so 
that  every  one  could  participate.  Opportunity  was 
given  for  each  person  to  visit  labor  camps,  fac- 
tories, youth  hostels.  The  play  festivals  held  in 
connection  with  the  Congress  were  especially  in- 
teresting to  every  one. 

The  general  subjects  were  translated  by  tele- 
phone and  were  instructive  to  all.  Nothing  was 
left  undone  to  assure  the  delegates  of  a heartfelt 
welcome  and  to  provide  for  their  comfort  and 
convenience.  The  housing  of  the  delegates  was 
carefully  provided  for.  There  were  several  hun- 


dreds of  interpreters  ready  to  aid  the  foreign  dele- 
gates and  in  the  Congress  hall  a special  ear  phone 
system  was  installed  for  the  use  of  the  foreign 
delegates  so  that  each  delegate  could  listen  to  a 
translation  in  his  own  language.  Free  transpor- 
tation on  street  railways,  bus  lines  and  boat  lines 
was  made  available.  A fleet  of  motor  cars  was  at 
all  times  at  the  disposal  of  the  delegates  to  take 
them  from  their  hotels  to  the  various  places  of 
meetings. 

Demonstrations  and  Exhibits 

There  was  a model  playground  for  the  children 
and  several  different  centers  in  the  form  of  am- 
phitheaters that  provided  for  the  demonstration 
of  activities.  One  area  of  the  park,  known  as  the 
“Platz  des  Handwerks,”  was  devoted  to  examples 
of  model  homes  with  little  gardens  for  people  of 
low  incomes.  Several  European  countries  have 
placed  great  emphasis  on  the  home  as  the  center 
of  recreation  activities.  Every  effort  has  been 
made  to  see  that  the  families  of  working  people 
have  opportunities  for  gardens.  A distinguishing 
feature  of  the  Congress  was  the  extent  to  which 
recreation  activities  were  actually  demonstrated. 

Individuals  from  about  fifty  nations  were  pre- 
sent at  the  Congress.  Among  the  fifty  nations 
were:  The  United  Kingdom  (England,  Wales, 
Scotland,  North  Ireland),  The  Irish  Free  State, 
Belgium,  Netherlands,  France,  Luxemburg,  Swit- 
zerland, Italy,  Greece,  Portugal,  Spain,  Turkey, 
Roumania,  Bulgaria,  Czechoslovakia,  Poland,  Fin- 
land, Norway,  Sweden,  Denmark,  Austria,  Aus- 
tralia, China,  Chili,  Argentine,  Guatemala. 

During  the  mornings  of  the  first  three  days  of 
the  Congress  plenary  sessions  were  held  in  the 
Music  Hall.  The  forenoons  of  the  last  three  days 
were  devoted  to  meetings  of  the  various  commit- 
tees into  which  the  Congress  was  divided  for  the 
more  intimate  discussion  of  different  problems. 
In  general  the  afternoons  and  evenings  were  de- 
voted to  demonstrations,  inspection  of  exhibits 
and  of  parks  and  recreation  facilities  in  the  city. 
The  demonstrations  included  calisthenics,  gym- 
nastics, games,  dances,  drama,  handcraft,  model 
airplane  flying,  camping.  Throughout  the  Con- 
gress there  was  emphasis  upon  joy  and  happiness. 

It  was  decided  to  hold  the  next  meeting  in 
Rome  in  1938. 


360 


Nature  Study  as  a Hobby 


To  learn  early  in  life  to  be  ac- 
tively interested  in  many 
things,  but  particularly  in 
some  particular  thing  as  a 
hobby,  is  of  the  utmost 
value.  One  is  then  never  at 
a loss  for  something  to  oc- 
cupy his  leisure  enjoyably. 

Nature  as  a hobby  heads 
the  list  because  it  demands 
enough  outdoor  exercise,  to- 
gether with  a goodly  amount 
of  indoor  work,  to  make  a 
balanced  recreation,  but  is 
elastic  enough  to  fit  any 
condition.  Such  a hobby  can 
be  followed  from  childhood 
to  old  age  with  equal  plea- 
sure and  benefit.  Nature  is 
ready  to  serve  you  in  any  part  of  the  world,  at  any 
season  of  the  year  and  at  any  time  of  day  or 
night. 

One  day  I was  examining  the  shaggy  bark  of  a 
tree  for  moth  chrysalids  when  I observed  a spider 
web  with  the  remains  of  a moth  enmeshed  in  it, 
and  just  below  was  the  apparently  equally  dried 
skin  of  another  moth  which  had  lodged  in  a cre- 
vice in  the  bark.  I poked  it  and  to  my  surprise  it 
unfolded  its  wrinkled  wings,  straightened  its 
twisted,  misshapen  body  and  flew  away.  Since 
then  I have  watched  many  spider  webs  and 
searched  many  books  for  a clue  as  to  the  identity 
of  that  moth,  but  so  far  I have  received  no  help. 
The  moth  had  deliberately  taken  that  form  to  fool 
its  enemies  into  thinking  it  a poor  substitute  for 
a meal. 

What  thrill  can  be  greater  to  a child  than  to 
witness  the  emergence  of  a beautiful  butterfly 
from  its  chrysalid  and  to  see  the  unfolding  of  its 
handsome  wings?  You  may  be  collecting  shells  or 
flowers,  or  studying  minerals  or  fossils,  and  find 
a specimen  new  to  you,  one  that  you  may  have 
seen  in  some  other  collection  or  heard  or  read 
about.  The  pleasure  of  such  a find  is  never  for- 
gotten. 

Suppose  you  are  studying  the  stars  and  one 
night  you  discover  for  yourself  a new  star  or  an 


old  one  that,  owing  to  the  chang- 
ing seasons,  has  disappeared  for  a 
time;  but  this  night  it  appears  ac- 
cording to  schedule  like  an 
old  friend  after  a long  ab- 
sence who  has  written  he 
will  return  on  a certain 
train.  The  train  arrives, 
there  is  a moment  of  sus- 
pense, and  then  he  appears 
on  time  as  he  promised. 
Such  thrills  are  equal  or 
greater  than  the  most  ex- 
citing you  can  imagine  from 
any  movie  or  mystery  story 
and  many  times  better  for 
you  in  every  way. 

A Marine  Museum 

The  Los  Angeles  Play- 
ground and  Recreation  Department  realizes  the 
value  of  nature  as  a hobby  and  is  organizing 
classes  to  aid  in  the  promotion  of  the  program.  To 
further  the  work  the  Department  has  created  a 
museum  at  the  Cabrillo  Beach  Playground.  This 
museum  contains  most  of  the  common  shells  to  be 
found  on  the  Southern  California  beaches,  and 
many  of  the  rare  ones,  arranged  so  that  they  may 
be  easily  identified.  It  contains  many  of  the 
chitons,  starfish,  sea  urchins,  sea  cucumbers  and 
many  other  of  the  lower  forms  of  life  to  be  found 
in  our  tidepools  and  in  the  sand  of  our  shore.  We 
have  many  birds  also,  most  of  which  were  found 
dead  or  dying  upon  our  beaches.  These  have  been 
mounted,  many  in  habitat  groups  showing  their 
natural  surroundings.  It  is  our  desire  to  have  a 
complete  list  of  edible  fish  as  listed  by  the  Fish 
and  Game  Commission  mounted  for  public  study. 

The  museum  is  open  daily,  including  Sunday, 
from  9 :oo  a.  m.  to  5 :oo  p.  m.  It  has  been  built  up 
with  gifts,  mostly  the  contributions  of  its  many 
visitors  and  friends.  A shell  here,  a fish  brought 
in  by  a fisherman,  a bird  found  dead  upon  the 
beach — and  so  the  gifts  pile  up.  To  each  of  these 
the  doner’s  name  is  attached  by  means  of  a label. 
A few  of  our  friends  have  had  collections  to  con- 
tribute, both  large  and  small,  and  these  have 
helped  greatly. 


By 

William  L.  Lloyd 


Dr.  Lloyd  is  a naturalist  associated 
with  the  Los  Angeles  Playground  and 
Recreation  Department  in  the  unique 
position  of  official  "hobbyist."  It  is 
his  responsibility  to  help  people  with 
their  hobbies;  to  iron  out  any  diffi- 
culty which  may  arise  in  the  pursuit 
of  a hobby;  to  stimulate  interest  in 
nature  study;  to  assist  Boy  Scouts, 
Girl  Scouts  and  similar  organizations 
in  acquiring  merit  badges  in  nature 
work;  to  aid  leaders  of  these  groups 
and  in  every  way  possible  to  en- 
courage an  interest  in  nature. 


361 


362 


NATURE  STUDY  AS  A HOBBY 


During  the  last  six  months  of  1935  we  had 
about  50,000  visitors.  Many  of  the  visitors  come 
for  the  definite  purpose  of  receiving  aid  of  some 
kind.  A lady  from  Iowa  wants  to  take  a few 
shells  home  and  desires  to  know  something  of  their 
history  and  what  they  are  called.  A man  is  col- 
lecting Western  shells  to  take  to  a settlement  mu- 
seum in  Brooklyn,  New  York,  and  he  wants  the 
shells  named.  If  I am  at  a playground  or  for  some 
reason  am  called  away  from  the  museum,  there  is 
an  assistant  willing  and  anxious  to  help  each 
visitor  wTith  his  nature  problems. 

We  also  have  classes  in  nature  study  at  several 
of  the  playgrounds  where  one  may  take  up  any 
phase  of  the  work  in  which  he  is  interested.  The 
classes  are  for  children  and  adults. 

An  Appeal  to  Parents 

Many  parents  think  that  a natural  history  hobby 
is  expensive,  too  expensive  for  their  children  to 
indulge  in.  They  may  start  a collection  of  shells 
but  they  do  nothing  more  with  them  than  to  pile 
them  in  a box.  Let  me  assure  you  that  nature 
hobbies  need  not  cost  much,  although  one  may 
spend  as  much  as  he  desires.  It  is  an  important 
part  of  our  work  to  teach  methods  of  collecting, 
preserving  and  arranging  to  bring  out  all  the 
beauty  in  the  specimen,  for  the  enjoyment  of  the 
individual  and  of  his  friends,  at  little  or  no  cost. 
We  are  experimenting  all  the  while  to  improve 
the  appearance  of  the  collection  and  at  the  same 
time  to  bring  the  cost  down. 

To  the  parents  of  children  who  may  be  inter- 
ested in  natural  his- 
tory, particularly 
the  mothers,  I 
make  this  appeal.  If 
your  child  is  inter- 
ested in  nature,  take 
every  opportunity 
to  encourage 
him  in  that  in- 
terest. I do  not 
know  of  any- 
thing you  can 
do  that  will  be 
of  more  last- 
ing benefit  to  him 
throughout  life 
than  to  encour- 
age his  interest 
in  natural  his- 
tory, or  to  de- 


velop an  interest  if  it  does  not  actively  exist.  For 
all  children  are  instinctively  close  to  nature  and  a 
little  encouragement  will  develop  that  interest  into 
a habit,  a hobby.  It  is  most  discouraging  to  a 
child  who  has  become  interested  in  making  a col- 
lection of  shells,  to  have  them  thrown  away  by 
his  mother  while  cleaning  house! 

It  takes  a lot  of  courage  for  a child  to  over- 
come such  discouragements  and  handicaps  and 
keep  up  an  interest  long  enough  to  form  the  neces- 
sary habit.  I have  in  mind  one  boy  who  is  doing 
fine  work.  One  day  I visited  him  to  see  his  col- 
lection. The  boy  is  so  enthusiastic  and  does  such 
good  work  that  I had  pictured  his  home  condi- 
tions as  giving  him  every  encouragement.  What 
was  my  surprise  to  have  him  take  me  to  an  open 
space  under  the  house  where  he  was  obliged  to  do 
the  work  and  keep  his  collection ! Few  have  cour- 
age to  continue  in  the  face  of  such  odds. 

I fully  realize  that  many  families  are  crowded 
into  apartments  and  small  houses,  but  just  a little 
help  and  sympathy  will  do  so  much  for  a child. 
Some  little  nook  or  corner  can  be  found  which  he 
can  feel  is  his,  a place  where  his  work  will  be  re- 
spected and  a little  interest  taken  in  it.  It  will 
cost  so  little  in  time  and  effort  to  do  this  and  the 
dividends  are  very  large. 

The  fear  which  many  people  have  at  seeing  a 
caterpillar,  a spider  or  a snake,  can  be  lost  with  a 
little  proper  training.  I do  not  mean  that  the  chil- 
dren should  be  encouraged  to  handle  snakes,  spi- 
ders or  insects,  or  even  worms,  promiscuously. 
Let  us  remove  this  unreasoning  fear  toward  such 

creatures  and  in 
its  stead  develop 
a wholesome  re- 
spect for  the 
lives  around  us. 
Teach  the  chil- 
dren to  handle 
with  care  any 
creature 
which  they  do 
not  under- 
stand, or  re- 
frain from 
handling  it  at 
all  until  such 
time  as  they 
learn  its  habits 
and  modes  of 
life. 

( Continued  on 
page  374) 


Recreational  Read 


ing 

By  Amy  Loveman 


Recreation  is,  indeed,  so 
much  a matter  of  per- 
sonal taste  that  to  pre- 
scribe reading  for  the  pur- 
pose is  a matter  of  infinite 
perplexity.  Anything  may  be 
. recreation  if  it  happens  to 
fall  in  with  the  slant  of  mind 
of  an  individual,  from  an 
abstruse  treatise  on  integral 
calculus  to  a cookbook.  But, 

I suppose,  what  L.  S.  R.  has 
specifically  in  mind  is  such 
books  as  are  likely  to  divert  a 
variety  of  persons  under  a 
variety  of  circumstances — the  business  man,  the 
professional  worker,  the  housewife,  the  invalid, 
anyone  who  either  through  enforced  idleness  or 
in  brief  intervals  of  relaxation  seeks  entertain- 
ment and  amusement.  I don’t  know  how  L.  S.  R. 
expects  to  handle  her  topic,  whether  it  is  to  be 
disposed  of  in  one  meeting  or  whether  it  is  to 
serve  as  subject  for  several,  and  I should  think 
that  just  what  she  does  with  it  would  have  to  de- 
pend largely  upon  the  time  at  her  command.  But 
if,  as  seems  possible  from  her  letter,  she  has  to 
present  a covering  paper,  I should  think  her  best 
way  of  attacking  her  subject  would  be  to  adjust 
it  to  her  particular  audience  and  offer  such  a list 
of  reading  as  would  fall  in  with  the  activities  or 
interests  of  those  who  compose  it. 

It’s  a fairly  safe  guess  to  suppose  that  the  gen- 
erality of  persons  turn  for  recreation  in  reading  to 
fiction,  biography,  or  history  — especially  to  the 
first  two  categories.  It’s  likely,  too,  that  the  per- 
son who  is  reading  for  recreation  is  spasmodic  in 
his  tastes,  and  that  a list  prepared  for  him  need 
have  little  unity  of  theme.  It’s  the  person  who  is 
reading  for  a purpose  who  follows  along  definite 
lines,  and  who,  starting  with  a biography  of  Marie 
Antoinette,  would  follow  it  up  with  a history  of 
the  French  Revolution,  and  slide  from  that  into 
a life  of  Napoleon  and  possibly  to  a Sanfelice. 
Your  recreational  reader  will  be  content  to  read 


Marcia  Davenport’s  Mozart 
(Scribners)  and  skip  from 
that  to  L y 1 1 o n Strachey’s 
Queen  Victoria  (Harcourt, 
Brace),  and  from  that,  with- 
out turning  a hair,  to  Don 
Marquis’  Archy  and  Mehita- 
bel  (Doubleday,  Doran). 

For  pure,  unadulterated 
recreation,  for  the  reading 
that  is  absorbing  and  com- 
pletely removed  from  the 
suspicion  of  moral  purpose, 
give  me  the  detective  story. 
Here  are  all  the  elements  of 
diversion.  A story  which  exerts  in  maturity  the 
sort  of  fascination  which  the  fairy  story  did  in 
youth,  which  for  most  of  us  lies  as  completely 
outside  the  realm  of  our  experience  as  did  that 
other,  in  which  we  can  vicariously  live  a life  of 
danger  and  excitement  and  match  our  wits  against 
the  wits  of  the  author  as  well  as  of  his  characters 
— here  is  true  relaxation.  Conan  Doyle,  Dorothy 
Sayers,  Freeman  Wills  Crofts,  Austin  Freeman, 
Van  Dine,  Marjorie  Allingham,  and  a host  of 
other  writers  of  the  mystery  story  are  names  to 
place  on  L.  S.  R.’s  list. 

And  still,  now  that  I have  put  them  there  I am 
sorry  that  I did  not  begin  with  a far  different  type 
of  reading,  for  after  all  what  could  be  better  rec- 
reation than  rereading  the  classics  of  literature,  the 
great  works  which  yield  fresh  delight  on  every 
return  to  them?  Only  last  month  I employed 
some  of  the  leisure  hours  of  the  first  vacation 
from  enforced  reading  that  I have  had  in  a long 
time  in  rereading  (for  the  how  manyeth  time  I 
cannot  say),  Pride  and  Prejudice , Emma,  and 
Persuasion,  and  I know  of  no  better  prescription 
for  recreation.  So  perhaps  L.  S.  R.  should  begin 
her  paper  by  counselling  her  club  to  return  to 
those  works  which  have  been  loved  in  the  past, 
dwell  in  memory  fondly,  and  yield  unexpected 
delight  by  the  rediscovery  of  half -forgotten 
details. 


We  are  indebted  to  the  Saturday 
Review  of  Literature  for  permis- 
sion to  use  this  article,  written  in 
reply  to  the  following  inquiry  from 
L.  S.  R.  of  Jamestown,  Pennsyl- 
vania: "In  September  I have  a 
paper  to  prepare  for  a Study  Club 
on  recreational  reading.  I realize 
a list  of  this  kind  would  depend 
largely  on  one's  personal  tastes, 
and  I would  like  suggestions  on 
how  to  present  such  a list,  and  what 
books  are  to  be  recommended." 


363 


364 


RECREATIONAL  READING 


But  to  come  down  to  present  days.  There  are 
the  many  volumes  of  which  our  friends  are  always 
talking  with  enthusiasm,  the  graceful  stories  or 
the  humorous  ones,  or  the  charmingly  sentimental, 
or  the  piquant,  books  all  of  us  mean  to  read  when 
they  appear  and  under  the  stress  of  daily  routine 
find  no  leisure  for.  They  are  excellent  selections 
for  the  hours  of  relaxation — such  books  as  “Eliza- 
beth’s” The  Enchanted  April  (Doubleday,  Doran) 
or  Margaret  Kennedy’s  The  Constant  Nymph 
(Doubleday,  Doran),  or  J.  B.  Priestley’s  The 
Good  Companions  (Harpers),  or  any  of  Ellen 
Glasgow’s  ^novels  (whose  wit  and  penetration 
place  them  in  the  front  rank  of  contemporary  fic- 
tion), or  some  of  Willa  Cather’s,  or  A.  P.  Her- 
bert’s The  Water  Gypsies  (Doubleday,  Doran), 
or — But  what’s  the  use?  The  further  I go  the 
more  involved  I get,  for  any  good  book  is  good 
for  recreational  reading,  and  I feel  as  if  I could 
go  on  almost  at  random  naming  novels  by  H.  G. 
Wells,  and  Galsworthy,  and  Conrad,  and  Sigrid 
Undset’s  Kristin  Lavransdatter  (Knopf),  and 
George  Cronyn’s  The  Fool  of  Venus  (Covici- 
Friede),  and  the  just  issued  Gone  with  the  Wind 
(Macmillan),  by  Margaret  Mitchell. 

Of  course  for  many  a person  there  is  no  better 
recreational  reading  than  travel.  This  is  the  true 
escape  literature,  for  here,  with  the  aid  of  imagi- 
nation, one  can  be  transported  to  realms  of  won- 
der, see  a Magic  Island  (Harcourt,  Brace),  with 
W.  B.  Seabrook,  walk  again  the  streets  of  the 
Eternal  City  through  the  Roman  Pictures  (Scrib- 
ners), of  Percy  Lubbock,  wander  among  the  peo- 
ple of  Jugo-Slavia  in  Louis  Adamic’s  The  Native’s 
Return  (Harpers),  or  know  the  fascination  of  the 
South  American  wilderness  through  William 
Beebe’s  Jungle  Peace  (Holt).  A copy  of  Baedeker 
can  be  the  most  delightful  recreational  reading  in 
the  world  arousing  as  it  does  memories  of  lands 
and  places  seen  in  the  past,  or  gilding  the  lily  of 
anticipation  by  its  descriptions  of  as  yet  unvisited 
scenes.  Every  man  to  his  taste.  Those  who  love 
adventure  can  get  it  from  such  works  as  Flem- 
ing’s Brazilian  Adventure  (Scribners),  or  Negley 
Farson’s  The  Way  of  a Transgressor  (Harcourt, 
Brace),  or  Vincent  Sheean’s  Personal  History 
(Doubleday,  Doran).  Those  who  want  more  gen- 
tle experience  can  turn  to  such  a record  as  the  just 
published  A Long  Retrospect  (Oxford  University 
Press),  by  F.  Anstey,  or  one  of  the  many  other 
reminiscences  of  Victorian  days. 

Finally,  L.  S.  R.  will  have  no  trouble  in  select- 
ing from  recent  biographical  studies  any  number 


that  will  appeal  to  her  club — such  books  as  Edith 
Sitwell’s  just  published  life  of  Queen  Victoria 
(Houghton  Mifflin),  as  Stefan  Zwieg’s  Marie 
Antoinette  (Viking),  Elswyth  Thane’s  The  Young 
Disraeli  (Harcourt,  Brace),  which  is  nearer  bi- 
ography than  the  fiction  it  obstensibly  is,  or,  to 
turn  to  a different  sort  of  memoir,  Edith  Whar- 
ton’s A Backward  Glance  (Appleton-Century), 
Margaret  Winthrop  Chanler’s  Roman  Spring 
(Little,  Brown),  or  Anne  Morrow  Lindbergh’s 
North  to  the  Orient  (Harcourt,  Brace). 

But,  as  I said  before,  what’s  the  use  ? Anything 
is  recreational  reading.  I can  imagine  a worse  fate 
than  to  be  left  with  the  Countess  Morphy’s  Reci- 
pes of  All  Nations  (Wise),  or  Fowler’s  Hand- 
book of  English  Usage  (Oxford  University 
Press).  In  fact  I can’t  think  of  any  happier  vol- 
ume to  which  one  could  turn  for  recreational 
reading  than  the  last-named  work  of  scholarship. 

“We  need  to  be  reminded  every  day  how  many 
are  the  books  of  inimitable  glory  which,  with  all 
our  eagerness  after  reading,  we  have  never  taken 
in  our  hands.  It  will  astonish  most  of  us  to  find 
how  much  of  our  very  industry  is  given  to  the 
books  which  leave  no  mark,  how  often  we  rake  in 
the  litter  of  the  printing  press  whilst  a crown  of 
gold  and  rubies  is  offered  us  in  vain.” — Frederic 
Harrison  in  Choice  of  Books. 


“When  one  considers  how  reading  seeps  in 
through  all  the  cracks  and  crannies  of  our  days, 
what  power  there  is  in  books  to  determine  our 
views  of  life,  and  how  cheaply  these  possibilities 
lie  at  every  man’s  hand,  it  is  plain  that  the  quality 
of  a man’s  reading  is  one  of  his  foremost  respon- 
sibilities.”— Harry  Emerson  Fosdick  in  Twelve 
Tests  of  Character. 


“Many  forces  strain  at  the  family  tie;  there 
are  not  so  many  things  as  there  were  in  simpler 
times  that  parents  and  children  can  do  together. 
But  families  that  read  together  have  formed  one 
tie  that  lasts  as  long  as  letters  can  carry  the 
familiar  family  words — ‘I’ve  just  been  reading.’ 
It  is  worth  while  for  an  American  home  to  form 
such  a habit  while  the  children  are  young.” — 
May  Lamberton  Becker. 

“Many  books  deserve  careful  preservation  be- 
cause of  the  priceless  heritage  they  represent. 
But  books  need  more  than  preservation ; they 
need  use.” — Antioch  Notes. 


World  at  Play 


— A SIX-TON  trellised- 

When  Gardens  Go  , , 

covered  trailer,  with 

rave  inj,  tiers  of  flowers,  inter- 

esting plants  and  gar- 
den implements,  all  identified  by  their  proper 
names  and  uses,  and  other  reminders  of  country 
life,  last  summer  traveled  from  playground  to 
playground  in  New  York  City  under  the  auspices 
of  the  Park  Department.  The  traveling  gardens 
are  a sequel  to  the  Park  Department’s  traveling 
. farmyard  which  toured  the  park  playgrounds  dur- 
ing the  spring.  The  exhibits  remained  at  each 
playground  from  one  to  two  days,  and  then  moved 
on  to  the  next.  The  trailer  has  a platform  and 
steps  on  each  side,  and  in  it  are  more  than  one 
hundred  different  plants,  including  marigolds, 
blackeyed  susans,  fuchsias,  forget-me-nots,  pe1 
tunias,  roses,  cotton,  peanut  plants  and  tobacco. 
In  a special  glass  enclosure  there  is  a poison-ivy 
plant,  with  the  warning,  “Know  it  when  you  see 
it — notice  the  three  leaves.”  The  display  of  gar- 
den tools  with  their  identification  occupies  the  rear 
end  of  the  trailer.  On  the  front  end  is  a folding 
table  containing  an  exhibit  of  frogs,  toads,  turtles, 
harmless  garter  snakes  and  insects,  all  identified. 
When  the  trailer  is  moved  and  the  table  folded 
the  space  beneath  the  tiers  of  plants  is  used  to 
house  part  of  the  exhibit  at  night. 


Behind  the 
Scenes 


— ON  July  17th,  in 
Rockefeller  Center, 

New  York  City,  a 

WPA  exhibit  was 
opened  known  as  “Backstage  in  Child  Welfare.” 
The  exhibition  was  planned  to  give  laymen  a 
glimpse  of  what  is  being  done  for  New  York’s 
children.  Photographs  and  posters  showed  how  * 
children  are  shown  modeling,  painting  and  handi- 
craft. Marionette-making,  a secret  guarded  by 
professional  puppeteers  for  centuries,  was  reveal- 
ed in  models  showing  each  stage  of  construction 
from  the  moulding  of  the  head  to  costuming. 
Among  the  completed  marionettes  fashioned  by 
the  children  were  a Congo  tribe,  the  White  Queen, 
Daniel  Boone,  Laurel  and  Hardy,  a dragon  and  a 
giraffe.  Each  day  groups  of  children  from  the 
settlements  and  recreation  centers  demonstrated 
the  making  of  puppets.  Puppet  shows  were  given 


daily  during  the  week  of  the  exhibition.  On  the 
afternoon  of  July  17th  a performance  of  “How 
the  Little  Pigs’  House  Caught  Fire”  was  given. 
Textiles  designed  and  decorated  by  children  of 
the  Educational  Alliance  Settlement  House  and 
landscapes  and  portraits  painted  by  children  under 
the  WPA  Federal  Arts  Project  were  also 
exhibited. 


Summer  Bands  in 
Pasadena 


MASSED  bands  were 
a feature  of  the  pro- 
gram conducted  last 
summer  by  the  Pasa- 
dena Department  of  Recreation  in  cooperation 
with  the  Director  of  Music  of  the  City  Schools. 
The  purpose  of  the  bands,  which  were  open  to 
boys  and  girls,  men  and  women,  was  to  give  in- 
struction in  music  and  to  present  programs  during 
the  summer  vacation.  Weekly  concerts  were  pre- 
sented each  Thursday  at  Memorial  Park.  The 
program  included  ensembles,  musical  novelties, 
drum  sections,  wood  wind  quartettes,  brass  in- 
strument quartettes,  trombone  quartettes  and  solos. 


A Dance  Council 
in  California 


NORTHERN  Cali- 
fornia boasts  of  a 

Dance  Council  which 

has  grown  in  two 
years  from  an  idea  to  an  organization  of  more 
than  100  members,  representative  of  approxi- 
mately twenty  groups  in  the  Bay  Region.  It  has 
four  major  achievements  to  its  credit:  a lecture- 
demonstration  series,  a festival,  a concert  series 
and  a workshop  project.  The  headquarters  of  the 
Council  are  2361  Play  Street,  San  Francisco. 


Blocks  For  the 
Sand  Box 


SCRAP  materials 
from  the  workshop  of 

the  Public  Recreation 

Commission  of  Cin- 
cinnati are  being  used  to  make  blocks  and  simple 
toys  and  articles  of  various  sizes  and  designs,  such 
as  paddles  and  flat  blocks  with  handles  resembling 
carpenter  planes.  “It  has  been  our  experience,” 
writes  Mr.  Robert  E.  Coady,  Supervisor  of  Play- 
grounds, “that  the  children  of  our  many  play- 
grounds greatly  enjoy  playing  in  the  sand  boxes 
with  these  blocks.” 


365 


366 


WORLD  AT  PLAY 


Recreation  in  France  — As  reported  in  the 
London  Times,  states  School  and  Society  for  July 
4th,  the  new  French  Government  proposes  to 
bring  in  a bill  to  raise  the  school-leaving  age  from 
13  to  14  years.  Three  women  under-secretaries 
will  serve  in  the  Ministry.  There  is  also  an  un- 
der-secretaryship for  sports  and  leisure,  which 
will  occupy  itself  with  many  questions  affecting 
schools.  M.  Leo  Lagrange,  who  has  been  ap- 
pointed to  the  post,  has  been  a football  player  and 
among  his  intentions  appears  to  be  that  of  creat- 
ing new  sports  grounds,  especially  in  the  smaller 
towns. 

Lake  Acreage  in  Palisades  Interstate  Park — 

Since  the  establishment  in  1910  of  the  Harriman 
and  Bear  Mountain  sections  of  the  Palisades  In- 
terstate Park,  there  has  been  a notable  increase 
in  the  number  of  lakes  and  ponds.  Including  the 
project  now  under  way  and  in  various  stages  of 
completion,  the  lakes  and  ponds  in  the  part  of  the 
Highlands  of  the  Hudson  and  the  Northern 
Ramapo  Mountains  embraced  by  the  park  have 
increased  from  13  to  36,  and  the  total  acreage  of 
water  surfaces  more  than  six  times.  Since  1932 
as  a project  at  first  of  the  New  York  State  terra, 
later  of  the  Federal  Civil  Works  and  Works 
Progress  Administrations,  there  have  been  built 
or  are  in  process  of  completion  twelve  newly 
flooded  lakes  and  lake  sites.  Water  surfaces  now 
cover  5 % of  the  total  extent  of  the  Bear  Moun- 
tain and  Harriman  sections  of  42,500  acres. 

An  Amateur  Barber  Shop  Quartet  Contest — 

The  sponsoring  of  an  amateur  barber  shop  quar- 
tet contest  was  one  of  the  activities  last  summer 
of  the  Westchester  County  Recreation  Commis- 
sion. Elimination  contests  were  held  in  various 
parts  of  the  county  under  the  following  rules: 
The  contest  was  open  to  basses,  baritones  and 
first  and  second  male  tenors  who  were  not  pro- 
fessional singers.  There  were  no  age  limits.  Con- 
testants were  required  to  sing  two  songs,  the  first 
from  a designated  list,  the  second,  any  song  writ- 
ten before  1905  and  selected  by  the  quartets 
themselves.  Contestants  were  permitted  to  appear 
in  costume  if  they  desired,  but  all  members  of  the 
quartet  must  be  dressed  alike.  Another  require- 
ment was  that  the  song  must  be  completed  with- 
in six  minutes.  Judging  was  on  the  following 
basis:  Tone,  Rhythm,  Musical  Technique,  and 
Harmony,  60  points;  Interpretation,  Expression 
and  Phrasing,  30  points;  Appearance,  costumes 


being  considered,  10  points.  The  finals  ot  the 
contest  were  held  on  the  The  Mall  in  Central 
Park,  New  York  City,  in  September. 

An  Exhibit  at  Shreveport  — Nature  study 
and  handcraft  instructors  on  the  playground  of 
Shreveport,  Louisiana,  worked  throughout  the 
season  toward  a display  at  the  closing  of  the  sum- 
mer program.  The  exhibit  was  held  at  the  City 
Auditorium  for  three  or  four  days,  and  was  open 
from  seven  until  ten-thirty  each  day.  Every  night 
from  eight  to  nine  there  was  a special  program 
provided  by  three  or  four  of  the  parks.  These 
programs  consisted  of  dancing,  singing,  quartets 
and  gymnastics.  The  florist  cooperated  by  send- 
ing flowers  and  stage  decorations,  while  the  taxi- 
dermists supplied  stuffed  birds  and  animals  to  il- 
lustrate the  nature  work.  On  the  opening  night 
the  Mayor  made  an  address.  This  was  followed 
by  the  children’s  program. 

The  Leisure  Time  of  High  School  Students 

— The  June  27th  issue  of  School  and  Society  tells 
of  a study  made  of  the  leisure-time  attitudes  and 
activities  of  students  in  eleven  Illinois  and  eleven 
Georgia  high  schools,  ranging  in  size  from  90  to 
650  students  and  distributed  widely  over  the  two 
states.  Certain  general  conclusions  seem  justified 
from  the  study.  Georgia  students  spend  more 
time  in  attending  athletic  events,  movies,  dances 
and  religious  services  than  do  Illinois  students, 
and  less  in  reading.  “The  important  differences 
regarding  radio  programs”  states  the  report,  “are 
between  sexes  rather  than  between  states.  On  the 
whole,  the  type  of  program  which  ranks  high  in 
interest,  except  music  and  perhaps  drama  among 
girls  and  world  news  among  boys,  relate  to  the 
more  transient  and  superficial  aspects  of  civiliza- 
tion. Radio  interests  are  apparently  determined 
mainly  by  non-school  influences.  Whether  curricu- 
lum content  or  radio  use  in  school  could  construc- 
tively modify  student  interest  in  programs  is  an 
item  worth  further  consideration.” 

Kiwanians  Give  Pool  to  City — The  Kiwan- 
ians  of  Pontiac,  Michigan,  have  presented  to  the 
city  a wading  pool.  The  pool  is  of  concrete  with 
a basin  slanting  from  a depth  of  four  inches  at 
one  end  to  eight  inches  at  the  other.  It  is  30  by 
60  feet  in  size  with  a single  spray  head  located  at 
the  center.  This  is  the  first  of  a number  of  pools 
which  the  Kiwanians  plan  to  provide. 


AMONG  OUR  FOLKS 


367 


Among  Our  Folks 

Clyde  Doyle,  Chairman  of  the  Recreation 
Commission  of  Long  Beach,  California,  has 
received  an  award  for  outstanding  civic  service. 
For  many  years  Mr.  Doyle,  a public-spirited  citi- 
zen, has  been  the  lay  head  of  the  recreation  pro- 
gram in  Long  Beach  and  has  given  distinguished 
service. 

At  the  final  banquet  of  the  Boys’  Exposition 
held  in  New  York  in  June,  a medal  was  presented 
to  Lee  F.  Hanmer  of  the  Russell  Sage  Founda- 
tion for  “outstanding  service  to  boyhood.”  Dr.  C. 
Ward  Crampton  made  the  presentation. 

Sophie  Fishback,  formerly  Superintendent  of 
.Recreation  at  Lakewood,  Ohio,  has  become  director 
of  the  Girls’  League  of  Pittsfield,  Massachusetts. 

Mark  Cowen,  who  for  a number  of  years  has 
been  Director  of  Playgrounds  in  Roanoke,  Vir- 
ginia, has  been  made  Director  of  Parks  and 
Recreation. 

Harry  F.  Glore  of  the  Public  Recreation  Com- 
mission of  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  has  been  made  Rec- 
reation Supervisor  of  Music  for  the  Commission, 
beginning  July  ist. 


“The  Spirit  of  Recreation” — Approximately 
20,000  people  witnessed  the  pageant,  “The  Spirit 
of  Recreation,”  presented  by  the  Bureau  of  Rec- 
reation of  Pittsburgh,  Pennsylvania,  as  the  final 
event  of  the  summer  playground  season.  The 
pageant  was  written  by  Haydn  Bodycombe  to 
depict  the  activities  of  the  Bureau  of  Recreation. 

“Little  Simon’s  Great  Adventure” — The  joy 
that  the  lonely  hero  of  Detroit’s  playground 
pageant  found  when  playmates  came  to  play 
games  with  him  was  reflected  in  the  faces  of  the 
3,500  children  from  100  of  the  city’s  playgrounds 
who  for  nearly  two  hours  delighted  an  audience 
of  10,000  parents  and  friends  at  Detroit’s  Belle 
Isle  Park  on  August  27th.  For  the  nineteenth 
successive  year  the  Playground  Department  closed 
its  summer  season  with  a city- wide  pageant  full 
of  music,  color  and  action.  “Little  Simon’s  Great 
Adventure”  told  of  the  boy  living  alone  with  an 
aged  grandfather  and  gardener  and  grown  weary 
of  the  companionship  of  only  flowers  and  insects. 
His  fairy  friends  and  the  four  winds  took  him  to 
the  seashore  where  Neptune  brought  billowing 
waves  in  scarf  dances  and  pearly  shells  to  amuse 
him,  though  without  success.  Then  the  playmates 


Magazines  and  Pamphlets 

) Recently  Received  Containing  Articles  \ 

v of  Interest  to  the  Recreation  Worker  \ 


MAGAZINES 

Leisure,  August  1936 

Making  Wooden  Gift  Boxes,  by  Walter  P.  Thurber 
The  World  at  Leisure,  Italy,  by  Dr.  Louis  L.  Snyder 
Outdoor  Opera  in  St.  Louis  Brings  Culture  to  Lei- 
sure Hours,  by  Harry  F.  Wild 
The  New  Leisure,  by  Eduard  C.  Lindeman 

Hygeia,  September  1936 

The  Play  Way  to  Health  and  Long  Life,  by  Calvin 
T.  Ryan 

The  Kiwanis  Magazine,  September  1936 

Bird  Study  as  a Hobby,  by  Detlof  B.  Nelson 

Young  Executive,  September  1936 

The  Hobby  That  Suits  You  Best,  by  Carl  J.  Nickel 

Leisure,  September  1936 

Walking — A Healthful  Pastime,  by  C.  E.  Rauch 
An  Entertainment  Survey,  by  Clifford  Parcher 
Training  Enrollees  in  the  Proper  Use  of  Leisure,  by 
Howard  W.  Oxley 

The  World  at  Leisure — Czecho-Slovakia,  by  Dr. 
Louis  L.  Snyder 

Community  Organization  for  Leisure,  by  Howard 
L.  White 

The  Professional  in  Liesure  Time  Education  and 
Recreation,  by  Harold  D.  Meyer 

Parks  and  Recreation,  September  1936 
Slides  A La  Carte ! 

A Remarkable  Meeting — Second  International  Con- 
gress at  Hamburg,  by  L.  H.  Weir 
A Year  with  the  Recreation  Division — Chicago  Park 
District 

The  Journal  of  Health  and  Physical  Education, 

September  1936 

Play  as  a Means  of  Social  Adjustment,  by  Neva  L. 
Boyd 

Alabama  Annual  State-Wide  Play  Day,  by  Elsa 
Schneider. 

The  Corrective  Value  of  Swimming,  by  Hope  Tisdale 

PAMPHLETS 

Proceedings  of  the  Fifty-eighth  Annual  Conference  of 
American  Library  Association 
Bulletin  of  the  American  Library  Association, 
August  1936 

Here  Are  Forests — Their  Relation  to  Human  Progress  in 
the  Age  of  Power,  by  Martha  Bensley  Bruere. 

Forest  Service,  U.  S.  Department  of  Agriculture. 
Price  $.10 

The  Twenty-fifth  Annual  Meeting  of  the  National  Coun- 
cil of  the  Boy  Scouts  of  America 

Summer  Playgrounds — A Guide  Book  for  the  Municipal 
Playgrounds  of  Albany,  N.  Y. 

A Handbook  for  Recreation  Leaders 

Recreation  Department,  Oakland,  California 
The  National  Playing  Fields  Association  of  England — 
Annual  Report  1935-36 

Oakland,  California — Report  of  the  Board  of  Playground 
Directors  1935-36 

16th  Annual  Report  of  the  Superintendent  of  Public 
Recreation,  Reading,  Pennsylvania,  1935 
Westchester  Workshop  1936-1937 

Westchester  County  Center,  White  Plains,  N.  Y. 


368 


WORLD  AT  PLAY 


A Health  - Building  Game 
for  Old  and  Young 

Pitching  Horseshoes  is  muscle-building  rec- 
reation that  appeals  to  all  types  of  people. 
Install  a few  courts  on  your  grounds,  organ- 
ize a horseshoe  club,  schedule  a tournament. 
Write  for  free  booklets  on  club  organiza- 
tion, tournament  play.  etc. 

Diamond  Official  Shoes  and  accessories 
are  the  choice  of  professionals  and  ama- 
teurs alike.  It’s  economy  to  purchase 
equipment  with  the  longest  life. 

DIAMOND 

CALK  HORSESHOE  CO. 

4610  Grand  Avenue  Duluth,  Minn. 

Makers  of  DIAMOND  Official  Pitching  Shoes 


came,  and  the  singing  games  of  the  playground 
were  so  successful  that  even  the  grandfather  and 
the  gardener  took  part  in  the  final  scene ! 

An  interesting  feature  of  the  Detroit  pageants 
is  that  all  of  the  children  participating  enter  in  a 
processional  at  the  start  and  sit  on  the  grounds  in 
front  of  the  audience  during  the  entire  action. 
This  year  they  all  sang  at  four  points  in  the  pag- 
eant, and  each  group  was  in  a position  to  enjoy  and 
applaud  the  dances  and  activities  in  which  all  the 
others  took  part. 

A Playground  to  Be  King’s  Memorial — 

Queen  Mary  of  England,  it  is  reported,  favors 
a spacious  children’s  playground  in  the  heart  of 
London  as  a memorial  for  the  late  King  George 
who  was  always  troubled  at  seeing  children 
forced  to  play  in  the  streets  because  of  lack  of 
recreation  facilities  in  public  parks. 

A Study  of  Leisure  Time  Activities  of  High 
School  Girls — Junior  and  Senior  High  School 
girls  of  Reading,  Pennsylvania,  reported  on  their 
leisure  time  activities  in  an  interesting  study  made 


by  Edna  M.  McDowell,  teacher  of  physical  edu- 
cation in  the  Senior  High  School.  As  a result  of  j 
information  secured  through  the  questionnaire 
distributed  to  720  Junior  High  School  and  720 
Senior  High  School  girls,  “High  Ten”  tables  have  ; 
been  arranged  according  to  ranking  in  frequency  , 
of  checks  under  five  items  in  the  questionnaire  as 
follows : “Once  in  a While”  Participation ; “Fre-  ■ 
quent”  Participation;  “More  Than  Previous 
Years”;  “Less  Than  Previous  Years”;  “Would 
Enjoy  Doing  (or  Doing  More).”  Seventy-five 
activities  were  included  in  the  questionnaire  under 
the  headings  “Activities  In  Or  Around  the  Home” 
and  “Activities  Outside  the  Home.” 

Monroe  County’s  Play  Festival  — The  Rec- 
reation Council  of  Monroe  County,  New  York, 
last  spring  held  a folk  festival  attended  by  300 
people.  It  was  the  first  effort  of  the  Council  to 
revive  the  spirit  of  the  old  festival,  and  the  group 
singing  and  dancing  introduced  met  with  splendid 
success.  At  the  end  of  the  program  a caller  urged 
everyone  to  take  part  in  the  square  dances,  which 
proved  unusually  popular. 

Conservation  of  Wild  Flowers — The  conser- 
vation of  wild  flowers  has  become  one  of  the  most 
interesting  activities  of  the  Civilian  Conservation 
Corps  in  a number  of  states.  Under  the  direction 
of  the  National  Park  Service,  care  is  being  taken 
to  conserve  the  wild  flowers  which  in  so  many 
parts  of  the  country  form  one  of  the  major  at- 
tractions for  visitors  to  state  parks.  Protective 
measures  used  include  the  prevention  of  grazing, 
the  removal  of  fire  hazards  and  the  proper  con- 
struction of  trails.  Further  protection  is  provided 
by  strict  rules  for  campers  and  picnickers.  Edu- 
cational campaigns  are  being  conducted  in  a num- 
ber of  states.  In  Texas,  for  example,  a four-day 
wild  flower  festival  has  been  held. 

Boys  and  Crime — “Boys  and  Crime”  was  the 
topic  discussed  at  the  first  luncheon  of  the  Boys’ 
Exposition  which  opened  in  New  York  on  June 
1st.  Among  the  facts  presented  by  the  New  York 
City  Crime  Prevention  Bureau  were  the  following : 

“Over  2,000,000  youths  under  21  years  of  age 
live  in  New  York  City. 

“Only  500,000  youths  are  being  reached  by 
character-building  programs. 

“In  1935 — 23,774  youths  under  20  years  of  age 
were  arrested  or  an  average  of  65  per  day. 


WORLD  AT  PLAY 


369 


“During  1935 — 4,483  youths  under  16  years  of 
age  were  arrested  or  an  average  of  13  per  day. 


of  this  country,  introducing  dances  of  groups  rep- 
resenting foreign  lands. 


“Estimated  cost  of  crime  in  New  York  City 
per  year  is  600  million  dollars  or  $120.00  per  year 
per  person. 

“No  more  than  $4,000,000  is  spent  by  all  private 
and  public  agencies  related  to  crime  prevention.” 

A Fourth  of  July  Pageant  in  Ann  Arbor  — 

More  than  4,000  spectators  witnessed  the  Fourth 
of  July  pageant  presented  by  the  playground  chil- 
dren of  Ann  Arbor,  Michigan,  assisted  by  adult 
organizations.  The  drum  and  bugle  corps  of  the 
American  Legion  presented  a drill  and  played 
during  the  evening,  and  groups  of  plantation 
melodies  and  patriotic  songs  were  sung  by  a 
Negro  double  quartet.  An  orchestra  of  forty 
adults  also  participated  in  the  program.  Panto- 
mime and  speaking  parts  were  used  to  depict  his- 
torical events  occurring  since  the  signing  of  the 
Declaration  of  Independence.  The  pageant  show- 
ed not  only  the  significance  of  the  Declaration,  but 
also  the  integration  of  foreign  groups  into  the  life 


Vacant  Lot  Playgrounds  in  Chicago  — One 

thousand  city  lots  have  been  set  aside  in  Chicago 
this  summer  for  vacation  playgrounds.  These 
supplement  the  220  recreational  centers  conducted 
by  the  Park  District,  and  cover  the  city  in  a com- 
prehensive net  work  touching  seventy-five  neigh- 
borhood communities. 

Recreation  and  Juvenile  Delinquency  — A 

study  of  recreational  facilities  in  Dutchess  County, 
New  York,  embracing  a population  of  100,000,  is 
being  completed  at  Vassar  College,  according  to 
the  Delinquency  News  Letter  issued  by  the  Michi- 
gan Juvenile  Delinquency  Information  Service. 
Rural  districts,  villages  and  cities  are  included,  and 
already  one  general  conclusion  is  apparent,  namely, 
that  in  all  districts  facilities  are  least  where  they 
are  most  needed.  In  Poughkeepsie,  bordering  on 
the  Hudson  River  docks,  where  there  are  no  rec- 
reation facilities,  there  is  a delinquency  rate  of 
2.7%.  In  the  most  favored  district  delinquency 


Jb.v 


P lay  Safe  W ith 

rW 


ar 


Safety 


PLAYGROUND  APPARATUS 

SAFETY  is  an  essential  of  every  outfit 
DURABILITY  is  built  in  to  give  longer  life 
Write  for  Catalog  28 

FOR  BEACH  AND  SWIMMING  POOL  EQUIPMENT 

Write  for  Catalog  28  W 

The  EverWear  Manufacturing  Company 

The  World’s  oldest  and  largest  exclusive  makers  of 
playground,  beach  and  pool  apparatus 

SPRINGFIELD,  OHIO 


370 


WORLD  AT  PLAY 


CAMPING 

tells  its  romantic 
story  each  month  in 

THE  CAMPING  MAGAZINE 

Edited  by  Bernard  S.  Mason 

RECREATION 

EDUCATION 

LEADERSHIP 

ADMINISTRATION 

PROGRAMMING 

SUPERVISION 

CAMPCRAFT 

NATURE-LORE 
INDIAN-LORE 
ALL  WATER  SPORTS 
ALL  LAND  SPORTS 
ALL  CRAFTS 
COUNCIL  FIRES 
DRAMATICS 
MUSIC 

The  official  authentic  voice  of  the 
American  Camping  Association,  Inc. 

$2.00  yearly 

Send  for  a sample  copy 

LANE  HALL 

Dept,  r Ann  Arbor,  Michigan 

is  not  a problem,  and  here  are  found  the  boys  and 
girls  making  up  the  memberships  of  such  organi- 
zations as  the  Boy  Scouts,  the  Girl  Scouts,  the 
Y.M.C.A.  and  Y.W.C.A.  In  Pine  Plains,  where 
there  is  a community  recreation  committee,  there 
is  no  delinquency.  In  Hopewell  Junction,  where 
efforts  to  organize  youth  activities  have  failed,  the 
delinquency  rate  is  high. 

Picnics  for  Detroit’s  Children  — Through  a 
plan  initiated  in  the  summer  of  1935  by  the  As- 
sociated Kiwanis  Clubs  of  Detroit,  the  city’s  chil- 
dren enjoyed  picnics  at  Bell  Isle.  This  summer  the 
nine  Kiwanis  Clubs  cooperating  in  the  venture 
doubled  the  number  of  boys  and  girls  attending 
the  picnics.  They  also  extended  the  picnic  period 
from  six  to  eight  weeks.  The  two  buses  rented 
by  the  Kiwanians  transported  different  groups  of 
young  adventurers  to  the  island  four  days  each 
week.  Sandwiches,  milk  and  fresh  fruit  were  sup- 
plied each  noon  by  the  clubs,  and  a recreation 
program  was  conducted  each  day  under  the  lead- 
ership of  the  Department  of  Recreation. 

The  Jubilee  Trust  Aids  Recreation  — The 

first  annual  report  of  King  George’s  Jubilee  Trust 
shows  that  on  March  31st  receipts  from  donations 


and  various  sources  amounted  to  £1,031,023. 
The  Trust  was  established  by  King  Edward  VIII 
while  Prince  of  Wales,  and  is  intended  to  help 
youth  emerging  from  school.  Clubs  and  brigades 
are  formed  under  it  and  a program  of  outdoor 
recreation  is  aided  by  the  establishment  of  camp 
sites,  play  fields,  and  facilities  for  hiking.  Dona- 
tions to  the  fund  have  come  from  all  parts  of  the 
British  Empire  and  the  world. 

A New  County  Park  for  Wisconsin — On 

September  5th,  Brown  County,  Wisconsin, 
dedicated  the  T.  A.  Pamperin  Park  of  1 1 5 acres 
about  five  miles  west  of  Green  Bay.  The  park 
was  made  possible  through  the  generosity  of 
the  man  whose  name  it  bears  and  whose  boy- 
hood home  was  only  a few  hundred  feet  away 
from  the  park.  Mr.  Pamperin  has  also  donated 
hundreds  of  trees  and  supplied  the  funds  for 
the  erection  of  a pump  house  and  watering  sys- 
tem and  other  items.  He  has  also  given  his 
services  over  a period  of  months  directing  the 
improvement  work  which  has  been  carried  on  at 
the  park  by  WPA  laborers. 

Nature  Activities  in  Wisconsin  — A rather 
extensive  and  rapid  development  of  nature  activi- 
ties may  be  looked  for  in  Wisconsin  as  the  result 
of  the  enactment  of  a State  law  recently,  which 
requires  the  public  schools  of  the  state  to  teach 
conservation.  A State  Conservation  Commission 
has  been  created  to  direct  the  program. 

Activities  in  Salt  Lake  City — The  Salt  Lake 
City,  Utah,  Recreation  Department  reports 
special  centers  for  Japanese,  Greek  and  Mexi- 
can children.  In  addition,  there  are  special 
sketch  clubs,  handcraft  classes,  music,  dra- 
matic and  kindergarten  activities.  The  depart- 
ment is  receiving  splendid  cooperation  from 
the  Federal  Art  and  Music  Projects  and  the 
National  Youth  Administration,  and  young 
men  and  young  women  assigned  to  the  leader- 
ship projects  were  used  very  successfully  in  every 
type  of  activity.  They  served  as  officials  in 
games  and  tournaments,  supervised  tennis 
courts,  acted  as  playground  assistants,  repaired 
and  maintained  playground  areas  and  equip- 
ment, designed  and  made  costumes,  prepared 
new  softball  fields,  mimeographed  bulletins, 
made  special  inventories,  and  participated  in 
many  other  activities. 


FOR  HALLOWE’EN 


371 


For  Hallowe’en 

“Fun  Night  without  Rowdyism  and  Destruc- 
tion” is  the  subtitle  of  The  Hallowe’en  Hand- 
book, a mimeographed  booklet  which  has  been  is- 
sued by  the  Minneapolis  Hallowe’en  Committee. 
Prepared  as  a project  of  the  NY  A,  there  are  66 
pages  of  games,  stunts,  suggestions  for  parties 
large  and  small,  and  for  decorations  and  refresh- 
ments. And  there  are  ghost  stories  and  other  ma- 
terial which  will  provide  Hallowe’en  programs 
for  years  to  come.  A comprehensive  bibliography 
is  included.  Copies  of  the  booklet  may  be  secured 
for  twenty-live  cents  from  the  Minneapolis  Hal- 
lowe’en Committee,  Boys’  Vocational  High 
'School,  Minneapolis. 


“The  Land  of  Make  Believe”  — Oklahoma 
City’s  annual  playground  pageant  this  year 
was  presented  under  the  auspices  of  the  park 
and  school  recreation  divisions.  The  theme  was 
“The  Land  of  Make  Believe,”  which  provided 
the  medium  for  interpreting  various  forms  of 
recreation.  Over  10,000  people  jammed  the  sta- 
dium. Forty  park  policemen,  thirty  Boy  Scouts 
and  forty  Camp  Fire  Girls  assisted  in  handling 
the  crowds  and  ushered  at  the  grand  stands. 
Almost  4,000  pieces  of  handcraft  were  exhibited. 

Recreation  for  Old  People — The  Henry  G. 
Stevens  Library,  40  East  Ferry  Avenue,  De- 
troit, Michigan,  has  issued  a selected  list  of 
literature  on  recreation  for  the  aged.  Here  is  a 
service  which  other  libraries  may  wish  to  emu- 
late. 


Revolutions — for  What? 

( Continued  from  page  333) 

There  Can  Be  a Better  Order 

There  is  a better  order,  a better  unity,  a better 
direction.  It  is  implicit  in  the  ideas  which  govern- 
ed the  foundation  of  this  country,  and  from  which 
we  have  lamentably  departed.  For  this  country 
was  founded  by  philosophers,  by  men  who  sought 
valid  and  universal  principles.  They  believed  in 
the  possibility  of  founding  a community  of  free 
men.  That  freedom  was  to  rest  in  a minimum  of 
universal  security.  Jefferson,  in  an  agricultural 
age,  saw  a nation  of  small  landowners,  of  neigh- 
bors. Whitman,  years  later,  envisaged  “A  city 
invincible  to  the  attacks  of  the  whole  of  the  earth. 
The  new  city  of  friends.”  The  methods  of  Jef- 
ferson are  no  longer  applicable  in  a world  of  ma- 


an  END  to 

Germ-laden  DUST! 


• Playground  directors  and  doctors  agree 
that  dust  is  a dangerous  germ  carrier. 

And  these  same  men  endorse  SOLVAY 
Calcium  Chloride  as  an  effective,  harm- 
less method  of  combating  this  evil. 

• Solvay,  spread  evenly  over  the  surface 
of  a playground,  tennis  court,  school 
yard  or  athletic  field,  will  instantly 
eliminate  the  dust.  And  more,  it  re- 
duces sun  glare,  keeps  the  surface 
compact  and  firm,  and  eliminates  weeds. 

• Solvay  Calcium  Chloride  is  absolutely 
clean,  odorless,  easy  to  apply,  and  very 
economical.  Deliveries  are  pro  m-p  t 
from  100  conveniently  located  stock 
points.  Full  information  and  prices  on 
request. 

SOLVAY  SALES  CORPORATION 

Alkalies  and  Chemical  Products  Manufactured  by 
The  Solvay  Process  Company 
40  RECTOR  STREET  NEW  YORK 

BRANCH  SALES  OFFICES 
Boston  Charlotte  Chicago  Cincinnati 
Cleveland  Detroit  Indianapolis 
Kansas  City  New  Orleans  New  York 
Philadelphia  Pittsburgh  .St.  Louis 
Syracuse 

Solvay 

TRADE  MARK  REG.  U.  S.  PAT.  OFF. 

Calcium  Chloride 


372 


TOMORROW’S  CITIZENS 


FOR 

THAT 

“NEW  LEISURE” 

TRY 

walihi  no 

The  Monthly  Magazine  for  Walkers 

SHOWS  YOU  HOW  AND 
WHERE  TO  WALK 

CONTAINS  INTERESTING  AND 
AUTHORITATIVE  ARTICLES 
BY  EXPERTS,  MAPS,  PHOTOS, 
ETC. 

10c  Per  Copy  $1.00  Per  Year 

Trial  Subscription,  4 issues  for  25c 

WAIK1WG 

105  WEST  40th  ST.,  NEW  YORK  CITY 


chines.  The  dream  is  as  valid  as  150  years  ago. 
That  idea  of  community  is  not  the  idea  of  com- 
munism. Jefferson  never  saw  society  as  an  ant 
hill  with  every  ant  equal  to  every  other  ant.  But 
he  realized  that  democracy  will  never  function  in 
the  long  run,  except  on  the  basis  of  a universal 
minimum  of  security  and  a maximum  of  agree- 
ment. 

There  is  a better  conception  of  society  than  that 
of  the  ant  hill  or  that  of  the  regiment.  It  is  the 
picture  of  society  as  an  orchestra.  It  has  leader- 
ship, it  has  unity,  it  has  a purpose,  but  it  also  has 
piccolo  players  and  a first  violinist.  It  is  a col- 
lective, whose  power  and  beauty  depend  upon 
manifold  activities ; upon  the  highest  possible  de- 
velopment of  very  unequal  individuals.  And  each 
individual  is  not  demeaned  by  his  participation  in 
the  collective,  but  vastly  augmented  and  expanded 
by  it.  He  is  not  regimented.  He  is  cooperative. 
For  he  knows  that  the  music  of  the  world  is  not 
written  for  French  horns,  or  for  whole  orches- 
tras of  French  horns;  it  is  not  even  written  for 
solo  violins.  It  is  written  for  many  instruments, 
for  many  voices. 

If  one  conceives  of  society  in  this  way,  the 
phrases  private  enterprise  vs.  public  enterprise; 


working  classes  vs.  management  and  which  is 
now  the  symbol  of  corporate  ownership;  govern- 
ment vs.  business,  cease  to  have  much  meaning. 
The  questions  cease  to  be  moral;  they  become 
technical.  We  shall  ask  ourselves  not  who  has 
the  right  to  do  this,  but  who  does  it  best?  We 
shall  take  realistic  criteria  as  our  measuring  rods. 
We  shall  more  and  more  impress  science  into  the 
management  of  our  society.  Science  illumined  has 
purpose. 

And  as  for  devils — we  shall  find  them  and  fight 
them,  in  our  hearts. 

Do  you  think  that  all  this  is  a dream?  I do 
not  think  it  is  a dream.  I believe  that  for  such  a 
society  there  is  already  a yearning,  and  already  a 
will.  I believe  that  in  our  universities  men  of 
knowledge  and  good  will  are  seeking  techniques 
and  principles  which  may  produce  better  pro- 
grams than  any  we  yet  have.  I know  that  all  over 
the  country  industrialists  are  working  alone  and 
in  groups  at  a revaluation  of  the  principles  upon 
which  they  have  been  operating.  I know  that  in 
the  ranks  of  labor  are  men  who  do  not  see  the 
world  as  an  irreconcilable  struggle  between  hos- 
tile classes. 

And  for  such  a society,  you  who  sit  here  have 
been  preparing  the  way.  Earlier  than  anyone  else, 
you  sensed  that  out  of  this  no  man,  no  child,  must 
be  allowed  to  fall.  What  are  you  keeping  them 
for?  For  unemployment  lines?  For  armies? 
Why  your  infinite  patience  with  the  weak,  the 
unlucky,  the  incompetent,  the  unfortunate?  Is 
it  only  pity  that  moves  you?  Only  some  vague 
bad  conscience? 

Or  do  you  sense  that  you  are  holding  the  fort 
for  tomorrow? 


Tomorrow’s  Citizens 

( Continued  from  page  336) 

of  daily  living,  bulwarked  with  the  surroundings 
and  occupations  of  youth.  None  of  it  is  easy. 

And  hardest  of  all  is  to  keep  your  faith  in  peo- 
ple and  your  love  of  people,  all  people.  Yet  that 
is  the  heart  of  our  democracy  as  of  our  religion, 
and  without  that  vision  the  people  perish.  We 
must  not  fail.  The  Community  Chest  will  not  fail. 

The  Federal  Children’s  Theater 
in  New  York 

(Continued  from  page  345) 

A group  of  educators,  headed  by  Dr.  Lois  Hay- 
den Meek,  director  of  the  Child  Development  In- 


STORY  HOURS  — AND  STORY  HOURS l 


373 


stitute  of  Teachers  College,  are  cooperating  with 
the  Children’s  Theater  in  the  work  they  are  do- 
ing, and  are  also  helping  them  to  study  youthful 
responses  to  the  performances  — for  Emperor’s 
New  Clothes  and  also  for  the  second  production, 
Dorothy  Halpern’s  The  Horse  Play.  The  latter  is 
aimed  primarily  at  the  youngest  age  group  and 
will  feature  vaudeville  and  original  music  by  A. 
Lehman  Engle.  It  is  expected  to  open  shortly  on 
the  portable  theaters  in  the  parks,  and  then  will  be 
placed  in  the  regular  Children’s  Theater. 

At  present  a large  plan  for  juvenile  stages  is  in 
the  process  of  organization.  A circuit  of  theatres 
for  children  is  to  be  set  up  in  all  the  boroughs — 
in  theaters,  wherever  they  are  available,  and  in 
school  auditoriums  and  settlement  houses.  Each 
play,  after  completing  its  run  in  a centrally  lo- 
cated theater,  will  be  sent  out  to  these  outlying 
districts.  This  will  establish  the  first  children’s 
neighborhood  theaters  in  this  city. 

Dearborn  Dedicates  Ford  Field 

( Continued  from  page  346) 

A concert  by  the  Dearborn  Civic  Orchestra  was  a 
feature  of  the  program. 

As  the  park  is  developed  additional  recreational 
facilities  will  be  constructed  such  as  tennis  courts 
and  other  game  courts,  wading  and  swimming 
pools,  and  a community  building.  In  making  the 
gift  it  was  stipulated  by  Mr.  Ford  that  no  admis- 
sion fee  should  ever  be  charged  for  any  event 
conducted  in  the  park. 

Securing  the  Use  of  Schools  as 
Community  Centers 

(Continued  from  page  348) 

for  recreation  purposes.  During  the  fall  of  1936 
there  will  be  a request  on  the  part  of  several  par- 
ents’ associations  for  getting  the  full  use  of  a 
school  building  in  their  locality  for  a community 
center. 

Thus,  through  the  creation  of  public  sentiment 
for  recreation  and  the  cooperation  of  existing 
agencies  within  the  community,  the  wider  use  of 
school  buildings  may  become  a reality. 

Story  Hours — and  Story  Hours! 

(Continued  from  page  350) 

A quiet,  comfortable  spot,  if  the  hour  is  to  be 
held  out-of-doors,  or  as  attractive  a room  as  pos- 
sible where  the  children  can  sit  around  on  the 
ground  or  the  floor  in  a semicircle,  a low  bench  or 
chair  for  the  story-teller  so  that  she  may  be  seen 


Mobilization  for  H uman  Needs 


1936 


"If  the  Commu- 
nity Chest  Move- 
ment has  any  jus- 
tification of  an 
ultimate  sort,  it 
is  the  justification 
which  is  found  in 
King  David's 
question  when  he 
asked:  'Is  it  well 
with  the  child?1  " 
Newton  D.  Baker 


by  all  and  yet  be  very  near  them  — these  little 
things  mean  much  to  the  story-teller.  Of  course 
if  there  is  a “Magic  Corner”  such  as  we  described 
in  the  July  issue  of  Recreation,  that  is  the  per- 
fect setting  for  the  special  story  hour  which 
should  be  held  at  least  once  a week,  if  possible. 
If  this  story  hour  has  been  planned  to  take  place 
immediately  following  some  physical  activity,  or 
a meal,  or  at  an  hour  when  it  is  too  hot  or  rainy 
for  exercise,  it  is  a natural  time  for  stories  and 
better  for  the  children,  as  well  as  for  the  story- 
teller. 

In  all  my  experience  I have  found  the  story 
hours  most  successful  when  the  children  are  near 
the  same  age.  Therefore,  wherever  this  is  prac- 
tical I would  suggest  at  least  two  divisions — five- 
to-eight-year  olds,  and  nine-to-twelve-year  olds. 
In  this  way  almost  all  problems  of  discipline  are 
quite  naturally  avoided.  May  I add,  however, 
that  when  there  are  problems  of  discipline  they 
should  be  handled  by  the  director  in  charge  and 
not  left  for  the  story-teller? 

Encourage  the  children  to  play  the  stories,  if 
not  at  once,  as  soon  after  hearing  them  as  possible 
while  the  characters  and  movements  are  fresh  in 
their  minds.  There  are  few  satisfactions  greater 
to  a story-teller  than  to  see  her  listeners  act  out 
the  stories. 

The  story  hour  may  mean  much  or  little  to  the 
group.  The  director’s  attitude  toward  this  or  any 
other  activity  predetermines  the  reception  it  gets 
from  the  children.  If  you  believe  in  story-telling 
— formal  or  informal — use  it.  If  once  you  use  it, 
I think  you’ll  never  want  to  lose  it ! 


374 


TEXAS  CELEBRATES  ITS  HUNDREDTH  BIRTHDAY 


Texas  Celebrates  Its  Hundredth  Birthday 

( Continued  from  page  353) 

Snug  Harbor,  Staten  Island,  New  York,  an  old 
before-the-mast  sailor,  used  the  sea  chanteys  as 
the  work  song  of  the  sea,  but  the  chantey  has 
ceased  to  fill  its  original  purpose  as  a work-song. 
With  the  coming  of  electricity,  the  need  for  them 
passed  out.  But  the  group  from  the  Jib-Boom 
Club,  New  London,  Connecticut,  organized  a 
number  of  years  ago  to  keep  alive  the  old  sea 
chantey,  was  represented  by  Leo  B.  Reagan  of 
New  London,  who  came  down  with  Captain 
Maitland  to  join  the  group  of  men  from  the  Gal- 
veston Wharf  Company  to  sing  the  old  chanteys. 
While  the  younger  group  of  men  have  never 
known  these  chanteys  as  work-songs,  the  songs  in 
themselves  have  such  distinct  color  and  picture  the 
old  sailing  days  with  such  a tang  of  the  sea  that 
this  group  of  younger  men,  interested  in  modern 
marine  life,  have  dedicated  themselves  to  carry- 
ing on  the  traditions  of  the  old  sailing  days. 

Oscar  J.  Fox,  noted  Texas  composer  from  San 
Antonio,  demonstrated  what  can  be  done  with  the 
original  folk  song,  through  simple  arrangements, 
in  the  presentations  of  his  own  arrangements  of 
The  Chisholm  Trail,  Home  On  the  Range,  and 
Old  Paint,  sung  by  Nick  Cramer  of  San  Antonio 
and  Miss  Daisy  Polk  of  Dallas  and  accompanied 
by  Mr.  Fox.  One  hundred  Old  Trail  Drivers 
from  San  Antonio  joined  in  with  this  group  in 
singing  the  old  songs  used  in  their  trail  driving 
days.  They  did  the  old  dances  done  by  them  each 
year  at  their  reunions  since  the  days  when  Texas 
was  very  young. 

Artists  or  people  interested  in  any  kind  of  crea- 
tive endeavor  must  have  seen  the  possibilities  of 
utilizing  much  of  the  material  found  on  this  pro- 
gram, because  the  folk  arts  are  basic  arts.  Before 
we  ever  have  a genuine  culture  in  America  or  a 
truly  creative  nation,  the  interest  in  creative  en- 
deavor must  not  only  touch  the  lives  of  the  people 
of  higher  educational  and  artistic  levels,  but  it 
must  be  so  democratic  that  it  will  include  people 
of  every  class. 

Building  a Bomber 

(Continued  from  page  354) 

door,  one  eye  resting  on  the  insulated  portion,  the 
other  on  the  wood.  After  the  assembly  has  ad- 
vanced to  this  point,  the  door  is  placed  in  position 
and  hinged  at  the  juncture  of  the  forward  com- 
partment wall  by  means  of  a supporting  strip  of 
wood,  a piece  of  gauze  and  a little  glue.  The  next 


step  is  the  covering  of  the  exposed  edges  of  the 
aperture  at  the  rear  of  the  compartment  with 
aluminum  tissue  and  the  attaching  of  an  eye  on 
the  far  side  of  the  opening,  in  line  with  the  one 
on  the  door.  The  final  operation  consists  of  fas- 
tening a piece  of  narrow  rubber  band  to  the  pro- 
per eye  on  the  door  and  securing  it  to  a forward 
part  of  the  plane  at  an  angle  that  will  cause  the 
door  to  clear  the  compartment  opening  the  in- 
stant it  is  released.  The  opening  of  the  door  is 
controlled  by  the  action  of  a fuse  which  is  ignited 
shortly  before  the  plane  is  released  for  a flight. 

The  Flight 

In  preparing  the  plane  for  a flight  proceed  as 
follows : Place  the  load  in  the  compartment.  Close 
the  door  and  hold  it  in  that  position.  Next  attach 
a piece  of  chemically  treated  thread  to  the  eye  on 
the  door,  draw  it  taut  and  secure  it  to  the  eye  on 
the  opposite  side  of  the  opening.  The  door  will 
now  remain  in  a closed  position  and  is  ready  for 
the  fuse.  A piece  of  fuse  approximately  one  and 
a half  inches  long  is  then  knotted  to  the  thread 
and  suspended  in  the  center  of  the  opening.  The 
fuse  is  made  of  ordinary  wrapping  twine  which 
has  been  immersed  in  a solution  of  nitrate  of  pot- 
ash and  permitted  to  dry.  The  thread  used  is  sub- 
jected to  the  same  chemical  treatment.  It  is  some- 
times necessary  to  vary  the  length  of  the  fuse; 
the  proper  length  is  easily  determined  by  a test 
flight. 

On  different  occasions  under  favorable  weather 
conditions  two  of  these  planes  have  soared  out  of 
sight  after  having  been  relieved  of  their  loads. 


Nature  Study  as  a Hobby 

( Continued  from  page  362) 

With  a little  coaching  your  child  will  learn 
which  snakes  are  dangerous.  By  being  freed  from 
the  unreasoning  fear  of  them,  he  will  be  in  a po- 
sition to  see  and  enjoy  their  beauty  of  color  and 
line  and  their  graceful  motions.  Tell  him  that  the 
lizards,  except  the  Gila  Monster,  are  harmless. 
Lizards  are  beautiful  creatures  and  do  much  good. 

Teach  your  child  not  to  handle  spiders,  but  en- 
courage him  to  watch  a spider  spinning  its  web, 
its  habits,  its  markings  and  the  many  other  inter- 
esting things  in  its  life. 

If  you  are  not  interested  in  nature  yourself, 
assume  an  interest  for  your  boy’s  sake,  as  you  do 
in  other  subjects.  Almost  surely  before  you  know 
it  you  will  be  as  interested  as  he  is. 


New  Publications  in  the  Leisure  Time  Field 


A Book  of  Puppetry 

Edited  by  Felix  Payant.  Design  Publishing  Company,  20 
South  Third  St.,  Columbus,  Ohio.  $2.50. 

The  material  in  this  book,  reprinted  from  Design, 
presents  various  aspects  of  the  art  of  puppetry,  past 
and  present,  and  includes  different  kinds  of  puppets,  a 
number  of  types  of  settings,  and  several  kinds  of  figurines 
not  technically  included  as  puppets,  but  so  closely  re- 
lated in  design  and  purpose  that  they  have  been  used  for 
what  they  may  contribute.  The  articles  which  make  up 
the  volume  have  been  contributed  by  more  than  thirty 
artists,  including  Sue  Hastings,  Tony  Sarg,  Lee  Simon- 
son, Gordon  Craig  and  other  well-known  artists. 

It  is  the  hope  that  those  new  to  puppetry  will  find  much 
help  in  the  book,  and  that  puppeteers  of  experience  will 
through  it  secure  additional  material  for  reference  and 
comparison,  and  teachers  and  recreational  leaders  will  be 
provided  with  practical  material  with  which  to  direct 
their  activities. 

Bibliography,  Resource  Material  and 
Background  Notes  on  Folk 
Song,  Music  and  Dance 

Compiled  by  John  O’Brien.  Folk  Festival  Council.  222 
Fourth  Ave.,  New  York.  $.50. 
this  bibliography,  prepared  especially  for  the  course 
* on  “Folk  Songs  of  Many  Peoples”  given  under  the 
direction  of  the  Folk  Festival  Council  of  New  York, 
represents  a valuable  list  of  source  material  for  all  in- 
terested in  folk  dancing  and  folk  music.  The  list  is  clas- 
sified in  a way  which  makes  it  readily  usable. 

A Manual  of  Walking 

By  Elon  Jessup.  E.  P.  Dutton  & Co.,  Inc.,  New  York. 
$1.75. 

the  basic  principles  of  walking,  as  analyzed  by  an 
• expert,  are  presented  here.  Every  practical  question 
which  a hiker  might  ask  on  clothing,  footwear  and  gen- 
eral equipment,  timing,  pacing  and  distance  is  answered 
here.  Mr.  Jessup  suggests  how  to  get  the  most  out  of 
short  walks,  saunterings,  hikes,  long-distance  treks  and 
mountain  climbing. 

Many  Ways  of  Living 

By  Thomas  D.  Wood,  M.D.,  Thurman  B.  Rice,  M.D., 
Anette  M.  Phelan,  Ph.D.,  Marion  O.  Lerrigo,  Ph.D., 
Nina  B.  Lamkin,  A.M.  Thomas  Nelson  & Sons,  New 
York.  $.60. 

this  book,  one  of  the  series  in  “Adventures  in  Living,” 
* represents  a report  by  leaders  in  health  and  physical 
education,  and  is  designed  to  serve  as  an  authoritative 
guide  in  health  education.  The  material  is  presented  in 
popular  style  and  language  which  will  appeal  to  the  child. 


Much  emphasis  is  laid  on  the  importance  of  play.  “Let’s 
Play”  is  the  title  of  the  opening  chapter,  in  which  a num- 
ber of  play  activities  are  described. 

Rhythm  Book 

By  Elizabeth  Waterman.  A.  S.  Barnes  and  Company, 
New  York.  $3.60. 

this  book  presents  the  fundamental  relationship  be- 

* tween  rhythmic  movement  and  rhythmic  expression  in 
art  forms.  It  shows  the  great  possibilities  which  lie  in 
integrating  the  child’s  rhythmic  experience  by  teachers 
of  subjects  which  formerly  were  considered  unrelated, 
such  as  music,  drawing,  physical  education  and  elemen- 
tary education.  Music  is  included  for  the  various  rhyth- 
mic patterns. 

Putting  Standards  Into  the 
Summer  Camp 

H.  S.  Dimock,  Chairman  Editorial  Committee.  Associ- 
ation Press,  347  Madison  Ave.,  New  York.  $1.00. 

In  this  monograph  are  to  be  found  the  reports  of  the 
' Seventh  Annual  Camp  Institute  conducted  by  the 
Council  of  Social  Agencies  of  Chicago  and  George  Wil- 
liams College.  Part  I,  which  includes  eight  addresses  by 
authorities  in  the  field  of  camping,  has  to  do  for  the  most 
part  with  case  studies  of  five  camps  of  various  types. 
Part  II,  dealing  with  community  aspects  of  camp  plan- 
ning, describes  experiences  on  the  front  line  of  progress 
in  the  attempt  to  integrate  camping  experience  with  the 
year-long  experience  of  children. 

A Study  of  Public  Recreation 
in  Cleveland 

By  Leyton  E.  Carter  in  collaboration  with  Edward  A. 
Levy.  The  Cleveland  Foundation,  638  Terminal  Tower 
Bldg.,  Cleveland,  O.  $.75. 

this  mimeographed  report  presents  a study  of  munici- 

* pal  recreation  facilities  in  Cleveland,  which  has  re- 
sulted in  a number  of  recommendations.  Among  these  are 
recommendations  calling  for  the  provision  of  at  least  fifty 
additional  children’s  playgrounds,  100  additional  baseball 
diamonds,  more  tennis  courts,  swimming  pools  and  ath- 
letic fields,  a wider  use  of  school  buildings  as  community 
centers  and  enriched  activity  programs  for  the  play- 
grounds. The  report  also  suggests  that  the  Mayor’s  Ad- 
visory Board  on  playgrounds  and  recreation,  and  the 
local  public  recreation  officials  give  constructive  study  to 
the  major  matters : A — Planning  a capital  account  pro- 
gram for  a period  of  years.  B — Better  coordination  of 
public  recreation  activities  conducted  by  several  govern- 
mental units  and  C — More  adequate  financial  support. 
The  report  deals  largely  with  conditions  prevailing  up 
to  the  current  year.  Since  that  time  the  present  city  ad- 
ministration and  council  have  taken  several  constructive 
steps. 


375 


376 


NEW  PUBLICATIONS  IN  THE  LEISURE  TIME  FIELD 


Handy  Green  Book. 

By  Handy  Green  Book  Publishing  Co.,  214  W.  42nd 
St.,  New  York.  $.50. 

This  is  an  invaluable  booklet  for  anyone  interested  in 
the  theater,  who  wishes  such  information  as  the  names 
of  costume  designers  and  manufacturers,  dramatic  critics, 
editors,  theater  supply  companies,  legitimate  producers, 
directors  of  summer  theaters  and  other  source  material. 

A Symposium  on  Health  and  Recreation  by  Ten 
Y.W.C.A.  Leaders  with  a Foreword  by  Edith  M.  Gates. 

The  Womans  Press,  New  York.  Price  $1.00. 

Among  the  excellent  publications  of  The  Womans 
Press,  this  booklet  will  rank  high.  The  authors  have 
drawn  upon  their  experience  and  on  very  definite  knowl- 
edge of  the  field.  The  result  is  not  only  a practical  book 
but  an  interesting  one.  The  section  on  recreation  will  be 
of  interest  not  only  to  workers  with  girls’  groups,  but 
to  recreation  leaders  in  general.  It  deals  with  outdoor 
sports — archery,  tennis,  golf,  horseback  riding  and  hik- 
ing; badminton  and  bounce  ball;  the  dance  and  swim- 
ming. And  there  is  a chapter  on  the  always  interesting 
and  important  subject  of  co-ed  recreation. 

Adult  Education  in  Action. 

Edited  by  Mary  L.  Ely.  American  Association  for 
Adult  Education,  60  East  42nd  Street,  New  York.  To 
members  of  the  Association,  $2.25  ; to  others,  $2.75. 

In  this  volume  over  160  articles  from  the  Journal  of 
Adult  Education  have  been  condensed  by  the  Journal’s 
editor.  It  is  an  anthology  which,  taken  as  a whole,  gives 
us  a picture  of  adult  education.  Its  digests  have  been 
skilfully  combined  in  a unified  whole,  comprising  an  ac- 
count of  adult  education  in  action  both  in  theory  and 
practise. 

Safety  Education  in  the  Public  Schools. 

Department  of  Public  Instruction,  Harrisburg,  Pa. 

Safety  education  has  been  included  in  Pennsylvania’s 
program  of  public  education  because  of  the  “importance 
of  safety  in  promoting  life  and  happiness,”  and  the  Penn- 
sylvania Legislature  has  written  into  the  school  law  the 
teaching  of  safety  education  in  every  public  school  es- 
tablished and  maintained  by  the  Commonwealth.  This 
manual  of  organization  and  demonstration  outlines  meth- 
ods and  techniques,  and  suggests  the  organization  of 
safety  councils,  swimming  and  life  saving  clubs  and  first 
aid  groups,  and  gives  much  practical  information. 

Fifty  Cases  for  Camp  Counselors. 

By  Roland  W.  Ure.  Association  Press,  347  Madi- 
son Ave.,  New  York  City.  $.60. 

Camp  counselors  do  not  carry  around  with  them  a box 
of  tools,  but  if  they  are  properly  outfitted,  says  Charles 
H.  Hendry  in  his  introduction  to  this  practical  booklet, 
“they  will  carry  around  with  them  a set  of  insights  in 
their  heads  as  neatly  arranged  as  the  equipment  in  the 
medical  cabinet  or  the  shining  assortment  of  kettles,  pans, 
and  devices  in  the  kitchen.”  Six  sets  of  tools  are  indi- 
cated in  this  booklet.  The  first  relates  to  the  conditions 
under  which  a camper  learns.  The  second  is  designed  to 
help  the  leader  recognize  the  kinds  of  desires  campers 
possess.  The  third  has  to  do  with  the  understanding  of 
what  happens  when  one  or  more  of  these  basic  desires 
is  blocked.  The  fourth  is  useful  in  helping  the  counselor 
make  certain  that  every  camper  has  an  opportunity  to 
secure  satisfaction,  and  the  fifth  has  special  value  in 
helping  counselors  prime  desires  that  seem  to  be  dried 
up.  The  last  set  of  tools  is  represented  by  the  types  of 
learning  which  go  on  in  every  activity — experience. 


Industrial  America — Its  Way  of  Work  and  Thought. 

Arthur  Pound.  Little  Brown  and  Co.,  Boston.  $2.50. 

Mr.  Pound,  author  of  The  Iron  Man  in  Industry,  pre- 
sents in  this  volume  twelve  studies  of  as  many  large 
American  industries,  each  a leader  in  its  field.  The  pur- 
pose is  to  help  create  confidence  in  the  basic  industries 
of  the  country.  In  working  for  this  objective  it  was  de- 
cided to  take  outstanding  leaders  in  what  may  be  broadly 
termed  the  fabricating  field  of  industry,  and  with  the 
assistance  of  their  staffs  to  present  a more  authoritative 
view  of  their  operations  and  policies  than  would  have 
been  possible  without  their  assistance.  As  a result  we 
have  an  amazing  picture  of  the  vast  extent  and  intricacy 
of  American  industries.  Mr.  Pound  tells  something  of 
what  is  being  done  to  provide  recreation  for  employees 
in  these  industries. 

Adult  Education  in  Hamilton  County,  Ohio — 1934-1935. 

By  Miriam  Walker.  Adult  Education  Council,  629 
Vine  Street,  Cincinnati,  Ohio.  $.25. 

This  study  was  made  to  determine  the  distribution  and 
extent  of  adult  education  in  the  county,  the  number  of 
persons  enrolled  in  classes  and  club  activities,  the  types 
of  classes  offered  and  similar  facts.  As  a result  of  the 
study,  definite  recommendations  were  made  regarding 
the  broadening  of  the  program.  The  report  will  be  of 
interest  to  all  associated  with  adult  education  programs. 

Good  English  Through  Practice. 

By  Edward  H.  Webster,  with  the  cooperation  of 
John  E.  Warriner.  World  Book  Company,  Yonkers- 
on-Hudson,  New  York. 

This  series  of  three  books  is  designed  to  develop  ability 
in  speaking  and  writing  correct  and  effective  English. 
Through  instructional  exercises,  oral  drills  and  tests  the 
individual  is  led  to  acquire  good  language  habits.  The 
method  used  provides  fully  for  self-direction,  self-help 
and  individualized  progress.  Each  book  may  be  secured 
for  72  cents. 


Officers  and  Directors  of  the  National 
Recreation  Association 

OFFICERS 
Joseph  Lee,  President 
John  H.  Finley,  First  Vice-President 
John  G.  Winant,  Second  Vice-President 
Robert  Garrett,  Third  Vice-President 
Gustavus  T.  Kirby,  Treasurer 
Howard  S.  Braucher,  Secretary 

DIRECTORS 

Mrs.  Edward  W.  Biddle,  Carlisle,  Pa. 

Clarence  M.  Clark,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

Henry  L.  Corbett,  Portland,  Ore. 

Mrs.  Arthur  G.  Cummer,  Jacksonville,  Fla. 

F.  Trubee  Davison,  Locust  Valley,  L.  I.,  N.  Y. 

John  H.  Finley,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Robert  Garrett,  Baltimore,  Md. 

Austin  E.  Griffiths,  Seattle,  Wash. 

Charles  Hayden,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Mrs.  Charles  V.  Hickox,  Michigan  City,  Ind. 

Mrs.  Edward  E.  Hughes,  West  Orange,  N.  J. 

Mrs.  Francis  deLacy  Hyde,  Plainfield,  N.  J. 

Gustavus  T.  Kirby,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

II.  McK.  Landon,  Indianapolis,  Ind. 

Mrs.  Charles  D.  Lanier,  Greenwich,  Conn. 

Robert  Lassiter,  Charlotte,  N.  C. 

Joseph  Lee,  Boston,  Mass. 

Edward  E.  Loomis,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

J.  H.  McCurdy,  Springfield,  Mass. 

Otto  T.  Mallery,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

Walter  A.  May,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 

Carl  E.  Milliken,  Augusta,  Me. 

Mrs.  Ogden  L.  Mills,  Woodbury,  N.  Y. 

Mrs.  James  W.  Wadsworth,  Jr.,  Washington,  D.  G 
J.  C.  Walsh,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Frederick  M.  Warburg,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

John  G.  Wiinant,  Concord,  N.  H. 

Mrs.  William  H.  Woodin,  J«.,  Tucson,  Ariz. 


Through  Government 

IT  WAS  A GOVERNMENT  surgeon,  Walter  Reed,  who  demonstrated  that  the  yellow 
fever  parasite  was  carried  only  by  mosquitoes  and  paved  the  way  for  the  con- 
trol of  that  disease.  It  was  a government  employee,  James  Espy,  who  inaugu- 
rated weather  forecasting.  It  was  a government  employee,  William  H.  Park,  who 
discovered  diphtheria  antitoxin.  It  was  a government  expert,  Stephen  M.  Bab- 
cock, who  worked  out  the  test  for  butter  fat  content  of  milk  and  refused  to  patent 
it — providing  a means  of  revolutionizing  the  dairy  industry.  The  chlorination  of 
water  was  developed  in  a city  water  department.  The  building  of  the  Panama 
Canal  is  a monument  to  the  enterprise,  inventiveness,  ingenuity  of  George  W. 
Goethals  and  W.  C.  Gorgas — government  employees.* 

What  hath  not  been  wrought  through  government  education  leaders — in 
the  kindergarten,  in  the  common  school,  in  the  state-supported  university? 

Working  through  tax  funds  George  E.  Johnson  and  his  associates  in  Pitts- 
burgh, Pennsylvania,  made  a notable  pioneer  recreation  demonstration  as  to  the 
possibilities  of  leadership,  likewise  George  E.  Dickie  and  his  associates  in  Oakland, 
California.  Dorothy  Enderis  has  shown  how  tax  funds  can  maintain  effective 
school  recreation  centers  over  a period  of  many  years  in  Milwaukee.  V.  K.  Brown 
has  had  a rare  amount  of  careful  experimentation  in  his  municipal  recreation 
program  in  Chicago.  And  so  have  many  in  other  cities. 

In  localities  citizens  have  carried  on  and  can  carry  on  effective  recreation 
programs  through  their  city  governments,  can  initiate,  can  experiment.  An  or- 
ganized public  opinion  can  see  to  it  that  lazy,  incompetent,  ineffective  public  of- 
ficials in  any  department  of  government  are  eliminated. 

Homer  Folks  has  said,  ‘When  all  the  indications  point  to  the  State  as 
the  unit  best  fitted  to  serve  some  purpose,  we  need  not,  and  must  not,  be  restrained 
by  an  unfounded  fear  that  it  can  be  only  halfway  efficient.  Whatever  the  State 
should  do,  it  can  do  well.” 

Howard  Braucher. 

* Facts  from  Public  Management  for  July,  1936 


NOVEMBER  1936 


377 


November 


Courtesy  Massachusetts  Works  Progress  Administration 


378 


How’s  Your  Family  Foursome? 


Five  o’clock  on  Sunday  morn- 
ings is  altogether  too  early 
for  many  golfers  to  be  out 
playing  on  the  municipal  links  in 
our  little  city.  There  are,  how- 
ever, some  few  men  and  women 
who  play  every  Sunday,  weather 
permitting,  and  they  are  instantly 
aware  of  any  newcomers  who 
may  appear.  One  warm  morning 
last  summer,  a car  from  a far  dis- 
tant state  was  parked  at  the  club 
house  and  a new  foursome  was 
already  on  the  links  when  the 
regular  players  arrived  for  their 
early  Sunday  game.  Every  one 
was  curious  about  the  man  and 
woman,  the  boy  and  girl,  playing 
so  happily  together.  It  took  Mar- 
jorie Reynolds  to  find  out  about 
them. 

“We  are  from  Minnesota,”  ex- 
plained the  mother  of  the  family 
to  her.  “We  are  on  our  way  to 
Washington.  This  is  daddy’s  first 
vacation  in  seven  years  and  we  are  sharing  it  with 
him.” 

“And  do  you  find  time  for  golf  along  the  way?” 
“Oh  yes,  we  have  a game  every  morning.  The 
children  are  greatly  interested  in  playing  in  the 
different  cities,  along  the  way.  They  write  descrip- 
tions of  the  various  courses  and  they  are  keeping 
our  scores.  The  losers  have  to  pay  for  the  first 
dinner  in  Washington  out  of  their  own  pocket 
money.” 

“Do  you  play  often  together  at  home,  too?” 
queried  Marjorie,  intensely  interested  in  the  little 
family. 

“Ever  since  Jimmie,  our  son,  was  eleven  we 
have  played  at  five  o’clock  on  Sundays.  Of  course, 
at  home,  the  weather  often  keeps  us  in,  so  five 
years  haven’t  done  much  to  improve  our  game. 
Skill  in  performance  is  hardly  our  aim,  however. 
It’s  the  fun  of  being  together  that  counts.” 


By  Madelon  Willman  Jackson 


With  a wave  of  her  hand  and  a smile  she  was 
off  for  dinner  in  Cleveland,  leaving  our  local 
mother  thinking  about  her  own  two  youngsters 
asleep  at  home  while  she  was  golfing  with  her 
husband.  “And  I thought  mine  was  the  better 
way,”  she  mused. 

Marjorie  carried  the  story  of  the  visiting  family 
foursome  to  many  other  mothers.  She  spread  the 
gospel  of  family  companionship  to  local  study 
groups  and  mothers’  clubs. 

“We  are  going  to  undertake  a new  project  this 
year,”  she  announced  to  our  study  group  of  the 
Parent-Teacher  Association  of  which  she  is  the 
chairman.  “For  years  we  have  worked  together 
in  community  and  school  projects  of  every  sort. 
We  have  sponsored  art  exhibits,  little  theatre 
groups,  music  classes,  and  better  moving  pictures, 
In  short,  we  have  done  all  we  could  for  com- 
munity happiness.  Now  we  are  going  to  go  to 


A play  room  used  by  one  family  foursome 


379 


380 


HOW’S  YOUR  FAMILY  FOURSOME? 


work  in  our  own  families  in  individual  projects 
in  happiness  for  a change.  Let’s  see  what  that 
does  for  our  community !” 

Thus  she  sent  us  all  into  our  own  homes  for 
adventures  there  in  happiness  and  companionship. 

Playing  Together  Is  Fun ! 

Once  you  begin  to  experiment  with  play  it  is 
surprising  what  fun  you  really  can  have  with  your 
own  family.  You  realize  how  easy  it  is  to  like  to 
play  games  together.  You  even  begin  to  like  to 
play  them  the  same  way.  Suddenly  you  find  that- 
a feeling  of  warm  affection  and  a new  apprecia- 
tion for  each  other  grows  out  of  these  adventures 
together.  The  joyful  part  about  it  is  that  Dad, 
for  once,  can  do  something  besides  sign  checks  or 
pay  membership  dues  to  the  study  group ! 

Families  differ  from  one  another  considerably 
in  many  respects.  Because  of  this  no  actual  rules 
for  exploring  in  fun  can  be  laid  down  for  all 
parents  to  follow.  On  one  side  of  us,  for  instance, 
we  have  neighbors  with  two  girls  in  their  “four- 
some.” In  breeches  and  tough  boots,  they  tramp 
and  climb  the  hills  back  of  us  in  all  kinds  of 
weather.  They  look  with  contempt  at  our  placid 
group  around  the  piano.  But  then,  we  don’t  care 
to  go  “to  the  hills,”  either ! 

Another  neighbor  group  has  five  in  its  “four- 
some.” Every  summer  afternoon  at  five  o’clock, 
Mother,  Dad,  boys  and  baby  go  swimming  to- 
gether. This  father  can  never  be  away  from  his 
work  in  summer  so  this  is  the  way  they  have 
solved  their  problem  in  family  vacations  and 
comradeship. 

Every  member  in  the  family  group  should  be 
considered.  Try  out  various  suggestions  offered, 
exploring  for  new  sports  and  pleasures  together. 
The  children  should  help,  but  not  always  lead  the 
way.  The  parents  need  to  guard  against  an  atti- 
tude of  watching  the  children  play.  They  need  to 
romp,  to  laugh,  and  to  play  with  their  children. 
The  parents  may,  however,  contribute  to  the 
games  with  intelligent  planning,  and  see  that  rules 
of  good  sportsmanship  and  unselfish  sharing  are 
the  basis  of  all  the  play. 

Outdoor  sports  for  winter  or  summer  are  almost 
limitless.  Coasting,  skiing  or  skating,  fishing  and 
camping  are  all  popular.  Strange  as  it  may  seem, 
it  is  the  mother  who  fails  to  share  enthusiastically 
in  these  sports  more  often  than  the  father  in  the 
family. 

“Oh,  let’s  not  take  Mother  along  on  the  hike! 
She  can’t  keep  up  and  she’s  no  good  on  the  climb- 


ing !”  That  is  exactly  what  my  nine-year-old 
daughter  said  to  her  father  and  brother  about 
me ! I used  to  hike  in  college  and  climb  in  camp, 
but  — well,  I will  have  to  get  busy  now  to  prove 
it  to  my  children.  What’s  more,  I am  going  to 
show  these  youngsters  I can  still  play  tennis,  too ! 

For  the  long  hours  indoors  in  winter  or  dur- 
ing spells  of  bad  weather.  Mother  can  act  as 
stage  manager  and  suggest  new  ways  for  sharing 
leisure  time.  The  regular  evening  bill-of-fare  of 
listening  to  the  radio,  reading,  studying  and  con- 
versing, will  be  greatly  enhanced  if  a “special” 
evening  is  arranged  during  the  week  wherein  all 
the  family  share  in  a definite  program  of  fun. 

There  Are  Games  Galore 

A long  procession  of  games  is  on  display  in  the 
shops  to  tempt  one.  Care  must  be  taken  to  select 
those  which  make  a direct  appeal  to  your  own 
family.  For  the  tennis  fans  there  are  various 
forms  of  indoor  tennis;  for  the  golfers,  several 
fascinating  new  golf  games.  There  are  baseball 
games,  money  games,  racing  games  and  marble 
games.  There  are  even  a host  of  interesting 
games  which  can  actually  be  made  at  home  by 
Daddy  or  the  boys.  Perhaps  you  still  enjoy  some 
of  the  old  games  such  as  Parchesi,  Lotto  and 
Anagrams. 

Then,  there  are  the  card  games!  It  is  surpris- 
ing how  easily  even  the  very  young  children  may 
participate  in  card  games  if  some  one  takes  the 
time  to  teach  them.  Casino  and  Flinch  are  good 
games  for  beginners.  To  play  cards  with  the  lit- 
tle child  demands  of  the  parents,  patience  and  per- 
severance. Moreover,  one  cannot  expect  to  find 
the  true  spirit  of  happy  recreation  if  you  your- 
self are  bored  and  uninterested.  From  the  very 
earliest  attempts  the  child  should  feel  he  is  giving 
you  pleasure  at  the  same  time  that  you  are  giving 
it  to  him. 

Various  forms  of  Bridge  and  Whist  are  always 
favorites,  but  there  are  some  lesser  known  card 
games  which  are  equally  delightful.  Frequently 
they  prove  even  more  fascinating  than  the  others 
to  your  own  group.  “Sixty-six,”  Pinochle  and 
Cribbage  are  always  stimulating  and  can  be  played 
by  two,  three  and  four  players.  The  popular  Five- 
Hundred  Rummy  can  be  played,  too,  by  varying 
numbers  of  persons.  Don’t  be  too  sedate  to  join 
occasionally  in  the  simpler  fun-provoking  games. 
Even  if  “Hearts,”  “Animals,”  and  “I  Doubt  It” 
seem  juvenile,  they  are  good  for  one  now  and 
then. 


HOW’S  YOUR  FAMILY  FOURSOME ? 


381 


At  an  afternoon  tea  not  long  ago,  two  mothers, 
in  talking  to  me  at  different  times,  incidentally  re- 
vealed their  conflicting  opinions  in  regard  to  play- 
ing Bridge  with  their  children. 

“Yes,  we  are  all  well/’  said  Mrs.  Landon  to 
me,  “but  we  are  troubled  over  Janet  again.  You 
cannot  imagine  what  she  wants  to  do  now.  She 
wants  to  play  Bridge ! She  is  only  thirteen,  yet  all 
the  girls  her  age  are  learning.  How  can  she  play 
so  young?” 

Well,  why  not? 

Later,  my  friend  Fern  said  to  me,  “We  will 
come  Friday  evening,  but  not  until  quite  late.  You 
see  the  girls  are  playing  Bridge  these  days,  so 
every  evening,  for  an  hour,  Tom  and  I have  a 
foursome  with  them.  This  Friday,  the  girls  have 
invited  us  to  their  room  for  a picnic  Bridge  party 
at  six.  We  cannot  disappoint  them.  Better  not 
look  for  us  before  nine  o’clock.” 


first  book,  and  the  two  boys  joined  in  the  hunt. 
Soon  Daddy,  who  had  scarcely  ever  been  inveigled 
into  forgetting  his  insurance  business  cares,  be- 
gan carrying  home  letters  from  Japan,  China  and 
India.  When  the  stamps  came  from  Manchuria 
he  bought  the  boys  a splendid  globe.  Finally 
Mother  came  into  the  game  to  help  make  a scrap 
book  of  pictures  cut  from  geographic  magazines 
of  the  countries  from  which  the  boys  had  collected 
stamps.  We  went  there  to  call  one  evening  and 
found  this  family  foursome  on  the  floor  sur- 
rounded with  scrapbooks,  globe,  magazines  and 
catalogues.  What  a happy  time  they  were  having ! 

Where  happiness  can  not  be  found  in  sharing 
hobbies,  it  is  sometimes  found  through  apprecia- 
tion of  one  another’s  hobbies.  They  make  splen- 
did topics  for  conversation.  It  is  fun  talking  over 
your  interests  and  ideas,  explaining  how  this  or 
that  works,  and  answering  questions. 


Fern’s  twin  daughters  are  only  twelve  years 
old. 

One  little  black-eyed  sprite  in  our  neighborhood 
loves  to  dance.  At  ten  she  is  quite  graceful  and 
accomplished,  although  she  has  never  taken  danc- 
ing lessons.  “My  boy  friend  taught  me  to  dance,” 
she  explains.  Her  “boy  friend”  is  her  own  gray- 
haired Daddy. 

In  their  home,  the  radio  plays  for  Mother  and 
Father,  son  and  daughter  to  dance.  It  also  plays 
for  many  parties  of  young  people  to  dance,  in 
the  spirit  of  good  fun.  We  can  all  gain  much 
from  rolling  up  the  rugs  and  joining  in  the  dance. 
Tune  in  on  a barn  dance  or  some  older  forms  of 
dance  music  some  evening  and  see  how  quickly 
Dad  will  assume  the  responsibility  of  “calling  off” 
the  steps. 

Parents  no  longer  doubt  the  wisdom  of  card 
playing  and  dancing  at  home.  They  have  learned 
that  the  children  who  have  enjoyed  the  privilege 
of  playing  cards  and  dancing  freely  in  their  own 
homes  are  not  generally  those  who  misuse  their 
freedom  later  in  life. 

Hobbies — in  Endless  Variety 

Hobbies  are  helpful.  And 
what  a lot  of  hobbies  there  are 
these  days!  The  nine-year-old 
boy  across  the  street  from  us 
began  collecting  stamps  about  a 
year  ago.  Now  the  whole  family 
shares  his  hobby.  When  John 
started  his  second  book  he  gave 
Sonny,  his  younger  brother,  his 


Music  — a Great  Adventure 

Put  music  to  work  for  you  in  your  adventures 
in  companionship,  and  see  what  fun  it  can  really 
be!  The  family  that  sings  together  joins  hands 
mentally  in  a bond  of  fellowship  significant  and 
enduring.  In  order  to  interest  the  family  in  sing- 
ing, care  must  be  taken  to  provide  songs  and  sing- 
ing books  suited  to  individual  interests.  At  first 
the  parents  should  make  the  necessary  arrange- 
ments for  the  “sing”  but  later  the  children  should 
take  turns,  too.  Sing  old  songs,  new  songs,  part 
songs;  sing  with  the  radio,  with  the  piano,  and 
with  the  phonograph.  In  one  large  family  of  eight 
in  a nearby  city,  there  is  little  chance  to  get  the 
whole  family  together  except  at  meal  time.  At 
dinner  each  evening,  however,  five  minutes  is 
always  spent  in  singing.  Visitors  love  to  be  in- 
vited to  this  home  to  join  in  that  singing  family’s 
good  pleasure. 

Listening  to  music  together  proves  enjoyable 
and  inspiring.  The  radio  and  the  mechanical  in- 
struments are  constant  aids 
to  music  lovers  these  days. 
Care'  must  be  taken  to  find 
just  the  right  program  on  the 
air  and  the  best  records  for 
the  home.  The  programs  may 
be  enhanced  by  reading  about 
the  music  itself,  the  compos- 
ers or  the  performers.  Let 
the  children  contribute  to  con- 
versation about  the  music 


"Music  is  the  most  companionable 
of  all  the  arts.  Its  great  social 
values  are  generally  recognized  and 
its  essential  values  in  the  worthy 
use  of  leisure  time  are  admitted, 
but  music  has  more  far-reaching 
qualities  than  these.  No  other  single 
force  can  wield  as  much  influence 
in  stabilizing  emotions  and  in  pro- 
viding nourishment  for  inner  spirit- 
ual qualities  as  can  good  music." 


382 


HOW’S  YOUR  FAMILY  FOURSOME ? 


events.  Books  tor  all  ages  are  available  to  supply- 
informative  material. 

Although  listening  to  music  may  provide  com- 
panionable refreshment,  it  can  never  bring  the 
vital,  glowing  satisfaction  that  comes  to  one  with 
actual  participation  in  performance.  Children 
should  be  urged  early  in  life  to  play  musical  in- 
struments, and  the  parents  need  to  “brush  up” 
their  own  playing  to  keep  pace  with  them.  There 
is  almost  no  limit  to  the  lovely  music  which  has 
been  arranged  for  any  combination  of  instruments 
your  family  boasts.  Much  of  this  material  is  en- 
tirely within  the  technical  limits  of  young  and  un- 
skilled players. 

The  very  happiest  family  foursome  I know  is 
one  that  has  within  itself  a complete  string  quar- 
tette. This  family  of  four,  playing  their  instru- 
ments, is  building  a solid  wall  of  happiness 
through  which  loneliness,  unhappiness  or  depres- 
sion can  never  pierce.  They  are  journeying  to- 
gether into  a world-wide  supply  of  good  music 
and  they  experience  few  lonely  moments  in  their 
home. 

Planning  for  Family  Recreation 

The  time  or  day  for  playing  together  varies 
with  families  as  frequently  as  the  sport  or  play. 
Professional  men  usually  have  Saturday  after- 
noons free,  and  this  is  an  ideal  time  for  a picnic, 
football  game  or  excursion.  If,  on  the  other  hand, 
Daddy  owns  a store,  he  will  be  too  busy  to  get 
away  on  that  day.  Why  can’t  the  rest  of  the 
family  surprise  him  by  dropping  in  to  see  him  at 
the  store,  to  see  how  the  windows  have  been 
dressed  this  week,  or  to  admire  the  new  desk  he 
has  for  his  office?  Perhaps  Dad  can  steal  a 
moment  to  rush  in  to  the  corner  drug  store  with 
you  for  a soda  before  you  leave. 

During  the  week  plans  may  be  discussed  and 
arrangements  made  for  the  moments  to  be  shared. 
Each  member  of  the  family  should  participate  in 
these  preparatory  discussions  for  the  sake  of  the 
added  pleasure  and  satisfaction  it  brings.  Maga- 
zines on  outdoor  life  are  read  with  real  interest 
before  and  after  a fishing  trip.  Practicing  music 
lessons  through  the  week  takes  on  new  life  when 
it  is  the  stepping  stone  to  playing  in  the  family 
orchestra  on  Sunday. 

It  is  not  always  essential  that  the  activities 
chosen  for  family  enjoyment  be  purely  recreational 
in  character.  Pleasure  can  be  derived  from  work- 
ing on  definite  projects  together,  in  building, 
decorating,  gardening,  or  actually  studying  some 


subject.  Exploring  art  galleries,  museums  and  old 
antique  shops,  or  attending  concerts  and  the  thea- 
ter are  all  forms  of  enjoyment  which  may  be 
profitably  shared. 

If  your  children  are  quite  grown  up,  there  may 
be  need  for  more  tact  and  understanding  to  en- 
tice them  into  playing  with  their  parents.  The 
parents  may  at  the  outset  have  to  make  all  the  con- 
cessions, may  even  have  to  put  forth  all  the  neces- 
sary effort,  but  it  will  be  worth  it.  Soon  these 
more-than-adolescent  youngsters  will  wake  up  to 
the  fact  that  their  parents  are  not  meddlesome,  not 
wearisome,  but  really  human,  delightful  person- 
ages after  all. 

In  the  March  1936  issue  of  the  Good  House- 
keeping magazine,  we  find  a picture  of  Richard 
Crooks  with  his  delightful  wife  and  their  two 
children.  This  beloved  opera  hero  has  a bit  to  say 
there  on  the  subject  of  the  family  foursome  which 
is  worth  re-telling.  It  sums  up  so  beautifully  all 
that  may  be  said. 

“We  play  together,  too,”  says  Mr.  Crooks.  “The 
four  of  us  get  the  most  fun  out  of  those  things 
that  we  can  do  as  a foursome.  We  play  golf,  we 
go  camping,  we  take  hikes  and  fishing  trips,  and 
we  have  evenings  of  music,  bridge,  and  plain  con- 
versation! Each  of  us  has  his  favorite  among 
these  sports,  but  we  get  just  as  much  enjoyment 
out  of  our  second  choice  if  it  represents  the  first 
of  one  of  the  others  and  assures  us  all  a couple  of 
happy  hours  together.” 

Home  happiness  and  contentment  grow  out  of 
these  moments  spent  together.  No  matter  if  you 
are  six  or  three,  plan  each  week  to  spend  some 
time  in  a family  “play-some”  and  share  the  profits 
in  this  investment.  Exploring  together,  adven- 
turing together,  hand  in  hand  along  the  broad 
highway  of  happiness,  children  and  parents  build 
their  own  home  life  in  this  way,  upon  a firm  foun- 
dation of  comradeship  which  is  secure,  soul-satis- 
fying and  spiritual. 


“We  believe  that  an  understanding  on  the  part 
of  parents  of  the  power  of  the  creative  arts  to  give 
self-realization  and  joy,  and  lasting  satisfaction, 
would  go  a long  way  indeed  toward  elimination  of 
the  youthful  delinquent.  ...  So  we  plead  for  a 
better  understanding  of  the  importance  of  play  in 
the  life  of  child  and  adult,  and  above  all  for  a real 
effort  to  experiment  in  these  simple  ways,  in  the 
training  and  pleasure  to  be  gained  by  every  mem- 
ber of  a real  creative  home.”  Ivah  E.  Deering  in 
The  Creative  Home. 


ATh  ree-in-One  Christmas  Program 

Why  not  try  the  North  Dakota  way 
of  getting  ready  for  Christmas? 


Christmas  is  just  around  the  bend,  and  be- 
fore you  have  quite  caught  your  breath  from 
celebrating  Thanksgiving  the  daily  papers 
will  warn,  “Only  ....  days  until  Christmas !” 

' Already  children  and  adults  hesitatingly  pull 
out  and  pinch  the  worn  wool  sock  and  are  dis- 
mayed that  so  little  has  been  saved  for  holiday 
gifts.  Just  what  can  you  get  with  so  little  for  the 
whole  family  and  aunts  and  uncles  and  cousins? 
The  recreation  leader  has  his  problems,  too.  He 
must  tussle  with  ideas  for  inexpensive  Christmas 
crafts  and  cudgel  his  brains  for  a community  or 
neighborhood  program  that  is  different  and  yet 
full  of  Christmas  spirit. 

Why  not  solve  these  three  problems  at  one 
time?  Here  is  a plan  which  was  worked  out  suc- 
cessfully by  the  Little  Country  Theater  Players 
at  the  North  Dakota  State  College  under  the  di- 
rection of  Alfred  G.  Arvold,  and  put  on  in  con- 
junction with  a Christmas  tableau  program  for 
the  community.  The  plan  may  be  carried  out  in 
that  fashion,  may  be  a part  of  a Christmas  fair, 
game  or  social  night  or  be  an  open  house  event 
complete  in  itself. 

The  General  Plan 

The  plan  is,  briefly,  to  set  up  a number  of 
demonstration  booths  giving  both  adults  and  chil- 
dren ideas  for  inexpensive  and  desirable  Christ- 
mas gifts  and  activities  which  can  be  made  or 
carried  on  at  home  or  in  the  recreation  center. 
There  are  many  ways  in  which  to  develop  this 
idea.  We  offer  these  suggestions  based  on  the 
North  Dakota  program. 

Decorations.  Decoration  of  Whatever  space  you 
have  for  this  event  will  play  an  important  part  in 
arousing  Christmas  spirit  and  giving  a feeling  of 
festivity  to  your  display,  especially  since  it  must  be 
held  early  in  December  to  allow  time  for  the  sug- 
gestions presented  to  be  carried  out  at  home  or 
in  the  recreation  center  before  Christmas.  A 
Santa  Claus  workshop  sign  and  a carton  sleigh 


piled  high  with  sacks  stuffed  nobbily  with  paper 
and  with  toys  fastened  to  the  top  will  intrigue  the 
children  young  and  old.  Santa  Claus  himself 
should  be  present  in  full  regalia  to  greet  the  visit- 
ors, and  other  Santa  Clauses  might  guide  the 
visitors  about  or  explain  the  crafts.  The  room 
may  be  hung  with  Christmas  greens,  green  and 
red  paper  or  bells.  Interesting  windows  can  be 
made  by  covering  the  panes  with  wrapping  paper 
on  which  stained  glass  windows  or  Christmas  de- 
signs are  painted.  In  place  of  paper,  Bon  Ami 
may  be  put  on  as  though  for  cleaning  the  windows 
and  designs  be  painted  in  show  card  color  on 
them.  There  must  also  be  a Christmas  tree  and 
if  possible  a real  or  carton  fireplace  hung  with 
stockings  filled  with  lumpy  packages.  Pine  in- 
cense will  give  the  spicy  fragrance  always  associ- 
ated with  Christmas  branches  burning  in  a fire- 
place or  the  smell  of  the  tree  in  a warm  room.  If 
there  are  a number  of  small  rooms  to  be  used, 
each  one  might  carry  some  dominant  Christmas 
theme  in  the  decoration;  i.e.,  the  first  might  stress 
bells;  the  second,  candles;  the  third,  Christmas 
greens,  and  another,  toys  and  Santa  Claus. 

Now  for  the  booths. 

The  Booths 

The  Christmas  Tree  Booth.  Christmas  tree  deco- 
rations need  not  be  factory-made  to  make  an  ef- 
fective tree.  One  booth  should  demonstrate  with 
a small  tree  how  artistic  and  pleasing  homemade 
decorations  can  be.  Popcorn,  cranberry  and  paper 
chains  of  various  kinds,  cut-outs  of  Christmas 
patterns  from  colored  paper,  tin  can  and  tinfoil 
stars,  netting  stockings  full  of  candy  or  toys,  and 
painted  candy  canes  are  simply  made  and  decora- 
tive. Very  colorful  balls  are  made  of  three  paper 
circles  of  the  same  size  but  different  color  pasted 
together,  as  in  figure  i on  page  384.  Hung  on  the 
tree,  the  air  currents  twirl  them  and  they  flash 
their  bright  colors.  Diamond  and  other  shapes,  as 
well  as  different  sizes,  make  for  variety.  There 


383 


384 


A THREE-IN-ONE  CHRISTMAS  PROGRAM 


might  also  be 
one  or  two  sim- 
ple homemade 
tree  stands  to 
solve  the  diffi- 
cult problem  of 
a wobbly, 
crooked  tree. 

Wrapping 
Packages.  An- 
other booth 
might  show 
methods  of 
wrapping  pack- 
ages with  fancy 
bows  to  tie  and 
interesting 
hand-decorated 
wrappers  made 
of  ordinary 
wrapping  or 
tissue  paper 
batiked,  marbl- 
ed, spattered, 
blocked  with 
linoleum  or 
eraser  prints 
(see  figure  2), 
or  colored  with  cornstarch  or  finger  paints.  Sam- 
ples of  the  work,  tools  and  materials  needed 
should  be  on  hand  so  that  the  various  processes 
may  be  demonstrated  for  or  tried  by  the  visitors. 
If  the  prices  of  materials  are  available  the  visitors 
will  see  how  very  inexpensive  some  of  these  pro- 
cesses are  and  be  encouraged  to  try  them. 

Christmas  "Goodies."  And  for  adults  or  chil- 
dren who  have  a flare  for  cooking,  a booth  show- 
ing goodies  for  Christmas  gifts  or  the  Christmas 
table  is  very  much  in  order.  This  booth  would  in- 
clude recipes  and  samples  of  cookies  cut  in  Christ- 
mas shapes  and  decorated  with  icing,  simple  can- 
dies, popcorn  balls,  stuffed  prunes  and  dates, 
stick  apples  and  decorated  Christmas  cakes  with 
fancy  icings.  An  ample  supply  of  paper  and  pen- 
cils should  be  on  hand  so  that  recipes  may  be 
copied  from  samples  pasted  on  cardboard  and  no 
one  need  trust  to  a tricky  memory.  Here  is  a 
recipe  for  a Christmas  tree  salad  to  start  you  off : 
Shred  a head  of  lettuce.  Arrange  the  lettuce  in 
tree  forms  on  the  salad  plates.  Then  dot  with 
small  pieces  of  orange  and  apple,  canned  peach 
and  maraschino  cherries  or  other  bright  fruits  or 


vegetables  which  serve  as  ornaments  for  the  tree. 
A French  dressing  may  be  used  and  star-shaped 
sandwiches  of  cream  cheese  be  served  with  the 
salad. 

A Repair  Shop.  Santa  Claus’  repair  shop  will 
afford  many  ideas  for  rehabilitating  old  toys  and 
books  to  be  given  away  to  less  fortunate  people 
for  Christmas  in  response  to  calls  for  used  toys 
which  come  from  many  different  organizations 
every  Christmas.  “Fix  up"  hints  might  be  given 
at  this  booth,  with  “before  and  after"  demonstra- 
tions of  games  and  toys  washed,  painted  and  shel- 
lacked, and  missing  parts  replaced  with  materials 
found  about  the  house;  dolls  with  brand  new 
dresses  and  new  hair  of  soft  yarn;  books  recov- 
ered with  simple  designs  and  with  the  pages 
mended  with  music  tape.  A list  of  organizations 
needing  toys  will  help  parents  to  know  where  to 
send  the  toys  which  they  and  their  children  have 
rejuvenated,  or  the  recreation  center  itself  might 
make  up  a gift  box  giving  opportunity  to  help  in 
the  workshop  in  repairing  toys  for  needy  neigh- 
borhood children. 

The  "Make  If  for  Christmas"  Booth.  This  booth 
will  be  one  of  the  most  popular.  Here  examples 
of  Christmas  crafts  with  the  necessary  tools  may 
be  arranged.  If  a few  articles  for  every  member 
of  the  family  are  shown  the  problems  of  many 
visitors  will  be  solved.  A few  suggestions  include 
a tie  rack,  book  ends  or  leather  wallet  for  Dad,  a 
pot  holder  with  applique  or  block  printed  design, 
apron,  or  magazine  rack  for  Mother ; a bookmark 
or  woven  scarf  or  mending  kit  for  Grandmother, 
and  tobacco  pouch  or  pipe  stand  for  Grandfather. 

Toys  and  games 
for  children  of  vari- 
ous ages  are  easily 
made.  For  the  pre- 
school and  kinder- 
garten child  blocks 
made  of  tin  cans 
(opened  with  a screw 
can  opener  to  elimi- 
nate rough  edges)  of 
various  sizes  painted 
different  colors,  and 
round  or  rectangular 
cheese  boxes,  painted 
and  with  their  tops 
nailed  on,  make  ex- 
cellent toys,  while  a 
wooden  pail  with  top 


A THREE-IN-ONE  CHRISTMAS  PROGRAM 


385 


or  bottom  removed  and  rubber  from  a tire  inner 
tube  thumbtacked  on  will  make  a soft-toned  drum 
to  delight  any  small  child’s  heart.  For  older  chil- 
dren rag  dolls  and  animals  may  be  put  together 
from  scraps,  and  games  such  as  dominoes,  check- 
ers and  puzzle  peg  are  quickly  made  from  box 
wood  and  broom  sticks.  Big  Sister  might  like  an 
artistically  decorated  cardboard  or  wooden  box 
with  a slit  in  the  top  in  which  to  keep  her  unat- 
tractive cardboard  box  of  face  tissue.  And  for 
more  distant  relatives  and  friends,  homemade 
Christmas  cards  made  with  a stencil,  a linoleum 
block  or  spatter  print  have  a personal  touch  and 
meaning  which  are  lacking  in  store  cards. 

' To  Make  Christmas  Cards.  For  spatter  print 
cards,  cut  a Christmas  design  in  stencil  fashion 
from  heavy  paper,  cardboard  or  a butter  box.  Lay 
the  stencil  on  your  paper,  cut  the  size  you  desire 
and  then  spatter  it,  using  an  old  toothbrush  dipped 
in  water  color  or  ink  and  brushed  over  a bit  of 
screen  (four  inches  by  four  inches)  held  two  to 
four  inches  above  the  paper.  (See  figure  3.) 
You  will  find  that  the  less  paint  on  the  brush  the 
finer  will  be  the  spatter.  When  the  paint  is  dry, 
lift  off  the  paper  and  your  card  is  done.  White 
paint  or  ink  on  green  or  red  paper  is  especially 
effective.  Envelopes  are  traced  on  sheets  of  paper 
by  a cardboard  pattern,  cut  out,  folded  and  pasted. 

Book  Helps.  The  library  might  help  with  a booth 
on  Christmas  books  to  buy  or  Christmas  stories  to 
read  or  tell.  Someone,  perhaps  a librarian,  should 
be  on  hand  to  give  a resume  of  the  books  and  tell 
for  what  age  each  is  best  suited.  Here  again  paper 
and  pencil  should  be  available  so  that  anyone  in- 
terested may  copy  titles.  We  list  some  famous 
stories  which  might  well  be  included  on  your  list : 
The  Gift  of  the  Magi — O.  Henry 
The  Christmas  Carol — Charles  Dickens 
The  Birds  Christmas  Carol — Kate  D.  Wiggin 
The  Other  Wise  Man — Henry  Van  Dyke 
Christmas  Legends — Selma  O.  L.  Lagerlof 

The  Legend  of  Babouseka  in  “For  the  Chil- 
dren’s Flour,”  by  Carolyn  Bailey 

The  Holly  Tree  and  Other  Christmas  Stories — 
Charles  Dickens 

The  Manger  Scene.  Another  booth  might  show 
sample  creches  or  manger  scenes  to  be  placed 
under  the  tree  or  on  a table  with  paper,  wood  or 
soap  carved  figures.  This  would  make  a splendid 


rainy  or  snowy  day  activity  for  children  before 
Christmas,  and  be  a part  of  the  program  of  mak- 
ing the  Christmas  tree  and  house  decorations  for 
the  holiday. 

Other  Attractions 

Story-Telling.  Near  the  Christmas  tree  or  in  a 
quiet  corner  is  a Santa  Claus  or  a story-teller  who 
will  tell  short  Christmas  stories  to  children  and 
adults.  The  celebration  of  Christmas  in  other 
lands  makes  excellent  story  material  and  is  easily 
demonstrable  with  pictures  from  books  or  with 
dolls  and  other  objects  from  far-away  lands.  The 
librarian  will  help  you  with  the  stories  and 
pictures,  and  perhaps  even  send  a story-teller 
from  the  library  staff. 

Refreshments.  If  the  pocketbook  permits,  re- 
freshments served  by  Mrs.  Santa  Claus  at  an  at- 
tractively decorated  booth  will  round  out  the 
evening’s  program.  Punch  from  a wassail  bowl, 
stick  apples,  popcorn  balls  or  candy  canes  are 
suitable  and  inexpensive. 

Music  and  Drama  Features.  To  add  Christmas 
spirit  and  vary  the  program,  musical  and  dramatic 
events  may  be  introduced.  A group  of  costumed 
carolers  may  stroll  about  the  room,  books  and  lan- 
terns in  hand,  singing  familiar  carols  in  which  the 
guests  are  invited  to  join.  Old  favorites  are : 

O Come,  All  Ye  Faithful 
Silent  Night 

Hark,  the  Herald  Angels  Sing 
O Little  Town  of  Bethlehem 
The  First  Nowell 
It  Came  Upon  a Midnight  Clear 

The  words  of  these  and  four  other  favorites 
may  be  obtained  on  a song  sheet  at  eighty  cents  a 
hundred  from  the  National  Recreation  Association. 
There  may  be  a brief  Christmas  play,  skit  or  tab- 
leau which  people  may  watch  standing  up,  or  a 
short  puppet  show.  The  Association  has  compiled 
several  lists  of  Christmas  plays,  one  list  for  adults, 
one  for  experienced  adults,  one  for  children  and  a 
list  of  Christmas  plays  and  pageants  with  music. 
These  will  be  sent  you  free  of  charge  upon 
request. 

There  are  many  other  things  which  can  be  done, 
other  ways  of  arranging  the  program  to  fit  special 
needs.  These  ideas  are  intended  only  as  a starting 
point  from  which  you  may,  with  your  own  in- 
genuity, develop  a novel  and  useful  Christmas 
program  to  fit  your  particular  situation. 


Pittsburgh  Makes  Merry! 

If  you  don’t  celebrate  Hallowe’en  you 
are  missing  out  on  a great  opportunity! 


The  youth  of  the  city  of  Pittsburgh  are  no 
better  or  worse  on  Hallowe’en  night  than  are 
others  in  large  cities.  It  was  with  the  thought 
of  diverting  their  surplus  energies  into  wholesome 
and  constructive  lines  that  a program  of  attractive 
activities  was  planned  for  them.  Contacts  were 
made  with  business  men,  board  of  trades,  the 
Chamber  of  Commerce,  service  clubs  and  other 
interested  agencies,  which  were  made  to  feel  their 
responsibilities.  A favorable  response  from  prac- 
tically every  group  was  assured.  The  financial  cost 
was  met  by  interested  individuals  and  business 
firms. 

The  first  year’s  experiment  was  planned  so  that 
large  numbers  could  participate.  The  program 
consisted  of  band  competitions,  one  for  bands 
from  the  Universities,  the  other  for  High  School 
bands  of  the  city.  Other 
features  included  a cos- 
tume parade,  folk  danc- 
ing and  social  dancing. 

This  program  worked 
out  well,  the  costume 
parade  in  which  so 
many  participated 
being  particularly  suc- 
cessful. 

The  band  from  the 
University  of  Pitts- 
burgh, and  the  Schenley 
High  School  group 
placed  first  in  their  re- 
spective classes.  Each 
played  its  own  chosen 
selections  and  then  pro- 
ceeded to  go  through  a 
series  of  marching  tac- 
tics, very  similar  to  the 
stunts  put  on  by  them 
on  the  football  field  be- 
tween halves  of  a game. 


The  direction  and  control  of  the  musical  program 
was  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  Music  Department 
of  the  Board  of  Education. 

How  It  Was  Managed 
The  Costume  Parade.  All  participants  in  the  cos- 
tume parade  were  asked  to  purchase  for  five  cents 
a package  of  paper  gadgets  (rattle,  whistle,  etc.). 
Each  received  a small  placard,  5>^"x7"  on  which 
was  printed  a set  of  instructions  and  numbers. 

The  parade  was  organized  in  two  units  — one 
for  children,  and  the  other  for  adults.  The  long 
lines  of  march  proceeded  up  the  steps  and  on  to 
the  large  platform  where  they  were  carefully 
scrutinized  by  a corps  of  efficient  judges.  The  lat- 
ter were  for  the  most  part  professional  folks  con- 
nected with  the  arts  and  dramatic  departments  of 

the  Carnegie  Institute 
of  Technology  and  the 
University  of  Pitts- 
burgh. 

The  Committee  pass- 
ed judgment  on  the  fol- 
lowing classifications : 
Event  No.  i.  Chil- 
dren under  12  years  of 
age: 

1.  Best  girl’s  costume 

2.  Best  boy’s  costume 

3.  Best  couple’s  cos- 
tumes 

Event  No.  2.  Those 
over  12  years  of  age: 

1.  Best  girl’s  costume 

2.  Best  boy’s  costume 

3.  Best  couple’s  cos- 
tumes 

Event  No.  3.  The 
funniest  costume 
Event  No.  4.  The 
most  unique  costume 


Competitors  For  Costume  Prizes 
Must  Wear  This  Where  It  Can  Be 
Seen  By  The  Judges 

208 

Price  5c 

This  card  entitles  the  holder  to  enter  the  Prize  Com- 
petitions and  includes  a Mask,  Paper  Hat,  Noise 
Maker,  Paper  Garlands  which  will  be  given  out 
when  this  card  is  presented  at  the  entrance  to  the: 

Pittsburgh 

Public  Hallowe'en  Celebration 

SCHENLEY  PARK  PLAZA 

THURSDAY,  OCTOBER  31,  1935 
7:00  P.  M.  TO  10:00  P.  M. 

Sponsored  by 

The  Bureau  of  Parks  and  Recreation 

In  case  of  rain  or  extreme  cold,  notice  of  postponement  will  be 
announced  by  newspapers  and  radio. 


386 


PITTSBURGH  MAKES  MERRY  ! 


387 


Among  other  features  there  was  the  dance  of 
An  award  was  also  made  the  clowns  from  McKnight  Recreation  Center 


for  the  best  original  hand- 
made mask.  This  was  open  to  all  competitors. 

Folk  Dance  Competition.  This  drew  entries  from 
six  of  the  city’s  recreation  centers.  The  rules  and 
regulations  governing  the  dance  competitions 
were : 

1.  There  is  no  age  limit  set  for  those  entering 
The  dance  contest.  The  group  shall  have  no  less 
than  sixteen  persons  and  no  larger  number  than 
forty. 

2.  The  time  limit  for  the  dance  is  three  minutes. 
All  judging  will  be  done  on  the  basis  of  what  has 
been  demonstrated  for  three  minutes. 

3.  Consideration  will  be  given  to  the  formation 
and  design  of  the  dances,  paying  particular  atten- 
tion to  the  way  in  which  the  group  fills  the  space 
assigned  to  them  on  the  stage. 

4.  Judges  will  consider  the  authenticity  of  the 
costume,  its  suitability,  design  and  color. 

5.  Consideration  will  be  given  to  the  way  in 
which  the  dance  steps  and  the  music  co-ordinate. 

6.  The  execution  of  dance  steps  and  other  tech- 
nical phases  of  dancing  will  also  be  passed  upon 
by  the  judges. 

A jury  of  four  experts  versed  in  folk  dancing 
passed  judgment  on  the  en- 
tries. Madame  Karpova,  form- 
erly of  the  Russian  Ballet,  was 
the  chairman. 

The  evening’s  entertainment 
was  concluded  by  a program 
of  social  dancing  on  the  plaza. 

Hundreds  participated  until  1 1 
o’clock. 

Committee  Organization 

It  is  obvious  that  with  a 
large  outdoor  program  much 
preparatory  work  had  to  be 


done.  Committees  were 
formed  and  given  definite 
responsibilities.  The  plan  used  in  the  first  cele- 
bration was  as  follows : 

The  Executive  Committee.  This  committee  was 
composed  of  the  eight  chairmen  of  sub-commit- 
tees. The  chairman  of  the  Executive  Committee 
called  it  together  as  needs  warranted.  Meetings 
were  held  at  a specified  place  convenient  to  all. 

Office  Administration.  All  clerical  matters  were 
handled  through  this  committee  at  its  office. 

Activities  and  Entries  Committee.  This  commit- 
tee received  all  entries  and  was  responsible  for  all 
activities  at  Schenley  Park  Plaza.  Employees  of 
the  Bureaus  of  Parks  and  Recreation  assisted  in 
the  formation  of  the  parade  which  opened  the 
evening  festivities  and  directed  its  course  around 
the  Plaza.  Members  of  the  committee  were  as- 
signed to  direct  the  folk  dancing  competitions  and 
music  competitions. 

This  committee  also  had  charge  of  the  social 
dancing  which  concluded  the  evening’s  perform- 
ance. 

Construction  and  Decorations  Committee.  This 
committee  was  responsible  for  the  construction  of 
platforms  and  stands  and  for 
their  decoration  wherever  this 
was  necessary.  It  provided  for 
the  amplification  system,  erect- 
ed tents  for  headquarters  and 
first  aid,  and  furnished  cots 
and  blankets.  It  supplied  chairs 
and  a table  for  the  headquar- 
ters tent  which  was  lighted.  It 
furnished  a piano  for  the  folk 
dancing  platform  and  a tar- 
paulin to  cover  it  in  case  of 
wet  weather. 

(Continued  on  page  413) 


The  Bureaus  of  Parks  and  of  Recrea- 
tion of  Pittsburgh  held  their  first  Hal- 
lowe'en celebration  in  1935  at  Schen- 
ley Park  Plaza  in  the  heart  of  the 
city's  Civic  Center.  More  than 
20,000  spectators  crowded  into  the 
spacious  square,  and  about  3,500  in- 
dividuals took  part  in  the  costume 
parade.  So  successful  was  the  event 
that  a second  celebration  was  held  in 
1936.  We  have  published  this  de- 
scription of  the  event  for  the  benefit 
of  cities  which  may  wish  to  initiate 
a similar  fete  next  Hallowe'en. 


Rehabilitation  at  Sixty- two 


IE  you  WERE  confronted  at  the 
age  of  sixty-two  with  the 
problem  of  personal  place- 
ment, what  would  you  do?  Many 
persons  have  had  to  meet  such  a condition  in  the 
last  few  years.  As  the  result  of  an  experience 
early  in  life,  a resident  of  Pasadena,  California, 
was  able  to  make  this  adjustment  satisfactorily, 
both  for  herself  and  for  her  employer,  the  Pasa- 
dena Department  of  Recreation. 

Forty-five  years  ago,  Agnes  Rozell  Knot,  an 
actress  of  national  fame,  spent  some  of  her  vaca- 
tion time  meeting  the  demands  of  her  stock  com- 
pany by  making  wigs.  She  became  interested  in  a 
girl  of  sixteen  and  taught  her  the  art  of  weaving 
hair.  This  young  girl  enjoyed  the  experience,  but 
little  thought  that  it  would  serve  her  in  the  time 
of  necessity.  Many  years  later  the  Pasadena  De- 
partment of  Recreation  was  confronted  with  an 
urgent  need  for  wigs  to  be  used  in  costuming  the 
players  in  the  Drama  Guild  and  in  civic  pageants. 
Because  of  limit- 
ed funds  the  De- 
partment was 
unable  to  meet 
these  needs  until 
the  young  girl 
who  had  once 
learned  the  art 
of  wig -making, 
now  a woman 
over  sixty,  vol- 
unteered to  assist 


Here  are  samples  of 
the  wigs  made  for 
the  Pasadena  Recre- 
ation Department. 
They  show  the  head- 
dress of  a fairy 
princess,  of  George 
and  Martha  Wash- 
ington, of  a friar, 
and  of  ladies  of 
the  "gay  nineties." 


in  the  making  of  wigs.  Out  of  a 
small  beginning  started  in  May,  a 
number  of  wigs  have  been  made 
which  have  enhanced  the  pro- 
gram of  dramatics  because  they  have  helped  the 
players  to  be  costumed  in  character.  The  equip- 
ment, hair  and  labor  were  furnished  at  little  or 
no  cost. 

The  operators  assembled  the  following  equip- 
ment: Two  looms,  several  head  blocks,  carters, 
curling  irons,  chamois  skins,  Japanese  shavings, 
hair  nets,  tape,  feather-bone,  hair  pins,  linen 
thread,  hair  hooks,  thumb  tacks,  brushes  and 
combs,  peroxide,  ammonia  and  hair  dye.  The 
equipment,  hair  and  labor  were  furnished  at  little 
or  no  cost. 

The  workers  then  studied  the  characters  and 
the  head-dresses  of  various  age  periods  for  chil- 
dren, youths,  young  and  old  adults.  The  public 
library,  National  Geographic  Magazine  and  nu- 
( Continued  on  page  414) 


By  Cecil  F.  Martin 

Director  of  Recreation 
Pasadena,  California 


388 


Chicago  Reorganizes  Its  Park  System 


Chicago’s  recreation  program  demonstrates  the 
effectiveness  of  coordination  in  park  services 


Chicago,  under  the  plan  of  park  consolidation 
adopted  over  two  years  ago,  has  been  di- 
vided into  six  sections,  each  with  a section 
director,  in  order  that  each  unit  may  be  able  to 
meet  the  needs  of  its  immediate  neighborhood  as 
adequately  as  possible.  Specialists  in  music, 
drama,  art  and  physical  education  have  been  ap- 
pointed, and  two  regular  employees  put  in  charge 
of  arts  and  crafts.  These  workers  have  reorgan- 
ized and  modernized  the  program  for  their  spe- 
cialties to  fit  the  situation  and  the  times. 

Games  and  Sports 

In  the  field  of  physical  education  almost  unpre- 
cedented changes  were  made  in  the  abolishing  of 
a required  competitive  athletic  program.  The 
park’s  responsibility  was  felt  to  be  the  giving  of 
service  to  as  many  members  of  the  community  as 
possible  and  not  in  the  development  of  a few 
championship  teams.  The  park,  rather  than  en- 
tering five  or  six  strictly  park  basketball  teams  for 
the  city  championship  as  heretofore,  now  fosters 
community  tournaments  of  from  forty  to  sixty 
teams  representing  all  organizations  and  agencies 
in  the  community.  Each  park  neighborhood  is  free 
to  develop  its  program  as  it  sees  best  in  order  to 
develop  community- wide  participation. 

To  give  point  to  inter-team  games  several  types 
of  tournaments  were  tried  and  competition  within 
the  local  communities  with  the  community  cham- 
pions competing  in  sectional  and  then  in  city 
championship  matches  was  found  to  be  the  most 
feasible  plan  for  most  sports 
and  games. 

Institutes  training  leaders  and 
enabling  them  to  develop  tech- 
niques of  handling  large  groups 
were  successful  to  such  a de- 
gree that  the  leaders  were  able 
to  organize  city-wide  baseball 
on  a self-governing  basis.  Many 
other  sports  were  organized  on 


a city-wide  basis.  At  the  end  of  the  year  there  had 
been  twenty  million  participations  in  physical  ac- 
tivities in  the  parks. 

Development  in  Arts  and  Crafts 

In  the  arts  and  crafts  for  women  and  girls  there 
has  been  close  cooperation  with  parent-teacher  as- 
sociations, women’s  clubs,  groups  interested  in 
crafts  and  other  organizations  so  that  the  stim- 
ulus for  craft  activities  provided  by  the  parks  is 
promoting  a revival  of  useful  arts  in  every  sec- 
tion of  Chicago.  At  the  end  of  the  year  craft 
classes  were  being  held  in  forty  new  places  and 
were  reaching  50,000  women  and  girls  a month. 

For  men  and  boys  city- wide  contests  in  such 
activities  as  kite  flying  and  model  building  were 
organized.  Some  of  the  sixteen  craft  workers  also 
assisted  in  the  summer  school  of  the  Catholic 
Youth  Administration  in  six  parks.  The  exhibi- 
tion and  demonstration  of  crafts  at  the  National 
Recreation  Congress  in  Chicago  elicited  much  in- 
terest and  many  requests  for  further  information 
which  have  been  answered  all  the  more  easily  be- 
cause of  the  comprehensive  bibliography  of  every 
known  craft  book  prepared  under  CWA  and 
PWA. 

The  more  competent  club  members  assist  the 
leader,  facilitating  the  handling  of  large  numbers 
brought  out  in  a truly  community-wide  program. 
In  one  park  forty  boys  meet  under  the  guidance 
of  more  experienced  boys.  The  instructor  needs 
to  be  present  only  at  rare  intervals.  The  standard 
of  skill  is  constantly  being  rais- 
ed, and  may  be  exemplified  by  a 
city-wide  club  of  forty  model 
aircraft  builders  whose  mem- 
bers admit  no  new  comer  un- 
less, like  themselves,  he  has 
made  and  flown  a plane  better- 
ing a certain  difficult  to  achieve 
world’s  record. 


In  the  spring  of  1934  the  twenty- 
two  heterogeneous  systems  of  pro- 
viding recreation  in  the  parks  of 
Chicago  were  consolidated  into 
one  central  system,  the  Chicago 
Park  District,  which  assumed  full 
control  January  I,  1935.  The  Rec- 
reation Division  has  reported  on  its 
activities  for  the  first  year.  We 
present  some  of  the  highlights  here. 


389 


' 390 


CHICAGO  REORGANIZES  ITS  PARK  SYSTEM 


For  Industrial  Groups 

The  closer  tie-up  between  industrial  groups  and 
the  parks  which  has  been  effected,  has  resulted  in 
an  increase  in  facilities  available  for  industrial 
workers,  city-wide  organi- 
zation in  baseball,  increas- 
ed attendance  at  the  local 
park  areas  ( definitely 
traceable  to  contact  with 
places  of  . employment), 
and  added  recreational  ac- 
tivities. Industries  were 
encouraged  to  run  their 
own  activities,  but  urged  to  relate  them  to  the 
entire  community  program. 


advisors  were  no  longer  available.  The 
six  photography  clubs  organized  with 
the  aid  of  the  Recreation  Division  pro- 
vide their  own  leadership  and  program 
and  further  exemplify  the  type  of  co- 
operative community  effort  which  the 
Recreation  Division  is  attempting  to  in- 
augurate in  all  of  the  community  or- 
ganizations. 

Many  community  activities  such  as 
parties,  special  day  and  week  celebra- 
tions are  planned.  These  are  increas- 
ingly being  sponsored  and  run  by  vari- 
ous community  groups  including  Ameri- 
can Legion  Posts,  women’s  clubs  and 
churches.  In  every  section,  athletic  as- 
sociations, community  councils  and  other 
groups  have  been  quietly  organized,  thus 
enlisting  and  increasing  the  citizen’s  support  of  the 
leisure  time  program. 

WPA  Workers  Are  Helping 

WPA  workers  have  been  used  in  many  ways  to 
expand  and  better  the  pro- 
gram. They  were  organiz- 
ed into  a special  project 
set  in  action  in  November. 
One  group  was  engaged  in 
general  recreation— sports, 
games  and  physical  educa- 
tion in  vacant  lots  and 
such  community  agencies 
as  churches,  settlements  and  Y.M.C.A.’s.  Their 
activities  were  not  considered  strictly  park  activi- 


The  visitor  to  the  Chicago  Park  District 
centers  cannot  fail  to  be  impressed  with 
the  scope  of  the  arts  and  crafts  program 
and  with  the  high  development  of  skills 
reflected  in  the  wide  variety  of  projects. 


Music  and  Drama 

Under  the  leadership  of  the 
music  and  drama  departments, 

1 15  public  concerts  and  dramatic 
performances  were  given.  Relief 
workers  made  permanent  stage 
equipment  and  established  a cos- 
tume room  and  an  extensive 
music  library  of  popular  and  clas- 
sical orchestrations  was  built  up. 
The  year's  music  program  was 
climaxed  with  the  presentation  of 
Handel’s  “Theodora.” 

An  art  director  was  appointed, 
but  no  regular  supporting  staff. 
Ten  clubs  were  started  with  re- 
lief leadership  and  all  clubs  were 
organized  so  they  would  be  self- 
continuing  when  the  temporary 


( Continued  on  page  414) 


Planning  the  Party 


IT  is  terrifying  for  an  inex- 
perienced play  leader  to  un- 
dertake to  conduct  alone  the 
entire  program  of  a party,  especially  a large  one. 
No  actor  has  greater  stage  fright  than  many  a 
play  leader  early  in  his  career.  It  means  much  to 
such  workers  in  terms  of  self-confidence  and  en- 
couragement if  he  can  have  a number  of  people 
with  whom  to  work,  if  party  leadership  can  be 
made  a cooperative  project. 

Social  Recreation  Teams 

This  can  be  accomplished  through  the  organiza- 
tion of  a social  recreation  team,  consisting  prefer- 
ably of  three  men  and  three  women  as  follows : 
Master  of  Ceremonies.  This  should  be  a man 
with  good  loud  speaking  voice,  pleasing  person- 
ality, disciplinary  powers  hidden  under  a smile 
and  a joke;  in  a few  words,  a good  mixer  who 
likes  to  run  things,  who  can  “feel  the  pulse”  of  a 
group,  who  likes  to  have  happy  crowds  around 
him.  He  organizes  the  group,  moves  participants 
from  place  to  place  and  conducts  the  stunts.  When 
not  actually  before  the  group  he  is  not  inactive, 
for  he  should  attend  to  heating  and  ventilation, 
seating  arrangements  and  keeping  halls  and  doors 
clear  of  loiterers,  and  attend  to  handling  discipli- 
nary problems,  if  any  arise.  At  all  times  he  should 
be  ready  to  help  the  other  leaders,  either  quietly 
by  joining  in  the  fun,  or  if  necessary  by  serving 
as  a co-leader  when  things  are  not  running 
smoothly. 

The  Quiet  Games  Leader.  She  (or  he)  should 
be  prepared  to  lead  the  less  strenuous — though  by 
no  means  quiet  games  at  any 
time  designated  by  the  Master 
of  Ceremonies. 

The  Active  Games  Leader. 

He  (or  she)  must  adapt  walk- 
ing or  running  games  to  the 
space  available  and  the  inter- 
ests and  abilities  of  the  group, 
always  remembering  that  the 
games  must  not  be  too  strenu- 
ous or  dangerous  for  players 
who  are  perhaps  in  “dress-up” 
clothes  (including  high  heels) 


and  who  may  not  be  used  to 
playing  active  games. 

The  Musical  Games  Leader. 

She  (or  he)  should  be  thoroughly  familiar  with 
grand  march  figures,  a few  musical  mixers  and 
simple  folk  dances.  As  the  ability  of  the  group 
develops  this  leader  must  prepare  more  advanced 
folk  and  square  dances.  Emphasis  should  first  be 
placed  on  fun  and  sociability,  not  on  grace  or  per- 
fection, which  may  come  later. 

The  Song  Leader.  Though  this  person  should 
have  technical  skill  in  music,  he  (or  she)  must 
first  have  that  human  touch,  that  joy  of  leading 
informal  group  singing  which  many  trained  sing- 
ers lack.  Especially  in  the  fun  songs  emphasis 
should  be  placed  on  having  a good  time,  irrespec- 
tive of  the  musical  qualities  produced.  Later  the 
leader  may  work  toward  more  artistic  results. 

The  Pianist.  This  team  member  is  a very  im- 
portant part  of  the  social  recreation  team,  for 
without  peppy  marches  and  toe-tickling  tunes,  the 
musical  games  leader  and  the  song  leader  will  lack 
support.  The  pianist  should  aim  for  rhythm  and 
tempo,  even  if  every  note  is  not  accurate.  Later, 
with  more  practice,  perfection  will  come.  The 
pianist  must  also  be  keenly  interested  in  seeing 
that  groups  have  a good  time,  giving  unselfishly 
hours  of  time  in  grinding  out  music  for  folk  and 
square  dances.  If  no  piano  is  available,  the  pianist 
can  still  be  a great  help  to  the  rest  of  the  team  by 
entering  into  the  games,  thus  quietly  promoting 
the  program  and  the  fun  spirit. 

These  six  people  are  called  a social  recreation 
team,  and  rightly  so,  for  they  should  cooperate  as 
a team,  no  one  person  seeking 
the  limelight,  all  working  to 
produce  a happy,  smoothly 
running  party,  in  the  way  a 
well-coached  team  works  to 
win  a game. 

Usually  the  master  of  cere- 
monies serves  as  chairman  of 
the  social  recreation  team, 
though  any  of  the  others  or  a 
seventh  person  may  be  the 
prime  moving  spirit  back  of 
the  team.  If  the  team  is  com- 


By  Ethel  Bowers 

National  Recreation  Association 


This  material  has  been  taken  from  a 
recent  publication,  Parties  — Plans 
and  Programs,  edited  by  Ethel 
Bowers.  These  preliminary  suggestions 
on  how  to  plan  for  parties  are  follow- 
ed in  the  booklet  by  programs  of 
parties  for  large  and  small  groups  and 
for  banquets,  and  by  suggestions  for 
adapting  games  to  special  conditions. 
The  booklet,  which  every  recreation 
leader  will  want  to  add  to  his  kit,  may 
be  secured  from  the  National  Rec- 
reation Association  for  fifty  cents. 


391 


392 


PLANNING  THE  PARTY 


posed  of  adolescents  or  young  adults,  perhaps  an 
older  person  should  be  the  chairman,  remaining 
always  in  the  background,  quietly  guiding  the 
young  people  by  indirect  suggestions  and  con- 
structive criticism. 

Preparation  and  Practice 

When  a party  is  proposed,  each  member  of  the 
team  should  be  informed  of  the  time,  place,  oc- 
casion or  holiday,  size  and  type  of  group,  and  age 
and  numbers  of  each  sex  expected  to  be  present. 
Each  should  prepare  to  conduct  at  least  four 
games  or  activities.  Usually  so  many  will  not  be 
needed,  but  it  is  well  to  have  too  much  rather  than 
too  little  material  on  hand. 

A week  or  so  previous  to  the  party  the  team 
should  have  a planning-practice  meeting.  If  pos- 
sible this  should  be  a social  meeting  as  well ; that 
is,  the  team  should  have  such  a good  time  at  a 
member’s  home  trying  out  the  games  on  each 
other,  chatting  and  perhaps  eating  later,  that  they 
look  forward  to  these  team  meetings. 

At  this  time  the  proposed  program  is  worked 
out,  subject  always  to  change  at  a moment’s  notice 
if  conditions  are  altered.  The  party  should  have  a 
title  or  a theme,  if  at  all  possible,  based  on  cur- 
rent interests,  the  season,  holiday  or  special  oc- 
casion. All  games  should  be  adapted  to  this  theme 
and  named  accordingly.  For  example,  in  a game 
needing  two  groups,  at  Hallowe’en  we  can  call 
one  group  the  “witches”  and  the  others  the  “black 
cats” ; at  Thanksgiving  they  may  be  the  “Pilgrims” 
and  the  “Indians” ; at  Christmas,  “Santa  Claus,” 
and  “Reindeer,”  and  so  on  throughout  the  year. 

The  order  of  games  comes  next.  In  planning  a 
party  for  a large  group  it  is  especially  important 
to  plan  the  games  so  there  are  as  few  changes  in 
formations  as  possible  and  these  must  be  well 
thought  out  in  detail  before  the  party  to  avoid 
confusion.  The  program  should  be  flexible  enough 
however  to  be  changed  as  conditions  warrant. 

The  following  plan  for  a large  full-length  party 
is  fundamentally  sound. 

Plan  of  a Party  for  a Large  Group 

Type  of  Activity  Taught  by 

Pre-party  game Quiet  games  leader 

or 

Community  singing Song  leader 

Opening  marching  game Musical  games  leader 

Get-acquainted  game  Active  games  leader 

Stunt  song Song  leader 

Group  stunt Master  of  Ceremonies 

Guessing  game  Quiet  games  leader 

Musical  mixer  Musical  games  leader 

Mixer  game Active  games  leader 


Type  of  Activity  Taught  by 

Song  competition  Song  leader 

Stunt  competition  Master  of  Ceremonies 

Pencil  and  paper  games Quiet  games  leader 

Stunt  (for  refreshment  or  rest 

period)  Master  of  Ceremonies 

Active  game  Active  games  leader 

Song  (preparation  for  musical 

mixer)  Song  leader 

Closing  musical  game Musical  games  leader 

This  is  a long  party  for  a full  evening  program. 
If  it  must  be  shortened  some  of  the  activities  in 
the  middle  should  be  omitted.  Such  a party  should 
always  end  with  a rousing  game,  preferably  a 
musical  one.  Never  let  a party  “peter  out,”  con- 
tinuing too  long  until  the  group  has  drifted  away. 
It  is  better  to  have  a short  snappy  party  that  sends 
the  participants  home  wishing  for  more,  than  one 
that  drags.  However,  leaders  must  have  abundant 
material  at  hand  for  emergencies. 

A banquet  party  should  be  shorter. 


Plan  for  a Banquet  Party 


Type  of  Activity 
Partner  finding  stunt  and  march 

to  banquet  room 

Song  

Guessing  game  

Race 

Individual  stunt  

Stunt  song  

Group  game  

Relay 

Group  stunt 

Square  dance  (space  permitting) 


Taught  by 

.Master  of  Ceremonies 
.Song  leader 
.Quiet  games  leader 
.Active  games  leader 
.Master  of  Ceremonies 
.Song  leader 
.Quiet  games  leader 
.Active  games  leader 
.Master  of  Ceremonies 
.Musical  games  leader 


A party  for  a small  group  in  a home  or  other 
limited  space  provides  for  more  sociability  and 
activities  which  take  a longer  time,  so  fewer  events 


need  be  listed  though  again  each  leader  should 
have  supplementary  games  for  emergencies. 


Plan  of  a Party  for  a Small  Group 


Type  of  Activity 

Pre-party  activity  

Guessing  game 

Group  game  

Song  

Confederate  game  

Floor  game 

Song  

Individual  stunts  and  tricks 
Couple  stunts  


Taught  by 

, Master  of  Ceremonies 
.Quiet  games  leader 
Active  games  leader 
Song  leader 
.Quiet  games  leader 
Active  games  leader 
Song  leader 
Master  of  Ceremonies 
.Active  games  leader 


Improving  Programs 

Hints  to  Leaders.  Play  leaders  will  find  it  pos- 
sible to  improve  their  programs  in  a variety  of 
ways : By  careful  planning,  experimenting  on  one 
another,  by  research,  by  benefiting  through  group 
experience  and  by  holding  “post-mortems”  after 
every  party  at  which  programs  are  analyzed,  and 
weaknesses  in  methods  and  techniques  discussed 
so  that  future  parties  may  be  made  more  enjoy- 
able for  all. 


PLANNING  THE  PARTY 


393 


Study  the  group  and  the  place  thoroughly,  get 
all  possible  details  of  age,  sex,  numbers,  likes  and 
dislikes,  then  select  suitable  activities,  and  plenty 
of  them,  to  allow  for  emergencies. 

Know  the  game  thoroughly  and  like  it.  Be  a 
good  actor  if  necessary. 

Think  it  through,  step  by  step  before  facing  the 
group.  Ask  yourself,  “Where  will  I stand?” 
“Where  and  how  will  the  group  be  standing?” 
“What  will  I say  first?”  “What 
will  the  players  do  first?” 

“Next?”  and  so  on. 

Get  attention;  wait  for  nat- 
ural pauses,  speak  slowly  and 
low,  not  high  and  fast ; use 
whistle  sparingly,  if  at  all.  Be 
jovial,  not  a traffic  cop. 

Name  the  game. 

Get  the  players  into  position. 

(Best  to  finish  last  game  in 
position  for  next  if  at  all  pos- 
sible.) 

Give  brief  rules  in  clear 
voice.  Don’t  talk  too  much. 

People  can’t  remember  many 
details. 

Demonstrate.  This  is  very 
important.  People  learn  best 
by  seeing. 

Play  the  game  for  fun.  Have 
fun  even  if  mistakes  are  made 
as  they  are  95%  of  the  time. 

In  that  case  — 

Interrupt,  correct  mistakes, 
answer  questions,  demonstrate 
again,  give  more  rules,  if  game 
is  complicated. 

Play  the  game,  correctly 
this  time  if  possible,  but  also 
always  for  fun. 

Stop  before  interest  lags.  Be 
careful  players  do  not  stand 
too  long,  sit  too  long,  get  too 
hot,  thirsty  or  dizzy. 

Vary  the  program.  Be  pre- 
pared to  change  at  a moment’s 
notice  if  conditions  change.  Do 
not  take  too  long  a time  to  dis- 
tribute or  collect  materials. 

Train  assistants  for  this. 

Know  certain  formations 
and  teach  them  to  your  groups. 

(See  also  page  394.) 


Suggestions  to  Organization  Executives 
If  one  outstanding  leader  of  social  recreation  is 
not  available  to  conduct  all  parties,  or  if  you  wish 
to  develop  local  volunteer  leadership  in  many 
small  organizations,  form  in  each  a social  recrea- 
tion team,  and  have  one  person  from  each  team 
become  a member  of  the  social  recreation  council 
which  sponsors  the  party-of-the-month  club.  De- 
tails follow : 


FORMATIONS 

LINE:  shoulder  to  shoulder 

FILE  OR  COLUMNS: 

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 

CIRCLE  FORMATIONS: 

Used  mostly  lor  relays 

A.  Single  circle 

/ ~ \ 

w 

I t 

( ) 

^ ' 

\ _ y 

/ \ 

lacing  in 

lacing  in  line  ol  march 

B.  Double  circle 

ox 

O 

-V  O 

9+  * 0 

0 * 

0*  *0 

+ ,l9 

-t  * 

x>  + 

0 0 

lacing  in 

lacing  in  line  ol  march 

counter-clockwise 

C.  Circle  ol  three's 

O 

O O 

* 

X X 

0*0  £ o*° 

0X0°  °oxo 

+°  °+ 
<y  Vb 

OXC>  <3*0 

0 0 

X X 

0 0 

lacing  in  line  ol  march 

three  lacing  three  to  lorm 

counter-clockwise 

sets  ol  sixes 

D.  Circle  iormation  lor  Sourwood  Mountain. 

° y ° 

SQUARE  DANCE 

0 0 

O X 

0 

V 

< 

+K 

O 

X 0 

O 

< O 
O 

0 X 

Men  lacing  counter-clockwise, 

X 0 

women  lacing  in. 

hollow  square  lacing  in 

394 


PLANNING  THE  PARTY 


Organizing  Social  Recreation  Teams.  In  a city, 
or  a county,  a church  district  or  any  large  organi- 
zation of  smaller  groups,  if  a number  of  social  rec- 
reation teams  are  organized,  the  programs  of  all 
the  units  will  be  improved  if  these  suggestions  are 
followed. 

First,  have  a party  for  leaders  from  the  differ- 
ent groups.  In  the  midst  of  the  party  explain  the 
idea  of  social  recreation  teams.  When  it  is 
thoroughly  understood,  have 
all  from  each  unit  sit  down  to- 
gether to  plan  for  a team  for 
their  group.  One  of  their  num- 
ber should  serve  as  a tempo- 
rary secretary,  preparing  two 
lists  of  the  proposed  team,  one 
for  the  master  of  ceremonies, 
one  for  the  organizer.  After  a 
certain  time,  ten  or  fifteen 
minutes,  the  teams  should 
hand  to  the  organizer  the  per- 
sonnel slip  of  their  team,  inso- 
far as  they  have  been  able  to 
complete  it  on  short  notice. 

The  names  of  the  teams  or- 
ganized should  then  be  read  to 
all,  and  the  different  leaders 
introduced  to  the  entire  group. 

The  Social  Recreation  Coun- 
cil. While  the  party  continues, 
one  person  from  each  team 
(preferably  the  master  of 
ceremonies  or  a chairman)  and 
a representative  of  any  inter- 
ested group  not  yet  organized, 
should  be  asked  to  adjourn  to 
another  room  to  organize  the 
social  recreation  council.  At 
this  time  the  council  should  set 
the  time  and  place  for  its  next 
meeting  and  for  the  first  party- 
of-the-month  club  meeting 
about  a month  hence,  and  de- 
cide upon  the  team  best  quali- 
fied to  lead  this  first  party.  An 
announcement  of  this  coming 
event  should  be  made  before 
the  party  adjourns  that 
evening. 

About  a week  previous  to 
the  first  party-of-the-month 
club  meeting,  the  council 
should  have  its  first  regular 


meeting  to  make  permanent  plans  and  to  check  on 
the  program  of  its  first  party.  Other  teams  should 
be  invited  to  lead  each  monthly  party  in  turn. 
Thus  if  there  are  twelve  of  these  teams  organized 
in  a city,  each  team  would  lead  one  party  a year. 

The  Party-of-the-Month  Club.  This  is  in  reality 
a one-evening  social  recreation  institute  presented 
as  a complete  party.  The  team  selected  to  con- 
( Continued  on  page  414) 


FORMATIONS 

(Continued) 

RELAY  FORMATIONS: 

A Straightaway  start 

T..m  A I I I I I I I 


T0am  B I I I I I I I I 


B.  Shuttle 
Team  A 
Team  B 


I I I 


goal 


C Circle 

Team  A / \ Team  B 

I ) I 
\ y \ 


1 1 


\ 


y 


D Hub 


Team  A 


Team  D 


E.  Hollow  Square 
Team  A 


Team  B 


Team  C - 

F Corner  Spry  or  Teacher  Ball 

~ J”  "V  N 


face  in 

or  f ace  I co 

counter-clockwise  ! g 


Team  C 
G.  Zig  Zag 
Team  A 


/ 


* \ 
W / 


Team  B 


\ O 

s. 


/ 
s 


(Each  dash  represents  the  shoulders  of  one  person. 

X — man,  O — woman.  Man  always  has  woman  on  his  right.) 


Club  Leadership 


By  Sidney  J.  Lindenberg 

Director,  Boys'  and  Men's  Work 
Neighborhood  Center 
Philadelphia,  Pa. 


The  small  group  club, 
whether  it  be  composed  of 
girls  or  boys  or  boys  and 
girls,  always  presents  an  inter- 
esting picture  of  the  most  act- 
ive, vital  and  stable  member- 
ship of  any  agency  working 
with  young  people.  Most  set- 
tlements have  always  looked  on  the  small  club  as 
significant  to  their  organization’s  program.  In 
more  recent  years,  boys’  clubs  and  public  recrea- 
tion agencies  have  given  greater  recognition  to 
the  value  of  this  type  of  activity,  for  the  club 
group  forms  the  basis  of  most  recreational 
agencies’ athletic,  literary  and  social  programs.  Yet 
we  often  find  these  clubs  under  the  guidance  of 
very  weak  volunteer  leaders. 

A Typical  Situation 

If  one  should  listen  in  at  an  interview  with  the 
typical  volunteer  applying  at  a recreation  agency, 
this  is  the  gist  of  what  he  would  hear.  The  worker 
would  ask,  “What  would  you  like  to  do  in  the 
way  of  volunteer  service  ?”  The  answer  would  be, 
“Well — I’m  not  sure — but  I think  I would  like  to 
lead  a club.”  Again  the  worker,  “You  realize,  of 
course,  that  club  leading  probably  represents  the 
most  difficult  field  of  volunteer  service.  Have  you 
had  any  experience  in  this  direction?”  This  time, 
with  a little  more  thought,  the  answer  would  be, 
“No — I’ve  never  been  a club  leader,  but  when  I 
was  a youngster  I belonged  to  a club,  and  with 
my  knowledge  gained  in  that  way,  I’m  sure  I 
could  sponsor  a group.”  After  the  worker  has 
delved  a little  deeper  into  the  qualifications  of  this 
person,  he  may  decide  that  this  prospect  has  pos- 
sibilities in  club  leadership  and  appoint  him  to 
such  a position. 


Clubs  of  this  type  pro- 
vide an  absorbing  in- 
terest for  community 
centers  and 
allied  groups 


Courtesy  Dayton,  Ohio,  Bureau  of  Recreation 


In  some  cases,  this  volunteer  discovers  that  the 
job  of  club  leadership  is  a very  demanding  one 
and  attempts  to  build  himself  to  meet  its  demands. 
In  other  cases,  once  he  is  appointed  to  club  lead- 
ership, the  volunteer  feels  that  merely  by  putting 
in  an  appearance  at  a club  meeting  once  a week  he 
has  done  his  job.  The  club  under  this  latter  type 
of  leadership  dies  almost  before  it  is  born. 

Poor  leadership  should  never  be  the  reason  for 
a club’s  failure.  The  volunteer  who  comes  to  his 
group’s  meetings  with  fair  regularity,  but  has  the 
attitude  of  “I  guess  we’ll  find  something  to  talk 
about”  should  be  replaced  immediately  and  not  be 
given  leadership  responsibility  until  he  learns 
more  about  the  requirements  of  handling  a group. 

Nor  is  much  lost  when  the  leader  is  removed 
who  works  from  some  ready-made  activity  pro- 
gram, attempting  to  force  it  on  his  group  in  its 
entirety  as  “something  good  for  them.”  True,  it 
might  be  hard  on  this  worker’s  pride,  but  it  saves 
a club  as  well  as  the  individual  personalities  of  the 
ten  or  fifteen  boys  or  girls  making  up  the  group. 

There  is  more  hope  for  the  leader  who  uses  a 
ready-made  activity  program  but  attempts  to  elim- 
inate those  parts  that  he  feels  might  not  interest 
his  club.  Proper  supervision,  suggestions  and  in- 
terviews would  soon  set  this  person  on  the  right 
track,  for  he  at  least  has  learned  that  there  are 
individual  and  varied  interests  among  the  mem- 
bers of  his  group,  and  has  attempted  to  meet  them 
to  some  degree. 


395 


396 


CLUB  LEADERSHIP 


The  Secret  of  Good  Club  Leadership 

The  trouble  with  all  the  types  of  leaders  men- 
tioned is  that  none  of  them  has  realized  that  the 
club  is  one  of  the  most  fertile  fields  for  training 
in  the  highest  principles  of  democracy.  They  have 
not  given  the  group  the  opportunity  to  thrash  out 
its  own  problems,  to  decide  its  own  interests,  to 
learn  the  principles  of  “give  and  take”  which  are 
necessary  in  all  group  relationships.  These  leaders 
have  treated  the  individuals  within  the  groups  as 
standard  products  who  all  react  exactly  in  the 
same  way  to  the  same  stimuli  rather  than  as  in- 
dividual entities  who  react  differently  to  the  same 
stimuli.  They  have  offered  their  clubs  standard, 
set  programs  or  else  have  thought  it  unnecessary 
to  have  any  type  of  club  program.  They  all  repre- 
sent poor  leadership  and  the  basic  reason  for  the 
dissolution  of  clubs. 

And  now  for  a picture  of  the  good  club  leader ! 
There  is  probably  no  better  way  of  getting  to 
know  him  than  by  watching  him  at  work.  When 
first  meeting  his  club  group,  he  sits  down  and 
speaks  very  informally,  not  to  them  but  with  them. 
He  realizes  that  boys  and 
girls  are  not  standardized  and 
consequently  wants 
to  learn  as  much  as 
he  can  about  each 
individual  and  his 
interests.  He  knows 
that  the  first  step 
in  getting  this 
knowledge  is  to 
have  the  boys  and 
girls  tell  him  about 
themselves.  To 
make  it  seem  a mu- 
tual exchange  he 
tells  them  about 
himself.  When  the 
first  meeting  is  over 
this  leader  makes  it 
a point  to  talk  to 
the  staff  member 
who  appointed  him 
in  an  attempt  to 
add  to  his  knowl- 
edge of  the  indi- 
viduals making  up 
his  group.  When  he 
leaves  the  settle- 
ment or  boys’  club 
or  playground  he 


walks  about  the  neighborhood,  for  he  wants  to 
know  the  community  where  his  boys  or  girls  live. 
He  realizes  that  to  understand  them  he  must 
know  the  environment  in  which  they  live.  In  ad- 
dition to  learning  about  the  neighborhood,  there- 
fore, he  decides  that  before  actually  trying  to  do 
anything  in  the  way  of  program  planning  with 
the  group,  he  will  know  more  about  the  members 
of  his  club  either  in  school  or  at  work  or  in  their 
homes.  Once  he  has  acquired  all  this  knowledge 
he  is  ready  to  do  an  understanding  and  sympa- 
thetic job  of  club  leading.  He  has  a fairly  good 
idea  what  the  members  are  likely  to  be  interested 
in  and  has  prepared  his  own  list  of  suggestions 
for  a club  program,  but  he  doesn’t  foist  these  on 
his  group.  Rather,  he  calls  in  the  entire  club  or  a 
club  committee  to  aid  in  planning  the  program, 
either  for  the  month  or  season. 

Let’s  watch  the  group  plan  a program  with  this 
leader  for  the  month  of  October ! 

First  of  all  the  group  notes  down  several  leads 
to  help  them  in  program  planning.  In  athletics, 
they  note  there  must  be  some  discussion  of  bas- 
ketball. An  almanac  shows 
them  that  October  12  is  Co- 
lumbus Day,  Octo- 
ber 27  marks  the 
birth  of  Theodore 
Roosevelt  and  Octo- 
ber 31  is  Hallow- 
e’en. They  note 
down  all  these 
dates. 

Discussion  is 
started  first  on  the 
•matter  of  athletics. 
It  happens  that  the 
original  interest 
which  brought  the 
group  together  as  a 
club  was  basketball, 
so  little  prodding  is 
necessary  to  get 
group  discussion  on 
this  subject.  The 
group  does  want  to 
form  a team.  One  of 
the  group,  however, 
remembers  that  be- 
fore members  are 
permitted  to  play 
on  any  club  team  in 
the  settlement  or 


Members  of  a girls'  club  demonstrate 
an  activity  which  has  won  popularity 


Courtesy  WPA,  Washington,  D.  C. 


CLUB  LEADERSHIP 


39  7 


center  they  must  have  physical  examinations.  So 
he  suggests  that  someone  should  find  out  when 
examinations  are  going  to  take  place.  Another 
member  remarks  caustically,  “Wonder  why  they 
make  us  get  examined?”  Some  of  the  others  feel 
as  he  does,  but  others  try  to  explain  the  necessity 
of  such  an  examination.  The  leader  remarks  that 
he  knows  a doctor  who  would  be  quite  willing  to 
come  in  and  talk  to  them  on  this  particular  mat- 
ter if  they  are  interested.  Some  indicate  an  in- 
terest, but  others  feel  that  if  a doctor  comes  in  he 
might  make  them  afraid  to  do  things.  This  brings 
on  the  idea  that  the  group  might  be  able  to  get  a 
basketball  coach  to  come  in  with  the  doctor  and 
let  them  both  present  viewpoints  as  to  the  good 
and  bad  effects  of  basketball.  If  this  group  is 
made  up  of  adolescents  it  is  quite  likely  that  some 
member  will  take  the  discussion  far  afield  by  say- 
ing, “How  about  having  a doctor  come  in  and 
talk  to  us  about  ourselves  ?”  The  leader  draws  this 
boy  out  as  skillfully  as  he  knows  how  and  soon 
has  all  the  members  of  the  group  indicating  that 
they  are  interested  in  knowing  about  the  changes 
that  are  taking  place  in  them  physically.  “Why 
do  we  blush  when  we’re  around  girls  ? Why  does 
my  voice  crack  ? Why  do  I tire  more  easily  than  y*  * 
I used  to?”  The  leader  soon  discovers  that  sex 
is  at  the  basis  of  their  worries  and  indicates  that 
he  can  get  a doctor  to  come  in  and  tell  them  about 
themselves.  After  this  is  all  talked  over  the  ma- 
jority finally  decide  what  they  want.  They  may 
decide  to  have  a coach  in  to  talk  about  basketball, 
a doctor  to  talk  to  them  about  their  physical  make- 
up or  they  may  feel  they  would  rather  not  listen 
to  long  speeches,  and  so  “let’s  forget  about  it.” 
Even  though  the  leader  feels  differently  than  the 
members  about  this  program  it  is  his  place  to 
carry  out  their  wishes. 

The  group  then  moves  on  to  its  next  notation. 
October  12  is  Columbus  Day.  One  member  re- 
marks that  there  is  no  school  on  that  day.  An- 
other suggests  it  might  be  a good  time  for  a hike. 
Another  idea  comes  up!  “Since  there  is  no  school 
on  October  12  how  about  a party  the  night  be- 
fore ?”  Some  are  in  agreement  and  feel  this  might 
be  a “Discovery  Social”  to  tie  in  with  the  idea  of 
Columbus  discovering  America.  Another  mem- 
ber feels  that  since  Hallowe’en  is  coming  at  the 
end  of  the  month  it  would  be  a more  appropri- 
ate time  for  a party.  This  member,  however,  has 
another  suggestion.  His  hobby  is  gathering  and 
making  maps  and  he  offers  to  bring  in  his  collec- 
tion and  trace  Columbus’  trip  on  one  of  his  maps. 


This  gets  the  group  on  to  a discussion  of  hobbies 
and  it  is  found  that  some  of  the  members  have 
stamp  collections,  others  rock  collections,  etc. 
“How  about  a hobby  exhibit  and  a special  pro- 
gram for  our  parents?”  The  group  certainly  has 
journeyed  away  from  its  original  discussion  of  a 
program  to  fit  in  with  Columbus  Day,  but  is  get- 
ting to  the  things  it  wants  to  do.  The  leader  is 
following  every  thought  and  finally  settling  with 
them  on  just  what  is  to  be  done. 

In  this  way  the  group  goes  on  from  notation 
to  notation  settling  its  program  for  October.  The 
mention  of  October  27  as  Theodore  Roosevelt’s 
birthday  may  lead  to  talk  of  our  president,  Frank- 
lin Roosevelt  and  then  to  presidential  elections 
and  to  the  need  for  English  and  citizenship  train- 
ing for  their  parents  and  themselves  so  they  can 
vote  properly,  etc. 

Talk  of  Hallowe’en  may  also  go  very  far  afield, 
but  after  this  meeting  for  planning  the  program 
for  October  is  over,  the  group  will  have  reached 
its  own  decisions,  decided  for  itself  what  it  wants 
to  do,  and  the  final  program  will  not  be  the  lead- 
er’s but  the  group’s.  To  plan  programs  in  this  way 
is  a hard  job,  but  it  is  the  job  of  the  good  club 
leader. 

Let  us  carry  this  leader  just  one  notch  higher  in 
the  scale  of  leadership  where  we  might  rate  him 
as  excellent.  The  excellent  club  leader  has  his 
eyes  and  ears  open  so  alertly  during  the  various 
meetings  of  his  group  that  he  is  able  to  note  spe- 
cific problems  that  are  coming  up  in  the  minds  of 
some  of  the  boys.  He  is  willing  to  help  them 
change  a program  that  has  taken  hours  of  plan- 
ning, so  that  it  will  more  definitely  help  the  boys 
to  solve  their  problems. 

For  example,  the  group  in  working  out  the 
above  program  may  have  decided  to  have  the 
hobby  show  to  which  parents  are  to  be  invited. 
The  night  of  the  show,  however,  several  boys  do 
not  bring  their  parents.  The  alert  leader  may  dis- 
cover that  the  reason  for  this  is  that  many  of  the 
boys  think  their  parents  old-fashioned  and  are 
ashamed  of  them.  He  will  immediately  seize  on 
this  as  a means  of  building  better  home  relation- 
ships. He  knows  that  Johnny’s  mother  has  a 
beautiful  copper  collection  from  Russia.  Jim’s 
mother  has  done  some  beautiful  handwork  in 
Europe,  which  she  has  brought  to  this  country. 
Someone  else’s  father  is  an  expert  woodcarver. 
Consequently,  this  leader  thinks  — and  this  out 
loud — that  it  would  be  something  different  and 
(Continued  on  page  415) 


A Hobby  Sh  ow— Just  for  Fun 


By  Lilas  Middleditch 


No  prizes  were  offered,  no 
ribbons  awarded,  and  no 
honorable  mentions 
made  of  the  three  hundred 
some  exhibits  shown  at  the 
third  annual  hobby  show  of 
Long  Beach,  California,  over 
a week-end  in  late  summer. 

Yet  nearly  35,000  people  saun- 
tered into  the  municipal  audi- 
torium to  visit  the  varied  dis- 
play sponsored  by  the  city’s 
Recreation  Commission.  Fully 
a fifth  of  Long  Beach’s  popu- 
lation seemed  interested  in 
hobbies  which  were  ridden 
mainly  for  the  fun  of  the 
thing. 

Perhaps  some  of  the  Com- 
missioned-fostered  classes  on 
school  and  beach  playgrounds, 
in  parks  and  indoor  recreation 
centers,  “worked”  at  play  harder  during  the  sum- 
mer because  they  wanted  to  make  a good  showing 
to  climax  the  vacation.  But  hobbyists  are  ever- 
lastingly at  it  the  year  ’round  in  Long  Beach ! 

A hundred  and  fifty  adults  between  the  ages  of 
nineteen  and  ninety-one  drop  in  the  downtown 
Bixby  Park  at  their  convenience  three  days  a week 
to  make  both  Indian  and  original  baskets  under 
the  leadership  of  a woman  who  rode  the  basketry 
hobby  a score  of  years  before  she  commenced 
teaching.  Here,  too,  children  make  baskets  or  en- 
gage in  other  handcraft.  Over  200  boys  and  girls 
spend  much  of  their  spare  time  at  northside 
Houghton  Park  constructing  and  flying  model  air- 
planes under  guidance  of  an  ex-flier  who  under- 
stands both  children  and  planes.  Another  large 
group  frequents  the  marine  stadium  and  lagoon, 
building  and  sailing  miniature  boats.  Belmont 
Recreation  Center’s  eastside  handcraft  shops  of- 
fer varied  opportunities  to  adults  and  children  to 
ride  creative  hobbies  — wood  and  soap  carving, 
puppetry,  painting  and  what-have-you  in  your 


own  original  mind ! At  Silve- 
rado Park  a westside  shop  is 
open  to  the  public. 

In  addition  to  the  best  prod- 
ucts of  hobby-time  at  these 
centers,  the  hand  work  of 
many  individuals  and  several 
clubs  contributed  to  the  1936 
hobby  show. 

Just  a Few  of  the  Hobbies 
Shown 

One  youth  brought  in  a 
complete  “A1  Barnes’  Circus” 
in  miniature  which  had  taken 
him  three  years  to  copy.  An- 
other, whose  hobby  was  hik- 
ing, displayed  a diamond  back 
rattlesnake  which  he  had  killed 
during  his  vacation  in  the  high 
Sierras.  A third  showed  black 
widow  spiders  in  all  stages  of 
their  development.  This  exhibitor  believes  that  he 
has  discovered  a larva  which  will  feed  on  the  eggs 
of  the  poisonous  pest. 

A resident  whose  hobby  is  rolling  his  own  va- 
cation home  luxuriously,  displayed  a palatial  yacht 
of  his  own  design.  Another  showed  a modern, 
good  looking  house  car  which  he  had  built  en- 
tirely himself.  A septuagenarian  exhibited  a 
string  of  no-two-alike  buttons  which  she  had  be- 
gun at  the  age  of  seven.  A collection  of  gourds 
grown  in  town  during  the  summer  kept  their 
owner  busy  explaining  that  he  truly  had  not 
painted  them  their  brilliant  hues. 

Members  of  local  sketch  and  camera  clubs  sup- 
plied many  fine  examples  of  their  artistry.  Bait 
and  casting  club  members  demonstrated  their  skill 
with  rod  and  line. 

Entertainment  Programs,  Too 

Entertainment  was  almost  continuous  while  the 
show  was  on.  Music  was  supplied  by  organiza- 
(Continued  on  page  416) 


Whether  you're  nineteen  or  ninety- 
one,  you'll  want  to  "make  things!" 


398 


Some  Hazards  of  Recreation 


THERE  is  at  this  moment  no 
adequate  answer  to  the  ques- 
tion “what  are  the  hazards  in 
recreation?”  Most  of  the  grouping 
of  fatalities  and  accidents 
which  come  to  us  through 
sources  such  as  “Accident 
Facts”*  include  some  phases 
of  recreation.  The  question 
is  raised,  how  many  of  the 
auto  fatalities  and  accidents 
are  due  to  recreational  use  of 
the  car?  In  the  sailing,  swim- 
ming and  flying  accidents  the 
same  question  might  be  rais- 
ed. Many  of  the  firearms  ac- 
cidents and  fatalities  must  of 
necessity  be  recreation  acci- 
dents. This  is  particularly  apparent  when  4 to 
7%  of  the  accidents  in  the  home  during  the  past 
five  years  have  been  due  to  firearms. 

The  inadequacy  of  our  present  figures  on  acci- 
dents in  the  field  of  recreation  is  further  illus- 
trated when  one  considers  walking  and  camping, 
and  the  accidents  due  to  construction  and  crafts 
as  well  as  those  in  the  home.  The  question  then 
which  must  sometime  be  answered  is  “of  the 
99,000  people  who  were  killed  as  a result  of  acci- 
dents during  the  year  1935*  how  many  of  these 
deaths  resulted  from  recreation  pursuits?”  The 
same  would  apply  to  the  9,600,000  injuries  which 
were  sustained  due  to  accidents  during  the  year 
1935,  and  the  estimated  cost  of  three  billions  of 
dollars. 

Some  indication  of  these  percentages  may  be 
obtained  from  a study  of  insurance  figures  for 
1931  in  which  an  analysis  of  some  64,000  acci- 
dents was  made.  Of  these  64,000  accidents,  ap- 
proximately 12,000  or  18.5%  were  due  to  recrea- 
tion pursuits.  Utilizing  this  percentage  for  na- 
tional comparisons,  it  would  mean  that  of  the  nine 
and  one-half  millions  of  injuries  due  to  accidents, 
1,158,000  would  be  attributable  to  recreation  pur- 
suits. This  study  further  analyzed  the  cost  of 
these  64,000  accidents  and  found  that  the  total 
group  cost  a little  over  thirteen  millions  of  dollars. 
Of  this  $788,000  or  13.6%  was  expended  on  rec- 


reation accidents.  Transferring 
this  proportional  percentage  to  the 
three  billion  estimated  cost  of  acci- 
dents for  1935,  it  would  indicate 
that  408  millions  of  dollars 
were  spent  for  accidents  di- 
rectly attributable  to  recrea- 
tion pursuits. 

In  some  of  the  studies  re- 
lated to  the  schools,  particu- 
larly in  the  field  of  athletics, 
it  has  been  shown  that  ap- 
proximately 50%  of  the  ac- 
cidents in  these  fields  are 
avoidable.  In  general,  both 
the  schools  and  the  recrea- 
tion centers  conduct  their 
recreational  activities  under 
good  supervision.  Many  of  the  activities  resulting 
in  fatalities  and  accidents  reported  in  our  na- 
tional accident  statistics,  however,  would  not  be 
under  expert  supervision  and  therefore  50%  as 
applied  to  these  areas  would  be  exceedingly  con- 
servative. Let  us  assume  that  only  50%  of  the 
recreation  accidents  can  be  avoided.  This  would 
mean  on  the  basis  of  these  estimated  figures  that 
approximately  900,000  accidents  could  be  avoided 
next  year,  with  a saving  of  204  millions  of  dollars. 
In  order  to  effect  these  savings,  it  would  be  neces- 
sary that  there  be  established  procedures  which 
would  insure  the  use  of  safe  equipment  and  fa- 
cilities and  the  provision  of  supervision  which 
whilst  it  would  not  reduce  the  enjoyment  of  these 
recreational  pursuits  would  tend  to  eliminate  un- 
necessary hazards. 

The  problem  of  accidents  in  recreation  is  still 
further  complicated  by  the  many  areas  in  which 
recreational  activities  are  conducted.  On  outdoor 
playgrounds  we  would  have  the  problem  of  con- 
crete floors  and  the  construction  of  equipment, 
but  in  buildings  utilized  for  play  one  would  have 
additional  problems  of  craft  shops  and  gymnasi- 
ums, of  the  hazards  of  swinging  doors  and  poorly- 
lighted  and  constructed  stairways.  Should  one’s 
program  include  swimming,  it  would  bring  with  it 
a number  of  additional  hazards,  particularly  if 
this  swimming  be  allowed  or  “winked  at”  in  un- 


ify Frank  S.  Lloyd 

Professor  of  Education 
New  York  University 


This  address  by  Dr.  Lloyd  was  pre- 
sented at  the  Seventh  Annual 
Greater  New  York  Safety  Confer- 
ence held  in  March,  1936.  Dr. 
Lloyd's  study  of  Safety  in  Physical 
Education  in  Secondary  Schools  is 
well  known  to  recreation  workers 
and  physical  educators.  It  was 
published  by  the  National  Bureau 
of  Casualty  and  Surety  Under- 
writers, New  York. 


* National  Safety  Council,  New  York  City. 


399 


400 


SOME  HAZARDS  OF  RECREATION 


supervised  areas.  If  the  recreation  program  be 
extensive  enough  to  include  the  utilization  of  out- 
door spaces  for  hiking  and  camping  then  the  haz- 
ards of  hitch-hiking  if  that  pernicious  procedure 
be  allowed,  proper  selection  of  sites,  purity  of 
drinking  water,  and  guarding  against  poisonous 
plants,  insects  and  reptiles  would  be  added  to  the 
picture. 

How  Safe  Is  the  Playground? 

In  general,  we  may  say  that  the  playground  or 
recreation  center  is  a very  safe  place  in  which  to 
recreate.  The  degree  of  safety  of  course  will  de- 
pend upon  the  nature  of  the  building  and  facilities 
and  the  type  of  leadership  which  is  available.  The 
degree  to  which  these  areas  may  be  made  safe  is 
indicated  in  the  Los  Angeles  study  where  an  inci- 
dence of  2.04  per  100,000  accidents  was  reduced 
to  1.27  per  100,000  as  a result  of  an  extended 
safety  program.  As  far  as  we  can  now  estimate 
the  accident  incidence  of  a recreational  center  is 
about  the  same  as  that  of  a school.  The  school 
rate  for  the  elementary  and  junior  high  school  is 
approximately  418  accidents  for  100,000  pupils. 
It  should  be  remembered  that  in  order  to  get  the 
exposure  rate  these  100,000  have  to  be  multi- 
plied by  the  number  of  days  which  they  attend 
school.  In  recreational  centers  we  found  a rate 
of  approximately  400  per  100,000.  This  last  figure 
is  tentative  as  the  pupil  attendance  figure  for  the 
recreational  centers  has  not  been  effectively 
established. 

The  need  for  recreation  centers  in  the  City  of 
New  York  is  a peculiar  one.  Making  a compara- 
tive analysis  of  the  accidents  sustained  by  school 
children  it  is  found  that  for  the  nation  36%  of 
the  accidents  occur  in  the  school  buildings  and 
grounds,  while  23%  of  the  accidents  in  New  York 
City  occur  in  these  areas.  For  the  nation,  9%  of 
the  accidents  occur  as  the  child  is  going  to  and 
from  school,  but  in  New  York  City,  46%  of  the 
accidents  occur  as  the  youngster  is  going  to  and 
from  school.  When  it  is  further  realized  that  2 % 
of  the  automobile  accidents  to  children  under  16 
years  of  age  are  fatalities,  the 
significance  of  this  figure  is 
made  more  apparent.  For  the 
nation,  44%  of  the  accidents  oc- 
cur in  the  home,  while  in  New 
York  City  only  23%  are  home 
accidents.  The  Police  Depart- 
ment figures  indicate  that  12% 
of  the  accidents  in  the  street  to 


children  under  the  age  of  16  are  due  to  playing  in 
roadways. 

A closer  study  of  these  figures  indicates  that 
proportionally  there  are  more  street  accidents  in 
New  York  City,  which  in  all  probability  is  due  to 
lack  of  play  space.  That  there  are  fewer  home 
accidents,  but  this  is  less  a compliment  to  the 
home  than  it  is  to  the  nature  of  the  home  which 
forces  the  youngster  on  to  the  streets.  That  in 
New  York  City  there  is  greater  opportunity  for 
street  accidents  as  children  are  compelled  in  many 
cases  to  pass  over  hazardous  areas  in  going  to  and 
from  school.  These  figures  should  indicate  the 
absolute  need  for  adequate  recreational  areas 
whether  these  be  in  the  form  of  restricted  play 
streets,  adequately  constructed  play  areas,  or 
parks. 

At  a recent  conference  on  recreation  problems 
in  New  York  City,  it  was  brought  out  that  one  of 
the  immediate  procedures  for  a more  effective 
recreation  program  is  a more  effective  utilization 
of  the  present  available  facilities.  This  becomes 
more  obvious  when  it  can  be  shown  that  60%  of 
the  street  accidents  to  children  under  the  age  of 
16,  occur  during  the  months,  May  to  October, 
while  the  corresponding  six  months  from  No- 
vember to  April  account  for  only  40%.  Further, 
that  the  highest  number  of  street  accidents  occur 
during  the  months  of  May  and  June,  and  further 
that  the  incidence  of  school  and  street  accidents  is 
very  high  in  the  months  of  September  and  Octo- 
ber. It  would  appear,  therefore,  that  children  be- 
gin to  play  more  extensively  in  the  streets  of  New 
York  City  between  the  period  of  May  to  October, 
that  during  this  time  there  must  be  provided  ade- 
quate recreation  facilities  to  handle  these  children 
and  reduce  the  number  that  are  compelled  to  play 
on  the  streets.  The  need  for  this  becomes  in- 
creasingly apparent  when  it  is  realized  that  play- 
grounds do  not  tend  to  be  opened  until  the  end  of 
June,  and  close  on  the  fourth  of  September. 

The  need  for  more  effective  recreation  areas  in 
the  City  of  New  York  is  apparent  if  we  are  to 
reduce  the  number  of  accidents  and  fatalities  to 
children  and  wish  to  promote  an 
adequate  play  and  recreation 
program  for  our  youth.  Every 
means  must  be  taken  to  provide 
the  facilities  and  the  proper 
leadership  and  then  utilize  the 
very  best  educational  procedures 
to  attract  the  children  to  these 
centers.  Remembering  that  a 
(Continued  on  page  417) 


"Every  public  and  private  agency 
in  the  community  must  be  interest- 
ed in  the  creation  of  a public  at- 
titude that  will  demand  safe  play 
centers  properly  manned,  will  cre- 
ate in  the  child  and  in  the  adult  the 
desire  to  recreate  in  these  areas, 
and  will  make  certain  that  every  cen- 
ter is  an  area  for  effective  living." 


Farm 


Olympics 

A rural  sports  festival 
delights  Illinois  folks 


Courtesy  The  Prairie  Farmer 


■ 

■i|"he  Big  Games  of  the  year  did  not  take  place 
‘ in  Berlin,  according  to  farmers  of  Illinois,  but 
at  the  Illinois  Farm  Sports  Festival  held  for 
two  days  in  September. 

And  such  a festival ! At  ten  o’clock  the  morn- 
ing of  the  first  day,  seventy  soft  ball  teams  were 
battling  each  other  for  preliminary  honors  in 
adult,  4-H  club  and  girls’  divisions.  Each  diamond 
had  from  ioo  to  300  enthusiastic  supporters  root- 
ing for  one  team  or  the  other,  while  the  Illinois 
Agricultural  sound  truck  careened  about  from 
ball  diamond  to  ball  diamond  and  from  one  ac- 
tivity to  another,  keeping  interest  at  high  pitch 
by  announcing  results  and  giving  instructions  and 
activities  schedules. 

Baseball  was  not  the  only  item  on  the  bill  of 
fare.  There  were  music  and 
dance  elimination  contests 
watched  by  over  25,000  enthusi- 
astic and  appreciative  persons. 

The  barn  dance  laurels  were 
won  by  the  “Streator  Ramblers” 
as  the  women  swooped  in  bon- 
nets, pantalettes  and  chintz- 
print  dresses  with  their  ban- 
danaed,  white-dressed  partners. 

JOf  the  eight  members  of  the 
“Streator  Ramblers”  five  were 
in  one  family — dad,  mother,  two 
sons  and  a daughter-in-law.  The 
folk  dance  winners  had  as  much 
fun  as  the  spectators  who 
watched  them,  so  much  fun,  in 
fact,  that  these  sixteen  mem- 
bers of  the  Ford  County  Rural 
Youth  Group  plan  to  work  up 


They  took  part  in  hog  calling  instead  of 
athletics,  and  what  a competition  it  was! 

new  and  different  dances  for  future  entertain- 
ments. 

Then  came  the  novelty  band  contests.  There 
were  tooting  flutes,  twanging  banjoes  and  crude 
instruments  fashioned  out  of  pitchforks,  saws, 
washboards,  funnels  and  hose,  and  queer  objects 
called  “hoopernuffers”  which  are  made  of  metal 
crackerboxes  and  cymbals  on  standards.  Strangely 
enough,  good  music  issued  from  these  makeshift 
instruments  played  by  spirited  musicians  whose 
costumes  would  arouse  envy  in  the  heart  of  any 
circus  clown!  The  “Livingston  County  Apple 
Knockers,”  made  up  of  “Pop”  with  his  violin,  one 
son  with  a guitar,  another  son 
with  a bass  viol,  and  a neighbor 
with  his  accordian,  carried  off 
first  prize. 

Sandwiched  in  between  these 
events  were  community  singing, 
short  talks,  band  concerts  and 
WLS  radio  entertainment. 

The  second  day  began  with  a 
tour  of  the  Agricultural  Experi- 
ment Station  and  a continuation 
of  baseball  and  soft  ball  elimi- 
nations. Over  the  University  of 
Illinois  Campus,  where  all  these 
events  were  held,  came  strange 
cries  which  must  have  startled 
the  stately  college,  used  as  it  is 
to  freshman  and  sophomore 
“goings  on.”  A scream  of  “Jo- 
ha-n-ee  come  to  din-n-e-r-r !” 
and  a deep  bellowing  of  “who- 


Athle+ic  events  had  their  place 
in  the  program  for  boys  and  girls 


Courtesy  The  Prairie  Farmer 


401 


402 


FARM  OLYMPICS 


o-o-e-e  p-e-e-g!  p-e-e-g!”  and  a musical  “Here, 
chick,  chick,  chick !”  announced  that  husband  call- 
ing, chicken  calling  and  pig  calling  contests  were 
under  way.  The  husband  calling  contest  was  en- 
tered by  many  who  yoo-hooed  and  yodeled  their 
Clydes,  Johnnies  and  Archies  home  to  supper,  at- 
tempting by  volume,  firmness,  appeal  and  origi- 
nality to  win  the  prize.  A woman  with  a three- 
cornered  whistle  which  seemed  actually  to  speak 
her  commands  received  the  prize.  The  chicken  call- 
ing contest  was  based  on  carrying  capacity  of 
voice,  musical  ability,  harmony,  cadence,  action, 
general  appearance  in  scattering  food  and  variety 
of  appeal. 

It  took  a married  woman  with  a determined 
mien  to  wrest  the  honors  from  an  un- 
married one  in  the  rolling  pin  throw- 
ing contest.  Three  times  out  of  six 
she  knocked  the  hat  off  a bleary- 
eyed,  red-nosed  straw  man.  Beware, 
husband!  Another  woman’s 
contest  was  one  held  in  darn- 
ing. The  woman,  a college 
graduate,  who  won  by 
virtue  of  the  delicacy 
of  the  weave  and  fine 
stitches  in  her 
darning  exclaim- 
ed “This  darning 
award  means 
more  to  me 
than  my  Phi 
Beta  Kappa 
key !” 

Late  in  the 
afternoon  the 
young  folk 
competed  in 
field,  track 
and  swim- 
ming events. 

There  were 
tug-of-war 
and  horse  pull- 
ing contests  as 
well  as  the  fol- 
lowing events : 

For  boys  — 50 
and  100  yard  swim, 
shot  put,  880  yard  run, 

100  yard  dash,  high 
jump,  pole  vault,  broad  jump,  re- 
lay race  and  horse  shoes.  All  but 


the  last  two  events  were  run  in  two  divisions,  one 
for  boys  under  sixteen  and  one  for  those  over 
sixteen.  For  girls  there  were  a 50  yard  and  100 
yard  swim,  75  yard  dash  and  broad  and  high 
jump. 

The  checker  players  in  the  gymnasium  annex 
played  early  and  late.  A farm  adviser  watching 
the  games,  observing  the  stiff  ramrod  posture  of 
(Continued  on  page  418) 


Illinois'  best  rolling 
pin  thrower  in  action 


Courtesy  The  Prairie  Farmer 


The  girls  had  their 
part  in  the  program 


Recreational  Activities  for  the  Mentally  III 


During  the  past  few  years 
stress  has  been  laid  upon  the 
value  of  supplementing 
work  with  play  as  a means  of  liv- 
ing a well-balanced  and  fuller  life.  Education 
should  be  vitally  concerned  with  teaching  and  re- 
educating individuals  in  social  and  economic  ad- 
justments through  the  relation  of  recreation  to 
work. 

It  has  been  the  objective  of  the  recreational  de- 
partment of  Butler  Hospital  in  Providence, 
Rhode  Island,  an  institution  for  the  treatment  of 
mental  illnesses,  to  introduce  a varied  program 
to  help  normalize  life  through  the  rehabilitation 
of  mental,  physical  and  social  activities.  The  first 
superintendent  of  the  hospital,  Dr.  Isaac  Ray, 
realized  the  value  of  recreation  as  a therapeutic 
measure  and  stressed  the  need  of  a recreational 
center  where  such  activities  might  be  carried  on 
away  from  the  wards.  In  1866  a building  was 
erected  containing  bowling  alleys,  billiard  tables 
and  a reading  room.  As  the  demand  for  recrea- 
tional facilities  increased  this  building  was  re- 
modeled in  1894.  The  second  floor  was  made  into 
an  assembly  room  with  a stage  on  one  end.  The 
first  floor  was  transformed  into  a small  gym- 
nasium with  added  apparatus  such  as  chest 
weights,  Indian  clubs,  and  dumbbells.  Part  of  the 
second  floor  was  removed  and  a large  auditorium 
constructed.  An  addition  was  built  containing 
kitchen,  serving  room,  dressing  rooms,  stage  prop- 
erty room,  lounge,  smoking 
room,  and  class  room.  The 
women’s  occupational  ther- 
apy shop  rooms  occupied 
the  second  floor. 

As  the  original  recrea- 
tional building  was  being 
constantly  used  for  social 
and  occupational  activities, 
another  large  building  was 
remodelled  in  1916  into  a 
gymnasium.  The  basement 
was  transformed  into  bowl- 
ing alleys  and  hydrotherapy 
rooms.  The  first  floor  was 


re-made  into  a social  room,  sew- 
ing room,  and  gymnasium  floor. 
A balcony  was  built  over  one  end 
of  the  gymnasium  floor  and  was 
equipped  with  billiard  and  ping  pong  tables. 

The  hospital  grounds  offer  many  advantages  for 
recreational  activities.  Facilities  for  tennis,  horse- 
shoe pitching,  baseball,  golf  putting,  croquet,  and 
lawn  games  are  available.  A natural  wooded  area 
offers  material  for  nature  classes.  An  outdoor 
fireplace  makes  it  possible  for  picnic  parties,  and 
trails  are  inviting  to  those  who  enjoy  hiking. 

Learning  the  Patients’  Interests 

In  arranging  the  recreational  program  effort  is 
made  to  plan  activities  which  have  therapeutic 
value  for  the  largest  number  of  patients  and 
which  follow  their  expressed  interests.  To  do 
this  it  is  necessary  to  know  something  of  the  in- 
dividual patient’s  background,  her  aptitudes,  oc- 
cupational interests,  and  hobbies.  Shortly  after  a 
patient  has  been  admitted  she  is  visited  by  the 
recreation  worker  who  describes  to  her  the  vari- 
ous recreational  and  social  activities  offered.  At 
this  time  an  Interest  Sheet  is  given  to  the  patient 
on  which  she  may  check  her  current  interests.  It 
reads  as  follows : 

Please  Check  What  You  Are  Interested  In  and  Would 
Like  to  Knozv  More  About 

Modeling 
Carving 
Sketching 
Business 

Typing  Stenography 

Calisthenics 
Current  Events 
National  World 

Dancing 

Social  Folk  Interpretive 
Domestic  Science 
Cooking 
Serving  Meals 
Table  Arrangements 
Flower  Arrangements 
Entertaining 
Household  Budgeting 
Dramatics 
Foreign  Languages 
French  Italian 

German  Spanish 

Fashions 

Styles  Cosmetics 

403 


By  Beatrice  Brown 

Recreational  Director 
Butler  Hospital 


Art 

Appreciating 
Sculpturing 
Painting 

"Occupation  and  recreation  are  two  of  the 
most  valuable  parts  of  our  daily  activities 
for  the  nervously  and  mentally  sick.  They 
are  extremely  valuable  as  therapy-occupa- 
tion that  gives  the  feeling  of  developing  a 
skill  and  doing  something  worth  while,  rec- 
reation that  takes  us  away  from  our  worries 
and  humdrum  routine  and  brings  new  reali- 
zation of  the  joy  of  play.  I believe  that 
work  and  play  often  overlap  in  the  experi- 
ence of  individuals  and  that  the  proper 
balance  of  work  and  play  must  be  developed 
constantly  to  keep  us  mentally  well  and  to 
help  restore  us  to  health  if  we  get  men- 
tally sick." — Dr.  Arthur  H.  Ruggles,  Su- 
perintendent of  Butler  Hospital. 


404 


RECREATIONAL  ACTIVITIES  FOR  THE  MENTALLY  ILL 


Games 
Card  games 
Table  games 
Musical  games 
Out-of-door  games 

Gardening 

History 

Interior  Decorating 
Color  value 
Arranging  furniture 
Period  furniture 
Journalism 
Literature 

Name: 


Music 
Appreciation 
Singing  (Group) 
Instrumental 
Toy  Symphony 
Nature  Study 
Flowers  Stars 

Rocks  Insects 

Birds  Water 

Trees  Animals 

Dish  Gardens 
Weather  Forecasting 
Travel  Club 
Photography 


It  is  felt  that  group  activities  for  both  men  and 
women,  when  there  is  no  segregation  of  sex, 
paves  the  way  for  social  and  economic  adjustment 
and  serves  as  an  emotional  release.  It  has  been 
through  such  activities  that  we  have  stimulated 
some  of  our  patients’  interests.  The  following 
are  some  of  the  social  and  educational  activities  in 
which  men  and  women  participate : 


Social  and  Educational  Activities 

Educational  Lectures.  This  is  a course  given  by 
distinguished  speakers  in  art,  travel,  science  and 
history.  These  lectures  tend  to  stimulate  creative 
impulses  which  may  lead  to  the  development  of  a 
larger  interest  outside  of  oneself.  The  various 
speakers  are  introduced  to  the  audience  by  the 
patients.  In  this  way  they  are  helped  to  have  self- 
control  and  confidence  in  meeting  the  public. 

Nature  Clubs  and  Gardening.  These  afford  the 
patients  opportunity  to  express  creative  and  con- 
structive abilities.  They  also  offer  physical  exer- 
cise and  stimulate  objective  interests.  As  an  ex- 
ample of  what  has  been  done,  the  patients  have 
recently  mapped  out  a nature  trail  marking  the 
trees  along  the  route.  To  do  this  it  was  necessary 
first  to  acquaint  themselves  with  the  grounds  and 
then  to  look  up  the  various  types  of  trees,  then 
make  the  markers. 

Social  Recreation.  These  activities  are  many  and 
varied,  the  indoor  and  outdoor  programs,  table 
games,  guessing  games  and  card  parties.  It  is  felt 
that  such  activities  are  an  aid  in  making  a social 
and  emotional  adjustment. 

Musical  Activities.  Music  serves  as  a balancing 
agent  for  over-active  and  under-active  patients, 
and  brings  out  self-confidence,  self -consideration 
and  cooperation.  A weekly  singing  class  has  been 
most  enthusiastically  attended.  Its  members  have 
successfully  participated  in  an  Old  Folks  Con- 
cert and  an  Amateur  Hour,  and  have  sung  carols 
in  the  wards  on  Christmas  Eve.  Music  apprecia- 


tion hours,  radio  concerts,  rhythm  bands  and 
dancing  are  other  ways  in  which  music  is  used. 

Dramatics.  This  activity  has  a special  value  as 
a socializing  agent  and  for  the  coordination  of  in- 
terests as  creative  ability,  stage  design  and  con- 
structive work.  It  is  during  the  winter  months 
that  several  dramatic  entertainments  are  held  with 
an  entire  patient  cast. 

Physical  Education.  This  serves  as  an  energy 
outlet  and  physical  stimulus.  It  develops  whole- 
some interests  and  good  sportsmanship.  The 
patients  participate  in  calisthenic  classes,  baseball, 
volley  ball,  basketball,  bowling  and  tennis.  Less 
strenuous  games  such  as  golf,  croquet,  and  horse- 
shoe pitching  are  also  available  for  patients  on 
modified  schedules.  As  the  patients  become  more 
perfected  in  these  activities  weekly  contests  and 
tournaments  are  held. 

Movies.  These  are  held  weekly  and  are  carefully 
selected  for  their  educational  and  social  value. 

Dancing.  A weekly  social  dance  is  held  during 
the  winter  months.  This  serves  as  an  energy  out- 
let and  a socializing  factor. 

Religious  Services.  Such  services  are  held  Sun- 
day afternoon  and  are  a comfort  and  benefit  to 
those  who  attend. 

Current  Events.  These  classes  keep  the  patients 
in  touch  with  the  affairs  of  the  day  and  create 
civic  interests. 

Occupations.  Carpentry,  linoleum-block  print- 
ing, metal  work,  printing  of  the  patients’  weekly 
magazine,  and  arts  and  crafts  are  engaged  in  by 
the  men.  The  women  are  taught  domestic  science, 
household  hints,  homemaking,  interior  decorating 
and  arts  and  crafts.  In  the  occupational  therapy 
department  as  well  as  in  recreational  activities  ef- 
fort is  made  to  provide  the  type  of  work  which 
may  be  carried  on  after  the  patient  leaves  the 
hospital. 

A weekly  program  is  submitted  to  each  ward 
so  that  the  patients  may  anticipate  coming  events. 
The  programs  are  varied  so  that  as  many  as  pos- 
sible may  benefit,  including  the  “lookers  on”  as 
well  as  those  who  participate. 

The  Summer  Recreation  Program 

The  following  are  copies  of  a winter  and  sum- 
mer program  for  the  Women’s  Service.  There 
are  similar  programs  for  the  Men’s  Service : 
Monday 

9:30-11:00  Arts  and  Crafts  (U.  D.) 

9:30-11:00  Occupational  Work  (U.  S.) 


RECREATIONAL  ACTIVITIES  FOR  THE  MENTALLY  ILL 


405 


10:30-12 :00 
11:00-12 :00 

1 :30-  3 :00 
3:00-  4:30 


Tuesday 

9:30-11:00 

9:30-11:00 

11:00-12:00 
10 :00-  4 :00 
7 :00-  8 :00 

Wednesday 
9:30-11:00 
9:30-11:00 
10:30-12 :00 
11:00-12:00 
1 :00-  2 :00 
2 :00-  4 :00 
7 :00-  8 :30 

Thursday 
9:30-11:00 
10:00-  4:30 

10:30-12  :00 
1 :30-  4 :30 
7:00-  8:00 


Gym  Class  (L.  D.) 
Horseshoe  Pitch- 
ing* 

Croquet* 

Baseball  Practice 
(U.  S.) 


Arts  and  Crafts 
(U.  D.) 

Occupational  Work 
(U.  S.) 

Group  Walk* 
Visiting  Day 
Toy  Symphony  Re- 
hearsal (U.  S.) 


"Recreation  contributes  more  to  the 
normal  mental  health  of  an  individual 
than  any  other  single  factor.  It  is  an 
outlet  for  frustrated  hopes  and  shat- 
tered ideals.  The  art  of  keeping 
young  and  of  being  successful  in  any 
prolonged  strenuous  activity  lies  in 
the  individual's  ability  to  select  a 
recreational  program  and  adhere  to 
it  closely  through  life." 

Dr.  O.  R.  Yoder. 


Thursday 
9 :30-10  :30 

10:30-12:00 

10:30-12:00 
1 :00-  1 :30 

1 :30-  3 :00 

1 :30-  3 :30 

3 :30-  4 :30 
7:30 


Arts  and  Crafts 
(U.D.) 

MusicAppreciation* 
Group  Singing 
Gym  Class  (L.  D.) 
Argus  Board 
Meeting* 

Arts  and  Crafts 
(U.  D.) 

Bowling  Party 
(U.  S.)* 

Group  Hike  (U.S.) 
“Escapade”  (three 
act  comedy)* 


Arts  and  crafts  (U.  D.) 
Occupational  Work  (U.  S.) 
Gym  Class  (L.  D.) 

Tennis* 

Golf  Putting* 

Table  Games* 

Ward  Games  (U.  S.) 


Friday 

9:30-11:00  Arts  and  Crafts  (U.S.) 
9:30-12:00  Preparation  for  the  dance  (U.S.) 
9:30-12:00  Editing  the  Argus  (U.S.) 
10:30-12:00  Gym  Class  (L.  D.) 

2 :00-  4 :00  Dance* 

8:15  Basketball  Game* 


Arts  and  Crafts 
Educational  Trip* 

Swimming  Party 
Gym  Class  (L.D.) 

Lawn  Activities* 

Toy  Symphony  Rehearsal  (U.  S.) 


Saturday 

a.  m.  Ward  Work 

10  :00-  4:00  Visiting  Day 

Sunday 

2 :45  Chapel  Service* 


* Events  for  men  and  women 


Friday 

9:30-11:00 
9:30-11:00 
10:30-12:00 
11:00-12:00 
1 :30-  3 :00 
3 :00-  4 :00 

Saturday 
9:30-11:00 
11:00-12:00 
10:00-  4:00 
4:30-  6:00 


Arts  and  Crafts  (U.  D.) 
Occupational  Work  (U.  S.) 
Gym  Class  (L.  D.) 

Current  Events* 

Lawn  Activities* 

Men’s  Baseball  Game* 


Ward  Work 
Nature  Class* 
Visiting  Day 
Picnic  Supper* 


The  Winter  Recreation  Program 


Monday 
9:30-11:00 
10:00-11:00 
10:30-12:00 
11:00-12:00 
1 :30-  3 :00 
1 :30-  3 :30 
3 :30-  4 :30 
4:30-  6:00 
7 .15- 


Arts  and  Crafts  (U.  S.  F.) 
Current  Events  (Group  3) 
Gym  Class  (L.D.) 

Current  Events  (Group  2) 
Arts  and  Crafts  (U.D.) 
Bowling  (U.  S.) 

Social  Hour  (U.  S.) 
Fireside  Supper 
Movies 


Tuesday 
9:30-11:00 
10 :00-ll :00 
11:00-12:00 
1 :30-  3 :00 
10 :00-  4 :00 
7 :00-  8 :30 


Arts  and  Crafts  (U.  S.) 
Play  Hour  (U.  D.) 

Current  Events  (Group  1)* 
Arts  and  Crafts  (U.  D.) 
Visiting  Day 
Rhythm  Band  (U.  S.) 


Wednesday 
9:30-11:00 
10:00-11:00 
10 :30-12  :00 
11:00-12:00 
1 :30-  3 :00 
2 :00-  4 :00 
7:00-  8:30 


Arts  and  Crafts  (U.  S.) 
Play  Hour  (U.D.) 

Gym  Class  (L.  D.) 
Nature  Class 
Arts  and  Crafts  (U.  D.) 
Special  Program* 

Ward  Activities  (U.  S.) 


Note:  U.S.  — Convalescing  patients;  U.D.  — inactive  patients; 
L.D.  — active  patients. 


Through  the  cooperation  and  support  of  all  the 
departments  of  the  hospital  it  is  possible  to  ar- 
range such  programs.  All  types  of  recreation  for 
each  patient  are  given  under  medical  advice.  It  is 
through  the  approval,  enthusiasm  and  encourage- 
ment from  the  medical  staff  that  we  are  able  to 
carry  out  many  of  our  projects.  The  ward  nurses 
assist  in  planning  and  preparing  for  the  activities 
and  in  seeing  that  the  patients  are  present.  They 
also  take  an  active  part  in  the  functions  which 
serves  as  a stimulus  for  the  patients  to  likewise 
participate  in  the  activities.  The  housekeeping 
department  furnishes  all  household  supplies  and 
much  of  the  occupational  work.  All  new  equip- 
ment and  replacements  are  made  through  the 
business  office.  Although  the  Occupational  Ther- 
apy Department  is  a separate  unit  it  goes  hand  in 
hand  with  the  recreational  work. 


"The  respective  aims  of  recreational  therapy 
for  so-called  normals  and  the  mentally  ill  are  fun- 
damentally different.  ...  For  the  mentally  ill,  the 
therapist  should  aim  to  get  the  patient  into  some 
form  of  activity  which  he  will  like,  will  do  vol- 
untarily and  which  will  have  desirable  social 
values.  This  procedure  is  essentially  reeduca- 
tional.” — John  Eisele  Davis  in  Principles  and 
Practice  of  Recreational  Therapy  for  the  Men- 
tally III . 


Play  Leader  for  a Day 


I ast  July  the  Municipal  Rec- 
L reation  Commission  of 

Syracuse,  New  York,  conducted  elections  for 
playground  leaders  in  an  experiment  which  proved 
so  successful  that  the  plan  may  in  the  future  be 
put  into  effect  two  or  three  times  a year  instead 
of  once. 

Some  Objectives 

The  purpose  of  conducting  the  elections  was 
both  educational  and  recreational.  We  found  that 
many  of  the  children  did  not  know  what  primary 
day  meant.  Instead  of  telling  the  boys  and  girls 
on  the  grounds  just  what  was  expected  of  them, 
we  suggested  that  they  go  to  their  respective  ward 
politicians  to  learn  about  primary  days,  how  elec- 
tions are  run,  and  what  rules  and  methods  should 
be  used.  We  wanted  to  see  what  type  of  boy  or 
girl  would  receive  the  votes  of  the  young  poli- 
ticians. In  practically  all  cases  we  found  that  the 
natural  leader  was  elected  in  the  parks.  It  con- 
vinced us  that  the  successful  candidates  were  not 
the  versatile  athletes  but  the  real  leaders  in  their 
particular  groups.  In  many  cases  it  showed  that 
the  play  leader  or  “assistant-to-be”  was  the  one 
who  visited  the  park  most  frequently. 

One  reason  for  conducting  the  elections  was  to 
make  certain  that  the  boy  or  girl  would  be  of  as- 
sistance to  the  employed  play  leader  for  the  rest 
of  the  season.  The  elected  officers  soon  discovered 
that  their  duties  were  many  and  varied  and  that 
there  was  more  to  recreation  than  the  playing  of 
games.  We  wanted,  through  the  election,  to  in- 
vest some  authority  in  the  boy  or  girl  who  was  a 
natural  leader  so  that  he  or  she  might  carry  out 
the  work  for  the  day.  We  were 
anxious,  too,  to  develop  initia- 
tive and  leadership.  The  suc- 
cessful candidate  was  expected 
to  plan  a program  for  the  day 
in  accordance  with  his  best 
judgment,  and  each  officer  was 
required  to  take  over  his  or 
her  group  and  conduct  activi- 
ties for  it.  We  soon  discovered 
that  these  officials  were  keen 


to  detect  the  improvements 
which  were  needed  on  the  play- 
grounds, and  these  were  incorporated  in  the  plat- 
form of  their  parties. 

One  objective  which  we  had  in  mind  in  plan- 
ning for  one  day  in  which  the  children  themselves 
would  serve  as  play  leaders  was  to  see  how  many 
more  children  we  could  interest  in  coming  to  the 
parks,  thereby  increasing  the  number  of  partici- 
pants for  the  month  of  August  when  the  climax 
of  the  season’s  activities  would  come. 

With  these  goals  and  many  others  in  mind,  we 
felt  that  holding  the  elections  would  be  a step  for- 
ward in  promoting  a feeling  of  cooperation  be- 
tween the  play  leaders  and  the  children  who  fre- 
quent the  parks. 

Election  Day  Arrives 

Election  day  was  held  on  July  24th  and  the 
polls  were  open  from  9:00  a.  m.  to  4:00  p.  m. 
Electioneering  started  early  in  the  morning;  signs 
were  posted  on  all  playgrounds ; campaign 
speeches  were  made  from  soap  boxes;  sandwich 
men  paraded  the  grounds  with  signs  on  their 
backs,  and  both  boys  and  girls  started  to  campaign 
in  the  neighborhood  to  bring  the  children  out  for 
voting.  Candidates  and  helpers  carried  the  ballots 
which  were  made  by  the  play  leaders.  The  can- 
didates or  parties  had  their  platforms,  and  all 
pledged  themselves  to  carry  out  the  planks  in  the 
platform.  Promises  of  all  kinds  were  made  to  the 
populace.  When  the  voting  became  a little  light 
the  candidates  strayed  around  the  park  and  joined 
in  the  activities,  although  they  were  constantly  on 
the  lookout  for  the  late  voter. 

In  arranging  for  the  election 
we  discouraged  the  idea  of  us- 
ing the  names  of  the  national 
major  parties.  Suchnameswere 
evolved  as  the  Square  Deal 
Party,  Rinky-Dinks,  the  Slug- 
gers, the  Yankee  Party,  Valley 
Eagles,  the  Valley  Panthers, 
the  Oogies,  the  Slackers,  and 
others. 

( Continued  on  page  418) 


By  Victor  H.  Taylor 


Last  summer  the  playgrounds  of  Syra- 
cuse held  their  first  annual  election 
of  boy  and  girl  playground  leaders. 
The  election  was  preceded  by  pri- 
mary day  on  July  21st,  and  from  9 
A.  M.  to  4 P.  M.  the  polls  were  open 
to  receive  the  names  of  candidates 
wishing  to  enter  the  race.  Victor  H. 
Taylor,  Program  Director  of  the  Mu- 
nicipal Recreation  Commission,  tells 
us  in  this  article  how  it  was  done. 


406 


Back  to  the  0ood  Old  Days! 


On  They  Came! 

Park  Commissioner  Robert  Moses  said  a few 
words  and  the  contest  was  on.  Up  they  came,  one 
after  another,  sixteen  sets  of  four,  and  each  four 
except  the  four  city  department  quartets  were  in 
the  costumes  of  1905  or  thereabouts.  There  were 
dandies,  street  toughs,  policemen  with  mutton 
chop  whiskers,  farmers  and  newsboys.  Costumes 
were  required,  and  all  four  members  of  a quartet 
were  to  dress  alike,  although  each  quartet  chose 
its  own  appropriate-to-the-period  outfit.  The  long 
program  “bills,”  colored  and  four  times  as  long 
as  broad,  announced  the  names  — among  them 
“The  Little  Shavers,”  “The  Tallyho  Quartet”  and 
the  “Fireside  Troubadors.”  Members  of  each 
quartet  put  their  heads  together,  found  the  pitch 
and  broke  into  old-time  “close  harmony.”  The 
quartets,  by  rule,  were  restricted  to  non-profes- 
sional basses,  baritones  and  first  and  second  tenors 
and  no  age  limits  were  set.  A piano,  tuning  fork 
or  harmonica  were  used  for  finding  pitch,  but  no 
accompaniment  was  allowed.  Each  quartet  sang 
two  songs,  one  of  which  had  to  be  from  the  fol- 
lowing list.  The  second  song  might  also  be  select- 
ed from  this  list,  or  any  other  “harmony”  song  or 
popular  American  ballad  might  be  selected  pro- 
vided it  was  written  prior  to  1905.  No  song  was 
to  take  longer  than  six  minutes  to  sing. 

(Continued  on  page  420) 


New  York  City’s  Park  Department 
conducts  its  annual  barber  shop 
quartet  contest,  and  many  happy 
memories  of  old  days  are  revived 


New  York  City  stepped  back 
into  the  brown  derby,  mus- 
tache cup,  tonsorial  parlor 
era  this  fall  for  the  second  an- 
nual American  Ballad  Contest  for 
amateur  barber  shop  quartets 
conducted  by  the  Department  of 
Parks.  For  weeks  the  compara- 
tive peace  of  neighborhoods  in  all 
the  five  boroughs  had  been  shat- 
tered by  some  thirty-two  earnest 
quartets  soul  fully  rendering  the  songs  of  the 
“good  old  days”  with  close,  and  sometimes  maybe 
not  so  close,  harmony.  But  it  was  a large  and  ap- 
preciative audience  which  gathered  for  each  of 
the  local  contests  and  a month  later  went  to  the 
new  Randall’s  Island  Municipal  Stadium  for  the 
similar  though  somewhat  more  elaborate  spectacle 
of  the  finals. 


And  it  was  a spectacle!  Around  the  bend  of 
the  brightly  lighted  stadium  track  passed  the  traf- 
fic of  the  period  — a wooden-wheeled  bicycle,  a 
carriage,  a plow  horse  still  in  harness  bestraddled 
by  a farmer  lad.  Women  with  ruffled  parasols 
strolled  or  rode  by ; a white  wing  threaded  his  way 
in  the  crowded  street ; a hay  wagon  rumbled  by 
and  a load  of  noisily  shouting  college  boys  sput- 
tered along  in  one  of  the  first  automobiles,  while 
up  on  the  “corner,”  set  up  on  the  stage,  the  pro- 
prietors of  Park’s  Tonsorial  Parlor  prepared  for 
trade,  and  the  barkeeper,  pushed  out  between  the 
swinging  doors  of  his  establishment,  looked  up  the 
street  for  prospective  clients  and  eyed  his  “Beer 
5^”  sign  with  satisfaction.  Across  the  stage  street 
a pawnbroker  and  tobacconist  kept  shop  and  near 
the  barber  shop  was  Me  Sing  Loo’s  laundry.  Old- 
time  music  played  by  the  Fire  Department  band 
further  helped  to  create  the  illusion  of  times  past. 


407 


The  American  Forestry  Association  Meets 


The  forests  of  America  are 
for  the  use  of  the  people. 

While  scenic  beauty  can  and 
must  be  preserved,  yet,  if  pro- 
perly controlled,  the  forests 
constitute  a sound  base  for 
the  economic  life  of  the  pop- 
ulation and  a vast  resource 
for  the  enjoyment  and  re- 
creation of  the  people.  Thus 
Mr.  Philip  W.  Ayres,  Act- 
ing President  of  the  Ameri- 
can Forestry  Association,  set 
the  keynote  of  discussion  in 
the  joint  meeting  at  Eagle 
Mere,  Pennsylvania,  of  the  American  Forestry 
Association  with  the  Fiftieth  Anniversary  of  the 
Pennsylvania  Forestry  Association.  He  thereby 
reaffirmed  the  twofold  purpose  of  the  American 
Forestry  Association,  namely,  “to  protect  and  per- 
petuate trees,  forests,  wild  life  and  related  re- 
newable resources”  and  “to  open  fields  of  en- 
joyment to  people  throughout  the  world  by  help- 
ing them  to  a wider  knowledge  of  the  out-of- 
doors.” 

The  ideals  thus  set  forth  by  one  of  the  pioneers 
of  forest  preservation  have  been  tardily  recog- 
nized in  some  states.  William  Penn  laid  down  the 
principle  in  the  founding  of  Pennsylvania  that 
there  should  be  one  acre  of  forest  land  to  every 
five  acres  of  cultivated  land.  Yet  until  fairly  re- 
cent controls  were  set  up  the  forests  of  the  state 
were  threatened  by  a “cut  out  and  get  out”  type 
of  forest  exploitation.  While  the  American  For- 
estry Association  early  thought  of  forests  as  of- 
fering “fields  of  enjoyment  to  people,”  it  was  not 
until  1913  that  the  children  of  the  state  were  given 
the  use  of  forest  preserves  for  recreation. 

Mr.  Ayres  pointed  out  that  in  New  Hampshire, 
his  home  state,  they  had  by  careful  control  of  for- 
ests preserved  and  made  accessible  the  most  scenic 
areas,  which  in  1935  drew  2,500,000  recreation- 
ists. At  the  same  time  they  used  portions  of  the 
forests  which  should  be  cut  and  established  small 
factories  which  employed  thousands  of  people,  in 
no  way  interfering  with  the  recreation  value  of 
the  forest  preserves. 


The  American  Forestry  As- 
sociation was  organized  in  1875 
and  has  been  a national  factor 
for  conservation  since  1882. 
The  organization  has  a mem- 
bership of  14,000  men  and 
women  in  many  states  of  the 
union  and  in  foreign  coun- 
tries throughout  the  world. 
Its  membership  fees  range 
from  “Subscribing”  at  $4.00 
per  year  to  “Life”  at  $100.00. 
Membership  carries  with  it 
the  monthly  magazine  Ameri- 
can Forests;  a discount  on 
books  of  nearly  every  publisher;  free  service  of 
the  Association  Forester ; advise  on  all  kinds  of 
home  landscaping  problems;  information  relating 
to  legislatures  and  governmental  activities;  free 
travel,  recreation  information  and  photographic 
services.  Members  are  also  entitled  “to  ride  into 
the  nation’s  remaining  wilderness  areas  with  the 
Association’s  Trail  Riders  of  the  Wilderness”  on 
an  actual  cost  basis. 

The  program  of  this  joint  meeting  of  the 
American  Forestry  Association  with  the  Penn- 
sylvania Forestry  Association  was  designed  to 
cover  two  major  subjects — Flood  Control  and 
Recreation.  The  fact  that  parts  of  Pennsylvania 
had  been  ravaged  by  the  spring  floods  naturally 
led  to  a major  portion  of  the  discussion  centering 
around  flood  control  with  special  reference  to  the 
relation  of  forests  to  floods.  Two  schools  of 
thought  were  present,  one  the  engineering  and 
political  who  are  pressing  for  immediate  action  in 
building  of  dams  and  dikes  for  flood  water  con- 
trol ; the  other  taking  a long  look  at  the  research 
problems  involved  in  the  preservation,  proper  use, 
and  renewal  of  forest  areas. 

The  discussion  of  recreation  centered  naturally 
around  the  work  of  the  CCC  in  opening  up  picnic 
areas,  forest  roads  and  trails,  erection  of  cabins, 
etc.  The  attitude  of  the  public  toward  these  pro- 
jects was  voiced  by  two  delegates.  One,  a long 
time  resident  of  Eagles  Mere  (where  the  confer- 
ence was  held)  at  first  objected  seriously  to  the 
(Continued  on  page  421) 


By  E.  C.  WORMAN 
National  Recreation  Association 


The  American  Forestry  Association 
has  a twofold  purpose  in  its  pro- 
gram. It  seeks  "to  protect  and  per- 
petuate trees,  forests,  wild  life 
and  related  renewable  resources," 
and  "to  open  fields  of  enjoyment 
to  people  throughout  the  world  by 
helping  them  to  a wider  knowl- 
edge of  the  out-of-doors." 


408 


Training  for  Playground  Leadership 


Do  you  have  the  problem  of  training  NYA  workers? 
This  article  will  tell  you  how  one  city  met  it. 


When  the  National  Youth 
Administration  of  Cleve- 
land, Ohio,  was  asked  by 
the  Mayor’s  Advisory  Commit- 
tee on  Recreation  to  provide  playground  assistants 
for  the  summer  program,  the  need  for  training 
of  these  young  workers  was  keenly  appreciated. 
Emphasis  was  placed  on  the  word  “assistant,”  for 
it  was  realized  from  the  start  that  if  recreation 
standards  were  to  be  maintained  training  must  be 
so  directed  that  the  untrained  people  who  took  the 
courses  would  not  go  into  the  field  with  an  in- 
flated idea  of  their  ability.  No  attempt  was  made 
to  stifle  individual  initiative,  but  it  was  made 
clear  that  in  two  weeks  a trained  worker  could  not 
be  graduated.  In  fact,  in  several  courses  there  was 
little  hope  that  the  material  could  be  used  at  all  in 
the  present  program,  the  aim  being  only  to  ex- 
pose those  in  the  course  to  the  need  for  that  par- 
ticular type  of  training  and  to  give  to  them  a 
slight  knowledge  of  the  technical  possibilities  in 
the  field. 

With  only  part-time  jobs  on  the  playgrounds 
available  for  the  young  people,  the  problem  arose 
of  fitting  them  most  effectively  into  the  program. 
There  was  no  doubt  in  the  minds  of  the  planners 
that  the  assistance  was  greatly  needed,  but  with 
only  forty-six  usable  hours  out  of  each  month,  it 
was  felt  to  be  unwise  to  employ  the  workers  for 
a week  and  then  lay  them  off  for  three.  All  con- 
tact with  the  children  would  be  lost.  It  was  felt, 
therefore,  that  the  greatest  benefit  could  be  de- 
rived by  having  a youth  re- 
port for  two  hours  a day  to 
handle  one  special  activity.  In 
that  way  he  would  develop  a 
certain  skill,  and  would  report 
to  work  at  the  time  of  day 
when  that  activity  was  sched- 
uled for  the  daily  program. 

The  children  would  expect  him 
daily  and  he  would  be  able  to 


build  up  a definite  relationship 
with  his  group.  With  these 
points  in  mind,  plus  a list  of  the 
activities  conducted  on  the  play- 
ground, the  organization  actually  began. 

NYA  is  not  equipped  to  have  on  its  staff  special- 
ists in  the  many  and  various  fields.  Nevertheless, 
it  was  felt  that  if  the  maximum  benefit  were  to 
accrue  the  finest  teaching  staff  in  the  city  would 
be  necessary.  The  plan,  then,  was  to  ask  the  busi- 
est people  in  town  to  devote  a little  of  their  time 
to  the  school.  Actually  fifty-three  different  indi- 
viduals contributed  time,  some  more  than  others. 
In  several  of  the  special  activities  an  outstanding 
person  was  asked  to  take  the  responsibility  of  act- 
ing as  supervisor  and  having  a teacher  on  hand 
each  day.  The  course  itself  was  outlined  and  each 
teacher  knew  beforehand  what  she  was  to  teach, 
thus  removing  the  possibility  of  duplication  in  cur- 
riculum. Working  materials  were  supplied  jointly 
by  NYA  and  the  City  Recreation  Department, 
and  all  classes  were  held  at  the  Cleveland  Munici- 
pal Stadium,  with  the  exception  of  those  that 
contained  field  trips. 

The  Institute  Program 

The  actual  curriculum  was  designed  and  re- 
designed so  the  completed  course  would  give  to 
the  student  some  idea  of  general  recreation  work, 
some  inspirational  lectures  and  would  stress  actual 
activities.  When  completed  it  allowed  for  two 
hours  of  general  lecture  every  morning  to  be 
heard  by  all  the  student  body. 
After  the  lecture  period,  classes 
in  seven  special  activities  were 
run  simultaneously.  The 
youths  entered  for  the  train- 
ing were  interviewed  prior  to 
the  opening  of  the  institute 
and  it  was  decided  beforehand 
which  special  activity  they 
would  enter,  to  remain  in  that 


By  W.  F.  Temple,  Jr. 

General  Supervisor  of  Recreation 
District  61,  NYA,  Ohio 


The  National  Youth  Administration, 
providing  workers,  as  it  does,  on  a part- 
time  basis,  has  a task  different  from 
that  of  other  Federal  agencies.  Its 
purpose  is  twofold.  It  must  provide 
some  sort  of  vocational  training  to  the 
youth  it  employs,  and  at  the  same  time 
it  must  perform  a real  service  to  the 
community.  For  this  reason  training 
is  a most  important  consideration. 


409 


410 


TRAINING  FOR  PLAYGROUND  LEADERSHIP 


activity  until  the  end  of  the  sessions.  The  general 
lectures,  lasting  an  hour,  covered  the  value  of  the 
seven  special  activities  to  the  general  program,  so 
that  each  would  have  some  notion  of  the  subjects 
that  the  others  were  studying.  Into  these  periods 
were  brought  well-known  lecturers  who  talked,  in 
addition,  on  such  a wide  variety  of  subjects  as: 

“The  Social  Significance  of  Recreation” 

“Group  Leadership” 

“Playground  Safety” 

“First  Aid” 

“Organization  and  Care  of  Equipment” 
“Special  Activities  for  Girls” 

“Age  Groupings” 

“Special  Feature  Days” 

Into  the  general  lecture  session  were  also  inserted 
five  periods  of  low  organized  games  and  two 
periods  of  community  singing. 

The  special  activities  section  of  the  curriculum 
included  handcraft,  story-telling,  high  organized 
games,  nature  activities,  wrestling,  boxing  and 
gymnastic  stunts,  singing  games,  and  folk  danc- 
ing, and  special  activities  for  girls. 

The  personnel  for  the  institute  was  drawn  from 
every  agency  in  Cleveland  that  had  a specialist  on 
its  staff.  The  Cleveland  Public  Library  took  over 
the  organizing  and  directing  of  the  story-telling 
course.  Every  day  one  of  the  librarians  in  charge 
of  children’s  work  was  present  and  advanced 
gradually  to  the  point  where  at  the  termination  of 
the  sessions  the  girls  in  the  course  did  an  excel- 
lent job  of  reading.  The  Museum  of  Natural  His- 
tory organized  the  course  in  nature  study.  The 
NYA  workers  were  shown  methods  of  collecting, 
bird  and  tree  identification,  campcraft,  nature 
games,  and  were  given  an  illustrated  lecture  on  the 
facilities  of  Cleveland’s  Metropolitan  Park  Sys- 
tem. This  group  was  almost  continuously  in  the 
field  and  the  report  is  that  as  a result  a decided 
interest  in  nature  work  has  arisen  on  some  of  the 
playgrounds. 

The  other  courses  were  in  the  main  organized 
by  the  institute  staff.  In  several  activities  one 
agency  had  the  available  personnel  to  handle  the 
entire  task.  So  with  the  aid  of  more  experienced 
heads  the  courses  of  study  were  worked  out  and 
individual  teachers  in  the  various  fields  were  asked 
to  come  and  handle  a section  of  the  work  each 
day.  In  this  way  the  students  were  assured  of 
continuity  of  work,  although  the  teachers  them- 
selves were  different  each  time.  The  staff  for  the 
following  day  was  informed  of  what  had  been 
taught  up  to  that  time. 


Results  Secured 

The  reactions  of  both  teachers  and  pupils  were 
excellent.  Undoubtedly  there  were  many  workers 
too  young  or  too  immature  or  too  disinterested  to 
derive  much  benefit,  but  the  great  majority,  after 
the  first  day,  entered  into  the  study  with  a fine 
spirit.  This  may  have  been  due  in  part  to  the  ex- 
cellent inspirational  talk  given  to  them  on  the  first 
day  by  one  of  the  city’s  outstanding  speakers. 

One  of  the  most  interesting  trends  in  the  two 
week  period  was  the  obvious  change  of  spirit  from 
a grudging  acceptance  of  the  training  at  the  be- 
ginning, and  a worried  interest  in  the  next  pay 
day,  to  an  exuberant  interest  in  the  material 
offered. 

Several  weeks  have  passed  since  the  work  was 
completed,  and  while  it  is  still  early  to  evaluate 
the  work  in  the  light  of  the  increased  playground 
program,  several  facts  stand  out.  We  can  use  as 
a partial  record  the  reports  of  the  youth  them- 
selves. We  can  take  as  another  result  the  re- 
moval of  these  workers  from  NYA  part-time  em- 
ployment to  full-time  employment  by  the  City 
Recreation  Department. 

Three  NYA  workers  took  and  passed  the  Civil 
Service  examination.  Since  that  time  four  others 
have  been  hired  as  temporary  assistants.  There  is 
a noticeable  discrepancy  in  ability  in  several  other 
cases.  NYA  workers  have  reported  that  they 
would  like  to  be  transferred  to  another  playground 
as  they  feel  that  they  can  do  a better  job  than  the 
full-time  worker  to  whom  they  are  assigned,  and 
they  would  like  to  continue  to  grow  in  their  jobs. 

Probably  the  most  valuable  contribution  of  the 
institute,  while  not  very  tangible  as  a result,  was 
brought  to  light  in  a recent  meeting  of  the  Cleve- 
land Settlement  Union.  The  unanimous  opinion 
of  the  settlement  heads  in  Cleveland  was  that 
those  who  had  been  fortunate  enough  to  attend 
the  training  course  had  returned  to  their  work  on 
the  playgrounds  with  an  increased  vigor  and  a 
strengthened  n^pale.  Their  interest  in  the  work 
had  been  multiplied  and  they  are  experimenting 
and  studying  to  make  themselves  more  effective. 
If  that  report  is  true,  NYA  can  be  said  to  have 
completed  a part  of  its  job.  Whether  or  not  rec- 
reation in  this  city  expands  to  such  an  extent  that 
it  will  offer  full-time  employment  to  many  of 
these  young  people,  their  deterioration  has  been 
stopped  and  they  are  again  looking  forward  to  a 
life  of  extremely  useful  work.  They  have  been 
shown  that  recreation,  as  a profession,  is  a real 
job,  and  not  merely  a time-filler,  and  that  to  be  at 
all  successful  it  must  be  studied. 


World  at  Play 


_ , _ , _ THIS  summer  the 

Park  Pools  Become  ^ £ 

, Park  Department  of 

Skating  Rinks  ,T 

° New  i ork  City  open- 

ed ten  new  swimming 
pools.  Despite  the  fact  that  none  of  the  pools  was 
in  use  during  the  entire  season,  1,790,382  indi- 
viduals used  the  pools  through  September  18th. 
Of  this  number  604,405  were  children.  Receipts 
for  the  season  at  these  new  pools  and  at  two 
old  ones  were  over  $175,000.  A charge  of  20 
cents  was  made  for  adults  and  of  10  cents  for 
children  under  fourteen  years  of  age  except  on 
week  day  mornings  when  the  children  were  ad- 
mitted free  of  charge.  Two  days  after  the  pools 
were  closed  they  were  reopened  as  play  centers, 
the  wading  pools  becoming  skating  rinks  and  the 
larger  pools  being  transformed  into  game  courts. 
There  were  facilities  for  forty-seven  games  of 
paddle  tennis,  fifty  of  shuffleboard,  ten  of  volley 
ball,  twelve  of  basketball,  and  forty- four  of  hand- 
ball. Small  children  of  pre-school  age  will  have 
the  use  of  the  wading  pool  areas  until  three  o’clock 
each  day  when  they  will  be  reserved  exclusively 
for  roller  skating  by  children  of  elementary 
school  age. 


Flower  Shows  in 
Philadelphia 


THIS  year  for  the 
first  time  the  Bureau 

of  Recreation  of 

Philadelphia,  Pennsyl- 
vania, introduced  city-wide  flower  shows  which 
resulted  in  a beautiful  display  of  garden  flowers 
and  home  grown  plants  on  the  various  play- 
grounds. Excellent  taste  was  shown  in  the  ar- 
rangement of  many  individual  bouquets  and  bas- 
kets. Several  centers  awarded  ribbons  for  the 
most  attractive  bouquets  and  baskets,  for  the  best 
old-fashioned  bouquet,  and  best  home  grown 
plant. 


A Program  for 
Shut-ins 


THE  program  for 
shut-ins  conducted  by 
the  Playground  and 
Recreation  Associa- 
tion of  Wyoming  Valley,  Pennsylvania,  has  been 
maintained  during  the  summer.  From  fifteen  to 
twenty  calls  a week  were  made  on  people  shut  in 
by  permanent  disabilities.  Each  Thursday  evening 


a shut-in  radio  program  has  been  broadcast  to 
which  the  best  talent  in  the  city  has  contributed, 
including  the  Little  Theater  and  various  choruses 
fostered  by  the  association.  There  are  now  150 
shut-ins  in  the  club,  each  one  visited  by  a volun- 
teer worker. 


Chicago  Folk  Dance 
Festival 


A folk  dance  festival 
attended  by  25,000 
people  in  Soldiers 
Field  brought  to  a 
close  Chicago’s  celebration  of  Labor  Day.  Six- 
teen hundred  dancers  from  the  park  field  houses 
and  neighborhood  organizations  stamped,  clogged, 
swayed  and  pirouetted  through  the  intricate  fig- 
ures of  the  native  dances  of  twelve  nationalities. 


Make  Bird  Study 
Your  Hobby! 


THE  United  States 
Biological  Survey  at 
Washington,  D.  C.,  has 
issued  an  appeal  for 
more  volunteer  observers  of  bird  migration  in  the 
South  and  West.  Individuals  in  these  two  regions 
interested  in  becoming  bird  observers  are  request- 
ed to  write  to  the  Biological  Survey.  The  main 
classification  is  ability  to  identify  birds.  “Bird 
migration  observers,”  says  the  New  York  Times 
in  announcing  the  Federal  Bureau’s  request, 
“serve  without  pay  largely  because  they  find  their 
work  a fascinating  hobby.  Some  of  them  make  a 
game  of  keeping  track  of  birds  and  especially  in 
noting  the  arrival  and  departure  of  migratory 
species.  In  some  areas  on  important  migration 
routes  observers  have  listed  more  than  100  species 
daily.  Their  reports  provide  facts  that  are  par- 
ticularly useful  in  establishing  regulations  for 
hunting  waterfowl.” 


WPA  Recreation 
Directors 


MORE  than  18,500 
playground  and  recre- 
ation workers  have 
been  taken  from  re- 
lief rolls  and  given  jobs  by  the  WPA  on  recrea- 
tional projects,  according  to  the  Division  of  Re- 
search and  Statistics  of  this  agency.  This  number 
is  only  a small  part  of  the  more  than  2,000,000 
who  have  been  taken  off  relief  and  put  to  work 
on  WPA  projects  throughout  the  country. 


411 


412 


WORLD  AT  PLAY 


SPEEDBALL  FOR  GIRLS 

By  Frances  T.  Ducyea  and  Dorothy  E.  Wells 
Just  published!  The  first  complete  Handbook  on  this  popular 
sport  for  girls. 

30  Pages  of  Action  Photos 

Illustrating  various  plays  and  techniques.  Bound  loose  leaf  style — 
pages  easily  removed  for  bulletin  board  use.  $1.25  per  Copy. 
Limited  edition.  Order  from 

MISS  FRANCES  T.  DURYEA 

238  N.  Columbus  Avenue  Glendale.  California 


An  Active  Playground  Association  — Utica, 
New  York,  is  one  of  the  few  cities  which  still  has 
an  active  private  playground  association  working 
to  support  the  program  of  the  municipal  recrea- 
tion department.  Established  thirty-seven  years 
ago,  the  association  is  giving  exceedingly  valuable 
assistance  to  the  recreation  department.  On  July 
20th  the  association  held  its  annual  meeting  which 
took  the  form  of  a reception  for  the  staff  and 
playground  directors  of  the  recreation  depart- 
ment. Officials  of  the  association  told  of  its  early 
history  and  activities,  and  a number  of  the  play- 
ground directors  spoke  on  various  phases  of  the 
summer’s  program.  This  summer  there  were 
eighty-six  play  leaders  on  the  city’s  seventeen 
playgrounds,  thirty-eight  from  WPA  and  eight 
from  NYA. 

Parks  in  New  Jersey  — The  Union  County, 
New  Jersey,  Park  Commission  reports  that  the 
value  of  real  estate  given  the  Commission  for  park 
purposes  by  municipalities,  corporations  and  pub- 
lic-spirited citizens  exceeds  $750,000.  This  repre- 
sents approximately  one-third  of  the  amount  spent 
by  the  Commission  in  acquiring  properties  dur- 
ing the  past  fifteen  years.  Eleven  WPA  projects 
are  now  being  carried  on  in  parks,  employing 
about  1,100  men. 

A Church  Cooperates — The  June  issue  of  the 
bulletin  published  by  the  Evangelical  Church  of 
Alton,  Illinois,  contained  an  announcement  of  the 
opening  of  the  summer  playgrounds  of  that  city. 
It  stated  in  part : “We  have  been  requested  by  the 
superintendent  of  playgrounds  of  our  city,  Mr. 
Russell  Foval,  to  announce  to  the  members  of  our 
church  that  all  playgrounds  are  now  in  operation 
for  the  summer.  We  believe  that  supervised  play 
is  very  wholesome  for  child  life.  There  is  a fine 
chance  to  keep  the  children  of  our  city  occupied 
with  worthwhile  things.  Let  them  use  up  their 
surplus  energy  in  that  way  and  they  will  not  get 
into  mischief.  It  is  hoped  that  all  of  the  parents 


of  our  church  will  let  their  children  take  part  in 
these  activities.” 

A Model  Camp — The  National  Park  Service 
is  developing  as  a recreational  demonstration  pro- 
ject a model  camp  for  Oklahoma’s  underprivi- 
leged children.  The  camp,  which  is  being  con- 
structed in  the  Lake  Murray  State  Park,  will  have 
three  units  of  six  cabins  each.  In  addition,  there 
will  be  an  administrative  building,  dining  hall, 
counselors’  cabin,  infirmary  and  recreation  hall. 
The  operation  of  the  camp  will  be  in  the  hands  of 
some  accredited  non-profit  organization  to  be 
selected  by  an  advisory  committee  on  camping 
composed  of  public-spirited  citizens  from  various 
parts  of  the  state. 

The  Westchester  Workshop  — The  West- 
chester County  Workshop  at  White  Plains,  New 
York,  has  opened  its  1936-1937  season  with  an 
extensive  program  offering  a choice  of  twenty- 
four  courses  in  the  leisure  time  arts  and  crafts. 
In  line  with  its  expanding  policy,  the  Workshop 
this  year  is  offering  assistance  to  clubs,  schools 
and  institutions  interested  in  establishing  or  con- 
ducting courses  in  the  arts  and  crafts.  Miss  Kath- 
ryn I.  Young,  newly  appointed  director  of  the 
Workshop,  will  be  available  for  conference  with 
local  groups  desiring  to  organize  programs  in 
their  own  communities.  When  units  have  been  or- 
ganized they  may  call  upon  the  services  of  the 
trained  teaching  personnel  provided  by  the  Rec- 
reation Commission  with  the  cooperation  of  the 
Works  Progress  Administration  and  the  Adult 
Education  Program. 

Kenosha  Develops  Recreation  Facilities  — 

Kenosha,  Wisconsin,  has  completed  its  Lake 
Shore  stadium  erected  on  filled  in  land  and  en- 
closed with  a fence  purchased  from  the  Chicago 
World  Fair.  The  area  contains  an  attractive 
building  and  in  the  field  surrounding  it  are  areas 
for  softball,  baseball  and  other  sports. 

A Park  for  Ann  Arbor — Schutzenbund  Park, 
a historic  landmark  famous  in  Ann  Arbor,  Michi- 
gan, as  the  scene  of  many  German  gatherings  and 
celebrations,  will  become  a public  park  as  a me- 
morial to  the  late  Michael  J.  Fritz.  The  park,  a 
wooded  tract  of  about  five  acres,  has  been  offered 
to  the  city  by  Mrs.  Elsa  DeFries  and  John  C. 
Fritz,  niece  and  nephew  of  the  late  Michael  J. 
Fritz.  The  development  of  parks  for  Ann  Arbor 


WORLD  AT  PLAY 


413 


Puis  LIFE 
in  PARTIES! 

HERE’S  a grand  guide  for  planning  and  run- 
ning unusual  parties.  All  good,  clean  fun  for 
young  people.  Ideal  for  use  by  YMCA,  Boy 
Scout,  YWCA,  Girl  Scout,  4-H  and  similar  groups. 
Explains  games:  suggests  decorations,  refreshments. 
Includes  special  programs  for  all  holidays.  12  il- 
lustrations. 128  pages,  clothbound.  Only  $1  at  all 
Bookstores. 

THE  YEAR  ROUND 
PARTY  BOOK 

By  Wm.  P.  Young  and  H.  J.  Gardner 
Authors  of  "Games  and  Stunts  for  All  Occasions" 

J.  B.  LIPPINCOTT  COMPANY 
Washington  Square  Philadelphia 


was  one  of  the  chief  interests  of  Mr.  Fritz  who 
served  for  twenty  years  as  a member  of  the  Board 
of  Park  Commissioners.  The  gift  to  the  city  pro- 
vides further  that  the  Fritz  homestead  be  care- 
fully razed  and  the  material  used  in  construction 
of  a park  shelter  in  the  new  park. 

A Conference  on  State  Parks  — On  August 
31st  and  September  1st  at  San  Francisco,  Cali- 
fornia, there  was  held  a Far  West  Regional  Con- 
ference on  State  Parks  sponsored  by  the  National 
Conference  on  State  Parks.  The  selection,  ad- 
ministration, development  and  conservation  of 
state  parks  received  much  attention.  Considera- 
tion was  also  given  to  the  human  values  of  state 
parks  and  the  importance  of  recreation  was 
stressed. 


Pittsburgh  Makes  Merry! 

(Continued  from  page  387 ) 

Finance  Committee.  The  Finance  Committee 
handled  all  moneys  and  O.K.’d  all  bills.  No  other 
•committee  was  permitted  to  make  purchases  or 


expend  any  money.  It  bought  the  gadgets  and 
tickets  and  granted  concessions  for  refreshments 
at  $5.00  each. 

Publicity  Committee.  The  function  of  this  com- 
mittee was  to  have  full  charge  of  publicizing  the 
Hallowe’en  Party  in  newspapers,  over  the  radio, 
in  trolley  cars  and  department  stores.  All  matters 
of  public  interest  requiring  publicity  were  sent  to 
the  chairman  of  the  committee. 

Judging  Committee.  This  committee  procured 
judges  for  all  competitive  events.  From  three  to 
five  judges  were  selected  for  the  music  contest 
and  an  equal  number  for  the  dancing  competi- 
tion. The  following  numbers  of  persons  were  re- 


quired for  costume  judging: 

Children  under  12  years  of  age.  .....  3 

Children  over  12  years  of  age 3 

Funniest  costume 3 

Most  unique  costume 3 

Making  of  masks 3 


This  committee  was  also  responsible  for  the 
formulation  of  rules  and  regulations  governing 
the  contests. 

Policing  Committee.  This  committee  secured  the 
permit  for  the  Hallowe’en  Party,  and  was  re- 
sponsible for  directing  traffic,  policing  the  park 
and  grounds,  and  furnishing  barriers  and  stan- 
chions. 

Tickets  and  Printing  Committee.  This  committee 
was  responsible  for  the  printing  of  all  tickets 
which  were  distributed  through  the  offices  of  the 
Bureaus  of  Parks  and  Recreation  and  were  on 
sale  at  all  recreation  centers  and  park  offices.  Con- 
testants purchased  the  tickets  for  five  cents,  there- 
by securing  the  privilege  of  entering  any  compe- 
tition and  of  obtaining  a package  of  gadgets  for 
merrymaking. 

Public  Welfare  Committee.  This  committee  pro- 
vided all  the  necessary  first  aid  equipment,  and 
secured  the  services  of  a nurse.  Headquarters  for 
first  aid  were  in  a special  tent  which  was  fur- 
nished with  cots,  blankets  and  other  essential 
equipment. 

The  results  of  the  first  experiment  were  so  sat- 
isfactory that  the  scope  of  the  celebration  has 
been  extended  to  other  parts  of  the  city.  The 
North  Side,  formerly  the  City  of  Allegheny,  this 
year  had  in  its  principal  park  a program  similar 
to  that  held  in  Schenley  Park  Plaza.  The  entire 
group  of  civic  bodies  sponsored  the  affair. 


414 


REHABILITATION  AT  SIXTY-TWO 


Rehabilitation  at  Sixty-two 

( Continued  from  page  388) 

merous  periodicals  provided  the  basis  for  the 
research. 

Many  patrons  of  the  Department  have  been  con- 
tributors, supplying  switches  and  hair  combings 
for  the  wigs,  and  with  the  use  of  peroxide,  am- 
monia and  hair  dye,  the  color  schemes  have  been 
arranged  to  suit  the  requirements.  Feather-bone 
was  used  for  stiffening  the  foundations  which 
were  made  out  of  chamois  skins  and  Japanese 
shavings  used  for  stiffening  the  hair.  Skilled 
operators  used  irons  to  curl  or  marcel  the  hair 
according  to  the  head-dress  of  the  desired  period. 

The  picture  with  its  surrounding  inserts  shows 
the  head-dress  and  wigs  of  the  fairy  princess,  the 
old  lady  and  gentleman,  George  and  Martha 
Washington  of  the  colonial  period,  women  of  the 
gay  nineties,  and  a friar  monk. 

Growing  out  of  this  special  experience,  the  fol- 
lowing results  have  been  secured '.  the  rehabilita- 
tion of  several  individuals  through  the  develop- 
ment of  their  vocational  ability  as  wig  makers; 
the  utilization  of  waste  materials ; the  manufac- 
ture of  equipment  and  supplies,  and  finally  the 
provision  of  a number  of  wigs  for  actors  partici- 
pating in  the  plays  and  pageants  presented  by  the 
Pasadena  Department  of  Recreation. 

Chicago  Reorganizes  Its  Park  System 

(Continued  from  page  390) 

ties  since  to  do  so  would  lead  the  citizens  to  ex- 
pect that  with  the  termination  of  the  project  the 
park  would  continue  the  activity  an  impossibility 
with  the  huge  expansion  of  program  accomplish- 
ed because  of  the  project.  Strictly  park  activities 
were  limited  to  those  possible  of  continuance 
under  regular  park  forces.  However,  in  many  ac- 
tivities texts  have  been  written  to  be  used  by  in- 
structors and  club  members  so  that  the  club  pro- 
gram may  be  carried  out  on  a self -managed  basis 
when  the  project  is  terminated. 

Another  group  has  been  repairing  equipment 
and  making  new  equipment.  Among  other  things 
they  have  built  the  boats  used  at  the  beaches  and 
the  floats  for  the  Venetian  Night  Program.  New 
arts  and  crafts  enterprises  have  been  opened ; for 
instance,  an  experienced  lapidary  has  organized  a 
group  which  makes  its  own  jewelry.  Another 
group  is  working  (with  cooperation  from  educa- 
tors of  McCormick  Fund  Organization  and  other 
authorities)  on  the  play  of  very  young  children  in 
an  effort  to  develop  better  methods  and  techniques 


in  recreation  for  small  children.  The  findings  are 
being  made  available  so  that  they  may  be  used  by 
playground  and  community  center  leaders.  Still 
other  groups  are  developing  plans  for  future  field 
houses,  planning  repairs  and  alterations  of  others 
to  be  made  when  finances  permit,  recording  activi- 
ties for  publicity  and  historic  purposes,  and  ad- 
vertising the  work  of  the  parks  by  photographs, 
posters  and  radio  programs. 

Reorganization  An  Aid  to  Morale 

Idleness  seemed  to  be  a disaster,  paralyzing 
hope  and  initiative  among  the  unemployed  rather 
than  affording  opportunity  for  self-improvement 
and  adventurous  exploring  of  new  interests.  Re- 
organization was  a dramatic  way  of  striking  at 
the  root  of  hopelessness  by  commanding  attention, 
requiring  new  interpretation  of  what  community 
recreation  service  means,  and  shocking  people  into 
realizing  that  leisure  can  be  constructively  used. 
It  forced  them  into  social,  cooperating  and  active 
groups  where  friendliness  and  constructive  ac- 
tivity abolished  the  feeling  of  loneliness  and 
brought  about  a social  re-assembling  which  de- 
veloped a new  morale  and  a healthier  neighbor- 
hood spirit  in  the  people  of  Chicago. 

Not  only  was  morale  on  a higher  level,  but  the 
facilities  and  services  of  community  parks  and 
field  houses  was  estimated  to  have  increased  38  °/o , 
of  beaches  33%  and  golf  course,  37%. 

Planning  the  Party 

(Continued  from  page  394) 

duct  the  program  leads  the  party  for  that  season 
or  holiday  and  all  of  the  members  of  other  social 
recreation  teams  participate.  At  its  close,  all  sit 
down  with  notebooks  and  pencils,  or  are  given 
mimeographed  material,  and  go  over  each  game 
taught  that  evening.  Thus  all  learn  new  games  at 
each  party  of  the  month.  If  these  parties  are  given 
about  two  weeks  previous  to  a holiday,  the  teams 
can  go  back  to  their  own  community  or  organiza- 
tion and  lead  the  same  party  for  their  own  people. 

Exchange  of  Services  and  Visiting.  When  teams 
have  gained  experience  in  leading  parties  in  their 
own  communities  and  at  the  party  of  the  month, 
then  they  may  exchange  services  or  lead  programs 
in  sections  having  no  teams,  incidentally  helping 
new  groups  to  organize.  They  will  find  happiness 
in  serving  others  and  in  making  new  friends 
through  these  visits.  Soon  the  teams  will  take 
more  pride  in  their  ability,  will  try  to  be  the  best 
of  all  and  to  secure  the  most  invitations  to  lead 
(Continued  on  page  415) 


AMONG  OUR  FOLKS 


415 


Among  Our  Folks 

The  City  Council  of  Danville,  Illinois,  has  ap- 
propriated $8,000  for  a leisure  time  program. 
Robert  L.  Horney  has  been  made  Superintendent 
of  Recreation. 

Great  Falls,  Montana,  has  initiated  a year- 
round  recreation  system,  with  Frank  Kammerlohr 
as  Director  of  Recreation. 

A.  O.  Anderson,  formerly  in  charge  of  physi- 
cal education  and  recreation  in  Kansas  City,  Mis- 
souri, has  been  appointed  to  the  newly  established 
position  of  Director  of  Physical  Education  and 
Recreation  for  the  St.  Louis  school  system.  H. 
G.  Danford,  Director  of  Recreation  in  Lima, 
Ohio,  has  taken  Mr.  Anderson’s  place  in  Kansas 
City. 

Ferdinand  A.  Bahr,  formerly  Director  of  Rec- 
reation and  Physical  Education  in  Sheboygan, 
Wisconsin,  has  become  Superintendent  of  Recre- 
ation in  Sioux  City,  Iowa,  succeeding  John  E. 
Gronseth.  Harry  J.  Emigh  has  been  placed  in 
charge  of  the  recreation  work  at  Sheyboygan, 
Wisconsin. 


Planning  the  Party 

(Continued  from  page  414) 

programs  near  and  far.  A team  of  six  makes  just 
one  automobile  load  so  the  traveling  expense  is 
minimized. 

Social  Recreation  Kits.  As  soon  as  possible  each 
team  should  collect  its  own  games  equipment. 
This  is  called  a social  recreation  kit  and  consists 
of  a sturdy  fiber  suitcase  containing  party  games 
equipment,  social  recreation  literature,  music,  song 
sheets,  pencils  and  paper  and  folk  dance  books. 

Club  Leadership 

(Continued  from  page  397) 

unusual,  if  the  parents  of  the  boys  were  invited 
to  bring  these  things  to  a club  meeting  and  tell  all 
about  them.  Here,  on  the  basis  of  something  beau- 
tiful, the  excellent  leader  succeeds  in  bridging  the 
gap  between  parents  and  children.  He  might  do 
this  same  type  of  thing  to  settle  other  problems, 
but  this  one  illustration  should  suffice  to  show  the 
excellent  leader’s  methods. 

All  these  things  certainly  indicate  that  the  club 
leader’s  lot  is  not  an  easy  one,  nor  an  unimportant 
one,  and  it  behooves  all  agencies  dealing  with  the 
small  group  club  to  recognize  the  importance  of 
strong  leadership  in  building  good  clubs  as  well 
as  individuals  who  can  think  constructively  for 
themselves,  and  so  become  our  best  citizens. 


For  Every  Library 


SOCIAL  GAMES 

FOR 

RECREATION 


MAtOH  AND  MtTCHEll 


i ■ .Ml 

Now  recognized  as  the  most  valuable  game 
book  available.  Over  1200  games  for  all  ages 
for  every  social  occasion  make  this  book  the 
recreation  leader’s  “bible.”  Third  Large 
Printing  $2.50 


ARCHER* 

8A0WIWTOW 

BOWtWC 

BOXING 

CANOEING 

EQUITATION 

fencing 

GOLF 

HAHOHAiX 

HORSESHOE* 


biflkry  - 

mowing  ano  sculling 

SPEE-ORALL 

squash  racquets 

ANO»*vW*c 

TENNIS 

volley  HALL 

WATER  POtO 
WINTER  SPORTS 

WRESTLING 


Now  you  have  a complete  library  of  recrea- 
tional sports  in  one  volume!  Over  28  sports 
are  described  and  illustrated.  No  recreation 
library  should  be  without  it.  Second  Large 
Printing  $2.50 

SSwil 


The  first  book  from  a sociological  standpoint 
giving  a complete  study  of  leisure  and  recrea- 
tion and  it  presents  a clear  understanding  of 
the  problems  facing  the  recreation  leader  to- 
day. Recommended  by  The  Scientific  Book 
Club.  $3.00 

Send  for  Complete  Catalogue 

A.  S.  BARNES  AND  COMPANY 

Publishers  Since  1838 

67  WEST  44th  ST..  NEW  YORK 


416 


INDUSTRY  AND  RECREATION 


Industry  and  Recreation 

A substantial  evidence  of  the  interest  that  in- 
dustry is  taking  in  recreation  came  at  Lima, 
Ohio  on  July  6,  when  the  Westinghouse  Electric 
and  Manufacturing  Company  suggested  at  a civic 
meeting  called  by  the  Association  of  Commerce 
that  a pledge  of  $50,000  for  the  company  be  spent 
for  Lima’s  recreation  facilities.  The  Westing- 
house  Company  has  recently  acquired  a plant  in 
Lima  and  is  putting  it  in  shape  for  operation.  The 
Association  of  Commerce  held  a meeting  of  hun- 
dreds of  civic  leaders  of  the  community  to  wel- 
come them,  which  was  attended  by  high  officials 
of  the  company,  including  Ralph  Kelly,  Vice- 
President.  As  a tangible  expression  of  their  de- 
sire to  have  the  plant  locate  in  Lima  and  their  ap- 
preciation of  the  decision  to  locate  there,  the 
spokesman  for  the  community  group  tendered 
Mr.  Kelly  a pledge  of  $50,000  raised  in  the  city. 

Mr.  Kelly  did  not  accept  the  pledge  which  was 
tendered,  saying,  “Westinghouse  did  not  discour- 
age the  raising  of  this  fund  as  we  felt  it  would  do 
you  good  and  evidence  to  us  the  interest  in  our 
company.  After  what  we  have  seen  here,  we  feel 
the  money  may  be  well  spent  in  this  community. 
Therefore,  I am  not  accepting  this  pledge,  but  sug- 
gest to  the  Association  of  Commerce  that  the 
money  be  used  for  the  creation  and  expansion  of 
Lima’s  recreation  facilities.” 

A committee  has  been  appointed  to  determine 
the  exact  use  of  the  fund.  It  seems  likely  that  an 
athletic  field  will  be  developed  near  the  new  plant 
and  possibly  other  community  facilities  may  result. 

The  Westinghouse  Company  has  for  years  en- 
couraged recreational  activities  among  its  workers. 
It  operates  a club  house  with  varied  recreational 
and  educational  activities  at  Wilkinsburg,  Penn- 
sylvania, has  fostered  inter-plant  athletics,  a band, 
frequent  picnics,  dances,  and  entertainments.  It  is 
committed  to  the  plan  of  encouraging  recreation 
programs  in  the  communities  where  its  workers 
live,  however,  rather  than  the  development  of 
elaborate  facilities  and  programs  of  its  own. 


A Hobby  Show — Just  for  Fun 

(Continued  from  page  398) 

tions  sponsored  by  the  Recreation  Commission, 
including  programs  by  the  Long  Beach  Women’s 
Symphony  Orchestra.  Puppet  shows  at  intervals 
enacted  such  favorites  as  “Sleeping  Beauty”  and 


“Jack  and  the  Beanstalk.”  Model  plane  and  boat 
builders,  basket  makers  and  other  handCrafters 
had  sessions  of  working  under  the  public  eye, 
with  directors  at  hand  to  answer  questions  of  on- 
lookers. 

Each  entertaining  feature  attracted  its  own  fol- 
lowing. There  were  no  uncomfortable  crowds. 
Well-planned  arrangement  of  exhibits  in  the  huge 
auditorium  had  taken  care  of  that.  Convenient 
seats  had  been  placed  here  and  there  for  visitors 
who  might  wish  to  rest,  to  listen  or  to  study. 
Spectators  could  get  a comprehensive  view  of  the 
whole  show  from  the  entrance,  and  while  some 
enjoyed  looking  at  everything,  others  took  in  only 
such  phases  as  appealed  to  them  especially. 

Preliminary  Publicity 

Some  interest  had  been  aroused  during  the 
week  prior  to  the  show  by  short,  illustrated  fea- 
ture stories  in  local  newspapers.  Some  appealed 
to  children,  some  to  adults.  A small  girl,  who  had 
owned  one  American  doll  when  she  visited  the 
1935  show,  was  pictured  with  the  fourteen  dolls 
of  other  nationalities  which  she  had  collected  for 
the  1936  exhibit.  Another  concerned  a boy  and 
his  butterfly  collection,  and  a third  dealt  with  a 
high  school  hobbyist  who  had  carved  miniature 
boats  of  every  variety  he  had  ever  seen. 

One  adult  story  chuckled  over  a man  who  had 
mounted  his  hobby  when  as  a boy  he  had  found 
an  empty  whisky  bottle  in  dry  Kansas.  His  rare 
find  inspired  him  to  attempt  to  put  a miniature 
sawbuck,  saw  and  pile  of  wood  into  the  bottle 
after  the  manner  of  one  he  had  seen  at  a country 
fair.  He  had  since  put  hundreds  of  scenes  from 
real  life  into  used  electric  light  globes.  Several 
which  would  be  exhibited  were  described : Amos 
and  Andy  broadcasting  to  New  York  on  the  At- 
lantic seaboard  and  to  Long  Beach  on  the  Pacific ; 
an  ocean  liner;  local  wedding  party  leaving  the 
church  altar ; telephone  central  offices  of  four  con- 
tinents, North  America,  Europe,  Asia  and  Africa. 

Another  news  feature  was  based  on  the  timely 
arrival  of  a poem  by  Lord  Dunsany,  accompanied 
by  the  quill  pen  with  which  it  had  been  written. 
This  story  told  of  a valuable  collection  of  manu- 
scripts, autographs  and  books  which  would  be 
housed  in  a specially  guarded  room  in  the  audi- 
torium building. 

What  did  exhibitors  get  out  of  the  show?  Lots 
of  fun. 


SOME  HAZARDS  OF  RECREATION 


417 


AMERICAN 

for  STRENGTH  • DURABILITY  and  SAFETY 


PLAYGROUND  EQUIPMENT 


B E T T E R quality  and 
unequalled  prompt  service 
has  made  American  play 
apparatus  the  choice  from 
coast  to  coast.  American 
has  most  complete  line  in- 
cluding sizes  and  variety 
of  devices  to  fill  every  need. 


RECREATION  DIRECTORS  PREFER  and  SPECIFY  AMERICAN  EQUIPMENT 

Recreation  Directors  specify  this  BETTER  apparatus  will  out- 
American  because  they  know  that  perform  all  other  makes. 

Send  Today  for  Prices  and  Literature 

AMERICAN  PLAYGROUND  DEVICE  CO. 


ANDERSON 


INDIANA 


Largest  Exclusive  M anuf  acturer  of  Playground  and  Swimming  Pool  Equipment 


Some  Hazards  of  Recreation 

(Continued,  from  page  400) 

child  may  be  injured  going  to  and  from  the  cen- 
ter, and  the  center  itself  may  become  a hazard  if 
it  is  located  in  such  an  area  and  children  walk 
along  dangerous  streets  in  order  to  reach  the  area, 
procedures  should  be  established  not  only  to  in- 
struct, but  to  direct  children  to  the  safe  ways  of 
approach  to  and  from  the  recreation  center. 

Safeguarding  the  Individual  at  Play 
Having  attracted  the  child  or  adult  to  the  cen- 
ter for  recreation,  it  becomes  the  obligation  of  all 
who  are  responsible  for  this  program  that  it  be 
conducted  in  such  a manner  that  accidents  and 
consequent  injuries  will  be  reduced  to  a mini- 
mum. The  following  represent  some  of  the  pro- 
cedures which  might  be  considered  in  the  reduc- 
tion of  unnecessary  accidents. 

A.  Where  inspection  and  correction  can  safe- 
guard children  using  the  play  facilities. 

1.  Play  space  to  be  kept  free  of  obstacles, 
such  as  pillars,  pipes,  fences. 

2.  Walls  and  fences  of  play  space  to  be  free 


of  projections  — radiators,  protruding 
corners. 

3.  Where  posts  do  exist,  they  are  to  be 
padded. 

4.  Play  space  to  be  smooth  even  ground, 
(indoor)  not  slippery  but  sound  and  re- 
silient. 

5.  All  play  areas  to  be  enclosed. 

6.  Space  to  be  sufficient 

•Side  and  back  lines  clear  on  outside 
Sport  fields  not  to  overlap 
Pits  to  be  dug  for  safe  landing 
Bleachers  and  benches  far  off  sidelines. 

B.  Where  leadership  is  a controlling  factor  in 

safeguarding  children  in  activity. 

1.  Better  groupings  of  children  by  age  and 
activity. 

2.  More  supervisors,  and  better  trained 
supervisors. 

3.  Safety  instruction. 

4.  Too  many  spectators — better  facilities  to 
prevent  crowding  into  play  area  — non- 
players off  field. 

5.  Teacher  load  too  heavy  — insufficient 
teachers,  space  and  equipment. 

6.  Watch  activity;  notice  lack  of  skills  in 


418 


FARM  OLYMPICS 


A Health  - Building  Game 
for  Old  and  Young 

Pitching  Horseshoes  is  muscle-building  rec- 
reation that  appeals  to  all  types  of  people. 
Install  a few  courts  on  your  grounds,  organ- 
ize a horseshoe  club,  schedule  a tournament. 
Write  for  free  booklets  on  club  organiza- 
tion, tournament  play.  etc. 

Diamond  Official  Shoes  and  accessories 
are  the  choice  of  professionals  and  ama- 
teurs alike.  It’s  economy  to  purchase 
equipment  with  the  longest  life. 

DIAMOND 

CALK  HORSESHOE  CO. 

4610  Grand  Avenue  Duluth,  Minn. 

Makers  of  DIAMOND  Official  Pitching  Shoes 


participation;  guard  against  loss  of  bal- 
ance, slipping,  falling,  fatigue. 

It  is  becoming  increasingly  evident  that  a pro- 
perly constructed  and  adequately  supervised  rec- 
reation center  is  one  of  the  safest  areas  for  the 
child’s  play,  probably  safer  than  the  play  at  home, 
certainly  safer  than  accompanying  parents  on  a 
Sunday  afternoon  automobile  jaunt,  infinitely 
safer  than  the  youngster’s  promiscuous  play  in  the 
streets  of  New  York  City.  We  must  see  that  our 
children  have  sufficient  areas  in  which  to  play 
under  safe  conditions  and  under  expert  leader- 
ship. We  must  further  see  that  they  can  reach 
these  areas  through  safe  avenues,  that  the  pro- 
grams become  so  attractive  that  it  will  be  more 
fascinating  to  play  in  these  areas  than  to  dodge 
automobiles  or  to  hitch  hike. 

Farm  Olympics 

(Continued  from  page  402) 

the  players,  the  gleam  of  deadly  earnestness  in 
their  eyes,  said,  “I  suggested  this  contest  because 
I thought  it  was  a sport.  But  I’ve  found  out  dif- 
ferently— it’s  a religion.” 


Late  afternoon  of  the  second  day  the  prizes  and 
awards  for  the  forty-six  events  were  given  to  the 
winners  among  the  2,000  participants  who  repre- 
sented sixty-seven  counties.  A few  special  prizes 
were  given.  There  was  one  for  the  oldest  Farm 
Bureau  member  present.  The  winner  was  88  years 
and  8 months  old.  Another  prize  went  to  the 
family  of  four  traveling  the  farthest  to  the  festi- 
val. The  winners  came  150  miles,  although  others 
had  come  as  many  as  300  miles  but  failed  to 
qualify  as  “a  family  of  four.”  Blond  and  curly- 
haired,  a family  of  twelve  captured  the  “largest 
family  present”  award,  and  four  small  boys  in  one 
family,  aged  2,  4,  5)4  and  6)4,  were  ecstatically 
happy  because  they  had  drawn  the  lucky  number 
for  “Billie,”  a mahogany-colored  pony  for  which 
children  under  fourteen  could  draw. 

The  festival  was  a great  success.  No  small 
credit  should  be  given  to  the  Prairie  Farmer,  a 
rural  newspaper,  to  station  WLS,  to  the  Illinois 
Agricultural  Association  and  other  cooperating 
agencies,  including  particularly  the  300  commit- 
tee workers,  judges,  umpires,  score-keepers  and 
starters  forming  the  executive  body  which  man- 
aged the  festival.  The  idea  for  the  festival  origi- 
nated with  the  Illinois  Farm  Bureau  Baseball 
League  and  was  taken  up  and  endorsed  unani- 
mously at  a later  meeting  of  the  Illinois  Agri- 
cultural Association  with  representatives  of  the 
Prairie  Farmer  and  County  Agricultural  Exten- 
sion Service  workers.  But  much  credit  must  also 
go  to  the  participants  and  spectators  whose  en- 
thusiastic interest,  cooperation  and  attendance 
made  the  festival  a real  success. 

Play  Leader  for  a Day 

( Continued  from  page  406) 

In  their  platforms  such  promises  as  the  follow- 
ing were  made:  (1)  “To  see  that  we  get  more 
handcraft  material  when  we  want  it”;  (2)  “To 
see  that  we  can  play  softball  and  have  swings.” 
(This  playground  is  a school  ground  just  opened 
and  is  rather  small.  It  was  intended  primarily  for 
younger  boys  and  girls;  consequently  softball  was 
left  out  of  the  program.) 

In  the  early  morning  of  election  day  a light  rain 
fell  throughout  the  city.  However,  before  the 
polls  were  open  the  weather  had  cleared,  and  at 
closing  time  we  discovered  that  almost  3,000  votes 
had  been  cast  throughout  the  city.  Polls  were 
closed  at  4:00  p.  m.  sharp,  and  the  votes  were  all 
tabulated  by  5 :oo  p.  m. 

The  newspapers  were  so  intrigued  by  the  pro- 


MAGAZINES  AND  PAMPHLETS 


419 


Ethel  Rockwell 

In  August,  Ethel  Rockwell  of  Kalamazoo, 
Michigan,  died  after  a long  illness  which  she  her- 
self knew  could  have  only  one  outcome. 

For  thirty-six  years  Miss  Rockwell  had  been 
connected  with  the  schools  of  Kalamazoo,  having 
been  a teacher  of  the  fourth  grade  for  five  years 
before  becoming  head  of  the  Physical  Education 
Department.  She  received  many  honors  for  her 
work  in  the  physical  education  field  where  she 
performed  outstanding  service.  She  was  always 
keenly  interested  in  recreation  and  attended  a 
number  of  the  Recreation  Congresses.  In  her 
own  community  she  took  a leading  part  in  pro- 
moting the  recreation  movement  and  worked  in- 
defatigably  to  establish  and  maintain  a compre- 
hensive recreation  system. 

Those  of  us  who  were  fortunate  enough  to 
know  Miss  Rockwell  will  cherish  the  memory  of 
her  friendliness,  her  kindly  personality,  and  of  the 
gallant  spirit  which  triumphed  over  illness  and 
physical  disability. 


ject  that  several  reporters  were  sent  out  to  get  the 
final  results.  They  covered  the  “wards”  to  watch 
the  accomplishments  of  the  novice  leaders,  and 
photographers  came  to  take  pictures.  We  received, 
we  believe,  as  much  publicity  for  this  event  as  we 
did  for  some  of  our  larger  athletic  events.  The 
election  emphasized  the  work  of  the  department 
to  such  an  extent  that  the  parents  became  inter- 
ested in  the  results  of  the  election  as  well  as  in 
the  administration  of  the  -playgrounds  by  the 
youthful  officers. 

The  elected  officers  assembled  in  front  of  City 
Hall  on  July  25th  at  9 130  and  pictures  were  taken 
of  the  children  with  the  Mayor,  the  superintend- 
ent of  recreation  and  the  chairman  of  the  Recre- 
ation Commission.  Afterward  all  adjourned  to 
the  common  council  room  where  instructions  were 
given  the  children  regarding  their  duties. 

Then  Came  the  Big  Day! 

Then  came  the  day  when  the  new  officers  were 
to  take  over  their  duties  and  conduct  the  program 
for  a day.  Shifts  were  arranged  for  one  group 
from  9:00  to  12:00  and  1:00  to  4:00;  for  the 
other  group  from  12  :oo  to  5 :oo  and  5 :oo  to  6 :oo. 
The  boy  and  girl  directors,  sport  leaders,  hand- 
craft teachers  and  tennis  and  horseshoe  instructors 


Magazines  and  Pamphlets 

) Recently  Received  Containing  Articles  ) 

' of  Interest  to  the  Recreation  Worker  * 


MAGAZINES 

The  Journal  of  Educational  Sociology,  September  1936 
A Community  Experiment  in  the  Prevention  and 
Treatment  of  Juvenile  Delinquency,  by  Henry  W. 
Waltz,  Jr. 

Education,  September  1936 

A Survey  of  Reading  Interest  Studies,  by  Kopple  C. 
Friedman  and  Claude  L.  Nemzek 

Parents’  Magazine,  October  1936 

How  Our  Community  Celebrates  Hallowe’en,  by 
Francis  Somers 
Playthings  of  the  Month 
Family  Fun,  by  Elizabeth  King 

Better  Homes  and  Gardens,  October  1936 
He-Man  Hobbies,  by  Hazel  O’Neal 

The  Journal  of  Health  and  Physical  Education, 

October  1936 

Art  and  Physical  Education — An  Educational  Alli- 
ance, by  Mary  Jo  Shelly 

Recreation  for  Rural  Communities,  by  George  F. 
Hendricks 

The  Research  Quarterly  of  the  American  Physical  Educa- 
tion Association,  October  1936 

A Study  of  the  Promotion  and  Organization  of  Lei- 
sure-Time Interests"  and  Activities  in  Small  Towns 
and  Rural  Communities,  by  Charles  A.  Murdaugh 

Leisure,  October  1936 

Let’s  Read  at  Ease,  by  John  F.  Brandt 
Puzzles  and  Games 

The  Guardian,  October  1936 

Hallowe’en  Games  and  Parties 
Age  Interests  of  Girls 

Hygeia,  October  1936 

Enough  to  Tempt  the  Goblins,  by  E.  M.  Geraghty 

The  Girl  Scout  Leader,  October  1936 
Sing  Together,  by  Janet  E.  Tobitt 

First  Steps  in  Nature,  by  Marie  E.  Gaudette  and 
Lou  Williams 

Suggestions  for  a Week-end  Camp,  by  Elin  Lindberg 

The  Instructor,  November  1936 

Using  Discarded  Materials,  by  Mae  E.  Coleman 
Books — How  to  Use  and  How  to  Make  Them,  by 
Eugenia  Eckford 

Making  Hand  Puppets,  by  Deborah  Meader 

PAMPHLETS 

Recreation  Review  1936 — Lancaster,  Pa.,  Recreation  and 
Playground  Association 

Homemade  Toys  and  Play  Equipment,  by  Agnes  Tilson 
The  Farmer’s  Wife,  St.  Paul,  Minnesota 
Future  Home  Makers — Report  of  the  Worcester,  Mass., 
Girls’  Club 

Jobs — A Report  of  the  Works  Progress  Administration 


420 


GOING  BACK  TO  THE  GOOD  OLD  DAYS! 


HOW  TO  MAKE 
MARIONETTES 


Edith  F.  Ackley 


• Are  you  one  of  the 
people  who  find  pup- 
petry so  intriguing  a 
subject?  If  you  are, 
you  will  want  this 
book.  And  if  you  are 
not  and  you  should 
come  across  this  book, 
you  are  very  likely,  we  warn  you,  to  be- 
come a marionette  enthusiast!  For  this  de- 
lightfully illustrated  publication  with  its 
simple  and  clear  directions  for  making 
marionettes,  a stage  and  stage  properties, 
presents  the  subject  in  so  fascinating  a way 
that  the  most  strong-minded  anti-hobbyist 
will  be  in  danger! 


The  booklet  is  the  latest  in  the  Picture  Scripts  series, 
Grosset  and  Dunlap,  New  York,  publishers. 

Order  your  copy  from 

National  Recreation  Association 
315  Fourth  Avenue  - New  York  City 

• $.20  postpaid,  paper  cover 

• $.30  postpaid,  board  cover 


all  reported  at  the  parks  and  assumed  their  respon- 
sibilities. Each  child  had  one  thought  in  mind,  and 
that  was  to  see  that  his  or  her  park  was  the  best 
conducted  play  area  in  the  city.  The  new  leaders 
utilized  the  help  of  the  experienced  play  workers 
in  the  laying  out  of  safety  lanes,  the  caring  of 
equipment,  and  in  the  maintenance  work. 

At  one  park  the  leaders  secured  an  orchestra, 
rigged  up  lights,  and  on  receiving  permission  from 
the  main  office,  held  a dance  in  the  community 
house.  This  dance  was  attended  by  over  350  boys 
and  girls  and  a few  adults.  Instead  of  the  pro- 
gram lapsing  for  the  day  as  it  might  have  done, 
activities  were  carried  out  successfully  through- 
out the  city. 


Going  Back  to  the  Good  Old  Days! 

(Continued  from  page  407) 

The  Songs  They  Sang 

Sweet  Adeline 

I’ve  Been  Working  on  the  Railroad 
My  Old  Kentucky  Home 
Lindy 

Old  Folks  at  Home 
Mandy  Lee 

Down  by  the  Old  Mill  Stream 
The  Golden  Wedding  Day 
On  the  Banks  of  the  Wabash 
My  Old  Gal  Sal 
Moonlight  Bay 

In  the  Shade  of  the  Old  Apple  Tree 
Sweet  Genevieve 

Can’t  You  Hear  Me  Calling,  Caroline 
Oh,  Eveline 

There’s  Music  in  the  Air 

Let  Me  Call  You  Sweetheart 

Seeing  Nelly  Home 

Way  Down  Yonder  in  the  Cornfield 

Old  Black  Joe 

Golden  Slippers 

When  You  Wore  a Tulip 

Silver  Threads  Among  the  Gold 

Blue  Bell 

Meet  Me  Tonight  in  Dreamland 

My  Little  Grey  Home  in  the  West 

The  Old  Oaken  Bucket 

Down  Where  the  Wurzberger  Flows 

Drink  to  Me  Only  with  Thine  Eyes 

When  You  and  I Were  Young,  Maggie 

Swing  Low,  Sweet  Chariot 

Father,  Father,  Come  Home  with  Me  Now 

Where  Is  My  Wandering  Boy  Tonight 

Wait  Till  the  Sun  Shines,  Nellie 

The  Band  Played  On 

In  the  Good  Old  Summer  Time 

Love  Me  and  the  World  Is  Mine 

There’ll  Be  a Hot  Time  in  the  Old  Town  Tonight 

A Bird  in  a Gilded  Cage 

A Bicycle  Built  for  Two 

Come  Josephine  in  My  Flying  Machine 

Aura  Lee 

There  is  a Tavern  in  the  Town 
Between  numbers  the  strollers  on  the  stage  s 
Main  Street  lounged  about,  had  a shine  or  a shave, 
and  many  of  them  headed  for  the  swinging  doors 

“Beer  5^.”  An  organ  grinder  and  his  monkey 

drew  attention,  city  loafers  sauntered  with  hands 
in  pockets  with  their  girls  from  over  the  way. 
Guest  artists  from  the  San  Carlo  Opera  Company 
sang  several  numbers  from  “Blossom  Time”  and 
“The  Student  Prince,”  a street  musician  played 
his  accordian  and  a playground  harmonica  band 
performed  vigorously  and  well. 


The  general  opinion  of  the  boy  and  girl  leaders 
after  their  day  of  intensive  work  was  that  they 
had  gained  a much  greater  knowledge  of  what 
should  be  done  on  the  playground.  But  it  proved 
to  be  harder  work  than  they  thought.  “Boy,  it 
was  fun  but  not  as  much  fun  as  we  thought!” 
said  one.  “When  I got  home,”  said  another,  “I 
was  so  tired  I went  right  to  bed.” 


The  Judges  Go  Into  Action 
The  Fire  Department  band  entertained  while 
the  judges  (Sigmund  Spaeth  and  others)  and  the 
honorary  judges  (Robert  Moses  and  Alfred 
Smith)  disappeared — not  to  the  barber  shop  but 
through  the  swinging  doors — to  make  their  de- 
cision. (Honorary  Judge  Mayor  LaGuardia  was 
forced  by  official  duties  to  be  absent.)  The  de- 


THE  PENNSYLVANIA  FOLK  FESTIVAL 


421 


cision  was  based  60%  on  tone,  rhythm,  musical 
technique  and  harmony;  30%  on  interpretation, 
expression  and  phrasing,  and  10%  on  appearance 
(costume  considered). 

When  the  judges  emerged  prizes  were  awarded 
to  the  best  three  in  the  city-wide  contest  and  to 
the  best  of  the  four  city  departments  who  had 
participated  in  an  inter-department  contest  within 
the  larger  city-wide  contest.  As  was  appropriate 
to  a barber  shop  contest  silver-backed  brush  and 
comb  sets,  razors  and  shaving  mugs  were  given 
as  prizes. 

For  a grand  finale  the  members  of  all  the  quar- 
tets were  massed  on  the  stage  where  Harry  Barn- 
hart conducted  community  singing,  leading  both 
audience  and  quartet  groups,  sometimes  having 
them  sing  together  and  sometimes  antiphonally.  It 
was  only  then  that  “Sweet  Adeline”  was  sung,  for 
although  it  topped  the  required  song  list,  not  a 
single  quartet  chose  it.  Thoroughly  instilled  with 
the  spirit  engendered  by  the  quartet  singing  and 
the  setting  the  audience  sang  wholeheartedly.  It 
was  reluctantly  and  with  effort  that  at  the  end  of 
“Old  Lang  Syne”  it  and  the  radio  listeners  turned 
back  again  to  1936. 

The  American  Forestry  Association 
Meets 

(Continued  from  page  408) 

“spoiling”  of  a secluded  natural  beauty  spot  call- 
ed “Lands  End.”  He  and  perhaps  a few  others 
had  enjoyed  its  seclusion  and  loveliness  for  many 
years.  When  the  area  was  opened  up  and  he  saw 
2,500  people  enjoy  the  place  on  one  Sunday  he 
said  he  just  couldn’t  be  selfish  enough  to  want  to 
deprive  them  of  the  same  pleasure  he  had  enjoyed 
so  long.  The  other  comment  by  a forester  was  to 
the  effect  that  this  “eating  out-of-doors”  was  just 
one  of  America’s  passing  fads  and  would  soon  be 
out  of  date. 

The  recreational  features  of  the  conference 
were  delightful.  An  illustrated  lecture  with  sound 
accompaniment  by  Professor  Allen  of  Cornell  on 
“Vanishing  Bird  Species”  was  deeply  appreciated. 
Pictures  showing  Professor  Allen  as  he  sat  for 
eight  days  on  a crude  platform  in  the  midst  of  a 
Florida  swamp  with  eyes  glued  to  a field  glass  and 
an  associate  operating  a sound  apparatus — all  to 
record  every  move  and  sound  made  by  a pair  of 
ivory-billed  woodpeckers,  made  one  appreciate 
what  science  does  for  the  enjoyment  of  all  of  us. 

Field  trips  were  made  each  day ; and  visits  to  new 
roads  opening  up  gorgeous  vistas  previously  inac- 
cessible ; picnic  grounds  for  the  casual  visitor  and 
(Continued  on  page  422) 


The  Pennsylvania  Folk  Festival 

"The  greatest  cultural  step  in  Pennsylvania  in 

I half  a century.”  Thus  was  described  the  Folk 
Festival  conducted  at  Bucknell  University  July 
30- August  2,  1936.  The  Pennsylvania  Folk  Festi- 
val had  its  birth  at  Allentown  a few  years  previ- 
ously. An  outstanding  folklorist,  Colonel  Shoe- 
maker, saw  in  the  Folk  Festival  a vehicle  for 
further  integrating  the  University  with  its  en- 
vironment and  increase  its  service  to  the  state. 
Five  local  festivals  were  held  as  a preparation  for 
the  state-wide  event — in  Allentown,  representing 
the  Pennsylvania  German  region ; Pittsburgh,  for 
western  Pennsylvania ; Wilkes-Barre,  for  the  an- 
thracite region ; Philadelphia,  for  the  extreme 
southeastern  section,  and  Altoona  for  central 
Pennsylvania.  Each  of  these  sections  had  a dis- 
tinctive contribution  to  make  to  the  folklore  of 
the  state. 

Following  the  five  local  festivals  the  best  of  the 
talent  assembled  in  the  Bucknell  University  Sta- 
dium. On  the  first  two  days  performances  were 
devoted  to  a presentation  of  folklore.  One  day 
was  given  to  contests.  The  Saturday  night  pro- 
gram was  featured  by  square  dancing  contests 
with  a team  consisting  of  eight  couples  and  a 
string  orchestra  or  band  entered  by  each  of  the 
five  regions  into  which  the  state  had  been  divided. 
A silver  loving  cup  was  given  by  the  University 
to  the  champions.  Silver  medals  were  also  award- 
ed to  individuals  judged  to  be  the  best  champion 
fiddler,  the  best  champion  ballad  singer  and  the 
best  champion  dancer  of  the  state.  Materials  used 
in  the  festival  consisted  of  folk  songs,  ballads, 
work  songs,  lullabies,  sea  chanteys,  Indian  dances 
and  Negro  spirituals.  The  dances  included  square 
dances,  folk  dances,  clogs,  jigs,  reels  and  Indian 
dances.  There  were  singing  and  party  games,  fid- 
dle tunes  and  the  playing  of  Pennsylvania  folk  in- 
struments like  the  bow  zither  and  the  dulcimer. 
On  Sunday  afternoon  there  was  a great  religious 
festival  devoted  to  the  singing  of  anthems  and 
hymns  composed  in  Pennsylvania  or  by  Pennsyl- 
vanians. Choruses  from  various  parts  of  the 
state  took  part. 

Approximately  800  persons  participated  in  the 
state-wide  festival  and  many  thousands  of  people 
attended  during  the  festival  days.  The  problem  of 
financing  the  state-wide  event  was  a difficult  one 
and  may  hamper  future  attempts.  The  local  fes- 
tivals, however,  can  be  conducted  with  a mini- 
mum of  expense  and  with  great  pleasure  and 
profit  to  the  people  in  the  local  communities. 


422 


THE  AMERICAN  FORESTRY  ASSOCIATION  MEETS 


POSTERS*PLJlYS*PROGRAMS 
LESSON  OUTLINES 


Safety  Materials 
for  the  Teacher 

• The  Education  Division  of  the  National 
Safety  Council  offers  a consultation  and 
publications  service  to  the  schools  on  all 
problems  relating  to  safety  teaching. 

• A Special  Safety  Packet  for  Playground 
Directors  is  now  available.  This  is  a valu- 

f 

able  collection  of  materials  to  help  the 
playground  director  promote  safety  on  the 
playground  and  consists  of  ten  attractive 
safety  posters,  crayon  lessons  for  small 
children,  a short  play  and  a program  of 
activities  for  supervised  playgrounds. 

Price  $1.00 

• SAFETY  EDUCATION  MAGAZINE 

provides  the  teacher  with  material  for  a 
well-rounded  safety  program  based  on 
seasonal  hazards.  The  colored  posters, 
graded  lesson  plans,  plays,  stories,  infor- 
mational articles,  accident  facts,  patrol 
news  items  and  other  features  are  pre- 
pared by  school  people  who  are  experts 
in  the  field  of  safety  teaching. 

Subscription — $1.00  a Year 
EDUCATION  DIVISION 

National  Safety  Council 

One  Park  Avenue,  New  York,  N.  Y. 


cabins  for  those  who  cared  to  linger.  A half  day 
was  spent  in  visiting  Ricketts  Glen,  on  the  32,00c 
acre  private  forest  estate  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wil- 
liam Ricketts.  This  is  a marvelous  natural  beauty 
spot,  which  has  recently  been  surveyed  by  the  Na- 
tional Park  Service.  It  is  the  hope  of  Mr.  Ricketts 
that  portions  of  the  estate  can  be  made  a national 
park. 

Nature  talks  and  walks  with  Mr.  Francis  R. 
Cope,  Jr.,  farmer-naturalist  were  a feature  of  the 
recreation  program. 

No  small  part  of  our  enjoyment  of  the  confer- 
ence came  in  talking  with  members  of  the  group : 
Ex-Senator  F.  C.  Wolcott,  of  Connecticut,  now 
President  of  the  Wild  Life  Institute  of  America, 
to  which  vast  federal  appropriations  have  been 
made;  Charles  Taylor,  Assistant  Director  of  the 
CCC  represented  Mr.  Fechner;  Mrs.  Douglas  B. 
Kitchell,  well  known  in  Connecticut  as  a member 
of  the  state  legislature  and  active  in  forest  preser- 
vation and  park  development  in  Connecticut  and 
Florida;  Mr.  Zenas  Ellis,  a rugged  farmer,  for- 
ester, nut-grower,  world  traveler  of  Vermont,  and 
representatives  of  the  Resettlement  Administra- 
tion, National  Park  Service  and  other  federal 
agencies. 

The  spirit  of  the  forestry  group  can  be  under- 
stood when  they  describe  themselves  as  a fra- 
ternity. All  are  absorbed  with  the  common  pur- 
pose of  protecting,  preserving  and  restoring  the 
the  American  forests.  The  more  forward  look- 
ing members  have  a new  vision  of  the  use  of  our 
forest  preserves  for  the  enjoyment  of  the  people. 


New  Publications  in  the  Leisure  Time  Field 


Social  Determinants  in  Juvenile 
Delinquency 

By  T.  Earl  Sullenger,  Ph.  D.  John  Wiley  & Sons,  Inc., 
New  York.  $3.50. 

"P^elinquency,  in  its  cause,  treatment  and  prevention,” 
states  the  author,  “becomes  one  of  the  community’s 
greatest  moral,  social  and  educational  problems.”  In  this 
comprehensive  study  of  the  problem  Mr.  Sullenger  con- 
tends that  juvenile  delinquency  is  due  almost  invariably 
to  some  phase  of  adult  insufficiency  growing  out  of 
human  relations  in  the  primary  groups — the  family,  the 
play  group,  the  neighborhood  or  the  community — and  the 
larger  realms  of  social  control.  He  also  contends  that 
youth  reflects  the  culture  of  these  groups.  His  book  is 
an  effort  to  point  out  some  of  the  main  social  determi- 
nants of  juvenile  delinquency  as  they  appear  in  these 
groups  and  to  suggest  possible  preventive  measures.  The 
conclusion  which  the  author  reaches  regarding  the  in- 
fluence of  the  play  group  is  that  the  greatest  determinant 
in  delinquency  outside  the  home  is  the  lack  of  properly 
directed  recreation.  Here  is  a study  which  cannot  fail  to 
be  of  interest  to  recreation  workers. 

Speedball  For  Girls 

By  Frances  T.  Duryea  and  Dorothy  E.  Wells.  Obtain- 
able from  Miss  Duryea,  238  North  Columbus  Avenue, 
Glendale,  California.  $1.25. 

I^ecreation  workers  will  welcome  this  book  by  two 
members  of  the  Speedball  Committee  of  the  Women’s 
Athletic  Section  of  the  A.P.E.A.,  which  deals  with  a 
game  growing  rapidly  in  popularity  with  girls.  It  con- 
tains thirty  pages  of  action  photos — 103  separate  pictures 
— and  is  bound  in  loose  leaf  style  on  heavy  coated  paper 
so  that  pages  may  be  easily  removed  for  bulletin  board 
use. 

55  New  Tin-Can  Projects 

By  Joseph  J.  Lukowitz.  The  Bruce  Publishing  Company, 
Milwaukee,  Wisconsin.  $.75. 

“The  projects  illustrated  in  this  book  show  what  can  be 

* accomplished  in  an  educational  way  with  the  tin  can 
and  a few  inexpensive  tools.  There  are  no  technical 
drawings  to  confuse  the  juvenile  craftsman.  The  text  is 
written  in  such  a way  that  the  boy  can  readily  under- 
stand the  simple  directions.  Some  of  the  designs  offered 
may  prove  stimulating  to  those  who  work  in  copper, 
pewter  and  silver. 

Fifty  Football  Plays 

Edited  by  Arthur  J.  “Dutch”  Bergman.  A.  S.  Barnes  & 
Company,  Inc.,  New  York.  $1.50. 

This  unusual  book  contains  fifty  diagrammed  plays  as 

* contributed  by  fifty  outstanding  football  coaches  and 
representing  their  individual  thought.  Many  of  these 
plays  will  suggest  new  ideas,  new  methods  in  handling 
the  ball,  new  types  of  laterals,  and  new  possibilities  in 
offense  and  defense. 


How  to  Make  Marionettes 

By  Edith  Flack  Ackley.  Grosset  & Dunlap,  Inc.,  New 
York. 

you  will  wonder  when  you  see  this  booklet  how  any- 
thing so  attractively  issued  and  so  profusely  illus- 
trated can  be  produced  so  inexpensively.  And  you  will 
be  glad  that  it  has  been  done  at  a price  which  prohibits 
no  one  from  owning  it,  for  this  24  page  booklet  contains 
the  information  recreation  workers,  teachers,  club  lead- 
ers, and  boys  and  girls  themselves  want  on  how  to  make 
marionettes,  how  to  construct  backgrounds  and  stage 
properties,  and  how  to  arrange  a program.  There  are 
also  suggestions  for  a play  for  Christmas  time.  An  edi- 
torial board  of  teachers  at  Lincoln  School,  Teachers  Col- 
lege, New  York,  was  in  charge  of  preparing  the  material 
for  publication,  and  the  National  Recreation  Association 
is  sponsoring  it.  Copies  may  be  secured  through  the  As- 
sociation for  $.20  postpaid  in  paper  cover  edition;  $.30 
postpaid  in  board  cover  edition. 

New  Plays  for  Children 

Selected  by  A.  P.  Sanford.  Dodd,  Mead  & Company, 
New  York.  $2.00. 

This  compilation  of  plays  contains  fresh  dramatic 

* material  for  many  of  the  holidays  and  special  days. 
There  are  a number  of  short  plays  for  very  small  chil- 
dren introducing  goblins  and  teddy  bears,  and  there  are 
witches  and  Cinderellas  and  dragons,  some  people  from 
Chaucer’s  tales,  Rip  Van  Winkle  and  the  mountain  elves, 
and  an  Indian  play  based  on  the  legend  of  Hiawatha.  The 
first  eight  plays  are  for  children  from  eight  to  ten,  the 
remaining  ten  for  children  from  ten  to  fourteen.  All  of 
them  may  be  easily  and  inexpensively  produced. 

The  Athletic  Handbook 

Spalding  115R,  American  Sports  Publishing  Co.,  New 
York,  N.  Y.  Price  $.25. 

The  most  comprehensive  publication  on  athletics  for 

* girls  and  women  considering  the  small  amount  it 
costs,  is  The  Athletic  Handbook,  prepared  by  the 
Women’s  Rules  and  Editorial  Committee  of  the  Ameri- 
can Physical  Education  Association.  Into  its  144  pages 
are  condensed  many  usable  games,  rules,  articles,  out- 
lines, methods  and  two  large  charts. 

The  1936-37  edition  comprises  four  sections — Athletic 
Games ; Volley  Ball ; Intramural  Tournaments ; and 
Track  and  Field.  In  the  Athletic  Games  section  the  rules 
for  many  fine  group  and  team  games  of  the  baseball  and 
basketball  type  are  included  as  in  previous  years.  More 
emphasis  has  been  placed  on  games  of  the  tennis  type 
including  Handball,  Badminton,  Quoit  Tennis,  Paddle 
Tennis,  Table  Tennis,  Hand  Tennis  and  Aerial  Darts, 

423 


424 


NEW  PUBLICATIONS  IN  THE  LEISURE  TIME  FIELD 


with  suggestions  for  their  adaptation  to  large  groups.  The 
same  applies  to  Shuffleboard  for  individual  squads  and 
mass  play.  Konano,  ah  Indian  game,  is  given  over  three 
pages  and  in  the  miscellaneous  games  the  rules  for 
Horseshoes,  Indian  Golf,  mass  bowling,  darts  and  a num- 
ber of  other  games  are  given.  Most  important  of  all  in 
carry-over  value  for  younger  girls  are  the  ten  sidewalk 
games,  five  of  which  are  of  the  hopscotch  type. 

This  Athletic  Handbook  should  be  owned  and  used  by 
every  woman  physical  education  teacher,  students  in 
teacher  training  institutions,  recreation  and  camp  leaders. 

The  Teaching  of  Stunts  and  Tumbling. 

By  Bonnie  and  Donnie  Cotteral.  A.  S.  Barnes  & 
Company,  New  York.  $3.00. 

An  interesting  feature  of  this  book  is  the  historical 
sketch  of  tumbling  which  shows  it  to  be  one  of  the  most 
ancient  of  the  sports  associated,  according  to  early  his- 
torical records,  with  the  dance.  The  volume  is  divided 
into  two  sections : I — The  Teaching  of  Stunts  and  Tum- 
bling, and  II — Stunt  and  Tumbling  Material.  A compre- 
hensive bibliography  on  the  subject  and  a large  number 
of  sketches  add  to  the  interest  of  the  book. 

Basketball — Official  Guide  1936-37. 

Edited  by  Women’s  Rules  and  Editorial  Committee 
of  the  Women’s  Athletic  Section  of  the  A.  P.  E.  A. 
Spalding’s  Athletic  Library  No.  17R.  $.25. 

This  year  the  revised  rules  are  accompanied  by  a chart 
of  basketball  technique  with  diagrams  and  by  a number 
of  articles.  Every  recreation  worker  promoting  basket- 
ball for  girls  and  women  should  have  this  booklet. 

The  Teaching  of  Physical  Education. 

By  Jackson  R.  Sharman,  Ph.  D.  A.  S.  Barnes  & 
Company,  New  York.  $1.60. 

The  demand  that  the  school  program  of  physical  edu- 
cation be  made  more  effective  has  tended  to  focus,  the 
attention  of  physical  education  teachers  on  basic  principles 
of  teaching  and  on  more  efficient  methods  of  instruction, 
class  organization  and  management.  This  textbook  has 
been  prepared  to  meet  the  need  for  an  enriched  curriulum 
in  professional  courses  and  also  for  the  use  of  teachers 
in  service. 

Young  Lives  in  a Modern  World. 

National  Congress  of  Parents  and  Teachers,  1201 
Sixteenth  Street,  N.  W.,  Washington,  D.  C.  $.05. 

This  Public  Welfare  Program  for  Junior  and  Senior 
High  School  Parent-Teacher  Associations  is  a revised 
edition  of  the  pamphlet  formerly  issued  under  the  title, 
“A  Public  Welfare  Program.”  It  outlines  subject  matter 
for  discussion  at  nine  meetings,  and  suggests  source  ma- 
terial and  projects  on  the  following  subj  ects : motion 
pictures,  library  service,  recreation,  legislation,  safety  and 
juvenile  protection. 

Schools  People  Want. 

By  Harry  S.  Ganders.  New  York  State  Teachers 
Association,  152  Washington  Ave.,  Albany,  N.  Y. 
$.25. 

This  interesting  educational  monograph  of  the  New 
York  State  Teachers  Association  is  the  result  of  the  work 
of  The  Fact  Finding  Committee  in  conducting  a series  of 
studies  of  two  different  types.  The  first  type  is  designed 
to  gather  facts  which  will  help  people  understand  the 
effects  of  the  depression  upon  school  services  and  teach- 
ers’ salaries.  The  second  type  aims  to  give  to  the  teach- 
ing profession  and  to  school  patrons  a better  under- 
standing of  the  services  schools  are  rendering,  the  services 
they  should  render  and  the  desirable  social  and  economic 
status  of  the  teacher.  This  particular  study,  which  is  of 
the  second  type,  has  brought  out  some  exceedingly  inter- 
esting information  of  the  kinds  of  services  people  feel  the 
schools  should  provide. 


Some  Animal  Neighbors. 

By  Mary  Geisler  Phillips  and  Julia  McNair  Wright. 

D.  C.  Heath  & Company,  Boston.  $.68. 

The  objective  of  this  volume  is  to  widen  the  experi- 
ence of  the  child  and  to  interest  him  in  observing  the 
great  variety  of  living  things  about  him.  The  material 
has  been  divided  in  two  main  groups,  land  life  and  sea- 
shore life,  and  it  is  a continuation  of  the  material  to  be 
found  in  Book  I of  this  series,  Some  Animals  and  Their 
Homes. 


The  Soccer  and  Speedball  Guide. 

Spalding  116R.  American  Sports  Publishing  Com- 
pany, New  York.  $.25. 

This  compact  handbook  includes  66  pages  of  lists, 
articles,  photographs,  drawings  and  diagrams  of  three 
excellent  games,  and  attached  to  each  cover  is  a sturdy 
pocket  rule  book  and  a wall  chart.  From  the  recreation 
leader’s  standpoint  one  of  the  best  fall  and  winter  games 
for  girls,  considering  its  inexpensiveness  and  ease  of 
teaching,  is  field  ball.  It  is  practically  basketball  played 
on  a soccer  field.  For  those  localities  which  do  not  have 
snow  and  ice  sports  it  makes  an  admirable  winter  game, 
which  can  be  adapted  to  street  play  in  muddy  weather. 

Four  Seasons  in  Your  Garden. 

By  John  C.  Wister.  J.  B.  Lippincott  Company,  Phila- 
delphia. $2.50. 

For  those  who  find  their  recreation  in  gardening,  this 
book  contains  a wealth  of  information.  The  directions 
are  simple,  and  garden  problems  are  discussed  from  the 
point  of  view  of  one  new  to  gardening.  The  volume, 
which  is  profusely  illustrated,  discusses  the  different 
plants  which  may  be  enjoyed  each  season  and  gives  hints 
on  gardening  and  notes  on  trees,  shrubs,  vines,  perennials 
and  annuals  which  can  be  grown  along  the  Atlantic  sea- 
board from  Maine  to  North  Carolina  and  west  to  the 
Rockies. 


Officers  and  Directors  of  the  National 
Recreation  Association 

OFFICERS 

Joseph  Lee,  President 
John  H.  Finley,  First  Vice-President 
John  G.  Winant,  Second  Vice-President 
Robert  Garrett,  Third  Vice-President 
Gustavus  T.  Kirby,  Treasurer 
Howard  S.  Braucher,  Secretary 

DIRECTORS 

Mrs.  Edward  W.  Biddle,  Carlisle,  Pa. 

Clarence  M.  Clark,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

Henry  L.  Corbett,  Portland,  Ore. 

Mrs.  Arthur  G.  Cummer,  Jacksonville,  Fla. 

F.  Trubee  Davison,  Locust  Valley,  L.  I.,  N.  Y. 

John  H.  Finley,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Robert  Garrett,  Baltimore,  Md. 

Austin  E.  Griffiths,  Seattle,  Wash. 

Charles  Hayden,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Mrs.  Charles  V.  Hickox,  Michigan  City,  Ind. 

Mrs.  Edward  E.  Hughes,  West  Orange,  N.  J. 

Mrs.  Francis  deLacy  Hyde,  Plainfield,  N.  J. 

Gustavus  T.  Kirby,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

II.  McK.  Landon,  Indianapolis,  Ind. 

Mrs.  Charles  D.  Lanier,  Greenwich,  Conn. 

Robert  Lassiter,  Charlotte,  N.  C. 

Joseph  Lee,  Boston,  Mass. 

Edward  E.  Loomis,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

J.  H.  McCurdy,  Springfield,  Mass. 

Otto  T.  Mallery,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

Walter  A.  May,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 

Carl  E.  Milliken,  Augusta,  Me. 

Mrs.  Ogden  L.  Mills,  Woodbury,  N.  Y. 

Mrs.  James  W.  Wadsworth,  Jr.,  Washington,  D. 

J.  C.  Walsh,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Frederick  M.  Warburg,  Ne\v  York,  N.  Y. 

John  G.  Winant,  Concord,  N.  H. 

Mrs.  William  H.  Woodin,  Jr.,  Tucson,  Ariz. 


Enriched  Living  Through  Music 

A LL  REAL  MUSIC,  no  matter  how  advanced,  is  rooted  in  impulses  that  are  with 
some  degree  of  force  astir  in  every  person:  impulses  to  express  one's  feelings, 
to  enjoy  certain  kinds  of  sounds  and  rhythms,  to  find  or  create  beauty,  live 
more  fully,  more  intensely,  feel  qualities  and  powers  in  oneself  that  are  estimable 
and  expansible,  to  have  fun,  or  to  attain  a full  sense  of  fellowship  with  people 
around  one  or  with  distant  or  imagined  people. 

Such  impulses  are  the  essential  stuff  of  music,  though  not  of  music  alone. 
They  are  the  inward  grace  of  which  the  music  is  an  outward  sign  giving  lovable 
form,  fulfillment  and  nurture  to  what  might  otherwise  be  inarticulate  and  never 
fully  realized. 

The  better  we  sing,  play  or  dance,  or  the  better  and  more  appropriable  to 
us  is  the  music  we  listen  to,  the  more  satisfying  and  enriching  is  the  whole  experi- 
ence likely  to  be.  But  it  will  be  so  only  if  what  we  do  is  better  in  our  own  judg- 
ment, and  contiriues  to  be  a free  and  genuine  expression  of  our  own  selves,  a genu- 
ine outward  sign  of  an  inward  grace. 

In  the  scale  of  human  values  and  even  in  that  of  purely  artistic  values,  the 
quality  of  that  grace,  that  inner  vitality,  and  the  degree  to  which  it  pervades  the 
life  of  the  individual  are  of  far  greater  importance  than  the  quality,  judged  by 
technical  standards,  of  its  outward  sign.  It  is  easily  impoverished  or  lost  under 
the  external  pressures  and  the  artifices  of  the  usual  preparing  to  “put  on”  a con- 
cert or  of  acquiring  a technique,  or  under  the  mainly  muscular  activity  of  much  of 
what  is  called  community  singing. 

But  it  is  gained  in  fullest  measure  by  our  discovery  in  the  music  of  quali- 
ties that  make  it  most  satisfying  and  lovable,  and  that  lure  us  into  other  music 
still  more  satisfying  and  lovable,  and  into  striving  toward  better  performance  in 
order  to  realize  those  qualities  more  fully. 


A.  D.  Zanzig. 


i 


DECEMBER  1936 


425 


December 


a * 


. . 


mm hrh 

Courtesy  Salt  Lake  City  Department  of  Parks  and  Public  Property 


Photo  by  Deal 


* 


426 


How  Effective  Is  Our 


This  thought-provoking  article  is  reprinted  by 
courtesy  of  Character.  The  criteria  presented 
are  intended,  Dr.  Dimock  states,  merely  as  a 
starting  point  for  discussion.  "They  are  not 
intended  to  apply  to  a single  activity  nor 
necessarily  to  the  program  of  any  one  agency. 
If  we  were  to  think  of  an  individual  in  the 
process  of  his  development  and  inquire  if  he 
were  being  well  equipped  to  live  wisely  with 
leisure,  we  would  say  that  the  answer  to  this 
inquiry  could  be  given  by  the  application  of 
these  criteria.  There  is  no  particular  logic  in 
the  order  in  which  they  are  given.  They  could 
be  grouped  under  major  headings  but  this  has 
been  purposely  avoided  in  order  that  a num- 
ber of  ideas  may  be  brought  out  with  greater 
emphasis  and  sharpness  by  separate  listing." 


Education  for  leisure  is  not  the  same  thing  as, 
nor  the  automatic  result  of,  programs  of  rec- 
reational activities.  Effective  education  for 
leisure  makes  definite  demands  upon  us.  Our  ob- 
jectives must  be  clear;  we  must  know  what  spe- 
cific things  we  are  attempting  to  accomplish;  we 
must  provide  the  kind  of  leadership  as  well  -as  the 
kinds  of  activities  and  resources  which  will  have 
some  chance  of  achieving  results  which  are  con- 
sonant with  our  aims  and  our  claims. 

What,  then,  are  the  characteristics  of  an  ade- 
quate program  of  education  for  leisure? 

I.  Are  the  interests  or  activities  engaged  in  capa- 
ble of  persisting  on  the  adult  level?  If  not,  their 
value  is  limited  or  indirect.  The  experiences  of 
many  of  us  in  high  school  and  college  are  perti- 
nent here.  My  own  activities  were  primarily  in 
football,  basketball,  and  track.  Yet,  for  some  rea- 
son or  other,  these  activities  which  engaged  large 
blocks  of  my  time  then,  no  longer  form  a part  of 
my  leisure  pursuits.  This  does  not  mean  that  there 
are  not  some  valuable  learnings  possible  from 
these  activities,  but  surely  when  these  activities 
exclude  others  which  might  continue  on  the  adult 
level  the  individual  is  being  deprived  of  important 
elements  in  his  education  for  leisure.  Among  the 
physical  activities  which  satisfy  this  criterion  are 


Education 

for 

Leisure? 

By 

Hedley  S.  Dimock 

George  Williams  College 
Chicago,  Illinois 

tennis,  hiking,  golf,  swimming,  badminton,  hand- 
ball, archery,  horseshoes,  squash  and  ping  pong. 

2.  Is  the  interest  of  the  individual  in  the  activity 
or  experience  itself?  Is  there  a genuine  rather  than 
an  artificial  motivation  present  ? If  the  interest  is 
primarily  in  such  things  as  qualifying  for  awards 
or  honors,  or  engaging  in  a scheduled  program 
because  that  is  expected  of  everybody,  then  there 
is  practically  no  value  as  education  for  leisure.  If 
interests  and  habits  are  to  persist,  the  individual 
must  like  and  find  satisfaction  in  a thing  for  its 
intrinsic  merit.  We  need  to  scrutinize  carefully 
then  the  motives  utilized  in  securing  participation 
in  activities.  The  elimination  of  artificial  motiva- 
tion is  often  a long  and  difficult  task.  We  have 
been  ten  years  at  Camp  Ahmek1,  for  example,  in 
moving  from  the  situation  where  almost  every- 
thing from  morning  to  night  rested  upon  some 
sort  of  competitive  or  other  artificial  basis,  to  the 
present  situation,  where  the  entire  program  is 
rooted  in  the  purposes  and  interests  of  the  camp- 
ers as  they  are  discovered  and  stimulated  by  alert 
and  resourceful  leaders. 

3.  Does  fhe  individual  secure  from  the  activities 
a sense  of  progress,  mastery,  success,  and  achieve- 
ment? Some  of  the  activities  engaged  in  by  the 
individual  must  yield  these  satisfactions  if  they 
are  to  contribute  most  to  his  personality.  Perhaps 
we  may  adopt  as  a general  principle  the  notion 
that  successes  should  outweigh  failures  if  per- 
sonality is  to  be  enhanced  rather  than  deflated. 
This  means  that  an  individual  should  achieve  some 
degree  of  real  skill  in  some  of  his  pursuits.  It  is 

1.  Canoe  Lake,  Ontario. 


427 


428 


HOW  EFFECTIVE  IS  OUR  EDUCATION  FOR  LEISURE? 


possible,  however,  to  get  a 
sense  of  growth  and  achieve- 
ment along  the  way  toward 
skill  if  goals  are  set  up  in 
realistic  fashion. 

4.  Does  the  individual  se- 
cure encouragement,  social 
recognition,  and  approval 
through  his  participation  in  the 
activity?  Perhaps  the  tech- 
nique • of  commendation  or 
recognition  has  been  worked 
out  as  well  in  our  best  sum- 
mer camps  as  in  any  of  our  educational  agencies. 
Here  it  is  relatively  easy  to  give  recognition  in 
relation  to  the  individual’s  ability  and  experience 
rather  than  on  a basis  of  absolute  standards.  From 
the  personality  or  mental  hygiene  standpoint, 
those  who  achieve  the  least  really  need  the  most 
encouragement.  The  beginners,  the  “duds,”  not 
the  stars,  need  the  recognition  and  the  sense  of 
worth  which  it  brings.  Comparison,  and  competi- 
tion which  results  in  comparison,  are  great  enemies 
of  wholesome  personality  because  they  almost  in- 
evitably breed  in  some  individuals  a sense  of  fail- 
ure and  defeat. 

5.  Does  the  person  have  a sense  of  belonging  to 
and  being  important  in  a social  group?  Mental 
hygienists  stress  the  importance  of  this  criterion. 
Individuals  simply  must  have,  if  they  are  to  have 
any  sense  of  worth  at  all,  a feeling  that  they  be- 
long, and  are  making  some  valuable  contribution 
to  their  group  or  community.  Classes  organized 
around  instructors  probably  have  a minimum  of 
value  from  this  standpoint  compared  with  self- 
propulsive,  continuous  groups. 

6.  Is  there  a distribution  of  experiences  among 
physical,  aesthetic,  intellectual,  and  social  types  of 
leisure  pursuits?  There  are  some  distinctive  values 
to  be  achieved  in  activities  of  each  of  these  types. 
An  adequate  education  for  leisure,  therefore, 
should  not  leave  persons  impoverished  at  any  of 
these  major  points.  An  agency  might  test  its  own 
program  to  some  extent  on  the  basis  of  its  re- 
sources for  developing  these  various  types  of 
interest. 

7.  Do  some  of  the  interests  or  activities  give  an 
opportunity  for  a creative  expression  of  the  self? 

There  is  a peculiar  joy  and  pride  and  thrill  which 
comes  with  creative  endeavor  which  is  richly  sat- 
isfying to  the  soul  of  man.  It  will  be  very  un- 
fortunate, however,  if  we  attach  the  term  “crea- 


tive” to  certain  types  of  ac- 
tivities, such  as  the  arts  and 
crafts,  rather  than  to  a cer- 
tain quality  of  experience. 
Physical  activities,  for  ex- 
ample, may  reach  the  level  of 
creativity,  while  much  of 
what  now  passes  for  handi- 
craft is  deadly  imitative.  To 
recall  the  fate  of  manual 
training  in  the  public  school 
curriculum  may  be  instruc- 
tive here.  Manual  training 
was  introduced  into  the  public  schools  largely  as  an 
attempt  to  provide  some  spontaneous,  creative, 
self-expressive  type  of  activity.  But  it  was  not  long 
before  manual  training  was  so  thoroughly  rou- 
tinized  that  it  was  not  necessarily  more  spontane- 
ous or  creative  than  spelling  or  history  or  any  of 
the  traditional  other  subjects. 

8.  Are  the  activities  healthful?  We  still  need  to 
guard  against  physical  strain  in  the  more  strenu- 
ous physical  activities.  The  greatest  danger,  how- 
ever, may  be  the  nervous  strain  of  overstimula- 
tion in  highly  competitive  and  exciting  activities. 
The  findings  of  Sanders  reported  in  Safety  and 
Health  in  Organized  Camps  clearly  indicated  that 
in  many  camps  the  resistance  of  individuals  is 
lowered  through  over-stimulation  resulting  from 
highly  organized  and  exciting  activity.  In  lower- 
ing the  age  level  of  children  admitted  to  camp, 
some  of  our  social  agencies  who  take  children  as 
young  as  eight  and  nine  years  of  age  greatly  in- 
crease these  dangers  of  physical  and  nervous 
strain.  A mere  “toning  down”  of  the  regime  and 
program  for  older  boys  and  girls  is  utterly  inade- 
quate to  meet  the  needs  of  younger  children.  The 
physical,  health,  mental,  personality,  and  social 
needs  of  the  younger  child  are  so  different  from 
those  of  the  older  boy  or  girl  that  they  must  be 
clearly  understood  and  provided  for. 

9.  Is  the  person  developing  a variety  of  interests 
and  resources  which  will  fit  him  to  meet  all  types  of 
situations  readily?  A person  should  feel  at  home 
in  a great  variety  of  situations.  Some  persons  are 
“bored  stiff”  with  their  own  company  because 
they  do  not  have  sufficient  resources  to  be  self- 
stimulating.  An  amateur  knowledge  of  astronomy 
helped  some  soldiers  in  France  to  find  interesting 
and  fascinating  companionship  with  the  stars  in 
the  solitude  of  what  otherwise  might  have  been  a 
dreary  night  on  the  battlefield.  Other  persons  are 


"Some  of  us  feel  that  we  are  'aesthetic 
morons'  because  our  lives  are  so  lacking 
in  capacity  to  appreciate  and  appropri- 
ate the  resources  of  the  arts.  But  the 
'motor  moron’  also  loses  something  very 
fine  and  valuable.  There  is  rhythm, 
beauty  and  emotional  thrill  in  a beauti- 
ful stroke  in  golf,  a powerful  ping  pong 
drive,  a graceful  dive  or  a neat  'coming 
about'  in  a sailboat.  Similarly,  there  are 
significant  values  to  be  achieved  in  lei- 
sure enterprises  that  are  essentially 
intellectual  and  social  in  character." 


HOW  EFFECTIVE  IS  OUR  EDUCATION  FOR  LEISURE? 


429 


"Open  my  ears  to 
music.  Let  me  thrill 
with  Spring's  first 
flutes  and  drums." 


ill  at  ease  with  groups.  They  have  not  learned  the 
knack  of  social  adaptability  and  poise. 

10.  Are  individual  differences  in  interest,  apti- 
tude, age  and  capacity  recognized  and  provided 
for?  This  principle  is  diametrically  opposite  to 
the  idea  of  running  programs  where  everyone  is 
doing  the  same  thing  at  the  same  time  and  in  the 
same  way.  It  means  freedom  of  choice  in  the 
activities  or  interests  pursued.  It  means  the  kind 
of  instruction,  if  needed,  which  recognizes  where 
the  individual  now  is  in  his  abilities  and  develop- 
ment. 

1 1.  Does  the  activity  lead  the  person  into  a richer 
context  of  meaning?  The  "associate  learnings"  of 
an  activity  are  very  often  richer  and  more  valua- 
ble than  the  learnings  in  the  activity  itself.  We 
have  had  some  excellent  illustrations  of  this  among 
our  students  at  the  College2  this  year.  For  ex- 
ample, one  student  in  a pottery  class  started  to 
make  a vase,  but  before  he  was  finished  he  was 
deeply  immersed  in  the  study  of  Pueblo  culture. 
The  ramifications  of  "leadings  on”  of  almost  any 
of  these  activities  is  amazing.  We  may  move  from 
contract  bridge  to  fashions  and  from  there  to  the 
roots  of  our  economic  structure.  We  may  jump 
from  an  interest  in  a stamp  to  the  history  of  a 
foreign  country  and  from  there  to  problems  of  in- 
ternational relationships.  Alert  and  discerning 
leadership  is  needed  if  the  richness  of  the  "lead- 
ings on”  is  to  be  realized. 

2.  George  Williams  College,  Chicago. 


12.  Are  resources  being  developed  within  the  in- 
dividual for  active  and  self-propelled  leisure  enter- 
prises? It  is  all  too  obvious  that  multitudes  today 
are  dependent  almost  entirely  upon  amusements 
being  supplied  for  them  which  they  take  sitting 
down  — watching,  listening,  or  riding.  Persons 
should  develop  some  inner  resources  which  make 
them  independent  of  equipment,  resources,  time, 
and  place.  Many  of  these  pursuits  should  be  active. 
Persons  should  also  be  free  from  too  much  de- 
pendence upon  leaders,  teachers,  or  instructors  in 
many  of  their  pursuits.  Perhaps  the  leisure  agen- 
cies should  consider  their  work  a failure  if  per- 
sons who  have  been  related  to  them  for  a period 
of  years  still  need  to  have  activities  provided  and 
conducted  for  them.  Groups  must  learn  how  to 
pursue  their  own  interests,  getting  help  from  in- 
structors or  institutions  only  if  and  when  needed. 
Overdependence  on  institutions  in  the  pursuit  of 
leisure  enterprises  may  be  as  serious  a mark  of 
immaturity  as  is  overdependence  in  other  things. 

13.  Is  the  individual  encouraged  to  start  some 
new  things  as  well  as  to  continue  those  things  in 
which  he  is  now  competent?  The  habit  of  starting 
new  habits  may  be  as  important  in  the  field  of  rec- 
reation as  in  the  broader  aspects  of  social  life. 
There  appears  to  be  a genuine  psychological  value 
in  the  exhilaration  that  comes  in  discovering  and 
exploring  some  entirely  new  field  of  interest. 
There  is  some  emotional  thrill  or  zest  in  baking 
the  first  pie  on  a canoe  trip,  in  painting  the 

first  picture,  in 
handling  the 
tiller  and  the 
sheet  of  a dinghy 
for  the  first  time, 
in  making  some 
gadget,  or  even 
in  having  com- 
mand  of  the 
wheel  of  a car 
for  the  first  time. 
Individuals  need 


430 


HOW  EFFECTIVE  IS  OUR  EDUCATION  FOR  LEISURE? 


to  get  out  of  ruts,  and  even  so-called  recreation 
may  become  routine  through  habit. 

14.  Is  the  individual  learning  to  appraise  and  to 
appropriate  wisely  the  resources  in  his  community 
for  a fruitful  use  of  leisure?  This  is  an  important 
question.  It  demands  the  development  of  taste, 
for  example,  in  the  selection  of  movies,  radio,  and 
the’  theater.  It  also  means  an  awareness  of  and 
the  habit  of  using  available  community  resources 
in  art,  in  music,  in  intellectual,  and  in  other  forms 
of  leisure  pursuits. 

15.  Do  some  of  the  activities  provide  the  indi- 
vidual with  genuine  emotional  release?  One  of  the 

major  functions  of  recreational  activities  is  to 
yield  zest,  novelty,  new  experience,  and  excite- 
ment. John  Dewey  has  stated  the  psychological 
value  of  recreation  in  a very  suggestive  fashion. 
He  asserts  that  the  function  of  recreation  is  to 
take  up  some  of  the  slack  between  the  emotional 
and  impulsive  capacities  which  the  individual  pos- 
sesses and  the  extent  to  which  they  find  construc- 
tive expression.  There  is  some  value,  too,  in  sheer 
emotional  release.  You  will  recall  that  William 
James  suggested  the  value  of  a woodpile  and  an 
axe  as  a source  of  emotional  outlet  for  persons 
with  emotional  tension  or  temper.  We  need  some 
modern  equivalent  of  the  woodpile. 

16.  Does  the  activity  make  the  individual  a more 
sensitive  and  intelligent  participant  in  the  task  of 
creating  a better  social  order? 

( a ) Do  the  learnings  of  particular  activities  lead 
to  qualities  of  social  sensitiveness,  responsi- 
bility, and  cooperativeness?  We  know  now 
that  as  a person  participates  in  a particular 
activity  many  social  attitudes  are  inevitably 
involved,  but  the  learnings  may  be  negative 
rather  than  positive.  The  individual  may  be 
learning  irresponsibility,  selfishness,  indiffer- 
ence to  human  values,  or  lack  of  self-control. 
If  positive  or  desirable  social  learnings  are  to 
result,  it  is  essential  that  leaders  be  aware  of 
the  possible  outcomes  and  understand  the 
conditions  under  which  the  wholesome  or  so- 
cially desirable  learnings  are  most  likely  to 
result. 

( b ) Are  the  persons  and  groups  developing  a so- 
cialized view  of  leisure  which  recognizes  its 
relation  to  economic  security,  to  working  con- 
ditions, to  community  housing,  and  to  simi- 
lar factors?  A worthy  leisure  is  impossible 
apart  from  a worthy  labor.  A worthy  leisure 
is  difficult,  if  not  impossible,  to  achieve  in  the 


“slum”  environment.  If  you  want  to  grow 
roses  on  the  desert  it  must  be  irrigated.  If 
we  want  to  develop  the  finer  flowers  of  the 
human  personality  we  must  provide  the  kind 
of  environment  conducive  to  this  result. 

The  primary  function  of  some  leisure  activities 
is  undoubtedly  that  of  providing  the  individual 
with  an  escape  from  the  realities  and  responsibili- 
ties of  his  personal  and  community  life.  Many 
“recreational”  activities,  like  some  types  of  “wor- 
ship” experiences,  provide  an  escape  into  an 
imaginative  world  divorced  from  reality,  or  func- 
tion as  an  anaesthesia  which  deadens  the  sensi- 
tiveness of  the  individual  to  the  sordid  and  stark 
issues  and  realities  of  a corporate  form  of  living. 
An  effective  education  for  leisure  will  develop 
persons  who  will  help  to  remake  life  at  the  points 
of  its  deficiency.  The  following  verses  from  Un- 
termeyer’s  prayer  are  the  expression  of  a poetic 
soul  who  refuses  to  enjoy  life  forgetful  of  the 
woes  of  his  brothers. 

Ever  insurgent  let  me  be, 

Make  me  more  daring  than  devout; 

From  sleek  contentment  keep  me  free, 

And  fill  me  with  a buoyant  doubt. 

Open  my  eyes  to  visions  girt 

With  beauty,  and  with  wonder  lit — 

But  let  me  always  see  the  dirt, 

And  all  that  spawn  and  die  in  it. 

Open  my  ears  to  music;  let 

Me  thrill  with  Spring's  first  flutes  and  drums — 

But  never  let  me  dare  forget 
The  bitter  ballads  of  the  slums. 


“How  are  our  people  to  be  enabled  to  enjoy  the 
exercise  of  their  highest  faculties;  how  is  appre- 
ciation of  music,  painting,  etching,  handicrafts, 
literature,  to  be  made  an  integral  element  in  the 
life  of  our  society?  These  problems  require  con- 
centrated and  varied  wisdom.  They  must  get  the 
attention  of  individuals  with  vision  and  also  of 
educational  authorities  who  can  apply  to  them  the 
resources  of  the  state.  . . . The  best  thought  of 
understanding  men  and  women  on  this  new  phase 
of  our  cultural  life  will  point  the  way  and  give 
encouragement  to  our  educational  authorities.  By 
such  combined  effort  democracy  advances.”  — 
Robert  A.  Falconer  in  Journal  of  Adult  Educa- 
tion, January  1936. 


When  Winter  Dons  Her  Mantle  White 


By  Edward  Brooks  Ballard 

The  phenomenal  increase  of  public  interest  in 
winter  sports  during  the  past  few  years  has 
brought  a growing  demand 
for  winter  sports  facilities  closer 
to  our  seacoast  cities  and  farther 
South.  In  trying  to  meet  this  de- 
mand we  should  make  careful 
studies  of  snow  and  temperature 
conditions  in  each  area  of  pro- 
posed development,  and  deter- 
mine whether  the  probable 
amount  of  use  of  special  winter 
sports  facilities  in  a short  season 
will  warrant  the  expense  of  pro- 
viding them.  As  a general  rule, 
it  will  not  be  feasible  to  provide 
them  in  areas  where  snow  does 
not  remain  on  the  ground  to  a 
depth  of  at  least  six  inches,  and 
the  temperature  does  not  stay 
below  freezing  for  more  than 
thirty  separate — though  not  nec- 
essarily consecutive — days  during 
the  winter.  In  those  few  fortu- 
nate regions  where  it  is  possible 
to  enjoy  both  summer  and  winter 
sports  the  year  round  there  will 
obviously  be  less  demand  for  the  latter. 

Winter  Sports  Grow  in  Popularity 

If  time  permitted  I would  like  to  expatiate  on 
the  acceleration  of  winter  sports  activity,  espe- 
cially skiing,  as  I have  watched  and  participated 
in  it  in  New  England  since  1931.  In  January  of 
that  year  the  first  “ski  train”  left  Boston’s  North 
Station  with  less  than  200  passengers  for  Mt. 
Kearsarge,  New  Hampshire.  During  the  past  sea- 
son “snow  trains”  have  carried  more  than  40,000 
passengers  from  many  of  our  larger  cities,  includ- 
ing New  York,  into  snow-covered  sections  of  New 
England  for  skiing,  snowshoeing  and  tobogganing. 
Thousands  more  have  motored  over  our  ploughed 
highways  to  hotels,  inns  and  numerous  farm- 


It’s  time  to  hunt  up  skates  and  skis 
and  ail  the  other  aids  to  winter  fun, 
and  go  adventuring  on  unknown  trails! 


In  its  rapidly  developing  program  California  pre- 
sents a challenge  to  older  winter  sports  frontiers! 

houses  for  winter  week-ends  or  longer  vacations. 
Hillsides  near  countless  communities  have  been 

■ t 

dotted  with  youthful  skiers,  while  dozens  of  new 
skating-rinks  and  toboggan-slides  have  appeared 
on  public  playgrounds. 

In  order  to  realize  fully  the  extent  to  which  par- 
ticipation in  downhill  ski  running,  as  opposed  to 
ski  jumping,  has  gripped  the  public  fancy,  you 
should  see  the  forest  of  skis  in  Boston’s  North 
Station  about  8 130  of  a winter  Sunday  morning,  or 
witness  the  pilgrimage  of  skiers  on  a holiday  week-; 
end  to  New  England’s  skiing  Mecca  on  Mt.  Wash- 


Cov.rtesy  Fresno  County,  Calif.,  Chamber  of  Commerce 


431 


432 


WHEN  WINTER  DONS  HER  MANTLE  WHITE 


ington  where  a thousand  persons  have  climbed 
two  and  a half  miles  on  more  than  one  occasion  to 
ski  in  Tuckerman  Ravine ! 

This  acceleration  in  skiing  activity  has  induced, 
and  at  the  same  time  been  encouraged  by,  a sud- 
den and  in  some  sections  almost  mushroom-like 
growth  of  facilities  for  downhill  ski  running. 
During  the  past  three  years  the  work  of  the 
Civilian  Conservation  Corps  in  building  ski  trails 
on  public  areas  has  greatly  accentuated  this  ac- 
tivity. A year  ago  it  became  apparent  that  further 
development  of  skiing  facilities  on  public  areas 
called  for  greater  coordination  by  public  planning 
agencies  to  give  it  wise  control  in  the  public 
interest. 

The  National  Park  Service  is  cooperating  with 
State  Park  Authorities  and  winter  sports  organi- 
zations to  carry  out  a well-rounded  program  of 
winter  sports  development  with  CCC  labor  on 
New  England  State  Parks,  Forests  and  Reser- 
vations. 

In  order  to  determine  what  a well-rounded  pro- 
gram of  winter  sports  development  may  involve 
on  any  public  area,  it  will  be  helpful  to  classify 
winter  sports  activities  and  their  facility  require- 
ments according  to  use  areas.  It  goes  without 
saying,  perhaps,  that  winter  sports  activities — as 
different  forms  of  outdoor  recreation  in  a cold 
climate — depend  on  different  conditions  of  snow 
and  ice.  On  the  basis  of  these  conditions  we  may 
divide  winter  sports  areas  into  two  major  groups: 
those  for  intensive  or  concentrated  use,  and  those 
for  extensive  use.  We  may  further  subdivide  the 
intensive-use  areas  into  ( i ) those  requiring  a re- 
stricted ice  surface,  (2)  those  requiring  a com- 
paratively flat  snow  surface,  (3)  those  requiring 
snow  slopes  with  special  structures,  and  (4)  those 
requiring  snow  slopes  without  structures.  We  may 
subdivide  extensive-use  areas  into  (1)  those  re- 
quiring a large  ice  surface,  (2)  those  requiring 
large  snow-covered  areas  either  flat  or  gently 
rolling,  and  (3)  those  requiring  large,  snow-cov- 
ered, hilly  areas.  For  the  purposes  of  this  discus- 
sion I shall  merely  enumerate 
the  activities  which  fall  into 
each  group,  and  touch  briefly 
upon  the  facility  requirements 
of  each. 

Intensive-Use  Areas 
For  intensive-use  areas, 
those  activities  requiring  a re- 
stricted ice  surface  are  speed 


and  figure  skating,  ice  hockey,  curling,  ice  shuffle- 
board  and  ice  bicycling. 

It  is  common  knowledge  that  all  these  forms  of 
ice  sports  require  a smooth  surface  to  be  thorough- 
ly enjoyed,  and  that  both  ice  hockey  and  curling 
require  rinks  of  special  dimensions.  To  give  maxi- 
mum use,  the  proper  maintenance  of  ice  for  these 
activities  requires  a great  deal  more  attention  than 
most  persons  realize.  A regular  crew  should  be  on 
call  to  keep  the  ice  cleared  of  snow  with  plow, 
scoops  and  brooms  or  a rotary  power  brush.  An 
ice  scraper  should  be  used  at  certain  times  and  an 
adequate  water  supply  should  be  made  available 
for  flooding  the  surface.  Accompanying  facilities 
should  include  a heated  shelter  and  refreshment 
building  with  wooden  runway  to  the  ice,  sanitary 
facilities,  supply  of  drinking  water,  and  flood- 
lighting of  the  area  for  night  use.  Benches  and 
possibly  picnic  facilities  may  be  added,  and  ade- 
quate space  for  auto  parking  should  be  close  at 
hand. 

Activities  requiring  a comparatively  flat  snow 
surface  are  such  games  and  races  as  ski  tilting,  ski 
obstacle  racing,  ski  j bring  with  horses  or  humans 
for  pulling  (like  aquaplaning  on  the  water),  and 
snowshoe  racing.  They  require  merely  an  open 
area  with  several  inches  of  soft  snow  over  hard 
base  snow. 

Activities  requiring  snow  slopes  with  special 
structures  are  coasting  (where  there  are  no  nat- 
ural slopes  for  sled  runs),  tobogganing,  ski  jump- 
ing. Small  structures  are  sometimes  erected  for 
sliding  on  flat  playgrounds. 

Toboggan-slides  may  be  built  with  snow  banks, 
but  they  are  not  completely  safe  and  satisfactory 
without  a specially  constructed  wooden  chute, 
slightly  wider  than  a toboggan,  on  the  slope  and 
preferably  on  the  level  runout.  They  may  be  built 
singly  or  in  tandems  of  two  or  more.  (I  know  at 
least  one  instance  where  you  may  slide  down  one 
chute  and  part  way  back  on  another.)  The  amount 
of  use  they  receive  will  be  greatly  increased  by 
night  lighting. 

Ski  jumping  is  a specialized 
form  of  the  sport  comparable 
to  high  diving.  Although 
small,  so-called  “natural 
jumps”  may  be  used,  the  saf- 
est course  is  over  a specially 
constructed  jump  with  scien- 
tifically accurate  proportions 
between  the  length  of  the  in- 
run,  the  height  and  width  of 


Mr.  Ballard  is  Associate  Landscape 
Architect,  Branch  of  Planning  and 
State  Cooperation,  National  Park  Ser- 
vice, Boston.  His  address  on  "Win- 
ter Sports,"  reprinted  here  by  cour- 
tesy of  the  American  Planning  and 
Civic  Annual,  was  presented  at 
the  Sixteenth  National  Conference 
on  State  Parks  which  was  held  at 
Hartford,  Conn.,  June  1-3,  1936. 


WHEN  WINTER  DONS  HER  MANTLE  WHITE 


433 


the  take-off,  and 
slope  of  the  land- 
ing hill. 

Both  toboggan- 
slides  and  ski 
jumps  require 
constant  attention 
to  keep  them  pro- 
perly iced  or  pack- 
ed with  snow. 

Careful  control  of 
the  crowds  which 
use  the  one  and 
watch  the  other  is 
essential  for  pub- 
lic safety  and  con- 
venience. 

Activities  re- 
quiring  snow 
slopes  without 
structures  are  coasting  and  downhill  ski  running. 

Where  city  streets  are  not  closed  and  barricaded 
by  special  ordinance  for  coasting  during  the  win- 
ter months,  it  will  be  desirable  to  set  aside  special 
hills  for  sliding  on  straight  sleds,  flexible  fliers 
and  “double-runners,”  as  we  used  to  call  them. 

Downhill  ski  running  on  small  intensive-use 
areas  will  ordinarily  be  limited  to  open  and  semi- 
open ski  practice  slopes,  which  should  be  sepa- 
rated from  all  other  use  areas  for  maximum 
safety  and  convenience.  These  are  sometimes 
called  “nursery  slopes”  (meaning  not  a place 
where  young  trees  grow  straight,  but  one  where 
“dub,  sub-dub  and  rubby-dub-dub”  skiers  — to 
quote  a well-known  winter  sports  enthusiast  — 
learn  the  rudiments  of  the  sport,  and  leave  many 
a sitz-platz  in  the  process).  Practice  slopes  may 
be  provided  with  ski  tows  or  other  mechanical 
means  of  uphill  conveyance  having  an  endless 
cable  and  some  form  of  motive  power.  Such  equip- 
ment may  be  portable  so  that  it  can  be.  removed 
at  the  end  of  the  season.  Ski  practice  slopes  may 
be  flood-lighted  to  advantage  for  night  use  and 
portable  carbide  lamps  used  for  this  purpose. 

In  a concentrated-use  area  for  skiing,  which  is 
at  all  remote  from  human  habitation,  it  will  be  de- 
sirable to  have  a heated  and  lighted  skier’s  lodge 
with  a supply  of  drinking  water,  sanitary  facili- 
ties, and  emergency  outfit  with  first-aid  kit  and 
either  sheet  metal  or  wooden  toboggan.  Picnic 
facilities  may  be  desirable,  and  ploughed  auto 
roads  should  give  easy  access  to  nearby  parking 
space. 


From  January  2-20,  1937,  the  School  of  Physical  Edu- 
cation and  Hygiene  of  Russell  Sage  College,  Troy, 
N.  Y.,  will  conduct  four  one-week  courses  at  Putney, 
Vermont,  in  the  theory  and  practice  of  skiing.  Mrs. 
Ingrid  Holm  of  Sweden  will  give  the  instruction. 

Extensive-Use  Areas 

We  now  come  to  extensive-use  areas  for  winter 
sports.  Activities  in  this  major  group  which  re- 
quire a large  ice  surface  are  skate  sailing  and  ice 
boating.  The  former  may  be  enjoyed  on  a pre- 
pared rink  of  sufficient  size,  but  the  latter  requires 
a large  pond  or  lake  under  naturally  smooth  ice 
conditions  and  has  a limited  appeal. 

Activities  requiring  large  snow-covered  areas, 
either  flat  or  rolling,  are  ski-touring,  snowshoeing, 
dog-sledding  and  horse-sleighing. 

Ski-touring  is  not  to  be  confused  with  cross- 
country racing  over  various  kinds  of  prescribed 
courses  (langlauf  and  langrend  in  other  languages), 
but  refers  to  uphill  and  downdale  skiing  over  open 
terrain  or  on  cross-country  trails  through  wooded 
terrain  at  a pleasurable  pace.  Snowshoeing  is  in 
the  same  category.  For  those  who  enjoy  winter 
camping  a series  of  cabins  may  be  strategically 
located  for  week-end  or  vacation  use  by  cross- 
country skiers  and  snowshoers.  Many  foot  trails 
will  provide  suitable  travel  ways,  except  where 
steep  grades  require  more  winding  alternate  sec- 
tions for  downhill  skiing. 

Dog-sledding  is  another  form  of  winter  sport 
with  a rather  limited  appeal,  but  one  need  not 
own  a team  of  Eskimo  dogs  or  “huskies”  to  enter 
a dog-sled  “derby.” 


434 


WHEN  WINTER  DONS  HER  MANTLE  WHITE 


With  more  and  more  auto  roads  ploughed  clear 
of  show  all  winter  it  becomes  increasingly  diffi- 
cult to  find  good  roads  for  sleighing.  This  is  a 
congenial  form  of  winter  sport  for  persons  of  all 
ages  td.  enjoy  and  means  should  be  provided  for 
it  wherieyer  possible. 

Finally,  the  activities  which  require  a large, 
snow-covered,  hilly  terrain  are  downhill  ski  run- 
ning on  trails  and  mountain  slopes  and  bob- 
sledding. 

Intermediate  between  open  practice  slopes  for 
downhill  ski  running  and  ski  trails  come  what  we 
may  call  “natural  slalom”  areas.  The  term  “sla- 
lom,” which  applies  to  a zig-zag  downhill  race 
course  between  flags,  has  been  borrowed  to  desig- 
nate a semi-open  slope  sufficiently  clear  for  skiing 
between  clumps  of  trees  or  through  a stand  of 
large  trees  whose  branches  meet  to  form  an  over- 
head canopy. 

Without  becoming  too  involved  in  the  contro- 
versial subject  of  ski  trail  design,  we  may  say  that 
downhill  ski  trails  are  of  three  types : ( i ) narrow 
and  gently  winding  trails  with  easy  gradients,  for 
novices  or  ordinarily  competent  skiers;  (2)  wider, 
sharply  turning  trails  with  many  angles  up  to  90 
degrees  or  over  and  steeper  gradients,  for  inter- 
mediate or  third-class  skiers,  and  (3)  less  sharply 
turning  trails  of  similar  width  with  angles  less 
than  90  degrees,  though  not  straight  enough  to  be 
run  without  checking,  and  steepest  of  all,  for  ex- 
pert or  second-class  skiers. 

Several  novice  trails  should  be  laid  out  near  the 
“natural  slalom”  area,  at  least  two  intermediate 
trails  in  the  vicinity  to  prevent  overcrowding,  and 
for  a few  of  the  most  suitable  areas  in  the  region 
an  expert  down-mountain  trail,  primarily  for  rac- 
ing, with  the  standard  vertical  descent  of  at  least 
one-thousand-foot  drop  in  a mile  of  length. 

Accompanying  facilities  for  downhill  skiing 
areas  will  include  closed  shelters  at  the  bottom  of 
all  trails  and  also  at  the  top  of  those  over  half  a 
mile  in  length,  emergency  out- 
fits with  first-aid  kit  and  to- 
boggan in  each  shelter,  sani- 
tary facilities  and  if  possible  a 
supply  of  drinking  water. 

There  should  be  access  over 
ploughed  roads  to  auto  park- 
ing space  as  close  as  can  be 
to  the  beginning  of  all  trails. 

Bob-sledding  is  really  in  a 
class  by  itself.  I have  left  it 
until  last,  because  it  requires 


a combination  of  extensive  hilly  terrain  and  spe- 
cial structural  facilities.  A bob-sled  track  should 
be  scientifically  laid  out  on  carefully  selected  ter- 
rain according  to  engineering  specifications.  It 
should  have  control  points  at  fairly  frequent  in- 
tervals and  a telephone  line  for  quick  communi- 
cation. Only  experienced  drivers  should  be  al- 
lowed to  steer  the  sleds  in  general  public  use. 

Things  to  Keep  in  Mind 

It  can  readily  be  seen  from  the  foregoing  clas- 
sification of  winter  sports  activities,  according  to 
intensive  and  extensive-use  areas,  that  most  of 
them  should  be  concentrated  in  centers  of  develop- 
ment. The  health,  safety  and  convenience  of  the 
public,  economical  and  efficient  use  of  the  facili- 
ties, and  last  but  not  least  the  preservation  of  the 
natural  surroundings,  call  for  such  concentration. 
In  general  I believe  these  centers  should  be  de- 
veloped in  municipal  parks  with  primary  em- 
phasis on  intensive-use  areas,  in  metropolitan 
parks  or  state  parks  near  large  cities  with  equal 
emphasis  on  intensive  and  extensive-use  areas,  and 
on  state  or  Federal  parks  with  primary  emphasis 
on  extensive-use  areas. 

The  increasing  trek  of  skiers  and  other  winter 
sports  enthusiasts  by  auto,  “snow  train”  and 
“snow  bus”  to  suitable  terrain  brings  the  need  of 
developing  such  centers  near  winter  sports  re- 
sorts. It  is  perhaps  needless  to  say  that  they 
should  be  coordinated  with  the  year-round  recrea- 
tional development  of  the  region,  and  facilities 
combined  wherever  feasible  for  both  summer  and 
winter  use. 

Many  winter  sports,  like  all  those  which  require 
the  combination  of  speed,  skill  and  stamina,  be- 
come competitive;  and,  in  proportion  to  the  de- 
gree of  speed,  skill  and  stamina  attained,  they  be- 
come spectacular.  However,  encouraging  it  is  to 
note  that  a large  percentage  of  the  spectators  at 
any  winter  sports  event  are  also  participants  in 
some  form  of  that  sport,  we 
must  remember  that  crowds 
will  always  congregate  at  ski 
meets,  snow  fests,  winter 
frolics  and  carnivals,  and  make 
adequate  provision  for  han- 
dling them  on  these  special 
occasions. 

New  facilities  for  winter 
sports  use  should  not  be  built 
until  provision  is  made  for 
( Continued  on  page  464) 


"Thousands  of  people  are  beginning 
to  learn  that  winter  is  no  longer  a 
necessary  evil  to  be  merely  toler- 
ated, but  a part  of  our  natural  ex- 
istence in  cold  climates,  to  be  en- 
joyed as  much  as  other  seasons  out 
of  doors.  They  are  quick  to  refute 
the  somewhat  exaggerated  conten- 
tion of  our  friends  from  the  sunny 
southland  that  we  should  give  the 
frigid  northland,  especially  New 
England,  back  to  the  Eskimos!" 


Why  Not  Puppets 


Many  authorities  believe 
that  a better  integrated  and 
unified  social  life  can  be 
secured  only  through  the  better 
integration  and  unification  of 
family  life.  This  means  that  the 
home  must  again  become  the  cen- 
ter for  certain  phases  of  the  rec- 
reational life  of  the  family.  Con- 
sideration must  then  be  given  to 
the  development  of  a community 
interest  among  the  members  of 
the  family.  Recreational  activities 
rich  in  cumulative  interest  and 
appealing  to  various  age  levels 
and  varying  types  of  ability  are 
ideally  adapted  to  this  purpose. 

Herein  lies  one  value  of  puppetry 
as  a family  activity. 

Have  you  ever  visited  in  a 
home  where  the  various  members 
of  the  family  played  musical  instruments  and  were 
in  the  habit  of  playing  good  music  together  regu- 
larly, and  have  you  seen  what  such  a shared  ac- 
tivity may  mean  to  a home  ? I suggest  that  an  in- 
terest in  puppetry  on  the  part  of  the  members  of 
a family  group  would  be  comparable  to  such  an 
interest  in  music.  It  does  not  require  as  much 
training  and  skill  and  it  has  elements  which  ap- 
peal very  definitely  to  persons  with  widely  vary- 
ing abilities  and  interests.  I am  not,  of  course, 
suggesting  any  substitution  of  puppetry  for  music, 
or  for  any  other  art  form  or  recreational  activity 
in  the  home.  As  a matter  of  fact,  it  might  well  aid 
in  stimulating  an  interest  in  music  and  the  other 
arts.  I recommend  it  merely  as  an  unexplored 
field  for  the  enjoyment  and  enrichment  of  family 
life  where  some  central  and  progressive  interest 
for  recreational  purposes  is  a felt  need  of  the 
members  of  the  family. 

Puppetry  is  an  activity  which  is  most  suitable 
for  use  by  a small  group.  In  a “company”  of 


Courtesy  Art  Service  Project,  WPA,  New  York 


Puppetry  is  a highly  diversified  art, 
calling  into  play  talents  of  all  kinds 


from  three  to  six  members,  each  member  has  an 
opportunity  for  full  participation  in  the  activity, 
and  there  is  sure  to  be  a certain  unity  and  coher- 
ence in  production  which  is  often  lacking  when 
puppet  plays  are  produced  by  too  large  a body. 
In  the  comfortable  atmosphere  of  the  home,  ideas 
which  spring  up  can  be  tried  out  at  once,  and  an 
exchange  of  comments  and  suggestions  takes  place 
naturally  and  spontaneously.  Then,  too,  working 
in  a small  group  is  conducive  in  other  ways  to 
that  spirit  of  informality  in  which  the  marionette 
comes  most  quickly  and  easily  to  life. 

An  Inexpensive  Hobby 

If  entered  into  with  any  degree  of  imagination 
and  enthusiasm,  puppetry  is  not  an  expensive  ac- 
tivity. The  home  is  a good  hunting  ground  for 


By  Kate  C.  Hall 

District  of  Columbia  Recreation  Committee 
Washington,  D.  C. 


in  the 


ome 


435 


436 


WHY  NOT  PUPPETS  IN  THE  HOME? 


just  those  treasures  among  “waste”  materials  — 
mother’s  scrap  bag,  with  bits  of  cloth  for  cos- 
tumes and  ends  of  yarn  for  hair ; broken  pieces  of 
furniture;  wooden  and  cardboard  boxes;  oatmeal 
cartons;  odds  and  ends  of  tools — which  are  most 
adaptable  by  an  inventive  mind  to  the  making  of 
puppets  and  marionettes.  An  initial  outlay  of 
about  a dollar  and  a half  is  enough  to  start  the 
family  on  its  way  as  a puppet-making  group: 
fifty  cents  for  modeling  clay,  such  as  Plasteline, 
which  may  be  used  over  and  over  for  the  first 
modeling  of  heads ; five  cents  a pound  for  plaster 
of  Paris  for  making  the  molds  (two  pounds,  at 
ten  cents,  will  make  four  or  five  medium  sized 
molds)  ; sixty  cents  for  cans  of  household  paint 
in  the  following  colors  — red,  cream  or  white, 
black,  brown,  blue  and  yellow;  ten  cents  for  a 
couple  of  spools  of  button  or  carpet  thread  for 
stringing;  five  or  ten  cents  for  a spool  of  copper 
wire  used  for  fastening  joints  together  and 
modeling  the  framework  of  the  hands,  and  ten 
or  fifteen  cents  for  tacks,  screw  eyes,  and  other 
bits  of  hardware — these  will  take  care  of  the  need 
for  bought  materials  for  five  or  six  puppets, 
enough  to  give  a performance. 

About  the  house  there  are  always  old  newspa- 
pers and  plenty  of  flour  and  water  for  paste,  the 
two  requisite  materials  for  making  papier  mache 
heads.  Or  if  the  family  can  boast  amateur  carvers 
among  its  members,  scraps  of  wood  may  take  the 
place  of  the  other  materials.  Old  chair  rungs 
make  good  arms  and  legs.  Oatmeal  boxes  may  be 
used  as  the  foundation  for  animal  bodies — spools 
for  joints  of  arms  and  legs, 
for  a dragon’s  tail  or  for  build- 
ing up  puppet  furniture.  The 
children  particularly  will  be 
quick  to  see  how  scrap  mate- 
rials of  all  sorts  may  be  used 
to  make  some  part  of  a puppet 
or  a stage  set  which  is  needed 
at  the  time.  There  are  few 
better  activities  for  fostering 
ingenuity  and  inventiveness 
than  working  in  a puppet 
group  which  is  operating  on 
little  or  no  funds. 

One  Family’s  Experience 

An  interesting  example  of 
the  insidious  appeal  which 
puppetry  can  exercise  in  a 
family  group  recently  came  to 


my  attention.  During  the  darkest  years  of  the  de- 
pression the  oldest  daughter  of  this  family  was  at 
home,  out  of  work,  taking  care  of  her  ill  mother 
and  hard  put  to  it  to  keep  up  the  lagging  spirits 
of  the  other  members  of  the  family.  She  had  long 
nursed  the  hope  of  some  day  making  a puppet  of 
her  own,  but  had  always  considered  that  it  would 
cost  too  much  and  would  take  too  much  valuable 
time  from  the  job.  The  presence  of  a lonely  and 
restless  younger  brother  in  the  household  gave  her 
an  excuse  to  try  the  experiment. 

With  fear  and  trembling  she  made  her  first 
marionette,  using  directions  long  since  written  out 
for  her  by  puppeteering  friends.  She  made  the 
wooden  body  from  scraps  picked  out  of  the  old 
wood  pile  in  the  backyard,  and  the  arms  and  legs 
from  chair  rungs  she  found  in  her  grandmother’s 
attic,  using  only  the  few  simple  tools  the  family 
work  box  held,  such  as  hammer,  saw,  and  small 
brace  and  bit.  The  head  was  the  usual  papier 
mache  type,  but  it  cost  only  fifteen  cents  to  make 
— ten  cents  for  the  Plasteline  for  modeling  the 
head — and  this  she  was  later  able  to  use  over  and 
over  for  making  other  heads — and  five  cents  for 
the  plaster  of  Paris  to  make  the  mold.  The  paints 
came  from  the  ten  cent  store  and  were  used  again 
and  again;  the  clothes  came  from  her  mother’s 
scrap  bag ; the  yarn  and  button  thread  for  string- 
ing was  purchased  at  the  ten  cent  store  for  an 
outlay  of  about  fifteen  cents.  All  in  all,  this  first 
marionette  cost  about  eighty  cents,  including  five 
cans  of  household  paint  and  ten  cents  worth  of 
modeling  clay,  which  were  later  used  for  other 
puppets. 

The  puppet  was  an  instant 
success  with  the  little  brother, 
who  at  once  demanded  to  make 
one  for  himself.  The  curiosity 
of  the  rest  of  the  family  was 
aroused  and  almost  every  night 
found  one  or  more  of  them  in 
the  kitchen  or  in  the  daughter’s 
bedroom  where  puppet  activi- 
ties proceeded  at  full  pace. 

Many  Abilities  Called 
Into  Play 

Many  types  of  ability  are 
called  into  action  in  making 
puppets  and  producing  plays 
with  them:  If  there  are  musi- 
cians in  the  family,  they  can 
provide  the  always  welcome 


"With  the  recent  revival  of  interest  in 
puppetry  as  an  art  form  and  a recrea- 
tional activity,  one  very  important  op- 
portunity has  been  missed  by  our  little 
wooden  friends  in  their  failure  to  in- 
vade the  home.  Can  they  have  for- 
gotten that  during  the  years  when 
their  tribe  was  being  quickly  pushed 
into  the  background,  they  were  remem- 
bered and  kept  alive  by  certain  fami- 
lies in  Europe  who  handed  down  their 
puppets,  plays  and  traditions  of  con- 
struction and  production  from  genera- 
tion to  generation?  If  family  groups 
have  made  successful  and  devoted 
marionette  companies  before,  is  it  too 
much  to  expect  that  they  may  do  so 
again?  The  joining  of  forces  should 
have  certain  advantages  for  both  the 
puppets  and  the  members  of  the  home 
group  who  explore  their  possibilities." 


WHY  NOT  PUPPETS  IN  THE  HOME  ? 


43  7 


incidental  music.  In  addition  to  the  experience  of 
playing  for  productions  there  could  hardly  be  bet- 
ter training  for  the  young  composer  than  trying 
his  ideas  out  in  just  such  a group.  If  there  are 
budding  electricians,  they  may  experiment  with 
lighting  effects.  Most  women  who  like  to  sew 
have  never  got  over  their  interest  in  making  “doll 
clothes,”  and  in  dressing  puppets  they  may  in- 
dulge their  creative  faculties  in  design  and  exe- 
cution to  the  fullest  because  of  the  low  cost.  Those 
who  have  artistic  proclivities  may  make  the  heads, 
modeling  or  carving  them  as  their  tastes  dictate, 
or  may  try  their  hands  at  designing  and  painting 
both  puppets  and  scenery.  Those  who  like  car- 
pentry find  ample  room  for  self-expression  in 
making  the  bodies,  legs,  arms,  shoes,  small  stages 
and  furniture.  Any  member  who  likes  to  write 
can  work  on  the  scripts  for  the  plays,  but  if  there 
is  nobody  in  the  family  with  such  a special  ability, 
all  may  create  very  good  plays  by  working  to- 
gether, provided  that  they  are  interested  in,  and 
have  a good  eye  for,  dramatic  situations.  The 
would-be  actors  have  a fine  field  for  experimen- 
tation in  the  use  of  the  voice,  since  often  one 
puppeteer  must  act  several  parts  even  in  one  play. 
And  almost  everybody  who  takes  pleasure  in 
manual  dexterity  will  enjoy  learning  to  manipu- 
late a puppet,  whether  or  not  that  is  to  be  part  of 
his  job  in  actual  production. 

Puppets  do  not  take  up  a great  deal  of  room. 
They  may  be  picked  up  and  put  down  at  will. 
They  may  be  worked  on  by  different  members  of 
the  group  whenever  they  have  time  and  inclina- 
tion, or  by  the  whole  group  together  when  that  is 
what  everybody  feels  like  doing. 

Puppet  plays  may  be  given  without  any 
elaborate  stage  equipment,  although  it  is  always 
part  of  the  fun  to  build  a stage  at  some  time  dur- 
ing the  activity.  A first  stage  may  be  simply  im- 
provised in  a doorway.  Straight  chairs,  with  their 
backs  turned  toward  the  audience  and  covered 
with  shawls  or  blankets  for  back  and  side  drops, 
can  be  arranged  to  form  back  and  wings  for  the 
stage  proper.  A sheet  hung  in  the  doorway  from 
the  top  of  the  opening  to  the  top  of  the  “prosce- 
nium arch”  will  hide  the  players,  who  stand  on  the 
seats  of  the  chairs,  the  “bridge”  from  which  they 
manipulate  the  puppets.  Very  artistic  effects  may 
be  secured  in  such  improvised  stages,  with  the  aid 
of  a little  taste  and  imagination. 

Sources  of  Information 

Most  public  libraries  have  a good  selection  of 


books  from  which  directions  may  be  secured  for 
making  puppets  and  preparing  plays.  Paul  McPhar- 
lin  of  Birmingham,  Michigan,  publishes  a number 
of  books  and  also  inexpensive  pamphlets  on  vari- 
ous phases  of  puppetry,  and  will  send  information 
about  where  to  secure  all  sorts  of  materials  relating 
to  puppets  to  any  one  who  writes  for  it.  Among 
the  good  practical  books  on  the  market  are  The 
Ragamuffin  Marionettes , by  Warner;  Marionettes, 
Masks  and  Shadoivs,  by  Mills  and  Dunn;  Be  a 
Puppet  Showman,  by  Remo  Bufano ; A Hand- 
book of  Fist  Puppets,  by  Ficklen ; Marionettes : 
Easy  to  Make,  Fun  to  Use,  by  Ackley.  A pup- 
peteer with  any  imagination  and  artistic  ability 
might  use  the  books  as  a starting  point,  perhaps 
making  the  first  marionette  or  two  carefully  by 
directions,  perhaps  experimenting  for  a while  with 
both  hand  puppet  and  string  marionette,  and  using 
several  different  types  of  and  methods  for  making 
each.  But  after  the  initial  experimentation  he  will 
probably  combine  the  features  that  best  suit  his 
purposes  from  among  the  several  types  of  puppets 
and  methods  of  making  them,  and  more  than 
likely  will  evolve  new  forms  and  new  techniques 
to  suit  his  particular  needs. 

Securing  plays  to  give  is  not  so  easy  a matter, 
as  all  who  participate  in  puppetry,  either  as  a 
professional  group  or  for  purposes  of  recreation, 
know  very  well.  The  best  way  is  undoubtedly  to 
create  your  own  plays  out  of  situations  from  life 
or  imagination,  especially  those  which  lend  them- 
selves to  gentle  satire  or  to  humorous  interpreta- 
tion. The  children  in  the  family  may  well  have 
favorite  stories,  from  among  folk  and  fairy  tales, 
or  even  bits  of  well-loved  novels,  which  they  will 
like  to  dramatize.  Songs  with  a narrative  interest 
may  be  turned  into  pantomimes  or  “operettas.” 
Bits  of  longer  plays,  such  as  the  Py ramus  and 
Thisbe  episode  from  A Midsummer  Night’s 
Dream,  or  the  amusing  duets  from  the  last  part 
of  The  Mikado  may  be  tried.  Most  of  the  books 
on  puppetry  contain  one  or  two  plays  which  may 
be  used  without  royalty,  and  Paul  McPharlin,  the 
puppet  publisher  mentioned  above,  has  a list  of 
suitable  plays,  both  with  and  without  royalty,  de- 
scribing them  and  telling  where  they  may  be 
found.  There  is  a crying  need  for  more  short 
plays,  calling  for  only  a few  puppets,  such  as 
Forman  Brown’s  Weather  and  Grace  Dorcas 
Ruthenberg’s  The  Moon  for  a Prince  and  The 
Gooseberry  Mandarin.  What  a delightful  thing  if 
the  formation  of  home  companies  should  result 
(Continued  on  page  464) 


Where  Music  Flourishes 


"Music  for  Everybody” 


"Everybody  for  Music” 


The  Flint,  Michigan,  Community  Music  As- 
sociation, while  organized  as  a sort  of  clear- 
ing house  for  all  things  musical  in  the  city,  is 
a civic  and  social  agency  designed  to  serve  as  a 
citizenship  medium  and  to  enrich  the  lives  of  the 
people  through  music.  It  has  been  organized  to 
function  on  a city-wide  basis  through  cooperation 
with  all  existing  institutions  and  with  groups 
already  established,  such  as  the  industries,  com- 
mercial establishments,  churches,  schools,  homes, 
lodges,  luncheon  clubs  and  women’s  clubs,  as  well 
as  with  specific  musical  groups  where  mutual  co- 
operation is  possible. 

Though  its  approach  is  social,  the  association  is 
interested  in  the  highest  artistic  standards  as 
demonstrated  for  many  years  in  its  local,  national 
and  international  reputation  for  artistic  achieve- 
ment. The  high  artistic  achievements  in  the  pub- 
lic schools,  both  vocally  and  instrumentally,  are 
continued  in  the  Choral  Union  and  Flint  Sym- 
phony Orchestra,  I.  M.  A.  Glee  Clubs,  Part  Song 
Club,  Civic  Opera.  It  has  become  a valuable  pub- 
licity medium  for  the  city  of  Flint  in  making  it 
known  as  a city  of  cultural  and  educational 
advantages. 

The  program  of  activities  of  the  association  is 
determined  by  the  board  of  directors  and  execu- 
tive committee  according  to  the  needs  and  de- 
mands of  the  city  as  a whole.  Membership  in  the 
association  includes  all  citizens  of  Flint  and 
friends  who  are  interested  in  having  the  city  be- 
come better  through  music  and  declare  such  de- 
sire by  signing  an  application  blank  which  entitles 
such  person  to  membership 
card  and  involves  three  obliga- 
tions: (i)  To  attend  one  con- 
cert each  season  by  the  Flint 
Symphony  Orchestra  or 
Choral  Union;  (2)  to  inform 
personally  five  or  more  differ- 
ent persons  about  the  work  of 
the  Community  Music  Associ- 
ation one  week  before  each 


concert,  and  invite  them  to  attend  the  concert ; (3) 
to  cancel  this  membership  in  writing  when  there 
is  a wish  to  sever  connections  with  the  association. 
There  are  no  individual  dues.  Participating  mem- 
bers are  those  actively  engaged  in  the  various  mu- 
sical organizations  directly  sponsored  by  the  as- 
sociation. 

At  the  offices  of  the  Association  on  the  Central 
High  School  campus,  rooms  are  available  for 
committee  meetings  of  all  musical  groups  of  the 
city,  and  small  ensembles  make  use  of  the  larger 
office  for  evening  rehearsals. 

What  Does  the  Association  Do? 

It  is  impossible  to  tell  of  the  many  activities  of 
the  association;  of  the  instrumental  and  vocal 
groups  it  has  organized ; of  the  ramifications  of  its 
influence  in  the  community.  A brief  statement  oi 
the  activities  of  a typical  day  will  give  some  con- 
ception of  its  services. 

There  were  thirty-nine  telephone  calls  including 
inquiries  regarding  the  Flint  Concert  Association, 
I.  M.  A.  Men’s  Glee  Club,  opera  rehearsals,  dance 
orchestras,  St.  Cecilia,  Flint  Symphony  Orchestra 
membership,  Community  Chest,  Social  Workers’ 
Club,  Messiah  soloists,  Northern  Orchestra,  Cen- 
tral A Cappella  Choirs,  class  lessons,  best  teachers 
with  whom  to  study,  orchestra  for  a banquet, 
Rotary,  General  Motors  Tech.,  Exchange  Club, 
Colored  Center,  music  for  Y.W.C.A.  Girls’  Glee 
Club,  recommendation  for  church  choir  director, 
speaker  for  P.  T.  A.,  music  for  Kiwanis,  Central 
Christian  Choir,  Groves  Band,  Part  Song  Club 
program,  Lowell  School  Band, 
all-city  junior  high  school  band 
and  orchestra,  Michigan  Thea- 
ter, staging  for  Northern 
Choir,  recreation  program  for 
various  P.T.A.  units,  Zimmer- 
man band  possibilities.  There 
were  twenty-six  letters  and 
school  bulletins  taken  from  the 
(Continued  on  page  464) 


The  eighteenth  annual  report  of  the 
Community  Music  Association  of 
Flint,  Michigan,  from  which  we  pre- 
sent some  abstracts,  is  the  story  of  an 
industrial  community  of  160,000  which 
is  music-conscious.  Under  the  leader- 
ship of  William  W.  Norton,  Executive 
and  Music  Organizer,  the  Association 
is  living  up  to  its  slogan — "Music  for 
Everybody  — Everybody  for  Music." 


438 


Year’s 


Day  Around 


the  World 


A recipe  for  a highly  cosmopolitan  New  Year’s 
party  in  which  are  combined  spicy  ingredients 
from  festive  celebrations  all  over  the  world! 


What  is  New  Year’s  Day  made  of?  Good 
resolutions,  noise,  a party  and  fancy  dress, 
you  say.  True,  but  if  you  look  further  into 
foreign  lands  you  will  find  it  is  also  made  of  tan- 
garines,  “Kung  Hi,  Kung  Hi’s”  bashed-in  top 
hats,  keys,  peas  and  wheat,  new  clothes,  crabs  and 
lobsters,  mummers,  “first  footers”  and  other 
strange  things  as  surprising  and  unexpected  as 
the  ingredients  of  little  boys  and  girls  in  the  old 
rhyme ! 

A New  Year’s  party  based  on  the  customs  of 
other  countries  will  provide  a novel  yet  fitting 
theme  for  your  celebration.  Send  out  your  invita- 
tions decorated  with  an  hour  glass  or  Old  and 
New  Year,  inviting  the  guests  to  come  in  the  cos- 
tume of  some  country  or  as  mummers.  Ask  each 
to  bring  a “white  elephant”  possession,  securely 
wrapped,  for  as  tradition  has  it  in  Scotland,  a 
package  in  the  hand  of  the  guest  insures  the  host 
of  a bounteous  year.  (These  gifts  will  be  ex- 
changed later  in  the  evening  as  one  of  the  party 
activities.) 

Colorful  decorations  are  in  order  for  the  party. 
In  Japan,  dark  green  pine  branches  and  light  green 
bamboo  stalks  are  hung  on  the  gate  posts  and  tan- 
gar  ines  and  tangarine-like  fruits  are  indicative  of 
long  life  and  happiness.  Bright  red  lobsters  and 
crabs  are  hung  over  doorways.  These  might  be 
clues  for  your  decorations  and,  expanded  with 
banners  and  borrowed  Japanese  screens  or  hang- 
ings, they  may  be  carried  out  to  whatever  degree 
of  detail  you  wish.  Or  you  may  decorate  with 
flags  and  banners  or  colors  of  many  countries. 

It  is  the  custom  in  America  for  newspapers  to 
list  the  major  news  items  of  the  year  at  New 


Tear’s  time.  For  the  first  comers,  lay  out  on  a 
table  a number  of  objects  which  suggest  some  of 
these  major  news  events — a toy  boat  (Queen 
Mary),  a cigar  (The  Hindenburg),  a Spanish 
comb  or  hat  (Spanish  Civil  War),  a colored  doll 
(Ethiopia),  a ballot  box  (election),  a five  (the 
“Quints”),  etc.  If  the  objects  are  not  available, 
rough  sketches  may  be  made  and  posted.  A 
streamer  from  a newspaper  (for  “local  color”) 
on  a poster  announcing  the  nature  of  the  contest 
and  paper  and  pencils  on  the  table,  will  make 
this  activity  a self-run  one. 

In  Japan  and  China  on  New  Year’s  Day  every- 
one puts  on  brand  new  clothes  and  goes  visiting; 
so  at  our  party  there  will  be  a grand  march  with 
all  kinds  of  figures  and  judges,  of  course,  to 
award  prizes  for  the  prettiest,  funniest,  most 
unique  costumes  for  both  men  and  women. 

At  the  end  of  the  march  each  person  is  given  a 
card  and  a pencil.  On  signal  each  tries  to  obtain 
as  many  signatures  as  he  can.  He  approaches 
some  one,  bows  in  Chinese  fashion,  saying  “Kung 
Hi,  Kung  Hi”  (I  humbly  wish  you  joy)  and  the 
other  replies,  “Sin  Hi,  Sin  Hi”  (May  joy  be 
yours).  Then  each  writes  down  the  other’s  name. 
At  the  end  of  five  minutes  the  person  with  the 
largest  number  of  names  receives  a trivial  award. 

The  “young  bloods”  in  Berlin  have  a riotous 
time  on  New  Year’s  Day  going  about  crushing  top 
hats  down  on  the  ears  of  their  luckless  wearers. 
Appeal  to  the.  police  is  futile;  they  merely  shrug 
their  shoulders  and  remind  the  victim  of  the  sea- 
son. While  there  will  be  few,  if  any,  top  hats  at 
the  party,  the  fun  of  bashing  things  can  still  be 
had.  Give  everyone  a balloon  which  is  to  be  tied 


439 


440 


NEW  YEAR’S  DAY  AROUND  THE  WORLD 


on  the  wrist — or  you  may  designate  the  ankle  if 
the  group  is  not  too  large.  At  a signal  each  per- 
son tries  to  protect  his  own  balloon  (top  hat)  and 
break  the  others.  As  soon  as  a player’s  balloon 
is  broken  he  retires  to  the  edge  of  the  group  and 
all  honor  goes  to  the  owner  of  the  last  balloon. 
(This  game  may  be  used  in  connection  with  a 
dance,  in  which  case  each  couple  has  a balloon.) 

The  revelers  will  need  to  catch  their  breath 
after  these  strenuous  activities.  Pass  out  paper 
and  pencils  and  announce  that  each  guest  must 
write  out  what  he  considers  to  be  the  duties  of  an 
honest,  upright  citizen.  The  papers  are  then 
passed  four  or  five  persons  to  the  left  and  read, 
in  turn.  It  will  add  to  the  merriment  if  these  social 
obligations  are  written  in  terms  of  those  present. 
For  example,  someone  might  suggest  that  a good 
citizen  would  spank  any  girl  he  saw  flirting,  would 

rumple  the  tidy  Mr , and  would  see  that 

Miss  had  no  more  than  just  enough 

make-up  on. 

Then  because  this  is  the  last  chance  of  the  New 
Year  to  get  bad  habits  “off  one’s  chest,”  ask 
everyone  to  write  down  all  the  slang  phrases  he 
can  in  a certain  length  of  time.  The  longest  list 
wins.  If  the  group  is  too  large  for  checking  lists 
of  slang,  the  next  game  may  be  used  in  its  place. 

New  Year’s  Eve  is  the  traditional  time  for  reso- 
lutions. Write  down  one  resolution  for  the  New 
Year.  Warn  the  guests  that  these  are  to  be  read, 
and  after  they  are  written,  pass  them  left  four  or 
five  persons  and  read  them  aloud.  With  great 
pomp  and  ceremony  place  the  resolutions  in  a 
coffer  for  preservation  as  evidence  of  good  in- 
tentions. 

In  Belgium  we  hear  of  a “Sugar  Uncle,”  a 
“Sugar  Aunt.”  All  the  keys  disappear  from  the 
inside  doors  in  the  houses  before  New  Year’s 
Day.  Then,  when  an  unsuspecting  aunt  or  uncle 
goes  into  a room  alone,  the  children  rush  to  lock 
the  doors  on  the  outside  and  do  not  permit  the 
aunt  or  uncle  to  come  out  until  he  or  she  has 
promised  ransom  with  which  the  children  will 
buy  sugar  plums  and  candy.  Divide  the  group 
into  a number  of  circles  with  ten  to  twenty  play- 
ers in  each.  A leader  is  given  a key  or  a bunch  of 
keys.  He  walks  around  the  group  nodding  at 
players  who  fall  in  line  behind  him.  When  about 
half  the  members  of  the  circle  are  trailing  along, 
he  drops  the  key  and  all  dash  to  find  places.  The 
one  left  out  pays  “ransom”  by  being  “it.” 

The  circles  may  be  easily  straightened  out  into 
file  formation  for  a “First  Footer”  relay.  In 


Scotland  it  is  considered  good  luck  to  be  the  first 
to  step  into  a house  after  midnight,  so  there  is  a 
mad  dash  from  house  to  house  after  the  stroke  of 
twelve.  Each  team  is  a would-be  “first  footer.” 
The  leader  counts  to  twelve  and  on  “twelve”  the 
first  member  of  each  team  dashes  to  a goal  and 
back,  touching  off  the  next  player.  The  first  team 
finished  is  the  lucky  one  and  receives  a prize  of 
cookies  or  tiny  cakes,  as  was  the  custom. 

Boys  and  girls  of  Russia  have  a rather  strange 
custom.  On  New  Year’s  Day  they  go  about 
throwing  peas  and  wheat  at  passers-by.  The 
peas  are  thrown  at  enemies  while  the  lighter 
wheat  is  reserved  for  friends.  Wheat  grains  are 
too  small  to  handle  conveniently,  so  give  everyone 
eight  or  ten  beans  of  one  kind  and  eight  or  ten  of 
another  kind.  Say  one  kind  is  “friends”  the  other 
“enemies,”  but  do  not  designate  which  is  “enemy” 
or  “friend.”  Guests  are  to  trade  with  one  another 
and  at  the  end  of  five  minutes  the  one  with  the 
fewest  enemies  and  the  one  with  the  most  friends 
are  given  prizes. 

The  virtues  and  good  behavior  come  to  mind  as 
the  exciting  hour  of  twelve  approaches.  Divide 
the  group  into  smaller  groups  and  give  each  group 
a few  minutes  to  plan  a charade  of  one  of  the 
virtues  to  be  adopted  during  the  year.  (The  vices 
to  be  shunned  might  be  included  as  well.)  Other 
guests  try  to  guess  the  virtue  or  vice  represented. 

As  a reward  for  so  splendid  a presentation  of 
virtues,  bring  out  the  “white  elephants.”  In  France 
the  children  leave  their  wooden  shoes  out  at 
Christmas  time  for  presents,  but  the  adults  ex- 
change gifts  at  New  Year’s  time.  The  “white 
elephants”  may  be  brought  out  and  distributed  in 
any  manner  you  like — by  drawing,  in  grab  bag 
style,  or  be  given  by  Father  Time.  They  should 
be  opened  on  the  spot  to  afford  the  whole  group 
amusement. 

As  the  New  Year  approaches,  watch  the  clock 
closely.  You  will  feel  terribly  disappointed  if  it 
creeps  in  behind  your  back.  Build  up  to  it  with 
games  and  songs  and  at  the  crucial  moment  have 
noisemakers,  confetti  and  serpentine  paper  at 
hand  for  everyone.  After  the  hullaballoo  of 
shouting  and  screaming  and  the  racket  of  horns 
and  trumpets  and  rattles  have  subsided  and  there 
tends  to  be  a feeling  of  let  down,  serve  refresh- 
ments— punch  from  the  Scotch  “bowl  of  toddy” 
tossed  off  with  the  toast,  “Gude  Luck,”  and  cakes 
or  cookies.  A few  familiar  songs  will  send  every- 
one home  feeling  friendly  and  happy  and  thinking 
of  the  old  expression  — “A  good  beginning  — a 
good  ending.” 


A Community  Christmas 


Each  year  more  and  more  cities  are 
pooling  their  resources  to  the  end 
that  all  may  share  Christmas  joys 

For  several  years  various  organizations  in 
Royal  Oak,  Michigan,  have  assumed  the  task 
of  supplying  toys,  clothing,  food  and  fuel  to 
needy  families.  The  depression  made  the  problem 
more  serious.  Lack  of  unity  allowed  that  “good 
cheer’’  of  various  organizations  to  be  duplicated  in 
many  instances  and  many  families  equally  in  dis- 
tress were  left  out.  To  overcome  this,  efforts  were 
made  to  establish  a clearing  house. 

Early  in  the  fall  of  1935  the  annual  drive  be- 
came organized.  A central  committee  was  formed. 
Its  membership  was  made  up  of  representatives  of 
the  lodges,  churches,  clubs,  Salvation  Army  and 
unattached  public-minded  citizens.  With  the  co- 
operation of  the  welfare  and  health  departments, 
the  Community  Union  and  the  schools,  an  ex- 
tensive list  was  prepared  of  families  needing  food, 
toys,  clothing  and  fuel. 

A clearing  house  was  set  up  in  which  all  fami- 
lies reported  as  needing  aid  were  investigated  to 
determine  the  aid  needed.  This  prevented  dupli- 
cation of  names.  Printed  forms  were  furnished  in 
triplicate,  one  copy  for  the  family  head,  the  other 
two  for  the  investigators  and  distribution  center. 

Funds  were  solicited  with  which  to  purchase 
some  things  of  which  an  insufficient  supply  had 
been  provided  by  generous  homes ; also  to  pur- 
chase repair  materials  for  the  toys,  dolls  and 
clothing. 

Leaders  in  the  community  accepted  certain  as- 
signed tasks  and  invited  their  friends  and  associ- 
ates to  join  in  soliciting  used  clothing,  toys,  dolls, 
and  playthings,  and  to  collect,  repair  and  deliver 
them  to  the  distribution  center. 

The  elementary  schools  joined  earnestly  in 
gathering  all  kinds  of  dolls,  doll  equipment, 
games,  toys,  books  and  playthings,  all  of  which 
were  sent  to  the  junior  high  school  where  a sort- 
ing room  was  established.  Here  toys  were  ex- 
amined and  appraised.  Those  worth  repairing 
were  sent  to  the  shops  in  the  various  schools  and 


pupils  repaired  and  repainted  them.  The 
sewing  and  art  classes  took  over  the  dolls 
and  doll  clothing  and  bedding,  washing  all 
dolls,  retinting  many  and  laundering  the 
soiled  items.  Teachers  cooperated  splendidly, 
working  during  classes  as  well  as  out-of- 
.school  hours.  Pupils  came  Saturdays  and  many 
took  things  home  to  work  on.  Individuals  and 
groups  of  townspeople  assisted  in  sorting  and  re- 
pairing. All  were  eager  to  have  a part  in  con- 
tributing good  cheer  to  those  less  fortunate  class- 
mates and  neighbors. 

When  completed  the  articles  were  sent  to  the 
distribution  center,  a room  in  a centrally  located 
office  building,  the  heating  and  lighting  of  which 
were  donated  by  the  owners.  Thanksgiving  and 
Christmas  baskets  of  food  were  also  collected  in 
the  schools  and  sent  to  families  in  distress. 

At  the  junior  high  school  motion  picture  as- 
semblies were  held.  Admission  was  a toy,  doll, 
game,  book  or  plaything.  Those  unable  to  gain 
admittance  in  that  manner  paid  five  cents  to  at- 
tend. A contest  among  home  rooms  was  spon- 
sored to  see  which  would  bring  the  greatest  num- 
ber of  contributions.  One  room  brought  276  items. 
In  the  entire  junior  high  school,  having  an  enroll- 
ment of  about  850,  about  2,000  usable  items  were 
contributed  by  the  pupils. 

At  the  distribution  center  the  toys,  clothing, 
dolls,  books  and  games  were  arranged  on  tables. 
The  parents  brought  their  “orders”  from  the  in- 
vestigators and  were  allowed  to  choose  those 
things  reported  needed.  The  gifts  were  wrapped 
and  taken  home  by  the  parents  as  if  they  had  been 
obtained  from  the  stores,  thus  causing  the  least 
embarrassment  within  the  families. 

( Continued  on  page  465) 


Elementary  pupils  gathered  toys  and  games. 
The  junior  high  school  set  up  a sorting  room. 
School  shops  repaired  and  repainted  toys.  Sew- 
ing and  art  classes  took  over  the  washing  and 
retinting  of  dolls  and  doll  clothing.  Teachers 
worked  in  class  and  after  school.  Pupils  came 
on  Saturdays  and  all  worked  as  a unit  in  a 
community-wide  movement  to  give  the  needy  of 
the  town  a merry  Christmas.”  This,  in  brief,  is  the 
interesting  story  told  by  Leslie  J.  F.  Edmunds 
in  the  November  issue  of  The  Nation’s  Schools. 


441 


The  Richmond  Traveling  Players 


This  season  the  Richmond  Traveling  Players, 
an  adult  drama  group  sponsored  by  the  San 
Francisco  Recreation  Commission,  celebrates 
its  fifth  year  of  activity. 

In  1931  the  group  was  organized  by  Miss  Ger- 
trude Freese,  under  the  supervision  of  Miss  Hes- 
ter Proctor.  The  history  of  the  Players  has  not 
been  one  of  continual  successes,  but  it  has  been  a 
story  of  steady  growth.  The  first  production  was 
something  of  a dramatic  and  financial  nightmare 
because  of  unforeseen  differences  between  certain 
members  of  the  cast  and  a portion  of  the  audi- 
ence. With  the  very  first  act  strange  noises  began 
to  issue  from  the  darkness  of  the  auditorium. 
From  the  balcony  came  a deluge  of  beans  all  too 
well  aimed  from  the  pea  shooters  of  a neighbor- 
hood gang.  A famous  actress  of  the  old  Belasco 
days  sitting  in  the  audience  was  forced  to  make 
her  departure  amid  a veritable  hailstorm  of  the 
little  pellets.  Lighting  effects  were  interchanged 
so  that  the  lightning  flashed  when  the  moon  was 
supposed  to  rise  and  vice  versa.  Hoots,  cat  calls 
and  donations  of  various  kinds  were  so  generous 
that  at  the  close  of  the  play  the  curtain  came  down 
with  little  short  of  a small  riot  in  the  auditorium. 
Yet  in  spite  of  the  discouraging  demonstration  a 
goodly  number  of  the  players  appeared  next  sea- 
son to  try  their  luck  in  the  lists  of  drama  a sec- 
ond time. 

Facing  them  now  was  the  usual  bogey-man  of 
amateur  groups — high  royalty  rates.  The  second 
season  they  tried  a modern  non-royalty  piece 
which  they  gave  with  success  before  several  audi- 
ences in  San  Francisco.  However,  the  shallow- 
ness of  this  play  and  of  other  non-royalty  plays 
became  too  apparent.  The  performances  were  suc- 
cessful because  the  script  was  so  simple  that  re- 
sults could  hardly  be  otherwise. 

The  personnel  of  the  group  fluctuated  with  an- 
noying frequency.  By  the  third  season,  the  com- 
pany had  become  reduced  to  four  members  and 
the  director.  Far  from  being  discouraged,  this 
handful  of  interested  persons 
worked  up  an  evening’s  program 
of  one  act  plays  which  they  per- 
formed continually  for  six 
months.  They  appeared  on  all 


By  Frederick  Wahl 

Director 

sorts  of  stages,  under  every  condition,  and  before 
as  many  types  of  audiences.  Frequently  they 
would  put  on  a performance  with  no  knowledge 
as  to  the  size  or  the  equipment  of  the  theater  in 
which  they  were  to  play.  As  often  they  would 
not  see  the  stage  until  an  hour  or  two  before  the 
performance.  This  meant  that  the  entire  business 
of  a play  might  have  to  be  changed  at  a moment’s 
notice  to  fit  the  existing  conditions  without  a 
chance  for  a single  rehearsal. 

Thus  the  actors  became  well  suited  to  their 
name,  the  Richmond  Traveling  Players.  With  no 
home  theater  they  traveled  about  San  Francisco 
playing  at  any  place  where  they  could  secure  an 
engagement,  gathering  experience  which  could  not 
be  found  in  any  school  or  text  of  acting. 

Reviewing  Theatrical  History 

In  1933  the  company  grew  considerably  and  the 
director  embarked  on  a new  policy  which  the 
group  has  followed  ever  since.  Finding  the  good 
modern  royalty  plays  far  beyond  their  means,  and 
the  usual  run  of  the  non-royalty  play  not  worth 
the  effort  to  produce,  they  turned  to  famous  stage 
successes  of  other  days,  which  had  been  played 
the  world  over  by  the  greatest  stars  but  which  be- 
cause of  excessive  length  or  antiquated  speech  and 
construction  had  passed  into  theatrical  history. 
Here  was  a field  of  proven  successes,  and  all  free 
of  royalty  complications.  All  that  was  needed  was 
to  modernize  them.  Could  it  be  done? 

The  first  venture  was  a revival  of  the  Barber  of 
Seville  given  at  the  Little  Theater  of  the  Palace 
of  the  Legion  of  Honor.  The  new  version  was 
prepared  by  the  director,  who  adapted  his  play  to 
the  group  rather  than  the  group  to  the  play.  The 
undertaking  proved  very  successful. 

(Continued  on  page  466) 


A story  which  proves  that  neither  high  royalties  nor 
a lack  of  appreciation  can  discourage  amateur  actors! 


442 


The  Skiing  Epidemic  Invades 


the 

Western  Slopes 

of  the 

Rockies 

By  Ray  Forsberg 

Salt  Lake  City,  Utah 


“^■pidemic”  is  an  apt  description  for  the  new 
and  revived  interest  in  winter  sports  which 
pervades  the  Wasatch  Mountain  area,  with 
Salt  Lake  City  as  the  hub  of  the  activity.  This 
new  emphasis  is  perhaps  a reverberation  from  the 
recent  nation-wide  trend  in  winter  sports  rather 
than  a singular  condition,  but  the  facts  seem 
worthy  of  mention. 

For  many  years  the  skiing  possibilities  of  the 
Wasatch  Range  have  been  extolled  by  visiting  ski 
experts,  as  well  as  by  a handful  of  local  devotees 
who  have  dipped  into  the  winter  fastnesses  in 
years  gone  by.  Certain  areas  have  been  compared 
favorably  to  the  Swiss  Alps  and  other  renowned 
winter  sport  sections.  Average  snow  conditions 
permit  six  months  of  winter  sports.  Not  until  the 
last  two  years,  however,  has  this  knowledge  been 
generally  verified  from  first  hand  information. 
During  the  past  two  years  participation  in  skiing 
in  the  vicinity  of  Salt  Lake  City  has  increased  in 
meteoric  fashion.  For  every  skier  of  the  old 
regime  there  are  fifty  new  converts,  and  judging 
from  the  contagious  aspects  of  this  sport  the  next 
few  years  should  see  comparatively  greater  in- 
creases in  participation.  The  winter  secrets  of 
the  Wasatch  range  are  doomed ! 


Gone  are  the  “toe-strap”  skiing  days,  and  the 
old  custom  of  just  “riding”  down  hill  and  walking 
back  up,  with  skiis  over  the  shoulder.  The  sup- 
posed dangers  from  using  ski  harnesses  have  been 
completely  eliminated ; on  the  contrary,  harnesses 
have  become  indispensable  utility  and  safety  fac- 
tors in  proper  equipment.  Gone  are  the  cumber- 
some and  unmanageable  nine  and  ten  foot  ski 
outfits  considered  so  vital  to  commodious  ski 
travel!  And  gone,  too,  are  the  heavy  and  bulky 
types  of  clothing  thought  to  be  essential  to  winter 
sports  indulgence.  An  entirely  new  theory  and 
technique  dominate  the  modern  school  of  skiing, 
which  even  go  so  far  as  to  include  a new  language. 
“ Stem,”  “ Christiana,”  “ telemark,”  “ valende- 
sprung,”  and  “slalom”  are  only  a few  of  the  terms 
that  have  crept  into  skiing  conversation  and  be- 
come important  to  proper  comprehension.  Com- 
pact and  practical  equipment  coupled  with  light, 
serviceable  and  colorful  accouterments  have  revo- 
lutionized skiing  quite  generally,  but  especially 
now  in  the  intermountain  district. 

Brighton  is  primarily  a summer  resort  nestled 
at  the  top  of  Big  Cottonwood  Canyon,  some  thirty 
miles  from  Salt  Lake  City,  and  accessible  also 
from  Park  City  by  a six-mile  mountain  trail.  The 


443 


444  THE  SKIING  EPIDEMIC  INVADES  THE  WESTERN  SLOPES  OF  THE  ROCKIES 


snows  pile  up  to  a depth  of  nine  and  ten  feet  at 
Brighton  during  the  course  of  the  winter  and 
provide  the  place  with  ideal  winter  resort  possi- 
bilities. Adventurous  skiers  in  bygone  days  were 
proud  to  relate  their  prowess  in  negotiating  the 
mountain  trail  to  Brighton  in  twelve  to  fourteen 
hours.  It  was  not  uncommon  for  less  ambitious 
skiers  to  consume  the  better  part  of  two  days  for 
the  trip  over,  and  two  days  back.  Any  thought  of 
making  a round  trip  in  less  than  two  days  was 
dispelled  with  mumblings  of  lunacy.  There  is  a 
radically  different  story  today.  An  average  skier, 
properly  equipped,  can  make  the  trip  over  in  three 
hours  easily.  Expert  skiers  make  the  run  in  less 
than  two  hours.  Thus  Brighton  and  other  equally 
attractive  skiing  havens  in  the  Wasatch  Moun- 
tains have  become  accessible  to  Mr.  Average 
Skier,  and  indications  point  to  even  greater 
activity  in  the  winter  than  in  the  summer. 

Another  noteworthy  change  is  taking  place  in 
local  winter  sport  circles,  and  this  change  is  par- 
ticularly important  from  a recreational  point  of 
view.  Skiing,  up  to  a certain  degree,  is  changing 
from  a “spectator”  to  a “participation”  activity. 
Thousands  of  people  in  the  vicinity  of  Salt  Lake 
City  have  seen  some  of  the  greatest  and  most 
colorful  ski  jumping  exhibitions  in  the  world.  In 
fact,  Salt  Lake  City  has  become  the  permanent 
home  of  a number  of  the  greatest  jumpers  in  the 
business  by  virtue  of  the  great  ski  hills  located  in 
this  territory.  World  records  have  been  broken 
at  Ecker  Hill  with  such  regularity  and  decisive- 
ness that  jumps  under  two  hundred  feet  fail  to 
excite  the  deserved  recognition  from  the  crowds. 
Every  time  a new  record 
was  sought  improvements 
were  made  in  the  take  off 
and  hill,  and  finally  a 
jump  of  two  hundred 
and  ninety-one  was  ac- 
complished. But  these 
daring  leaps  by  the  coun- 
try’s best  riders  do  not 
carry  the  same  thrills  as 
at  first ; in  fact,  it’s  much 
more  thrilling  personally 
to  ski  down  the  hill  and 
perhaps  make  a small 
jump.  And  that  happens 
to  be  the  trend  in  this 
locality.  Ski  jumping  ex- 
hibitions will  always  be 
attractive.  The  national 


ski  jumping  tourney  will  undoubtedly  be  held  in 
this  region  in  1937,  and  will  draw  thousands  and 
thousands  of  spectators,  but  from  now  on  the 
average  fan  is  going  to  spend  more  time  “doing” 
than  “watching.” 

This  mushroom  growth  in  winter  sports  has 
focused  the  attention  of  the  entire  region  upon  the 
problems  of  further  development.  Additional 
trails  need  to  be  cleared;  additional  ski  jumps  and 
toboggan  slides  must  be  prepared  and  shelter  and 
sanitation  facilities  constructed.  Areas  must  be 
mapped  and  charted,  and,  most  important  of  all, 
roads  must  be  kept  open.  A civic  Winter  Sports 
Committee  has  been  organized  to  coordinate  the 
activity  of  all  agencies  to  insure  desired  and  maxi- 
mum results.  The  Forestry  Service,  CCC,  WPA, 
NYA,  state,  county,  city,  and  service  and  activity 
clubs  are  all  working  with  a single  purpose — to 
make  the  intermountain  country  a better  place 
to  ski. 

The  Junior  Chamber  of  Commerce  has  under- 
taken “ski  train”  promotion  after  a successful  ex- 
periment last  year.  Five  hundred  skiers  embarked 
on  the  first  attempt,  and  at  least  four  similar  ex- 
peditions are  scheduled  for  this  season.  Everyone 
is  enthusiastic,  and  all  are  hopeful  that  some  day 
Salt  Lake  City  may  become  one  of  the  prominent 
ski  centers  for  America. 


Increasing  interest  in  skiing  is  shown  in  the 
action  of  the  New  York  State  Committee  on  Ski- 
ing of  the  Adirondack  Mountain  Club  in  calling 
a state-wide  conference  on  skiing  to  be  held  in  the 
State  Office  Building  at  Albany  on  December  5th. 

All  interested  in  skiing 
are  invited  to  attend,  and 
a special  invitation  is  ex- 
tended  to  playground, 
state  and  municipal  park 
officials.  Among  the  sub- 
jects discussed  will  be 
the  following:  Commun- 
ity Organization  for  Win- 
ter Sports ; Safety  in 
Skiing;  Ski-tow  Con- 
struction; T ransporta- 
tion;  the  Location,  Con- 
struction, Financing  and 
Supervision  of  ski  trails 
and  fields,  and  How  to 
Serve  the  Interest  of  be- 
ginners and  Novices. 


"Why  is  there  any  reason  to  believe  that  skiing 
in  this  country  will  keep  on  growing  in  popular- 
ity? The  answer  is,  first,  that  skiing  history  indi- 
cates American  skiing  has  not  yet  reached  its 
'teens;  and  finally,  that  in  the  snow  belt  it  has 
proven  to  be  the  most  invigorating  and  enjoyable 
outdoor  winter  activity  available  to  both  sexes 
regardless  of  age.  The  one  thing  that  might  dis- 
courage skiing  is  recklessness — riding  out  of  con- 
trol, cracking  up,  attempting  to  progress  too 
rapidly,  disregard  of  ski  etiquette,  skiing  without 
knowledge  of  snow  conditions  and  suitable  tech- 
niques, competing  when  not  in  training,  and  lack 
of  respect  for  cold  and  storm.  When  such  fool- 
hardiness occurs  there  is  not  only  personal  dan- 
ger, but  danger  to  the  health  and  lives  of  others, 
and  of  course,  to  the  reputation  of  skiing  as  a 
sport.  Skiing  must  be  kept  safe  if  it  is  to  continue 
its  phenomenal  advance."  From  bulletin  issued  by 
the  Western  Massachusetts  Winter  Sports  Council. 


Mass 

Hikes 


There  is  a definite 
place  in  the  recrea- 
tion program  for  the 
organized  mass  hike 
toward  a group-de- 
termined objective. 


Courtesy  Los  Angeles  County,  Department  of  Recreation,  Camps  and  Playgrounds 


EY'KRY  normal  human  being  is  endowed  with  a 
greater  or  less  degree  of  what  is  properly 
called  nomadism : the  urge  to  move  into  new 
scenes,  new  and  different  evironment.  In  its  ex- 
treme form  this  produces  the  tramp,  on  the  one 
hand,  and  the  scientific  explorer  on  the  other. 
Society  profits  by  the  compelling  “insanity”  of  an 
Admiral  Byrd,  but  pays  an  economic  price  for 
the  eternal  wandering  of  the  “Weary  Willie.” 
Associated  with  this  fundamental  restlessness 
is  the  impulse  to  move  en  masse,  to  go  with  a 
crowd,  to  migrate  in  “herds,”  to  tramp  in  unison 
with  fellow  creatures.  There  must  be  a kind  of 
ecstasy  in  the  initial  moments  even  in  the  swarm- 
ing of  bees,  the  seasonal  migrations  of  birds  and 
the  sudden  movement  of  the  pack. 

Some  wise  student  of  human  nature  has  said 
that  happiness  is  the  normal  and  natural  by- 
product of  the  satisfaction  of  an  inner  urge  in  a 
way  which  squares  with  an  ideal.  Instinctively 
we  must  have  our  actions  square  with  the  prevail- 
ing ideals  of  the  “herd.”  When  we  stride  in 
wholesome  cadence  with  our  fellows  towards  some 
herd-determined  objective,  we  experience  deep 
satisfactions. 

The  organized  mass  hike  towards  a group-de- 
termined, or  at  least  group-accepted  objective,  has 
an  important  place  in  community  recreation  pro- 
grams. It  arouses  sleeping  impulses  to  be  up  and 
on  the  move  and  to  take  up  the  step,  so  to  speak, 
with  the  tribe.  Naturally  it  selects  those  people 


By  Eugene  L.  Roberts 

Associate  Professor 
Department  of  Physical  Education 
University  of  Southern  California 

who  have  strong  nomadic  tendencies,  coupled  with 
normal  or  more  than  normal  gregarious  and  social 
instincts.  By  its  very  nature  it  eliminates  the 
anti-social,  the  recreational  misfits,  the  individ- 
ualists, the  rationalizing  and  compensating  high- 
brows, and  many  other  personalities  who  deviate 
from  the  normal  in  the  direction  of  solitariness 
and  introversion.  Very  often  it  does  not  eliminate 
the  exhibitionist  and  other  types  of  persons  who 
exploit  the  group  for  egoistic  satisfactions.  But 
on  the  whole  the  mass  hike,  well  organized  and 
conducted,  tends  strongly  to  socialize  the  group 
and  to  long-circuit  selfish  tendencies. 

Avoid  Over-organization ! 

The  words  “well  organized”  and  “well  con- 
ducted” do  not  imply  over-organization  or  ultra- 
strong leadership.  They  mean  a minimum  of  regi- 
mentation and  restraint.  There  is  genuine  fun  in 
conforming  to  reasonable  discipline  on  any  group 
outing.  However,  hikes  are  often  ruined  by 
leaders  with  a prepossession  for  perfect  organiza- 
tion and  a meticulous  concern  for  details.  “Rough- 
hewn”  recreational  affairs  are  more  human  and 
have  a more  fundamental  appeal.  Fresh  and  spon- 


445 


446 


MASS  HIKES 


taneous  life  flows  into  the  events  through  crevices 
of  delightfully  imperfect  organization. 

Mass  hikes  are  not  suitable  in  the  recreation 
program  of  all  communities.  They  are  probably 
not  advisable  for  all  groups,  nor  for  all  localities. 
Notwithstanding  this,  there  are  conditions  under 
which  the  large  crowd  “Spaziergang”  can  be  taken 
and  repeated  at  regular  intervals  until  it  becomes 
traditional  and  works  its  way  into  the  life  of  the 
people  as  a wholesome  and  happy  expression  of 
neighborliness. 

Some  of  these  favorable  conditions  are : first,  a 
certain  homogeneity  and  natural  neighborliness  of 
the  people ; second,  inviting  scenic  features  not  too 
far  distant  from  the  central  community;  and 
third,  a wise  and  enthusiastic  organizing  leader- 
ship which  is  permitted  to  carry  on  over  a reason- 
able length  of  time. 

Mass  hikes  should  have  some  of  the  spirit  of 
ancient  pilgrimages.  The  destination  very  often 
can  be  the  same,  year  after  year,  for  the  same 
outing.  It  should  be  considered  in  some  symbolic 
sense  as  holy  ground,  where  people  have  an  ir- 
resistible urge  to  commune  with  sacred  oracles  of 
forest,  stream,  waterfall,  or  mountain  gods ; where 
they  can  play,  dance,  sing  and  worship  in  common. 

Rhythm  is  important  even  in  the  regular  recur- 
rence of  events.  There  are  communities  which 
have  their  seasonal  and  annual  mass  hikes  and 
mountain-top  pilgrimages.  With  the  rhythmic 
repetition  have  come  enrichment  and  charm. 
Throughout  the  years  these  great  social  events 
have  gathered  into  themselves  tradition,  recrea- 
tional ritual  and  delightful  entertaining  features, 
and  have  discarded  activities  and  attitudes  which 
failed  to  harmonize  with  the  deeper  meaning  of 
the  events. 

A Mass  Mountain  Climb 

Perhaps  the  writer  can  do  no  better  at  this 
point  than  to  describe  in  some  detail  a “mass 
mountain  climb”  which  it  was 
his  good  fortune  to  set  going 
in  the  summer  of  1912,  and  to 
assist  in  sustaining  and  de- 
veloping during  a period  of 
twenty-five  years.  This  great 
community  trek  is  known  as 
the  Timpanogos  Hike,  and  now 
draws  more  than  ten  thousand 
mountain  lovers  into  a happy 
throng  for  a two  day  outing 
every  summer  at  Aspen  Grove, 


near  Provo,  Utah.  The  favorable  conditions  sur- 
rounding the  inception  and  development  of  the 
unique  festival  included  first,  an  activity-minded 
University  of  some  twelve  hundred  students  which 
served  as  the  organizing  center ; second,  a won- 
derful mountain,  fifteen  miles  distant,  with  un- 
surpassed attractions  — giant  cirques,  a hundred 
waterfalls  and  numerous  groves  of  aspen  and  fir 
trees ; third,  a city  of  fifteen  thousand  people  with 
more  or  less  common  interests  and  ideals;  and 
fourth,  a score  of  surrounding  towns  and  cities 
not  unlike  the  University  community. 

This  in  general  was  the  setting  in  which  the 
great  Timpanogos  Hike  began.  Twenty-two  peo- 
ple participated  in  the  first  outing.  These  were 
very  loosely  and  informally  organized  into  camp- 
ing units.  Since  it  required  a full  day  of  difficult 
mountain  travel  over  drag-roads  and  trails  to  get 
bedding  and  equipment  to  Aspen  Grove,  where 
the  climb  began,  an  efficient  transportation  com- 
mittee was  necessary.  Outside  of  this  there  was 
little  organization. 

One  year  later,  however,  when  the  “second  an- 
nual Timpanogos  Hike”  was  announced,  sixty- 
five  enthusiastic  mountaineers  responded.  With 
the  increase  in  numbers  came  the  necessity  for 
more  complete  systematization.  Camping  units  of 
from  ten  to  fifteen  people  were  organized,  each 
with  a captain,  a “captainess,”  cooks,  wood-gath- 
erers, fire-makers,  etc. 

With  deliberate  effort  to  build  tradition  about 
this  annual  outing,  the  management  introduced 
the  following  features : bonfire  program,  a play- 
ful dance  ritual,  early  morning  music  from  an  ad- 
joining peak,  “secret  signs”  and  “mysterious” 
word  symbols  with  definite  implications  for  all 
who  heard  and  understood. 

The  third  annual  mountain  climb  drew  two  hun- 
dred people.  Somewhat  more  complete  organiza- 
tion became  necessary  but  nevertheless  the  prin- 
ciple of  informality  still  prevailed.  Responsibili- 
ties requiring  special  commit- 
tees were  those  associated  with 
the  commissary,  equipment, 
camp  organization,  camp  sani- 
tation, bonfire  program,  hiking 
plan,  special  features,  fire- 
lighting ritual  and  provision 
for  first  aid.  Some  of  these 
responsibilities  were  taken  care 
of  by  individuals  asked  to 
serve  as  committees  of  one. 


* 

"With  the  return  to  simple  life  will 
come  a new  enthusiasm  for  the  out- 
of-doors  in  all  its  aspects.  It  is  prob- 
ably safe  to  predict  that  we  are 
about  to  experience  a Renaissance  in 
mass  hiking.  America  is  already  on 
the  move  by  automobile  caravan.  It 
may  soon  be  moving  en  masse  over 
mountain  trails  to  undiscovered  re- 
treats where  it  can  hear  and  feel  the 
heart  beat  of  reality  and  can  gather 
strength  from  the  everlasting  hills." 


MASS  HIKES 


447 


These  first  three  hikes  set  the  tone  and  deter- 
mined the  social  and  cultural  atmosphere  of  all 
subsequent  mountain  festivals.  Devices  used  to 
establish  this  traditional  spirit  took  the  form  of 
sentiments  expressed  through  preliminary  an- 
nouncements, through  publicity,  and  at  bonfire 
entertainments;  informal  but  effective  chaperon- 
age  ; hiking  together ; resting  together ; playing  to- 
gether; interesting  lectures  and  stories  along  the 
trail  and  special  features  at  the  point  of 
destination. 

To  prevent  deviation  from  the  established  stand- 
ards without  evidence  of  regimentation,  restraint 
or  preaching,  the  hikers  used  sign  language  to 
“whip”  any  recalcitrant  individual  or  group  into 
line.  For  example,  in  the  earlier  climbs  when  a 
hiker  showed  signs  of  being  offish  or  unsocial,  be- 
cause of  fatigue  or  irritation,  when  he  or  she 
grumbled  at  the  pace  or  lapsed  into  gloomy  silence, 
his  fellows  would  raise  their  finger  signals  high 
above  their  heads,  and  immediately  complete  rap- 
port was  reestablished.  The  unpleasant  mood  died 
in  a laugh.  Even  tendencies  to  pair  off  were  con- 
quered with  harmless  but  meaningful  signals 
given  in  good  spirit  by  those  who  felt  that  such 
display  of  devotion  might  offend  the  mountain 
gods ! 

The  writer  feels  justified  in  calling  attention  to 
these  features  which  appear  to  be  necessary  on 
large  mass  outings  to  preserve  proper  social  atti- 
tudes and  to  forestall  criticism.  Leadership  is  re- 
sponsible for  cultural  tone.  This  leadership  must 
get  its  results  through  subtle  suggestion.  Its  super- 
vision must  express  itself  through  tradition  and 
“setting”  and  not  by  direct  admonition. 

The  Timpanogos  Hike  grew  in  numbers  and  in- 
creased in  significance  throughout  the  years,  until 
at  present  it  is  unquestionably  Amerioa’s,  if  not 
the  world’s,  greatest  mass-mountain  climb.  It  is 
conservatively  estimated  that  fifteen  thousand 
mountain  lovers  will  participate  in  the  Silver  An- 
niversary festival  to  be  staged  next  July. 

These  people  will  now  go  to  Aspen  Grove  over 
a broad,  well-graded  government  road;  they  will 
pitch  their  camps  in  a camp  ground  sanitary  and 
inviting  in  every  respect ; they  will  assemble  in  the 
large  hillside  “Theater  of  the  Pines”  with  a seat- 
ing capacity  of  ten  thousand,  on  the  night  before 
the  actual  dumb  begins,  for  two  hours  of  ceremony, 
ritual  and  entertainment.  They  will  be  awakened 
at  daybreak  by  music  coming  from  Guide’s  Peak; 
after  breakfast,  they  will  begin  the  climb,  moving 
like  a two-mile-long  Chinese  serpent  over  a per- 


fect government  trail,  through  flower  beds  waist 
deep,  under  waterfalls,  over  ledges,  across  amphi- 
theater floors,  and  finally  up  the  Timpanagos 
“Glacier”  to  Monument  Peak.  Those  who  reach 
the  peak  will  be  presented  with  buttons. 

This,  then,  is  a brief  description  of  one  or- 
ganized mass  hike  which  has  become  a permanent 
part  of  a community  recreation  program  and  has 
stimulated  the  starting  of  other  group  mountain 
climbs  throughout  the  Rocky  Mountains.  It  was 
brought  into  being  by  the  Recreation  Department 
of  Brigham  Young  University  at  Provo  City, 
Utah,  for  the  specific  purpose  of  assembling  large 
numbers  of  people  of  all  ages  in  annual  migra- 
tions to  mountain  shrines. 

Other  mass  hikes  might  well  be  described  in 
this  article,  especially  the  annual  Mt.  Nebo  Hike 
staged  by  the  people  of  Juab  County,  Utah,  the 
yearly  community  climb  to  Mt.  Hood  in  Oregon, 
and  the  large  group  outings  conducted  by  the  Rec- 
reation Department  of  the  State  University  at 
Salt  Lake  City  and  the  City  Recreation  Depart- 
ment of  Ogden,  Utah. 

Along  with  the  larger  mass  hikes  are  many 
smaller  affairs  such  as  moonlight  climbs  to  near- 
by peaks,  sunset  hikes  to  lake-side  and  river-side 
retreats,  sunrise  walks,  nature  outings,  and  many 
of  the  standard  hikes  conducted  by  departments 
of  community  recreation  throughout  America. 

America  appears  to  be  entering  a new  cycle  of 
simple  life.  This  is  reflected  in  current  trends  in 
literature,  in  the  drama,  in  moving  pictures,  in 
music,  and  in  philosophy.  Weary  of  artificiality 
and  superficiality,  great  numbers  of  people  are  be- 
ginning again  to  seek  fundamental  values  in  whole- 
some and  natural  living,  in  spiritual  verities,  in 
fellowship,  communion  and  in  simple  recreations. 

/ 


RETREAT 

There’s  nothing  that  I’d  rather  do 
Than  walk  a mile  or  two 
On  quiet  trails. 

A leafy  canyon’s  just  the  place 
To  have  a winning  race 
With  nagging  cares. 

I learn,  in  whispering  forest  ways, 
The  meaning  of  the  phrase, 

“The  peace  of  God.” 


— Edith  Piotrozvski. 


Increasing  America’s 


Recreation  Facilities 


rojects  for  the  coll- 
ie struction  or  repair  of 
■ facilities  covering  the 
whole  gamut  of  American 
recreation  are  included  in 
the  5,722  which  come  under 
the  general  Works  Prog- 
ress Administration  head- 
ing, “Parks  and  Other 
Recreational  Facilities.” 

Name  your  favorite  rec- 
reation, and  whether  you 
are  child  or  adult,  it  will 
be  found  that  somewhere 
in  the  United  States  and  probably  close  to  you, 
WPA  or  its  predecessors,  the  CWA  and  FERA, 
has  constructed,  repaired  or  improved  facilities 
for  your  more  complete  enjoyment  of  it. 

Only  a casual  survey  of  WPA  records  shows 
that  its  activities  in  providing  more  and  better 
recreational  facilities  is  a long  one.  It  has  con- 
structed or  repaired  rifle,  skeet,  trap  and  pistol 
ranges ; helped  improve  game  preserves ; con- 
structed or  repaired  golf  courses,  swimming  pools, 
wading  pools  and  bathing  beaches.  It  literally  has 
created  vast  lakes  and  smaller  ones  for  public  en- 
joyment. Rodeo  fields,  soccer  and  football  fields 
have  been  built  and  polo  grounds  repaired  and 
improved.  Hundreds  of  children’s  playgrounds 
have  been  constructed  and  their  equipment  of 
swings,  see-saws,  teeter-totters,  climbing  towers, 
slides,  jungle  gyms,  installed.  Croquet,  badmin- 
ton, handball,  outdoor  bowling,  boxing  and  wres- 
tling facilities  have  been  provided  for  adults. 

Fish  hatcheries  built  by  WPA  are  ready  to 
loose  fingerlings  and  larger  fish  in  streams  and 
lakes,  some  of  which  have  been  depoluted  by 
WPA  workmen.  Baseball  diamonds,  athletic 
fields,  tennis  courts,  sprinting  and  race  tracks 
have  been  or  are  being  constructed  and  repaired 
by  the  scores.  New  grandstands  have  been  or  are 
being  built  or  old  ones  repaired.  Gymnasiums 
have  been  constructed  or  repaired,  together  with 
many  indoor  and  outdoor  basketball  courts. 
Amphitheaters  and  band  shells  have  been  or  are 
being  constructed.  For  the  outdoor  enthusiast  hik- 
ing trails  have  been  hewn  out  of  forests  and  in 


Michigan  a mountain  drive 
and  a ski  jump  were  pro- 
vided through  a WPA 
project. 

Winter  sports  were  not 
neglected.  Ski,  toboggan 
and  sled  slides  were  con- 
structed or  repaired,  the 
famous  run  at  Mt.  Hoven- 
burg,  near  Lake  Placid 
having  received  a going 
over.  Skating  rinks  have 
been  built  and  snow  shoe 
trails  marked  out. 

Picnic  grounds  with  stone  fireplaces  have  been 
laid  out  and  camping  grounds  cleared,  in  some 
cases  for  Boy  Scouts  and  4-H  Clubs.  Tourist 
camps  and  parking  spaces  were  cleared.  Swamps 
and  other  unsightly  places  have  been  converted 
into  parks. 

All  this,  of  course,  is  quite  apart  from  the  ac- 
tivities of  the  Federal  Theater  Project,  which  em- 
ploys about  10,000  professional  theatrical  people 
to  provide  through  its  various  units  throughout 
the  country  recreation  for  an  uncounted  but  cer- 
tainly a huge  number  of  persons,  a large  part  of 
whom  otherwise  would  have  no  similar  recreation. 

It  has  been  noted  that  there  are  5,722  WPA 
projects  devoted  to  parks  and  other  recreation 
facilities.  This  does  not  take  account  of  the  work 
done  under  the  predecessors  of  WPA,  the  Civil 
Works  Administration  (CWA)  and  the  Federal 
Emergency  Relief  Administration  (FERA), 
under  which  there  was  an  enormous  amount  of 
work  completed. 

Before  the  Days  of  WPA 

Thus,  before  WPA  entered  the  picture,  the  fol- 
lowing had  been  completed : 

Constructed,  Improved 

Parks  882  2,639 

Children’s  playgrounds  2,382  3,200 

Athletic  fields  4,126  3,537 

Under  the  heading  “Athletic  Fields,”  were  the  following : 

Constructed  Improved 

Combination  fields  204  1,001 

Baseball  619  627 

Football  211  235 

Track  126  82 

Tennis  courts  1,910  1,187 

Other  courts 679  369 

Other  types  of  fields 357  36 


Everyone  interested  in  the  recreation 
movement  recognizes  the  fact  that  the 
recreation  facilities  of  the  country  have 
been  greatly  increased  through  the  ac- 
tivities of  WPA  and  other  governmental 
agencies.  Just  how  extensive  the  new 
construction  and  improvements  have 
been  will,  however,  come  as  a surprise 
to  many.  We  are  indebted  to  the  In- 
formation Service  of  the  Works  Prog- 
ress Administration  for  this  compre- 
hensive and  illuminating  statement. 


448 


INCREASING  AMERICA’S  RECREATION  FACILITIES 


449 


York  City,  79;  North  Carolina,  6;  North  Dakota, 
3;  Ohio,  25;  Oklahoma,  19;  Oregon,  4;  Pennsyl- 
vania, 5;  South  Carolina,  15;  South  Dakota,  6; 
Tennessee,  5;  Texas,  25;  Utah,  18;  Virginia.  2; 
Washington,  12;  West  Virginia,  16;  Wisconsin 
15- 

Other  Facilities 

In  the  realm  of  winter  sports,  the  following  had 
been  accomplished  by  the  predecessors  of  WPA : 

Constructed  Improved 

Ski  jumps  48  27' 

Skating  rinks  887  203 

Toboggan  slides  53  30 

Miscellaneous  12  9 

There  had  been  constructed  or  improved  37 
rodeo  grounds.  50  race  tracks,  89  rifle  ranges,  95 
tourist  parks  and  677  miscellaneous  recreation 
grounds. 

Fish  hatcheries  to  the  number  of  217  had  been 
either  constructed  or  repaired  and  improved ; 465 
fish  ponds,  and  70  game  preserves. 

The  building  or  improvement  of  more  than  600 
golf  courses  in  the  forty-eight  states  and  the  Dis- 
trict of  Columbia  has  been  a part  of  the  program 
of  WPA  and  its  predecessors  in  the  Work 
Program. 

Many  are  the  reasons  why  the  construction  or 
improvement  of  recreational  facilities  has  had 
such  an  important  part  in  the  Work  Program.  The 
first  has  been  that  the  men  on  relief  rolls  are 
largely  suited  to  that  type  of  work.  Another  is 
that  when  community  funds  run  low  or  are  ex- 


A WPA  project  In 
Arizona  where  pro- 
vision of  swimming 
pools  and  of  beaches 
represents  a very 
important  service 


For  the  better  enjoyment  by  spectators  of  ath- 
letic and  other  spectacles,  618  grandstands  of  vari- 
ous kinds  had  been  constructed  and  460  repaired 
or  improved. 

The  records  show  that  1,850  “recreation  build- 
ings” had  been  constructed  and  2,947  repaired  or 
improved.  These  included  the  following: 


Auditoriums  

Constructed 
106 

Improved 

322 

Gymnasiums  

310 

332 

Park  buildings  

497 

665 

Fair  buildings  

Combination  community  and 
recreation  halls  

417 

455 

Children’s  camp  halls  .. 

24 

256 

Miscellaneous  

238 

178 

In  the  way  of  increased  or  improved  bathing 
facilities,  the  predecessors  of  WPA  had  accom- 
, plished  the  following : 

Constructed  Improved 

Swimming  pools  351  226 

Wading  pools  185  80 

Bathing  beaches  143  104 

Bath  houses  135  132 


Opportunities  for  Swimming  Provided 

And  WPA  did  not  lag  in  the  building  or  im- 
provement of  swimming  pools,  wading  pools, 
bathing  beaches  and  bath  houses.  Its  records  show 
that  it  engaged  in  592  such  projects  in  the  Dis- 
trict of  Columbia  and  in  all  the  states  except  four, 
distributed  as  follows : 

Alabama,  18;  Arizona,  4;  Arkansas,  29;  Cali- 
fornia, 14;  Colorado,  12;  Connecticut,  8;  District 
of  Columbia,  1 ; Florida,  3 ; Georgia,  8 ; Idaho,  8 ; 
Illinois,  36;  Indiana,  10;  Iowa,  8;  Kansas,  16; 
Kentucky,  9 ; Louisi- 
ana, 4 ; Maine,  1 ; 

Maryland,  22 ; Mich- 
igan, 14;  Minnesota, 

23 ; Mississippi,  7 ; 

Missouri,  5 ; Mon- 
tana, 8;  Nebraska, 

22;  Nevada,  2;  New 
Hampshire,  22 ; New 
Jersey,  14;  New 
Mexico,  3 ; New 
York  State,  6;  New 


450 


INCREASING  AMERICA’S  RECREATION  FACILITIES 


hausted,  as  was  the  situation  in  many  places 
throughout  the  country  at  the  time  the  Work  Pro- 
gram was  instituted,  the  construction  or  improve- 
ment— sometimes  even  ordinary  upkeep — of  rec- 
reational facilities  was  among  the  first  of  things 
to  be  neglected.  When,  therefore,  they  sponsored 
projects  for  recreational  facilities,  they  found  the 
WPA  responsive  because  by  means  of  such  pro- 
jects employment  could  be  given  the  destitute  men 
of  the  community  who  would  not  have  been  avail- 
able for  projects  requiring  workmen  with  a high 
degree  of  skill. 

It  is  estimated  that  when  the  5,722  recreational 
facility  projects  of  the  WPA  have  been  completed 
they  will  have  cost  $181,816,044,  or  about  one- 
eighth  of  the  cost  of  all  projects  selected  for 
operation.  Of  this  amount,  $20,192,153  will  have 
been  paid  by  the  communities  sponsoring  the  pro- 
jects, while  the  Government  will  pay  the  balance, 
nearly  all  in  the  payment  of  wages  of  persons 
certified  to  have  been  in  need  of  relief. 

In  Individual  Cities 

Instances  galore  might  be  cited  where  dumps 
have  been  converted  into  playground  and  swamps 
into  parks.  At  Bartow,  Florida,  a series  of  Vene- 
tian canals  was  built  in  ten  acres  of  land  con- 
tributed by  the  city.  In  Salt  Lake  City,  Utah,  the 
old  Yale  gulch,  once  used  as  a dumping  ground, 
was  converted  into  Miller  Park,  so  named  in 
honor  of  the  donor  of  the  land. 

In  Canton,  New  York,  the  students  and  faculty 
of  a school  held  an  enthusiastic  meeting  and  raised 
$830  as  a contribution  toward  a project  to  build 
an  athletic  field.  Henry  Faxon,  private  citizen, 
contributed  a large  tract  of  land  at  Quincy,  Mas- 
sachusetts, for  the  construction  of  a playground 
which  he  said  he  would  beautify  after  its  comple- 
tion by  the  labor  of  men  who  had  been  on  the 
relief  rolls. 

The  city  of  Dayton  sponsored  projects  for  the 
conversion  of  two  unsightly  areas,  one  of  them  a 
15-acre  dump,  into  playgrounds  and  parks.  There 
was  hardly  a city  in  the  country  that  has  not  taken 
advantage  of  the  opportunity  of  sponsoring  pro- 
jects for  the  improvement  of  existing  park  and 
playground  systems  and  the  construction  of  new 
facilities.  The  work  done  at  Detroit,  Michigan, 
was  declared  to  have  been  a job  of  “municipal 
face  lifting,”  while  the  work  done  in  New  York 
City  has  been  notable  for  its  extension  of  recrea- 
tional facilities  to  scores  of  thousands  of  the  city’s 
poorer  classes. 


Minneapolis,  Minnesota,  had  a $3,000,000  job 
done  on  its  park  system  and  among  other  things 
placed  on  a permanent  site  in  one  of  the  parks  the 
home  in  which  the  late  Governor  Floyd  B.  Olson 
was  born.  At  Seattle,  Washington,  more  than 
1,000  men  were  employed  from  among  those  cer- 
tified to  be  in  need  of  relief  in  improving  play- 
grounds and  beaches,  city  parks  and  boulevards. 
Work  done  at  Wilmington,  North  Carolina,  en- 
abled it  to  live  up  to  its  title  of  “The  Port  City  of 
Progress  and  Pleasure.”  In  Paducah,  Kentucky, 
earth  was  pumped  from  the  Ohio  River  bed  to 
fill  a large  ravine  and  create  a city  park  on  the 
riverfront.  And  Chattanooga,  Tennessee,  spon- 
sored park  and  improvement  projects  that  cost 
half  a million. 

The  Earl  Faulkner  Post  of  the  American 
Legion,  in  Everett,  Washington,  acquired  185 
acres  of  land  four  years  ago  for  a municipal  park 
and  about  $11,000  was  spent  on  its  development 
before  work  was  stopped  for  lack  of  funds.  It 
was  completed  under  a WPA  project. 

In  Oklahoma,  Lake  Murray,  the  largest  lake  in 
the  state,  about  10,000  acres  in  area,  was  con- 
structed by  the  erection  of  a dam,  150  feet  wide 
and  950  feet  long.  Near  Syracuse,  New  York, 
where  there  are  great  salt  deposits,  the  overflow 
from  the  salt  springs  was  impounded  to  form  a 
lake,  sand  was  distributed  around  the  shores  to 
make  a beach,  and  now  the  whole  community  may 
have  its  salt  water  swim. 

Devil’s  Den,  a 3,600  acre  tract  in  Washington, 
Arkansas,  had  long  been  known  for  its  natural 
beauty,  but  its  inaccessibility  made  it  available  for 
the  recreation  of  a comparatively  few.  Under  the 
Work  Program  roads  were  built  to  and  in  the 
Park,  and  a state  game  reserve  and  camp  sites 
have  been  laid  out  for  tourists. 

Better  access  was  similarly  provided  for  Mt. 
Hood,  in  Oregon,  152  men  having  been  employed 
for  approximately  eighteen  months  to  make  its 
approaches  better  for  the  thousands  of  tourists 
who  visit  there,  winter  and  summer. 

In  the  building  of  a golf  course  at  Reno,  Ne- 
vada, the  question  of  a proper  water  supply  for 
the  greens  became  moot,  with  the  result  that  the 
engineers  drilled  to  find  water  at  415  feet  and 
then  erected  a reservoir  to  supply  the  needs  of  the 
180  acre  tract. 

One  of  the  finest  baseball  parks  in  Kansas  was 
constructed  at  Manhattan  to  house  the  local  team 
in  the  Ban  Johnson  League.  This  league  is  an 

(Continued  on  page  467) 


A Christmas  Miracle 


Since  Christmas  is  a time 
for  remembrances  of  past 
holiday  seasons  as  well  as 
for  being  radiantly  alive  to  the  present  one,  I 
would  like  to  tell  what  happened  three  years  ago 
in  a large  eastern  city.  It  is  the  story  of  a kind  of 
Christmas  miracle  that  could  easily  be  brought 
to  pass,  and  also  to  stay,  in  any  city,  and  at  other 
times  in  the  year  as  well  as  at  Christmas  time. 

Among  the  very  large  number  of  recreation 
centers  in  that  city,  and  settlements,  orphanages 
and  other  places  where  children  gathered  in  their 
spare  time,  there  must  have  been  a few  in  which 
there  was  some  good  music  now  and  then.  Every 
child  in  the  city  was  taught  music  every  day  in 
the  public  schools.  But  a music  committee  that 
had  recently  been  formed  to  help  further  the 
musical  possibilities  in  those  after-school  centers 
was  very  dissatisfied  with  what  they  found  in 
them. 

Without  Benefit  of  Spirit 

Such  singing  as  they  heard  was  not  only  crude 
and  awfully  hard  on  young  throats.  Crudeness, 
when  the  thing  expressed  has  any  real  love  in  it 
and  some  generous  impulse,  something  true  and 
vital  to  the  real  life  of  the  individual,  is  immensely 
more  to  be  valued  than  a polished  performance 
without  these.  But  this  singing  seemed  to  lack  all 
personal  quality  and  all  real  enjoyment,  as  though 
singing  were  nothing  more  than  an  activity  of  the 
mouth  and  throat  muscles.  Home  On  the  Range, 
for  example,  was  bellowed  in  a way  that  would 
certainly  have  amazed  if  not  enraged  the  cattle 
that  were  accustomed  to  being  quieted  by  it ! And 
one  hesitates  to  think  of  what  the  more  intelligent 
animal,  the  cowboy’s  horse,  might  have  done 
under  the  circumstances ! It  might  have  been  the 
slow-swinging  gait  of  a horse  ambling  along  on  a 
far  trail,  by  “the  light  of  the  glittering  stars”  per- 
haps, as  the  words  go,  that  first  gave  this  song  its 
easy  flowing  rhythm.  At  any  rate,  it  would  be 
only  good  horse  sense  to  sing  it  smoothly  and 
with  a slow-swinging  flow  of  words  and  melody. 

How  does  so  wistful  a song,  or  any  other  song, 
get  to  be  sung  so  crassly  and  without  meaning? 
This  the  committee  asked.  Had  the  children  been 


“pepped  up”  many  times  and 
never  recovered  from  it?  It  is 
true  that  if  singing  is  not  of 
itself  alive  with  a real  love  of  it,  with  some  soul- 
inviting  sense  of  mood  and  meaning,  be  it  merry, 
sentimental  or  whatever  you  wish,  and  with  some 
degree  of  our  natural  pleasure  in  harmonious 
sounds  and  free-flowing  rhythms,  one  way  to  keep 
it  going  is  to  pump  a lot  of  muscular  energy  into 
it,  which  is  what  is  often  meant  by  “pepping  it 
up.”  The  result  would  be  such  as  has  been 
described. 

Another  explanation  is  that  the  children  were 
letting  out  energies  pent  up  by  the  demands  and 
suppressions,  often  contrary  even  when  not  in- 
tended to  be  so,  of  the  homes  and  schools  and 
possibly  of  the  recreation  centers  also.  In  some 
instances  there  seemed  to  be  unrestrained  rebel- 
lion in  their  singing,  as  though  it  were  giving  them 
a rare  chance  to  fling  out,  all  of  them  at  once, 
their  resentment  against  convention,  ugliness, 
crowding,  unsympathetic  and  nagging  parents, 
dull  teaching  and  perhaps  dull  recreation  leader- 
ship also.  This  might  have  been  true  even  if  they 
were  not  conscious  of  its  being  so.  And  what  a 
rare  sense  of  power  and  freedom  many  of  them 
must  have  had  in  taking  part  in  so  reckless,  un- 
controlled and  all-pervading  a racket ! 

Life  Will  Find  a Way 

After  all,  life  is  a very  expansive  thing.  From 
the  almost  ceaselessly  active  two-year-old,  trying 
all  things,  or  his  slightly  older  brother  forever 
asking  questions,  to  the  astronomer  trying  to  pro- 
ject his  vision  farther  out  into  the  universe;  or 
' from  the  city  child  loosed  on  a flower-trimmed 
meadow  or  among  some  boats,  or  dreaming  of 
heroic  deeds,  to  a deaf,  sorrow-stricken  Beethoven 
writing  the  gayest  of  all  symphonies,  the  Seventh, 
or  the  heaven-scaling  Ninth,  life  is  forever  under 
an  urge  to  realize  itself  in  some  way  or  other.  It 
is  especially  expansive  in  the  young  child.  It  is 
said,  therefore,  that  he  is  by  nature  an  artist.  His 
impulses  to  express  are  as  strong  as  the  artist’s,  his 
imagination  as  active  and  ready  to  create,  and  his 
tendency  as  great  to  give  himself  completely  and 
self-forgetfully  to  that  which  answers  his  heart’s 


By  A . D.  Zanzig 

National  Recreation  Association 


451 


452 


A CHRISTMAS  MIRACLE 


desire.  But  if  these  urges  of  life  are  thwarted 
again  and  again  or  rarely  or  never  given  good  op- 
portunity, it  will  break  out  in  some  sort  of  rebel- 
lion or  be  cowed  into  blank  timidity,  if  not  into 
illness.  Healthy,  free-spirited  children  who  have 
found  the  sorts  of  every-day  experiences  that 
rightfully  belong  to  them  do  not  sing  as  those 
children  did. 

But  since  even  that  singing  is  an  outlet  and  a 
much  less  harmful  one  than  is  many  another  com- 
mon outlet,  let  us  be  thankful  for  it,  even  at  its 
worst.  We  shall  not  scorn  it  or  combat  it  directly, 
but  try  in  other  ways  to  make  the  most  of  it.  As 
recreation  leaders,  however,  whose  main  purpose 
it  is  to  provide  good  opportunities  for  people  to 
find  out  what  life  can  be  at  its  best,  we  cannot  be 
content  with  such  singing. 

A Glamorous  Way 

There  was,  the  committee  found,  also  a great 
deal  of  pseudo-sophisticated  singing  of  the  cur- 
rent popular  songs.  One  sometimes  hardly  knew 
Avhether  to  laugh  or  cry  over  the  adult-like  antics 
and  hard-boiled  crooning  and  tap  dancing  of  little 
children  from  five  or  six  to  ten  years  of  age.  In 
a number  of  movie  theaters  “amateur  hours” 
were  being  run  off  in  which  children,  alone  or  in 
groups,  appeared  in  such  singing  and  dancing. 
“You  Try  Somebody  Else,  Fll  Try  Somebody 
Else,”  was  one  of  the  most  popular  songs.  A 
child,  having  sung  it  through  in  that  hard,  cyni- 
cal-sounding voice  which  children  put  on  when 
they  imitate  a movie  or  radio  “blues  singer,” 
would  then  break  into  tap  dancing  and  general 
wriggling  while  the  pianist  put  in  all  the  extra 
patter.  The  audience  would  laugh  and  applaud 
vigorously,  making  her  do  it  all  over  again,  as 
though  they  were  bent  on  hardening  her  as  much 
as  possible  and  making  sure  that  she  would  never 
respond  to  anything  wholesome,  lovely  and  really 
child-like  again. 

Now,  when  one  compares  the  color,  glamour 
and  high  degree  of  social  pres- 
tige of  the  movie  theater  with 
the  lowly  plainness  of  the  rec- 
reation center,  it  is  easy  to 
imagine  the  attitude  of  those 
children  toward  the  idea  of  sing- 
ing good  songs  simply,  with  real, 
child-like  enthusiasm  and  with- 
out self-display,  in  those  centers. 

In  one  Neighborhood  House 
where  a crowd  of  children  and 


adults  was  gathered  for  a monthly  program, 
which  was  entirely  of  short,  slapstick  movies,  and 
where  an  attempt  at  some  good  general  singing 
was  to  be  made,  one  of  the  little  movie  amateurs 
(heaven  save  the  word!)  put  the  House  in  its 
place  in  no  uncertain  terms.  The  woman  in  charge 
of  the  program  had  asked  the  visiting  music 
leader  whether  he  wouldn’t  like  to  have  sing  alone 
a boy  who  had  been  “making  a hit  around  the 
neighborhood.”  She  sent  another  boy  to  find  him 
in  the  back  of  the  room  and  ask  him  to  come  for- 
ward to  see  her  about  singing.  The  answer 
brought  back  by  the  messenger  was,  “He  said  he 
wouldn’t  give  dis  place  a break.”  He  wouldn’t 
sing  even  a “hit”  song  in  that  place ! Talk  about 
professional  snobbery!  This  lad  was  crusty  even 
before  he  was  half-baked.  And  unless  a youngster 
in  this  state  undergoes  some  sweetening  and  much 
absorption  of  the  indispensable  fruits  of  the  spirit, 
and  that  very  soon,  certain  ingredients  required  by 
nature  for  all  good  human  cakes  will  never  be  in 
him  and  he  will  be  tragically  unattractive  to  him- 
self as  well  as  to  other  people. 

All  the  children,  snobbish  or  not,  who  had 
got  so  thoroughly  taken  in  by  the  so-called 
“hot”  stuff  of  the  adult  show  seemed  certainly  to 
be  hardening  themselves  against  things  essential 
to  their  inner  growth.  This  was  not  because  the 
songs  were  popular  ones,  though  most  of  these 
are  not  suited  to  children  because  of  their  adult 
emotion,  if  for  no  other  reason.  It  was  because  of 
the  ones  chosen  or  the  lack  of  choice,  the  way 
they  were  sung  and  the  conditions  under  which 
they  were  sung. 

The  Committee  Finds  a Way 

What  could  the  committee  members,  bent  on 
improving  the  situation,  do?  How  could  they 
counteract  the  influences  at  work  ? How  introduce 
the  enjoyable  singing  of  good  songs  in  places 
where  there  had  been  no  music  at  all.  These  were 
some  of  the  problems  they  faced. 

The  committee  decided  that  a 
principal  cause  of  the  poor  state 
of  affairs  was  the  fact  that  all 
the  social  prestige,  of  which  these 
children  knew,  was  on  the  side 
of  that  kind  of  song  and  that 
kind  of  singing.  One  thing  to 
do,  then  was,  to  make  it  possi- 
ble for  the  children  to  discover 
and  enjoy  a fine  kind  of  social 
prestige  for  good  songs  and 


"Everyone  is  born  to  love  beauty 
just  as  everyone  is  born  to  love 
song.  Ever  since  the  world  began 
people  have  been  creating  what  to 
them  is  beautiful.  Some  can  cre- 
ate beautiful  things  more  easily 
than  others,  but  all  can  enjoy  them. 
We  are  all  artists."  — Elizabeth 
Wells  Robertson,  National  Chair- 
man of  Art,  National  Congress 
of  Parents  and  Teachers. 


A CHRISTMAS  MIRACLE 


453 


good  singing.  So,  it  being  mid-October,  a plan 
was  drawn  for  a Christmas  festival  in  which  chil- 
dren in  all  the  centers  were  to  be  invited  to  sing. 
The  festival  was  to  take  place  in  the  city’s  Art 
Museum,  and  the  fine  orchestra  of  a prominent 
conservatory  was  to  play  the  accompaniments. 
This  was  to  be  an  affair  of  the  city,  not  of  some 
neighborhood  movie  theater,  and  it  would  be  rec- 
ognized as  such  by  many  people,  including  the 
newspaper  editors  and,  incidentally,  the  children. 

The  interest  of  the  executives  of  the  various 
centers  was  easily  won.  Since  only  a very  few 
centers  had  any  music  leaders,  and  there  were  no 
funds  for  engaging  any  more,  an  appeal  for  volun- 
teer leaders  was  made  before  the  members  of  a 


nette,  Isabella,  which  can  certainly  recapture  the 
spirit  of  childhood  if  any  song  can;  and  one  of 
the  most  beautiful  of  all,  the  Catalonian  Christ- 
mas Rose  from  Alfred  Swan’s  Songs  of  Many 
Lands,  published  by  Enoch.  The  Italian  carol  that 
the  Abruzzi  mountaineers  sing  was  also  among 
them,  the  one  that  suggested  to  Handel  the  melody 
of  the  aria,  “He  shall  feed  His  flock,”  from  the 
universally  loved  oratorio,  The  Messiah.  This 
carol  is  called  Pastorale,  I think,  and  is  in  Eduardo 
Marzo’s  Fifty  Christmas  Carols,  a fine  collection 
published  by  G.  Schirmer,  Inc.  There  was  an- 
other carol  from  that  collection  and  also  the  fol- 
lowing one  from  our  own  Southern  Appalachian 
Mountains. 


Hush,  My  Dear 


t J j l«M.  -jj  jj  J.  JH 


a 


m 


Hush,  my  dear;  lie  still  and  slum  -bei;  Ho  -ly  angels  guard  -tty  bed. 

Soft  and 
Mav’st  thou 


Heav'n-ly  bless-ings  mih-out  num  - ber  Gen-tly  falling  on  thy  heed. 
T/Vhen  His  birthplace  ms  a sta-  ble,  And  His  softest  bed  ras  hay* 
Then  eo  dwell  for-ever  near  Him.  See  His  face  and  sing^Hs  pnsdsa 


An  accompaniment  for  this  one  is  in  a collection  of  Mountain  Songs  entitled  Devil’s  Ditties  compiled  by  Jean  Thomas 


fine  chorus  and  before  a large  group  of  music 
lovers  gathered  for  an  evening  of  music  at  the 
spacious  home  of  the  chairman  of  the  committee. 
The  appeal  was  simply  for  help  only  once  or  twice 
a week  during  the  coming  two  months  in  enabling 
groups  of  children  to  learn  some  delightful  carols. 
A Christmas  present  to  the  children,  it  was  called. 
Twenty  good  musical  people  volunteered,  and  a 
series  of  sessions  was  held  for  them  in  one  of  the 
recreation  centers  the  very  next  week,  during 
which  they  learned  the  carols  thoroughly  and  dis- 
cussed and  demonstrated  presentation  and  uses  of 
them. 

Christmas  at  Work 

In  the  meantime  a schedule  of  rehearsal  times 
for  the  still  unformed  groups  of  children  in  the 
various  centers  was  arranged.  Over  seven  hundred 
children  in  thirty-two  centers  were  soon  learning 
some  of  the  most  delightful  old  carols  in  the 
world,  including  the  French  Bring  a Torch,  Jean- 


In  addition,  there  were  the  more  familiar  carols 
which  the  children  had  learned  in  school,  includ- 
ing the  jolly  “Deck  the  Hall  with  Boughs  of 
Holly,”  and  the  English  Wassailing  Song  com- 
mencing, “'Here  we  come  a-wassailing.”  But  for 
closing  the  program  there  was  the  grand,  simple 
chorale,  “Good  News  from  Heaven,”  sung  in  uni- 
son and  with  its  stirring  orchestral  accompani- 
ment, from  Bach’s  Christmas  Oratorio.  And  for 
closing  the  first  half  of  the  program,  just  before  a 
short  old  English  Cliristmasse  Masque  was  to  be 
given,  the  glorious  but  also  very  simple  Christ- 
mas Song  derived  by  Gustav  Holst  from  an  old 
English  carol  was  learned. 

It  was  well  to  include  some  school-learned 
carols  in  order  to  provide  for  a carry-over  of 
school  music  into  the  life  outside.  The  more  and 
better  the  music  taught  in  schools,  the  more  oc- 
casion there  is  for  arranging  such  situations  in 
which  to  use  it  entirely  outside  of  school.  It  was 
(Continued  on  page  468 ) 


Handicraft  Arts 


in  the 


By  Minnette  B.  Spector 

Supervisor 

Department  of  Playground  and  Recreation 
Los  Angeles,  California 


Public  Recreation 


Program 


A IX  Through  the  ages  the  arts  and  crafts  have 
i been  the  method  for  expressing  men’s  feel- 
ings and  have  really  expressed  the  culture 
of  the  people.  In  our  own  early  American  arts  we 
find  there  was  always  great  interest  in  a wide 
range  of  crafts  as  expressed  in  Early  American 
glass,  in  decorative  metal  work,  in  needle  craft, 
pewter,  hand  block  printing,  wood  and  stone  carv- 
ing and  many  others.  Today  we  note  an  amazing 
revival  of  interest  in  all  these  crafts.  Why?  Sim- 
ply that  people  like  to  work  with  their  hands — 
like  to  create  something  in  their  minds  and  then 
with  their  own  hands  turn  it  into  a concrete  reality. 

The  handicraft  arts  in  the  recreation  depart- 
ment program  are  doing  much  to  bring  beauty 
into  our  daily  lives.  Self-expression  and  beauty — 
two  extremely  important  factors  in  a recreation 
activity  program — are  basic  in  this  program. 

The  handicraft  arts  in  our  recreation  depart- 
ment program  play  a very  important  role  in  both 
children’s  and  adults’  classes.  In  our  children’s 
craft  classes  we  seek  to  give  ample  opportunity 
for  self-expression  and  to  encourage  creative  ef- 
forts. An  attempt  is  made  to  choose  projects  that 
are  interesting,  that  are  within  the  limits  of  vari- 
ous age  abilities,  and  that  yield  useful  and  attrac- 
tive articles.  Every  effort  is  made  to  acquaint  the 
children  with  a variety  of  materials  and  to  teach 
them  the  use  of  tools.  Emphasis  is  placed  not  only 
on  types  of  handicraft  that  are  constructive,  crea- 
tive and  recreational  in  nature,  but  also  on  crafts 
that  have  real  educational  and  carry-over  value. 
For  reasons  of  economy  we  encourage  the  use  of 
very  inexpensive  materials.  Many  desirable  prod- 
ucts are  created  by  children  from 
scrap  materials,  and  we  have  found 
that  children  place  greater  value  on 
simple  projects  which  they  make 
themselves.  In  our  summer  handi- 
craft arts  program  we  have  empha- 
sized products  made  of  no  cost 


materials  — articles  made  of  cones,  pine  needle 
basketry,  tin  can  projects,  shell  novelties,  woven 
cellophane  belts,  puppets,  boxes  made  of  card- 
board, and  other  miscellaneous  articles. 

Handicraft  for  Adults 

Interest  in  handicraft  is  developing  with  amaz- 
ing rapidity  among  adults.  We  find  this  especially 
true  in  our  fifty-four  adult  handicraft  classes 
which  total  a weekly  attendance  of  2,000  intensely 
interested  individuals.  In  order  to  conduct  such 
a large  adult  handicraft  program  with  a special 
instructor  in  charge  of  each  class,  it  has  been 
necessary  to  place  these  classes  on  a self-sustain- 
ing basis.  We  are  able  to  do  this  by  purchasing  all 
craft  materials  at  wholesale  prices.  These  ma- 
terials are  stored  in  our  central  handicraft  work- 
shop for  resale  to  patrons  at  a very  small  profit — 
just  enough  to  enable  us  to  pay  the  salary  of  the 
instructor.  Each  craft  instructor  is  personally 
charged  with  materials  secured,  and  receipts  are 
issued  to  patrons  purchasing  supplies.  Sales  are 
carefully  recorded  in  receipt  stub  books  and  re- 
turned with  funds  to  the  handicraft  workshop 
each  week.  All  moneys  and  receipts  are  then 
turned  in  to  our  central  office  for  rechecking  and 
careful  auditing.  In  this  way  we  are  able  to>  keep 
an  accurate  check  on  sales  and  profits  and  to  know 
if  this  activity  is  really  self-sustaining.  Some 
classes  yield  sufficient  profits  to  enable  us  to  carry 
on  adult  classes  in  under-privileged  districts 
where  complete  self-sustainment  is  not  possible. 

In  our  adult  program,  as  well  as  in  the  chil- 
(Continued  on  page  469) 


Are  you  one  of  those  who  believe  with  Santayana 
that  the  value  of  art  lies  in  making  people 
happy?  If  you  do,  you  will  not  miss  this  articlel 


454 


Rural  A 


merica  s 


"March  of  Time” 


Rural  America  has  been  quietly  and  unobtru- 
sively conducting  its  own  “March  of  Time” 
program — and  on  a nation-wide  scale.  From 
the  Atlantic  to  the  Pacific  and  from  North  Dakota 
to  Texas  there  have  been  produced  scores  of  pag- 
eants, some  historical,  some  educational,  some  rec- 
reational, some  a combination  of  history,  recrea- 
tion and  education,  but  all 
of  them  red-letter  events  in 
the  lives  of  the  participants 
'and  spectators. 

Out  in  California  an  am- 
bitious pageant  “The  Spirit 
of  California,”  in  ten  epi- 
sodes and  lasting  all  day,  was 
put  on  under  the  Home  De- 
partment of  the  Fresno 
County  Farm  Bureau.  First 
came  Balboa,  then  Indians, 
the  Padres,  the  Spaniards 
and  the  Chinese  who  helped 
build  the  railroad.  After 
these  five  episodes  of  song 
and  dance  and  pantomime, 
explained  in  advance  by  one 
of  the  women,  two  hours 
were  allowed  for  picnic 
lunches.  Then  the  last  five 
episodes  were  given.  These 
included  episodes  concern- 
ing the  covered  wagon,  days 
of  ’49,  the  “gay  9o’s”  and 
power  bringing  fertility  to 
the  San  Joaquin  Valley.  The 
last  episode  depicted  Home 

Demonstration  work  coming  to  the  counties.  All 
the  sixteen  centers  in  the  county  were  represented 
in  the  pageant,  with  200  in  the  cast  and  over  700 
spectators. 

The  history  of  another  part  of  the  country  was 
told  in  pageant  form  by  4-H  club  boys  and  girls 
in  Muskegon  County,  Michigan.  The  report  of 
the  County  Agricultural  Agent  reveals  that  “the 
pageant  started  with  chaos,  which  was  quite  ade- 
quately portrayed  behind  the  scenes  on  the  open- 
ing night.  The  narrative  and  scenes  led  up  through 
the  cave  dwellers  to  the  Indians  and  then  to  scenes 


Ccntrtesy  Prairie  Farmer 


portraying  episodes  in  the  early  history  of  the  ter- 
ritory and  state.” 

The  drama  of  Dr.  Samuel  A.  Mudd,  the  physi- 
cian who  was  convicted  of  conspiracy  in  the  as- 
sassination of  Abraham  Lincoln,  was  produced  at 
the  Charles  County  Fair.  The  story  is  little  known 
afield,  but  is  one  of  the  best  known  in  Charles 


Folk  dancers  in  costume  play  their  part 
most  effectively  in  many  rural  pageants 

County,  Maryland,  where  the  doctor  lived.  The 
play  was  a part  of  the  annual  Tobacco  Festival. 

Down  in  Cheyenne  County,  Kansas,  there  was 
held  a Golden  Jubilee  at  Bird  City  lasting  for 
three  days.  Leading  farmers  and  business  men 
cooperated,  and  had  you  gone  to  Bird  City  in 
advance  you  would  have  been  startled  by  seeing 
roughly-bearded  men,  and  women  in  old-fashion- 
ed sunbonnets  and  dresses — a publicity  stunt  for 
the  Jubilee.  A sod  house  was  built  and  relics  of 
“settler”  days  put  on  display  inside.  Each  morn- 
ing for  three  days  a big  parade  was  held  with  a 


455 


456 


RURAL  AMERICA’S  “MARCH  OF  TIME” 


mile  and  a half  of  floats.  There  were  Civil  War 
cavalry,  a Civil  War  General,  Scouts,  Spaniards, 
Cheyenne  Indians,  twelve  wagons  in  a train,  a 
prairie  schooner,  cowboys,  floats  for  the  wheat 
queen,  belles  of  the  ’90’s,  Mothers’  Circle  and  for 
a barroom  of  ancient  vintage.  A rodeo  every  after- 
noon, two  historical  pageants,  dances  and  other 
entertainment  filled  the  three  days  to  the  brim. 
The  farmers  played  a large  part  in  the  celebration, 
building  the  sod  hut,  holding  two  places  on  the  gen- 
eral committee,  managing  the  big  parades  through 
the  Farm  Bureau  Executive  Board,  and  helping 
in  many  other  important  capacities. 

The  4-H  Club  members  of  Baraga  County, 
Michigan,  under  the  leadership  of  the  county  agri- 
cultural agent,  staged  a pageant  giving  the  history 
of  Baraga  County  from  the  time  of  the  Indians  to 
the  present  and  as  a climax  presenting  a scene 
depicting  4-H  Club  work.  The  agent  says,  “The 
pageant  brought  the  local  leaders  of  the  county 
into  closer  touch  with  one  another  than  they  had 
been  at  any  time  previously.  . . . This  in  itself  had 
a worthwhile  effect  on  the  county  4-H  Club 
program.” 

A long  leap  will  take  us  to  Iowa  where  a 
Keokuk  County  rural  group  put  on  the  outstand- 
ing event  of  the  Achievement  Day  program  — 
“The  Story  of  Wheat,”  read  by  a local  woman  and 
illustrated  by  living  posed  pictures  for  which  piano 
music  provided  a dreamy  background.  The  first 
picture  was  a shock  of  wheat,  the  next,  “The 
Sower,”  by  Millet.  Then  quickly  followed  “Be- 
hind the  Plow,”  by  Kemp-Welch,  “Maiden  with  a 
Hand  Sickle,”  “Two  Men  with  Cradles,”  “The 
Gleaners,”  by  Millet,  and  many  other  paintings, 
old  and  new,  of  man  and  wheat.  The  last  picture 
linked  the  story  of  wheat  with  the  “bread  lessons” 
in  the  nutrition  project  for  4-H  girls  and  home 
project  women,  and  showed  a 4-H  Club  girl  in 
uniform  presenting  a loaf  of  bread  to  a home 
project  chairman. 

“Johnny  Appleseed  and  Paul 
Bunyan”  was  the  title  of  a 
pageant  put  on  under  the 
united  efforts  of  Monadnock 
Region  Association  and  the 
Hillsborough  County,  New 
Hampshire,  Agricultural 
Agent.  It  was  a main  event  at 
the  second  annual  Apple  Blos- 
som Festival  held  at  Hilton. 

Another  Paul  Bunyan  step 
brings  us  to  Texas  to  a pioneer 


program  for  which  the  first  school  teacher  of  the 
county  told  of  old  times  and  cowboys  sang  around 
a dim,  flickering  camp  fire.  County  and  district 
brands  were  drawn  and  it  was  explained  how  the 
brands  were  marked  with  legends  and  changed  by 
cattle  thieves.  Next  came  a pioneer  home  scene 
and  “after  a full  day  of  work  many  cowboys  rode 
twenty  miles  to  the  old  barn  to  make  merry  at  a 
square  dance,”  continued  the  reader,  as  the  cur- 
tain was  pulled  to  show  four  couples,  dressed  in 
the  clothes  of  the  ’90’s,  starting  the  square  dances 
and  “the  little  brown  jug.”  This  program  was 
sponsored  by  the  Collinsworth  County  Home 
Demonstration  Council. 

Different  from  all  others  was  the  Sedgwick 
County  pageant.  The  county  health  champions 
were  the  Prince  and  Princess  of  Health;  the 
county  music  champion  was  the  Princess  of 
Music,  and  the  high-scoring  girl  in  the  state  music 
contest  was  her  attendant.  High-scoring  indi- 
viduals in  health  also  attended  the  Prince  and 
Princess  of  Health.  The  scene  of  the  pageant  was 
laid  in  the  Kingdom  of  Happiness  and  involved  a 
battle  between  the  army  of  Poor  Health  and  the 
army  of  Good  Health.  A procession  with  the 
Prince  and  Princess  and  a special  entertainment 
by  the  Princess  of  Music,  a grand  march  and  folk 
games  completed  the  program. 

The  “Heritage  of  the  Flag,”  a pageant  put  on 
by  the  Napa  County,  California,  Farm  Home  De- 
partment groups,  was  composed  of  a number  of 
episodes,  all  rehearsed  separately  but  fitting  into 
the  theme  without  any  joint  rehearsal.  The  first 
episode  consisted  of  Early  American  Neighborly 
Chats  by  various  local  individuals,  then  followed 
a glimpse  of  “Tulip  Land,”  a Swedish  festival,  a 
“Cotter’s  Saturday  Night,”  an  Italian  street  scene 
and  a Danish  folk  dance.  George  and  Martha 
Washington,  seated  at  the  side,  reviewed  the  na- 
tions. The  pageant  was  a part  of  a county-wide 
Hi  Jinx  Day,  and  in  addition  to  the  pageant  games 
and  folk  dances,  and  picnic 
lunches  were  main  events. 

Calvert  County,  Maryland, 
put  on  a somewhat  similar 
pageant  “Around  the  World 
with  Song  and  Dance.”  Eleven 
countries  were  presented  and 
224  children  took  part.  This 
pageant  was  an  outgrowth  of 
the  work  given  by  Miss  Ethel 
Bowers  of  the  National  Rec- 
reation Association,  at  the  rec- 


These  excerpts  have  been  taken  from 
the  1935  annual  reports  of  State  and 
County  Extension  Agents  and  were 
compiled  in  a statement  prepared  by 
the  Extension  Studies  and  Training 
Section,  Division  of  Cooperative  Ex- 
tension, United  States  Department  of 
Agriculture.  A number  of  the  themes 
may  be  adapted  for  use  in  a variety 
of  recreational  situations  and  there 
are  many  ideas  to  be  had  from  the 
plans  presented  here. 


RURAL  AMERICA'S  “ MARCH  OF  TIME 


457 


reation  institute  and  to  individual  4-H  clubs,  and 
was  produced  under  the  direction  of  the  County 
Home  Demonstration  Agent  assisted  by  teachers 
and  leaders.  Reverberations  of  the  pageant  were 
reported  in  an  increased  request  for  more  dances, 
a school  playlet,  and  club  meetings  on  foreign 
relationships. 

In  New  Hampshire,  the  Rural  Recreation  Spe- 
cialist reports  a series  of  pageants  depicting 
America’s  Heritage  in  the  Arts,  given  at  the  Arts 
and  Crafts  League  Fair.  Each  day  two  counties 
joined  to  put  on  a pageant.  The  contribution  of 
the  Indian,  Greek,  Roumanian,  Pole,  English  and 
early  American  wrere  depicted  in  song,  dance  and 
pantomime. 

' Twenty-five  short  episodes  in  rapid  sequence, 
made  possible  by  the  use  of  two  stages  used  al- 
ternately, portrayed  the  activities  of  the  Black 
Hawk  County,  Iowa,  4-H  Clubs.  A few  of  the 
episodes  of  the  pageant  included : A lesson  on 
proper  shoes,  how  to  keep  milk  clean,  a girls’  rally 
day,  public  speaking  and  club  management,  and 
4-H  Club  boys  learning  to  judge  stock  and  grain. 
A reader  gave  a short  description  of  the  activity 
while  the  boys  and  girls  acted  it  out.  As  a finale 
the  participants  stood  in  the  form  of  a 4-H  leaf 
clover  while  a leader  told  of  4-H  Club  aims  and 
ideals. 

The  first  Clay  County,  Minnesota,  4-H  Club 
pageant  was  based  on  the  story  of  the  progress  of 
4-H  Club  work,  starting  with  the  Putnam  Act  in 
1909,  which  made  such  clubs  possible,  and  com- 
ing down  to  present  day  activities.  A fitting  con- 
clusion was  a candle  lighting  ceremony  in  which 
the  clubs  were  arranged  as  a wheel.  The  Spirit 
of  Cooperation  stood  at  the  hub  and  gave  a can- 
dle to  the  new  county  agent  who  passed  it  to 
other  leaders  in  the  hub,  then  to  junior  leaders  and 
4-H  Club  members.  Over  400  took  part  in  the 
ceremony. 

“Forward  Agriculture”  was  the  sequel  to 
“Which  Way  Agriculture,”  the  1934  pageant,  and 
depicted  the  activities  of  rural  Washington 
County,  Ohio,  during  1935.  The  pageant  was 
written  by  the  extension  agents  and  was  built 
about  the  farm,  home  and  community  which  were 
represented  on  three  floats.  The  floats  which  were 
drawn  up  before  the  grandstands  provided  a back- 
ground for  citizenship.  A loud  speaker  enabled 
the  audience  to  hear  the  voices  of  the  readers. 
Over  600  club  members  marched  in  the  parade 
and  there  were  a number  of  other  floats  which 
constituted  episodes  in  the  pageant. 


Every  year  a Forest  Festival  is  held  in  Ran- 
dolph County,  West  Virginia,  as  the  climax  of  the 
year’s  work.  The  entire  section  of  the  state  co- 
operates in  its  production  as  well  as  many  private 
and  public  organizations  including  the  State  De- 
partment of  Agriculture  and  National  Forestry 
Department.  There  is  a parade  of  two  miles  long, 
the  crowning  of  a Princess,  who,  with  her  at- 
tendants, is  selected  from  the  whole  state,  wood- 
chopping, angling  and  shooting  contests,  wild  life 
exhibits  and  this  year  a horse  show  was  added. 
There  are  tours  through  the  National  Forest  and 
everything  possible  is  done  to  make  the  event  as 
gala  an  affair  as  possible. 

The  report  of  the  Pennsylvania  Rural  Sociolo- 
gist summarized  the  contribution  of  this  form  of 
drama  not  only  in  Pennsylvania  but  also  in  many 
of  the  other  states  and  counties  using  it.  He  says  : 
“Pageantry,  ordinarily  considered  to  be  beyond 
the  range  of  rural  folk,  has  this  past  year  been 
shown  to  be  a useful  and  practical  feature  in  the 
recreational  program.  Pageantry  in  1935  reached 
eleven  counties.  The  pageants  were  produced  in 
the  main  by  4-H  Club  groups  and  rural  organi- 
zations, affording  the  rural  leader  an  opportunity 
to  do  something  tangible,  to  do  it  on  his  own  re- 
sponsibility and  with  a freedom  to  develop  his 
part  as  much  as  ability  and  creative  talent  allow. 
It  also  gives  an  opportunity  for  all  the  members 
of  the  organization  in  a county  to  join  hands  in 
one  major  demonstration  representative  of  their 
work.” 


Preceding  its  annual  conference  held  in  August, 
1936,  the  American  Country  Life  Association  sent 
a questionnaire  to  1400  young  people  from  fifteen 
to  twenty-nine  years  of  age  to  secure  material  to 
serve  as  a basis  for  the  discussion  of  the  topic 
“Knowing  Community  Needs  for  Program  Plan- 
ning.” The  replies  received  showed  that  village 
youth  favored  recreation  more  than  farm  or  city 
young  people,  and  girls  listed  it  more  frequently 
than  boys.  As  to  the  content  of  the  community 
program — each  informant  gave  three  needs — rec- 
reational listings  were  highest  with  twenty-seven 
per  cent  of  the  total.  Other  leisure  time  activities 
included  handcraft,  plays,  reading  and  music,  and 
came  second.  Educational  affairs  followed  with  a 
ratio  of  one  in  five  in  the  listings.  Farm  people 
again  seemed  less  interested  than  city  or  village 
youth  in  having  recreational  and  educational  ac- 
tivities on  the  local  program,  and  boys  were  less 
interested  than  girls. 


Recreational  Features  of  Parks 


Cincinnati,  because  of  its  somewhat  unusual 
recreational  set  up,  was  a fitting  place  for 
holding  a convention,  such  as  that  of  the 
American  Institute  of  Park  Executives.  Three 
separate  boards  function  under  the  city  manager 
plan — the  School  Board,  the  Park  Board  and  the 
Recreation  Commission.  Each  has  responsibility 
for  certain  phases  of  recreational  activities  and 
all  work  together  in  perfect  harmony.  The  Rec- 
reation Commission  leases  about  half  of  the  school 
property  for  its  own  use  when  not  used  by  the 
schools,  and  a number  of  the  park  facilities  are 
administered  by  the  Commission. 

Among  the  leaders  of  the  convention  were  Con- 
rad L.  Wirth,  Assistant  Director,  National  Park 
Service,  W.  A.  Stinchcomb,  Director,  Cleveland 
Metropolitan  Park  District,  H.  D.  Taylor  of  the 
National  Forests  and  others,  some  of  whom  were 
related  to  the  local  park  service. 

Mr.  Wirth  stated  that  recreation  was  the  prin- 
ciple of  all  park  planning.  He  defined  recreation 
as  the  use  of  leisure  time  and  referred  mainly  to 
such  activities  as  hiking,  riding  and  picnicking. 
National  parks,  according  to  Mr.  Wirth,  are  places 
of  importance  from  the  scenic,  historical,  geologi- 
cal or  archaeological  viewpoint,  and  the  National 
Park  Service  was  established  to  maintain  parks 
for  future  as  well  as  present  uses.  Referring  to 
state  parks  he  urged  that  such  be  set  aside  for 
scenic  values  and  mass  recreation.  He  urged  mu- 
nicipal departments  to  increase  appreciation  of 
nature  through  the  public  schools,  emphasizing 
that  these  park  facilities  were  for  the  basic  pur- 
pose of  public  recreation.  The  automobile  and  air- 
plane have  removed  all  restrictions  of  distance  in 
connection  with  the  appreciation  of  scenic  beauty 
and  made  possible  a great  increase  in  family  and 
small  group  recreation. 

The  responsibility  of  the  National  Park  Service 
in  its  relation  to  other  bodies  called  for  joint  plan- 
ning and  sound,  long  range  planning.  He  cau- 
tioned against  the  danger  of  overdevelopment  of 
park  areas  as  well  as  underdevelopment.  He  said 
that  some  sort  of  permanent  CCC  was  necessary. 
He  described  the  provisions  of  an  Act  proposed 


E.  C.  Worman  of  the  National  Rec- 
reation Association,  who  attended  the 
annual  convention  of  the  American 
Institute  of  Park  Executives  which  was 
held  in  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  September 
2 1 -23,  has  given  us  a few  of  his  impres- 
sions of  the  meetings.  Chief  among 
these  was  the  emphasis  on  the  recrea- 
tional side  of  park  service  which 
characterized  all  of  the  speeches. 


to  Congress  to  allow  study  of  park  facilities  in 
states  and  to  authorize  joint  state  agreements. 

Mr.  Stinchcomb  outlined  the  history  of  the 
Park  District  Law  in  Ohio,  stating  that  it  arose 
from  the  necessity  of  developing  parks  beyond 
municipal  boundaries.  The  first  county  park  law 
which  was  passed  about  1915  was  thrown  out  by 
the  courts  but  shortly  after  the  state  Constitution 
was  rewritten  and  a conservation  clause  included 
for  conservation  districts.  The  Park  District  Law 
is  based  on  this  conservation  clause  and  allows 
districts  to  be  established  by  the  Probate  Court 
which  may  be  as  large  as  the  people  desire  even 
going  beyond  county  boundaries.  Such  park  dis- 
tricts are  controlled  by  a commission  appointed  by 
the  Probate  Judge  with  three  members  on  stag- 
gered three  year  terms  with  no  compensation  and 
subject  to  removal  by  the  courts.  Their  powers 
do  not  include  large  bond  issues  but  do  include  a 
special  tax  levy,  and  they  have  the  power  to  ac- 
quire land  and  the  right  of  eminent  domain  and 
can  contract  with  local  park  groups. 

The  speaker  referred  to  some  of  the  features 
of  the  Cleveland  Metropolitan  Park  and  especially 
recited  its  cooperation  with  the  Nature  History 
Museums  in  the  joint  employment  of  a naturalist 
'and  the  conduct  of  two  field  museums  and  five 
nature  trails  with  lectures  at  council  rings  in  the 
park  and  before  groups  during  the  winter.  He 
emphasized  the  statement  that  the  conservation  of 
natural  resources  includes  the  preservation  and 
use  of  all  in  nature  that  makes  for  social  and  cul- 
tural benefit. 

(Continued  on  page  470) 


458 


World  at  Play 


TIT.  „ . SNOW  trams  operat- 

Winter  Sports  in  , , . r AT 

- T _ , , ed  by  the  four  New 

New  England  „ , . , 

England  railroads 

from  January  i to 
March  i,  1936,  carried  36,472  passengers  to  the 
New  England  winter  sports  area.  In  quoting 
these  figures,  William  A.  Barron,  Chairman  of 
the  New  England  Councils  recreation  committee, 
said:  “When  the  Council  launched  its  campaign 
against  overemphasis  on  spectator  snow  sports 
such  as  professional  ski  jumping  10  years  ago  and 
urged  participants’  sports,  skiing,  snowshoeing, 
tobogganing,  etc.,  there  were  few  communities 
prepared  to  handle  any  real  volume  of  winter 
sports  participants.  Through  the  years  the  move- 
ment has  won  its  way.  Ski-tows  have  been  con- 
structed, hotels  and  inns  have  seen  the  wisdom  of 
remaining  open,  and  facilities  have  been  developed 
until  today  New  England  has  a recreational  asset 
in  its  snow-time  months  worth  many  millions  of 
dollars  to  these  six  states.” 


Recreation  in 
Hawaii 


HILO,  Hawaii,  is 
building  a $30,000 
community  recreation 
building.  A $20,000 
center  is  being  constructed  in  Kaunakakai,  Molo- 
kai, while  on  Oahu  the  plantations  are  erecting 
two  buildings  at  a cost  of  $62,000. 


Burdick  Park  in 
Baltimore 


BALTIMORE, 
Maryland,  is  to  have 
a park  dedicated  to  the 
memory  of  the  late 
William  Burdick  and  in  his  honor  to  be  known  as 
Burdick  Park.  The  City  Council,  in  taking  action 
which  made  this  possible,  passed  a resolution  in 
recognition  of  Dr.  Burdick’s  services  to  the  people 
of  Baltimore.  The  resolution  stated  that  Dr.  Bur- 
dick as  the  director  of  the  Public  Athletic  League 
and  later  the  Playground  Athletic  League  from 
1911  until  his  death  in  1935,  “recognized  the  value 
and  desirability  of  public  parks  and  playgrounds 
for  men  and  women  of  all  ages  for  athletic  and 
recreational  activities,  and  to  this  end  devoted  the 
greater  part  of  his  life  in  emphasizing  the  import- 
ance of  a play  program  under  trained  leadership.” 


The  resolution  further  took  cognizance  of  Dr. 
Burdick’s  contribution  to  the  field  of  physical 
education. 

“In  the  death  of  Dr.  William  Burdick,”  states 
the  resolution,  “the  city  of  Baltimore  has  lost  one 
of  its  most  progressive  and  kindly  citizens  whose 
memory  will  live  always  in  the  people  of  Baltimore 
City  and  the  parks  and  playgrounds  of  the  city 
which  he  fostered  and  promoted  with  untiring 
zeal.  As  a fitting  tribute  to  him,  the  park  property 
situated  on  Glenmore  Avenue  between  the  Har- 
ford and  Belair  Roads  and  formerly  called  Glen- 
more Park  shall  hereafter  be  known  as  Burdick 
Park.” 


On  Tour  for 
Recreation 


A group  of  thirty-five 
young  leaders  from 
Victoria,  Vancouver 
and  Kamloops  Recre- 
ational Centers  went  “on  tour”  for  six  days  last 
summer  as  a part  of  the  endeavor  of  the  Depart- 
.ment  of  Education,  British  Columbia,  Canada,  to 
arouse  interest  in  recreation  and  physical  educa- 
tion. They  journeyed  in  a chartered  bus,  taking 
their  own  camp,  cooking  and  athletic  equipment 
with  them.  At  each  of  the  six  towns  visited  one 
or  more  programs  were  presented,  sometimes  in 
open  fields,  sometimes  in  the  Community  Hall  or 
on  school  grounds.  The  program  consisted  of  ex- 
ercises, tumbling,  acrobatics,  parallel  bar  work, 
fencing,  rhythmic  dancing,  pyramids,  high  vault- 
ing,  “golden  statues,”  and  a few  comic  skits. 
Some  6,000  spectators  attended  the  programs,  a 
large  number  considering  the  size  of  the  towns 
which  were  visited.  The  Department  of  Recrea- 
tional and  Physical  Education  conducts  Provincial 
Recreation  Centers  for  young  adults  and  is  en- 
deavoring under  Ian  Eisenhardt,  Provincial  Di- 
rector, to  have  the  various  cities  and  towns  estab- 
lish supervised  playgrounds  for  children.  Three 
cities  did  so  last  summer. 


” AT  the  Great  Lakes 
Exposition  one  of  the 
attractions  of  the  mid- 
way was  the  replica  of 
the  old  Globe  Theater  of  London  where  Shakes- 


‘Streamlined’ 

Shakespeare 


459 


460 


WORLD  AT  PLAY 


peare’s  plays  were  presented.  Each  day  in  the 
Cleveland  theater  six  Shakespearean  plays  were 
presented,  their  playing  time  averaging  forty-four 
minutes.  Thomas  W.  Stevens,  well  known  pag- 
eant director,  and  B.  Iden  Payne,  director  of  the 
Shakespeare  Memorial  Theater  at  Stratford-on- 
Avon,  were  responsible  for  the  abridged  editions 
of  the  plays  which  were  used.  Many  people 
flocked  to  the  performances. 

The  Pacific  Crest  Trail — Along  the  Gargan- 
tuan backbone  of  the  West — the  Cascades,  Sierra 
Nevada  and  Desert  Mountains  — a continuous 
trail  2,300  miles  long  extending  from  the  Ca- 
nadian border  to  Mexico  and  running  just  below 
the  crest  of  the  ranges  has  just  been  completed 
through  the  hooking  up  of  regional  trails.  It 
would  take  a sturdy  traveler,  knapsack  on  back, 
some  eight  months  to  traverse  this  Pacific  Crest 
Trail,  and  he  would  not  be  able  to  accomplish  this 
feat  in  one  year,  for  so  high  is  the  trail  in  some 
spots  that  it  is  passable  for  only  a short  time  each 
year.  The  hiker  need  not  fear  that  the  “westward 
tide”  will  eventually  take  away  this  trail,  for  all 
but  175  miles  of  it  lies  within  the  borders  of 
twenty  national  forests  and  five  national  parks, 
and  some  of  the  small  remaining  total  is  in  state 
parks.  This  gigantic  hook-up  of  local  trails  is  due 
to  the  efforts  of  Clinton  C.  Clark  of  Pasadena 
who  aroused  interest,  formed  an  association  and 
with  the  aid  of  the  government  completed  the 
trail.  And  in  so  doing  this  wilderness  enthusiast 
accomplished  the  aims  of  his  organization:  “To 
maintain  and  defend  for  the  benefit  and  enjoyment 
of  nature  lovers  the  Pacific  Crest  Trail  system  as 
a primitive  wilderness  pathway  in  an  environment 
of  solitude,  free  from  the  sights  and  sounds  of  a 
merchanically  disturbed  nature.”  For  the  benefit 
of  the  hiker  he  has  prepared  a detailed  booklet 
for  the  entire  trail,  giving  location  of  shelters, 
places  where  food  may  be  obtained  and  pointing 
out  places  of  interest  along  the  way.  The  Boy 
Scouts  already  use  the  trail  for  advanced  camp- 
ing and  the  Y.M.C.A.  has  explored  the  trail  from 
Mexico  to  Tahoe  and  will  continue  along  it  this 
summer  with  relay  teams,  studying  flora  and 
fauna  enroute. 

Child  Gardeners  Receive  Awards  — Happy 
indeed  were  the  youthful  gardeners  of  New  York 
City  to  whom  prizes  and  medals  were  awarded  in 
September  by  Mrs.  James  Roosevelt,  mother  of 
the  President.  The  gardens  are  maintained  under 


the  auspices  of  the  New  York  Plant  and  Flower 
Guild  of  which  Mrs.  Roosevelt  is  president,  and 
during  the  summer  more  than  1,000  children  of 
seventeen  nationalities  cultivated  5'  by  10'  plots, 
producing  quantities  of  both  flowers  and  vege- 
tables. Prizes  were  awarded  for  the  best  note- 
book on  gardens  and  the  best  poem,  while  medals 
were  given  for  the  prize  gardens.  Three  mothers 
who  for  twenty  years  have  been  assisting  in  the 
garden  program  received  gold  medals. 

Amateur  Sports  in  St.  Paul  — In  St.  Paul, 
Minnesota,  amateur  sports  have  reached  such  a 
high  point  in  organization  that  an  independent 
team  in  any  branch  of  athletics  is  a rarity,  and 
teams  in  all  sports  are  now  so  numerous  that 
practically  any  individual  may  find  a team  on 
which  to  play.  The  general  plan  followed,  accord- 
ing to  Gerald  M.  Flathman,  Director  of  Municipal 
Athletics,  has  been  to  have  representatives  of  the 
various  teams  or  leagues  concerned  elect  a board 
of  directors  composed  of  well  known  people  who 
are  interested  in  the  program  and  who  are  not 
affiliated  with  any  competing  group.  This  board 
aids  in  laying  down  rules  and  regulations  and 
formulating  policies,  and  acts  as  a grievance  com- 
mittee. The  Playground  Department  has  sought 
the  cooperation  of  all  other  agencies  operating 
athletics  with  the  result  that  these  groups  are  af- 
filiated with  municipal  leagues  and  for  the  most 
part  are  operating  under  municipal  rules  and 
regulations. 

Education  and  Recreation  in  Denmark  — 

During  the  week  of  the  Third  International  Con- 
ference on  Social  work  in  London,  England,  July 
12th  to  18th,  1936,  Oluf  J.  Skjerbaek,  Chief  State 
Inspector  of  Child  Welfare  in  Copenhagen,  pre- 
sented a paper  on  Education  and  Recreation  in 
Denmark.  There  was  discussion  of  summer  ex- 
cursions of  city  school  children  to  the  country ; 
school  camps;  the  decline  of  traditional  forms  of 
recreation,  such  as  harvest  festivals;  colony  gar- 
dens— small  lots  of  land  rented  in  the  city,  where 
city  workers  may,  in  their  spare  time,  recapture 
some  of  the  rural  delights  of  their  early  lives. 
There  was  also  consideration  of  roaming  over  the 
country  either  afoot  or  on  a bicycle.  — From 
Public  Welfare  Nezvs,  August  1936. 

In  Pontiac — The  Kiwanis  Club  of  Pontiac, 
Michigan,  has  given  the  city  two  wading  pools. 
The  Club  has  also  adopted  a five  year  program 


WORLD  AT  PLAY 


461 


AMERICAN  PLAY  EQUIPMENT 


Recreation  Directors  prefer 
American  Mats  because  of  their 
springy  resilience.  There  is  LESS 
jolt  and  JAR.  Designed  by  ex- 
perts and  constructed  of  very 
best  and  enduring  materials  for 
longer  wear  and  service.  All 
sizes,  write  today  for  information. 


4=J 


American  Playground  Equipment  is  used  in 
thousands  of  parks  and  playgrounds  every- 
where. Slides,  Swings,  Ocean  Waves,  Wave 
Strides,  Giant  Strides,  Merry-go-rounds, 
See-saws  and  dozens  of  other  health-build- 
ing devices  are  shown  in  our  complete 
catalogue  R-20.  Sent  on  request. 

SHUFFLEBOARD  EQUIPMENT 

Complete  equipment  for  this  exciting  and 
interesting  game.  Regulation  Cues  and 
Disks  used  and  endorsed  by  those  who  want 
the  best.  Send  for  information  and  prices 
today. 


AMERICAN  PLAYGROUND  DEVICE  CO. 

ANDERSON INDIANA 


involving  contributions  of  $500  a year  for  the  de- 
velopment of  the  city’s  playgrounds. 

A Large  Recreation  Center  for  Los  Angeles 
— As  the  final  step  in  the  transfer  of  a thirty  acre 
playground  site  to  the  city  from  the  Anita  M. 
Baldwin  Estate,  a deed  to  the  property  has  been 
turned  over  to  the  Los  Angeles,  California,  Play- 
ground and  Recreation  Department.  It  will  be  the 
city’s  largest  recreation  center  and  will  provide  a 
sports  field  for  the  new  city  high  school  which, 
according  to  present  plans,  will  adjoin  it  on  the 
east.  Plans  for  the  complete  development  of  the 
area  as  funds  become  available  call  for  a football 
field,  a municipal  baseball  park,  a battery  of  ten- 
nis courts,  a swimming  pool,  a community  club 
house  and  gymnasium,  game  courts  of  many 
kinds,  an  archery  range,  and  small  children’s  play 
areas. 

Romance  of  Recreation  — The  seventh  an- 
nual playground  pageant  presented  by  the  play- 
grounds of  Lansing,  Michigan,  traced  the  history 


of  Michigan’s  activities  in  recreation,  especially 
those  of  Lansing,  from  the  time  of  the  Indians 
down  to  the  present.  The  pageant  provided  one 
of  the  most  colorful  spectacles  ever  witnessed  in 
Lansing.  There  were  750  people  in  the  cast  in- 
cluding children  from  all  of  the  city  playgrounds 
and  members  of  civic  and  social  organizations. 

The  '‘Dream  Parade” — The  1936  playground 
pageant  presented  by  the  Park  Department  of 
Minneapolis,  Minnesota,  was  the  “Dream  Parade” 
in  which  1,500  children  and  adults  took  part. 
Twenty  thousand  people  saw  this  unusually  beau- 
tiful spectacle  which  was  directed  by  Mrs.  Alice 
Dietz  of  the  Park  Board  staff. 

Drama  in  Berkeley  — The  Berkeley,  Cali- 
fornia, Community  Players,  sponsored  by  the 
Recreation  Department,  during  1935  and  1936 
have  been  continuously  active  in  presenting  plays 
to  the  public.  The  following  plays  were  given 
during  the  season:  “The  Marriage  of  Figaro” 
(five  productions)  ; “The  Princess  Who  Was 


462 


WORLD  AT  PLAY 


Queer”  (four  performances)  ; “The  Contrast,”  an 
early  American  comedy  of  manners  (four  pro- 
ductions) ; “The  Magic  Forest”  (three  perform- 
ances), and  Shakespeare’s  “Winter’s  Tale”  (five 
performances).  In  addition,  the  Players  had  an 
important  part  in  the  presentation  of  “The  Feast 
of  Yuletide,”  a Christmas  pageant  which  last  year 
was  given  by  a cast  of  over  850  children  and 
adults,  under  the  direction  of  F.  T.  Kebely,  di- 
rector of  the  Community  Players.  Six  thousand 
people  saw  the  performance  in  the  men’s  gym- 
nasium at  the  University  of  California.  Mr. 
Kebely  also  directed  a mammoth  pageant,  “Berke- 
ley’s Answer,”  which  depicted  the  work  of  the 
various  social  agencies.  In  addition  to  directing 
the  pageant  given  in  connection  with  the  Com- 
munity Chest  drive,  Mr.  Kebely  and  his  assist- 
ants prepared  several  one-act  plays  demonstrating 
Community  Chest  work  which  were  presented  be- 
fore luncheon  clubs  and  other  community  groups. 
Another  activity  of  the  Players  was  the  fourth  an- 
nual drama  tournament  in  which  fourteen  groups 
competed  for  the  Lester  Hink  drama  cup.  The 
prize-winning  play,  “Torches,”  produced  by  the 
Littlest  Theater,  was  sent  to  San  Francisco  where 
it  won  first  place  in  the  North  California  drama 
tournament. 

A Novel  Event  in  Akron — What  is  believed 
to  be  the  first  bicycle  hill  climb  to  be  held  was 
staged  on  September  12th  in  Akron,  Ohio,  on  the 
city  owned  Sport  Hill,  site  of  the  soap  box  derby 
sponsored  last  summer  by  the  Recreation  Com- 
mission and  a local  newspaper.  Over  200  boys 
and  girls,  divided  into  age  classification,  partici- 
pated in  this  hill  climbing  event. 

Ann  Arbor’s  Water  Carnival  — In  August, 
Ann  Arbor,  Michigan,  held  a water  carnival,  the 
second  major  program  undertaken  during  the 
summer,  the  first  being  a pageant  which  attracted 
a crowd  of  4,000  people.  Old-fashioned  bathing 
costumes  and  the  latest  in  swimming  suits  made 
their  appearance  at  the  carnival,  and  among  the 
novelties  of  the  program  were  a human  seal,  and 
a dragon  and  sea  serpent  devised  by  the  children. 

Activities  in  Monroe,  Louisiana — Last  sum- 
mer Monroe,  Louisiana,  conducted  eight  play- 
grounds. A popular  feature  of  the  program  was 
softball  which  was  played  by  all  of  the  midget, 
junior  and  senior  boys.  Through  the  courtesy  of 
the  Commissioner  of  Finance  and  Utilities  street 


cars  and  buses  were  made  available  for  transport- 
ing the  softball  teams  from  one  playground  to 
another. 

Watertown’s  Mother  Goose  Festival — Seven 
thousand  people  attended  the  Mother  Goose  festi- 
val, held  in  the  City  Park  of  Watertown,  New 
York,  in  which  240  boys  and  girls  in  costume  took 
part.  The  theme  of  the  festival  was  taken  from 
the  book  “Mother  Goose  May  Day,”  by  Wills  and 
Turner.  A Mother  Goose  story  book  16  feet  high 
was  erected  in  the  center  of  the  stage,  on  the  right 
of  which  was  a huge  shoe  for  the  old  woman  who 
lived  in  a shoe.  On  the  left  was  a throne  for  the 
king  and  queen.  The  entire  stage  was  encircled 
by  six  May  poles  with  brilliant  colored  streamers. 

Safety  Activities  in  Detroit — 

“Stop,  Look  and  Listen,  before  you  cross  the  street. 

Use  your  eyes ; use  your  ears,  Then  use  your  feet.” 

This  was  the  rhyme  chanted  by  Detroit’s  play- 
ground children  last  summer  as  a part  of  the 
safety  program  conducted  by  the  Recreation  De- 
partment. Each  day,  through  rhymes,  songs,  pos- 
ters, playlets  and  other  devices,  Mrs.  James  N. 
Downey,  member  of  the  Michigan  State  Safety 
Commission,  interested  thousands  of  children  in 
keeping  safe  and  happy. 

A Favorable  Referendum  in  Decatur  — A 

referendum  election  in  Decatur,  Illinois,  was  car- 
ried favorably  by  a vote  of  11,000  to  4,000.  This 
means  that  in  the  future  a budget  of  $22,000  from 
two-thirds  of  a mill  levy  will  be  available  in  that 
city  for  the  recreation  program. 

A Fortieth  Annual  Convention — For  the  first 
time  in  the  history  of  the  New  York  State  Con- 
gress of  Parents  and  Teachers,  seven  regional 
meetings  were  held  throughout  the  state  in  place 
of  one  meeting  for  the  entire  state.  The  meetings 
were  held  on  October  5th  and  6th  in  New  York 
City,  Kingston,  Glens  Falls,  Syracuse,  Niagara 
Falls,  Elmira  and  Utica.  The  central  theme  for 
all  meetings  was  “The  Child  and  His  Community,” 
and  Point  Nine  of  the  Children’s  Charter  was  the 
text  used. 

At  the  regional  meeting  in  New  York  City  an 
afternoon  session  was  given  over  to  a symposium 
on  the  specific  community  influences  that  touch 
the  child.  These  included  movies,  radio,  play- 
grounds, youth  organizations,  library,  church  and 
music.  At  the  end  of  the  first  day  came  the  Con- 
gress dinner  attended  by  teachers  and  parents, 


CAN  AN  ADVISORY  BOARD  HELP  f 


463 


Can  an  Advisory  Board  Help? 


The  following  significant  developments  have 
occurred  in  the  work  of  the  Division  of  Rec- 
reation, Department  of  Parks  and  Public  Property, 
Cleveland,  Ohio,  as  a result  of  the  work  of  the 
Mayor’s  Advisory  Board  on  Playgrounds  and 
Recreation  which  has  been  in  existence  for  more 
than  a year : 

I.  The  Commissioner  of  Recreation  under  the 
preceding  administration  was  replaced  by  the 
temporary  appointment  of  a more  experienced 
man.  The  Board  is  aiming  at  an  examination  for 
the  position  of  Commissioner  open  to  non- 
residents. 

2.  The  Board  took  an  active  part  in  placing  all 
playground  positions  within  a classified  service. 
As  a result,  approximately  85  % of  the  1936  play- 
ground staff  were  protected  by  Civil  Service. 

3.  Upon  the  Board’s  recommendation,  a woman 
was  appointed  as  Assistant  Commissioner  to  or- 
ganize and  direct  recreation  for  women  and  girls. 

4.  Fifteen  new  playground  areas  were  improv- 
ed and  opened  this  summer. 

5.  The  Board  appeared  at  budget  hearings,  as  a 
result  of  which  a 50%  increase  was  granted  by 
the  City  Council  for  operating  the  Division  of 
Recreation  during  1936. 

6.  At  the  recommendation  of  the  Board,  the 
maintenance  of  all  playgrounds  under  the  control 
of  the  Department  of  Parks  and  Public  Property 
will  henceforth  be  maintained  by  the  Division  of 
Recreation.  The  Board  is  recommending  that  the 
maintenance  of  all  recreation  areas  be  handled  by 
the  Division  of  Recreation. 

These  improvements,  as  well  as  additional 
recommendations  still  to  be  submitted  by  the 
Board,  were  based  upon  the  study  of  public  rec- 
reation by  the  Cleveland  Foundation. 

Another  interesting  development  in  connection 
with  the  study  and  the  publicity  growing  out  of  its 
publication  has  been  the  appointment,  by  ordi- 
nance, of  a special  recreation  committee  of  the 
City  Council. 


many  large  groups  of  teacher  associations  being 
present.  The  second  day  of  the  Congress  opened 
with  round  table  discussions  in  parliamentary  pro- 
cedure, budgeting,  publicity  and  program  making. 
Emphasis  was  laid  on  the  opportunities  offered 
parent-teacher  associations  to  cooperate  with  com- 
munity agencies  in  juvenile  protection. 


A.  S.  Barnes  & Company 

Publishers  Since  1838 

67  West  44th  Street,  New  York 

Specializing  in  the  publication 
of  books  on 

Physical  Education 
Recreation 
Dancing 
Sports 
Etc. 

Complete  Catalogue  On  Request 


Developments  in  Bloomfield,  New  Jersey — 

The  Bloomfield,  New  Jersey,  symphony  orchestra 
fostered  by  the  Recreation  Commission  has  no 
members;  its  chorus,  100.  The  budget  has  shown 
a steady  growth  from  $10,500  in  1929  to  $17,000 
this  year,  plus  an  additional  appropriation  from 
the  city  of  $750  and  $200  from  the  High  School 
Athletic  Association.  It  is  hoped  that  next  year 
the  budget  will  be  $20,000. 

Regarding  Tennis  Courts — The  United  States 
Lawn  Tennis  Association  has  issued  the  reports 
of  the  Standard  Court  for  Tournament  Play 
Committee,  which  contain  information  on  surfac- 
ing and  other  technical  matters  which  will  be  of 
interest  to  recreation  workers.  Edward  B.  Moss, 
executive  secretary  of  the  association,  at  120 
Broadway,  New  York  City,  writes  that  a few 
copies  of  the  reports  are  available  at  50  cents  a 
copy. 

More  Playgrounds  Needed — According  to  the 
Monthly  Bulletin  of  the  Pennsylvania  Depart- 
ment of  Internal  Affairs,  which  issues  the  bulletin 
in  cooperation  with  the  Pennsylvania  Association 
of  Planning  Commissioners,  more  than  7,000  citi- 


464 


WHEN  WINTER  DONS  HER  MANTLE  WHITE 


A Health  - Building  Game 
for  Old  and  Young 

Pitching  Horseshoes  is  muscle-building  rec- 
reation that  appeals  to  all  types  of  people. 
Install  a few  courts  on  your  grounds,  organ- 
ize a horseshoe  club,  schedule  a tournament. 
Write  for  free  booklets  on  club  organiza- 
tion, tournament  play.  etc. 

Diamond  Official  Shoes  and  accessories 
are  the  choice  of  professionals  and  ama- 
teurs alike.  It’s  economy  to  purchase 
equipment  with  the  longest  life. 

» I AM  O NjID 

CALK  HORSESHOE  CO. 

4610  Grand  Avenue  Duluth,  Minn, 

Makers  of  DIAMOND  Official  Pitching  Shoes 


zens  in  Lancaster  have  signed  petitions  requesting 
municipal  authorities  to  purchase  sites  for  play- 
grounds in  various  sections  of  the  city.  The  peti- 
tions all  urge  the  need  for  quick  action  to  secure 
the  property  before  it  is  built  upon.  A recent 
WPA  survey  reveals  a scarcity  of  vacant  lots  suit- 
able for  playgrounds  in  most  sections  of  the  city. 

Developments  in  Duluth,  Minnesota  — The 
tax  rate  in  Duluth,  Minnesota,  has  increased  2*4 
mills  for  1937  and  the  assessed  valuation  of  per- 
sonal property  has  dropped  a million  and  a half. 
In  the  city’s  budget  increased  allocations  have  been 
given  to  the  police,  fire,  health,  library,  park  and 
public  works  programs. 


When  Winter  Dons  Her  Mantle  White 

(Continued  from  page  434) 

their  proper  maintenance  and  supervision.  When 
they  have  been  laid  out  in  the  most  suitable  loca- 
tions, according  to  snow  conditions,  terrain,  ex- 
posure and  accessibility,  adequate  publicity  should 


be  given  them  for  maximum  public  use  and 
enjoyment. 

Walter  Prichard  Eaton  pointed  out  in  the  Neiv  I 
York  Herald  Tribune  of  December  18,  1932,  that  1 
“for  a thoroughgoing  development  of  winter  sport  1 
interest  in  northeastern  America,  we  need  ski 
trails  of  varying  difficulties,  and  we  need  them  in  j 
public  parks  or  reservations  so  they  can  be  pro-  1 
perly  maintained  and  made  easily  accessible  from  j 
all  our  cities.”  Skiers  themselves  are  beginning  to 
realize  that  winter  recreational  use  of  private  land  • 
in  the  East  is  limited  and  uncertain,  that  they  need 
the  provision,  regulation,  maintenance  and  super-  j 
vision  of  winter  sports  facilities  by  cooperating 
public  agencies. 

With  proper  planning  of  winter  sports  develop-  ' 
ment,  to  prevent  its  undesirable  intrusion  within 
areas  of  natural  beauty  and  wild  life  refuges 
where  preservation  is  of  paramount  importance, 
we  can  provide  plenty  of  opportunities  for  out- 
door winter  recreation.  The  increasing  demand 
for  winter  sports  facilities  offers  us  the  the  op- 
portunity to  provide  for  the  year-round  recrea- 
tional use  of  public  parks  in  northern  climates. 


Why  Not  Puppets  In  the  Home? 

(Continued  from  page  437) 

in  an  outpouring  of  new  plays  for  puppets,  espe- 
cially plays  with  fresh  themes  and  reflecting 
varied  points  of  view ! 

To  start  a puppet  “company”  as  a family  hobby 
or  a recreational  or  artistic  activity,  it  is  necessary 
only  for  some  member  of  the  group  to  have  the 
interest  and  initiative  to  start  the  ball  rolling. 
Isn’t  this  an  opportunity  for  the  recreation  de- 
partment to  stimulate  a worthwhile  family  recrea- 
tional activity  which  can  be  carried  on  within  the 
home?  It  is  a well-known  fact  that  “puppet- 
mania”  is  catching,  and  interest  in  them  should 
prove  most  irresistible  in  the  informal  atmos- 
phere of  the  home.  The  little  creatures  of  wood 
and  cloth  make  good  friends  for  a family,  and 
they  are  provocative  of  more  fun  and  laughter 
than  can  well  be  imagined  until  their  acquaintance 
is  made  at  first  hand. 


Where  Music  Flourishes 

(Continued  from  page  438) 

dictaphone;  music  was  loaned  to  four  different 
groups;  newspaper  clippings  made;  community 
singing  accompanied  at  Lions’  Club  and  led  at 


A FOUNDATION  BELIEVES  IN  PLAY 


465 


Exchange  Club;  eleven  appointments  were  ac- 
cepted by  the  organizer. 

The  outstanding  new  development  during  the 
past  year  was  the  Civic  Opera.  The  combination 
which  has  been  effected  of  the  symphony  orches- 
tra, the  choral  groups  and  the  soloists,  has  meant 
much  to  the  musical  life  of  the  city.  Outstanding 
productions  of  “II  Trovatore”  and  “Rigoletto” 
were  given,  and  during  the  coming  year 
“Pagliacci”  and  “Cavalleria  Rusticana”  will  be 
presented. 

One  unique  feature  of  the  program  is  the  musi- 
cians’ hospitality  dinner  organized  ten  years  ago. 
It  is  now  a Fine  Arts  event  held  in  cooperation 
with  the  Institute  of  Arts  and  Community  Play- 
ers. Its  purpose  is  to  welcome  into  the  city  all 
new  leaders  in  the  arts. 

Additional  Activities  Urged 

In  spite  of  the  unusual  range  of  activities  of- 
fered through  the  association  and  the  breadth  of 
the  program,  the  association  is  constantly  enlarg- 
ing its  scope.  Additional  activities  recommended 
for  the  ensuing  year  include  the  following : 

1.  The  development  of  the  Welsh  Eistedfod  idea 

2.  Reorganization  of  the  harmonica  develop- 
ment 

3.  More  summer  musical  activities 

4.  Development  of  some  musical  recreation  for 
the  Police  Department,  such  as  vocal  quartets, 
valuable  in  radio  safety  programs 

5.  Masonic  Male  Chorus 

6.  Bands  in  all  the  industries 

7.  Junior  Chamber  of  Commerce  Male  Chorus 

8.  Mixed  choruses  in  the  department  stores 

9.  Greater  musical  stimulus  among  the  foreign- 
born  groups,  culminating  in  a cosmopolitan  “sing” 

10.  More  family  groups  enjoying  music  to- 
gether 

11.  More  home  music  by  various  groups 

12.  More  “barber  shop”  quartets 

13.  Service  club  quartets 

14.  Ukulele  clubs  throughout  the  city 

15.  Assistance  in  the  organization  of  a Flint 
band  director’s  club 

16.  Band  conclave  at  Atwood  Stadium 

17.  Sunday  afternoon  concert  series  (construc- 
tive appreciation) 

18.  Saginaw  Valley  Festival  — choirs,  bands, 
orchestras 

19.  Music  groups  at  Berston  and  Haskell  Field 
Houses 

20.  Constructive  Radio  Series. 


A Foundation  Believes  in  Play 

Thu  W.  K.  Kellogg  Foundation  with  head- 
quarters in  Battle  Creek,  Michigan,  is  devoted 
to  furthering  the  health,  happiness  and  well-being 
of  children.  During  the  past  summer  the  Foun- 
dation recognized  in  three  significant  ways  the  im- 
portance of  recreation  in  its  home  town.  First  of 
all,  it  began  the  work  of  installing  swimming  pools 
in  the  two  junior  high  schools,  assuming  the  cost 
of  operation  and  maintenance.  This  is  being  done 
with  the  understanding  that  the  pools  will  be 
operated  evenings  and  during  the  summer  in  con- 
junction with  the  city  recreation  program. 

As  a second  contribution  the  Foundation  has 
purchased  a two  acre  piece  of  property  in  a sec- 
tion of  the  city  which  a survey  has  shown  to  be 
the  seat  of  most  of  the  juvenile  delinquency.  The 
Exchange  Club  of  Battle  Creek  has  agreed  to 
clear  the  property  as  a playground,  and  the  Civic 
Recreation  Association,  the  organization  conduct- 
ing the  public  city-wide  recreation  program  in 
Battle  Creek,  will  furnish  the  leadership. 

As  an  additional  gift  to  the  city’s  recreation 
program,  the  Foundation  has  turned  over  to  the 
Civic  Recreation  Association  for  use  much  of  the 
time  the  fine  recreation  building  which  it  erected 
some  years  ago  and  which  contains  a gymnasium, 
swimming  pool,  a large  assembly  room  and  smaller 
club  rooms.  The  pool  will  be  used  by  the  high 
school  during  the  day.  The  building  will  be  the 
headquarters  of  the  Scout  activities  area  and  the 
office  of  the  Recreation  Association  will  be  moved 
there.  The  Foundation  will  assume  the  entire  cost 
of  maintenance  of  the  building,  the  name  of  which 
has  been  changed  from  the  Boys  Club  to  the  W. 
K.  Kellogg  Youth  Building. 

With  these  additional  facilities,  the  splendid 
recreation  program  which  has  been  developed 
during  the  past  decade  under  the  leadership  of 
Arch  Flannery  will  be  able  to  meet  the  steadily 
increasing  demands. 


A Community  Christmas 

(Continued,  from  page  441) 

When  December  24  came  we  still  had  a large 
supply  of  items  on  hand.  Many  were  taken  to 
near-by  localities  for  distribution  through  their 
social  workers.  The  remaining  funds  and  gifts 
were  turned  over  to  the  Salvation  Army  to  store 
and  to  be  used  as  a nucleus  for  the  next  year. 

When  school  closed  for  the  Christmas  holidays 
and  the  work  of  the  central  committee  was  finish- 


466 


THE  RICHMOND  TRAVELING  PLAYERS 


Have  You  Your  Copies  ? 

• We  want  to  remind  readers  of  Rec- 
reation of  the  National  Physical 
Achievement  Standards  for  Girls 
published  as  a result  of  a nation-wide 
study  and  presenting  directions  and 
scoring  tables  for  over  fifty  approved 
physical  events  for  girls. 

Physical  educators,  recreation 
workers,  community  directors,  club 
leaders  and  all  interested  in  physical 
activities  for  girls  will  find  this  ma- 
terial helpful. 

Send  for  a sample  set,  including 
instruction  book,  certificates  and  record 
cards. 

....  Price  $.25 

National  Recreation  Association 
315  Fourth  Avenue 
New  York  City 


ed,  there  was  a unanimous  feeling  of  happiness 
for  having  had  a share  in  spreading  Christmas 
cheer  and  for  a community  service  that  had  been 
well  done. 


The  Richmond  Traveling  Players 

(Continued,  from  page  442) 

This  was  followed  again  by  a season  of  one  act 
plays,  several  of  which  were  modernized  revivals 
of  pieces  seen  in  the  old  Orpheum  days,  while 
others  were  original  plays  written  for  certain 
members  of  the  group.  One  of  the  latter  num- 
bers met  with  such  popular  approval  that  it  was 
given  from  one  end  of  the  city  to  the  other  and 
kept  in  the  repertoire  for  one  year.  Even  today 
requests  frequently  come  in  for  another  presen- 
tation of  this  little  sketch.  Among  these  plays  was 
a tabloid  version  of  Schiller’s  Mary  Stuart,  the 
“Grand  Guignol”  success,  Rosalie,  together  with 
Modesty,  the  Green  Coat,  the  Boor,  and  the  Mar- 
riage Proposal,  the  latter  four  having  held  the 
boards  at  the  Comedie  Francaise  at  the  turn  of 
the  century. 

The  1933  season  also  saw  the  installation  of 
Mr.  Clay  Hopper  as  permanent  stage  manager  to 
the  company.  The  former  policy  had  been  to  have 


a new  manager  for  every  production.  The  result 
was  a marked  improvement  in  the  quality  of  all 
following  performances. 

Nineteen  thirty-four  saw  a production  of 
Ryann’s  For  the  Soul  of  Rafael,  the  tragedy  of 
early  California  made  so  famous  in  the  films  by 
Clara  Kimbal  Young.  This  was  followed  by  a 
revival  at  the  Legion  of  Honor  Palace  Theater  of 
Victor  Hugo’s  romantic  drama  Ruy  Bias,  with 
Miss  Virginia  Thompson  as  Marrienne  de  Neu- 
berg,  the  role  made  famous  by  the  late  Sarah 
Bernhardt.  A chorus  was  now  added  under  the 
direction  of  Mrs.  Marie  V.  Foster,  supervisor  of 
music  for  the  Recreation  Commission,  together 
with  a ballet  group  directed  by  Miss  Lydia  Patzelt. 

Arrangements  were  then  made  for  a produc- 
tion of  Ibsen’s  Peer  Gynt,  using  all  resources  at 
the  disposal  of  the  group.  The  performance  was 
originally  intended  to  be  held  in  the  Sigmund 
Stern  Grove,  the  beautiful  outdoor  amphitheater 
of  the  Recreation  Commission,  so  the  script  was 
arranged  accordingly.  However,  the  cold  weather 
set  in  unexpectedly  early,  so  the  play  was  given 
as  a benefit  performance  at  the  San  Francisco 
State  College. 

The  performance  was  an  unusual  success  and 
showed  clearly  the  possibilities  in  adapting  such 
plays  to  the  needs  of  community  or  educational 
groups.  There  was  a cast  of  sixteen  principals,  a 
chorus  of  thirty,  a ballet  of  twelve  and  extras 
numbering  twenty,  to  say  nothing  of  the  various 
assistants  employed  backstage.  A far  cry,  this, 
from  the  struggling  little  group  of  four  which 
managed  to  keep  the  Players  in  existence  during 
the  season  of  1932.  With  the  introduction  of  the 
Grieg  incidental  music,  typical  songs  and  Nor- 
wegian folk  dances  in  the  wedding  scene,  a very 
colorful  production  resulted.  A striking  feature 
was  the  unique  set  of  masks  used  in  the  famous 
Troll  King  scene.  These  were  all  designed  and 
executed  in  the  studio  of  the  Drama  Department. 
Mr.  Hopper’s  beautiful  lighting  effects,  especially 
in  the  finale,  evoked  much  comment. 

Encouraged  by  the  favor  with  which  Peer  Gynt 
was  received,  the  Players  next  return  to  the 
Legion  of  Honor  Theater  with  a revival  of  one  of 
Victorein  Sardou’s  greatest  melodramas  made 
famous  by  Sarah  Bernhardt.  A full  new  set  of 
scenery  and  a skillfully  executed  wardrobe  set  off 
the  efforts  of  the  Players  to  the  best  advantage 
possible. 

At  the  present  time  plans  are  under  way  for  a 
production  of  Faust  designed  on  a scale  similar 
to  that  of  Peer  Gynt. 


MAGAZINES  AND  PAMPHLETS 


467 


William  D.  Champlin 

Thu  death  of  William  D.  Champlin  on  Novem- 
ber i,  1936  removes  one  of  the  playground 
pioneers  best  known  throughout  the  country.  Mr. 
Champlin  had  been  present  at  nearly  all  of  the 
Recreation  Congresses  held  since  1907.  Many  rec- 
reation executives  had  visited  him  in  Philadel- 
phia and  had  seen  what  he  had  accomplished  in 
the  laying  out  of  playgrounds  and  in  the  planning 
of  recreation  buildings.  Through  all  the  years  he 
had  been  persistent  in  persuading  the  citizens  of 
Philadelphia  as  to  the  importance  of  the  play- 
ground and  recreation  movement. 

When  the  Playgrounds  Association  of  Phila- 
delphia was  formed  in  1908  William  D.  Champlin 
became  executive  secretary.  Many  remember  the 
group  of  Philadelphia  citizens  appointed  by  the 
Mayor  of  Philadelphia  in  1909  to  travel  from  city 
to  city  to  study  what  was  being  done  in  the  play- 
ground movement.  Among  the  leaders  in  Phila- 
delphia at  that  time  were  Otto  T.  Mallery,  Sophia 
Ross,  William  A.  Stecher,  Judge  Staake. 

After  a thorough  investigation  of  the  play- 
ground work  in  other  cities  a Department  of  Rec- 
reation was  established  in  Philadelphia  in  1911 
and  William  D.  Champlin  was  named  as  the  ex- 
ecutive. In  January,  1934  William  D.  Champlin 
retired  on  a city  pension,  but  his  interest  in  the 
recreation  movement,  local  and  national,  did  not 
cease.  It  had  always  been  his  chief  concern. 


Increasing  America’s  Recreation 
Facilities 

(Continued  from  page  450) 

amateur  organization  of  seven  leagues  in  three 
states  with  about  1000  players,  all  under  twenty- 
one  years  of  age. 

Butte,  Montana,  owns  beautifully  timbered 
mountain  area  of  nine  square  miles,  which  is 
twenty-five  minutes  from  the  center  of  the  city. 
It  was  developed  into  an  excellent  recreation  park 
in  a WPA  project. 

“Big  Ed”  Walsh,  former  star  pitcher  for  the 
Chicago  White  Sox,  conducts  a baseball  school  in 
Connecticut  under  WPA  auspices.  In  four 
months  of  this  year  he  talked  to  71,% 23  boys  on 
baseball  and  sportsmanship,  emphasizing  the  temp- 
tations and  hazards  of  laziness,  smoking,  card 
playing  and  other  bad  habits.  “I  take  great  pride 


Magazines  and  Pamphlets 

) Recently  Received  Containing  Articles  \ 

v of  Interest  to  the  Recreation  Worker  ( 


MAGAZINES 

The  American  Girl,  November  1936 

Outdoors  in  November,  by  Mary  E.  Pascoe 
You  Can  Bind  Books,  by  June  Peters 

The  Record,  (Girls’  Friendly  Society),  December  1936 
For  Your  Outdoor  Christmas,  by  M.  Estelle  Burrill 
Let’s  Make  This  a Singing  Christmas 
Lanterns  for  Christmas  Carollers,  by  Lois  K.  Hartzell 

Parents’  Magazine,  December  1936 

Family  Celebrations,  by  Leslie  H.  Allen 
Toys  for  the  Young  Child,  by  Elizabeth  B.  Hur- 
lock,  Ph.D. 

Parks  and  Recreation,  November  1936 

Park  Consolidation  in  Chicago,  by  George  T. 
Donoghue 

Year  Shows  Great  Advance  in  National  and  State 
Parks 

A Picnic  Grove  in  Maine,  by  Everett  Spencer 
Henderson 

Flint  Outdoor  Theaters,  by  J.  D.  McCallum 
A Year  with  the  Recreation  Division — Chicago  Park 
District 

Fall  Hiking  in  the  Palisades  Interstate  Park 

The  American  City,  November  1936 

City  Playground  Project  Also  Provides  Flood 
Control 

Civilizing  Hallowe’en 

An  Iowa  City  Constructs  a Rustic  Stone  Picnic 
Shelter  House 

The  New  Memorial  Building  in  Hibbing 
Lagoon  Theater  in  Burnham  Park,  Chicago 

Landscape  Architecture,  October  1936 

America’s  Tropical  Frontier,  Everglades  National 
Park,  by  Ernest  F.  Coe 

Scholastic  Coach,  November  1936 

Pupil  Interest  in  Physical  Education  Activities,  by 
C.  O.  Jackson  and  W.  O.  Alstrom 

Parents’  Magazine,  November  1936 

How  to  Choose  Toys  and  Play  Equipment,  by 
Beatrice  Gelber 

Books  for  Boys  and  Girls,  by  Alice  Dalgliesh 
Family  Fun,  by  Elizabeth  King 

The  Camping  Magazine,  October  1936 

Group  Work  in  Camping,  by  Louis  H.  Blumenthal 
Does  Camping  Educate  for  Leisure?  by  Matt  Werner 

The  National  Parent-Teacher  Magazine,  November  1936 
Books  to  Grow  On,  by  Lena  Backsdale 

Education,  October  1936 

A Co-operative  Plan  for  Handicrafts  in  the  United 
States,  by  Raymond  E.  Pippin 
Creative  Art  in  Chicago  Schools,  by  Elizabeth  Wells 
Robertson 

The  Camping  Magazine,  November  1936 

Organized  Camps  in  State  Parks,  by  Julian  Harris 
Salomon 

Behavior  Changes  Resulting  from  a Camping  Experi- 
ence, by  Walter  L.  Stone 

The  Story’s  the  Thing — Some  Tricks  for  the  Story 
Teller,  by  Bernard  S.  Mason 
The  Group  Work  Process  in  Camping,  by  Louis  H. 
Blumenthal 


468 


A CHRISTMAS  MIRACLE 


What  Our  Readers  Say  About 

School  Activities 

"I  think  that  this  journal 
(School  Activities)  is  worthy 
of  a place  in  the  library  of 
every  school  administrator 
and  should  be  available  to 
teachers  everywhere.” 

(Signed) 

Leroy  e.  Cowles,  Dean 

Univeciitiy  of  Utah 

• 


"I  find  the  School  Activi- 
ties Magazine  the  most  vain- 
able  one  placed  upon  my 
desk.  There  are  so  many 
practical  things  inside  that 
one  may  nse  in  bis  own 
school.  I never  expect  to  be 
withont  it  as  long  as  I am 
connected  with  schoolwork.” 

(Signed) 

E.  V.  CORE,  Principal 
Union  High  School 
Union , Weit  Virginia 

Successful  educators  everywhere  are  using 
School  Activities.  We  invite  you  to  join  this 
rapidly  growing  group  of  school  people  who 
are  using  this  keen  tool  to  improve  their  work. 

Send  us  your  subscription  order  immediately. 
We  are  certain  School  Activities  will  not  dis- 
appoint you; — if  it  does,  just  cancel  your  sub- 
scription after  you  receive  the  first  issue. 

Subscription  Price  $2.00 
School  Activities  Pub,  Co. 
1515  Lane  Street  Topeka,  Kansas 


PAMPHLETS 

Annual  Report  of  the  Parks  and  Recreation  Commission- 
ers of  Worcester , Mass.,  1935 

Good  References  on  Physical  Education  and  Recreation 
for  Exceptional  Children 

Bibliography  No.  11,  Office  of  Education,  Washing- 
ton, D.  C. 

Good  References  on  Elementary  Education:  Extracurricular 
Activities 

Bibliography  No.  42,  Office  of  Education,  Washing- 
ton, D.C. 

The  Annual  Report  of  the  Bureau,  Department  of  Pub- 
lic Welfare,  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  1935 

Annual  Report  of  the  American  Municipal  League, 
1935-1936 

Caribbean  National  Forest 

Forest  Service,  U.  S.  Department  of  Agriculture, 
Washington,  D.  C. 


in  my  work,”  says  Big  Ed,  “for  I believe  my  tours 
of  the  state,  stressing  the  necessity  of  good  sports- 
manship, bringing  sportsmanship  into  the  other 
activities  in  which  the  boys  engage,  is  a part  of  a 
very  definite  move  to  uplift  today’s  youth.” 

Robert  Tyre  Jones,  Jr.,  better  known  as 
“Bobby,”  who  for  some  years  was  the  golf  cham- 


pion of  the  world,  declared  the  golf  course  con- 
struction and  improvement  program  of  WPA  to 
be  a remarkable  something  which  he  said  he  had 
never  hoped  to  see  in  the  United  States.  “Every 
person,”  said  Mr.  Jones,  “ought  at  least  to  have 
the  chance  to  play  golf.  With  all  these  new 
courses  built  and  with  all  our  new  facilities,  we 
are  getting  somewhere  near  that  goal.” 

It  has  been  conservatively  estimated  that  some- 
where in  the  neighborhood  of  10,000,000  persons 
per  month  are  actively  participating  in  forms  of 
recreation  made  possible  by  the  WPA.  This  esti- 
mate, made  from  reports  compiled  from  actual 
attendance  records  kept  in  many  places  and  avail- 
able to  state  directors  of  WPA,  indicates  strongly 
that  the  figure  will  be  greatly  increased  with  the 
completion  of  pending  projects. 


A Christmas  Miracle 

(Continued  from  page  453) 

well  also  to  include  some  unfamiliar  carols  for 
their  own  sakes  and  because  they  gave  reason  for 
rehearsals  in  the  centers.  After  all,  it  was  to  in- 
troduce good  singing  into  the  centers  themselves 
that  the  whole  affair  was  planned.  And  even 
though  the  groups  in  some  centers  were  small,  the 
benign  influence  of  this  singing  must  have  been 
felt  by  many  other  children  who  heard  it,  as  well 
as  by  those  in  the  groups. 

After  each  group  had  learned  the  carols  and 
the  chorale,  the  city  was  divided  into  two  districts 
with  respect  to  the  thirty-two  centers,  and  a joint 
rehearsal  of  each  district’s  groups  was  held.  The 
only  other  bit  of  extraordinary  travel  that  had  to 
be  arranged  for  the  children  was  when  they  all 
gathered  early  on  the  evening  of  the  festival,  and 
all  together  had  the  only  full  rehearsal.  The  festi- 
val took  place  in  the  large  beautiful  auditorium  of 
the  University  instead  of  at  the  Art  Museum  be- 
cause the  greatly  reduced  budget  of  the  latter 
could  not  allow  for  the  expense  of  extra  guards 
and  of  renting  chairs,  but  it  did  still  have  the 
standing  of  a fine  civic  affair. 

It  is  perhaps  too  easy  to  write  praisefully  of  the 
quality  of  the  singing  to  be  convincing.  But  any- 
one who  knows  how  remarkably  lovely  the  sing- 
ing of  children  from  nine  to  fourteen  years  of  age 
can  be,  before  their  voices  are  changed  by  ado- 
lescence, must  know  that  given  such  songs  and 
such  an  occasion,  the  contrast  between  the  festi- 
val singing  and  that  commonly  heard  in  the  cen- 
ters was  indeed  a miracle.  But  the  best  was  yet 
to  come! 


GOOD  PLAYS  AT  REDUCED  ROYALTY 


469 


The  Aftermath 

With  very  few  exceptions  the  leaders  wanted  to 
go  on  with  the  groups,  and  the  latter  wanted  also 
to  go  on.  So  after  the  Christmas  vacation  the 
groups,  besides  singing  some  folk  songs  and  in 
some  instances  acting  them  out,  started  learning 
enough  of  the  music  of  the  opera,  Hansel  and 
Gretel,  to  come  together  again  in  the  spring  for 
another  fine  festive  time.  While  the  whole  large 
chorus  of  groups  sang  all  the  music  except  the 
dialogue  which  in  the  opera  is,  of  course,  also 
sung,  the  latter  was  acted  out  fully,  and  with  cos- 
tumes and  stage  settings,  by  a selected  cast  of  rec- 
reation center  young  people.  But  still  more  im- 
portant, so  far  as  the  original  purpose  was  con- 
cerned in  each  of  several  centers  there  was,  before 
or  after  the  big  city  performance,  a neighborhood 
one  employing  only  the  center’s  own  children. 

There  have  been  other  festive  times  since  then, 
but  less  and  less  emphasis  has  been  put  on  having 
a big  city  affair,  and  more  and  more  on  simply 
making  the  most  of  each  center’s  own  resources 
and  opportunities  for  musical  expression  and  en- 
joyment. Ideally,  the  leaders  would  have  con- 
tinued to  meet  periodically  in  a sort  of  permanent 
seminar  to  share  ideas  and  to  study,  discuss  and 
demonstrate  musical  and  other  materials  and  plans 
for  further  enrichment  of  the  center’s  activities. 
But  even  a miracle  may  be  not  quite  perfect. 

Surely  the  spirit  of  the  little  Child,  which  is  in 
all  of  us,  with  its  prizing  of  all  that’s  really  joy- 
ous and  most  lovable,  brought  blessing  and  was 
pleased.  And  that  spirit,  which  is  also  the  play 
spirit  at  its  freest  and  best,  can  be  with  us  at  any 
time  in  the  year.  How  badly  we  fail  when  it  is 
not  with  our  children ! 


Handicraft  Arts  in  the 
Public  Recreation  Program 

(Continued  front  page  454) 

dren’s  classes,  it  is  the  immediate  aim  to  give  op- 
portunity for  self-expresion  and  recreation,  and 
to  encourage  individuals  to  become  interested  in 
crafts  that  are  creative,  useful  and  in  good  taste. 
These  crafts  include  handmade  things  for  the 
many  needs  of  the  home,  which  are  once  again 
very  much  the  mode. 

For  ages  women  have  employed  their  leisure  in 
“stitchery,”  and  today  there  is  in  it  a fascination 
never  lost.  Women  in  our  craft  classes  are  weav- 
ing, crocheting,  knitting,  quilting,  making  hooked 
(Continued  on  page  470) 


Good  Plays  at  Reduced  Royalty 

Securing  good  plays  at  reduced  royalty,  one  of 
the  serious  problems  before  recreation  drama 
groups,  gives  promise  of  being  solved  if  the  plan 
worked  out  by  the  National  Recreation  Associa- 
tion in  cooperation  with  two  play  publishers  is 
eagerly  supported  this  year. 

The  Association,  on  an  experimental  basis,  has 
entered  into  a wholesale  arrangement  with  the 
publishers  permitting  bona  fide  recreation  groups 
to  produce  the  list  of  plays  chosen  by  the  Associa- 
tion this  year  at  greatly  reduced  royalties. 

The  three  plays  chosen,  regular  royalty  and 
reduced  royalty  and  publishers  follow : 
Expressing  Willie  by  Rachel  Crothers.  6 m. 
5 w.  2 ints.  Willie  Smith,  a successful  tooth- 
paste manufacturer,  is  an  inarticulate  young 
man  who  yearns  for  expression.  He  invites  a 
week-end  party,  including  Frances  Sylvester,  a 
fashionable  divorcee,  to  his  home  in  the  hope 
that  his  guests  will  help  him  conquer  his  inhibi- 
tions. In  the  end,  Minnie  Whitcomb,  a former 
sweetheart,  brings  about  the  desired  result  and 
Willie’s  personality  comes  to  the  surface. 
Recommended  for  recreation  groups  and  com- 
munity players.  Price,  75  cents. 

Published  by  the  Walter  H.  Baker  Company.  Reg- 
ular royalty  $25.  Reduced  royalty  through  NRA 
plan,  $10. 

Mary  the  Third  by  Rachel  Crothers.  5 m.  5 w. 
2 ints.  Mary’s  grandmother  and  mother  have 
each  married  entirely  for  love.  Mary  is  a 
modern  young  woman  who  decides  to  determine 
her  marriage  by  considerations  of  economics 
and  eugenics,  but  her  new  ideas  yield  to  a ro- 
mantic love  and  she  finds  herself  following  the 
other  Marys.  An  amusing  study  of  the  chang- 
ing viewpoints  of  successive  generations  toward 
marriage.  An  excellent  vehicle  for  community 
and  club  groups.  Price,  75  cents. 

Published  by  the  Walter  H.  Baker  Company. 
Regular  royalty  $25.  Reduced  royalty  through 
NRA  plan,  $10. 

Polly  oe  the  Circus  by  Margaret  Mayo.  8 m. 
6 w.  2 children  and  extras.  Simple  interior  and 
exterior  sets.  This  fine  play  in  its  original  run 
played  more  than  three  years  and  became  a 
landmark  in  the  theatre.  Polly,  a delightful 
circus  rider,  is  injured  in  a fall  and  taken  to 
the  home  of  a bachelor  minister.  Polly  falls  in 
love  with  him  but  when  she  hears  that  the  good 
church  folk  object  she  runs  away.  The  minis- 
ter, on  learning  the  truth,  resigns  his  pulpit  and 
follows  her.  An  ideal  community  theater  play. 
Price,  75  cents. 

Published  by  Longmans,  Green  and  Company. 
Regular  royalty  $25.  Reduced  royalty  through 
NRA  plan,  $5. 

Plays  must  be  produced  before  September  1, 


470 


RECREATIONAL  FEATURES  OF  PARKS 


1937.  Orders  should  be  sent  directly  to  the 
publishers. 

It  is  hoped  that  the  success  of  the  plan  this  year 
will  make  possible  larger  lists  and  further  re- 
duced royalties  in  future  years. 

Handicraft  Arts  in  the 
Publ  ic  Recreation  Program 

(Continued  from  page  469) 

rugs  and  enjoying  it  all  immensely!  There  is  a re- 
vival of  interest  in  handmade  pewter  and  copper 
metals,  much  after  the  manner  of  the  early  gold- 
smiths, and  these  metal  crafts  are  very  popular  in 
our  classes,  as  is  pottery,  which  has  given  un- 
limited possibilities  for  self-expression  through 
molding,  shaping  and  creating  lovely  objects. 
There  is  also  intense  interest  in  bookbinding, 
tooled  leather  crafts,  reed  work,  raffia  work,  pine 
needle  basketry,  wood  carving,  batik,  block  print- 
ing, staining  of  glass,  decorating  plaster  casts, 
soap  carving,  photo  tinting,  decorating  gourds, 
crepe  paper  decorations  and  party  favors,  wood 
fibre  flowers,  china  painting,  and  fabric  painting. 

All  these  art  crafts  are  popular  in  our  classes; 
each  has  its  own  delight.  For  each  member  of  the 
class  there  is  the  fascination  of  achieving,  of  go- 
ing from  one  minor  triumph  to  another,  learning 
something  all  the  time,  expressing  self  in  the 
making  of  things. 

The  peak  of  genuine  satisfaction  is  reached 
when  these  craft  projects  are  proudly  displayed  at 
our  annual  handicraft  arts  and  hobby  exhibition. 
Last  year  the  entire  upper  floor  of  our  large  swim- 
ming stadium  was  used  for  the  thirty  booths  ex- 
hibiting all  the  crafts  previously  mentioned,  as 
well  as  model  boats,  model  aircrafts,  handmade 
table  games,  stamp  exhibit,  nature  study,  home 
play,  homemade  Badminton  equipment  and  camp 
crafts.  We  and  our  12,000  visitors  were  espe- 
cially delighted  with  the  children’s  exhibit  which 
showed  fine  creative  ability. 

Through  our  program  we  know  that  what  a 
great  many  people  crave  is  the  pleasure  of  creat- 
ing something  themselves.  The  individual’s  pos- 
sibilities are  revealed  to  himself  and  lead  on  to 
exploration  of  greater  possibilities.  Even  a little 
acquaintance  with  an  art  or  craft  opens  new 
worlds,  makes  life  richer,  and  puts  new  meaning 
in  a thousand  things.  It  gives  a renewed  appre- 
ciation of  the  part  that  imagination,  creating, 
making  things,  play  in  happier  living.  We  all,  I 
am  sure,  agree  with  Santayana  that  “the  value  of 
art  lies  in  making  people  happy.”  The  handicraft 


Buy  Christmas  Seals! 

By  your  purchase  of  Christ- 
mas seals  you  will  be  helping  to 
rid  civilization  of  one  of  its  most 
dreaded  enemies. 

Isn't  this  well  worth  doing? 


arts  make  people  happier  and  open  up  new  avenues 
of  self-expression  — self-expression  in  imperish- 
able forms  and  in  values  that  are  worth  cherish- 
ing. Great  opportunities  for  creative  ingenuity, 
genuine  satisfaction  and  lasting  enjoyment  for 
many  people  lie  in  the  handicraft  program. 


Recreational  Features  of  Parks 

(Continued  from  page  458) 

Mr.  Taylor  gave  an  interesting  talk  on  the  Na- 
tional Forests  illustrated  with  beautiful  colored 
photographic  slides.  He  emphasized  the  fact  that 
recreation  was  a by-product  in  the  forest  service, 
the  importance  of  which  was  being  increasingly 
forced  on  them.  He  divided  recreation  into  active 
and  passive.  Passive  he  defined  as  the  contempla- 
tion of  natural  beauty  while  the  active  included 
camping,  picnicking,  winter  sports,  fishing,  bath- 
ing, hiking  and  horseback  riding.  He  stressed  the 
need  of  planning  the  location  of  camps,  woods  and 
buildings  from  the  landscape  beauty  standpoint. 
1 he  spoiling  of  shore  lines  by  camps  and  cottages, 
the  blotting  out  of  vistas  by  tents,  the  loss  of 
scenic  beauty  by  making  a road  conform  to  strict 
highway  principles,  were  to  be  deplored.  He  call- 
ed the  roads  in  such  areas  recreation  highways  and 
scenic  routes  and  insisted  that  aesthetic  pleasure 
was  their  first  purpose. 

Mr.  Taylor  stated  that  special  problems  were 
raised  in  connection  with  the  use  of  trailers ; the 
practice  of  leaving  children  alone  in  camps;  the 
special  difficulties  of  keeping  primitive  areas 
primitive;  sanitary  problems  connected  with  the 
use  of  streams  and  lakes  that  form  part  of  the 
water  system  of  distant  cities.  He  mentioned  par- 
ticularly the  need  of  the  development  of  a special 
type  of  children’s  playground  for  camp  sites  in 
these  areas.  He  urged  that  park  and  landscape 
leaders  should  see  that  proper  principles  were 
used  in  planning  bridges  and  other  construction 
and  in  locating  all  buildings,  woods  and  camps. 


FIGHT 

TUBERCULOSIS 


Buy  and  Use 
CHRISTMAS 
SEALS 


New  Publications  in  the  Leisure  Time  Field 


The  Beacon  Handicraft  Series 

Issued  by  Boston  University  in  cooperation  with  the  Fel- 
lowcrafters  Guild.  The  Beacon  Press,  Inc.,  Boston, 
Massachusetts. 

^ince  1930,  Boston  University  has  been  offering  an  op- 
^ portunity  to  its  students  and  to  teachers  and  social 
workers  of  surrounding  towns  to  learn  a selected  number 
of  creative  handicrafts.  Instruction  in  the  different  crafts 
is  given  by  the  teachers  of  the  Fellowcrafters  Guild  which 
has  now  been  affiliated  with  Boston  University.  These 
two  agencies,  in  cooperation  with  the  Beacon  Press,  are 
sponsoring  The  Beacon  Handicraft  Series  on  arts  and 
crafts  of  which  five  have  been  published.  These  include 
Metalcraft  for  Amateurs,  by  Peter  Manzoni;  Hand 
Loom  Weaving  for  Amateurs,  by  Kate  Van  Cleve; 
Braiding  and  Knotting  for  Amateurs,  by  Constantine  A. 
Belash ; Leathercraft  for  Amateurs,  by  Eleonore  E. 
Bang;  Linoleum  Block  Printing  for  Amateurs,  by  Char- 
lotte D.  Bone.  In  each  book  detailed  directions  are  given 
and  diagrams  offered.  They  will  be  valuable  additions  to 
the  library  of  the  recreation  worker.  The  price  of  each 
book  is  $1.00. 

The  Real  Log  Cabin 

By  Chilson  D.  Aldrich.  The  Macmillan  Company,  New 
York.  $2.50. 

If  you  often  wish  that  you  might  have  a log  cabin  of 
your  own,  you  are  sure  to  find  your  dream  cabin  in  this 
book  written  by  a man  who  has  devoted  himself  exclu- 
sively to  designing  and  building  log  cabins  from  those  of 
the  simplest  type  to  cabins  of  elaborate  and  expensive 
design.  The  book  is  far  from  'being  a mere  handbook  on 
the  construction  of  cabins.  It  is  delightfully  written  by  a 
man  who  loves  out-of-door  life  and  is  full  of  human 
interest. 

The  Girl  Scout  Diary  1937 

Girl  Scouts,  Inc.,  New  York.  $.10. 

This  attractive  publication  is  not  only  a diary  but  an 
* encyclopedia  containing  an  amazing  amount  of  infor- 
mation regarding  Girl  Scout  activities,  arts  and  crafts, 
nature  study  and  sundry  miscellaneous  subjects  of  interest 
to  all  wide-awake  girls. 

The  Year  ’Round  Party  Book 

By  William  P.  Young  and  Horace  J.  Gardner.  J.  B. 

Lippincott  Company,  Philadelphia.  $1.00. 

The  red  letter  days  of  every  month  are  celebrated  in 
* the  party  programs  outlined  in  this  book.  Complete 
directions  are  given  for  twenty-one  parties  from  decora- 
tions to  refreshments. 


Nature  Games 

By  William  Gould  Vinal  (“Cap’n  Bill”).  W.  F.  Humphrey 
Press  Inc.,  Geneva,  New  York.  $.10. 

Many  of  the  games  presented  by  Dr.  Vinal  — and 
there  are  almost  a hundred  of  them  — have  been 
adapted  from  old  games  handed  down  from  generation  to 
generation.  With  a little  ingenuity  they  may  be  modified 
for  new  games. 

Handbook  for  Recreation  Leaders 

By  Ella  Gardner.  Publication  No.  231,  Children’s  Bureau. 
Government  Printing  Office,  Washington,  D.  C.  $.15. 

r|VERY  play  leader  will  want  to  secure  for  his  library 
^ a copy  of  this  124  page  booklet  which  is  primarily  a 
book  of  games  of  various  types.  Some  suggestions  are 
offered  for  musical  and  dramatic  activities.  The  hand- 
book is  based  on  Miss  Gardner’s  experience  with  recrea- 
tional programs  in  rural  areas  and  has  been  compiled  in 
response  to  requests  for  help  in  planning  programs  and 
in  selecting  games  and  other  recreational  material  for 
use  in  the  home  and  with  clubs  and  community  groups. 
Classified  indexes  make  the  booklet  readily  usable. 

The  Nature  Guides’  Dictionary 

By  William  Gould  Vinal  (“Cap’n  Bill”).  W.  F.  Humphrey 
Press  Inc.,  Geneva,  New  York.  $.10. 

IT  is  not  many  generations  ago,  Dr.  Vinal  points  out, 
* that  everyone  used  nature  materials  for  food,  medicine, 
clothing  and  protection  from  storm.  Materials  for  weav- 
ing baskets  and  mats,  dyeing  and  designing  came  out  of 
the  environment.  Today,  however,  the  ability  to  supply 
the  necessities  of  life  from  the  natural  environment  is 
almost  a lost  art,  and  yet  many  plants  and  animal  prod- 
ucts might  be  useful  to  people  of  the  trail  and  to  mem- 
bers of  camp  communities  in  their  arts  and  crafts.  In 
preparing  this  dictionary,  Dr.  Vinal  has  drawn  upon  his 
own  experience  as  a country  boy  and  as  a guide. 

Puppetry,  An  Educational  Adventure 

By  Virginia  Murphy.  Art  Education  Press,  Inc.,  424 
Madison  Avenue,  New  York.  $.60  postpaid. 

II  ere  is  A fascinating  book  on  puppetry  giving  the 
**  historical  background  of  this  ancient  art,  its  educa- 
tional values,  and  detailed  information  on  materials,  the 
construction  of  marionettes  and  of  a stage.  There  are 
also  suggestions  for  selecting  and  directing  the  play,  and 
organizing  the  producing  company.  There  are  many  il- 
lustrations and  diagrams.  The  puppetry  hobbyist  will 
find  this  book  invaluable. 


471 


472 


NEW  PUBLICATIONS  IN  THE  LEISURE  TIME  FIELD 


The  Kit  (Puppet  Making — Punch  and  Judy). 

Edited  by  Lynn  Rohrbough.  Cooperative  Recreation 
Service,  Delaware,  Ohio.  $.25. 

Puppets,  how  to  make  them,  sources  of  information  re- 
garding them,  suggestions  for  a Punch  and  Judy  show 
with  a dialogue,  comprise  the  latest  booklet  of  “The 
Kit.” 

A Sports  Curriculum. 

By  Seward  C.  Staley,  Ph.D.  Bailey  and  Himes,  Inc., 
Champaign,  Illinois.  $1.00. 

This  book  covers  the  twenty-eight  different  courses  in 
physical  education  which  are  given  at  the  University  of 
Illinois.  Interspersed  with  the  information  on  the  courses 
are  lists  of  reference  books  on  physical  education  and 
recreation,  and  quotations  on  sportsmanship  and  the  values 
of  sports  and  recreational  activities. 

The  Field  Hockey  Guide. 

Spalding  38R.  American  Sports  Publishing  Com- 
pany, New  York.  $.25. 

The  1936  Field  Hockey  Guide  prepared  by  the  Hockey 
Committee  of  the  American  Physical  Education  Associa- 
tion includes  the  usual  handy  pocket  rule  book,  informa- 
tion of  the  U.  S.  Field  Hockey  Association’s  committees 
and  their  services,  clubs,  officers  and  members,  historical 
data  of  teams,  tournaments  and  international  conferences. 
These  are  especially  valuable  to  the  hockey  enthusiast, 
enabling  her  to  make  congenial  friends  when  she  moves 
to  a new  locality  and  to  keep  abreast  with  developments 
in  her  hobby. 

For  the  player  and  teacher  there  are  various  articles, 
including  “Physical  Fitness  and  Training,”  “Ball  Con- 
trol,” and  “The  Play  of  My  Opponent.”  A comprehen- 
sive hockey  bibliography  and  a sample  score  sheet  con- 
clude the  Guide. 

The  Health  Program  in  Small  Associations. 

By  Edith  M.  Gates.  The  Womans  Press,  New  York. 
$.65. 

We  give  a place  to  this  booklet  in  a page  of  reviews 
of  publications  on  recreation  because  it  contains  much 
practical  information  for  recreation  workers  on  activities 
in  their  field,  and  an  interesting  discussion  of  principles 
involved.  Two  sections  are  devoted  to  recreation  activi- 
ties— one  under  the  title  “Physical  Education  Activities,” 
the  second  under  the  heading  “Recreation — An  Education 
for  Leisure.”  An  excellent  bibliography  completes  the 
booklet. 

Parents  and  the  Automobile. 

Edited  by  Elizabeth  J.  Reisner,  Harriet  de  Onis  and 
Thalia  M.  Stolper.  Bureau  of  Publications,  Teachers 
College,  Columbia  University,  New  York.  $.65. 

A number  of  parents  of  children  in  the  Horace  Mann 
School  and  Lincoln  School  of  New  York  City  have  been 
studying  the  relationship  between  parents  and  the  ado- 
lescent children  in  respect  to  the  automobile.  Since  auto- 
mobile driving  occupies  so  large  a part  of  the  leisure 
time  of  adolescents,  some  of  the  results  of  the  symposium 
will  be  of  general  interest. 

Youth  Welfare  in  Philadelphia. 

By  Francis  M.  Wetherill.  The  John  C.  Winston 
Company,-  Philadelphia.  $2.00. 

A study  of  youth  welfare  in  Philadelphia  by  Dr.  Weth- 
erill finds  75  institutions  and  27  welfare  agencies  inter- 
ested in  the  care  of  youth,  with  state  and  federal  govern- 
ments, national  groups  and  other  associations  cooperat- 
ing for  the  welfare  of  the  adolescent.  Dr.  Wetherill  in- 
dicates some  of  the  problems  presented  by  the  work  and 
accomplishments  and  needs,  especially  in  the  line  of 
character  building. 


STATEMENT  OF  THE  OWNERSHIP,  MANAGEMENT, 

CIRCULATION,  ETC.,  REQUIRED  BY  THE  ACTS  OF 

CONGRESS  OF  AUGUST  24,  1912,  AND  MARCH  3,  1933  of 

Recreation,  published  monthly  at  New  York,  N.  Y.,  for 

October  1,  1936. 

State  of  New  York,  1 
County  of  New  York,  j ss. 

Before  me,  a notary  public  in  and  for  the  State  and  county 
aforesaid,  personally  appeared  H.  S.  Braucher,  who,  having  been 
duly  sworn  according  to  law,  deposes  and  says  that  he  is  the 
editor  of  Recreation,  and  that  the  following  is,  to  the  best  of  his 
knowledge  and  belief,  a true  statement  of  the  ownership,  manage- 
ment (and  if  a daily  paper,  the  circulation),  etc.,  of  the  aforesaid 
publication  for  the  date  shown  in  the  above  caption,  required  by 
the  Act  of  August  24,  1912,  as  amended  by  the  Act  of  March  3, 
1933,  embodied  in  section  537,  Postal  Laws  and  Regulations,  print- 
ed  on  the  reverse  of  this  form,  to  wit: 

1.  That  the  names  and  addresses  of  the  publisher,  editor,  man- 
aging editor,  and  business  managers  are: 

Publisher:  National  Recreation  Association,  315  Fourth  Ave- 
nue, New  York,  N.  Y. 

Editor:  H.  S.  Braucher,  315  Fourth  Avenue,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Managing  Editor:  Abbie  Condit,  315  Fourth  Avenue,  New 
York,  N.  Y. 

Business  Manager:  Arthur  Williams,  315  Fourth  Avenue,  New 
York,  N.  Y. 

2.  That  the  owner  is:  (If  owned  by  a corporation,  its  name 
and  address  must  be  stated  and  also  immediately  thereunder  the 
names  and  addresses  of  stockholders  owning  or  holding  one  per 
cent  or  more  of  total  amount  of  stock.  If  not  owned  by  a cor- 
poration, the  names  and  addresses  of  the  individual  owners  must 
be  given.  If  owned  by  a firm,  company,  or  other  unincorporated 
concern,  its  name  and  address,  as  well  as  those  of  each  individual 
member,  must  be  given.) 

National  Recreation  Association,  315  Fourth  Avenue,  New 
York,  N.  Y. 

Mrs.  Edward  W.  Biddle,  Carlisle,  Pa.;  Clarence  M.  Clark, 
Philadelphia,  Pa.;  Henry  L.  Corbett,  Portland,  Ore.;  Mrs. 
Arthur  G.  Cummer,  Jacksonville,  Fla.;  F.  Trubee  Davison.  Locust 
Valley,  L.  I.,  N.  Y. ; John  H.  Finley,  New  York,  N.  Y.;  Robert 
Garrett,  Baltimore,  Md.;  Austin  E.  Griffiths,  Seattle,  Wash.; 
Charles  Hayden,  New  York,  N.  Y.;  Mrs.  Charles  V.  Hickox, 
Michigan  City,  Ind.;  Mrs.  Edward  E.  Hughes,  West  Orange, 
N.  J. ; Mrs.  Francis  deLacy  Hyde,  Plainfield,  N.  J. ; Gustavus  T. 
Kirby,  New  York,  N.  Y. ; H.  McK.  Landon,  Indianapolis,  Ind.; 
Mrs.  Charles  D.  Lanier,  Greenwich,  Conn.;  Robert  Lassiter, 
Charlotte,  N.  C. ; Joseph  Lee,  Boston,  Mass.;  Edward  E.  Loomis, 
New  York,  N.  Y. ; J.  H.  McCurdy,  Springfield,  Mass.;  Otto  T. 
Mallery,  Philadelphia,  Pa.;  Walter  A.  May,  Pittsburgh,  Pa.; 
Carl  E.  Milliken,  Augusta,  Me.;  Mrs.  Ogden  L.  Mills,  Wood- 
bury, N.  Y.;  Mrs.  James  W.  Wadsworth,  Jr.,  Washington,  D.  C.; 
J.  C.  Walsh,  New  York,  N.  Y.;  Frederick  M.  Warburg  New 
York,  N.  Y.;  John  G.  Winant,  Concord,  N.  H.;  Mrs.  William  H. 
Woodin,  Jr.,  Tucson,  Ariz. 

3.  That  the  known  bondholders,  mortgagees,  and  other  security 
holders  owning  or  holding  1 per  cent  or  more  of  total  amount  of 
bonds,  mortgages,  or  other  securities  are:  (If  there  are  none,  so 
state.)  None. 

4.  That  the  two  paragraphs  next  above,  giving  the  names  of 
the  owners,  stockholders,  and  security  holders,  if  any,  contain 
not  only  the  list  of  stockholders  and  security  holders  as  they  ap- 
pear upon  the  books  of  the  company  but  also,  in  cases  where  the 
stockholder  or  security  holder  appears  upon  the  books  of  the  com- 
pany as  trustee  or  in  any  other  fiduciary  relation,  the  name  of 
the  person  or  corporation  for  whom  such  trustee  is  acting,  is 
given;  also  that  the  said  two  paragraphs  contain  statements  em- 
bracing affiant’s  full  knowledge  and  belief  as  to  the  circumstances 
and  conditions  under  which  stockholders  and  security  holders 
who  do  not  appear  upon  the  books  of  the  company  as  trustees,  hold 
stock  and  securities  in  a capacity  other  than  that  of  a bona  fide 
owner;  and  this  affiant  has  no  reason  to  believe  that  any  other 
person,  . association,  or  corporation  has  any  interest  direct  or  in- 
direct in  the  said  stock,  bonds,  or  other  securities  than  as  so 
stated  by  him. 

5.  That  the  average,  number  of  copies  of  each  issue  of  this  pub- 
lication sold  or  distributed,  through  the  mails  or  otherwise,  to 
paid  subscribers,  during  the  twelve  months  preceding  the  date 
shown  above  is  (This  information  is  required  from  daily  pub- 
lications only.) 

H.  S.  Braucher. 

Sworn  to  and  subscribed  before  me  this  22nd  day  of  September, 
1936. 

[seal]  Miriam  Dochtermann, 

Notary  Public,  Nassau  County. 

Nassau  County  Clerk’s  No.  276.  Certificate  Filed  in  New  York 
County.  Clerk’s  No.  60.  Register’s  No.  8 D 35.  My  commission 
expires  March  30,  1938. 


What  Next? 

WHAT  CAN  the  recreation  workers  of  America  do  now  to  secure  more  adequate  resources  for  com- 
munity recreation? 

Because  unemployed  men  had  to  be  given  work  golf  courses,  swimming  pools,  tennis  courts, 
children’s  playgrounds,  parks  have,  under  the  federal  government  emergency  work  programs,  been 
multiplied  in  our  cities  over  a period  of  several  years.  Municipal  recreation  systems  were  under  obliga- 
tion to  do  their  bit  for  the  unemployed.  The  use  of  relief  labor,  moreover,  greatly  advanced  the  phy- 
sical properties  in  our  recreation  system.  In  certain  cities  the  building  of  physical  facilities  is  ten  years 
ahead  of  schedule  because  of  the  emergency  help  received.  The  contribution  on  the  leadership  side  has 
had  value,  but  for  the  country  as  a whole  the  results  have  not  been  as  outstanding  as  on  the  physical 
property  side.  Many  unemployed  persons  have  been  used  for  recreation  leadership  where  their  contri- 
bution to  recreation  was  negligible  because  they  lacked  both  natural  gifts  and  training. 

Now  the  time  has  gone  by,  with  the  degree  of  economic  recovery  attained,  for  using  unemployed 
persons  in  recreation  except  as  they  have  a considerable  degree  of  natural  capacity  and  can  be  given 
training  and  are  going  to  be  available  for  a fairly  definite  period  of  time  sufficient  to  give  adequate 
return  for  training  and  supervision. 

Whatever  may  or  may  not  have  been  justified  in  the  extreme  depression  period  — the  business 
index  is  now  1 10 — we  are  rapidly  getting  back  to  1929  business  conditions.  True  the  number  of  un- 
employed may  be  above  eight  million  and  may  remain  unduly  large  for  the  next  few  years.  The 
recreation  movement,  however,  is  no  longer  the  place  for  the  absorption  of  large  numbers  of  unem- 
ployed— except  as  such  persons  have  gifts  equal  to  the  nine  to  thirteen  thousand  volunteers  who  have 
been  used  from  year  to  year  in  the  recreation  movement.  Of  course  the  continued  assignment  of  able, 
capable  persons  from  relief  rolls  should  be  heartily  welcomed,  but  soon  the  number  of  able  persons  on 
relief  will  not  be  large. 

Many  men  over  forty  have  doubts  as  to  their  ability  ever  to  return  to  full-time  industry.  They 
face  living  economically  on  their  lifetime  savings — perhaps  supplemented  by  income  from  their  sons 
and  daughters  in  return  for  the  support  which  they  once  gave  these  same  sons  and  daughters  as  chil- 
dren. But  these  men  over  forty  must  live.  One  or  two  out  of  each  hundred  may  possess  the  natural 
gifts  to  serve  as  volunteer  leaders  in  recreation  centers.  Men  have  always  given  volunteer  service  in 
politics,  in  fire  departments,  in  churches,  in  lodges,  in  Y.M.C.A.’s.  Now  there  is  opportunity  for  the 
few  with  natural  gifts  for  recreation  leadership  to  serve  in  recreation  departments.  The  Boy  Scouts 
have  approximately  227,000  men  volunteers  serving  with  boys.  The  Girl  Scouts  have  27,534  women 
serving  as  volunteers  with  girls.  We  certainly  need  to  experiment  in  recreation  systems  in  giving  op- 
portunity for  older  men  and  women  in  our  neighborhoods  to  give  recreation  service  in  the  neighbor- 
hood playgrounds  and  recreation  centers  as  a form  of  recreation  for  themselves.  The  use  of  volunteers 
is  not  easy  in  any  movement,  presents  great  difficulties,  requires  unusual  statesmanship  which  many 
administrators  do  not  possess. 

Qualified  youths  also — as  yet  unplaced  in  industry — cannot  be  idle,  do  not  want  to  be  idle. 
The  very  few  young  men  and  young  women  out  of  each  thousand  who,  having  grown  up  on  the 
playground  or  in  the  recreation  center,  have  proved  their  gifts  for  leadership,  may  find  an  opportunity 
for  volunteer  leadership  in  the  recreation  system  and  thus  keep  fit  until  the  time  for  employment 
comes.  There  is  also  always  the  possibility  that  working  hours  will  be  still  further  shortened.  If  we 
do  come  to  a general  thirty-hour  working  week,  many  of  these  youths  as  volunteers  will  have  much 
time  to  give  to  recreation  in  their  communities. 

Such  volunteer  service  requires  the  development  of  new  methods,  new  skills,  new  creative  power 
on  the  part  of  recreation  executives  and  members  of  recreation  commissions. 

Whatever  else  we  may  do — the  time  has  surely  come  for  the  maintenance  of  the  highest  standards 
and  for  insisting  on  cutting  down  the  projects  carried  on  to  the  number  that  can  be  made  truly 
effective. 

With  the  degree  to  which  the  depression  is  over  the  public,  to  whom  we  ought  to  appeal,  will  no 
longer  be  as  tolerant  of  low  standards.  They  expect  of  us  now  plans  for  placing  our  entire  program 
on  a permanent  basis. 

Somehow  lay  leaders  must  be  helped  to  see  the  fundamental  importance  in  a democracy  of  provid- 
ing recreation  opportunity.  There  is  a limit  to  the  increase  of  local  real  estate  taxes,  but  the  fair  share 
of  the  tax  dollar  must  be  claimed  for  helping  to  make  life  most  fully  livable  for  all. 

Howard  Braucher. 


JANUARY  1937 


473 


January 


Courtesy  Fresno  County,  California,  Chamber  of  Commerce 


474 


Present-Day  Parks  and  Their  Functions 


By  V.  K.  Brown 

Chief  of  Recreation  Division 
Chicago  Park  District 


The  new  philosophy  of  park 
service  embraces  not  only 
the  beautification  of  city 
areas  but  "the  opening  up  of 
new  vistas  for  the  spirit 
of  man  to  explore  in  every 
enriching  phase  of  life” 


Two  events  have  profoundly  influenced  park 
history  and  park  service  in  Chicago. 

The  Columbian  Exposition  in  1893  came  at 
a time  when  parks  resembled  the  old-fashioned 
parlor.  They  were  very  proper  places,  for  select 
use  on  state  occasions,  with  everyone  stiffly  on  his 
good  behavior,  rigid  as  rigor  mortis.  Users  felt 
themselves  under  a parental  eye,  watchful  and  re- 
proving— enjoining  them  to  keep  off  the  grass, 
not  to  touch  the  flowers,  generally  to  mind  their 
manners.  Almost,  they  could  hear  the  Park  Board 
tell  them  they  were  to  be  seen  and  not  heard. 

The  Fair  profaned  the  park,  life  itself  flowing 
into  areas  previously  sacred  to  sightseeing.  The 
Midway’s  amusements,  the  Hall  of  Machinery, 
the  palaces  of  art,  the  classic  architecture  of  the 
buildings,  left  an  emptiness  and  a yearning  in  the 
park  acres  when  they  vanished  with  the  end  of  the 
exposition.  But  they  left  also  a new  daring  in  the 
imaginations  of  men,  a new  stimulus  in  their  daily 
lives,  and  the  park  authorities 
who  had  seen  a half  million  at- 
tracted eagerly  to  a park  in  a 
single  day,  became  dissatisfied 


A novel  bit  of  park  design  is  to  be  found 
at  Playland,  at  the  first  tee  of  the  Wave- 
land  Golf  Course  in  Lincoln  Park,  Chicago 

with  a park  system  offering  merely  things  for  a 
few  to  look  at.  Having  the  courage  to  do  new  and 
bigger  things,  they  began  planning  expansion  in 
terms  of  small  parks,  bringing  close  to  the  tene- 
ment homes  of  the  city  not  only  the  woods  and 
flowers,  open  meadows  and  sparkling  waters,  but 
also,  lest  in  an  industrial  city  succeeding  genera- 
tions decline  in  vigor  to  physical  degenerates,  they 
included  running  tracks  and  swimming  pools,  ath- 
letic fields  and  games  facilities.  For  winter  months 
they  planned  gymnasiums,  club  rooms,  assembly 
halls,  and  libraries. 

Life  Flows  Into  the  Parks 

Eight  years  after  the  Fair  of  1893  the  voters 
approved  bonds  to  build  ten  such  park  community 
centers,  and  life  itself  began  to 
flow  again  into  the  parks,  per- 
manently this  time,  for  it  has 
stayed  there.  We  have  since 


This  paper  was  presented  by  Mr. 
Brown  on  November  twelfth  before 
The  Park  Society  of  Philadelphia 


475 


476 


PRESENT-DAY  PARKS  AND  THEIR  FUNCTIONS 


added  some  eighty  more  such  parks,  built  in  the 
interim.  Making  no  count  of  casual  strollers, 
those  served  this  year  in  active  and  specific  par- 
ticipation in  some  definite  recreation,  will  aggre- 
gate over  fifty  million  — equivalent  to  a partici- 
pating use  of  our  parks  by  every  person  in  the 
city  every  three  weeks  throughout  the  year. 

Such  present  use  as  that,  this  public  appropri- 
ation of  their  parks,  reflects  the  influence  of  the 
second  event  — consolidation  of  numerous  for- 
merly independent  park  governments,  into  a single 
metropolitan  administration,  three  years  ago. 
That,  you  remember,  was  when  our  spirits  were  at 
ebb  tide,  when  our  government,  and  every  agency 
of  our  social  order,  were  forced  to  exert  them- 
selves lest  desperation  among  our  despairing  un- 
employed overwhelm  the  very  institution  of  De- 
mocracy itself,  and  we  be  torn  into  fragmentary 
conflict  groups  responding  to  the  social  disunion 
of  “class  consciousnesss.” 

A New  Philosophy  Develops 

Whether  we  wished  it  or  not,  consolidation  and 
its  attendant  reorganization  forced  us  to  think 
over  again  and  plan  anew  the  whole  basis  of  park 
service  to  the  leisure  of  an  urban  community. 
And  one  could  not  even  glance  inquiringly  at  the 
enforced  leisure,  the  bitter  leisure,  of  that  day, 
without  realizing  that  even  more  important  than 
the  economic  depression  was  the  depresssion  of 
spirit  permeating,  and  paralyzing,  community  life. 
All  about  us  men  sat  desolate,  deserted,  and  de- 
spairing, their  very  souls  dying  within  them,  be- 
cause no  one  seemed  to  miss  them,  and  no  one 
seemed  to  care.  That  intangible  thing  of  the  spirit 
— morale — a thing  we  cannot  grasp,  but  rather  a 
thing  which  grips  us — was  perishing.  And  at  that 
moment  we  were  commissioned  to  build  a new 
service  to  the  needs  of  our  city. 

Fortunately — and  this  I cannot  over-emphasize 
— so  popular  had  the  parks  become  meantime,  and 
so  seriously  did  our  Mayor,  the  President  of  our 
Board  of  Park  Commissioners  and  the  Board  it- 
self consider  it  their  duty  to  provide  the  best  ob- 
tainable service  within  reach  of  our  budgets,  that 
we  were  commissioned  to  engage  as  personnel  not 
the  best  workers  in  the  precincts,  but  the  most 
competent  leadership  talent  in  the  city. 

Constantly  experimenting,  studying,  perfecting 
its  techniques,  that  leadership  promotes  the  old 
services  in  athletics,  games  and  sports,  together 
with  new  departures  in  art,  in  music,  in  drama,  in 
crafts  and  art  crafts,  and  those  fifty  million  uses 


of  our  parks  this  year  prove  that  men  do  not  live 
for,  any  more  than  they  live  by,  bread  alone ; that 
in  this  new  found  leisure  masses  turn  with  mount- 
ing enthusiasms  to  cultural  and  creative  interests, 
and  to  stimulating  association  with  their  fellows, 
when  like  interests  are  discovered.  It  is  proof  of 
something  which  our  press  and  even  our  states- 
manship must  learn,  that  economics  is  a phase, 
not  the  sum  total  of  life,  that  even  more  important 
than  accumulating  possessions  is  the  matter  of 
living,  adventurously,  companionably,  effectively 
and  joyously. 

The  present  philosophy  of  our  Chicago  Park 
District  is  that  park  authorities  are  commissioned 
to  contribute  to  the  enrichment  of  our  life  to- 
gether in  a city.  They  are  builders  for  the  future. 
They  set  out  plantation  which  they  will  never  live 
to  see  in  full  development.  And  similarly,  their 
business  is  to  plant  beauty  and  magnificence  in  the 
ugliness  of  their  city,  not  only  in  restful  land- 
scapes and  flowing  waters,  but  rounding  out  and 
completing  their  contribution  to  city  living  by 
opening  up  new  vistas  for  the  spirit  of  man  to 
explore  in  every  enriching  phase  of  life,  in  all  the 
arts  of  living,  in  neighborliness,  and  understand- 
ing, and  human  fellowship,  in  cultivating  appre- 
ciations of  a painting  or  a symphony,  or  even  of 
the  perfections  of  a sailboat  or  an  airplane  motor, 
no  less  than  of  a chrysanthemum  or  of  a land- 
scaped vista,  and  in  keeping  alive  and  alert  a for- 
ward looking  and  adventurous  zest  in  living. 

We  think  that  in  serving  these  needs  of  our 
communities  we  are  beautifying  their  life  and  out- 
look, just  as  we  do  in  planting  trees  and  construct- 
ing winding  waterways  where  ugliness  before 
prevailed. 

Now  some  logician  may  rise  to  ask,  “But  isn’t 
much  of  that  in  the  field  of  education?”  And  not 
to  quibble  over  terms  we  answer:  “Certainly,  all 
of  life’s  experience  is  in  the  field  of  education. 
Our  religious  culture  is  in  the  field  of  education, 
but  the  schools  have  not  yet  taken  over  the  addi- 
tional task  of  providing  churches.  And  so  long  as 
education  continues  to  mean  what  it  does  to  the 
masses  in  our  city,  at  least,  this  new  and  addi- 
tional job  can  better  be  done  when  we  call  our 
groups  clubs,  not  classes,  and  when  we  make  their 
purposes  adventure,  not  study.”  Personally,  I am 
inclined  to  think  that  so  long  as  compulsory  school 
attendance  is  undisguised,  some  other  agency  will 
continue  to  be  more  successful  in  securing  volun- 
tary participation  in  a leisure  time  program.  In 


PRESENT-DAY  PARKS  AND  THEIR  FUNCTIONS 


4 77 


our  vacations  anything  which  suggests  dictation 
just  doesn’t  appeal  to  us. 

It  is  precisely  of  our  releases  that  recreation 
consists.  Recreation  is  our  escape  from  the  hum- 
drum, the  demanded.  It  may  be  sport,  or  creative 
hobby,  or  social  fellowship,  or  art,  or  travel, 
which  attracts  us,  but  the  essence  of  it  is  that  it  is 
uncompelled,  as  the  spirit  of  it  is  freedom  to  do 
the  thing  our  individual  fancy  selects,  adapting  to 
the  life  of  today,  developing  tastes  or  skills  for 
the  life  of  tomorrow.  The  march  of  time  and  the 
course  of  progress  presents  to  us  a constant  stream 
of  new  alluring  interests  to  engage  our  expanding 
leisure.  We  are  becoming  aware  of  the  fact  that 
we  move  toward  a civilization  of  greater  refine- 
ment, more  cultivated  in  its  relaxation,  as  well  as 
in  its  more  serious  affairs. 

Recreation  in  the  era  of  the  ten  hour  working 
day  was  a matter  of  the  idle  hour ; now  it  is  more 
that  of  the  idle  half  day.  In  the  eight  hours  of 
the  daily  twenty-four  not  given  to  sleep  or  to 
work,  we  are  broadening  our  culture,  becoming 
citizens  of  the  world,  with  all  its  intellectual,  cre- 
ative, and  aesthetic  implications. 

Youth  Goes  Adventuring 

The  youth  served  in  our  parks  faces  an  un- 
predictable world  about  which  we  can  prophesy 
only  that  change  will  tread  on  the  heels  of  change. 
You  and  I have  lived  in  the  most  interesting  life 
span  in  history.  Its  inventions,  disasters,  and  ac- 
complishments, taking  place  before  our  eyes,  have 
enabled  us  to  see  more  happen  than  whole  civiliza- 
tions of  the  past  ever  saw,  from  their  birth  to 
their  decline.  We  saw  the  invention  of  the 
machine  and  witnessed  its  development,  exhaust- 
ing our  imaginations  in  its  creation.  But  our  chil- 
dren’s imaginations  start  where  ours  are  leaving 
off,  with  putting  the  machine  to  socialized  uses. 
And  so  much  more  will  happen  in  their  lives  that 
our  times  will  probably  seem  uneventful,  if  not 
positively  humdrum,  in  comparison. 

In  their  recreations  youth  start  adventuring  into 
that  unknowable  future,  not  regimented,  but  on 
their  own ; not  out  of  books,  but  from  that  greater 
teacher  — personal  experience,  living  their  way 
into  confidence  in  themselves,  into  disciplines  of 
thought  and  action,  even  to  disciplining  the  emo- 
tions, a necessity  we  have  so  stupidly  neglected. 
In  short,  living  their  way  into  acquaintance  with, 
and  mastery  of,  their  own  world.  Examples? 
Well,  some  of  our  boys  are  playing  with  engineer- 
ing, casting  their  engine  blocks,  turning  out  the 


cylinders  and  making  power  plants  to  drive  their 
model  motor  boats  or  model  planes,  and  you  can 
slip  one  of  their  “V”  type  four  cylinder  motors 
into  your  coat  pocket.  Others  are  making  their 
flutes  and  violins,  with  better  tone  quality  than  the 
cheaper  instruments  which  they  could  afford  to 
buy.  A group  of  youthful  artists  are  painting  the 
murals  for  their  assembly  room  in  the  park.  An- 
other group  edits,  puts  into  type  and  prints  the 
news  letter  publication.  Some  of  our  youth 
hostelers — that  new  unregimented  World  Youth 
Movement — destined,  I predict,  profoundly  to  af- 
fect our  future — with  all  of  their  baggage  in  a 
knapsack  on  their  shoulders  have  gone  on  the 
trails  of  New  England,  of  Europe,  and  even  of 
Japan,  exultant  and  yet  sobered  under  the  sense 
of  responsibility  which  was  so  vital  a part  of  the 
whole  adventure.  These  are  but  a few  examples 
out  of  thousands  which  might  be  cited,  but  they 
serve  to  show  that  the  youth  of  our  city  and  of 
yours,  is  thinking  and  doing  new  things,  not  for 
product  solely,  not  alone  for  the  mere  satisfaction 
of  doing  things,  but  primarily  because  they  can- 
not sit  still.  They  are  too  dynamic  to  vegetate. 
They  must  be  up  and  about  their  business,  and 
that  business  is  to  write  the  signature  of  their  own 
generation  into  the  record  before  the  page  turns, 
aspiring  as  they  do  to  mastery  of  that  greatest 
art  of  all — the  Art  of  Living. 

And  in  contributing  to  that  process  we  feel  that 
we  in  the  parks  are  contributors  not  only  to  the 
fulness  of  life  and  to  its  more  complete  pattern- 
ing, but  even  more  importantly,  to  its  morale,  to 
the  joy  and  the  zest  and  the  fellowship  of  it,  and 
by  that  same  token,  to  the  perpetuation  of  our 
democracy. 


“What  is  government  for  ? Why  does  it  exist  at 
all?  Is  it  not  to  create  the  environment  in  which 
men  and  women  can  attain  their  legitimate  de- 
sires? Everyone  seeks  first  of  all  the  fulfillment 
of  his  own  life  — economic  success,  according  to 
standards  set  by  his  own  capacities  and  by  those 
of  the  society  in  which  he  lives;  physical  health; 
love;  and  according  to  his  background  and  up- 
bringing various  kinds  and  degrees  of  intellectual 
and  spiritual  satisfaction.  For  the  attainment 
of  the  greatest  satisfaction  in  these  things  for 
the  greatest  numbers  of  people,  governments  exist 
in  free  countries;  for  life,  liberty,  and  happiness, 
according  to  policies  based  upon  the  most  univer- 
sal possible  consent.” — Dorothy  Thompson  in  the 
New  York  Herald  Tribune,  November  4,  1936. 


Community  Centers  in  Sioux  City 


Sioux  City,  Iowa,  has  four 
community  centers  in  the 
junior  high  school  buildings 
with  an  enrollment  of  more 
than  1,200  people  who  are  enjoying  the  program. 

Publicity 

In  planning  for  the  centers  every  possible  means 
was  used  in  reaching  the  public  with  information 
regarding  plans  and  programs.  In  addition  to  the 
distribution  of  pamphlets  and  publicity  through 
the  press,  three  radio  talks  were  given  and  there 
were  addresses  before  PTA  organizations  and 
student  assemblies  at  the  colleges  and  high  schools. 
A circular  entitled  “A  Program  of  Interest  to  You 
at  Sioux  City’s  Public  School  Recreation  Centers” 
was  distributed  to  all  students  at  the  junior  high 
schools,  high  schools  and  colleges  with  the  request 
that  they  be  taken  home  and  brought  to  the  atten- 
tion of  parents  and  other  members  of  the  family. 
Particular  care  was  taken  to  distribute  the  circu- 
lars from  house  to  house  within  a six  block  area 
surrounding  each  recreation  center.  They  were 
also  placed  by  time  clocks  at  the  various  stores 
and  manufacturing  establishments.  The  circular, 
an  attractive  folded  sheet,  tells  on  the  inside  of  the 
tap  dancing  and  gymnasium  classes,  and  arts  and 
crafts  and  drama  clubs.  On  the  back  is  informa- 
tion regarding  the  athletic  activities  of  the  centers. 

Leadership  and  Program 
The  program  has  been  outlined  in  such  a way 
that  some  highlight  activity  is  conducted  each  eve- 
ning the  center  is  open.  This  makes  for  a con- 
tinuity of  attendance.  Activities  include  gymna- 
sium classes  for  both  men  and  women,  art  and 
crafts  classes,  with  a special  class  in  pottery  once 
a week,  and  a drama  club  at  each  center.  Instruc- 
tion in  archery  is  given  beginners, 
and  there  are  practice  periods  for 
advanced  players.  Other  activi- 
ties include  tap  dancing,  Badmin- 
ton, table  tennis  and  chess.  A 
game  and  reading  room  is  pro- 
vided for  those  not  wishing  to 
take  part  in  organized  activities. 

A capable  leader  is  in  charge 

478 


of  each  center,  and  the  best  in- 
structors available  are  used  for 
the  specialized  classes  such  as 
arts  and  crafts.  WPA  leader- 
ship is  used  for  game  room  and  locker  room  at- 
tendance. Regular  classrooms  are  used  for  all  of 
the  activities,  and  in  spite  of  the  large  attendance 
at  the  centers  very  little  difficulty  has  been  ex- 
perienced in  the  destruction  of  property  or  equip- 
ment. Hallways  are  used  for  archery,  table  ten- 
nis and  dart  baseball. 

Cooperation  with  the  Board  of  Education 

Every  effort  is  made  to  keep  the  Board  of  Edu- 
cation informed  of  the  program  and  interested  in 
it.  On  one  occasion  a dinner  meeting  of  the  board 
was  held  followed  by  a tour  of  all  the  centers. 
News  photographers  took  pictures  of  the  various 
activities  with  members  of  the  board  taking  part 
in  them.  Members  of  the  Board  of  Education  thus 
were  given  a clearer  conception  of  what  the  ob- 
jectives of  a recreation  center  program  are. 

“ Yes  Sir,  Here  It  Is !” 

At  the  first  of  the  year,  before  the  centers  re- 
opened after  the  Christmas  holidays,  an  illustrated 
pamphlet  entitled,  “Yes  Sir,  Here  It  Is — Open- 
ing of  the  Recreation  Centers,”  was  sent  to  all 
those  enrolled  in  the  various  classes.  The  pam- 
phlet gave  a resume  of  the  new  activities  offered 
together  with  a review  of  the  old  ones.  Continu- 
ous publicity  on  the  program  is  given  through- 
out the  local  newspapers.  Monthly  reports  of  the 
attendance  at  each  of  the  centers  are  presented  to 
the  Board  of  Education. 

A Center  in  a Problem  Area 

At  the  request  of  one  of  the  missions  located 
in  a problem  area  of  the  city,  a 
school  has  been  opened  for  a pro- 
gram of  activities  after  school 
hours  and  evenings  for  the  chil- 
dren and  adults  of  that  com- 
munity. Each  day  from  3 130  to 
5 130,  arts  and  crafts,  drama  and 
game  activities  are  conducted 
(Continued  on  page  511) 


By  Ferdinand  A.  Bahr 

Director  of  Recreation 
Sioux  City,  Iowa 


From  time  to  time  during  the 
winter  months  we  plan  to  pub- 
lish information  regarding  some 
of  the  community  centers  in 
operation.  Be  sure  to  send  us 
facts  of  interest  regarding 
your  centers.  Your  experience 
may  be  helpful  to  other  cities. 


From  a Woodchuck  Up! 


Thirty-six  years  ago  in  July,  the  late  Peter  J. 
Mettler  phoned  his  good  friend,  Carl  Hilde- 
brand. “Carl,”  he  said,  “I  hear  you  got  a 
woodchuck.  Don’t  kill  it.  I want  to  start  a zoo.” 
Mr.  Hildebrand  replied  that  he  could  have  the 
woodchuck  to  start  a zoo,  a fur  business  or  a bone 
yard  because  it  was  raising  “hob”  in  his  basement 
gnawing  furniture  and  chewing  curtains.  A trap 
was  set  in  the  basement  to  catch  the  woodchuck 
a second  time,  and  thus  the  Toledo  Zoo  was 
, started.  Two  months  later  twenty-nine  more  ani- 
mals, including  some  rabbits,  a monkey-faced  owl 
and  a crow,  had  joined  the  woodchuck. 

In  July  of  this  year,  thirty-six  years  later  to  the 
month,  the  Toledo  Institute  of  Natural  History 
was  formally  opened,  with  Mr.  Hildebrand  pre- 
sent. From  a lone  woodchuck  in  a makeshift  cage 
the  zoo  had  grown  into  a $2,000,000  establishment, 
up-to-the-minute  and  ranking  fourth  among  simi- 
lar institutions  in  the  country. 

The  zoo  grew  slowly  and  intermittently  at  first. 
Nine  years  ago  it  might  have  been  described,  it  is 
said,  as  “a  place 
where  they  had  an 
elephant  in  a wood- 


en shed.”  True  there  were  plans  for  further  de- 
velopment, made  in  1923  by  the  Zoo  Society,  but 
these  lay  gathering  dust  on  the  shelves  as  far  too 
ambitious  for  the  available  funds.  In  1933  the  zoo 
asked  the  newly  created  CWA  for  a parking  lot. 
It  soon  appeared  there  were  more  men  than  could 
find  work  on  CWA  projects  in  Toledo.  Out  came 
the  plans.  They  were  revised  and  in  a short  time 
put  into  action  with  amazing  ingenuity.  The 
federal  government  contributed  a $1,000,000  pay 
roll,  and  the  zoo  contributed  $48,000  in  cash  and 
$500,000  worth  of  erstwhile  junk  for  building 
materials,  for  the  far-sighted  Zoo  Society  had 
quietly  bought  up  rights  to  many  old  structures, 
buildings  and  canal  locks.  Not  even  the  city  dump 
escaped  making  its  contribution. 

Four  large  buildings  form  the  central  unit — an 
aquarium,  aviary,  reptile  house  and  museum- 
amphitheatre.  The  museum-amphitheatre  is  the 
most  ambitious  and  costly  structure  of  all,  cost- 
ing some  $600,000.  It  houses  a museum  of  natural 
history  and  its  workshops,  a lecture  hall  with  a 

capacity  of  700  per- 
sons, usable  as  a 
little  theater  and  for 


To  the  Recreation  Department  of  the  Works  Progress  Ad- 
ministration went  the  honor  of  presenting  the  first  civic 
production  to  be  given  in  the  beautiful  new  amphitheatre 


479 


480 


FROM  A WOODCHUCK  UP! 


rehearsals,  a gal- 
lery for  displays, 
classrooms, 
storerooms,  a 
restaurant  and 
plaza,  and  built 
into  an  outside 
wall  is  a modern 
band  shell,  com- 
plete with  base- 
ment dressing 
rooms  and  a wa- 
ter curtain  upon 
which  colored 
lights  can  be 
played.  The  va- 
rious facilities 
are  so  cleverly 
arranged  that  ac- 
tivities may  be 
carried  on  in  all  parts  of  the  building  at  once 
without  interfering  with  one  another. 

A Pageant  the  First  Production 

To  the  City  WPA  Recreation  Department  of 
Toledo  went  the  honor  of  the  first  civic  produc- 
tion in  the  amphitheatre.  It  was  a fitting  choice, 
for  both  the  zoological  park  and  the  Recreation 
Department  are  dedicated  to  providing  facilities 
and  opportunities  for  a better  use  of  leisure  time. 

The  Recreation  Department  presented  a pag- 
eant, “The  Old  Woman  in  the  Shoe.”  This  “old 
woman”  did  not  solve  the  problem  of  her  many 
children  as  did  the  one  in  Mother  Goose’s  book 
who  “spanked  them  all  soundly  and  sent  them  to 
bed.”  No,  indeed ! The  Toledo  “old  woman” 
sends  them  all  laughing  to  the  playgrounds ! What 
her  children  did  on  the  playgrounds  in  the  sum- 
mer was  the  theme  of  the  pageant.  Some  of  them 
played  in  toy  symphonies,  some  in  gay  costumes 
took  part  in  folk  dances,  others  were  puppeteers, 
and  still  others  raced  in  track  events,  built  living 
pyramids,  and  pantomimed  sport  activities.  The 
swimming  instructors  of  the  city  pools  gave 
demonstrations  of  life  saving,  and  groups  enjoyed 
nature  and  dramatic  activities  and  low  and  highly 
organized  games.  Six  amateur  talent  acts  which 
had  been  worked  up  during  the  summer  were  re- 
enacted. About  a thousand  children  took  part  in 
the  pageant  under  the  direction  of  Kelen  Wise- 
man, City  Supervisor  of  Recreation,  and  Lars 
Wagner,  WPA  Recreation  Co-ordinator,  and  over 
5,000  persons  attended  it. 


A toy  symphony  is  one  of  the  activities 
developed  on  the  playgrounds  of  Toledo 


Materials  from  Everywhere! 

The  reptile  house,  costing  $150,000,  is  entirely 
handmade  and  a most  amazing  patchwork  quilt 
of  discarded  materials.  Its  brick  came  from  an 
old  school  and  a hospital;  its  stone  from  canal 
locks  and  the  Wabash  Railroad  shops ; its  ceiling, 
door  frames  and  casing  from  the  Wabash  car 
shops  and  an  old  building;  its  entrance  ceilings 
from  box  car  linings ; its  gallery  ceilings  from  re- 
lief shoe  packing  cases;  its  alligator  pool  stone 
from  the  Welfare  Farm  quarry ; its  lighting  fixtures 
from  scrap  lumber  and  metal;  its  Spanish  tile 
from  an  old  concession  building  and  rest  room; 
its  guard  rails  from  old  walnut  caulk  dug  from 
the  canal  bed;  its  foyer  ceilings  from  mud  sills 
from  the  Wabash  elevator;  its  outer  floor  stone 
from  old  Cherry  Street  sidewalk,  and  its  form 
materials  from  the  city  dump.  A list  of  the  sal- 
vaged materials  and  their  use  posted  in  the  build- 
ing rivals  the  reptiles  in  attracting  attention,  for 
visitors  go  back  over  the  whole  building  closely 
examining  it,  with  the  list  in  mind.  A natural, 
swampy  den  area  with  subdued  light  has  been  con- 
structed at  one  end  of  the  reptile  house,  making 
a natural  habitat  for  many  reptiles. 

The  aquarium,  costing  $350,000,  is  constructed 
from  stone  and  brick  from  the  old  Wabash  Round 
House  and  the  Milburn  Wagon  Works,  lumber 
salvaged  from  many  places  and  glass  brick.  It 
(Continued  on  page  512) 


or  an 


Honest  Abe” 


Suggestions  for  a party  based 
on  well  known  and  little  known 
anecdotes  regarding  Lincoln 


UP"ENIE,  meenie,  minie,  mo  — Will  it  be  a 
t Lincoln  or  a Washington  or  a Valentine's 
Day  Party?  Thoughtless  of  February  to 
have  so  many  red-letter  days — three  of  them  in 
the  first  three  weeks ! But  there  you  are ; it’s  done 
and  you  must  plan  for  a least  one  party.  Lincoln, 
Washington,  Valentine.  “Eenie,  meenie,  minie, 
mo” — Washington  out.  “Eenie,  meenie,  minie, 
mo” — Valentine’s  Day  out.  That  leaves  Lincoln. 
So  it’s  to  be  an  “Honest  Abe  Party”  this  year. 
Now  that’s  settled,  the  ideas  begin  to  come  as 
thick  as  spatter.  You  will  have  a number,  too,  to 
add  to  those  which  follow. 

Invitations 

“Abe”  Lincoln  grew  up  in  a frontier  world,  liv- 
ing in  a log  cabin,  living  a simple  life.  Make  this 
a homespun  party,  then,  and  on  your  invitations 
tell  your  guests  to  come  in  old  clothes,  in  jeans, 
cotton  dresses  or  any  old  clothes  they  may  have. 
You  may  also  ask  them  to  bring  twelve  Lincoln 
pennies  as  price  of  admission  to  the  party.  These 
pennies  you’ll  use  in  the  games  and  then  pay  for 
refreshments  with  them  or  put  them  in  the  club 
treasury.  Lincoln  silhouettes  are  to  be  had  every- 
where. Draw  one,  cut  it  out  in  black  paper,  write 
the  invitations  on  the  back  in  white  ink,  or  use  a 
log  cabin  form  for  your  invitations. 

Decorations 

Because  a log  cabin  is  so  closely  associated  with 
Lincoln,  decorate  the  party  room  to  look  as  much 
like  the  interior  of  a cabin  as  possible.  Bring  in 
kegs  (nail  kegs  from  the  hardware  store),  a spin- 
ning wheel ; make  a false  fireplace  if  you  have  no 
real  one;  hang  kettles,  onions  and  peppers;  set 
various  tools  about  in  the  corners.  An  old  gun  or 
a cardboard  one,  as  well  as  real  or  make-believe  ani- 
mal skins,  may  be  hung  on  the  walls  or  above  the 
fireplace.  You  may  dim  the  lights,  but  use  candles 


By  Elizabeth  Price 

National  Recreation  Association 

or  lanterns  only  where  absolutely  safe — there  are 
many  things  you  may  do,  only  be  sure  to  leave 
the  center  of  the  room  free  for  game  activities. 

Pre-Party  Games 

The  guests  will  not  come  all  at  once,  so  keep 
the  early  comers  happy  by  providing  some  pre- 
party games  for  them. 

"Thrifty  Abe."  A number  of  chairs  stand  in  a 
row.  Behind  each  one  place  an  empty  quart  milk 
bottle.  As  the  guests  arrive,  count  the  pennies, 
taking  the  names  of  any  who  have  brought  a hos- 
tile Indian-head  penny  into  the  cabin.  (They  may 
be  made  to  do  a stunt  later  on.)  Guests  then 
kneel  on  the  chairs,  and  holding  the  penny  even 
with  the  top  of  the  chair  back  attempt  to  drop  the 
pennies  one  by  one  into  the  bottle  which  repre- 
sents a savings  bank  or  the  “old  sock.”  One  of  the 
party  leaders  keeps  the  score  for  each  guest  and 
later  in  the  evening  prizes  (perhaps  a penny)  will 
be  given  those  with  the  highest  score — that  is, 
the  most  in  the  sock  or  bank.  (When  the  party 
begins  the  pennies  are  all  put  in  a box  and  used 
in  the  games  as  needed.) 

Lincoln's  Answer.  Two  men  were  once  arguing 
about  how  long  a man’s  legs  ought  to  be.  They 
agreed  that  Lincoln’s  were  too  long  and  Douglas’ 
were  too  short.  Lincoln  happened  by  and  they 
asked  him  what  he  thought.  Put  up  a sign  with 
the  query,  “How  long  should  a man’s  legs  be? 
Lincoln  had  an  answer,  what  is  yours?”  printed 
in  bold  type.  Near  it  place  a measuring  tape,  a 
foot  rule,  a yardstick  for  figuring,  and  a piece  of 
paper  and  pencil  for  writing  names  and  guesses. 
When  you  call  the  group  together  for  the  first 
group-as-a-whole  game,  check  the  answers  quickly 


481 


482 


FOR  AN  “HONEST  ABE”  PARTY 


and  should  anyone  have  put  down  the  right 
answer  (Lincoln’s)  he  may  be  given  a prize.  Lin- 
coln’s answer  was  that  a man’s  legs  should  be  long 
enough  to  reach  from  his  body  to  the  ground. 

Mixers 

The  informality  of  the  decorations  and  cos- 
tumes will  help  break  the  ice,  but  we  may  need  a 
mixer  or  two  to  put  the  group  in  a thoroughly 
friendly  and  informal  mood. 

Lincoln's  Horse.  This  is  a get-acquainted  game. 
The  leader  or  one  of  his  assistants  stands  in  the 
center  of  the  large  circle  which  the  group  has 
been  asked  to  form.  He  states  he  is  Lincoln’s 
horse  and  is  looking  for  a rider.  He  gallops  over 
to  some  person,  introduces  himself,  and  takes  that 
person  to  be  a rider.  They  gallop  off,  rider’s  hands 
on  horse’s  shoulders  or  hips.  They  stop  before 
someone  else,  introduce  themselves,  and  this  third 
person  then  becomes  a horse-  and  gallops  off  to 
find  himself  a rider.  So  the  game  progresses  with 
horse  and  rider  combinations  making  new  horses 
through  introductions  and  new  horses  getting  rid- 
ers. In  this  way  everyone  is  soon  a horse  or  a 
rider  and  each  has  met  a number  of  persons. 
Horses  and  riders  must  gallop.  On  signal,  all  the 
horses  and  riders  gallop  back  into  circle  formation. 

Woodsy  Wisdom.  In  Lincoln’s  day,  the  wisdom 
of  the  sages  was  respected.  Old  sayings  and  pro- 
verbs were  frequently  quoted  to  teach  the  pioneer 
children  proper  behavior.  Pass  out  cards  which 
you  have  previously  made.  On  them  are  written 
such  proverbs  as : 

Make  hay  while  the  sun  shines. 

A rolling  stone  gathers  no  moss. 

Never  look  a gift  horse  in  the  mouth. 

A watched  pot  never  boils. 

A stitch  in  time  saves  nine. 

If  there  were  fifty  guests  at  the  party,  you 
would  make  five  copies  of  each  of  the  proverbs  on 
cards  of  one  color,  and  five  on  cards  of  another 
color.  With  the  group  in  a circle,  pass  out  the 
cards,  one  color  to  the  boys,  the  other  color  to  the 
girls.  Read  aloud  the  five  sayings  and  tell  the 
group  it  must  divide  itself  into  five  teams  of  ten 
members.  Each  team  will  be  made  up  of  people 
with  the  same  proverb.  On  “go,”  each  person 
shouts  his  proverb  aloud,  and  moves  about  the 
room  listening  for  others  with  a similar  one. 
Those  with  like  sentences  band  together,  looking 
for  others  to  complete  their  team.  Each  group  is 
then  asked  to  form  a straight  line. 


Relays 

Penny  Relay.  Hold  a regular  potato  relay  using 
pennies  instead  of  potatoes.  To  make  the  game 
more  difficult,  provide  a pair  of  cloth  garden 
doves  for  each  team.  Four  circles  are  drawn  in  a 
row  parallel  with  each  team.  The  first  circle  is 
six  feet  in  front  of  each  captain,  the  second,  nine 
feet,  the  third,  twelve  feet,  and  the  fourth,  fifteen 
feet.  Each  captain  has  four  pennies.  On  “go,”  he 
gives  them  to  the  person  behind  him ; puts  on  the 
gloves;  takes  a penny  and  lays  it  in  the  nearest 
circle,  returns  and  gets  another  penny,  puts  it  in 
the  next  circle  and  so  on  until  all  the  pennies  are 
set  out.  He  then  collects  them  one  at  a time  in  the 
same  manner  until  the  second  player  has  them  all. 
He  pulls  off  his  gloves.  The  second  player  gives 
the  pennies  to  the  third  player ; puts  on  the  gloves 
and  starts  as  did  the  captain.  The  first  team  fin- 
ished may  be  given  a penny  for  each  member,  as 
prizes. 

Rail  Splitting.  Lincoln  was  a famous  rail  split- 
ter. You  may  try  your  hand  at  it.  Hang  up  a 
brown  paper  “rail”  at  the  end  of  the  room  for 
each  team.  On  each  rail  are  four  five-inch  sec- 
tions marked  off  crosswise  with  pencil,  one  sec- 
tion for  each  member  of  the  team.  (More  may 
be  added  or  a few  cut  off  if  the  number  on  each 
team  is  larger  or  smaller  than  you  guessed  before 
the  party  when  you  made  these  “rails.”)  Lay  a pair 
of  scissors  on  a chair  under  each  “rail.”  On  “go,” 
the  captains  race  to  the  “rails”  cut  the  first  section 
in  two  in  the  middle,  lay  down  the  scissors,  run 
back  and  touch  off  the  next  person  who  races  to 
cut  his  section.  The  team  which  splits  the  first 
“rail”  wins  a prize.  The  last  persons  may  have  to 
step  on  the  chair  to  reach  his  “rail”  section,  or  the 
“rail”  may  be  laid  on  the  chair  with  the  scissors. 

Lincoln  and  the  Post  Office.  In  his  youth  Lin- 
coln once  managed  a post  office.  In  those  days 
many  persons  could  not  write  and  needed  help  in 
writing  a letter.  Then  the  letters  were  often  car- 
ried by  several  persons  before  they  were  de- 
livered, for  on  the  frontier  official  letter  carriers 
were  few. 

Give  each  captain  a paper,  envelope,  pencil  and 
square  of  cardboard.  Tell  the  group  to  write, 
“Lincoln  once  said,  ‘A  house  divided  against  itself 
cannot  stand.’  ” Each  person  is  to  write  one  word 
and  pass  along  paper,  pencil,  envelope  and  card- 
board to  the  next  person,  who  writes  the  second 
word,  etc.  The  person  who  writes  the  last  word, 
folds  the  paper,  puts  it  in  the  envelope,  seals  it, 


FOR  AN  “HONEST  ABE”  PARTY 


483 


writes  “A.  Lincoln”  on  it,  and  passes  it  back  along 
the  line  to  “Lincoln” — the  captain.  The  first  team 
with  its  letter  delivered  wins. 

Circle  Games 

The  Underground  Railroad.  Have  each  team 
form  a circle  with  the  shortest  person  in  the  cen- 
ter During  the  Civil  War  Negroes  were  smug- 
gled from  house  to  house  on  the  way  north  to 
Canada.  The  chain  of  houses  which  served  as 
refuge  places  was  called  the  “Underground  Rail- 
road.” Give  one  person  in  each  circle  a penny. 

This  is  passed  from  person  to  person  around  the 
circle.  Everyone  pretends  to  be  passing  it  whether 
he  has  it  or  not.  The  one  in  the  center  tries  to 
.guess  who  has  it,  and  points  to  someone.  If  that 
person  has  it,  he  becomes  “it”  and  stands  in  the 
center.  If  he  hasn’t  the  penny,  he  (the  one  point- 
ed at)  must  guess  who  does  hold  it,  and  should 
he  guess  correctly,  he  stays  where  he  is;  if  he 
cannot  guess  (he  has  only  one  chance),  he  takes 
the  center  place. 

Lincoln-Douglas  Debate.  Have  each  group  select 
the  tallest  and  the  shortest  person.  The  tallest  is 
“Lincoln,”  the  shortest,  “Douglas.”  Each  must 
put  his  hands  behind  him  and  keep  a straight  face. 
On  “go,”  each  starts  talking  on  any  subject  he 
chooses  or  appropriate  topics  may  be  assigned. 
The  first  to  laugh,  move  his  hands,  or  stop  talking 
even  for  a moment,  loses  the  debate.  The  winner 
may  accept  challenges. 

Quiet  Games 


What  ships  sail  on? 
A perfume? 

A Chinese  beverage  ? 
A term  of  marriage? 
Part  of  a plant? 

A l'eligious  edifice? 
A messenger  is? 

A method  of  voting? 


(Sea)  (C) 

(Scent)  (Cent) 
(Tea)  (T) 

(United  States) 
(Leaf) 

(Temple) 

(One  Sent)  (Cent) 
(Ayes  and  Nayes) 


Lincoln  Penny  Wise.  Give 
each  person  a Lincoln  penny 
and  paper  and  pencil.  Ask  the 
following  questions,  the  an- 
swers to  which  can  be  found 
on  a penny : 

The  name  of  a song? 

(America) 

A privilege?  (Liberty) 

A small  animal  ? 

(Hare)  (Hair) 

A part  of  Indian  corn? 

(Ear) 

A part  of  a hill?  (Brow) 
Something  denoting  self? 

(Eye)  (I) 

Part  of  a door? 

(Lock)  (Of  Hair) 

A foreign  fruit?  (Date) 


(Eyes  and  Nose) 

The  person  with  the  largest  number  of  correct 
answers  keeps  his  penny.  Collect  the  other  pen- 
nies if  you  are  not  using  them  in  the  next  game. 

Lincoln  Silhouettes.  Ask  each  person  to  turn 
over  his  paper  and  draw  from  memory  (or  from 
the  penny)  a silhouette  of  Lincoln.  After  four  or 
five  minutes,  ask  each  to  initial  his  work  of  art 
and  then  set  the  drawings  in  a row  on  the  floor 
against  the  wall  so  all  may  see.  Judges  may  award 
a penny  to  the  best. 


Dramatic  Activity 

Divide  the  group  into  smaller  ones  by  counting 
off  in  a large  circle.  Give  each  group  a small  card 
with  a Lincoln  anecdote  written  on  it.  Each 
group  has  five  to  ten  minutes  to  work  out  a dra- 
matization of  the  story.  Here  are  “briefs”  of  five 
famous  Lincoln  anecdotes : 

1.  Lincoln  once  cut  four  cords  of  wood  to  earn 
money  to  buy  a book. 

2.  Lincoln  and  a judge  were  once  bantering 
each  other  about  horse  trading.  They  agreed  to 
trade  horses,  sight  unseen,  the  next  day.  The 

judge  appeared  with  the  most 
broken-down,  sway-backed 
horse  imaginable,  and  Lincoln 
brought  a wooden  saw  horse. 
Lincoln  looked  at  the  Judge’s 
horse  and  said  it  was  the  first 
time  he  had  been  beaten  in  a 
horse  trade. 

3.  Lincoln  once  worked  in 
a store.  A woman  came  for 
some  tea  and  after  she  left, 
Lincoln  discovered  he  had 
short-changed  her  six  and  a 
quarter  cents.  After  work  he 
walked  three  miles  to  return 
this  money. 

4.  During  the  Black  Hawk 
war,  Lincoln,  who  had  a limit- 
ed knowledge  of  tactics,  was 
marching  a company  across  a 
field.  Coming  to  a gate,  he  was 


484 


FOR  AN  “HONEST  ABE”  PARTY 


at  a loss  for  the  commands  to  get  the  company 
endwise  so  it  could  march  through  the  gate.  Said 
Lincoln : “Company,  Halt ! This  company  is  dis- 
missed for  two  minutes,  when  it  will  fall  in  again 
on  the  other  side  of  the  gate.” 

5.  Lincoln  was  riding  with  some  circuit  judges 
along  a wooded  road.  He  heard  a bird  chirping 
and  drew  rein  to  investigate,  finding  six  little 
birds  which  had  fallen  from  their  nest.  In  spite  of 
his  friends’  laughter  at  his  concern  over  the  birds, 
he  searched  through  the  trees,  found  the  nest,  re- 
placed the  birds  and  rode  after  his  friends. 

Musical  Activities 

With  a log  cabin  setting  and  rough  clothes,  a 
party  would  not  be  complete  without  some  old- 
time  songs  and  square  dancing.  For  a group 
“sold”  to  square  dancing,  a large  part  of  the  eve- 
ning may  be  spent  in  dancing.  For  groups  to 
whom  it  is  new,  two  or  three  dances  will  suffice. 
The  Virginia  Reel  is  rather  familiar,  and  you  may 
start  with  it.  Then  may  come  Sourwood  Moun- 
tain or  other  easily  learned  American  dance. 
Here  is  a simple  one  to  the  tune  of  “Turkey  in 
the  Straw.”  You  will  have  to  step  lively,  acting 
out  the  calls  as  the  leader  chants  them  to  the 
music : 

Take  a Little  Peek  (a  folk  dance) 

Four  couples  form  a hollow  square. 

Introduction  (done  only  at  beginning  of  the 
dance). 

1.  Honor  your  partner,  sides  address  (bow  to 
partner  and  corner), 

2.  All  join  hands  and  circle  left. 

3.  Come  back  home  single  file, 

4.  Ladies  in  the  lead,  Indian  style. 

Figure  Call 

1.  First  couple  out  and  lead  to  the  right  (stand 
in  front  of  second  couple  and  bow). 

2.  Around  that  couple  you  take  a little  peek. 
(Each  member  of  first  couple  looks  behind 
member  of  second  couple  whom  he  faces.) 

3.  Back  in  the  center  and  swing  your  sweet 
(swing  in  circle). 

4.  Around  that  couple,  you  peek  once  more, 

5.  Back  in  the  center  and  you  circle  four  (join 
hands  with  second  couple  and  move  left  half- 
way around). 

6.  You  circle  four  and  pass  right  through  (first 
couple  passes  between  man  and  lady  of  sec- 
ond couple). 


7.  And  you  go  right  on  as  you  used  to  do  (first 
couple  goes  over  in  front  of  third  couple 
and  bows). 

(Repeat  lines  1 to  7 two  more  times,  as  first 
couple  goes  to  third  and  fourth,  but  on  last  time, 
say  “And  go  right  back  home  where  you  used 
to  be”) 

Change  Call 

1.  Home  you  are  and  balance  all  (step  toward 
partner  and  back), 

2.  Swing  around  all  and  swing  around  eight, 
(turn  partner  twice  around,  eight  steps  on 
this  and  next  line.) 

3.  Go  up  the  river  and  across  the  lake. 

4.  Allemande  left  (turn  corner  all  the  way 
around  with  the  left  hand), 

5.  And  a grand  chain  eight  (give  right  hand  to 
partner,  pass  her,  left  hand  to  next,  and  so 
on,  doing  a grand  right  and  left,  half-way 
round  on  this  and  next  line.) 

6.  Hurry  up,  boys,  don’t  be  slow. 

7.  Meet  Mary  Ann  and  away  you  go  (meet 
partner  and  promenade  home  with  her  on 
this  and  next  two  lines). 

8.  Back  home  again  with  a promeno. 

9.  Hi  dee,  hi  dee,  hi  dee,  Oh! 

Note  : The  second  couple  now  does  the  Figure 
Call,  all  do  Change  Call,  and  then  the  third  and 
fourth  couple  do  likewise. 

Songs  to  Sing 

The  old  familiar  songs  are  most  suitable  for 
our  party  for  the  well-worn  songs  which  everyone 
knows  and  loves  will  add  in  generous  measure  to 
the  feeling  of  “at-homeness,”  informality  and  sim- 
plicity about  which  a Lincoln  Party  should  be  de- 
veloped. Here  are  a few  of  the  songs  which  you 
might  sing: 

Old  Folks  at  Home 

My  Old  Kentucky  Home 

When  You  and  I Were  Young,  Maggie 

Aunt  Dinah’s  Quilting  Party 

Oh ! Susanna 

Old  Black  Joe 

Carry  Me  Back  to  Old  Virginny 
Dixie 

Water  Boy 

Refreshments 

You  will  have  a hungry  crowd  by  now.  Use 
those  pennies  to  good  advantage  and  serve  as  hearty 
refreshments  as  your  purse  allows.  Sing  a few 
old-time  songs  and  your  Lincoln  Party  will  close 
on  a note  of  old-time  friendliness. 


Citizen  Boards  in  Public  Welfare 


One  OE  the  by-products  of  the  tendency  to- 
wards centralization,  evident  in  the  United 
States  for  the  last  few  years,  is  the  inclina- 
tion to  question  the  value  of  unpaid  citizen 
boards  in  the  field  of  state  and  local  public 
welfare  administration.  Perhaps  this  inclina- 
tion is  a symptom  of  our  alleged  drift  toward 
a totalitarian  state.  In  any  event,  it  is  a chal- 
lenge to  those  of  us  who  favor  citizen  boards, 
as  a part  of  the  democratic  process,  to  promote 
conditions  to  insure  their  efficiency. 

No  thoughtful,  informed  person  would,  I 
think,  defend  the  usefulness  of  unpaid  boards 
under  all  circumstances.  On  the  contrary,  ex- 
perience seems  to  indicate  that  their  usefulness 
depends  entirely  on  the  extent  to  which  cer- 
tain conditions  essential  to  their  successful 
functioning  are  met.  These  conditions  fall  into 
three  groups:  the  qualifications  of  the  board 
members,  the  qualifications  of  the  officials  with 
whom  they  are  associated,  and  the  legal  and 
traditional  terms  of  their  association. 

To  begin  with  the  last,  it  is  essential  that  the 
duties  and  responsibilities  of  a citizens’  board 
should  be  real  and  that  they  should  be  clearly 
defined  by  law.  There  is  no  possible  justifica- 
tion for  setting  up  boards  that  are  mere  rubber 
stamps.  They  involve  a waste  of  time  for  all 
concerned  and  good  people  will  not  long  serve 
on  them.  Generally  speaking,  the  more  that  is 
demanded  of  a board  mem- 
ber, the  better  the  type  of 
person  who  will  accept  the 
responsibility.  People  will 
make  real  sacrifices  in  order 
to  do  something  that  is  real. 

They  won’t  in  order  to  per- 
form a perfunctory  service. 

Besides  a clear  legal  defi- 
nition of  the  duties  of  citi- 
z e n s’  boards,  a tradition 
must  be  established  favoring 
their  full  functioning.  It 
should  not  be  difficult  to  ed- 


By  Margaret  Carey  Madeira 

Vice-President 

Public  Charities  Association  of  Philadelphia 


ucate  public  opinion  on  the  importance  of  non- 
partisan citizen  representation  in  the  adminis- 
tration of  public  welfare  services,  nor  to  pro- 
mote the  understanding  that  such  boards  are 
a means  of  safeguarding  from  partisan  exploi- 
tation not  only  the  interests  of  unfortunate 
people,  but  the  resources  of  all  of  us.  To  a 
great  extent  the  responsibility  for  this  educa- 
tion rests  upon  the  members  of  the  boards 
themselves.  If  they  become  isolated  from  their 
public,  their  usefulness  is  seriously  impaired. 
They  should  not  only  represent  the  public  in 
their  field  but  also  should  interpret  to  the  pub- 
lic the  activities  in  that  field.  Such  a tradition 
cannot,  of  course,  be  built  up  in  a day ; it  takes 
more  than  one  administration  to  establish  it  on 
a firm  basis,  but  without  it  the  requirements 
of  the  law  may  become  meaningless. 

I do  not  mean  to  imply  that  local  boards 
should  attempt  to  determine  policies  which  by 
their  nature  are  the  responsibility  of  the  state 
agency.  Experience  has  shown  that  over-reach- 
ing at  this  point  can  be  a 
serious  obstacle  to  the  exec- 
ution of  state-wide  policies. 
Local  boards  should  inter- 
pret state  policies  and  adapt 
their  execution  to  varying 
local  conditions.  They 
should,  moreover,  take  part 
in  the  formulation  of  state 
policies  and  if  they  are  con- 
stituted as  they  should  be 
they  will  have  an  important 
contribution  to  make.  In  my 
opinion  they  should  resist 


Because  public  service  is  one  of  the 
most  important  of  leisure  time  inter- 
ests, we  commend  this  article  to  read- 
ers of  Recreation,  many  of  whom  are 
members  of  recreation  commissions 
and  boards,  or  are  associated  with 
various  other  citizen  groups  promot- 
ing public  welfare  in  one  form  or  an- 
other. The  article  is  drawn  in  part 
from  a paper  given  by  Mrs.  Madeira 
at  the  National  Conference  of  Social 
Work  at  Atlantic  City.  It  appeared 
originally  in  the  November  Mid - 
monthly  Survey,  and  is  reprinted 
by  courtesy  of  The  Survey. 


485 


486 


CITIZEN  BOARDS  IN  PUBLIC  WELFARE 


the  almost  inevitable  tendency  on  the  part  of 
the  agency  higher  up  to  turn  them  into  dum- 
mies. The  assumption  that  the  bigger  the  gov- 
ernmental unit,  the  wiser  and  purer  the  people 
who  direct  its  activities,  may  be  carried  to  ex- 
tremes. 

Qualifications  of  Board  Members 

To  turn  to  the  qualifications  of  board  mem- 
bers on  which  successful  functioning  depends, 
the  first  and  most  essential  is  integrity  of  pur- 
pose. I am  well  aware  that  people  often  de- 
velop under  the  stimulus  of  responsibility,  and 
that  those  who  have  sought  a position  for 
trivial  or  selfish  reasons  often  fill  it  with  honor. 
However,  one  cannot  depend  upon  such  mira- 
cles. The  chances  are  that  more  harm  than 
good  will  be  done  by  citizens’  boards,  unless 
the  dominant  motive  of  their  members  is  a 
genuine  desire  to  perform  a useful  service  to 
society.  That  such  a motive  is  often  accom- 
panied by  a wish  for  recognition  need  not  dis- 
turb us  too  much.  The  desire  for  honor  from 
time  immemorial  has  been  an  incentive  to  ac- 
tion, even  to  sacrifice.  It  is  a perfectly  normal 
desire  which  can  be  put  to  good  use  as  long 
as  the  ruling  purpose  is  unselfish,  and  as  long 
as  ambition  to  shine  is  tempered  by  humility  in 
the  face  of  responsibility. 

Closely  related  to  integrity  of  purpose  is 
willingness  to  keep  an  open  mind — an  essential 
qualification  for  a representative  of  the  public. 
A member  of  a citizens’  board  should  be  able 
to  see  the  questions  that  he  is  called  upon  to 
consider,  not  from  the  point  of  view  of  a class 
or  a race  or  a sect  or  a section  of  the  state,  but 
from  the  point  of  view  of  the  whole  public. 
When  the  claims  of  different  groups  conflict, 
he  should  be  able  to  weigh  these  conflicting 
claims  objectively,  intent  only  upon  getting 
the  right  thing  done,  not  upon  serving  a spe- 
cial interest,  not  upon  getting  his  own  way. 

Aside  from  these  attitudes  of  mind,  the  most 
important  qualification  to  look  for  in  a board 
member  is  the  ability  to  make  some  real  con- 
tribution to  the  work  of  the  public  agencv  with 
which  he  is  associated — a contribution  based 
on  special  training  or  on  special  interest.  At  the 
risk  of  digression,  I want  to  say  a word  here 
about  the  often  arbitrary  distinction  between 
“lay”  and  “professional”  service.  It  seems  to 


me  that  some  of  us  need  to  consider  this  dis- 
tinction with  fresh  eyes.  It  looms  large  in  the 
minds  of  many  social  workers — sometimes  dis- 
proportionately large.  Since  I am  a layman  in 
every  sense  of  the  word,  it  is  perhaps  unsuit- 
able for  me  to  point  out  that  a passionate  in- 
terest in  social  work  may  plough  and  cultivate 
one’s  mind  as  successfully  as  special  training. 
On  the  basis  of  deep  and  genuine  concern,  plus 
active  work  as  a board  member  or  a volunteer, 
one  may  develop  as  disciplined  a mind,  as 
steady  a point  of  view,  as  may  result  from 
formal  education  for  a professional  career.  I 
do  not  believe  that  such  formal  training  for 
social  w'ork  as  is  offered  to  us  at  present  sets 
a person  apart  as  does  training  for  other  pro- 
fessions. There  is  nobody  of  exact  knowledge 
related  to  this  field  corresponding  to  that 
which  the  doctor,  the  lawyer,  the  engineer 
must  cover  in  order  to  function  at  all. 

The  value  of  formal  training,  especially  when 
it  is  broad  and  reasonably  free  from  dogma- 
tism, is,  I believe,  beyond  dispute.  I realize 
fully  the  necessity  of  establishing  and  main- 
taining professional  standards  in  the  field  of 
human  service  and  the  difficulty  of  setting  up 
dependable  substitutes  for  professional  train- 
ing. Nevertheless,  it  is  a fact  that  social  work 
of  professional  quality  is  often  done  by  people 
who  have  not  had  professional  training,  and 
that,  as  members  of  citizens’  boards,  they  may 
make  a contribution  to  the  work  of  a public 
agency  as  valuable  as  that  of  professionals. 

The  members  of  an  official  board  should, 
then,  be  distinguished  by  integrity  of  purpose, 
by  capacity  for  open-mindedness,  and  by  abil- 
ity to  make  a real  contribution  to  the  work  of 
the  public  agency,  a contribution  based  either 
upon  special  training  or  upon  special  interest 
or  both.  Undoubtedly  these  are  pretty  stiff  re- 
quirements, and  the  question  naturally  arises 
whether  it  is  possible  for  the  appointment  pow- 
er to  obtain  the  voluntary  services  of  such 
paragons  of  virtue  and  intelligence. 

Securing  the  Right  People 

Obviously  the  person  who  will  make  a really 
useful  board  member  will  not,  as  a rule,  be  ap- 
pointed, unless  the  governor  or  the  mayor,  or 
whoever  the  appointing  power  may  be,  uses 
his  privilege  with  a full  realization  of  the  re- 


CITIZEN  BOARDS  IN  PUBLIC  WELFARE 


487 


sponsibility  he  is  conferring-  and  of  the  high 
purposes  to  be  served  by  the  selection  of  well 
qualified  people.  Too  often,  board  member- 
ships are  employed  as  currency  for  the  pay- 
ment of  political  debts ; it  is  only  by  the  grace 
of  God  that  people  so  chosen  are  prepared  for 
useful  service.  The  same  is  true,  of  course,  of 
appointments  made  to  promote  a political  end, 
such  as  control  over  staff  appointments  under 
the  board.  Some  degree  of  protection  against 
this  abuse  exists  in  overlapping  terms  of  board 
members,  and  a further  protection  is  the  trans- 
fer of  the  appointing  power  to  a welfare  com- 
mission whose  members  serve  overlapping 
terms.  But  only  an  enlightened  public  opinion 
can  provide  complete  defense  against  the  mis- 
use of  the  appointing  power. 

Granted,  however,  the  good  intent  of  the 
appointing  power,  there  re- 
mains the  difficulty  of  per- 
suading the  right  man  or  wo- 
man to  accept  the  appoint- 
ment. This  has  always  been  a 
difficulty,  but  during  the  past 
few  years  recruiting  the  best 
type  of  board  members  has 
been  complicated  further  by 
the  fact  that  many  qualified 
persons  can  no  longer  afford 
to  accept  obligations  which 
make  a heavy  claim  on  their 
time  and  involve  a consider- 
able expense,  direct  and  indirect.  People  who 
formerly  were  able  to  devote  themselves  to 
unpaid  service  without  counting  the  cost,  are 
now  finding  that  their  personal  affairs,  their 
homes  and  their  businesses,  require  all  they 
have  to  give.  This  economic  difficulty  could, 
of  course,  be  removed,  or  at  least  diminished, 
bv  the  payment  of  a per  diem  or  a small  annual 
salary  to  board  members.  It  seems  to  me  en- 
tirely possible  that  this  may  become  necessary, 
though  there  is,  of  course,  the  chance  that  the 
cure  may  be  worse  than  the  disease. 

Assuming  this  problem  solved,  the  difficulty 
of  enlisting  qualified  people  would  still  remain. 
In  view  of  the  burden  of  work  and  responsi- 
bility that  board  membership  may  impose,  we 
are  forced  to  ask  ourselves  whether  there  is 
any  legitimate  inducement  to  offer  to  those 
who  can  do  a really  useful  job. 


It  is  a pity  that  Americans  have  become  so 
cynical  about  public  service.  This  is  due  partly 
to  a sort  of  defeatism  that  afflicts  many  of  us 
when  we  ponder  too  long  the  disappointments 
of  democracy ; partly  to  self-indulgence ; partly 
to  an  overdose  of  modern  psychology.  But  in 
any  case,  I think  we  have  had  enough  of  it.  The 
truth  is  that  we  fulfill  a basic  need  of  our  hu- 
man nature  when  we  render  service  to  the  soci- 
ety of  which  we  are  a part.  The  opportunity 
of  the  volunteer  on  a public  board,  whose  work 
touches  the  health  and  welfare  of  his  fellow- 
men,  is  a privilege,  and  should  be  so  recog- 
nized. Only  from  a decadent  point  of  view  can 
it  be  seen  as  a tiresome  duty  or  a pathological 
symptom.  It  is  an  opportunity  which  should 
be  offered  to  the  wisest  among  us,  an  oppor- 
tunity to  fulfill  our  ideal  desires,  a privilege 
for  which  the  fortunate  should 
be  thankful — even  if  they  are 
hard  up.  The  future  of  our 
democracy  will  depend  upon 
the  extent  to  which  the  for- 
tunate meet  such  challenges 
as  this. 

Adequate  Preparation 
Necessary 

No  matter  how  perfectly 
constituted  a citizens’  board 
may  be,  it  will  not  be  able  to 
accomplish  very  much  unless 
the  officials  with  whom  it  is  associated  are  ade- 
quately prepared  to  carry  their  responsibilities. 
As  government  becomes  more  complex,  the 
question  of  adequate  preparation  becomes  in- 
creasingly important.  There  are  few  of  us  to- 
day who  would  agree  with  Andrew  Jackson 
that  “the  duties  of  all  public  officers  are  so 
plain  and  simple  that  men  of  intelligence  may 
readily  qualify  themselves  for  their  perform- 
ance.” 

Whether  adequate  preparation  must  mean 
formal  education  in  social  work  is  another 
question.  I believe  that  most  graduates  of 
schools  of  social  work  are  of  the  opinion  that 
there  should  be  neither  a legal  nor  a traditional 
requirement  that  the  state  director  of  welfare 
should  be  a graduate  of  such  a school.  If  this 
is  their  opinion  I agree  with  it.  It  is  true  that 
( Continued  on  page  512) 


"The  truth  is  that  we  fulfill  a 
basic  need  of  our  human  na- 
ture when  we  render  service 
to  the  society  of  which  we 
are  a part.  The  opportunity 
of  the  volunteer  on  a public 
board  whose  work  touches  the 
health  and  welfare  of  his  fel- 
low men  is  a privilege,  and 
should  be  so  recognized." 


Community  Buildings  Here  and  T here 


Community  buildings,  large  and  small,  elabo- 
rate and  simple,  are  being  erected  in  all  parts 
of  the  country,  many  of  them  as  WPA  pro- 
jects and  with  the  aid  of  federal  funds.  We  re- 
port here  on  a few  of  these  buildings  which  repre- 
sent varying  types  of  structures  and  services. 

The  Ellsworth  Community  Building 

The  community  building  erected  by  the  village 
of  Ellsworth,  Wisconsin,  in  1933  has  already 
proven  too  small  for  the  demands  made  upon  it, 
and  plans  are  being  considered  for  an  addition  at 
the  rear.  The  main  floor  contains  a theater  with 
a seating  capacity  of  300  people.  It  is  equipped 
with  opera  chairs  and  sound  apparatus,  and  mov- 
ing pictures  are  presented  evenings  and  Sunday 
afternoons.  The  theater  is  available  for  use  by 
civic  groups  during  the  day.  The  lower  floor  con- 
tains a village  board  room, 
justice  court,  public  library, 


rest  rooms  and  two  bowling  alleys.  The  building 
is  constructed  of  brick  and  tile  and  cost  $18,000. 

A New  Community  Center  for  Ely 

Ely,  Minnesota,  is  planning  for  a community 
building  measuring  1 16  by  80  feet,  with  concrete 
walls,  concrete  and  steel  frame  and  steel  sashes. 
It  will  consist  of  two  floors  and  a basement.  The 
basement  will  provide  space  for  a cafeteria  and 
kitchen,  storage,  boiler  room,  band  room,  band  stor- 
age, Girl  Scout  and  Boy  Scout  rooms.  The  first 
floor  will  have  a library,  American  Legion  room,  a 
room  for  the  Chamber  of  Commerce,  a lounge, 
matron's  room,  shower  and  dressing  rooms,  a 
kitchen,  closets  and  rest  rooms.  On  the  second 
floor  there  will  be  an  auditorium  and  stage,  storage, 
supper  room  and  kitchen,  lounge  and  parlors  for 
men  and  women.  The  building  will  be  paid  for  by 
a WPA  grant  of  $83,600  and  a 
city  bond  issue  of  $100,000. 


The  building  at  Ellsworth,  Wisconsin 
— a center  for  activities  of  all  kinds 


Courtesy  The  Municipality,  published  by  Wisconsin  League  of  Municipalities 


488 


COMMUNITY  BUILDINGS  HERE  AND  THERE 


489 


A Picnic  Shelter  House 

The  American  City  for  October  1936  describes 
a rustic  stone  and  timber  roofed  combination  pic- 
nic shelter  house  which  has  been  completed  in  the 
American  Legion  Park  in  Red  Oak,  Iowa. 

The  building  consists  of  three  sections : the  one 
to  the  north  is  an  enclosed  room  for  dining  and 
camp  cooking;  the  central  section  is  open  with  a 
fireplace  for  cooking  and  space  for  parking  cars 
in  inclement  weather,  with  a paved  driveway  ac- 
commodating several  automobiles,  and  the  section 
to  the  south  is  occupied  by  toilets  for  men  and 
women. 

The  walls  of  the  building  are  of  rock  obtained 
from  a nearby  quarry.  One  part  of  the  structure 
has  a rustic  wall  with  points  and  edges  very 
rough;  other  walls  are  smooth,  and  all  the  walls 
of  the  building  are  16  inches  in  thickness.  Rough 
native  timbers  cut  near  Red  Oak  form  the  roof 
units  of  the  building,  and  shake  shingles  were 
used  as  roofing  material. 

Reinforced  concrete  floors  of  four  and  five  inch 
thickness  are  laid  in  the  two  enclosed  sections, 
with  two  inch  expansion  joints  around  each  edge. 
The  enclosed  dining  room  is  20  by  36  feet,  with 
two  stone  stoves  in  the  south  end  of  the  room. 
The  central  section  is  27  by  42  feet,  and  the  open 
fireplace  joins  the  stoves  of  the  enclosed  room. 
The  toilet  end  of  the  structure  is  17  by  20  feet. 

The  building  was  financed  with  $820  furnished 
by  the  city  of  Red  Oak;  State  IERA,  $5,825.80; 
FERA,  $2,681.31,  amounting  to  $9,327.11.  It  is 
claimed  that  about  $2,000  will  still  be  available 
when  the  project  is  finally  completed. 

A Rural  Community  Hall 

If  it  is  slow  and  steady  that  wins  the  race,  then 
there  is  nothing  of  the  hare  about  the  story  of  the 
Arena  Valley,  Idaho,  Communty  Hall,  now  firmlv 
established  and  well-equipped.  We  must  go 
years  back  into  the  past  for  its  beginnings,  when 
some  thirty  or  forty  homesteaders  with  a dozen 
families  with  children  among  them  struggled  to 
satisfy  their  common  needs.  One 
of  the  most  pressing  needs  was  a 
school  house,  but  money  was  as 
scarce  as  the  proverbial  hen’s 
teeth — a canvas  of  the  resources 
of  the  neighborhood  brought  only 
a meagre  $100.  Yet  a school 
house  there  must  be.  A bachelor 
donated  an  acre  of  land,  the  busi- 
ness men  of  Parma,  a nearby 


town,  contributed  lumber,  and  as  luck  would  have 
it  the  bridge  of  the  Boise  river  collapsed — but  just 
after  the  last  load  had  been  safely  driven  across. 
The  raising  of  the  building  became  a holiday  for 
the  men,  who  quickly  put  together  the  crude 
structure  which  could  boast  only  walls  and  roof 
and  floor  and  a few  essential  furnishings.  The 
men  grubbed  sage  brush  for  fuel  for  the  winter 
months  and  soon  the  school  was  snug  and  fit  for 
the  twenty-four  students. 

The  women,  not  content  to  let  the  men  do  all 
the  contributing,  organized  a women’s  society, 
called  it  a Circle,  and  set  about  considering  how 
they  could  better  the  community’s  social  as  well  as 
material  welfare.  Of  this  Circle  six  are  still  living 
in  the  community  and  are  active  members  of  the 
group. 

The  first  recorded  social  event  was  a Christmas 
entertainment  with  a sage  brush  Christmas  tree 
and  a quartet  trained  by  a man  who  had  never  had 
a singing  lesson  in  his  life.  A whole  series  of 
socials  and  entertainments  followed  at  which  a very 
nominal  fee  was  charged  for  food  or  admission  so 
that  in  time  a fund  was  accumulated  with  which 
insurance  was  paid,  the  school  finished,  trees  and 
plants  purchased,  and  later  a piano  and  organ 
installed. 

About  1919  the  county  took  over  the  school  and 
it  was  used  less  and  less  by  the  community  until  it 
became  like  the  old-fashioned  parlor,  just  for 
special  occasions,  not  for  the  everyday  social  needs 
of  the  community.  For  ten  years  community  in- 
terest dwindled  and  lagged.  Gone  were  the  fine 
team  work  and  neighborhood  spirit  which  the 
struggle  for  the  school  had  aroused  and  which  had 
contributed  so  much  to  the  happiness  of  the  peo- 
ple. Many  wanted  a community  hall,  but  it  was 
too  large  an  undertaking  at  the  time. 

As  early  as  1916  a group  had  formed  an  asso- 
ciation for  the  purpose  of  “bettering  conditions 
socially  and  maintaining  a public  park.”  The  As- 
sociation had  acquired  ten  acres  of  land  opposite 
the  school,  now  enlarged.  It  was  graded  and 
fenced  and  one  corner  given  over 
to  a baseball  diamond.  But  until 
the  Park  Board  decided  to  build 
a community  hall,  the  park  had 
played  little  part  in  community 
life.  Realizing  women  had  con- 
tributed a great  deal  to  the  com- 
munity life  in  the  past,  the  first 
thing  the  Board  did  was  to  ask 
• ( Continued  on  page  514) 


1+  is  always  thrilling  to  hear  of 
facilities  for  the  use  of  leisure 
time  which  have  come  into  being 
as  the  result  of  real  community 
need  and  through  the  efforts  of 
community  folks  themselves. 
There  is  a story  of  this  kind  in 
the  evolution  of  the  Community 
Hall  in  Arena  Valley,  Idaho, 
which  began  years  ago. 


Flint  Marches  On! 


No  more  definite  answer  to  the  question  of 
using  school  buildings  as  community  centers 
can  be  found  than  is  presented  in  the  suc- 
cess of  the  winter  recreation  project  in  Flint, 
Michigan,  sponsored  by  the  Mott  Foundation. 

With  fifteen  school  buildings  being  used  in 
1936,  compared  with  five  in  1935,  the  attendance 
has  more  than  doubled  and  the  program  of  activi- 
ties has  expanded  accordingly.  Despite  the  fact 
that  the  number  of  community  centers  has  been 
tripled,  still  there  is  not  enough  room  to  take  care 
of  the  thousands  taking  advantage  of  the  programs. 

Workshops  Attract  Whole  Families 

An  outstanding  example  of  the  unprecedented 
interest  in  programs  that  are 
bringing  fathers,  mothers  and 
children  back  to  school  build- 
ings at  night,  is  in  the  wood- 
shop,  machine  shop  and  metal 
shop  classes.  Designed  for 
boys,  these  shop  classes  pre- 
sented a problem  to  in- 


structors when  fathers, 
mothers  and  daughters 
accompanied  the  sons  to 
the  classes.  The  leaders 
were  equal  to  the  oc- 
casion, however,  and 
now  the  program  finds 
mother  and  daughter 
classes  and  father  and 
son  classes  in  work- 
shop. So  great  is  the  in- 
terest in  these  programs 
that  it  has  been  neces- 
sary to  divide  the  classes 
into  two  periods — 6:30 
to  8 :oo  and  8 to  9 .-30. 

Community  Sings  and 
Other  Activities 

Another  new  phase 
of  the  program  is  the 
Flint  community  sing,  a 
weekly  event  held  each 
Monday  night.  Starting 


A young  participant  in  the  recreation 
program  so  successfully  conducted  last 
summer  in  Flint,  Michigan,  and  which  re- 
sulted in  a material  reduction  in  juvenile 
delinquency  and  automobile  accidents. 
The  program  is  being  continued  this  win- 
ter, and  one  of  its  most  important  fea- 
tures is  the  use  of  school  buildings. 


with  about  a hundred  in  the  first  night  audience, 
the  sing  has  developed  into  such  community  favor 
that  full  houses  greeted  the  directors  in  the  third 
week  of  the  project.  In  fact,  so  popular  has  the 
community  sing  become  that  smaller  sings  have 
taken  root  in  several  community  areas. 

Developed  on  the  basis  that  the  programs  should 
be  adapted  to  the  particular  community  instead  of 
trying  to  adapt  the  community  to  the  program,  the 
list  of  activities  this  winter  covers  a wide  range. 
In  addition  to  the  extensive  workshop  programs, 
activities  added  to  the  project  this  winter  include 
the  community  sing,  fly  rod  and  bait  casting,  pot- 
tery, commercial  and  parliamentary  law,  social 
dancing,  woodcraft,  home  nursing,  English  for 
foreign  people,  common  sense 
cooking,  Americanization  for 
foreign  born,  art  instruction 
for  elementary  grades,  band 
and  orchestra  instruction, 
choral  work  for  all  ages, 
common  branches  of  school 
work,  first  aid  classes 


Courtesy  Flint  Journal 


and  many  others,  all  in 
answer  to  requests  of 
those  taking  part. 

Membership  cards 
bearing  the  slogan  “Rec- 
reation for  Everybody” 
are  issued  to  everyone 
taking  part.  Member- 
ship showed  a hundred 
per  cent  increase  over 
the  1935  program  with- 
in a few  weeks  after 
the  1936  project  got 
under  way.  With  inter- 
est increasing  each 
week,  the  project  will 
surpass  the  10,000  mark 
in  membership. 

The  whole  - hearted 
cooperation  of  the  school 
board  is  having  much 
to  do  with  the  success 
of  the  Flint  Plan  of 
(Continued  on  page  514) 


490 


Recreation  for  Colored 


There  are  evidences  that  progress 
is  being  made  in  meeting  one  of 
America’s  pressing  problems — bet- 
ter provision  for  the  recreation- 
al needs  of  our  colored  citizens. 


In  emphasizing  the  problems  of  the  new  fron- 
tiers to  be  faced  today,  Dr.  William  J.  Carring- 
ton in  the  Kiwanis  Magazine  suggests  that  we 
should  be  interested  in  “seeing  that  all  children  get 
their  fair  share  of  every  tax  dollar.”  While  they 
have  no  voice,  no  vote,  yet  “the  children  of  this 
generation  face  the  frontiers  of  a hostile  social  and 
economic  wilderness  where  lurk  more  stealthy 
danger  and  savage  crime  than  ever  tested  the  for- 
titude of  the  early  pioneers.  . . . Leisure  has  in- 
creased out  of  all  proportion  to  training  for  its 
wise  use.” 

In  confronting  the  needs  indicated  in  Dr.  Car- 
rington’s statement  there  can  be  no  doubt  but  that 
the  colored  children  are  more  voiceless  and  vote- 
less than  are  children  of  the  majority  group.  In 
fact,  if  welfare,  social  or  recreational  movements 
were  to  start  from  the  logical  point  of  need,  they 
could  well  begin  their  inaugural  efforts  in  neigh- 
borhoods where  reside  the  families  of  the  sun 
kissed ; they  invariably  represent  the  socially  and 
economically  marginal  group.  They  are  not  always 
the  children  of  careless  parents.  In  their  tender 
years  they  are  subjects  for  formative  activities 
rather  than  reform. 

A nationally  known  play  leader,  in  a recent  re- 
port, repeated  the  assertion  of  a student  or  states- 
man, probably  a philosopher,  who  reemphasized 
the  fact — “recreation  has  no  meaning  in  this  coun- 
try, unless  it  becomes  thoroughly  democratized.” 
I am  inclined  to  believe  the  acid  test  of  democracy 
in  public  recreation  is  still  and  primarily  the  pro- 
vision of  opportunities  for  participation  of  our 
colored  citizens.  However,  there  is  no  cause  for 
discouragement  when  we  realize  that  democracy 
is  slower  moving  than  other  forms  of  government. 


Citizens 
in  the 

New  Democracy 

By  E.  T.  Attwell 

Director,  Bureau  of  Colored  Work 
National  Recreation  Association 

Progress  Has  Been  Made 

In  visiting  the  communities  which  have  ap- 
proached this  recreation  frontier  in  tolerant  and 
considerate  spirit,  I find  not  so  much  a difference 
in  the  technical  direction  of  wholesome  recreation 
activities  for  colored  people,  as  compared  to  recrea- 
tion for  white  people,  but  merely,  and  importantly, 
a difference  in  the  problems  to  be  faced  in  promot- 
ing available  facilities  and  leadership.  That  these 
problems  have  been  recognized  and  in  many  ways 
adjusted  is  indicated  in  the  unusual  growth  of  the 
available  centers  and  playgrounds  for  colored 
groups  in  every  section  of  the  United  States.  The 
one  hundred  thirty-nine  communities  providing 
special  or  exclusive  facilities,  mainly  in  southern 
states,  plus  hundreds  of  other  cities  where  the  ad- 
justments are  less  difficult  but  where  cooperative 
or  bi-racial  uses  of  recreation  centers  make  play- 
grounds available,  are  real  testimony  of  a forward 
march  in  democratizing  America’s  recreation 
movement.  Nor  has  this  marching  been  all  rhythm 
or  sounding  of  feet  as  of  marking  time.  The  com- 
munities including  consideration  of  the  needs  of 
colored  people  have  increased  nearly  two  hundred 
per  cent  in  the  past  decade.  Last  year  (1935)  a 
check-up  of  recreation  buildings  discovered  eigh- 
teen additional  centers  particularly  set  apart  for 
use  of  colored  groups,  and  an  increase  of  forty- 
nine  play  areas. 

The  evolution  in  terminology  applying  to  play — 
recreation,  leisure  time  activities  and  other  terms 
— has  kept  pace  with  the  expansion  or  inclusion  of 
various  activities.  For  the  colored  programs,  how- 
ever, and  especially  where  facilities  to  house  rec- 
reation in  their  neighborhoods  exist,  the  service 
offered  has  involved  the  most  generous  interpre- 


491 


492 


RECREATION  FOR  COLORED  CITIZENS  IN  THE  NEW  DEMOCRACY 


tation  of  leisure  time  provision.  Domestic  science 
has  crept  in  under  “household  hobbies”  and  phy- 
sical and  health  recreation  absorbs  a medical  clinic. 
Reading  rooms  approaching  a branch  library  were 
often  the  initial  provision  in  a “colored”  com- 
munity center.  As  a matter  of  fact  such  buildings 
often  represent  the  only  available  headquarters  for 
all  the  recreational,  social  and  welfare  needs  of 
this  group.  Even  in  cities  where  specific  centers 
for  these  allied  services  may  function  they  are 
often  found  unattractive  or  inhospitable. 

But,  without  being  statistical,  there  are  at  least 
a hundred  communities  developed  in  the  past  dec- 
ade where  they  have  as  a part  of  their  recreation 
program  some  organized  recreation  unit  for  col- 
ored groups  which  did  not  exist  before.  Where 
the  National  Recreation  Association  field  workers 
have  been  able  to  stimulate  interest  and  interpret 
the  needs  greater  development  has  been  evidenced. 

Recreation  Buildings  Secured 

One  of  the  cities  which,  just  a few  years  ago, 
I often  used  as  a shining  ex- 
ample was  Dayton,  Ohio,  with 
“a  $5,000.00  budget  for  a col- 
ored center  increased  to 
$7,318.00.”  That  program  to- 
day includes  the  Linden  Center, 
costing  about  $90,000.00,  which 
represents  perhaps  the  best  in 
construction  and  utility  of  any 
recreation  building  in  its  class.  Its  featured  com- 
bination auditorium-gymnasium,  its  glazed  tile 
wainscoting  and  club  rooms  with  glass  partitions 
are  the  “last  word”  in  material  and  plan  for  such 
a moderate  cost  plant.  It  has  an  indoor  swimming 
pool  and  clinic  rooms. 

But  back  to  the  “few-years-ago”  budget  and  its 
source  of  support.  First,  one- has  to  be  told  that 
the  city  municipal  authorities  and  the  Community 
Chest  officials  in  Dayton  are  friendly  and  cooper- 
ating.  This  may  be  due  to  mutual  respect.  What- 
ever it  is,  it  works  wonders  for  a sanely  support- 
ed program.  For  example,  the  Linden  Center 
budget  now  totals  $24,450.00.  It  provides  for  rec- 
reation, social  and  a health  program  and  the  bud- 
get is  provided  jointly  by  the  municipal  depart- 
ments and  the  Community  Chest.  A department 
of  the  Linden  Center  which  could  be  styled  an 
extension  department  owns  and  operates  one  of 
the  best  groomed  nine-hole  golf  courses  in  the 
state.  Both  the  golf  course  and  the  center  build- 


ing, while  under  colored  supervisors  and  leader- 
ship, are  still  public  facilities. 

There  are  buildings  in  other  Negro  neighbor- 
hoods in  many  other  cities  costing  more  or  less 
than  Dayton’s  center,  notably  in  Detroit,  Michi- 
gan, where  a plant  known  as  the  Central  Com- 
munity Center  is  operating  — a building  worth 
nearer  a half  million  dollars.  I mention  the  Day- 
ton  Center,  however,  for  its  unusual  construction 
and  its  sane  and  yet  rare  combination  of  source  of 
support.  Even  its  building  fund  was  provided  by 
a city-wide  vote  of  all  citizens  and  out  of  tax 
funds  for  this  project  alone , 

Probably  the  most  interesting  and  unique  cen- 
ter building  acquired  through  the  service  of  the 
Bureau  of  Colored  Work  is  located  at  Steuben- 
ville, Ohio  — it  is  called  the  Central  Recreation 
Center.  Outdoor  swim  facilities,  a combination 
assembly  hall  and  gym,  and  three  small  club  rooms 
represent  a $50,000  value  to  the  colored  program 
which  was  provided  solely  by  the  municipality. 

Citizen  Support  Essential 

There  seems  much  confusion 
in  some  communities  as  to 
whether  tax  funds  should  be 
used  for  the  needs  of  other  than 
property  holders.  Their  insight 
into  economics  has  not  provoked 
their  thinking  to  the  point  where 
they  feel,  as  some  do,  that  any- 
one who  breathes  is  likely  to  pay  taxes  even  if  he 
never  owns  a downtown  skyscraper  or  business 
place. 

It  is  refreshing,  then,  to  see  that  communities 
increasingly  are  willing  to  share  public  facilities 
with  a minority  group.  It  is  also  interesting,  after 
fifteen  years  of  continuous  travel  in  all  geo- 
graphical sections,  north  and  south,  to  note  the 
acceptance  of  certain  fundamental  plans  for  local 
progress  in  developing  recreation  service  for  col- 
ored groups.  The  four  essentials  — leadership, 
program,  facilities  and  support  — are  as  justified 
as  a yard  stick  for  colored  work  as  for  white 
groups.  In  fact,  it  is  likely  that  more  care  is  nec- 
essary in  providing  these  elements  in  a colored 
program  than  would  be  true  of  other  groups.  But 
the  last  named  element,  support,  is  a fundamental. 
Not  financial  support  alone,  but  that  kind  of  sup- 
port developed  by  and  through  a citizenship  in- 
terest. I his  interest  is  found  possible  where  a 
recreation  department  or  agency  invites  the  or- 
ganization of  a colored  Recreation  Council.  This 


"There  is  something  in  our  Ameri- 
can Negro  that  is  so  playful,  so 
inherently  esthetic,  that  it  is  our 
great  loss  that  in  our  largest 
cities  the  Negro  populations  are 
always  left  to  the  last  in  public 
services."  — E.  C.  Lindeman. 


RECREATION  FOR  COLORED  CITIZENS  IN  THE  NEW  DEMOCRACY 


493 


group  should  emphasize  its  responsibility  not  in 
“solving  the  race  problem”  (whatever  that  may 
be)  but  in  aiding,  in  an  advisory  capacity,  the 
stimulation  of  participation  and  guidance  of  the 
community  recreation  program. 

The  development  of  an  outstanding  program 
particularly  designed  to  reach  the  Negro  is  typi- 
fied by  the  work  in  Cincinnati,  Ohio.  While  it 
represents  a favorable  field,  having  a City  Mana- 
ger government,  a forward-looking  recreation 
superintendent,  a liberal  or  fair-minded  Recrea- 
tion Commission,  all  recognize  the  contribution 
made  by  a Citizens  Recreation  Council  in  the  de- 
velopment of  a program  which  last  year  reached 
an  attendance  total  of  404,199  Negroes.  The  Di- 
vision operates  two,  year-round,  separate  centers 
located  on  spacious  play  fields,  a number  of  school 
and  neighborhood  center  programs  and  makes 
play  street  activities  appear  to  be  as  important  as 
vacant  lots  and  playgrounds.  To  top  off  this  set- 
up, the  Negro  supervisor  of  colored  work  of  Cin- 
cinnati forms  the  contact  point  for  the  city-citi- 
zenship cooperation.  So  many  calls  came  in  for  a 
copy  of  the  Citizen  Council  Constitution  and  By- 
Laws  in  use  that  it  was  necessary  to  mimeograph 
them  to  keep  up  with  the  demand. 

Cincinnati  also  includes  in  its  colored  work  an 
unusual  project  called  the  C.  & O.  playfield.  A 
center  building,  moved  and  reconstructed,  has 
been  placed  on  this  field,  a large  area  in  the  “West 
End.”  Activities  are  directed  at  meeting  neigh- 
borhood conditions.  But  the  story  of  the  field  and 
building  and  their  operation  is  too  exciting  to  try 
to  tell,  except  as  a special  recital,  in  some  later 
issue. 

Detroit  also  de- 
veloped its  great 
recreation  center 
on  the  basis  of  its 
citizenship  inter- 
est. It  has  the 
most  elaborate 
Recreation  Coun- 
cil with  standing 
committees  in- 
cluded for  the 
promotion  of 
standard  and  spe- 
cial recreation  ac- 
tivities. 

This  organizing 
phase  of  the  col- 
ored recreation 


program  is  quite  in  line  with  the  philosophy  that 
“community  recreation  is  more  largely  the  or- 
ganization of  people  rather  than  the  offering  of  a 
group  of  activities.” 

One  of  the  special  features  in  many  cities  is  the 
development  in  the  Recreation  Council  of  an  ad- 
visory committee  or  board.  This  gives  oppor- 
tunity for  inter-racial  cooperation.  The  term  ad- 
visory has  grown  to  mean,  for  these  councils,  a 
bi-racial  group  of  lay  leaders  in  the  community. 

Activities 

Several  people  ask : What  special  recreation  ac- 
tivities can  fit  the  colored  group  ? I have  seen  no 
limitations.  Even  public  golf  courses  are  faced 
with  the  profound  problem  of  having  Negro  ap- 
plicants for  service  and  use  of  facilities.  Golf  is 
becoming  as  common  as  football  among  colored 
groups. 

Members  of  this  group  are  easily  participants 
in  all  phases  of  the  present  recreation  program, 
not  only  the  physical  but  the  cultural  or  artistic. 
They  are  said,  by  a lecturer  in  one  of  the  leading 
Eastern  universities  lately,  to  have  contributed 
some  typically  American  influence  to  what  we 
have  in  drama,  music  and  art,  except  for  “sky- 
scrapers.” 

Yet  without  opportunity  to  develop  these  tal- 
ents the  energy  or  skill  seems  to  reach  less  valu- 
able levels.  The  program  in  Jacksonville,  Florida, 
has  flourished  for  several  years,  but  they  still  have 

Steubenville  takes  pride  in  the  recreation  center 
provided  for  colored  citizens  from  municipal  funds 


494 


RECREATION  FOR  COLORED  CITIZENS  IN  THE  NEW  DEMOCRACY 


a leader  for  the  development  of  their  rhythm  band 
— a group  which  makes  its  own  instruments.  A 
group  there  also  receives  instruction  in  the  tech- 
nique of  the  Virginia  reel,  and  enjoys  it!  Neither 
the  rules  for  harmonious  choral  music  nor  routine 
of  the  dance  seem  “inherited,”  even  for  the  Negro. 
Native  skill  may  always  be  improved  by  direction. 

However,  music  particularly  harmonizes  with 
the  racial  inclinations  of  the  Negro.  He  is  ac- 
cepted as  the  most  emotional  of  all  the  human 
groups  on  earth.  Leopold  Stokowski,  in  compar- 
ing finer  and  greater  music  recently  said;  “It 
must  be  oflfered  humanely,  not  through  the  intel- 
lectual approach.  The  intellectual  approach  that  is 
for  mathematics,  for  chemistry — not  for  music. 
Music  is  emotional.”  No  wonder,  then,  that  as  a 
vehicle  for  recreation,  music  is  so  popular  with 
the  group.  The  Negro  chorals  in  many  sections  of 
America,  which  have  been  developed  or  aided  by 
our  Bureau  of  Colored  Work,  attest  to  the  in- 
terest, in  that  part  of  our  program.  In  the  activi- 
ties promoted  through  the  Community  Center  De- 
partment of  Washington,  D.  C.,  the  group  vocal 
and  instrumental  phases  are  particularly  successful. 

Federal  Emergency  programs  especially  of  the 
past  year  have  finally  reached  the  colored  program 
in  frequency  and  numbers.  Perhaps  the  largest 
number  of  job  relief  or  youth  aid  folks  are  in  the 
program  in  Baltimore.  Not  less  than  two  hundred 
men  and  women  are  assigned  to  the  Negro  recrea- 
tion projects  there.  Of  course  Baltimore’s  colored 
group  outnumber  all  other  cities  in  the  United 
States,  where  separate  provision  in  public  educa- 
tion and  other  agencies  obtains.  The  Division  of 
Recreation  and  the  Playground  Athletic  League, 
two  separate  agencies,  both  have  activities  invit- 
ing the  Negro,  the  former  exclusively,  the  latter 
as  a part  of  their  general  program.  School  build- 
ings furnish  the  indoor  facilities.  An  annual  fes- 
tival and  other  “celebrations”  at  Druid  Hill  Park 
on  an  area  or  section  available  to  colored  groups 
makes  possible  many  exhibitions  of  interest,  talent 
and  pageantry.  The  “June  Festival”  of  the  past 
summer  was  considered  as  colorful  and  artistic  as 
any  pageant  produced  under  the  direction  of  col- 
ored specialists  in  the  Division  of  Recreation 
there. 

Much  of  the  delinquency  and  crime  and  other 
indications  of  anti-social  reactions  charged  to  the 
Negro  might  be  minimized  if  more  opportunity 
for  group  recreation  activities  with  leadership 
were  provided  and  in  more  places.  Rural,  better 
housing,  and  industrial  projects,  will  fall  far  short 


of  their  possible  beneficial  results  until,  or  unless, 
the  recreation  factor  is  given  its  place  in  the  gen- 
eral scheme.  For  so  many  years  the  play  urge 
among  Negroes  has  been  without  encouragement, 
due  to  conditions  that  enforced  plowing  rather 
than  invited  playing!  In  spite  of  these  conditions 
the  Negro  made  song  out  of  arduous  toil  and 
captured  the  music  of  the  spiritual  in  an  atmos- 
phere of  gloom  with  a cloudy  sky  lined,  to  his 
sight,  without  silver ; yet  out  of  it  all  he  was  in- 
spired to  see  the  “chariot  of  hope”  swinging  low ! 
So  I would  say  the  music  program  is  important  to 
a well-rounded  program  for  him.  He  still  possesses 
the  spirit  of  play  in  his  work.  Mark  Twain,  if 
alive,  could  find  new  material  for  work  incentives 
in  “clean  up  weeks”  or  in  witnessing  the  young 
folks  marching  with  the  tools  of  cleaning  in  their 
playful  attitudes. 

Among  groups  drama  has  a strong  appeal.  The 
idea  of  being  somebody  else  than  just  plain  folk 
occasionally  beckons  many  in  pageantry  and 
drama.  The  handcraft  recreation  has  attracted  the 
young  people  in  the  program  at  Fort  Worth, 
Texas.  Even  with  limited  leadership  and  facili- 
ties the  various  activities  in  the  program  each  has 
its  followers.  Springfield,  Illinois,  also  produces 
fine  exhibits  in  handcraft. 

Whatever  disinclination  toward  providing  phy- 
sical activities  may  have  gained  sway,  the  showing 
recently  of  record  breaking  Negro  youths  indi- 
cates some  possibilities  in  creditable  performance 
in  sports  and  games. 

The  social  recreation  project  is  of  slower  ac- 
ceptance. Leaders  and  community  groups  are  still 
pioneering  in  neighborhood  good  times.  The 
“swing”  orchestra,  the  commercial  dance  hall,  and 
now  the  new  menace  to  America’s  social  welfare, 
the  “Tavern,”  is  taking  its  toll  of  Negro  youths 
as  it  is  of  white  youth.  In  most  communities,  for 
the  Negro  young  men  and  women  its  heavy  toll 
is  almost  inescapable,  due  to  meagre  and  often 
total  lack  of  wholesome  competing  activity.  More 
day  camps  and  outings  organized  around  centers 
may  help  inaugurate  possible  social  recreation 
events  until  they  are  in  regular  demand. 

Assistance  Is  Available 

Many  communities  have  not  yet  learned  of  the 
help  in  developing  a program  available  to  colored 
groups  and  are  unacquainted  with  the  work  of 
the  Bureau  of  Colored  Work  of  the  National  Rec- 
reation Association  and  with  the  various  plans  and 
(Continued  on  page  515) 


"Curtain  at  8 P.  M.” 


“^Nvekture  ! Overture!” 

V J There’s  excitement  in 
the  air.  It’s  a first  night 
and  everyone  feels  the  thrill  of 
the  occasion.  This  is  the  big 
test  for  the  “WPA  Park 
Board  Outdoor  Theater”  in 
the  city  of  Minneapolis. 

It’s  a beautiful  night.  The  waters  of  Lake  Har- 
riet reflect  the  glory  of  the  night  and  create  a 
magnificent  background  for  the  brilliant  lights  on 
shore.  The  gleaming  white  bandstand  has  been 
transformed  into  a stage,  and  with  its  orchesra  pit 
a bower  of  flowers,  and  its  black  velvet  curtain 
topped  with  artificial  silver  clouds  that  form  the 
proscenium  arch,  it  stands  out  in  the  night  in  the 
brilliant  glow  of  the  spotlights  as  a thing  of  beauty 
and  enchantment. 

Four  thousand  people  “out  in  front”  have  felt 
the  happy  excitement  of  opening  night.  As 
the  overture  ceases,  there  is  a surge  of  conversa- 
tion that  rises  to  a peak  and  drops  to  a hush  as 
the  curtains  part  and  a romantic  figure  in  yellow 
satin  blouse,  gay  sash  and  white  trousers  steps 
onto  the  front  stage  into  the  glow  of  a spotlight. 
He  is  playing  an  accordion.  The  lights  flash  on 
the  brilliantly  studded  instrument  as  the  strains 
of  a sprightly  yet  somehow 


By  Alice  Dietz 

Assistant  Director  of  Recreation 
Minneapolis  Park  Board 
and 

J.  Kendall  Van  Booskirk 

WPA  Supervisor  of  Dramatics 
Minneapolis 


out  over  the  audience,  through 
five  huge  amplifying  horns 
with  a power  and  clarity  that 
sends  little  electric  impulses  up 
and  down  the  spines  of  the 
spectators ! As  the  musician 
reaches  the  climax  of  the  num- 
ber, a figure  steps  through  the 
curtains  singing  the  words  of  a quaint  “Swiss 
Walking  Song”  and  the  audience  begins  to  sway 
to  the  surge  of  its  happy  rhythm  and  to  hum  the 
tune. 

Let’s  Sing! 

“Let’s  sing!”  The  cry  goes  out  over  the  audi- 
ence, and  as  the  beautiful  melody  of  “Swanee 
River”  touches  their  hearts,  the  audience  pours 
forth  its  soul  in  the  mass  rendition  of  a glorious 
song.  Oblivious  to  the  care,  and  forgetful  of  the 
trials  of  a hard-fought  day,  the  audience  loses 
itself  in  the  comforting  folds  of  song. 

Then  there  is  a new  song.  It’s  about  Cape  Cod 
fisher-folk,  and  as  we  learn  the  simple  words  we 
feel  the  roll  of  the  deck  under  our  feet.  We’re  sing- 
ing it  now.  We  must  have  known  it  for  years.  The 
children  want  “Shortnin’  Bread”  so  we  give  them 
their  fill  of  it  and  swing  away  on  “A  Bicycle  Built 
for  Two.”  But  surely  our  half 


haunting  melody  are  projected 


A WPA  troupe  of  players  rehearses 
for  a performance  at  Camden  Park 


hour  of  singing  isn’t  over ! Ah, 


495 


496 


" CURTAIN  AT  8 P.  M" 


yes,  it  is!  You  see  we  sang  several  old  songs  and 
a few  modern  ballads  that  we  forgot  to  mention. 

The  Show  Is  On 

And  now  “the  show’s  the  thing.”  The  master 
of  ceremonies  tells  us  that  it  will  be  a three  act 
comedy.  He  says  that  we  are  to  laugh  and  have 
a good  time;  that  we  probably  won’t  learn  any- 
thing; that  the  play  has  no  particular  moral,  that 
it’s  just  a clean,  funny  show,  and  that  if  we  laugh, 
he  will  be  happy.  Well,  we’re  willing  enough  to 
laugh ! 

There  is  a hushed  second,  then  the  lights  come 
up  and  the  curtain  slowly  opens  to  reveal  a beau- 
tiful stage.  The  set  is  gleaming  silver.  There  are 
black  and  crimson  drapes  of  velvet  and  tasteful 
furniture.  The  actor  is  speaking.  We  can  hear 
him  as  clearly  as  though  we  were  in  the  same 
room  with  him.  The  show  is  “ON.” 

And  it  is  literally  true  that  the  “the  show  is  on” 
in  Minneapolis.  The  picture  we  have  given  you  is 
only  an  example  of  the  thing  that  took  place  all 
over  the  city  last  summer.  It  was  not  always  as 
ideal  as  the  happy  two  weeks  at  Lake  Harriet; 
many  parks  were  not  so  perfect  in  natural  ar- 
rangement. But  in  every  park,  from  the  largest 
to  the  smallest,  the  spirit  reflected  in  the  scene  at 
Lake  Harriet  was  present. 

How  It  All  Began 

In  order  that  we  may  have  a more  complete  un- 
derstanding of  what  this  is  all  about,  let  us  go 
back  to  the  very  beginning  of  the  whole  project. 

About  the  fifteenth  of  January  1936,  the  Fed- 
eral Government  made  possible,  through  the  WPA 
agency,  the  hiring  of  a group  of  twelve  profes- 
sional actors  and  a director.  Those  in  charge  of 
the  recreational  program  of  the  Minneapolis  Park 
Board  and  its  WPA  recreational  affiliant  saw  an 
opportunity  to  incorporate  into  their  program  a 
dramatic  feature  that  was  new  and  exciting  in  its 
potentialities.  A dramatic  department  was  im- 
mediately set  up  and  the  actors  went  into  re- 
hearsal on  a three-act  comedy. 

On  the  night  of  January  31st,  the  dramatic 
group  produced  its  first  play  at 
the  Masonic  Home  for  Aged  to 
an  audience  of  250  delighted  old 
people.  There  followed  a produc- 
tion period  of  one  month  during 
which  the  group  played  entirely 
for  the  benefit  of  charitable  in- 
stitutions to  an  aggregate  audi-"“ 


ence  of  over  4,300  people  in  eighteen  different 
agencies. 

With  the  coming  of  March,  the  group  inaugu- 
rated a new  production  policy.  The  Park  Board 
made  possible  the  use  of  park  buildings  and  the 
troupe  covered  the  city  where  the  buildings  were 
adequate  in  a series  of  “one  night  stands.”  During 
this  period  severe  weather  conditions  somewhat 
held  in  check  the  audience  contacts,  but  the  group 
played  to  4,100  people  in  the  month  of  March  and 
opened  the  eyes  of  all  concerned  to  the  splendid 
possibilities  of  the  program. 

The  Park  Board,  fully  cognizant  of  the  fact  that 
drama  was  the  coming  thing  in  the  parks,  made 
possible  the  construction  of  many  new  features  of 
production  equipment.  We  find  the  group  the 
proud  possessors  of  a splendid  new  set  of  port- 
able footlights  that  were  made  in  sections  to  fa- 
cilitate moving  them.  Floodlights  were  built  that 
vied  with  commercial  equipment  in  efficiency  and 
design.  A set  of  attractive  screens  was  construct- 
ed. These  screens  were  six  and  one-half  feet  in 
height  and  three  feet  wide,  and  were  made  in 
pairs  hinged  together  with  a special  double  hinge 
that  allowed  them  to  swing  in  either  direction, 
thus  making  possible  the  formation  of  almost  any 
shape  set  desired.  They  were  made  of  a good 
grade  of  burlap  set  in  a sturdy  but  light  frame.  A 
portable  switchbox  and  sufficient  cable  were  fur- 
nished. A sound-effect  board  was  constructed 
which  included  auto  horns,  buzzer  and  telephone 
bells. 

The  group  had  been  rehearsing  a new  play,  and 
with  the  new  equipment  ready  they  undertook  a 
new  production  plan  which  involved  playing  in 
the  park  buildings  again.  But  this  time  they  stayed 
for  two  days  and  put  on  a matinee  and  evening 
performance  each  day.  With  better  production 
facilities  and  a general  improvement  in  weather 
conditions,  we  find  the  theater  program  taking  a 
bold  step  forward  in  the  month  of  April.  Attend- 
ance figures  were  doubled  as  the  group  played  to 
8,900  people  during  the  period. 

May  continued  the  steady  progress  of  the  pre- 
ceding month,  and  the  attendance  grew  to  11,358. 

With  the  end  of  the  month  of 
May,  however,  a new  problem 
faced  the  group.  The  weather 
was  too  warm  for  comfort  in- 
doors. People’s  interest  lay  in  the 
out-of-doors ; it  was  decided  that 
the  indoor  dramatic  season  should 
be  brought  to  a close. 

( Continued  on  page  515) 


Among  the  plays  thus  far  given 
have  been  the  following:  "The 
Match  Maker,"  "The  Singapore 
Spider,"  "The  Bath  Room  Door," 
"Tons  of  Trouble,"  "Rats,"  and 
"Dixon  Family."  There  have 
- also  been  amateur  auditions. 


Sixteen  Million  Books 


Necessary  as  it  is 
to  classi  f y and 
tabulate,  there  are 
things  which  escape  sta- 
tistics and  yet  may  be  a 
truer  gauge  of  the  Li- 
brary’s place  in  com- 
munity life.  What  sym- 
bol can  describe  an  old 

man  holding  his  grandchild  on  his  knee  while  to- 
‘gether  they  spell  out  an  Andersen  tale?  In  what 
table  does  the  man  belong  who  writes,  “I  have 
been  bedridden  and  in  pain  for  the  past  year ; 
without  library  books  life  would  have  been  un- 
bearable ?” 

It  is  possible  to  determine  the  percentage  of  fic- 
tion and  non-fiction  called  for,  and  to  divide  the 
latter  into  precise  groups ; but  no  reader  thinks  of 
himself  as  a fraction  of  a statistic.  He  is  as  in- 
dividual as  the  young  man  who,  though  the  house 
in  which  he  lived  and  all  his  possessions  were  de- 
stroyed by  fire,  brought  back  the  charred  remains 
of  a Library  book  and  asked  what  the  fine 
would  be. 

Children  and  the  Library 
Group  them  as  it  may  and  must,  the  Library 
deals  with  individuals,  and  it  begins  with  them  at 
the  age  when  words  and  print  first  come  together. 
Once  the  introduction  is  made,  boys  and  girls 
come  to  the  Library  because  they  find  it  fun  to  be 
there.  They  bring  their  stamp  and  coin  collec- 
tions, their  marionettes  and  hand  puppets,  their 
model  airplanes  and  boats,  their  woodcarving  and 
clay  modelling,  for  exhibition  in  the  children’s 
rooms  of  the  branch  libraries. 

They  are  keen  critics  of  the 
books  about  their  hobbies,  and 
have  lively  and  stimulating  dis- 
cussions about  them. 

If  only  they  could  get  the 
books  they  want ! Interest  in 
reading  for  its  own  sake  has 
been  keener  than  ever  before, 
but  the  book  stock  for  circula- 
tion use  in  the  children’s  rooms 
is  close  to  the  vanishing  point. 


“Year  by  year  this  work  goes  on.  No 
bands  play.  No  football  team  cru- 
sades for  the  glory  of  higher  educa- 
tion. But  quietly  the  influence  of 
the  Library  extends  through  the  City 
and  from  the  City  through  the  world.” 


The  number  of  volumes 
recorded,  323,700,  gives 
no  idea  of  existing  con- 
ditions. Two-thirds  of 
that  number  are  so  worn 
and  filthy  that  they  de- 
stroy respect  for  all 
books  and  become  a 
menace  to  their  proper 


care. 


In  a report  which  bears  the  title — 
"Sixteen  Million  Books,"  the  New 
York  Public  Library  tells  of  its 
services  during  1935.  It  is  the  story 
of  work  done  under  the  almost 
overwhelming  difficulties  which 
libraries  have  suffered  during  the 
depression.  Recreation  workers 
will  be  particularly  interested  in 
the  extracts  from  th  report  pre- 
sented here,  though  the  entire 
report  may  well  be  read. 


Standard  titles,  old  favorites,  formerly  dupli- 
cated in  large  numbers,  have  disappeared  from 
circulation  shelves.  Thousands  of  children  miss 
the  books  they  should  read  while  the  spontaneous 
desire  to  read  them  is  strong.  Many  of  these  chil- 
dren have  never  known  their  library  in  a normal 
state  when  it  was  possible  to  find  an  “easy  book,” 
a fairy  tale,  a sports  book,  a book  of  popular 
science  or  an  adventure  story  on  the  shelves. 

It  is  impossible  to  supply  the  books  needed  to 
sustain  the  natural  interests  aroused  by  the  mo- 
tion picture,  the  radio,  the  playground,  and  the 
school.  Although  3,404,646,  the  total  number  of 
books  circulated  from  the  children’s  rooms  of 
branch  libraries  and  Extension  Division,  is  still  a 
respectable  figure,  it  is  a loss  of  over  one  hundred 
and  fifty  thousand  from  1934. 

Boys  and  girls  have  reason  to  claim  as  their 
own  “Reading  for  Pleasure,”  a selected  list  of  old 
and  new  titles,  classified  by  subject  rather  than  by 
age  or  school  grade,  briefly  annotated  and  well  il- 
lustrated, prepared  by  the  Library  and  widely  dis- 
tributed. They  check  the  titles  they  have  read  or 
want  to  read,  and  read  the  notes  with  a relish  that 
is  reassuring  to  those  who  have  watched  with 
growing  concern  the  effect  of 
reading  for  credit. 

The  list  has  taken  the  idea  of 
reading  for  sheer  pleasure  to 
hundreds  of  children  who  are 
deprived  by  physical  disability 
or  distance,  of  personal  visits 
to  the  Library.  Two  copies 
travel  back  and  forth  every 
week  to  the  Fordham  Branch 
on  a laundry  wagon  driven  by  a 
man  who,  as  a boy,  was  a reader 


497 


498 


SIXTEEN  MILLION  BOOKS 


at  the  Rivington  Street  Branch. 

He  will  not  allow  his  children  to 
miss  the  pleasure  he  had  in 
reading  because  of  the  distance 
of  their  home  from  a library. 

A house-ridden  boy  on  the 
lower  East  Side  has  never  seen 
the  Library.  His  mother  carries 
his  copy  of  the  list  back  and 
forth  to  the  Hamilton  Fish 
Park  Branch  with  the  boy’s 
choices  checked.  “Adventure,” 
and  “The  Sea,”  are  the  subjects 
he  likes  best,  but  the  notes  give 
him  clues  to  'many  other  in- 
terests. 

Books  are  not  the  only  things 
that  bring  children  to  the  Li- 
brary. Exhibitions,  story  hours, 
club  meetings,  marionette  shows 
and  a host  of  other  activities,  in 
most  of  which  the  children 
themselves  have  part,  keep  them 
coming  and  serve  to  stimulate  a 
great  variety  of  reading  interests. 

Often,  too,  the  Library  goes 
to  the  children.  Especially  is 
this  true  of  the  storytellers,  who 
go  to  schools,  social  settlements,  playgrounds,  and 
other  institutions,  in  addition  to  conducting  the 
regular  story  hours  in  the  branch  libraries.  A 
typical  scene  from  work  outside  the  Library  was 
that  at  the  Roosevelt  Playground  where  groups  of 
fifty  or  more  children  in  bathing  suits,  dripping 
from  the  swimming  pool,  gathered  to  listen  to 
fairy  tales. 

Adult  Education 

The  Library  plays  an  important  part,  and  is 
aware  of  a greater  oppor- 
tunity, in  the  fielcf  of  adult 
education.  Almost  every 
branch  cooperated  with  the 
Adult  Education  Projects 
of  the  Board  of  Education, 
and  classes  met  regularly  in 
auditoriums,  children’s 
rooms,  club  rooms  and  work 
rooms,  almost  every  day  in 
the  week,  in  art,  music, 

English,  foreign  languages, 
drama,  playwriting,  parent 
education,  lip  reading  for 
the  deaf,  stenography,  filing, 


Courtesy  The  Library  Journal 


"You  see,  books  contain  the  thoughts  and 
dreams  of  men,  their  hopes  and  strivings, 
and  all  their  immortal  parts.  It’s  in  books 
that  most  of  us  learn  how  splendidly  worth 
while  life  is.  . . . Books  are  the  immortality 
of  the  race,  the  father  of  most  that  is 
worth  while  cherishing  in  our  hearts.  All 
that  mankind  has  done,  thought,  gained  or 
been,  it  is  lying  as  in  magic  preservation 
in  the  pages  of  books.  They  are  the  chosen 
possession  of  men.  Books  are  the  food  of 
youth,  the  delight  of  old  age;  the  ornaments 
of  prosperity;  the  refuge  and  comfort  of 
adversity;  a delight  at  home  and  no  hin- 
drance abroad;  companions  at  night,  in 
traveling,  in  the  country." 


The  revolving  bookcase  on 
"Reading  for  Recreation" 
which  the  Santa  Barbara, 
California,  Public  Library  en- 
tered in  a recent  sports 
parade  at  a Chamber  of 
Commerce  luncheon. 


citizenship.  Plays  were  produced 
in  the  Little  Theaters  in  the 
branches.  Drama  groups,  pup- 
pet shows,  concerts,  discussion 
groups,  have  prospered.  In  two 
branches,  Riverside  and  York- 
ville,  experiments  were  con- 
ducted in  reading  aloud  for 
adults.  These  will  bear  watch- 
ing. Why,  the  Library  asks, 
should  not  the  theory  behind 
story-telling  for  children  be  ap- 
plicable to  adults  ? 


Readers 

These  activities,  and  the  many 
exhibitions  held  during  the 
year,  were,  of  course,  part  of 
the  Library’s  effort  to  stimulate  and  maintain  in- 
terest in  books  and  reading.  Not  all  of  the  effort 
is  made  in  the  educational  field  or  to  increase  the 
circulation  of  books  of  non-fiction.  To  the  man 
or  woman  who  works  hard,  either  at  a job  held 
or  for  a job  wanted,  recreation  and  release  may  be 
more  necessary  than  serious  reading.  The  Library 
has  welcomed,  and  sought  to  further,  the  book- 
interest  aroused  by  the  theater  and  the  motion 
picture.  It  has  found  that  not  only  the  published 
play,  or  the  book  from 
which  a movie  has  been 
made,  are  in  demand,  but 
that  the  circulation  of  books 
related  either  by  subject  or 
author  can  be  noticeably 
increased. 


Picture  Collection 

The  steady  growth  in  the 
use  of  the  Picture  Collec- 
tion continued.  726,028  pic- 
tures, 35,061  more  than  in 
I934»  were  borrowed  for 
( Continued  on  page  516) 


A Plea  for  the  Speech 


If  it  gives  joy  to  an  individual  to 
put  colors  together  and  reproduce 
a sunset,  or  sounds  to  make  a song, 
why  is  it  not  equally  pleasurable 
to  portray  thoughts  and  emo- 
tions skillfully  by  use  of  words? 


To  those  accustomed  to  think  of  recreation 
solely  in  terms  of  physical  activities  such  as 
swimming,  hiking,  baseball,  and  golf,  the  idea 
of  including  the  speech  arts  in  such  a program 
will  seem  strange  indeed.  No  intelligent  person 
questions  the  re-creative  value  of  sports,  but  the 
human  animal  is  more  than  a physical  machine. 
His  recreational  needs  are  many  and  varied. 

Recreation  may  be  defined  as  “The  group  of 
activities  and  interests  which  relaxes  strained 
nerves,  rids  the  individual  of  worry,  for  the  time, 
rebuilds  the  physical,  mental  and  spiritual  fibers; 
and  enables  him  to  meet  life  joyously  and  success- 
fully.” We  might  further  define  recreation  as  “A 
multiple  process  by  which  the  handicaps  of  the 
individual  are  reduced  to  the  minimum,  and  his 
assets  are  increased  and  rearranged  for  effective 
use.”  Certainly,  skill  in  some  of  the  speech  arts  is 
an  asset  which  brings  both  joy  and  usefulness  to 
the  one  possessing  it. 

We  recognize  that  the  individual  born  without 
power  of  speech  is  severely  handicapped.  We  do 
not  so  readily  recognize  that  a man  with  normal 
speech  organs  who  does  not  know  how  to  use 
them  in  expressing  his  best  thoughts  and  emotions 
is  also  handicapped.  How  can  such  a person  get 
more  pleasure  and  profit  from  avocational  activi- 
ties than  acquiring  skill  in  self  expression? 

For  convenience  let  us  divide  the  speech  arts 
into  three  divisions : Oral  speech,  dramatics  and 
written  speech.  This  division  is  open  to  criticism 
but  forms  a working  outline. 

In  suggesting  possible  topics  for  class  work  in 
a recreation  program  we  must  note  that  any 
■speech  study  can  be  made  vocational  and  labori- 
ous, or  avocational  and  pleasant,  depending  upon 


Arts 

in  the 

Recreation  Program 

By  George  Berreman 

Supervisor  of  Adult  Education 
Lane  County,  Oregon 

the  way  the  individuals  work.  There  is  a measure 
of  skill  and  expertness  possible  to  a person  who 
devotes  his  vocational  work  to  an  activity  that  is 
seldom  possible  to  an  amateur.  We  are  advocating 
the  use  of  the  speech  arts  as  an  avocation,  hence 
do  not  require  the  heavy  labor  nor  expect  the  per- 
fection of  skill  found  among  professionals. 

Oral  Speech 

Self  Expression.  One  of  the  most  popular  classes 
among  adults  is  that  of  self-expression.  The  per- 
sonnel of  this  group  is  made  up  largely  of  busy 
people  who  as  members  of  church,  lodge,  social 
group,  school  meeting,  find  difficulty  in  expressing 
their  opinions  effectively.  Such  persons  do  not 
want  to  make  an  exhaustive  study  of  public  speak- 
ing. They  want  to  join  a group  in  which  there  is 
opportunity  to  talk,  debate,  take  part  in  mock 
trial,  play  at  political  convention  or  legislature, 
and  thus  gain  confidence  in  speaking.  These  in- 
dividuals want  to  be  able  to  give  a short  after- 
dinner  speech,  or  take  an  active  part  in  a church 
group.  Many  individuals  very  rapidly  reach  these 
simple  goals.  Hardly  less  recreational  value  is 
found  in  the  social  intercourse,  friendly  rivalry, 
exchange  of  opinions  and  consciousness  of  free- 
dom in  speaking.  No  cut  and  dried  program  is 
needed  for  this  group.  Readings,  skits,  short 
plays,  debates,  discussion  of  important  questions 
and  display  of  spontaneous  humor  will  be  easily 
forthcoming  once  the  ice  is  broken.  A light  lunch 
served  pot  luck  style  at  the  close  of  the  class  hour 
will  do  much  to  enhance  the  social  value  of  the 
class  and  put  the  members  at  ease. 

Speech  Defects.  The  effort  to  cure  speech  de- 
fects, such  as  stammering,  deafness,  lisping  and 


499 


500 


A PLEA  FOR  THE  SPEECH  ARTS  IN  THE  RECREATION  PROGRAM  . 


other  serious  speech  weaknesses  is  more  difficult. 
Possibly  such  an  effort  belongs  in  the  field  of  edu- 
cation proper  rather  than  in  recreation.  However, 
the  need  is  so  pathetic  in  some  cases  that  it  hardly 
seems  worth  while  to  quibble  over  titles  when  we 
ought  to  do  something  for  the  man.  Such  persons 
must  be  grouped  according  to  affliction  and  dealt 
with  very  tactfully.  They  are  extremely  sensitive. 
Sometimes  such  affliction  is  beyond  the  power  of 
any  but  the  most  skilled  specialist  to  help,  but 
there  are  many  cases  in  which  a little  help  may  do 
much  to  relieve  the  situation.  No  attempt  along 
this  line  should  be  made  without  careful  investi- 
gation of  the  need  and  the  skill  available  to  sup- 
ply that  need. 

The  Art  of  Interesting  Conversation.  Few  among 
us  are  interesting  conversationalists.  One  talks 
about  himself  when  we  want  it  quiet  so  we  can  talk 
about  ourselves.  Another  is  silent  and  -responds 
in  monosyllables  to  our  best  efforts  to  draw  him 
out;  still  another  harps  on  one  idea  until  we  are 
almost  distracted.  Few  can  find  a conversational 
meeting  place  with  a casual  acquaintance.  Yet 
there  are  a few  simple  rules  which  if  known  and 
applied  will  transform  many  a bore  into  a pleas- 
ant companion.  These  simple  principles  can  be 
learned  and  practiced  during  the  class  period. 
During  the  week  each  member  can  observe  and 
listen  in  on  conversations  which  he  can  report  to 
class.  This  combines  theory  and  practice  in  a very 
splendid  way. 

Debate.  A man  said  to  those  around  him,  “The 
preachers  are  all  hypocrites.  They  are  after  the 
money  and  easy  life.”  A companion  asked,  “How 
many  ministers  do  you  know  personally?”  The 
man  replied,  “I  know  one  and  he  is  a rascal.” 
“But  my  dear  man,”  answered  his  companion, 
“there  are  one  hundred  thousand  ministers  in  the 
United  States.  Assuming  that  the  one  is  a rascal, 
do  you  think  that  convicts  the  entire  hundred 
thousand  ?” 

This  man  was  giving  a concrete  example  of  the 
shallow,  superficial  way  in  which  thousands  of 
people  reach  their  conclusions  on  political,  eco- 
nomic and  religious  questions.  The  study  and 
practice  of  debate  gives  even  the  amateur  some 
definite  methods  and  principles  by  use  of  which 
to  evaluate  the  true  and  false  in  the  propaganda 
around  him.  There  is  nothing  the  American  peo- 
ple need  more  as  citizens  than  ability  to  analyze 
and  evaluate  the  flowing  rivers  of  material  which 
pour  out  from  the  press,  the  platform  and  the 
radio.  The  uninitiated  can  hardly  realize  the  plea- 


sure derived  from  ability  to  select  the  facts  from 
the  assertions  and  know  why  one  is  reliable  and 
the  other  is  not. 

Story-Telling.  A story-telling  club  provides  an 
interesting  and  profitable  recreation.  Stories  can 
be  secured  from  experience,  from  literature  and 
from  life.  It  is  necessary  that  stories  for  use  in 
this  club  be  worth  while.  Just  “swapping  yarns,” 
will  not  meet  the  purpose  of  this  study.  The 
stories  may  vary  from  light  adventure  to  religion, 
but  anything  cheap  or  vulgar  must  be  banned.  In- 
dividuals should  be  encouraged  to  bring  original 
stories  to  the  club. 

The  Open  Forum.  The  open  forum  is  gaining  a 
place  in  America  both  as  recreation  and  as  an  edu- 
cational activity.  While  great  skill  may  be  needed 
to  lead  a forum  with  hundreds  in  attendance,  one 
with  moderate  ability  can  conduct  a forum  dis- 
cussion with  a small  group.  Since  individual  self- 
expression  is  the  chief  goal,  the  small  group  gives 
better  opportunity  for  expression  of  individual 
opinion  than  a larger  group.  Subjects  of  interest 
are  numerous.  One  may  choose  a local  question 
such  as,  “Should  the  City  of  Carlton  Build  a Swim- 
ming Pool?”  Subjects  of  general  interest  are, 
“The  Economic  Situation,”  “Compulsory  Mili- 
tary Training,”  or  “The  Liquor  Problem.”  The 
meeting  may  be  opened  by  a short  speech  by  some 
one  well  informed  on  the  subject,  or  by  either  a 
symposium  or  panel  discussion.  Either  of  these 
should  stir  up  interest  and  insure  a lively  discus- 
sion by  the  members  of  the  audience.  The  purpose 
of  an  open  forum  is  not  so  much  to  settle  a ques- 
tion, as  to  induce  study  and  exchange  of  opinions. 

Speech  Organization.  But  few  among  us  are 
able  to  organize  our  thoughts  in  such  a way  as  to 
convey  them  clearly  to  our  fellow  men.  A study 
of  English  Fundamentals  including  paragraphing, 
spelling,  organization  for  emphasis  and  accurate 
selection  of  words  is  sure  to  interest  a group  of 
people  in  any  community.  Most  individuals  at- 
tempt to  write  for  publication  at  some  time  in  life. 
The  fact  that  most  of  us  do  not  succeed  in  crash- 
ing the  editorial  gate  does  not  alter  the  fact  that 
we  are  interested  in  writing  and  speech  organiza- 
tion. Writing  for  some  may  be  a poem  to  a lover, 
a story  for  the  magazine,  or  an  article  for  the 
daily  paper.  With  such  motivation  the  study  is  a 
pleasure  if  the  student  can  feel  that  he  is  making 
progress. 

America  Speaks.  America  speaks  daily  through 
the  comics,  the  movie,  through  advertising  and 
through  the  radio  story  hour.  What  language  is 


A PLEA  FOR  THE  SPEECH  ARTS  IN  THE  RECREATION  PROGRAM 


501 


spoken  through  these  mediums  ? Why  do  we 
laugh  and  cry  with  “Orphant  Annie”  or  wait 
anxiously  for  the  next  interplanetary  adventure 
with  “Buck  Rogers?”  A live  wire  group  would 
find  search  for  the  answer  interesting. 

Reading  Clubs.  Reading  clubs  are  popular 
among  women.  There  is  much  to  be  gained  by  ex- 
tending such  organizations  to  include  more  of  the 
youth  and  of  men.  A wealth  of  material  is  easily 
available  ranging  from  light  fiction  to  philosophy. 
A reading  club  gives  the  member  an  opportunity 
carefully  to  analyze  a book  or  article  and  present 
his  finds  before  a group.  He  thus  gains  confidence 
in  his  own  power  to  speak,  and  valuable  knowl- 
edge of  selecting,  summarizing  and  evaluating 
reading  materials. 

Easy  Dramatics  for  Busy  Folks 

People  enjoy  a play,  a skit  or  a burlesque.  It  is 
easy  to  build  on  this  interest  in  forming  an  ama- 
teur dramatics  club  as  recreation.  The  individuals 
constituting  the  membership  of  groups  of  this 
kind  are  not  interested  in  the  stage  as  a profes- 
sion. They  are  expecting  no  flattering  offers  from 
Hollywood.  They  want  the  pleasure  and  poise  to 
be  acquired  through  taking  part  in,  preparing  and 
presenting  an  amateur  play.  Plays  chosen  for  this 
group  should  be  simple  and  brief,  involving  not 
more  than  four  to  six  characters.  Any  produc- 
tion involving  a considerable  number  of  charac- 
ters will  cause  great  difficulty  in  securing  attend- 
ance at  rehearsals  regularly  enough  to  do  good 
work.  Several  plays  using  four  characters  will  be 
better  than  one  play  with  a dozen  characters. 

Impersonation.  A study  group  in  impersonation 
is  easier  to  lead  than  one  in  drama.  There  is  less 
of  stage  setting,  simpler  costumes,  little  problem 
of  lighting  and  equipment.  Subjects  for  imper- 
sonation are  all  about  us.  We  can  use  our  neigh- 
bors, our  officials, 'race  characterization,  or  mem- 
bers of  the  legislature.  Such  study  will  develop 
our  powers  of  observation  and  understanding  of 
people. 

Study  of  Costume  and  Make-up.  No  individual 
entirely  escapes  the  necessity  of  using  make-up  in 
his  daily  life.  None  of  us  are  willing  to  be  seen 
exactly  as  we  are.  We  strive  to  hide  our  imper- 
fections and  enhance  our  charms.  Women  use 
powder,  lipstick,  rouge,  corsets  and  perfume.  Men 
wear  clothes  chosen  and  tailored  to  make  them 
look  younger,  or  older,  fatter  or  leaner,  as  the  case 
may  be.  We  might  mention  hair  dyes,  wigs, 


stretching  machines  for  short  people,  face  lifting 
and  so  on  ad  finitiwi.  We  try  to  present  ourselves 
to  the  world  of  folks,  not  as  we  are  but  as  we 
would  like  to  be.  How  badly  we  succeed  in  our 
use  of  make-up  may  be  readily  learned  by  watch- 
ing the  people  who  pass  a given  street  comer.  We 
see  colors  that  clash,  garments  which  accentuate 
the  defects  of  the  individual  instead  of  disguise  it, 
and  lack  of  taste  in  the  use  of  make-up  every- 
where in  evidence.  Some  qualified  person  could 
provide  a jolly  time  and  help  these  people  to 
really  profit  by  use  of  make-up! 

Stage  Setting,  Balance  and  Lighting.  Many  per- 
sons have  opportunity  to  coach  simple  plays  and 
pageants  in  the  Sunday  School,  the  lodge  and 
various  other  social  organizations.  The  study  in- 
tended for  this  course  gives  each  member  of  the 
group  in  turn  a chance  to  act  as  stage  manager, 
lighting  foreman,  coach  of  actors  and  property 
man  in  the  production  of  a play.  Aside  from  the 
coaching  experience  there  is  much  in  the  way  of 
color  harmonies,  fittingness  of  furniture  and  ar- 
rangement which  can  be  used  in  home  decoration. 

Pageants.  The  pageant  is  very  popular.  There 
are  historical  pageants  and  religious  pageants. 
Some,  such  as  “The  Wayfarer,”  given  by  the 
City  of  Seattle,  and  “Covered  Wagon  Days,”  pro- 
duced by  Eugene,  Oregon,  are  very  elaborate. 
Others  are  very  simple.  Many  valuable  ideas  of 
color,  costume,  impersonation  and  cooperation  are 
to  be  gained  irf  such  study. 

Written  Speech 

This  is  a very  tempting  field,  but  in  all  proba- 
bility it  should  be  left  to  a specialist  in  English  to 
outline.  However,  the  short  story,  amateur  jour- 
nalism, letter  writing,  diaries,  poetry,  articles,  au- 
tobiographies, browsing  through  current  authors, 
political  platforms  vs.  presidential  messages  and 
the  best  sermons  of  fifty  years  ago  vs.  those  of 
our  day  offer  very  tempting  territory. 

Conclusion 

In  any  community  the  work  attempted  must  be 
measured  by  the  ability  of  the  teachers  available 
and  by  the  needs  and  desires  of  the  community. 
The  best  policy  will  probably  be  to  list  carefully 
possible  teachers,  together  with  a list  of  the  sub- 
jects they  can  teach,  and  check  this  list  with  com- 
munity needs.  Following  this,  the  attempt  should 
be  made  to  fill  in  the  missing  places  in  the  pro- 
( Continued  on  Pape  516) 


A Parent  Teacher  Council  Finds  the  Way 


By  Gertrude  E.  Flyte 


On  A cold  winter  night 
last  January  when  a 
blizzard  threatened 
and  buses  had  stopped  run- 
ning because  of  impassable 
snow  drifts,  a small  group  of 
mothers  from  the  Sioux 
Falls,  South  Dakota  Parent 
Teacher  Council  appeared  be- 
fore the  Board  of  Education 
and  asked  their  approval  and 
support  in  promoting  a sum- 
mer playground  program  for  their  city.  The  Board 
received  them  courteously  and  assured  them  of 
their  support.  With  this  encouragement  the 
women  began  to  plan  constructively  and  to  enlist 
the  cooperation  of  other  recreational  agencies. 

Sioux  Falls  is  a city  of  approximately  35,000 
people.  It  is  located  on  the  banks  of  the  winding 
Sioux  River  and  is  one  of  Nature’s  beauty  spots. 
Its  beautiful  parks  are  enjoyed  by  thousands  and 
various  recreational  opportunities  are  provided. 
Sioux  Falls  does  not  have  a recreation  commis- 
sion. Therefore  in  initiating  the  summer  play- 
ground program  the  little  group  of  Parent  Teacher 
promotors  sought  help  from  the  logical  agencies 
interested  in  recreation  and  were  successful  in 
securing  sponsorship  and  financial  aid. 

The  Ground  Work  Is  Laid 

The  Board  of  Education  pledged  the  use  of  the 
fourteen  schools  in  the  city  which  included  the 
gymnasium  as  well  as  the  playground  and  equip- 
ment and  some  handcraft  materials.  The  Park 
Board  gave  permission  to  use  the  parks  and 
swimming  pools  and  a limited  equipment.  The 
City  Commission  paid  the  salary  of  the  city  play- 
ground director,  a young  woman  of  unusual  train- 
ing and  ability. 

That  was  a fine  start  but  much  needed  to  be 
done  yet.  The  biggest  problem  of  all  was  yet  to 
be  met.  That  was  the  securing  of  leadership  for 
the  playgrounds.  The  committee’s  next  contacts 
were  with  the  District  WPA  office  which  set  up  a 
project  through  the  Professional  Division  provid- 


ing for  the  salaries  of  thirty- 
five  leaders. 

And  finally  the  problem  of 
funds  to  carry  such  a big 
program  had  to  be  solved. 
Again  the  Parent  Teacher 
Council  led  the  way  and  ar- 
ranged a big  money-making 
project  which  took  the  form 
of  an  amateur  show.  They 
cleared  approximately  $200 
toward  the  recreation  fund. 
Then  through  a public  meeting  of  representative 
citizens,  through  personal  letters  followed  by  per- 
sonal contacts,  they  solicited  contributions  from 
some  thirty  organizations  and  clubs  of  the  city. 
Like  manna  from  heaven  the  checks  came  in  and 
the  program  was  assured. 

Then  came  the  task  of  carefully  selecting  the 
playground  leaders  and  administrative  personnel. 
After  the  selection  came  a period  of  intensive 
training.  The  training  course  included  personal 
interview,  supervised  reading,  district,  county,  and 
local  recreation  institutes  as  well  as  observation 
periods.  At  all  times  during  the  training  process 
an  attempt  was  made  to  impress  the  leaders  with 
the  importance  of  the  job  and  the  opportunities 
afforded  for  private  employment  when  times  re- 
turned to  normalcy.  The  young  people  were  eager 
to  learn,  enthusiastic  and  ambitious,  quick  to  adapt 
themselves  to  new  situations  and  to  acquire  new 
skills. 

The  Program  Goes  Into  Effect 

Finally  the  eighth  of  June  came  and  the  work- 
ers were  placed  on  the  fourteen  school  grounds 
and  at  two  community  centers  and  the  summer 
playground  program  was  begun.  Careful  plan- 
ning of  weekly  and  daily  programs,  close  super- 
vision by  the  city  supervisor  and  the  project  su- 
perintendent, and  generous  publicity  in  the  daily 
press,  helped  to  hold  the  interest  of  the  children 
and  the  public.  The  program  was  well  balanced 
and  rich  in  activity  content.  Tournaments,  picnics, 
hikes,  active  and  quiet  games,  music,  dramatics, 


A city  of  35,000  people  mobilizes 
its  forces  and  a community  recrea- 
tion program  is  the  result.  And  it 
was  all  started  by  a small  group 
of  mothers  who,  on  the  night  of  a 
blizzard,  began  to  plan  for  a sum- 
mer playground  program!  The  vice- 
president  of  the  South  Dakota  Con- 
gress of  Parents  and  Teachers  tells 
the  story  of  cooperative  effort. 


502 


A PARENT  TEACHER  COUNCIL  FINDS  THE  WAY 


503 


sewing  units  of  the  community  centers  made  game 
kits,  playground  balls,  bases,  bean  bags,  portfolios 
for  the  leaders,  and  costumes  for  plays  and  pag- 
eants. Clerical  help  was  furnished  to  the  city  di- 
rector so  that  outlines,  directions,  rules,  bulletins, 
and  song  sheets  were  available  to  the  leaders  at 
all  times.  Older  women  were  assigned  to  the  pro- 
ject as  matrons.  They  safeguarded  the  health  of 
the  children  and  served  as  custodians  of  supplies. 
They  assisted  in  the  sewing  and  handcraft  classes. 


Recreation  Council  Helps 

All  during  the  summer,  as  the  program 
advanced,  members  of  the  Recreation 
Council  came  together  for  conference  and 
advice.  They  sponsored  special  activities, 
helped  in  a financial  way,  aided  in  pub- 
licizing the  program  and  their  advice  was 
of  assistance  in  avoiding  duplication  of 
existing  recreational  programs.  The  aid 
given  by  this  Council  composed  of  repre- 
sentative lay  citizens  cannot  be  over-em- 
phasized. 


Photo  by  H.  D.  Barlow,  Ridgewood,  N.  J. 

All  ages  benefited  by  the  program — 
from  the  children  of  preschool  age 


Playground  Review  Is  Final  Event 

The  culminating  activity  of  the  Sioux  Falls 
playground  program  was  an  exhibit  of  articles 
made  in  the  handcraft  and  hobby  clubs  together 
with  a stage  performance  which  took  the  form  of 
a playground  review.  Three  hundred  and  fifty 
( Continued  on  page  516) 


puppetry,  handcraft,  folk  dancing,  parades,  story 
hour,  sandcraft,  treasure  hunts  and  play  days  pro- 
vided happy,  healthful  hours  during  a 
long,  hot  summer.  All  ages  benefited, 
from  the  pre-school  tots  in  the  story  hour 
to  the  fathers;  mothers,  and  grandparents 
who  came  out  to  the  community  sings  in 
the  parks.  A crowd  of  12,000  people 
dotted  the  terraces  at  beautiful  Terrace 
Park  for  the  last  community  sing  on 
August  30th.  From  beginning  to  end  the 
program  was  a successful  demonstration 
of  community  cooperation  in  developing 
worthwhile  leisure  time  activities. 


To  the  older  boys  and  girls  and  adults  to 
whom  music  activities  made  a wide  appeal 


Other  Federal  Help  Received 

In  addition  to  the  leadership  furnished 
through  WPA  and  NYA  the  recreation 
project  benefiited  by  carpenters  who  made 
game  boxes,  sand  boxes,  beanboards,  stage 
sets,  looms  and  cabinets.  Women  in  the 


Courtesy  IV PA,  Washington.  D.  C. 


Yosemite’s  Junior  Nature  School 


Unusual  in  its  complete 
devotion  to  nature  ac- 
tivities with  children  is 
the  Yosemite  Junior  Nature  School  in  Yosemite 
National  Park,  California,  the  only  organization 
of  its  kind  sponsored  by  the  National  Park  Ser- 
vice. For  over  fifteen  years  the  Park  Service, 
through  its  naturalist  division,  has  been  concerned 
with  educating  the  public  to  an  understanding  and 
appreciation  of  the  superlative  beauties  of  the 
parks.  The  interest  of  children  in  the  program  of 
nature  walks,  hikes,  museums,  and  lectures  in  Yo- 
semite valley  finally  led  to  a specific  program 
adapted  to  children.  This  program  has  grown 
year  by  year  until  now  approximately  four  hun- 
dred children  each  summer  take  advantage  of  the 
opportunities  of  the  Yosemite  Junior  Nature 
School.  These  are  largely  children  of  visitors  who 
come  to  the  park  for  stays  ranging  from  a few 
days  to  one  month. 

The  primary  aim  of  the  school  has  always  been 
to  develop  an  appreciation  of  our  natural  heritage 
of  the-out-of-doors  and  an  enthusiasm  for  its  con- 
servation. In  their  attempt  to  teach  boys  and  girls 
to  “read  the  trailside 
like  an  open  book,”  the 
leaders  of  the  school 


have  considered  the  develop- 
ment of  wholesome  interests 
and  attitudes  more  valuable 
than  the  mere  acquisition  of  knowledge.  Similarly, 
the  understanding  of  universal  principles  has  been 
deemed  more  important  than  the  ability  to  identify 
by  name  different  species  of  plants  and  animals. 

That  this  program  should  have  arisen  in  Yo- 
semite rather  than  in  some  other  national  park  is 
explained  partially  by  the  fact  that  visitors  to  Yo- 
semite are  concentrated  in  a small  area  and  as  a 
rule  stay  longer  than  do  visitors  to  other  parks, 
with  the  result  that  children  can  gather  easily  and 
have  time  for  the  activities. 

The  setting  for  the  program  is  almost  ideal. 
Yosemite  valley  offers  superb  opportunities  for 
the  study  of  animals  in  their  native  setting,  forests 
untouched  by  the  timber  man,  plants  unspoiled  by 
domestic  grazing,  geological  wonders  that  clearly 
reveal  the  story  of  mighty  earth  forces,  and 
regions  still  fresh  with  the  stories  of  Indians  and 
the  gold-seekers  of  ’49.  The  availability  of  a well- 
equipped  museum,  local  in  character,  where  real 
Indians  practice  primitive  arts  in  a demonstration 

Indian  village,  where 
live  reptiles  may  be 
seen,  where  habitat 


By  Reynold  E.  Carlson 

National  Recreation  Association 


There  are  city  parks,  too,  in  which  children  are  given 
Nature  instruction.  At  Oglebay  Park,  Wheel- 
ing, W.  Va.,  they  receive  training  in  Nature  lore. 


YOSEMITE’S  JUNIOR  NATURE  SCHOOL 


505 


groups  of  mounted  birds  and  animals  may  be 
studied,  where  models,  collections,  and  historical 
exhibits  make  clear  Yosemite’s  story,  adds  im- 
measurably to  the  development  of  interest.  Such 
a setting  and  such  facilities  cannot  fail  to  arouse 
enthusiasm. 

The  Curriculum  of  the  School 

Perhaps  the  school  should  not  be  called  a 
school,  for  it  embraces  none  of  the  compulsory  or 
cut-and-dried  programs  that  are  so  often  asso- 
ciated with  the  term.  It  might  better  be  termed 
simply  an  outdoor  nature  experience  for  children. 

A ranger-naturalist  is  in  charge  of  the  school, 
assisted  by  volunteer  leaders.  Five  days  a week 
'through  the  six  weeks  of  the  school  each  summer, 
children  between  the  ages  of  six  and  eleven  ap- 
pear at  nine  o’clock  in  the  junior  museum  room 
of  the  Yosemite  Museum.  Here  the  newcomers 
register  and  the  roll  is  checked.  Five  days’  at- 
tendance gives  a small  membership  pin  to  each 
child.  The  youngest  children  meet  separately  for 
a simple  program  of  nature  walks,  games,  handi- 
craft activities  and  stories.  For  the  children  over 
seven,  a presentation  of  the  general  subject  under 
consideration  for  the  day,  always  with  illustra- 
tive material,  is  first  given.  This  introductory 
presentation  may  deal  with  trees,  birds,  flowers, 
animals,  geology  or  Indians,  and  may  consist  of 
the  examination  of  tree  rings  on  a redwood  cross- 
section,  the  discussion  of  the  differences  in  feet, 
bills,  and  feathers  of  birds,  an  analysis  of  the  func- 
tion of  flowers  in  reproduction,  studies  of  animal 
skeletons  and  skins,  etc.  Occasionally  the  park 
naturalist  gives  skilled  imitations  of  bird  songs. 
The  presentation  is  intended  to  stimulate  interest 
in  the  field  trip  which  follows  and  which  is  the 
heart  of  the  program. 

The  particular  subject  for  the  day  is  stressed  on 
the  field  trip,  but  the  naturalist  must  be  an  op- 
portunist alert  to  capitalize  on  any  interesting 
things  which  may  appear.  While  identification  oc- 
cupies a part  of  the  time,  every  effort  is  made  to 
develop  the  understanding  of  basic  principles 
rather  than  memorizing  of  names.  Characteristics 
of  plants  are  brought  out,  but  their  relationship 
to  each  other,  to  insects,  to  animals,  and  to  man  is 
also  emphasized.  Children  are  encouraged  to  use 
not  only  their  eyes  but  their  ears,  their  sense  of 
touch,  and,  warily,  their  sense  of  taste  in  the  out- 
of-doors.  The  principle  of  conservation  with  all 
its  implications  for  nature  study  comes  in  for  its 
full  share  of  discussion.  The  naturalist  in  charge 


encourages  the  children  to  express  themselves  and 
to  ask  questions  freely,  and  children  who  have 
been  in  attendance  for  a long  period  of  time  are 
given  opportunity  to  pass  on  their  knowledge  to 
newcomers.  Games  such  as  “I  Spy”  and  “Tree 
Tag”  help  enliven  interest. 

Nature  Explorations 

The  nature  trails  followed  by  the  group  start 
and  end  at  the  museum.  The  younger  groups 
finish  their  programs  shortly  after  ten  o’clock. 
The  children  from  twelve  to  eighteen  have  mean- 
while been  gathering  in  the  museum,  and  the 
naturalist  now  meets  with  this  second  group. 
Here  again  the  same  procedure  of  taking  roll, 
making  announcements,  and  giving  a short  gen- 
eral presentation  of  the  subject  for  the  day  is  fol- 
lowed. It  is  now  possible,  however,  to  go  much 
more  deeply  into  interrelationships  of  different 
forms  of  life,  adaptation  to  environment  and  life 
histories.  The  museum  specimens  are  used  solely 
to  make  possible  observation  of  materials  not 
easily  observed  by  beginners  in  the  field.  Follow- 
ing the  presentation  in  the  museum  the  second 
nature  walk  begins.  The  walk,  usually  about  a 
mile  in  length,  is  ended  before  twelve  o’clock. 

As  a variation  from  the  nature  walk  the  auto 
caravan  has  developed.  About  once  a week,  with 
the  aid  of  the  Yosemite  Parent  Teachers’  Associa- 
tion and  other  parents  with  cars,  the  groups  are 
taken  to  interesting  points  beyond  walking  dis- 
tance from  the  museum.  Visits  to  the  bear  feed- 
ing pits,  to  the  Indian  caves,  to  the  “bird  man” 
and  to  the  fish  hatchery  are  typical.  At  each  place 
the  children  are  given  an  opportunity  to  observe 
and  explanations  are  made  by  the  naturalist. 

One  of  the  difficulties  that  has  presented  itself 
to  the  director  of  the  school  has  been  that  of  pro- 
viding for  newcomers  and  transients  as  well  as 
for  children  making  several  weeks'  stay  in  the 
park  and  those  returning  from  previous  years.  As 
far  as  possible  repetition  is  avoided  for  the  sake 
of  the  latter  group,  and  each  day  is  planned  as  a 
complete  unit  for  the  sake  of  the  former.  On  the 
field  trips  every  effort  is  made  to  provide  the  very 
elementary  materials  as  well  as  to  give  oppor- 
tunity for  expression  by  the  more  advanced  stu- 
dents. In  spite  of  these  devices  there  has  con- 
tinued a demand  for  more  advanced  materials  for 
the  “old-timers”  in  the  program.  This  demand 
has  led  to  the  development  of  a leaders’  corps  and 
a testing  program. 


506 


Y OS  EMI  TE’S  JUNIOR  NATURE  SCHOOL 


The  Testing  Program 

For  those  who  wish  to  take 
some  concrete  evidence  of  ac- 
complishment away  with  them 
two  test  cards  have  been  pre- 
pared, one  for  the  junior 
group  and  one  for  the  senior 
group.  At  no  time  is  the  test- 
ing program  urged  upon  the 
children,  although  many  chil- 
dren planning  reasonably  long 
stays  in  the  park  express  the 
desire  to  complete  the  tests. 

Care  is  taken  lest  test-passing  should  be  consid- 
ered an  end  in  itself.  The  junior  test  card  con- 
tains eighteen  items  that  must  be  completed  in 
order  to  make  the  student  eligible  to  receive  a cer- 
tificate of  completion.  These  items  cover  a variety 
of  subjects,  such  as  the  life  history  of  a bear,  the 
formation  of  Yosemite  valley,  and  the  food  of  the 
Yosemite  Indian.  After  each  item  on  the  card  is 
a space  for  the  signature  of  the  person  to  whom 
the  item  is  passed.  For  the  older  children  the  test 
items  are  more  difficult  and  more  numerous.  Such 
problems  as  the  following  are  included : “Tell  the 
methods  of  fish  culture  used  in  the  hatchery,” 
“Demonstrate  ability  to  read  the  history  of  a tree 
by  means  of  tree  rings,”  and  “Tell  the  principal 
values  of  forests.”  Both  tests  contain  certain 
questions  of  identification  of  plants  and  animals. 

Developing  Junior  Leadership 

A leaders’  corps,  open  to  children  over  thirteen 
years  of  age,  has  come  into  being  for  two  rea- 
sons : to  provide  activities  for  the  older  members 
of  the  school  and  to  secure  help  in  the  handling  of 
the  growing  numbers  of  children  in  attendance. 
Many  of  the  games,  treasure  hunts  and  stories  are 
planned  by  these  junior  leaders,  and  the  testing 
program  could  not  be  carried  out  at  all  without 
their  abundant  assistance  in  test  passing. 

Eligibility  for  membership  in  the  leaders’  corps 
is  based  upon  the  completion  of  a course  of  train- 
ing with  certain  specific  requirements  based  on 
knowledge  of  the  natural  history  of  Yosemite  val- 
ley. The  would-be  leaders  meet  frequently  for 
afternoons  of  field  training  or  all-day  hikes  with 
the  naturalist.  To  win  the  leader’s  badge  each  ap- 
plicant must  demonstrate  to  the  rest  of  the  group 
the  ability  to  interpret  the  major  natural  features 
of  the  trailside.  Practice  in  group  leadership  in  the 
field,  leading  of  nature  games,  telling  of  nature 
stories,  writing  of  nature  observations  and  giving 


of  a nature  talk  at  an  evening 
camp  fire  are  all  part  of  the  re- 
quirements. Every  effort  is 
made  to  insure  real  leadership 
training  and  the  development 
of  an  attitude  of  appreciation 
for  nature  on  the  part  of  the 
leaders.  Several  who  have  taken 
this  training  have  expressed 
an  intention  of  adopting  a sci- 
entific field  as  a career. 

Some  of  the  junior  leaders 
go  on  with  further  study  to  re- 
ceive “mastery  awards”  in  specific  natural  science 
fields,  such  as  zoology  or  botany.  Although  sound 
scientific  knowledge  is  demanded,  certain  very  un- 
academic procedures  are  followed,  as  in  the  case 
of  one  junior  leader  who,  as  part  of  his  zoology 
test,  followed  a bear  for  an  entire  day,  taking 
notes  on  his  behavior.  He  encountered  consider- 
able difficulty  in  following  his  bear  through  the 
dense  pine  groves  until,  in  his  own  words,  “I 
started  playing  bear,  too.  I got  down  and  crawled 
along  after  him.” 

Twice  each  summer  the  “Yosemite  Junior 
Nature  Notes,”  written  by  members  of  the  school 
and  edited  by  the  Junior  leaders,  is  published  in 
mimeographed  form.  The  better  articles  are  re- 
published in  printed  form  in  the  “Yosemite 
Nature  Notes,”  a monthly  publication  of  the  Yo- 
semite Natural  History  Association. 

Children  are  encouraged  to  bring  objects  of  in- 
terest to  the  museum.  The  older  children  make 
collections  and  mount  specimens  of  insects, 
flowers,  tree  foliage,  minerals,  and  the  like  for 
display  in  the  junior  museum  room  in  which  all 
the  displays  are  child-made. 

Through  this  children’s  program  the  Park  Ser- 
vice begins  early  to  develop  a sympathy  with  liv- 
ing things  and  a desire  for  the  conservation  of 
natural  resources.  The  fruits  of  the  program  will 
be  in  evidence  when  the  gospel  of  the  out-of-doors 
is  carried  by  the  children  back  to  their  own  com- 
munities. Love  of  nature’s  creatures,  acquaint- 
ance with  the  physical  world,  and  desire  to  pass 
on  unsquandered  to  future  generations  the  out- 
door heritage  of  America  will  lead  to  fuller  living 
on  the  part  of  many  young  Americans. 

“The  child  touches  life  at  every  point.  The 
wholeness  of  living  ideal  and  the  way  science  re- 
veals it  create  increasing  wonder  and  the  urge  to 
understand  the  great  symphony  of  life.” 

— Lucy  Gage. 


"I  should  wish  my  children  to  be  sen- 
sitive to  all  those  aspects  of  earth  and 
sky  that  can  move  the  soul  with  love- 
liness or  sublimity.  . . . Certainly  I 
should  like  them  to  be  at  home  with 
Nature's  infinite  variety;  to  love  not 
merely  her  verdure  and  blossoming  but 
her  mystic  mists  and  yellow  decay. . . I 
think  I should  have  a course  in  Nature 
running  pleasantly  through  my  chil- 
dren's years,  and  ranging  from  a rec- 
ognition of  the  Pleiades  to  the  art  of 
making  a garden  grow." — Will  Du- 
rant in  The  Saturday  Evening  Post. 


Harrisburg  Revives  the  Kipona 


"Kipona"  comes  from  the 
Indian  dialect  and  means 
"Sparkling  Water."  Tradi- 
tion has  it  that  the  Indians 
who  lived  in  the  section 
when  Harris  settled  there, 
gave  the  name  to  that 
portion  of  the  river  where 
the  waters  rippled  over 
the  rocks,  forming  the 
fork  where  the  pioneer 
established  his  ferry. 


ON-  May  1 7,  1936,  a 
group  of  people  in- 
terested in  water 
sports  met  at  the  Reist 
Boat  House  in  Harris- 
b u r g,  Pennsylvania,  to 
discuss  the  possibility  of 
reviving  the  famous  Ki- 
pona. An  executive  com- 


mittee of  nine  members 

was  organized.  Biweekly  meetings  were  held  with 
additional  members  joining  the  organization. 
Eventually  the  following  officers  were  elected  to 
carry  out  plans  for  the  Kipona : a general  chair- 
man and  assistant ; director  of  finance  and  assist- 
ant ; director  of  floats  and  flats,  and  assistant ; 
chairman  of  program  committee ; director  of  pub- 
licity and  assistant;  chairman  of  water  program 
with  three  assistants ; chairman  of  boat  parade 
committee  and  assistant,  and  chairman  of  canoe 
and  float  decorating  committee. 

As  a result  of  the  work  done  over  a three 
months’  period,  final  plans  were  completed  for  the 
Kipona  celebration  to  be  held  on  Labor  Day,  Sep- 
tember 7th.  The  program,  which  was  sponsored 
by  the  merchants  and  the  Park  Department  of 
Harrisburg,  was  dedicated  to  "the  athletes  of  Har- 
risburg, past  and  present,  dead  and  living,  who 
have  with  the  spirit  of  true  American  sportman- 
ship  spread  the  fame  of  Harrisburg  as  a sports 
and  recreation  center  throughout  the  nation.” 

The  Kipona,  the  first  of  the  water  classics  to  be 
presented  in  Harrisburg  in  fifteen  years,  attracted 


By  Robert  C.  Pelton 

Supervisor  of  Recreation 
Harrisburg,  Pa. 


to  the  steps  and  River  Park  what  officials  believed 
was  the  largest  crowd  ever  assembled  along  the 
water  front.  There  were  approximately  20,000 
present  in  the  afternoon  and  45,000  at  the  evening 
festivities.  As  a result,  Harrisburg  faced  its  heavi- 
est traffic  problem  in  the  history  of  the  city.  More 
than  sixty  policemen  on  foot  directed  the  traffic 
downtown  during  the  afternoon  and  evening, 
while  squads  of  motorcycle  police  traveled  the 
streets  to  keep  the  traffic  moving. 

The  Program 

There  were  350  entries  for  the  thirty-two  listed 
events.  The  participants  arrived  in  droves  at  the 
beginning  of  the  Kipona  which  opened  with  a 
race  for  the  sail  canoes.  Thrilling  indeed  were 
( Continued  on  [>ac/c'517) 


507 


Softball — the  0ame  for  All 


A most  amazing  development 
in  the  realm  of  sports  and 
athletics  has  been  the  in- 
crease in  popularity  of  the  game 
of  softball.  Sport  writers  refer  to  the  national 
scope  of  the  games  of  football,  baseball  and  bas- 
ketball and  produce  figures  to  justify  their  claims. 
Based  on  spectator  popularity,  there  is  no  doubt 
that  these  sports  attained  an  important  place  in 
the  hearts  of  the  American  fan.  Considered,  how- 
ever, from  the  point  of  view  of  player  or  partici- 
pant popularity,  the  claim  is  made  here  that  soft- 
ball  in  1936  led  the  parade  of  sports. 

This  team  game,  which  is  based  on  the  funda- 
mental skills  and  techniques  of  baseball  but  with 
sufficient  modifications  of  the  playing  rules  to 
make  it  a distinctly  different  game,  is  being  played 
in  every  village,  town  and  city  across  the  conti- 
nent. While  Minnesota,  Florida,  Texas  and  New 
Jersey  have  progressed  further  than  most  states  in 
the  development  of  this  sport,  there  is  hardly  a 
section  of  the  country  where  it  is  not  now  being 
played. 

A game  that  can  be  played  by  children  and 
women,  it  is  so  flexible  that  it  has  challenged  the 
interest  and  skill  of  the  finest  athletes.  It  has  at- 
tracted baseball  players  to  it  because  of  certain 
factors  that  have  made  it  a more  interesting  game 
than  baseball,  from  which  it  had  its  origin.  Indus- 
tries, churches,  schools  and  colleges  play  it  in  in- 
tramural leagues.  Public  recreation  departments 
have  enrolled  thousands  of  young  men  who  play 
it  after  working  hours. 

The  finest  teams  are  able 
to  test  their  competitive  abili- 
ties through  the  sectional, 
state  and  national  tourna- 
ments conducted  by  the  Ama- 
teur Softball  Association. 

National  competition  such  as 
hardly  any  other  team  sport 
receives  has  been  developed 
for  this  game.  The  Eastman 
Kodak  Company  of  Roches- 
ter, New  York,  who  were  de- 
clared the  National  Amateur 
Champions,  can  justly  claim 

508 


this  recognition  because  they 
were  the  final  winners  of  scores 
of  teams  who  had  won  state 
honors  throughout  the  United 
States,  and  were  the  representative  of  thousands 
of  teams  who  had  been  eliminated  in  earlier 
league  and  tournament  play,  and  who  competed 
in  the  national  tournament  held  in  Chicago  last 
September. 

For  the  past  ten  years  the  game  has  been  handi- 
capped by  lack  of  uniformity  in  name,  standard- 
ization of  equipment  and  interpretation  of  rules. 
The  Joint  Rules  Committee  of  Softball,  with  rep- 
resentatives of  the  major  groups  who  have  been 
interested  in  developing  this  game,  have  been  pri- 
marily responsible  for  securing  practically  unani- 
mous acceptance  of  the  single  code  of  rules  which 
are  now  published  and  distributed  throughout  the 
United  States. 

A Few  Changes  in  Rules 

The  Joint  Rules  Committee  has  just  met  and 
considered  the  rules  for  the  year  1937.  Through 
observation  reports  from  questionnaires  and  study 
of  certain  rules,  the  committee  has  decided  that 
the  official  rules  for  1936  will  be  continued  in 
force  for  1937,  clarified  as  to  wording  and  inter- 
pretation, but  substantially  the  same  except  for 
the  following  changes : 

(a)  Preliminary  to  pitching,  the  pitcher  should 
come  to  a full  stop  facing  the  batsman  with  both 
feet  squarely  on  the  ground,  and  in  contact  with 
the  pitcher’s  plate.  The  ball  shall  be  held  in  both 
hands  in  front  of  the  body. 

( b ) In  the  act  of  deliver- 
ing the  ball  to  the  batsman, 
he  must  keep  one  foot  in  con- 
tact with  the  pitcher's  plate, 
until  the  ball  has  left  his 
hand,  and  shall  not  take  more 
than  one  step  which  must  be 
forward  and  toward  the 
batter. 

( c ) A legal  delivery  shall 
be  a ball  which  is  delivered 
to  the  batter  underhand.  The 

( Continued  on  page  518) 


By  Arthur  T.  Noren 

Secretary 

Joint  Rules  Committee  on  Softball 


In  1927  the  National  Recreation  Associa- 
tion appointed  the  Playground  Baseball 
Committee.  In  1933  the  committee  was 
enlarged  to  include  representatives  of  a 
number  of  national  organizations  and  was 
called  the  Joint  Rules  Committee  on 
Softball.  In  1934  more  organizations  were 
invited  to  appoint  representatives.  One 
of  the  most  important  steps  taken  has 
been  the  securing  of  the  publication  of 
one  set  of  rules.  Principal  sports  equip- 
ment manufacturers  have  agreed  that  any 
rules  published  would  be  in  accord  with 
official  rules  issued  by  the  committee. 


Courtesy  Minnesota  Municipalities 


World  at  Play 


Springfield,  Minnesota, 


ON  August  ist,  the 
city  of  Springfield, 


Has  a Swimming  Pool  ^ , , 

Minnesota,  placed  in 

operation  an  outdoor 
swimming  pool  constructed  as  a WPA  project. 
The  federal  government  furnished  labor  at  a cost 
of  $12,462.11  and  the  sponsor  paid  $10,536.64, 
contributed  by  the  city  and  private  donors.  As 
described  by  the  Minnesota  Municipalities,  the 
pool  has  an  inside  length  of  120  feet  and  is  50  feet 
wide.  The  depth  varies  from  2 feet  6 inches  to 
9 feet  6 inches.  It  is  equipped  with  runways 
around  the  outside  edge,  a scum  gutter,  discharge 
outlets  and  suction  drains.  It  has  a maximum 
loading  capacity  of  220  people. 

The  bath  house,  constructed  at  one  end  of  the 
pool,  is  86  feet  8J4  inches  long  and  22  feet  7 
inches  wide  and  has  a 7 foot  10  inch  ceiling  height. 
It  contains  a lobby,  counter  and  towel  room,  and 
separate  dressing  rooms  on  either  side  for  men 
and  women.  The  dressing  room  divisions  are 
completely  equipped  with  dressing  compartments, 
lockers,  showers  and  toilets. 


A Camera  Club  for 
Union  County,  N.  J. 


THERE  are  thirty 
chartered  members  of 
the  camera  club  or- 
ganized in  September 
under  the  auspices  of  the  Union  County,  New 
Jersey,  Park  Commission.  Membership  in  the 


club  is  open  to  any  resident  of  Union  County  over 
sixteen  years  of  age.  Membership  dues  have  been 
set  at  one  dollar  a year.  It  is  planned  to  arrange 
a lecture  series  for  beginners  and  another  for  ad- 
vanced amateurs. 


Thomas  Walsh  Me- 
morial Athletic  Field 


Two  Rivers,  Wiscon- 
sin, has  a memorial 
field  adjoining  two  of 
its  parks  which  is  de- 
signed to  accommodate  the  audiences  which  gather 
for  many  of  the  activities  held  in  both  the  parks. 
With  the  help  of  CWA  the  field  has  been  equipped 
with  concrete  bleachers  with  a seating  capacity  of 
2,500.  The  cost  of  the  project  was  $57,000, 
$12,000  of  which  was  spent  for  materials.  The 
contribution  of  the  local  municipality  was  ap- 
proximately $7,500.  The  field  provides  an  area 
large  enough  to  accommodate  almost  any  type  of 
demonstration  and  is  used  for  outdoor  church 
services,  drill  exhibitions,  political  rallies,  plays 
and  athletic  events.  A baseball  field  is  included  in 
the  area.  The  field  will  furnish  the  setting  for  the 
centennial  pageant  to  be  held  this  summer. 


Community  Centers 
in  Elizabeth 


THE  report  of  the 
Board  of  Recreation 

Commissioners  of 

Elizabeth,  New  Jer- 
sey, for  the  year  ending  December  31,  1935,  tells 


509 


510 


WORLD  AT  PLAY 


of  the  four  centers  maintained  by  the  Commis- 
sion over  which  it  has  complete  jurisdiction. 
These  include  the  Downtown  Community  Center, 
a rehabilitated  church  building  which  provides 
boys’  club  activities;  the  first  street  center  used 
entirely  for  the  recreational  activities  of  the  col- 
ored group  of  the  neighborhood;  the  Council 
Neighborhood  Center,  a project  operated  in  co- 
operation with  the  Council  of  Jewish  Women 
which  provides  a neighborhood  meeting  place  for 
boys  and  girls  in  a congested  section,  and  the 
Girls’  Recreation  Center  which  occupies  a store 
building.  More  than  1,500  young  people  are  mem- 
bers of  these  centers. 

In  addition,  the  Commission  during  1935  con- 
ducted activities  in  five  different  schools  for  a 
total  of  fifteen  nights  per  week.  The  activities  in- 
cluded basketball  leagues,  gymnasium  classes  for 
men  and  women,  dancing  classes,  choral  and  dra- 
matic groups,  a band,  an  orchestra,  golf  instruc- 
tion, social  dances,  social  clubs,  Badminton,  and 
fencing. 

Nature  Bibliography  Available — In  the  April 
1935  issue  of  Recreation  there  appeared  a review 
of  “Nature  Education:  A Selected  Bibliography,  ’ 
by  William  Gould  Vinal.  At  that  time  it  was  sug- 
gested that  copies  could  be  secured  through  the 
School  of  Education,  Western  Reserve  Uni- 
versity. Dr.  Vinal’s  bibliography  is  now  obtain- 
able through  the  Curriculum  Laboratory  of  Ohio 
State  University,  Columbus,  Ohio.  In  ordering  it 
mention  should  be  made  of  the  fact  that  a special 
rate  of  50  cents  has  been  made  by  Dr.  Vinal; 
otherwise  the  cost  will  be  75  cents  plus  postage. 

A Museum  and  Music — The  Buffalo  Museum 
of  Science  has  done  it  again ! Added  to  its  many 
and  varied  educational  and  recreational  services, 
including  for  several  years  weekly  sessions  in 
music  appreciation  for  children,  there  is  now  a 
symphony  orchestra  especially  for  graduate  ama- 
teurs of  the  high  school  orchestras.  Fifty-five 
players  it  has,  including  a very  few  who  are  still 
high  school  students  and  a few  who  are  not  grad- 
uates of  the  high  school  orchestras.  The  con- 
ductor, the  Reverend  Theophile  Wendt,  is  a ma- 
ture master  of  his  art  who  in  his  long  career  has 
led  fine  professional  symphony  orchestras  in  vari- 
ous parts  of  the  world.  He  is  a member  of  the 
Museum  staff,  giving  lectures  on  music  as  well  as 
conducting  the  orchestra.  Moreover,  the  Museum 
has  been  given  not  only  the  Carnegie  Music  Set 


with  its  Capehart  Radio  Phonograph,  an  enormous 
library  of  records  of  the  best  music,  and  a hun- 
dred books  on  music,  all  of  which  are  available 
to  the  public  during  certain  hours,  but  it  has  also 
been  given  a very  large  and  splendidly  chosen  li- 
brary of  orchestral  music  with  scores  and  com- 
plete numbers  of  parts  for  a symphony  orchestra. 
This  music  can  be  borrowed  by  any  orchestra  in 
Buffalo  or  nearby  cities  on  deposit  of  fifty  dollars. 
The  interest  and  beneficence  of  Mr.  Chauncey 
Hamlin,  Director  of  the  Museum,  account  largely 
for  these  fine  developments. 

Play  Centers  in  Philadelphia  — The  Bureau 
of  Recreation,  Department  of  Public  Welfare, 
Philadelphia,  Pennsylvania,  in  issuing  its  report 
for  J935,  stated  that  the  total  attendance  at  the 
40  recreation  centers  and  36  swimming  pools  was 
10,351,818  during  1935.  This  is  an  increase  of 
481,311  over  1934.  The  attendance  since  1912 
has  increased  almost  800  per  cent. 

So  This  Is  Boondoggling? — Under  this  title, 
the  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  Post  for  October  20,  1936, 
reports  on  an  eighteen  hole  golf  course  and  a vast 
lake  for  boating  and  fishing  which  will  be  ready 
next  spring  at  Sharon  Woods.  The  works  pro- 
gram being  conducted  by  WPA  will  increase  rec- 
reational facilities  for  400,000  picnickers  in  the 
area.  Water  from  three  streams  will  back  up 
against  a dam  built  by  WPA  to  form  a thirty  acre 
lake  to  be  used  for  recreational  purposes.  The 
dam  will  serve  the  additional  purpose  of  stopping 
soil  erosion  in  lower  portions  of  the  park.  The 
golf  course,  now  being  seeded,  will  have  a club 
house  reconstructed  from  an  85  year  old  farm- 
house. The  building  crowns  a beautiful  hilltop, 
affording  a view  of  three  counties.  Two  other  an- 
cient farmhouses  have  been  reconstructed,  one  as 
a home  for  the  captain  of  the  park  police,  the  sec- 
ond, fdr  the  custodian.  A third  building  to  be 
used  as  maintenance  headquarters  was  constructed 
from  salvaged  material  from  demolished  barns. 

It  is  estimated  that  on  some  days  15,000  people 
come  to  Sharon  M oods  which  is  a county  park 
north  of  Sharonville.  This  number  will  increase  as 
WPA  completes  additional  recreational  facilities. 

The  Twelfth  Seminar  in  Mexico — The  semi- 
nar to  be  held  next  July  in  Mexico  will  be  led  by  a 
distinguished  group  of  authorities  on  Pan  Ameri- 
can affairs.  As  part  of  the  seminar  the  first  festi- 
val of  Pan  American  chamber  music  will  be  held, 


WORLD  AT  PLAY 


511 


sponsored  by  Elizabeth  Sprague  Coolidge  and  di- 
rected by  Carlos  Chavez.  In  addition,  the  com- 
mittee will  conduct  in  January  and  February  a 
two  weeks’  seminar  in  Guatemala  with  a program 
organized  along  the  lines  of  the  seminar  in 
Mexico.  The  committee  also  announces  for  Feb- 
ruary a midwinter  institute  in  Mexico  with  a pro- 
gram of  lectures,  round  tables  and  field  trips. 
Further  information  may  be  secured  from  Hubert 
Herring,  Director,  the  Committee  on  Cultural  Re- 
lations with  Latin  America,  289  Fourth  Avenue, 
New  York  City. 

At  Lakewood,  Ohio — The  Lakewood,  Ohio, 
Recreation  Department  last  summer  conducted  its 
summer  playground  program  for  little  children  on 
a play  center  basis.  Over  a six  weeks’  period  for 
three  hours  on  each  of  five  mornings  a week  in 
ten  schools  activities  were  carried  on  for  children 
from  four  years  of  age  through  the  fourth  grade. 
Enrollments  were  taken  at  the  end  of  the  school 
term,  and  the  play  school  was  in  most  instances 
conducted  by  a teacher  from  the  particular  build- 
ing in  which  the  school  was  held.  The  schedule 
included  crafts,  story  hours,  dramatics,  singing, 
dancing,  games  and  a free  play  period.  There 
were  1,500  enrolled  and  an  average  attendance  of 
1,100. 

A List  of  Available  Ski  Films — The  Western 
Massachusetts  Winter  Sports  Council  has  issued 
a list  of  available  ski  films  prepared  by  Lawrence 
E.  Briggs,  Massachusetts  State  College,  Amherst, 
Massachusetts.  The  statement  gives  the  subject  of 
each  film,  its  owner  with  address,  and  the  condi- 
tions under  which  the  films  are  available.  Further 
information  may  be  secured  from  the  Western 
Massachusetts  Winter  Sports  Council  at  Massa- 
chusetts State  College. 

A New  Playground  for  Quebec — The  Eng- 
lish speaking  children  of  Quebec,  Canada,  will  be 
provided  with  a new  playground  as  the  result  of 
the  efforts  of  the  Quebec  Playgrounds  Committee, 
the  City  Council  and  the  Militia  Department.  The 
site  on  which  the  playground  will  be  located  is 
considered  an  ideal  one.  Developments  will  pro- 
ceed rapidly  under  the  park  embellishment  plan 
for  which  the  provincial  and  dominion  govern- 
ments recently  voted  the  sum  of  $100,000. 

Hiking  Units  in  Detroit — Under  the  auspices 
of  the  Detroit , Michigan , News,  hiking  units  are 


A.  S.  Barnes  & Company 

Publishers  Since  1838 

67  West  44th  Street,  New  York 

Specializing  in  the  publication 
of  books  on 

Physical  Education 
Recreation 
Dancing 
Sports 
Etc. 

Complete  C atalogue  On  Request 


being  developed  for  organized  hikes  on  Sundays. 
Fourteen  units  took  part  in  the  first  hike  for 
which  more  than  1,000  people  registered.  Volun- 
teer leaders  were  in  charge  of  the  group.  The 
leaders  who  are  being  used  for  the  hikes  are  train- 
ed botanists,  biologists,  mineralogists  and  astrono- 
mers, and  all  are  familiar  with  one  phase  or  an- 
other of  nature  study. 

In  Memory  of  Charles  B.  Stover — In  honor 
of  Charles  B.  Stover,  the  New  York  City  Park 
Commissioner  under  Mayor  Gaynor  and  a pioneer 
playground  worker,  a stone  bench  at  Central  Park 
was  dedicated  last  August.  The  bench,  of  heavy 
granite,  crests  the  knoll  of  the  Shakespeare  Gar- 
den. It  is  said  to  have  been  Mr.  Stover’s  favorite 
seat  in  the  park.  “It  is  only  fitting,”  said  Mayor 
La  Guardia,  “that  we  pay  our  respects  to  a man 
who  unselfishly  devoted  himself  to  the  betterment 
of  our  city.  Citizens  such  as  he  are  unfortunately 
very  rare.”  Park  Commissioner  Robert  Moses 
praised  Mr.  Stover  for  the  obstacles  which  he 
overcame  in  establishing  park  playgrounds  and 
cited  the  city’s  need  for  continued  playground  de- 
velopment. Dr.  John  H.  Finley,  in  recalling  the 
career  of  Mr.  Stover,  said  he  left  a pitifully  small 
personal  estate  when  he  died  in  1929.  “However,” 
he  said,  “He  left  an  invaluable  estate  to  the  chil- 
dren of  this  city.” 


Community  Centers  in  Sioux  City 

(Continued  from  page  478) 

under  leadership.  In  the  evenings  a program  is 
conducted  from  7:15  to  9:30  for  the  men  and 
women  of  the  community.  All  activities  are  being 
carried  on  in  three  large  basement  rooms,  the 


512 


FROM  A WOODCHUCK  UP! 


A Health  - Building  Game 
for  Old  and  Young 

Pitching  Horseshoes  is  muscle-building  rec- 
reation that  appeals  to  all  types  of  people. 
Install  a few  courts  on  your  grounds,  organ- 
ize a horseshoe  club,  schedule  a tournament. 
Write  for  free  booklets  on  club  organiza- 
tion, tournament  play.  etc. 

Diamond  Official  Shoes  and  accessories 
are  the  choice  of  professionals  and  ama- 
teurs alike.  It’s  economy  to  purchase 
equipment  with  the  longest  life. 

DIAMOND 

CALK  HORSESHOE  CO. 

4610  Grand  Avenue  Duluth,  Minn. 

Makers  of  DIAMOND  Official  Pitching  Shoes 


other  parts  of  the  school  building  being  closed. 
Under  this  arrangement  supervision  of  the  activi- 
ties becomes  a simple  matter. 

Keen  interest  is  being  shown  by  the  community 
in  its  recreation  center,  and  plans  are  being  made 
by  the  young  men  and  young  women  to  organize 
a minstrel  show.  Tournaments  are  now  being  con- 
ducted in  table  tennis,  shuffleboard  and  checkers. 
Christmas  presents  are  made  for  the  holiday,  and 
game  equipment  will  be  constructed  by  the  men 
who  attend  the  center. 


From  a Woodchuck  Up! 

( Continued  from  page  480) 

contains  room  for  forty-eight  exhibitions,  fifty 
display  tanks,  and  a natural  trout  stream  runs 
through  it.  In  case  of  rain  during  a performance 
in  the  outdoor  theater  convenient  entrances  and 
plenty  of  space  accommodate  the  audience  in  the 
aquarium. 

Because  funds  are  limited  for  stocking  the 
building,  help  from  several  sources  has  been  ob- 
tained. The  state  will  start  a jar  hatchery  to  de- 


velop white  fish,  pike,  pickerel  and  other  species. 
The  tropical  fish  section  will  be  stocked  by  the 
Toledo  Aquarium  Society,  and  it  is  hoped  that  the 
receipts  from  general  admissions  and  opera  will 
aid  in  buying  specimens  for  this  and  the  other 
buildings. 

The  old  smokestack  of  the  Milburn  Wagon 
Works,  ornamental  stone  from  the  old  Miami- 
Erie  canal  locks,  salesmen’s  tile  samples  and 
modern  glass  brick  went  into  the  aviary  which 
cost  $217,000.  It  is  windowless  and  air 
conditioned. 

These  are  the  major  buildings,  but  in  addition 
a tunnel  “underpass”  approach  to  the  park,  a sea 
pool,  an  Alpine  garden,  much  ravine  planting, 
walks,  bear  pits  and  parking  area  complete  the 
facilities  of  the  park.  Plans  for  African  Veldt 
and  American  Plains  areas  costing  $500,000  are 
being  drawn  up. 

Talent  Was  Contributed 

Not  only  did  the  Zoo  Society  unearth  and  utilize 
a mine  of  scrap  material,  but  under  relief  work 
it  obtained  the  services  of  persons  skilled  in 
special  kinds  of  work  essential  to  the  development 
of  the  zoo  but  for  which  it  could  not  afford  to 
pay.  There  was  a sculptor  who  made  a number 
of  statues  for  the  park  from  old  canal  blocks;  an 
entomologist  who  reorganized  a $1,000  collection 
of  insects  so  skilfully  that  when  he  completed  the 
task  the  collection  was  worth  $12,000.  Relief 
work  officials  “shook  down”  17,583  names  to  find 
this  man.  A teacher  of  sculpture  and  painting 
made  a series  of  life-sized  heads  to  show  the  de- 
velopment of  the  human  race  for  the  Hall  of  Man, 
and  a painter  prepared  many  of  the  backgrounds 
for  the  bird  displays.  These  and  the  many  other 
workers  took  great  pride  and  pleasure  in  the  task 
of  building  the  zoo,  coming  to  work  with  odds  and 
ends  of  tile  and  steel  and  stone  from  their  own 
garages  and  tool  sheds,  contributing  ideas,  and 
collecting  tile  which  added  greatly  to  the  attrac- 
tiveness of  the  aviary. 

To  a number  of  men  goes  special  credit  for  this 
monumental  piece  of  work — Mr.  Schmuhl,  WPA 
director;  Paul  Robinette,  the  architect;  Percy 
Jones,  head  of  the  Zoo  Board;  Frank  Skeldon, 
zoo  director,  and  Mr.  Yost,  construction. 

Citizen  Boards  in  Public  Welfare 

(Continued  from  page  487) 

either  law  or  tradition  requires  that  the  secre- 
tary of  health  should  be  a physician,  and  that 


MAGAZINES  AND  PAMPHLETS 


513 


the  same  condition  applies  to  many  subordi- 
nate officials  in  the  field  of  public  health.  One 
might  argue  reasonably  that  the  position  of 
secretary  of  welfare  should  be  safeguarded  in 
the  same  way.  But  in  reality  the  measure  of 
protection  afforded  by  this  requirement  in  the 
field  of  public  health  is  pretty  small.  However 
superior  the  ethics  of  the  medical  profession 
may  be  to  those  of  most  of  us,  nevertheless 
there  are  still  enough  politically-minded  doc- 
tors to  undermine  the  intention  of  the  require- 
ment, which  itself  is  inadequate  because  it  does 
not  include  training  for  public  health  work.  If 
it  were  required  by  law  or  by  tradition  that  the 
secretary  of  welfare  should  be  a trained  social 
'worker,  the  results  might  be  even  more  disap- 
pointing. Without  going  into  the  question  of 
the  political-mindedness  of  social  workers,  the 
usual  social  service  training  and  experience, 
while  an  asset,  in  its  present  stage  of  develop- 
ment is  too  narrow  a field  to  furnish  adequate 
preparation  for  public  administration  on  a 
large  scale.  How  the  situation  may  be  changed 
in  the  future,  by  the  efforts  of  schools  of  public 
administration,  I do  not  know ; but  in  the  last 
analysis  everything  depends,  and  will  continue 
to  depend,  upon  the  integrity  of  the  appointing 
power. 

When  it  comes  to  subordinate  officials  of  the 
welfare  department  there  can  be  no  quarrel,  I 
think,  with  the  requirement  that  they  should 
be  thoroughly  qualified  for  their  special  tech- 
nical responsibilties  and  that  their  appointment 
should  be  on  merit  as  determined  by  examina- 
tion and  evaluation  of  personality. 

Making  Service  Count 

Aside  from  knowledge  of  his  field,  an  official 
must  have  a genuine  desire  to  get  the  best  pos- 
sible service  from  his  board  in  order  that  their 
mutual  relationship  shall  be  fruitful.  He  can- 
not be  blamed  if  he  fails  to  make  any  more 
use  than  the  law  compels  of  a board  of  vain 
and  foolish  people.  He  can  be  criticized  se- 
verely if  he  fails  to  get  all  that  he  can  from  one 
that  is  well  chosen  and  competent.  Especially 
is  this  true  today,  when  problems  of  public 
welfare  have  assumed  such  proportions  that 
their  treatment  calls  for  the  interplay  of  a wide 
range  of  knowledge  and  experience.  There  is 
a danger,  in  my  opinion,  that  social  workers 
whose  knowledge  is  limited  may  assume  re- 


Magazines  and  Pamphlets 

) Recently  Received  Containing  Articles  \ 

v of  Interest  to  the  Recreation  Worker  \ 


MAGAZINES 

The  Keynote,  Fall  1936 

(Associated  Glee  Clubs  of  America,  Inc.) 

New  York’s  Second  Barber  Shop  Quartet  Contest 

The  Journal  of  Educational  Sociology,  December  1936 
Community  Organization  in  Hastings-on-Hudson,  by 
John  L.  Hopkins 

The  Journal  of  Health  and  Physical  Education, 

December  1936 

The  New  Leisure — and  the  Adult,  by  Edith  M.  Gates 
Junior  Boys’  Sportsmanship  Club,  by  J.  Speelman 

The  American  City,  December  1936 

Thirty-five  New  Tennis  Courts  Constructed  in  Tren- 
ton Playgrounds 

A Successful  Municipal  Flower  Show 

Parents'  Magazine,  January  1937 
Family  Fun,  by  Elizabeth  King 
Introducing  a Child  to  Music,  by  Helen  P.  Law 
Books  for  Boys  and  Girls,  by  Alice  Dalgliesh 

Leisure,  December  1936 

Christmas  Greens,  by  Grace  Igo  Hall 
The  Puppet  Show  Goes  On,  by  Helen  Eva  Yates 
America’s  Ski-ized  Band,  by  Bertha  R.  Parker 
The  Potter  and  His  Clay,  by  Grove  F.  Ekins,  Jr. 
Trial  Cookery,  by  Frances  Green 
Ride  a Span  of  Hobby  Horses,  by  Julia  K.  Byington 
Christmas  Table  Decorations  You  Can  Make,  by 
Dorothy  Barber 

Santa  Claus  Party  Bag,  by  Harry  D.  Edgren,  M.A. 


PAMPHLETS 

Annual  Report  of  the  Board  of  Playground  Directors — 
Oakland,  Calif.,  1935-1936 

Ninth  Annual  Report  of  the  Division  of  Recreation  of 
Louisville,  Ky.,  1935-36 

Christmas  Lighting  Suggestions 

How  to  Light  Your  Home  for  the  Holidays 

General  Electric  Company,  Nela  Park,  Cleveland, 
Ohio 

Lessons  on  Basketball 

Compiled  by  William  A.  Moore,  Central  Park,  Louis- 
ville, Ky. 

Service  Bulletin  for  Teachers  of  Adults 
Adult  Education  Program 

New  York  City  Board  of  Education  and  the  Works 
Progress  Administration,  143  Baxter  Street,  New 
York  City 

A Study  Pertaining  to  the  Athletic  Directorship  of  Inter- 
collegiate Athletics,  by  H.  S.  De  Groot. 

Reprinted  from  Research  Quarterly,  $.25 


514 


COMMUNITY  BUILDINGS  HERE  AND  THERE 


sponsibilities  for  which  they  are  not  qualified. 
In  fact,  I believe  that  this  has  already  hap- 
pened. To  an  unprecedented  extent  social 
workers  have  been  in  demand  for  govern- 
mental positions.  Some  of  them,  knowing  little 
of  economics  or  national  finance,  have  shown 
no  hesitation  in  advocating  policies  of  far- 
reaching  importance,  the  end  results  of  which 
they  are  not  equipped  to  evaluate. 

A large  percentage  of  the  national  income, 
federal,  state  and  local,  today  is  being  expend- 
ed in  what  we  call  the  social  work  field.  Ques- 
tions of  federal,  state  and  local  functions  are 
involved.  Policies  reach  from  their  impact  on 
national  economics  to  their  effect  on  the  hum- 
blest citizen.  The  whole  complicated  business 
of  public  welfare  services  from  top  to  bottom 
calls  for  the  related  efforts  of  the  best  minds 
available.  Citizen  boards,  properly  selected  and 
motivated,  have  a distinctive  contribution  to 
make,  as  have  welfare  officials  and  professional 
social  workers.  But  that  contribution  will  be 
useful  only  in  the  manner  and  to  the  extent 
that  it  is  used. 


Community  Buildings  Here  and  There 

(Continued  from  page  489) 

the  women’s  Circle,  started  back  in  1909,  to  co- 
operate with  it  in  this  enterprise.  Thus  began  an- 
other period  of  united  community  activity. 

On  January  6,  1930  the  Park  Association  set 
aside  $200  as  a nucleus  for  a building  fund  and 
determined  to  solicit  for  building  materials,  funds, 
and  labor.  The  response  was  immediate.  In  no 
time  at  all  $400  had  been  given,  labor  and  mate- 
rials were  supplied,  and  one  man  offered  to  be 
overseer  and  lend  his  concrete  mixer  and  gaso- 
line saw.  The  funds  were  put  in  the  Circle  treas- 
ury and  the  Circle  and  Park  Board  worked  hand 
in  hand.  Work  began  at  once  and  arrangements 
were  made  for  a grand  opening  in  the  middle  of 
February. 

Although  there  was  a large  debt  on  materials 
and  it  is  customary  to  charge  a rather  high  fee  at 
such  openings  to  help  wipe  out  these  obligations, 
because  of  the  generosity  of  donors  of  labor  and 
funds,  the  opening  program  and  dance  was  given 
free  with  just  a small  charge  of  25^  for  lunch. 
Over  300  persons  attended  the  opening. 

It  was  a simple  building,  like  the  first  school 


house,  just  the  bare  essentials  — an  auditorium 
32  x 42,  with  a stage  14  x 14,  and  a concrete 
basement  for  dining  room,  kitchen  and  furnace 
room.  There  were  seats  around  the  sides,  and  by 
using  the  old  circle  benches  a fair-sized  crowd 
could  be  accommodated.  Tables  served  100  and  a 
second-hand  stove  was  purchased  for  the  kitchen. 

The  community  hall  finished,  attention  centered 
on  its  administration.  The  hall  was  turned  over  to 
the  Park  Board  and  a set  of  rules  adopted  for  its 
operation.  The  Arena  Valley  Circle,  Arena  Val- 
ley Grange,  Sunday  school  and  members  of  the 
association  and  all  other  groups  or  individuals, 
with  consent  of  the  Board,  are  able  to  use  the 
center  free  of  charge  save  for  heating  and  break- 
age, and  when  admissions  are  charged,  half  of  the 
amount  collected  must  go  to  the  Association. 

Disaster  came  the  first  winter  in  a flood  in  the 
basement  of  five  feet  of  irrigation  water  which 
broke  through  the  front  wall.  The  gasoline  engine 
was  put  to  work  and  the  building  restored  in  short 
order.  During  the  winter  a furnace  was  installed. 
In  September,  1931  all  debts  for  material  were 
paid  and  soon  the  building  was  plastered  and  fin- 
ished on  the  inside,  the  woodwork  varnished  and 
stained.  The  Circle  again  stepped  in,  and  bought 
curtains  for  the  stage.  But  it  was  not  until  June, 
1935  that  with  the  coming  of  electricity  to  the  val- 
ley that  the  old  gasoline  lamps  were  discarded. 
Now  the  managers  are  striving  to  obtain  folding 
chairs  to  replace  the  cumbersome  Circle  benches. 

There  is  nothing  ornate  and  pretentious  about 
this  community  hall ; it  is  neat  and  trim  and  com- 
pact. And  along  with  its  building  the  builders 
have  also  grown,  building  up  a rich  and  satisfying 
community  life  of  which  this  small  white  building 
is  a fitting  center. 

Flint  Marches  On! 

( Continued  from  page  490) 

Recreation.  Admittedly  a problem  before  the  plan 
of  using  school  buildings  was  inaugurated  in  1935* 
the  school  board  entered  whole-heartedly  into  the 
project  and  has  seen  its  course  vindicated  by  the 
tremendous  growth  of  the  project  in  1936. 

The  hundreds  of  letters  and  other  messages  of 
commendation  received  from  other  communities 
throughout  the  nation  have  helped  to  convince  a 
handful  of  skeptics  that  the  plan  not  only  is  feasi- 
ble but  is  necessary  to  the  community’s  progress 
in  dealing  with  the  important  problems  of  family 
welfare  and  juvenile  delinquency. 


RECREATION  FOR  COLORED  CITIZENS  IN  THE  NEW  DEMOCRACY 


515 


Recreation  for  Colored  Citizens  in  the 
New  Democracy 

(Continued  from  page  494) 

studies  made  by  this  organization.  Such  communi- 
ties or  organizations  within  such  communities,  and 
already  established  recreation  departments,  will 
find  valuable  sources  of  aid  in  meeting  the  prob- 
lems involved.  One  thing  the  Bureau  of  Colored 
Work  has  learned,  and  that  is  that  in  nearly  every 
section  the  Negro  group,  so  far  as  the  complete 
program  of  activities  is  concerned,  represents  a 
community  within  a community.  That  is,  a gen- 
eral city  program  may  be  ever  so  good  intention- 
ed,  but  it  does  not  reach  far  enough  to  contact  or 
welcome  the  inclusion  of  colored  groups.  Special 
planning  to  reach  them  and  make  available  the 
program  seems  a need  everywhere. 

An  unusual  study  is  being  made  in  Cincinnati 
through  Emergency  relief  help  covering  the  rec- 
reation problems  of  20,000  individual  colored  peo- 
ple in  their  population.  Their  findings  already  in- 
dicate that  neither  church  nor  school  agencies  nor 
social  work  agencies  supply  the  needs  or  desires. 

I am  inclined  to  feel  the  problem  can  best  be  ap- 
proached by  public  recreation  departments.  The 
problem  is  not  sectional,  it  is  nation-wide.  When 
the  South  adopts  its  new-fangled  cotton  machin- 
ery releasing  the  millions  of  rural  people  from  the 
burden  of  bending  and  borrowing,  we  shall  need 
more  adequate  machinery  for  leisure  and  more 
inventions  for  absorption  of  free  time  in  metro- 
politan areas,  call  it  by  the  name  of  play  or  recrea- 
tion, than  we  ever  did  before.  Through  WPA, 
PWA  and  NY  A,  the  Federal  Government  is  sup- 
plying leaders  for  recreation  projects  and  aid  in 
increasing  facilities.  Their  entrance  into  the  rec- 
reation field  evidenced  the  recognition  of  a need, 
even  though  there  exists  no  surplus  in  profes- 
sional leadership.  Certain  it  is  that  hundreds  of 
colored  recreation  workers  have  been  added  to  the 
movement;  state  and  county  Negro  supervisors 
are  on  the  job,  and  we  are  starting  on  a new  drive 
for  recognition  and  possible  achievement  in  the 
recreation  field. 

In  the  education  of  colored  leaders  under  Fed- 
eral and  local  auspices,  we  have  just  completed  a 
group  of  institutes  held  in  six  Kentucky  cities. 
The  institutes  were  directed  by  the  writer  with  the 
staff  from  local,  county  and  state  NYA  and  WPA 
and  their  official  family,  cooperating.  Altogether 
three  hundred  and  sixty-eight  attended.  This  is 
only  one  phase  of  our  contribution  to  the  educa- 
tional or  training  needs  of  local  leaders. 


Just  as  is  true  in  any  movement,  a recreation 
program  demands  trained  leaders  with  skill,  or- 
ganizing technique,  educational  background  or 
special  talent.  We  may  have  to  guide  the  voca- 
tional guiders  in  emphasizing  the  invitation  this 
field  presents  to  college  trained  persons.  When 
the  profession  attracts  such  individuals  who  sense 
the  service  required  there  will  come  to  local  com- 
munities a more  rapid  expansion  and  growth. 
Thus  may  we  meet  the  challenge  of  the  new 
democracy. 

"Curtain  at  8 P.  M.” 

( Continued  from  page  496) 

During  the  month  of  June  the  group  concerned 
itself  with  a special  research  project  carried  on 
for  the  most  part  in  the  Public  Library.  Hun- 
dreds of  plays  were  read  and  carefully  catalogued 
on  index  cards.  A fund  of  valuable  information 
was  gathered  together  and  made  a part  of  the 
permanent  equipment  of  the  Park  Board  Recrea- 
tion Department.  This  information  concerning 
available  material  is  now  accessible  to  recreation 
workers  and  to  the  general  public.  In  addition  to 
this  activity  the  group  was  engaged  with  rehearsal 
of  a new  three-act  play. 

Finally,  the  Outdoor  Theater 

On  the  29th  day  of  June  there  was  projected 
an  experiment  in  the  field  of  drama  that  was  to 
become  widely  known  in  the  city  as  the  “Park 
WPA  Outdoor  Theater.”  Powderhorn  Park  was 
selected  as  the  site  for  the  opening  production.  At 
this  park  there  was  a standard  bandstand.  The 
platform  was  about  thirty-five  by  twenty  feet, 
and  stood  about  four  feet  above  the  ground.  The 
railing  was  removed  from  one  side  and  uprights 
were  erected  at  intervals  around  the  platform.  To 
these  uprights  there  was  tacked  green  burlap, 
completely  enclosing  the  sides,  with  the  exception 
of  a door  at  the  back.  An  attractive  curtain  was 
hung  across  the  open  side,  lighting  equipment  was 
installed  and  scenery  placed  in  position.  A large 
wall  tent  was  erected  at  the  rear  to  serve  as  a 
dressing  tent  and  a storage  place  for  properties. 
With  this  setup,  and  without  the  use  of  a public 
address  system,  the  outdoor  theater  entertained 
6,575  people  the  first  week.  At  Riverside  Park 
the  following  week  there  were  8,100  people  in  at- 
tendance. The  theater  attracted  11,150  people  in  a 
week  at  Loring  Park  and  went  on  to  Camden 
Park  to  raise  its  total  monthly  attendance  to  a new 
high  mark  of  34,506. 


516 


A PARENT  TEACHER  COUNCIL  FINDS  THE  WAY 


Just  Out 

A New  Edition  off 

The  American  Indians 
and  Their  Music 

by  Frances  Densmore 

#].oo 

A recent  and  authoritative  resource 
for  information  on  Indian  subjects — 
an  excellent  reference  for  teachers, 
librarians,  musicians,  historians,  club 
leaders  and  anyone  interested  in 
American  Indian  lore. 

THE  WOMANS  PRESS 

««»  LEXINGTON  AVENUE 
New  York,  IN.  Y. 


The  month  of  August,  which  included  the  pre- 
sentation at  Lake  Harriet,  saw  attendance  rise  to 
43,450.  Tourists  from  all  over  the  country  found 
their  way  into  the  audience.  On  one  occasion,  a 
charming  little  lady,  fresh  from  Bonnie  Scotland, 
came  forward  to  request  that  during  the  com- 
munity sing  the  audience  should  sing  “Annie 
Laurie.”  This  they  did  with  a will.  On  this  same 
occasion  the  actors  were  visited  back  stage  by  peo- 
ple from  Boise,  Idaho;  Winnipeg,  Manitoba; 
Tampa,  Florida;  Iowa  City,  Iowa;  Manila,  P.  I.; 
Honolulu,  T.  H.,  and  Corozal,  C.  Z. 

It  is  with  assurance  that  we  say  that  the  theater 
has  found  its  way  into  the  hearts  of  Minneapolis 
people  and  their  friends  from  other  states  and 
countries.  The  Park  Board  and  WPA  officials 
who  made  possible  the  projection  of  this  theater 
may  well  feel  that  their  faith  in  the  project  was 
justified,  and  may  view  with  interest  and  confi- 
dence the  development  that  lies  ahead. 


Sixteen  Million  Books 

( Continued  from  page  498) 

use  in  studios,  workshops,  theaters  and  homes. 


The  classified  stock  of  pictures  is  now  625,668; 
97,646  having  been  added  in  1935. 

A Plea  for  the  Speech  Arts  in  the 
Recreation  Program 

(Continued  from  page  501) 

gram.  It  is  unlikely  that  all  the  courses  suggested 
could  be  offered  in  any  one  community,  while 
others  not  listed  would  no  doubt  be  in  demand. 
We  have  here,  however,  a suggestion  of  possible 
courses,  many  of  which  are  valuable  and  practical 
in  any  community. 

We  may  well  remember  that  in  vocational  labor 
the  individual  has  little  freedom.  His  job  and  his  t 
boss  determine  what  he  shall  do.  In  avocational  \ 
work  the  individual  works  because  he  wants  to 
do  the  thing  he  is  doing.  Many  real  contributions 
to  a better  tomorrow  are  worked  out  in  spare  time. 


A ParentTeacherCouncil  Finds theWay 

( Continued  from  page  503) 

children  participated  in  the  program  and  demon- 
strated through  the  medium  of  song,  dance  and 
living  pictures,  the  activities  that  had  been  enjoy- 
ed by  some  3000  children  during  the  summer.  It 
was  colorful  and  spectacular.  It  clearly  illustrated 
careful  planning,  excellent  leadership,  close  super-  ! 
vision,  and  joyful  participation.  It  was  so  fine 
that  certain  phases  of  it  will  be  repeated  on  play 
night  at  the  State  Parent  Teacher  Convention. 

Cooperation  the  Key 

The  Sioux  Falls  summer  playground  program 
is  an  outstanding  example  of  what  may  be  ac- 
complished when  a community  has  the  best  inter- 
ests of  its  children  and  young  people  at  heart. 
The  cooperation  of  the  Board  of  Education,  the 
Chamber  of  Commerce,  the  Park  Board,  the  City 
Commission,  service  clubs  and  other  organiza- 
tions of  the  city,  together  with  a determined  ef- 
fort on  the  part  of  the  Parent  Teacher  Council 
that  leisure  time  benefits  be  extended  to  under- 
privileged children  through  a wise  use  of  federal 
funds,  served  as  the  keystone  to  the  arch  of  a 
most  successful  program  for  an  appreciative 
community. 

What  of  the  Winter  Months? 

As  the  playgrounds  closed  and  the  youngsters 
trudged  back  to  school  the  emphasis  of  the  recre- 
ation program  shifted  to  activities  for  adults.  The 
leaders  were  assigned  to  community  centers  and 


RECREATION  CENTERS  FOR  UNEMPLOYED  MEN 


517 


have  undergone  further  intensive  training  to  help 
fit  them  for  adult  recreational  activities.  Com- 
munity singing,  chorus  work,  band  and  orchestra, 
little  theaters,  marionette  shows,  family  night 
parties,  club  work,  checker  tournaments,  folk 
dancing  and  American  square  dancing,  debates 
and  open  forums  are  activities  enjoyed  through 
the  aid  of  WPA  leaders  who  are  rendering  a fine 
service  to  their  communities.  Community  centers 
are  crowded  and  new  ones  are  being  opened.  The 
Parent  Teacher  Association  has  pointed  the  way 
toward  happier  living  in  its  community  and  has 
achieved  one  of  the  major  objectives  of  the 
association. 

What  has  been  done  in  Sioux  Falls  has  been 
done  in  many  smaller  towns  all  over  South  Dakota 
and  may  be  done  anywhere  if  parents  and  teach- 
ers and  interested  citizens  are  concerned  with 
problems  confronting  youth. 

Harrisburg  Revives  the  Kipona 

( Continued  from  page  507) 

the  splendid  boat  races  with  boats  roaring  through 
the  water  at  a speed  of  forty-five  miles  an  hour. 

The  afternoon  program  lasted  five  hours  be- 
ginning at  one  o’clock  when  airplanes  from  the 
Penn  Harris  airport  flew  in  formation  over  the 
city.  The  program  included  events  for  sail  canoes, 
sailboats,  speed  boats  and  motor  driven  canoes, 
and  there  were  swimming  races  for  juniors  and 
seniors.  Events  such  as  tub  races,  canoe  tilting 
and  clown  diving  caused  much  amusement.  With 
sailboats  and  motor  boats  added  to  the  events  since 
the  last  Kipona,  the  nautical  Mardi  Gras  gained 
new  fascination.  As  many  as  three  events  were 
conducted  at  the  same  time.  While  boat  races 
were  held  along  the  shore  and  outside'  of  the  spe- 
cially constructed  lagoon,  swimmers  stroked  the 
river  within  the  lagoon  of  flat  boats,  and  divers 
competed  in  the  program  arranged  for  them. 

The  evening  events  opened  with  a band  concert 
by  the  American  Legion  band,  Post  Number  27. 
To  the  medley  of  Harrisburg’s  high  school  songs 
of  today  and  yesterday  an  impressive  array  of 
athletes  paraded  across  the  lagoon  in  which  the 
center  of  activities  was  located. 

There  were  150  entries  in  the  decorated  canoe 
parade  and  50  entries  in  the  float  parade  entered 
by  business  concerns  of  the  city.  Whether  simply 
or  elaborately  decorated,  the  canoes  glided  over 
the  calm  waters  in  colorful  procession.  As  the  last 
float  passed  the  judges’  stand,  a display  of  fire- 
works illumined  the  sky.  As  a background  for  the 


Recreation  Centers  for 
Unemployed  Men 

Since  1931  the  City  Council  of  Minneapolis 
has  maintained  a recreation  center  for  unem- 
ployed men.  In  1933  it  became  necessary  to  secure 
larger  quarters,  and  the  center  is  now  housed  in  a 
five  story  brick  building  remodeled  in  1935  with 
federal  funds.  The  ground  floor  consists  of  gen- 
eral offices.  On  the  second  floor  is  the  auditorium 
with  a seating  capacity  of  600  people  and  a stage 
fully  equipped  for  stage  shows  and  motion  pic- 
tures. Other  recreational  facilities  are  also  located 
here,  including  one  shuffieboard,  ten  card  tables 
and  two  ping  pong  tables.  Small  game  equipment 
is  available.  Offices  of  the  superintendent  and  of 
doctors  and  dentists  are  located  on  this  floor.  On 
the  third  and  fourth  floors  are  the  dormitories 
with  150  single  beds  on  each  floor.  The  men 
housed  here  are  older  men  unable  to  work  be- 
cause of  physical  disability.  On  the  fifth  floor  are 
the  kitchen  and  dining  room.  Two  chefs  are  em- 
ployed to  prepare  the  meals  which  are  served  three 
times  daily.  A check  room  and  workshop  are 
located  in  the  basement. 

Throughout  the  week  many  entertainment  pro- 
grams are  presented  in  the  auditorium,  such  as 
plays  put  on  by  different  dramatic  clubs,  orchestra 
and  band  concerts,  motion  pictures  of  both  an  en- 
tertaining and  educational  nature,  and  other  fea- 
tures. The  services  of  the  entertainers  are  donated 
by  different  organizations  interested  in  the  center 
or  provided  by  actors  employed  by  the  federal 
government.  The  programs  are  received  with 
great  enthusiasm.  On  Sundays  the  auditorium  is 
turned  over  to  different  religious  denominations 
for  their  services. 

New  York  Opens  Recreation  Hall 

A new  recreation  and  shelter  annex  has  been 
opened  in  connection  with  the  New  York  City’s 
Municipal  Lodging  House  for  the  Homeless  at 
25th  Street  and  the  East  River.  The  annex  has 
been  built  on  the  old  municipal  pier  Number  73  by 
WPA  at  a cost  of  $250,000.  It  will  fill  several 
present  needs  but  its  chief  function  will  be  to  pro- 
vide a center  for  daytime  use.  There  are  two 
rooms  which  will  provide  reading  and  card  play- 
ing facilities.  Behind  these  rooms  are  shower  and 
clothes  cleaning  rooms.  The  washrooms  are 
equipped  with  tubs  where  the  men  can  wash  their 
clothes  and  gas  dryers  for  drying  them.  Gas 
heated  ironing  stands  are  provided. 


518 


SOFTBALL  — THE  GAME  FOR  ALL 


POSTERS-PLAYS* PROGRAMS 
LESSON  OUTLINES 


Safety  Materials 
for  the  Teacher 

• The  Education  Division  of  the  National 
Safety  Council  offers  a consultation  and 
publications  service  to  the  schools  on  all 
problems  relating  to  safety  teaching. 

• A Special  Safety  Packet  for  Playground 
Directors  is  now  available.  This  is  a valu- 
able collection  of  materials  to  help  the 
playground  director  promote  safety  on  the 
playground  and  consists,  of  ten  attractive 
safety  posters,  crayon  lessons  for  small 
children,  a short  play  and  a program  of 
activities  for  supervised  playgrounds. 

Price  $1.00 

• SAFETY  EDUCATION  MAGAZINE 

provides  the  teacher  with  material  for  a 
well-rounded  safety  program  based  on 
seasonal  hazards.  The  colored  posters, 
graded  lesson  plans,  plays,  stories,  infor- 
mational articles,  accident  facts,  patrol 
news  items  and  other  features  are  pre- 
pared by  school  people  who  are  experts 
in  the  field  of  safety  teaching. 

Subscription — $1.00  a Year 
EDUCATION  DIVISION 

National  Safety  Council 

One  Park  Avenue,  New  York,  N.  Y. 


evening  carnival  the  Boy  Scouts  kept  a series  of 
bonfires  burning  on  the  Island  field,  while  an  array 
of  powerful  flood  lights  illumined  the  stage  in  the 
lagoon  made  of  coal  flats  and  floating  grandstands. 
One  of  the  most  appreciated  features  of  the  pro- 
gram was  the  use  of  an  amplification  system 
through  which  announcements  were  made.  With 
the  microphone  located  at  the  judges’  stand,  the 
announcer  kept  the  public  informed  of  coming 
events  and  announced  the  winners. 


Softball — the  Game  for  All 

( Continued  from  page  508 J 

pitcher  may  use  any  windup  he  desires  providing 
that  in  the  final  delivery  of  the  ball  to  the  batter, 
the  pitching  hand  shall  be  below  the  hip  and  wrist 
not  farther  from  the  body  than  the  elbow. 

This  rule  should  eliminate  many  of  the  trouble- 
some protests  because  of  lack  of  understanding  of 
the  previous  pitching  rule. 

Section  12  of  Rule  27  having  to  do  with  steal- 
ing has  been  changed  to  permit  a runner  to  leave 
the  base  as  soon  as  a legally  pitched  ball  has  left 
the  hands  of  the  pitcher.  Previously,  the  runner 
was  held  to  the  base  until  the  ball  had  crossed 
home  plate.  The  new  rule  should  definitely  pro- 
vide the  incentive  for  attempting  to  steal,  which 
has  been  lacking  in  the  game  during  the  past 
several  years. 

In  the  matter  of  gloves,  all  players  will  be  per- 
mitted to  use  fielder’s  gloves,  but  the  use  of  mits 
are  reserved  only  for  the  first  baseman  and 
catcher. 

Most  of  the  other  important  rules,  such  as  dis- 
tance between  bases,  number  of  players  on  teams, 
use  of  the  bunt,  size  of  the  ball,  etc.,  remain  the 
same. 

The  manufacturers  have  been  asked  to  produce 
a ball  for  use  in  1938,  which  will  be  less  lively 
than  the  present  ball.  Many  cities  having  small 
playing  areas  find  that  the  present  type  of  ball 
cannot  be  used  in  their  areas. 

From  all  sources  there  was  evidenced  a feeling 
that  the  rules  of  the  game  should  not  be  radically 
changed  until  continuous  play  through  another 
year  had  demonstrated  certain  defects.  Far  greater 
progress  will  come  from  securing  a general  ad- 
herence to  the  present  rules  and  concentrating  our 
attention  on  the  development  of  special  pitching 
and  batting  rules  that  are  unique  in  this  game. 
Softball  is  America’s  game,  because  the  rules  are 
being  written  and  interpreted  by  sources  close  to 
those  who  are  actually  playing  the  game. 


New  Publications  in  the  Leisure  Time  Field 


Skiing 

By  Ingrid  Holm.  Russell  Sage  College,  Troy,  New  York. 
$1.90  postpaid. 

With  the  increasing  interest  in  skiing  in  this  coun- 
try, Mrs.  Holm’s  book  comes  as  a timely  publica- 
tion. The  volume  is  forceful  and  definite,  and  the  in- 
structor who  has  a fundamental  grasp  of  the  technique 
of  skiing  will  find  the  organization  of  the  material  and 
the  seven  suggested  programs  exceedingly  helpful.  De- 
scriptions of  the  various  techniques  and  definitely  empha- 
sized faults  are  listed  after  each  position,  break  and  turn. 
.The  usefulness  of  the  book  is  increased  by  the  fifty  stick 
figures  drawn  by  Emily  Andrews. 

With  Puppets,  Mimes  and  Shadows 

By  Margaret  IC.  Soifer.  The  Furrow  Press,  New  York. 
$1.50. 

The  purpose  of  this  book  is  to  explain  how  the  wealth 
* of  folk  literature  may  be  used  by  children  as  material 
from  which  to  create  plays  for  puppets,  pantomimes, 
pageants,  ballets,  tableaux  and  shadows.  The  character 
of  each  of  these  dramatic  media  is  described  and  the  tech- 
niques of  group  play  writing  discussed.  There  are  ten 
original  plays  and  scenarios  in  the  book,  each  based  on  a 
folk  tale  and  with  each  play  in  a different  dramatic 
medium.  An  extensive  list  of  carefully  selected  and 
recommended  books  in  the  fields  of  stage  technique  and 
folk  literature  concludes  the  volume. 

Ten  National  Character  Dances 

Arranged  by  Edna  Lucile  Baum.  Clayton  F.  Summy 
Company,  Chicago.  $1.50. 

This  collection  presents  in  new  guise  some  of  the 
* most  popular  and  widely  used  types  of  national 
dances.  The  book  has  been  arranged  for  the  repertoire 
of  teachers  of  dancing  and  physical  education.  In  pre- 
senting the  dances  to  the  students,  the  teacher  should 
supply  as  much  historical  background  as  possible,  in- 
cluding information  on  the  origin  of  the  dances,  the  racial 
characteristics  of  the  people  who  dance  them,  and  the 
traditional  costumes  worn.  To  give  new  color  to  the  old 
dance  forms,  the  steps  have  been  set  to  music  of  con- 
temporary composers. 

Modern  Methods  in  Archery 

By  Natalie  Reichart  and  Gilman  Keasey.  A.  S.  Barnes 
and  Company,  New  York.  $1.50. 

This  text  for  students  and  teachers  in  the  funda- 
' mentals  of  target  archery  discusses  not  only  methods 
but  such  practical  subjects  as  equipment  and  its  care. 
There  is  also  a chapter  on  archery  competition  with  sug- 
gestions for  events  and  tournaments,  and  a section  on  in- 
door archery.  A glossary  is  included. 


The  Story  of  Costume  Told  in  Pictures 

Compiled  by  Belle  Northrup,  M.A.  Art  Education  Press, 
Inc.,  New  York.  $.60  postpaid. 

[^or  the  amateur  dramatic  group  this  booklet  should 
* be  invaluable  when  the  point  of  costuming  plays  is 
reached.  Its  more  than  300  drawings  compiled  from  old 
prints  and  contemporary  European  books  on  historic 
costume  show  the  outstanding  epochs  of  costume  from 
the  early  Greeks  and  Egyptians  to  Americans  of  the 
ninetenth  century.  In  addition  to  period  costume,  the 
booklet  includes  the  national  or  peasant  dress  of  today. 

New  Ways  in  Photography 

By  Jacob  Deschin.  Whittlesey  House.  McGraw-Hill 
Book  Company,  Inc.,  New  York.  $2.75. 

The  technique  of  photography  has  been  so  greatly  im- 
1 proved  in  recent  years  that  few  amateurs  are  aware 
of  the  resources  available  in  the  practise  of  their  hobby. 
This  book  discusses  the  most  up-to-date  methods  used  by 
amateur  and  professional  photographers  for  obtaining 
good  pictures.  It  emphasizes  primarily  the  methods  em- 
ployed in  obtaining  first-class  photographs  of  all  kinds  of 
objects  under  all  conditions.  It  also  discloses  secrets  re- 
garding so-called  trick  photography — all  those  branches 
of  camera  work  which  are  at  present  little  known  to  most 
amateurs. 

Music  in  Institutions 

By  Willem  van  de  Wall.  Assisted  by  Clara  Maria  Liep- 
mann.  Russell  Sage  Foundation,  New  York.  $3.00. 
This  is  not  a mere  handbook.  It  is,  for  long  and  care- 
* ful  study,  a 436-page  book  dealing  with  every  imagin- 
able phase  of  its  subject.  It  is  intense,  lively,  philosophi- 
cal, psychological,  sociological,  as  well  as  musical  and 
practical,  packed  with  the  abounding  vitality  and  cogita- 
tions of  its  author,  who,  formerly  a professional  musi- 
cian, has  for  many  years  devoted  himself  to  practical 
experience  and  intensive  study  of  the  uses  and  effects  of 
music  in  welfare  institutions.  His  interest  has  in  the  past 
led  him  to  give  especial  attention  to  music’s  values  to 
the  mentally  ill,  but  in  this  book  it  takes  him  into  homes 
and  schools  for  orphan  children,  for  the  aged,  the  crip- 
pled, the  blind,  the  convalescent,  and  into  general  hos- 
pitals, almshouses,  detention  homes,  reformatories  and 
prisons,  as  well  as  into  homes  and  schools  for  the  men- 
tally deficient  and  hospitals  for  the  insane. 

The  book  goes  into  the  conditions  and  problems  of  the 
life  of  these  institutions  in  order  to  relate  the  uses  of 
music  fully  and  intelligently  to  them.  Two  chapters  are 
devoted  to  social  education  in  institutions,  two  to  the 
psychological  influences  of  music,  and  a whole  section  to 
the  specific  aims  and  scope  of  musical  activities  in  each 
of  the  kinds  of  institutions  mentioned  above.  Then  comes 
practice  pure  and  simple  in  a section  of  over  a hundred 


519 


520 


NEW  PUBLICATIONS  IN  THE  LEISURE  TIME  FIELD 


pages  on  the  organization  and  development  of  institu- 
tional music  activities.  This  section  gives  specific  sug- 
gestions for  all  sorts  of  vocal  and  instrumental  activities 
and  groupings,  including  small  choral  ensembles,  note 
reading,  rhythm  bands,  fretted  instrument  ensembles  and 
drum  and  bugle  corps,  as  well  as  those  more  common. 
Listening  and  composing  are  also  treated,  as  are  various 
kinds  of  dancing,  from  simple  “rhythms”  to  court  and 
society  dances  and  interpretive  ones. 

The  qualifications  and  methods  of  institutional  music 
workers  are  given  fifty  pages.  The  final  section  deals 
comprehensively  with  the  coordination  of  the  music  pro- 
gram with  the  work  of  other  departments.  It  also  deals 
with  requirements  of  equipment,  schedule,  records  and 
reports,  and  it  presents  examples  of  music  programs  in 
various  institutions.  A very  large  bibliography  is  added. 

It  needs  hardly  to  be  said  that  so  comprehensive  and 
detailed  a work  on  the  uses  and  effects  of  music  can  be 
of  great  value  to  any  music  director  or  educator  or  rec- 
reation leader,  as  well  as  to  all  institutional  workers. 
Just  as  we  have  learned  much  about  the  general  workings 
and  health  of  the  normal  mind  and  body  from  studies  and 
practical  efforts  with  the  ill  and  otherwise  unfortunate, 
so  we  can  learn  much  about  the  musical  workings  and 
playings  of  the  so-called  normal  person  and  group  from 
this  ardent  study  of  such  doings  by  people  living  under 
other  than  normal  conditions.  Reviewed  by  A.  D.  Zanzig. 

New  York  Advancing. 

Edited  by  Rebecca  B.  Rankin.  Municipal  Reference 
Library,  2230  Municipal  Building,  New  York.  $.50. 

In  this  book  the  departments  and  boroughs  of  the  city 
of  New  York  have  presented  an  accounting  to  the  citi- 
zens. A record  of  two  years  of  accomplishment  in  mu- 
nicipal government  is  presented,  together  with  a pictur- 
ization  of  future  developments  already  planned.  “We 
have  tried,”  says  the  editor  in  her  introduction,  “to  tell 
each  department’s  story  in  a dramatic  style.  Every  state- 
ment is  accurate  and  authorized  by  the  department  itself.” 
Almost  a hundred  photographs  have  been  used  to  illus- 
trate this  dynamic  story.  Of  special  interest  to  recrea- 
tion workers  will  be  the  presentation  of  recreation  being 
carried  on  through  the  Department  of  Parks  and  the 
description  of  public  libraries,  museums,  and  the  Mu- 
nicipal Art  Committee’s  program. 

Recreation  Bird  Book. 

Department  of  Health,  Education  and  Public  Recrea- 
tion, Grand  Rapids,  Michigan.  $.25. 

This  mimeographed  booklet  deals  chiefly  with  the  hous- 
ing of  birds  and  diagrams  are  given  with  directions  for 
construction.  There  are  also  directions  for  making  a bird 
bath  and  a wire  nest  basket.  Suggestions  are  offered  for 
feeding  birds  and  for  constructing  feeding  stations. 

Adult  Education. 

By  Lyman  Bryson.  American  Book  Company,  New 
York.  $2.00. 

This  textbook  in  adult  education  has  been  written  for 
the  “thousands  of  students  of  the  social  scene  and  of  edu- 
cation in  America  who  have  been  wanting  a systematic 
account  of  adult  education.”  The  material  presented  was 
gathered  in  the  course  of  considerable  work  in  the  field 
in  the  promotion  and  administration  of  programs,  and  in 
leading  adult  groups.  The  book  will  go  far  in  interpret- 
ing to  the  public  the  functions  of  adult  education,  the 
methods  employed,  materials,  and  ways  in  which  it  is 
organized  and  promoted.  There  is  an  interesting  discus- 
sion of  changes  in  adult  education  and  their  relationship 
to  the  movement.  “Adult  education,”  says  Dr.  Bryson 
at  the  conclusion  of  his  book,  “is  only  one  of  the  ways 
by  which  all  the  resources  of  a social  group  may  be  put 
to  work  for  the  betterment  of  life.  But  it  is  important 
because  it  has  to  do  with  the  life  of  the  mind.  . . . Our 
success  in  managing  our  difficult  civilization  may  hang 
upon  the  use  we  make  of  the  learning  power  which  is 
ours  as  long  as  we  are  alive.” 


Individual  Satisfaction  in  Adult  Education. 

A Study  by  Olive  O.  Van  Horn.  The  New  York 

Adult  Education  Council,  Inc.,  222  Fourth  Avenue, 

New  York.  $.50,  plus  $.05  postage. 

This  booklet  has  been  made  possible  by  the  coopera- 
tion of  over  1,000  users  of  adult  education  and  more  than 
a score  of  leaders  of  organized  activities  who  contributed 
material  for  the  study.  The  report  sets  forth  the  social 
significance  of  adult  education  and  traces  the  changes 
which  have  taken  place  during  the  depression.  It  de- 
scribes the  users  of  the  program  and  tells  what  activities 
people  are  undertaking  to  secure  satisfaction  through  the 
program.  In  the  final  section  some  of  the  problems  of 
adult  education  are  raised. 

Our  Earth  and  Its  Life. 

By  Mary  Geisler  Phillips  and  Julia  McNair  Wright. 

D.  C.  Heath  and  Company,  Boston.  $.76. 

This  is  the  fourth  of  a series  dealing  with  natural 
science  and  is  designed  to  make  vivid  to  the  child  the 
constantly  shifting  scene  and  the  animated  drama  to  be 
found  in  the  history  of  the  earth  and  the  development  of 
life  on  the  earth.  The  story  begins  with  a vivid  picture 
of  the  universe  and  ends  with  an  account  of  our  modern 
animals  and  their  relation  to  the  past. 

The  Gang. 

By  Frederic  M.  Thrasher,  University  of  Chicago 

Press,  Chicago,  Illinois.  $4.00. 

This  study  of  1,313  gangs  in  Chicago  represents  a 
newly  revised  edition  of  Mr.  Thrasher’s  book  published 
several  years  ago.  This  revised  edition  suggests  in  more 
detail  than  did  the  other  two  how  criminals  can  be  pre- 
vented. The  book  has  interest  for  the  general  reader  in 
that  it  deals  with  the  relation  of  the  gang  to  the  prob- 
lems of  juvenile  demoralization,  crime  and  politics  in  a 
great  city.  It  will  also  serve  as  a supplementary  text- 
book in  courses  of  study  dealing  with  the  city,  collective 
behavior,  juvenile  delinquency  and  social  pathology. 


Officers  and  Directors  of  the  National 
Recreation  Association 

OFFICERS 
Joseph  Lee,  President 
John  II.  Finley,  First  Vice-President 
John  G.  Winant,  Second  Vice-President 
Robert  Garrett,  Third  Vice-President 
Gustavus  T.  Kirby,  Treasurer 
Howard  S.  Braucher,  Secretary 

DIRECTORS 
F.  Gregg  Bemis,  Boston,  Mass. 

Mrs.  Edward  W.  Biddle,  Carlisle,  Pa. 

Clarence  M.  Clark,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

Henry  L.  Corbett,  Portland,  Ore. 

Mrs.  Arthur  G.  Cummer,  Jacksonville,  Fla. 

F.  Trubee  Davison,  Locust  Valley,  L.  I.,  N.  Y. 

John  H.  Finley,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Robert  Garrett,  Baltimore,  Md. 

Austin  E.  Griffiths,  Seattle,  Wash. 

Charles  Hayden,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Mrs.  Charles  V.  Hickox,  Michigan  City,  Ind. 

Mrs.  Mina  M.  Edison-Hughes,  West  Orange,  N.  J. 
Mrs.  Francis  deLacy  Hyde,  Plainfield,  N.  J. 

Gustavus  T.  Kirby,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

H.  McK.  Landon,  Indianapolis,  Ind. 

Mrs.  Charles  D.  Lanier,  Greenwich,  Conn. 

Robert  Lassiter,  Charlotte,  N.  C. 

Joseph  Lee,  Boston,  Mass. 

Edward  E.  Loomis,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

J.  H.  McCurdy,  Springfield,  Mass. 

Otto  T.  Mallery,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

Walter  A.  May,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 

Carl  E.  Milliken,  Augusta,  Me. 

Mrs.  Ogden  L.  Mills,  Woodbury,  N.  Y. 

Mrs.  James  W.  Wadsworth,  Jr.,  Washington,  D.  C. 

J.  C.  Walsh,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Frederick  M.  Warburg,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

John  G.  Winant,  Concord,  N.  H. 

Mrs.  William  H.  Woodin,  Jr.,  Tucson,  Ariz. 


An  Interview  with  Joseph  Lee 

YOU  CAN’T  get  Joseph  Lee  to  admit  that  he  has  done  much  for  children  and 
their  playgrounds.  He  takes  enormous  pleasure  in  placing  the  credit  elsewhere. 

When  I visited  him  at  his  home  and  asked  him  to  tell  me  of  the  part  he 
had  played  in  playground  development,  he  said: 

“I  am  not  the  inventor  of  playgrounds.  The  first  one  was 
occupied  by  Adam  and  Eve  until  the  serpent  put  them  wise.  I have 
merely  been  trying  to  overcome  that  wisdom. 

“I  did  not  even  start  the  first  playground  in  Boston.  That 
one  began  when  William  Blackstone  gave  his  cow  pasture  to  the 
town  of  Boston,  about  which  the  Boston  boys  afterwards  made  their 
successful  representation  on  the  subject  of  football  to  General  Gage.” 

Mr.  Lee  was  asked,  “What  made  you  go  in  for  playgrounds?” 

“I  do  not  know  exactly  what  first  started  me.  I had  a very 
happy  play  life  myself,  although  it  included  the  captaincy  of  two 
football  teams,  both  of  which  invariably  lost!  And  I am  still  fond 
of  many  kinds  of  play. 

“My  idea  was  to  find  a means  of  interesting  people  in  social 
work  from  the  point  of  view  of  promoting  life,  not  merely  picking 
up  the  dead  and  injured. 

“I  decided  that  anybody  could  see  that  a child  needs  play — 
anybody,  at  least,  who  had  ever  had  or  taught  a child,  or  who  had 
ever  been  one! 

“Now  a good  many  people  see  it.  When  the  National  Rec- 
reation Association  started  in  1906  there  were  some  thirty-six  cities 
doing  regular  playground  work;  in  1923  there  were  680  such  cities.* 

“It  is  not  physical  education  we  are  after;  that  is  a by- 
product. 

“If  you  play  for  the  sake  of  the  game,  you  will  get  health 
also.  If  you  are  thinking  of  your  health,  you  won’t  get  either. 

“We  are  doing  as  much  for  art  and  music  as  for  other  forms 
of  play.” 

From  the  Boston  Post. 

* In  1935  the  number  of  communities  with  play  centers  under  leadership  was  2,204 


FEBRUARY  1937 


521 


February 


"In  recent  years,  because  of  increased  leisure, 
the  demand  for  recreational  areas  has  in- 
creased to  a remarkable  extent.  It  is  to  be 
expected  that  the  average  person  will  turn  to 
Nature  for  rest  and  recreation.  What  is  more 
fitting  than  that  they  should  use  the  State 


Forests  to  satisfy  this  demand?  Pennsylvania's 
forests  not  only  call  to  an  ever-increasing 
number  of  individuals  in  the  mild  months, 
but  fall  and  winter  are  gaining  their  devotees 
to  out-of-door  life.  The  forests  in  winter 
dress  are  wonderful  places  to  visit." 


522 


Is  It  Well  With  the  Child? 


By  Newton  D.  Baker 


There  is  an  old  Chin- 
ese adage  that  govern- 
ment, to  be  respectable, 
must  reflect  every  virtue  ex- 
pected of  the  citizen,  and  I 
so  earnestly  believe  that 
that  I very  much  doubt  the 
validity  of  efforts  at  social  betterment  and  social 
welfare  which  shun  the  responsibility  for  purity 
and  idealism  in  local  government.  Just  how  we 
can  expect  to  build  character  in  a people  in  a local 
community  which  we  permit  to  be  ill-governed 
and  the  places  of  responsibility  of  which  we  per- 
mit to  be  occupied  by  irresponsible  people  passes 
my  imagination  to  describe. 

Safeguarding  Our  Service  Men 

The  Japanese  were  the  first  people  in  the  his- 
tory of  war  to  fight  a great  war  in  which  deaths 
from  battle  wounds  were  greater  than  deaths 
from  camp-born  diseases.  In  the  Japanese-Rus- 
sian  War  the  deaths  among  Japanese  soldiers 
from  battle  were  about  twenty-five  per  thousand 
and  from  camp  diseases  about  the  same  number. 

Prior  to  that  time  the  danger  of  being  in  camp 
was  greater  than  the  danger  of  being  in  battle. 
The  proportions  varied.  When  our  war  came  on 
I think  there  was  a general  realization  throughout 
the  United  States  that  we  were  rather  more  ter- 
rified at  what  might  happen  to  our  soldier  men  in 
their  hours  of  idleness  than  we  were  about  what 
happened  to  them  in  their  hours  of  battle.  There 
were  4,000,000  men  gathered  from  all  corners  of 
the  United  States  to  be  sent  to  a foreign  soil,  re- 
moved from  the  automatic  disciplines  of  neigh- 
borhood supervision  and  control,  removed  a long 
way  from  home  ideals,  and  particularly  after  the 
stress  of  battle  was  over  and  the  armistice  came 
there  was  a very  grave  concern  on  the  part  of  the 
people  of  the  United  States  as  to  what  might  be- 
fall those  men  with  the  strenuous  task  for  which 
they  were  sent  abroad  withdrawn. 

Fortunately  some  social  workers  had  foreseen 
that  possibility,  and  they  had  been  taught  in  the 
American  city  environment  the  great  lesson  that 
the  substitution  of  a proper  and  wholesome  diver- 


sion for  an  improper  temp- 
tation was  the  greatest  pos- 
sible safeguard.  So  that 
army  of  4,000,000  men  was 
surrounded  by  recreational 
opportunities  of  a whole- 
some sort  and  the  idealism 
of  America  with  which  that  was  entered  upon  and 
fought  was  canalised  into  wholesome  and  stimu- 
lating channels,  with  the  result  that  when  our 
army  was  about  ready  to  come  home,  one  of  the 
greatest  psychiatrists  then  living  in  the  world,  Dr. 
Salmon,  returning  from  a visit  to  that  army  in 
France,  was  able  to  say  to  me  in  my  office:  “Mr. 
Secretary,  that  is  at  once  the  sanest,  the  soberest, 
and  the  most  moral  2,000,000  men  that  were  ever 
gathered  on  the  face  of  the  planet.” 

I asked  him  whether  that  was  language  of  ex- 
aggeration of  judgment  and  he  said,  “There  is  no 
exaggeration  in  it.  I have  traveled  from  one  end 
to  the  other  of  our  military  establishments  in 
France  and  I have  compared  the  American  sol- 
dier and  his  life  with  that  of  every  other  group  in 
this  war,  and  I am  ready  to  repeat  and  to  defend 
the  thesis  that  there  is  less  intemperance,  less  im- 
morality, and  less  insanity  in  that  group  of 

2.000. 000  men  than  in  any  other  body  of  like  size 
ever  assembled  in  the  world.” 

It  is  an  interesting  thing  to  remember  that  when 
those  men  were  mobilized  we  had  very  little  ex- 
perience that  could  be  a guide.  We  had,  as  it  were, 
a clean  slate  upon  which  to  write  the  destiny  of 

4.000. 000  men.  The  success  with  which  the  task 
was  achieved  is  to  be  accredited  to  others — I was 
largely  an  observer  of  what  took  place — but  I 
think  there  is  this  lesson  in  what  then  happened, 
that  a fresh  view,  a sudden  demand  to  enter  into 
an  unprecedented  task,  to  strike  out  new  lines 
where  none  had  previously  been  laid,  was  a chal- 
lenge which  America  found  it  possible  to  accept 
successfully. 

Peace  Time  Safeguards 
I want  to  suggest  that  as  an  example  of  what 
I am  going  to  try  to  say  about  the  future  of  the 
Chest  movement.  All  praise  to  its  elasticity  and 


Mr.  Baker  delivered  this  address 
before  the  1936  Mobilization  for 
Human  Needs  Conference  which  was 
held  in  Washington  last  September 


523 


52*4 


“IS  IT  WELL  WITH  THE  CHILD  f” 


to  the  changes  and  developments  which  have  taken 
place  in  it.  I wonder,  sometimes,  whether  we  are 
not  in  danger  of  allowing  our  social  work  to  be- 
come too  traditional.  No  Chest  ever  has  all  the 
money  it  needs;  no  Chest  ever  has  all  the  money 
it  wants  or  ought  to  have,  and  as  a consequence, 
when  the  campaign  has  been  conducted  and  the 
Chest  returns  are  in,  there  instantly  arises  a feel- 
ing that  this  is  a gross  sum  which  must  be  ap- 
portioned among  all  of  the  customary  and  tradi- 
tional activities,  the  enthusiastic  advocacy  of  each 
of  which  is  pressed  by  those  who  are  constantly 
engaged  in  its  problems. 

We  are  likely,  I think — at  least  I have  person- 
ally feared  we  were  likely — to  allow  the  tradi- 
tional avenues  of  news  of  social  service  to 
monopolize  our  attention  and  distract  it  from  pos- 
sibilities which  a clean  slate  survey  might  teach 
us  we  needed. 

Exactly  what  is  in  my  mind  is  best  illustrated 
by  a report  which  I brought  along  entitled  “Be- 
tween Spires  and  Stacks.”  I imagine  very  few  of 
you  ever  have  seen  that  mimeographed  book.  The 
Welfare  Council  in  the  City  of  Cleveland,  in- 
spired, as  I believe,  by  Mr.  Raymond  Clapp,  who 
directed  its  welfare  for  a long  time,  made  up  its 
mind  that  it  would  like  to  have  a clean  slate  sur- 
vey of  three  regions  in  that  city.  It  employed  two 
very  remarkable  investigators.  They  picked  out 
three  neighborhoods  in  Cleveland.  One  of  them 
they  very  early  abandoned  as  it  was  a Negro  dis- 
trict presenting  peculiar  problems  of  its  own.  A 
second  they  also  abandoned  because  they  found 
that  with  the  time  and  means  at  their  disposal 
concentration  upon  a single  area  was  all  that  they 
could  afford.  They  finally  selected  a more  or  less 
isolated  place  in  Cleveland,  on  one  side  bounded 
by  bluffs  which  ran  down  to 
great  steel  plants  on  the 
river’s  edge ; on  the  other 
side  bounded  by  a street,  once 
a very  important  street  of 
Cleveland,  but  now  a street 
of  less  importance,  but  along 
which  there  are  fourteen 
churches,  each  of  which  had 
spires.  So  this  isolated  area 
was  between  the  stacks  of  the 
steel  plants  on  one  side  and 
the  spires  of  the  churches  on 
the  other. 

The  district  was  separated 
from  the  rest  of  Cleveland 


socially,  economically,  linguistically,  racially.  It 
was  almost  a bit  of  some  part  of  Europe  sliced 
out  of  Europe  and  set  down  in  America.  The 
inhabitants  were  primarily  of  the  Russian  and 
Polish  races.  Seventy-four  per  cent  of  the  peo- 
ple who  lived  in  that  area  (and  there  were  15,000 
of  them)  were  either  foreign-born  who  amount- 
ed to  30  per  cent,  or  foreign-born  and  the  chil- 
dren of  foreign-born  parents.  They  spoke  the 
various  Russian  and  Ukrainian  dialects.  The  men, 
when  they  worked  at  all,  worked  in  the  steel 
plants,  and  their  wives,  the  mothers  of  the  chil- 
dren of  that  neighborhood,  worked  in  the  office 
buildings  of  Cleveland  by  night,  tidying  up  offices 
from  seven  or  eight  o’clock  in  the  evening  until 
four  or  five  in  the  morning,  so  that  the  young 
people  of  that  district  had  almost  no  parental 
supervision. 

What  these  investigators  did  was  not  to  inquire 
primarily  whether  any  existing  social  service 
agency  could  be  advantageously  invited  to  extend 
its  work  into  that  neighborhood,  but  they  went  in 
there  with  a great  group  of  helpers  and  imagined 
to  themselves  that  there  were  no  social  service 
agencies  in  the  city  of  Cleveland.  Suppose  there 
were  no  nursing  associations,  no  hospitals,  no 
churches,  what  do  these  15,000  people  need? 
What  do  they  want?  What  evidences  are  there, 
by  intimate  knowledge  of  the  personnel,  particu- 
larly the  youth  of  that  neighborhood,  of  social 
needs?  They  did  this  with  the  idea  that  after 
they  had  tabulated  the  needs  they  would  then  in- 
spect the  agencies  already  existing  to  see  how  far 
they  could  be  made  to  respond  to  those  needs. 

They  took  a cross-section  of  the  boys  of  that 
community  from  ten  to  nineteen  years  of  age  and 
they  invited  those  boys  to  come  and  converse  with 
these  trained  workers.  The 
same  two  persons  held  all  the 
conversations  so  that  the 
same  technique,  the  same 
point  of  view,  the  same  pro- 
tection against  the  boastful- 
ness of  the  boys,  or  what- 
ever it  might  be,  was  present 
in  all  the  cases.  To  those 
boys  and  a corresponding 
number  of  girls  they  practi- 
cally put  up  to  them  these 
questions : What  is  life  to 
you?  What  do  you  see  in 
life?  How  do  you  spend  your 
time?  What  is  the  present 


“As  I look  forward  to  our  future  respon- 
sibilities I find  the  social  worker  still  loyal 
to  the  task  in  hand,  still  very  anxious  to 
nurse  the  sick,  still  very  anxious  to  pro- 
vide playgrounds  and  recreations,  and 
almost  completely  absorbed  in  the  daily 
task  of  social  work  as  it  falls  to  him. 
But  deep  down  under  all  that  loyalty  and 
service  I think  there  must  be  an  aspira- 
tion toward  a higher  type  of  living  based 
on  character,  and  a determination  on  the 
part  of  the  social  worker  that  he  will 
not  give  bread  alone,  but  that  with  that 
bread  there  will  be  spiritual  gifts  and 
spiritual  blessings  which  will  make  of 
the  children  who  are  to  come  after  us 
stronger  and  better  men." 


“IS  IT  WELL  WITH  THE  CHILD  r” 


525 


Courtesy  Dayton,  Ohio,  Recreation  Department 


preparing  you  for?  What  is 
your  attitude  toward  delin- 
quency of  one  sort  and  another?  What  is  your 
attitude  toward  the  police?  Ultimately,  what  is 
your  attitude  toward  the  Church?  What  service 
does  the  Young  Men’s  Christian  Association  offer 
to  you  ? What  affiliations  have  you  with  character 
building  agencies  of  one  kind  and  another?  What 
would  you  like  to  have  done  in  this  neighborhood 
to  make  it  your  ideal  of  the  kind  of  a country  in 
which  you  would  like  to  live  ? 

That  is  all  reported  in  this  great  volume.  After 
having  had  these  interviews  with  these  children, 
these  young  men  and  women  and  children,  they 
then  searched  every  social  service  agency  record 
in  Cleveland  to  discover  what  the  previous  con- 
tacts of  those  children  with  any  of  these  agencies 
indicated.  They  got  their  school  records  from 
their  school  teachers;  they  got  their  church  rec- 
ords from  their  pastors  and  priests,  and  out  of  all 
of  that  they  have  presented  a picture  in  this  book 
of  a community  of  15,000  people,  about  6,000  boys 
and  girls,  living  in  an  American  city  under  condi- 
tions which  terrify  the  reader  of  this  report. 

Character  — a Fundamental  Need 

If  one  were  to  characterize  the  findings  by  their 
most  conspicuous  feature  I think  he  would  be  dis- 
posed to  say  that  the  total  absence  of  character 
among  the  young  in  that  neighborhood  was  the  ap- 
palling revelation  of  that  inquiry. 

Every  now  and  then  a boy  would  emerge  out  of 
this  group  who  would  speak  with  regret  of  the 
lack  of  opportunity  and  the  lack  of  character ; he 
would  look  rather  longingly  at  an  opportunity  to 
live  a better  life.  And  the  girls  in  that  neighbor- 


hood told  a story  that  was 
simply  devastating,  not  only 
in  the  incidents  of  their  daily  life  but  in  its  lack 
of  hopefulness  of  any  outlet  or  outgrowth. 

There  was  a new  kind  of  inquiry,  and  it  has  led 
to  this:  A meeting  has  been  held  in  that  neigh- 
borhood of  the  most  substantial  people  who  could 
be  found  there,  and  all  who  have  shown  even  an 
incipient  aspiration  toward  a better  life  for  the 
community  have  been  welded  together  into  a com- 
munity group,  and  they,  with  the  guidance  and 
assistance  of  expert  people,  are  now  setting  them- 
selves to  the  task  of  introducing  into  that  com- 
munity elements  that  will  restore  what  seems  to 
have  been  totally  taken  away  by  the  neglect  of 
that  community  during  the  past  ten  or  fifteen 
years. 

Perhaps  the  future  responsibilities  of  Com- 
munity Chests  are  to  be  discovered  not  by  follow- 
ing those  traditional  lines,  but  by  every  now  and 
then  taking  a test  sample  of  a particular  situation 
from  a new  point  of  view,  finding  out  what  young 
people  have  to  say  about  it. 

It  is  just  as  certain  as  anything  could  be  that  the 
community  that  lies  between  the  spires  and  stacks 
in  Cleveland  would  be  able  to  help  itself  a thou- 
sand ways  economically  if  it  had  the  character  to 
try,  and  the  thing  that  that  community  needs  more 
than  it  needs  even  bread — it  manages  somehow  to 
get  along  on  crusts — is  self-respect  and  sturdiness 
of  character.  I feel  perfectly  sure  that  the  out- 
come of  this  community  effort  which  is  being 
made  in  that  neighborhood  is  not  in  the  first  in- 
stance going  to  be  addressed  to  the  procurement 
of  larger  economic  resources,  but  is  going  to 


A community  which  sees  to  it  that  "it  is  well 
with  the  child,"  is  building  for  the  future 


526 


“IS  IT  WELL  WITH  THE  CHILD?” 


found  itself  first  upon  the  idea  of  building  in  the 
young  people  of  that  community  self-respect. 

Of  course,  we  sometimes  fail  to  realize  that  the 
aspiration  of  youth  is  spontaneously  upward. 
There  is  scarcely  a boy  or  scarcely  a girl  in  that 
whole  neighborhood  who  can’t  be  appealed  to  by 
a better  standard  of  character  living.  I think  that 
the  future  responsibilities  of  the  Chests  must  be 
answered  first  by  asking  ourselves,  what  is  our 
ideal  for  our  own  society?  If  we  are  going  to  be 
content  to  be,  as  I think,  fooled  by  the  material- 
istic philosophies  that  are  abroad  in  the  world  to- 
day, which  seem  to  me  to  be  depriving  us  of  the 
whole  spiritual  content  of  life  and  of  the  great 
satisfactions  that  proceed  from  those  spiritual 
resources ; if  we  are  going  to  be  satisfied  with  that 
and  are  going  to  let  our  society  be  shiny  and  shal- 
low but  robbed  of  its  great  spiritual  comforts  and 
satisfactions,  then,  of  course,  all  we  need  do  is  to 
be  perfectly  sure  that  the  production  of  material 
wealth  is  adequately  increased  and  that  by  some 
process  or  another  an  even  enough  distribution  of 
it  is  made  to  prevent  revolutionary  disturbance. 

If  we  are  going  to  demand  something  more 
than  that,  if  we  are  going  to  hold  in  our  thought 
that  the  whole  object  of  social  service  and  of 
social  organization  is  the  character  perfection  of 
the  species  so  that  each  generation  of  boys  and 
girls  as  they  come  to  take  our  places  in  responsi- 
bility in  this  world  will  find  them  stronger  and 
better  able  to  do  it,  then  I think  this  sort  of  sur- 
vey is  helpful,  and  there  will  inevitably  be  given 
to  all  social  service  the  ideal  that  in  addition  to 
curing  the  sick  and  taking  care  of  the  orphaned  and 
the  outcast  there  is  constantly  before  the  social 
worker  the  ideal  of  building  character.  Then  we 
have  a relatively  simple  directive. 

I suppose  all  figures  of  the  kind  I am  about  to 
use  are  guesswork,  but  I imagine  that  every  child 
which  at  the  age  of  seven  years  has  voluntarily 
resisted  a temptation  or  exercised  self-control  has 
about  a ninety  per  cent  chance  of  becoming  a useful 
man  or  woman,  and  I imagine  that  if  that  ethical 
or  spiritual  triumph  of  resisting  a temptation  by 
spontaneous  voluntary  will  or  exercising  self- 
control  is  postponed  from  seven  years  of  age  to 
ten  years  of  age  the  chances  are  reduced  from 
ninety  per  cent  probably  to  sixty.  As  you  go  up 
in  the  scale  of  age,  the  percentage  of  chance  of 
success  decreases,  and  therefore  I have  a feeling 
that  somehow  we  will  solve  the  economic  prob- 
lem ; our  country  produces  more  than  enough  for 
us  all  to  eat  and  drink  and  wear,  the  labor  of  our 


hands  will  house  us  all  perfectly  adequately,  and 
the  skill  of  the  entertainers  will  provide  us  all 
with  adequate  amusement.  But  the  thing  that  I 
do  not  see  the  answer  to  is,  where  are  we  going 
to  introduce  as  a social  agency  the  sort  of  thing 
that  will  strengthen  and  not  enfeeble  character? 
And  that,  I think,  is  the  place  where  the  social 
worker  must  turn  the  microscope  of  his  inquiry 
to  find  the  germ  of  opportunity. 

Pestalozzi,  when  he  was  a very  old  man  and 
had  spent  perhaps  as  great  a life  of  service  as  we 
have  in  recorded  history  anywhere,  constantly 
sought  by-  young  and  old  alike  for  counsel,  advice, 
and  assistance,  said  that  he  was  very  old  before 
he  realized  the  terrifying  truth  that  nobody  can 
really  ever  help  anybody  else.  What  he  meant  by 
that,  of  course,  was  that  everybody  must  be  per- 
mitted to  help  himself,  and  that  only  the  self-help 
is  the  permanent  alleviation  of  the  personal 
problem. 

The  world  is  in  a very  sad  state.  It  is  impos- 
sible to  look  into  any  country  of  the  world  and 
not  find  the  thought  of  men  absorbed  in  territorial 
or  nationalistic  or  economic  aspirations  and  ag- 
gressions. We  have  built  new  kinds  of  armament 
of  the  most  deadly  sort,  and  apparently  a very 
large  part  of  the  world  has  determined  to  devote 
those  armaments  to  satisfying  their  purely  ma- 
terial needs. 

I wish  it  were  possible  for  us  here  in  the  United 
States,  as  yet  not  frenzied  by  this  economic  as- 
piration and  competition,  to  adopt  as  a task,  con- 
sciously and  devotedly,  the  character  building 
among  our  youth,  and  let  every  other  social  serv- 
ice minister  to  that  so  that  everybody  would  know 
when  we  talked  about  the  Community  Chest  that 
what  it  was  trying  to  secure  was  an  answer  to  the 
question  in  regard  to  each  city.  Is  it  well  with  the 
child?  Not  well  only  economically,  not  is  he  well 
clothed  and  well  fed ; not  only  is  he  well  educated ; 
not  merely  has  he  knowledge,  but  has  he  wisdom, 
and  are  the  disciplines  of  life  to  which  he  is  sub- 
jected of  a character  to  give  him  strength  of  pur- 
pose and  sturdiness  and  virtue  as  a citizen  and  a 
neighbor  ? 

“Social  work  needs  the  same  kind  of  attitude 
as  that  of  the  research  specialist  in  that  there  is 
need  of  much  probing  in  regard  to  the  handicaps 
of  men  and  the  stimuli  that  result  in  happiness  and 
well-being.  The  interplay  of  agencies  in  the  cre- 
ative and  preventive  fields  should  be  that  of  com- 
plementary relationships  in  which  identity  is 
maintained.” — Eva  Whiting  White. 


The  Passing  of  Lorado  Taft 


In  tile  early  forenoon  of  Oc- 
tober 30,  Lorado  Taft  passed 
quietly  into  the  Great  Beyond. 

His  going  removed  not  only  one 
of  the  best-known  sculp- 
tors of  this  generation, 
but  one  of  the  ablest 
lecturers  and  most  be- 
loved men  of  the  coun- 
try. Though  seventy- 
six  years  of  age,  he  was 
still  active  as  an  artist 
and  in  civic  life. 

Don  Carlos  Taft  was 
Principal  of  the  Acad- 
emy  at  Elmwood, 

Peoria  County,  Illinois, 
where  his  son  Lorado 
was  born  April  29,  i860. 

The  family  moved  in  a 
few  years  to  Metamora. 
in  Woodford  County, 
and  later  to  Minonk.  In 
both  of  these  places  he 
taught  in  the  public 
schools.  An  opening  in 
the  University  of  Il- 
linois attracted  him 
there,  and  he  became 
professor  of  Geology 
and  related  subjects.  At 
an  early  age  Lorado  entered  the  University  and 
graduated  in  the  class  of  ’79. 

John  Milton  Gregory  was  the  President  of  the 
University  during  those  years.  On  one  of  his 
visits  to  Europe  he  brought  to  the  young  and 
growing  institution  a collection  of  statuary.  It 
was  in  setting  this  jumbled,  miscellaneous  statuary 
into  usable  shape  that  Lorado  assisted  his  father 
and  others  and  became  interested  in  art.  Soon 
after  graduation  he  went  abroad,  studying  for 
three  years  in  Paris  at  l’Ecole  des  Beaux  Arts  and 
traveling  about  over  Europe. 

On  returning  to  the  United  States  he  settled  in 
Chicago  in  1886.  Thus  the  native  son  of  Illinois 
found  his  way  to  the  great  metropolis  and  estab- 
lished his  studio.  As  he  whimsically  remarked  of 
a sculptor  friend  he  too  made  the  “usual  progress 


from  lettering  to  weeping  willows 
and  ultimately  lambs  and  point- 
ing hands.”  The  Art  Institute 
was  coming  into  prominence  and 
he  gradually  become  a 
part  of  it. 

By  the  time  the 
World’s  Fair  opened  in 
1893  he  was  prepared 
to  adorn  the  entrance 
to  the  horticultural 
building  with  two  com- 
panion  decorative 
groups:  “The  Sleep  of 
the  Flowers,”  and  “The 
Awakening  of  the 
Flowers.”  When  the 
Louisiana  Exposition 
opened  in  St.  Louis  he 
delighted  the  artistic 
world  with  “The  Moun- 
tain and  the  Prairie” 
and  “The  Solitude  of  the 
Soul.”  The  Art  Insti- 
tute in  Chicago  made  a 
permanent  place  for 
“The  Solitude  of  the 
Soul”  where  it  now  is 
near  the  front  entrance. 
These  led  the  way  for 
“The  Blind,”  based  on 
Maeterlinck’s  conception,  of  which  Mr.  Taft  said, 
“It  is  a theme  that  my  mind  dwells  upon,  this 
sounding  of  the  human  soul,  questioning  the 
future  and  longing  for  light.” 

The  unique  “Fountain  of  the  Great  Lakes” 
alongside  the  Art  Institute  brought  him  many 
honors  and  established  his  fame  as  a sculptor. 
This  was  dedicated  in  1913.  Then  followed  in 
rapid  succession  those  masterpieces  upon  which 
his  reputation  rests.  President  Gregory’s  grave  is 
on  the  Campus  of  the  University  of  Illinois,  near 
University  Hall,  the  Law,  the  Administration,  and 
other  buildings.  On  a huge  native  boulder  are  the 
words  from  the  Latin  so  appropriately  used  of 
Sir  Christopher  Wren  in  St.  Paul’s  London:  “If 
you  seek  his  monument  look  about  you.” 

The  same  may  fittingly  be  said  of  Lorado  Taft. 

527 


By  R.  E.  Hieronymous 

Community  Adviser  Emeritus 
University  of  Illinois 


528 


THE  PASSING  OF  LORADO  TAFT 


Look  about  you!  Not  only  in  his  chosen  city  of 
Chicago  to  the  Art  Institute  and  the  “Fountain  of 
Time”  at  the  west  end  of  the  Midway,  but  also  in 
his  own  loved  Illinois  to  the  towering  “Black 
Hawk”  near  the  Eagle’s  Nest  in  the  beautiful 
Rock  River  Valley,  and  to  the  “Soldiers’  Monu- 
ment to  Civil  War  Veterans”  in  the  Court  House 
yard;  to  the  “Pioneers”  at  his  birthplace,  Elm- 
wood; to  his  “Lincoln  the  Lawyer”  in  Urbana, 
and  “Alma  Mater”  on  the  Campus  of  the  Uni- 
versity of  Illinois;  in  the  tomb  of  Abraham  Lin- 
coln in  Oak  Ridge,  Springfield,  to  the  replica  of 
his  Urbana  Lincoln;  to  his  “Anne  Louise  Keller 
Memorial”  at  White  Hall ; to  the  Lincoln-Douglas 
Debate  tablet  in  the  public  square,  Quincy ; to  the 
Soldiers’  Monument  at  the  end  of  the  memorial 
bridge  in  Danville;  and  beyond  the  Prairie  State 
to  the  “Washington  Monument”  at  Seattle;  the 
“Thatcher  Memorial  Fountain”  in  Denver ; to  two 
large  pylon  groups  on  the  steps  of  the  State  Capi- 
tol building,  Baton  Rouge,  Louisiana,  “The  Pa- 
triots” and  “The  Pioneers”;  to  the  “Columbus 
Memorial  Fountain”  in  front  of  the  Union  Station, 
Washington,  D.  C.,  and  to  scores  of  others 
throughout  the  country.  These  are  his  monument. 

Perhaps  Mr.  Taft  was  known  to  a larger  num- 
ber of  people  throughout  the  country  as  an  in- 
structive, delightful  lecturer  than  as  an  artist.  As 
an  interpreter  of  art  at  home  and  abroad  he  had 
few  if  any  equals  and  no  superiors.  His  “Clay 
Talk,”  as  he  called  it  (An  Hour  in  a Sculptor’s 
Studio),  I have  frequently  said  was  one  of  the 
most  constructive,  stimulating  lectures  on  the 
American  platform.  The  Redpath  Bureau,  Chau- 
tauqua Assemblies,  the  Bureau  of  American  Tra- 
vel and  various  state  and  nation-wide  conferences 
found  him  an  aggressive,  inspiring  exponent  of 
the  best  art  and  the  highest  civic  ideals. 

The  Midway  Studios  formerly  on  Ellis,  now  on 
Ingle  side  Avenue,  Chicago, 
has  been  a Creative  Art  Cen- 
ter for  more  than  a quarter  of 
a century.  Here  Mr.  Taft  did 
most  of  his  best  work  and  con- 
stantly surrounded  himself 
with  gifted  young  people  who 
have  grown  into  prominence. 

His  very  last  act  was  to  help 
organize  a group  of  his  closest 
artist  friends  for  the  purpose 
of  “carrying  on.”  This  Com- 
pany is  “The  Lorado  Taft  As- 
sociates” and  consists  of  Leon- 


ard Crunelle,  Nellie  Walker,  Fred  Torrey,  Mary 
Webster  and  Otis  Johnson.  The  primary  purpose 
of  these  Associates  is  to  complete  the  commissions 
of  Mr.  Taft  and  then  to  continue  through  the 
years  the  same  high  standards  of  its  founder  and 
inspirer. 

Twenty  years  or  more  ago  Mr.  Taft  in  coopera- 
tion with  Wallace  Heckman,  Business  Manager 
of  the  University  of  Chicago,  and  other  friends, 
founded  an  Artists’  Colony  at  Eagles’  Nest,  on 
the  banks  of  the  Rock  River,  just  above  Oregon, 
Ogle  County.  Here  a dozen  or  fifteen  artists 
built  their  individual  cottages  and  a common  din- 
ing hall  which  has  served  as  a Community  House. 
This  Camp,  as  it  is  commonly  called,  has  been  a 
delightful  retreat  where  kindred  spirits  have 
passed  many  pleasant  and  profitable  summers  to- 
gether and  lasting  friendships  formed. 

Mr.  Taft  loved  ardently  his  own  native  Illinois. 
In  order  that  others  might  come  to  know  and 
love  it  also  he  helped  in  every  possible  way  to 
develop  what  has  become  known  as  the  Art  Ex- 
tension Committee  of  Illinois.  “See  Illinois  first” 
was  his  slogan.  “Make  your  home  town  beauti- 
ful” was  his  frequent  admonition.  Representa- 
tives of  a group  of  several  hundred  carefully 
selected  people  widely  scattered  over  the  state 
have  for  nearly  twenty  years  made  an  annual 
pilgrimage  through  some  interesting,  historical, 
scenic  part  of  the  state. 

The  purpose  of  this  Art  Extension  Committee 
from  the  first  has  been  and  still  is  to  assist  in 
making  art  a more  potent  elevating  force  in  the 
lives  of  the  people  of  the  State  of  Illinois.  It 
aims  to  help  the  people  to  discover  beauty  in 
Nature  and  to  enjoy  it,  to  recognize  beauty  in  Art 
and  to  appreciate  it,  and  to  stimulate  the  produc- 
tion of  beautiful  things. 

The  aim  of  all  the  tours  made  by  this  group  is 
to  see  and  enjoy  and  be  profit- 
ed by  parks  and  playgrounds, 
gardens,  and  country  clubs,  li- 
braries, school  buildings,  and 
grounds ; churches,  community 
houses,  and  memorial  build- 
ings ; examples  of  landscap- 
ing, both  public  and  private; 
distinctive  buildings,  historic 
and  scenic  places;  collections 
of  paintings,  sculpture  and 
other  forms  of  art;  to  listen 
to  good  music,  and  to  hear 
( Continued  on  page  561) 


The  entire  recreation  movement  lost 
a friend  in  the  passing  of  Lorado 
Taft.  His  interest  in  everything  which 
concerned  the  well-being  of  the  Na- 
tional Recreation  Association  and  the 
movement  as  a whole  was  unfailing. 
Mr.  Taft  addressed  a number  of  the 
Recreation  Congresses  including  the 
most  recent  one  held  in  Chicago  in 
October,  1935.  Here  he  was  a regu- 
lar attendant  at  all  the  meetings, 
saying  that  he  could  not  stay  away 
from  any  of  them  although  work 
was  piled  high  at  his  studio. 


The  Boys’  Club 

and 


uvem 


ile 


Deli 


inquency 


Courtesy  Public  Recreation  Commission,  Cincinnati,  Ohio 


Among  the  special  interests  of  sociologists  to- 
i day  is  the  scientific  evolution  of  social  in- 
stitutions in  terms  of  their  purported  func- 
tions. Such  a study  was  made  by  Frederick  M. 
Thrasher  of  a boys’  club  in  New  York  City  to 
see  if  it  was  actually  accomplishing  the  purpose 
for  which  it  was  specifically  established. 

The  study  was  begun  in  1928  by  New  York 
University.  The  Boys’  Club  was  newly  opened  in 
an  area  where  delinquency  was  high,  and  was  de- 
finitely planned  to  reduce  that  rate  of  delinquency. 
The  site  and  building  cost  $735,000  and  it  was  ex- 
pected that  it  would  serve  6,000  boys.  The  annual 
club  expenditure  during  the  study  was  $69,000  to 
$75,000  per  year. 

Three  classes  of  members  were  enrolled  — 
Juniors  7-13;  Intermediates  13-18;  Seniors  18 
years  and  older.  The  Juniors  participated  in  a 
mass  program ; Intermediates  were  organized  in 
groups  with  volunteer  leaders;  and  the  Seniors 
had  their  own  club  program,  with  separate  club 
house.  The  club  activities  as  offered  served  fairly 
adequately  the  well  diversi- 
fied interests.  The  club  was 
administered  by  a superin- 
tendent with  a staff  who  su- 
pervised the  activities.  Medi- 
cal examinations  and  a den- 
tal clinic  were  maintained.  A 
nurse  looked  after  special 
health  problems  and  did 
family,  visiting. 

The  claim  that  the  club 
prevented  delinquency  had 
been  made  for  many  years 
by  the  older  club  of  which 
this  unit  was  a branch  and 


continued  to  be  made  a basis  for  financing  the 
new  club.  It  was  this  hypothesis  that  the  study 
undertook  to  test.  The  study  had  the  full  coopera- 
tion of  the  club  and  of  other  social  agencies  in  the 
area.  The  period  under  study  was  the  first  four 
years  of  the  club’s  existence  in  the  area,  and  the 
basic  materials  used  were  the  broad  social  facts  of 
the  community  and  a complete  statistical  study  of 
the  club  itself. 

The  general  conclusion  of  the  Boys’  Club  study 
is  that  the  club  was  not  an  important  factor  in  the 
prevention  of  juvenile  delinquency  during  the  first, 
four  years  of  its  existence.*  This  conclusion  was 
reached  on  the  basis  of  the  following  facts : 

1.  The  club  planned  for  a book  membership  of 
6,000  but  expected  only  4,000  different  boys  at 
any  given  time.  Figures  showed  that  the  club 
never  reached  more  than  63%  of  the  4,000 
monthly. 

2.  Fully  4,000  boys  in  the  community  area  were 
not  enrolled  in  the  club.  A study  of  facilities 
showed  that  there  was  adequate  provision  for  all 

who  actually  participated  in 
in  the  program,  but  would 
not  have  been  adequate  for 
the  number  enrolled  at  any 
one  time. 

3.  The  Juniors  did  not 
have  any  regular  or  consist- 
ent participation  in  club  ac- 
tivities. Membership  of 
hundreds  of  boys  was  only 
nominal. 


* The  study  clearly  indicates  that 
its  findings  apply  only  to  the  one  club 
and  that  to  be  most  valuable  it  should 
have  covered  the  whole  period  of  mem- 
bership through  the  age  groups. 

529 


It  is  wholesome  for  all  of  us  at  times 
to  have  a searchlight  turned  upon  our 
activities  so  that  we  may  know  whether 
the  claims  which  we  are  making  for  them 
are  justified.  "Is  membership  in  the 
groups  we  are  promoting  anything  more 
than  nominal?"  "Are  we  really  prevent- 
ing juvenile  delinquency?"  Have  you  ever 
asked  yourself  questions  of  this  kind? 

In  a study  of  a boys'  club  in  New 
York  City,  Frederick  M. Thrasher  has  used 
a searchlight  very  tellingly.  We  can  all 
of  us  profit  by  his  findings,  published  by 
New  York  University  under  the  title,  The 
Boys'  Club  and  Juvenile  Delinquency, 
a brief  digest  of  which  is  given  here. 


530 


THE  BOYS’  CLUB  AND  JUVENILE  DELINQUENCY 


4.  The  Intermediate  membership  was  unsatis- 
factory. There  was  discrepancy  between  book  en- 
rollment and  actual  month  by  month  registration. 
Those  who  were  active  to  a great  extent  failed  to 
live  up  to  the  70%  attendance  requirement  in 
these  groups.  Many  of  the  clubs  disbanded  dur- 
ing the  year  and  did  not  return  the  next. 

This  Intermediate  defection  is  important  because 

(a)  The  group  should  have  shown,  and  did  not, 
the  effects  of  previous  Junior  membership. 

( b ) The  Intermediate  period  is  most  significant 
in  the  delinquency  problem.  Boys  not  influ- 
enced during  these  years  are  not  like  to  be 
later. 

(c)  Senior  participation  so  slight  that  it  is  ignored. 

5.  Camping  is  recognized  as  a character  build- 
ing influence.  Only  13% 
of  these  boys  went  to 
camp. 

6.  The  summer  pro- 
gram was  weak,  whereas 
from  the  standpoint  of 
crime  prevention  it  should 
have  been  more  active 
than  at  any  other  time. 

7.  Instead  of  reaching 
the  boys  in  the  immediate 
neighborhood  for  which  it 
was  planned,  large  num- 
bers were  drawn  from  out- 
side this  area.  In  three 
years  the  club  never  en- 
rolled more  than  59%  of 
the  eligible  boys  in  its 
vicinity. 

8.  The  club  failed  to  hold  its  membership.  One- 
third  of  the  members  quit  each  year.  A small  per- 
centage remained  members  year  after  year.  This 
instability  of  membership  meant  failure  of  the 
club  to  achieve  its  function,  since  the  announced 
theory  of  the  club  was  that  its  full  influence  was 
exerted  only  by  keeping  the  boys  through  the 
Junior  and  Intermediate  ages. 

9.  An  analysis  of  why  members  left  the  club 
showed  that  the  bulk  of  the  defection  was  due  to 
factors  over  which  the  boys’  club  had  a possible 
control. 

10.  The  records  of  the  club  did  not  make  pos- 
sible periodic  evaluation. 

11.  Limited  personnel  made  dealing  with  indi- 
viduals almost  impossible.  Mass  programs  pre- 
vailed. 

12.  Lacked  systematic  accounting  for  boys  in 
immediate  area  of  service.  Did  not  find  out  which 


boys  were  not  being  reached,  which  boys  need 
most  to  be  reached,  and  how  they  could  better  be 
brought  into  program. 

13.  There  was  no  conscious  effort  to  enlist  the 
potential  delinquent  boy  as  such,  or  to  know  what 
boys  who  were  not  members  would  profit  by 
membership. 

14.  Superficial  work  probably  due  to  trying  to 
handle  too  many  members. 

On  the  positive  side,  the  study  showed  that  the 
club  did  reach  boys  who  were  most  in  need  of  its 
influence 

(a)  Goodly  proportion  of  older  boys 

( b ) Less  privileged  — more  potential  for  delin- 
quency. 

(c)  Inadequately  adjusted  — foreign 

( d ) Poor 

( e ) Maladjusted  in  school 
(/)  Lower  intelligence 

( g ) Inferior  in  educa- 
tional achievement 

(h)  Inferior  in  emotional 
stability. 

(i)  Large  truant  delin- 
quents. 

Yet  when  conceding  the 
above,  the  study  states, 
“We  cannot  say  that  the 
club  was  enrolling  these 
boys  in  more  than  a nomi- 
nal membership  or  that  it 
was  reaching  and  holding 
a satisfactory  proportion 
of  the  groups.” 

While  the  club  delin- 
quency rates  were  higher 
than  the  community  in  general,  yet  this  could  be 
expected  because  of  the  inferior  type  dealt  with. 
However,  during  the  four  years  the  club  had  no  in- 
fluence in  decreasing  the  number  of  offenses  com- 
mitted from  year  to  year  by  its  own  members,  (i.e. 
boys  who  were  not  delinquent  before  they  joined 
the  club.)  The  only  possible  conclusion  from  the 
statistical  study  of  results  is  that  the  club  failed 
to  prevent  delinquency  among  its  members.  Mem- 
bers continued  to  acquire  court  records  in  about 
the  same  proportion  as  they  would  had  they  not 
joined  the  club.  Those  who  were  members  two 
years  had  a higher  rate  than  those  of  one  year. 

Although  there  were  542  club  members  with 
known  delinquency  records,  there  was  no  plan  to 
deal  with  these  known  cases  in  any  thorough  or 
scientific  way.  Friends  of  the  club  were  claiming 
too  much.  Crime  prevention  turns  out  to  be  not 
(Continued  on  page  562) 


"The  Boys'  Club  is  one  of  the  most  im- 
portant essential  elements  in  any  crime 
prevention  program.  It  is  apparent  that 
the  club  performs  many  important  func- 
tions for  underprivileged  boys  in  the  way 
of  recreation,  health  service,  vocational 
placement,  etc.,  and  that  crime  preven- 
tion might  well  be  regarded  as  a func- 
tion incidental  to  these  services.  Never- 
theless, in  the  development  of  compre- 
hensive crime  prevention  plans  for  any 
community  which  is  characterized  by  de- 
linquency areas,  it  becomes  obvious  that 
we  shall  need  many  more  boys'  clubs  in 
order  to  perform  the  function  of  crime 
prevention  adequately." 


Adventures  in  Recreation 


The  vote  of  confidence 
given  President  Roose- 
velt in  the  recent  election 
should  encourage  civic  and  educational  pioneers 
everywhere.  One  may  be  led  into  reading  too 
much  into  it,  yet  the  New  York  Times  was  hardly 
far  off  in  stating  the  morning  after : 

“On  one  side  spoke  the  spirit  of  adventure,  the  inclina- 
tion of  the  people  for  experiment  and  change;  on  the 
other,  resistance  to  methods  of  change  that  might  destroy 
a pattern  of  life  comparison  has  made  increasingly 
precious.” 

If  a ten  million  majority  of  adult  Americans  do 
welcome  orderly  progressive  adjustments  in  our 
social  and  economic  life,  then  we  have  a soil  fer- 
tile for  much  needed  changes  in  education  and  in 
the  services  of  our  communities.  Perhaps  our  de- 
mocracy is  again  on  the  march,  ready  to  pioneer 
on  the  social  frontier,  not  only  through  individual 
action  but  also  cooperation.  This  has  meaning  for 
the  things  in  which  you  and  I are  interested. 

Our  subject,  “Adventures  in  Recreation,”  is 
pointedly  related  to  the  question  of  whether  the 
voice  of  the  individual  American  shall  be  heard. 
The  democratic  way  of  life  implies  that  every  in- 
dividual shall  be  active,  shall  participate,  and  shall 
share  in  the  fruits  of  civilization.  Democracy  has 
long  tried  but  has  thus  far  failed  to  create  an  en- 
vironment in  which  the  aspiration  of  common  men 
and  women  to  make  their  voices  heard  could  fully 
be  realized.  People  have  always  wanted  and  to- 
day want  security — food,  clothing,  shelter  and  a 
comfortable  old  age ; they  have  wanted  and  today 
want  to  love  and  to  be  loved;  they  have  wanted 
to  be  associated  with  a group  or  a cause  greater 
than  their  own  immediate  narrow  circle  of  inter- 
ests ; they  have  wanted  beauty ; they  have  wanted 
to  have  their  achievements  recognized,  and  they 
have  wanted  and  they  now  want  new  experience, 
adventure.  In  a word,  people  are  eager  not  only 
for  material  comfort ; they  also  want  to  create,  to 
achieve,  to  express  themselves. 

The  achieving  of  physical  se- 
curity is  the  central  issue  in  the 
struggle  for  economic  justice 
which  probably  is  the  major 
question  of  our  times.  We  can- 


not discuss  that  here.  But  the 
other  human  hungers  for 
love,  beauty,  recognition,  be- 
longing and  achievement  are  inherent  in  our  topic 
since  they  can  in  great  measure  be  satisfied 
through  recreation.  These  desires  flame  just  as 
hotly  today  among  the  young  people  of  the  United 
States  as  they  did  among  those  who  in  previous 
generations  sought  love,  romance  and  danger,  cru- 
saded for  lost  causes,  or  gaily  marched  away  from 
home  and  safety  to  the  slaughter  pens  of  war. 

Many  young  people  demand  activities  with  an 
element  of  physical  danger,  rugged  games,  swim- 
ming, camping,  winter  sports,  mountain  climbing 
and  sailing  — things  which,  as  David  Cushman 
Coyle  says,  are  “red  blooded  and  vital  and  that 
have  vitamins.”  They  rise  to  the  challenge  of 
robust  music  and  drama.  They  are  hungry  for 
each  other’s  society.  They  love  nature  in  its  many 
manifestations  and  moods.  They  respond  to  op- 
portunities in  arts  and  crafts. 

“Life — life  more  abundant  is  the  impulse  of 
our  time,”  has  said  Dr.  Max  C.  Otto.  How  do 
men  and  women  wanting  to  live  fully  fare  in  our 
twentieth  century  American  society?  The  past 
generation  has  seen  the  rapid  growth  of  some 
forces  making  for  the  denial,  and  of  others  work- 
ing for,  the  satisfaction  of  their  desires. 

The  skill-hungry  spirit  fares  rather  badly  be- 
cause of  the  mechanization  of  industrial  processes. 
The  machine  that  stamps  Fords  out  of  steel  plates 
stamps  creative  interest  out  of  work.  Work  be- 
comes a monotonous  round  of  simple  operations. 
The  elements  of  novelty,  change,  discovery  and 
ingenuity  are  absent.  And  a job  that  is  to  be  held 
for  a dozen  or  even  more  years  is  learned  in  a 
very  short  time. 

Recently,  I asked  one  of  the  elevator  men  in  our 
building  how  long  it  took  to  learn  to  operate  his 
car.  He  said,  “Six  months  — 
that  is,  to  run  it  good.”  Then 
he  quickly  added,  “The  new  ele- 
vators can  be  run  by  fellows 
without  any  experience.  All  they 
have  to  do  is  press  a few  but- 


By  Weaver  W.  Pangburn 

National  Recreation  Association 


Mr.  Pangburn  gave  this  address  at 
a meeting  of  the  New  York  Society 
for  the  Experimental  Study  of  Edu- 
cation which  was  held  in  New  York 
City  on  November  the  thirteenth. 


531 


532 


ADVENTURES  IN  RECREATION 


tons.”  This  man  has  been  running  his  elevator 
eight  and  a half  hours  a day  for  ten  years.  There 
is  small  opportunity  in  his  job  for  the  exercise  of 
skill  or  for  growth. 

To  the  degree  that  work  becomes  mechanized 
and  uninteresting,  free  time  after  work  must  be- 
come inviting  and  adventurous.  In  view  of  the 
changed  nature  of  much  work,  recreation  today 
becomes  something  more  than  the  explosive  re- 
lease of  excess  energy  and  something  more  than 
relaxation  or  refreshment.  It  becomes  a medium 
of  self-expression. 

Fortunately,  the  very  machines  that  robbed 
work  of  its  challenge  cut  down  labor  hours  and 
ushered  in  leisure.  Men  and  women  thus  have 
surpluses  of  time  and  energy  with  which  to  live 
abundantly.  But  what  hap- 
pened when  leisure  began 
to  increase  ? Alert  business 
leaped  forward  and  as 
Stuart  Chase  says,  “well 
nigh  took  recreation  bod- 
ily into  the  province  of 
vendibility  where  it  most 
emphatically  does  not  be- 
long.” Now  we  pay  a quar- 
ter and  slide  into  a seat  at 
a movie  for  two  hours.  We 
turn  a dial  and  hear  Gracie 
Allen,  Eddie  Cantor,  or  to 
be  fair,  the  Philharmonic. 

We  go  to  an  amusement 
park  and  chute-the-chutes. 

We  go  to  the  horse  races, 
dog  races,  six  day  bicycle  races,  the  motorcycle 
races  and  the  automobile  races. 

Commercial  interests  have  bombarded  a recrea- 
tionally  illiterate  public,  ill-trained  for  leisure  with 
an  avalanche  of  alluring,  exciting  publicity  for 
amusements  that  provide  precious  little  nourish- 
ment for  body,  mind  or  spirit.  It  is  not  surprising 
that  young  people  have  turned  to  passive  amuse- 
ment under  the  pressure  of  glamorous  advertise- 
ments. Yet  the  benefits  of  such  amusements  are 
not  substantial. 

One  Saturday  afternoon  some  months  ago  while 
engaged  in  work  in  a large  western  city  I lingered 
for  a moment  at  the  cigar  stand  in  my  hotel  to 
talk  with  the  girl  in  charge. 

She  said,  “You  seem  lonely.” 

I said,  “Oh,  I don’t  know.” 

She : “Why  don’t  you  get  a girl  and  go  down- 
town to  one  of  our  swell  night  clubs  ?” 


I : “Well,  that  might  be  done,  but  you  see  I 
work  for  an  organization  in  which  the  people  be- 
lieve in  creating  their  own  fun.” 

She  was  not  much  impressed. 

I said,  “Are  you  very  fond  of  the  night  clubs?” 
She : “Crazy  about  ’em.  I could  go  every  night. 
It’s  my  recreation.” 

“Well,”  I asked,  “supposing  you  go  every  night 
that  you  have  a chance.  After  a while  you  will 
get  fed  up,  won’t  you?  At  least  you  will  find  no 
thrill  in  them.  What  then  ?” 

She : “Why  then  I guess  I’ll  go  shoot  myself.” 

Our  conversation  was  only  half  serious,  of 

course,  but  I was  a little  startled  when  she  said 
she  guessed  she’d  shoot  herself.  Why  was  it  that 
this  was  the  only  thing  that  occurred  to  her  to 
say?  Was  it  because  arti- 
ficial excitements  so  stimu- 
late the  emotions  that 
more  and  more  thrills 
are  demanded  until  at 
length  when  satiety  is 
reached  the  only  further 
thrill  obtainable  is  drama- 
tic death?  This,  of  course, 
is  an  extreme  case  but  if 
this  girl  is  typical  of  a 
considerable  number,  what 
a tragic  viewpoint  she  rep- 
resents in  a world  which 
however  great  its  cares 
and  worries  is  so  full  of 
interesting  things  to  do  1 
No  fair-minded  person 
will  sweepingly  condemn  all  commercially  pro- 
moted recreation.  We  have  good  movies,  good 
radio  programs,  good  entertainments  and  con- 
certs. Automobiles  contribute  enormously  to  the 
worthy  use  of  leisure.  The  great  sports  spectacles 
have  their  place.  Yet  after  all  it  is  through  first 
hand  experience  that  the  child  and  the  adult  find 
substantial  satisfactions. 

In  an  amusing  cartoon  Denys  Wortman  pictures 
a fat  lady  at  the  circus  watching  the  acrobats  do- 
ing thrilling  stunts  high  on  their  trapezes.  Blandly 
she  say  to  an  equally  well  nourished  lady  beside 
her,  “Mentally,  I do  everything  they  do.”  Which 
hardly  accords  with  the  principle  of  learning  by 
doing.  A nation  of  bystanders  and  spectators 
must  go  the  way  of  ancient  Rome.  In  every  area 
of  life  in  a democracy,  whether  politics,  industry 
or  leisure,  the  slogan  must  be  "Participate  or 
Perish.” 


"Children  and  youth,  millions  of  them  the  world 
over,  restless  with  tremendous  energies!  Com- 
munities, thousands  of  them  from  pole  to  pole, 
embracing  the  conditions  and  the  materials 
from  which  we  may  create  a far  more  ideal 
environment  for  better  living!  On  the  one  hand, 
the  great  energy  of  youth  requiring  only  a dy- 
namic purpose  to  make  that  force  the  most 
constructive  factor  in  social  progress.  On  the 
other  hand,  cultures  rich  in  potentialities, 
needing  a great  constructive  force  in  order  to 
realize  the  abundant  human  life  which  they  are 
capable  of  providing.  To  coordinate  these  two 
mighty  forces;  to  harness  the  energy  of  youth 
to  the  task  of  progressively  improving  condi- 
tions of  community  life — that  is  the  supreme 
challenge  to  educational  and  social  statesman- 
ship."— From  Youth  Serves  the  Community. 


ADVENTURES  IN  RECREATION 


533 


A third  obstacle  to  a 
more  rapid  and  generous 
cultural  and  recreational 
development  in  the  United 
States  has  been  our  ma- 
terial-mindedness.  How 
to  live  has  often  been 
forgotten  in  the  scramble 
to  make  a living.  The 
struggle  for  security  has 
absorbed  much  of  the 
energy  that  might  have 
gone  into  cultivating  the 
arts  of  leisure. 

Fortunately,  the  less 
constructive  forces  in  lei- 
sure do  not  have  the 
whole  field  to  themselves. 

There  is  much  informal 
unorganized  family  and 
personal  recreation. 

There  are  numerous  ath- 
letic organizations,  nature 
clubs,  hiking  clubs,  little 
theaters,  choral  societies, 
glee  clubs,  golf  clubs, 
women’s  clubs  and  bridge 
clubs.  The  riding  of  hob- 
bies is  in  the  air.  The 
social  and  recreational 
activities  of  secret  socie- 
ties, which  number  thirty- 
five  million  members,  are 
as  much  an  attraction  as 
are  the  mysteries  and 
rituals  of  these  fraterni- 
ties. 

Add  the  recreational 
offerings  of  the  semi- 
public agencies  with  their 
millions  of  members  — 
the  Y.M.C.A.,  Y.W.C.A., 

Jewish  centers,  Catholic 
clubs,  settlements,  boys’ 
clubs  and  the  outdoor 
movements,  Boy  and  Girl 
Scouts,  Camp  Fire  Girls  and 
the  Woodcraft  League. 

Then  there  is  the  rapidly 
growing  field  of  government-sponsored  recreation. 
Two  thousand  communities  have  municipal  rec- 
reation in  some  form  with  activities  going  on  in 


parks,  playgrounds,  com- 
munity centers,  swim- 
ming pools  and  outlying 
reservations.  We  must 
include  libraries  and  mu- 
seums as  to  some  extent 
recreational.  Then  there 
are  the  county  and  state 
park  systems  and  the  na- 
tional parks  and  forests. 
Of  necessity  government 
will  play  a progressively 
greater  role  in  recreation, 
but  there  must  be  more 
and  better  trained  lead- 
ers and  larger  appropria- 
tions. 

The  message  of  all 
these  agencies  is  “Be  ac- 
tive, take  part  yourself, 
develop  skill  in  some 
game  or  sport,  be  a crafts- 
man, learn  to  act  in  a 
play,  join  an  orchestra, 
sing,  dance,  climb  moun- 
tains, swim,  investigate, 
look  for  beauty,  serve 
your  community  — be  a 
self-starter  in  leisure.” 
The  total  achievements 
of  these  agencies  are  very 
impressive  but  they  are 
not  enough.  For  example, 
no  city  has  a sufficient 
number  of  playgrounds 
to  serve  the  needs  of  its 
children.  About  five  mil- 
lion children  use  the 
playgrounds  each  sum- 
mer, but  ten  million  ur- 
ban children  remain  un- 
served. Few  cities  have 
reached  the  minimum 
standard  of  municipally 
owned  recreation  space. 
Only  a few  public  school 
buildings  are  open  for  recrea- 
tion as  often  as  three  times  a 
week.  Only  a fraction  of  the 
eligible  boys  and  girls  are 
members  of  the  Boy  Scouts,  Girl  Scouts,  Camp 
Fire  Girls  and  other  youth  organizations. 

And  now  we  come  to  the  public  schools.  The 


“S9  - 


MS#*** 


. -■*- 


Many  young  people  demand  activities 
with  an  element  of  danger — swimming, 
sailing,  canoeing  and  water  sports 


564 


ADVENTURES  IN  RECREATION 


best  schools,  aware  that  leisure  is  a vital  part  of 
modern  life,  train  for  it  through  physical  educa- 
tion, music,  arts  and  crafts,  drama  and  other  sub- 
jects. The  schools  are  putting  their'  mark  on  the 
leisure  interests  of  this  generation.  They  have 
contributed  to  the  growing  diversity  of  recrea- 
tional activities.  Consider  the  remarkable  high 

school  orchestras,  choruses  and  a capella  choirs. 

■/% 

The  schools  are  influencing  tastes  and  habits  in 
recreation,  but  is  that  enough  ? ' Are  they  giving 
youngsters  some  perspective  on  the  recreational 
interests  of  adulthood?  Are  they  teaching  them 
to  discriminate  between  the  better  and  the  less 
good  types  of  leisure  time  activity?  Very  early 
football,  basketball  and  the  other  most  strenuous 
sports  must  be  put  aside.  Is  sufficient  emphasis 
put  on  swimming,  camping,  hiking,  skating,  nature 
recreation  and  hobbies — the  things  in  which  all 
ages  may  participate?  Are  the  minds  of  students 
being  turned  objectively  on  their  own  communi- 
ties? This  is  in  line  with  the  trend  in  education 
today.  Dr.  William  McAndrew  has  been  hammer- 
ing for  years  on  the  idea  that  the  proper  study  of 
young  people  in  school  is  the  political,  industrial 
and  social  life  about  them. 

With  reference  to  recreation,  two  things  are 
necessary:  the  schools  should  inculcate  attitudes 
and  ideals  and  teach  skills,  and  the  community 
should  provide  adequate  opportunities  for  the 
functioning  of  these  attitudes,  ideals  and  skills.  In 
other  words,  we  should  both  train  for  leisure  and 
provide  community  facilities  for  leisure.  For  of 
what  value  is  it  to  graduate  fifty  good  orchestra 
players  each  year  if  there  are  no  community 
orchestras  in  which  to  play,  or  to  turn  out  tennis 
players  if  the  town  provides  no  courts.  We  must 
have  facilities  and  services  on  a far  vaster  scale 
than  we  now  have.  We  gasp  to  read  about  Robert 
Moses’  150  new  playgrounds  and  11  swimming 
pools  in  New  York  City.  Yet  some  European  and 
Mexican  cities  put  us  to  shame  through  their  rec- 
reational developments.  And  while  we  are  teach- 
ing skills  we  can  also  lead  boys  and  girls  to  study 
the  recreational  needs  of  their  community  and 
ways  of  meeting  these  needs.  In  so  doing  we  are 
hastening  the  day  when  the  community  will 
provide  adequate  facilities  and  leadership  for 
recreation. 

The  junior  high  school  age  is  not  too  early  to 
help  students  obtain  a conception  of  the  place  of 
recreation  in  leisure  and  life.  They  can  intelli- 


gently discuss  the  resources  of  their  communities 
for  they  use  them.  They  can  apply  a simple  yard- 
stick to  their  neighborhoods  and  communities. 
The  subject  lends  itself  readily  to  observation 
trips,  interviews,  the  making  of  maps,  collections, 
the  discussion  of  hobbies  and  reports. 

Thus,  I believe  the  time  is  ripe  for  units  of 
study  on  recreation  in  connection  with  physical 
education,  civics  and  the  social  studies.  The  stu- 
dents will  be  interested  for  recreation  is  one  of 
the  things  uppermost  in  their  daily  thoughts.  The 
point  of  contact  is  immediate. 

It  may  be  assumed  that  the  next  few  years  will 
see  important  changes  in  school  curricula.  These 
changes  will  be  based  on  a realistic  view  of  cur- 
rent problems.  The  schools  are  bound  to  train 
young  people  in  the  ideals  and  practices  of  a co- 
operative society.  The  study  of  recreation  has  an 
important  place  in  such  a scheme  of  training  for 
community  recreation  implies  an  environment  in 
which  the  arts  of  social  living  are  practiced  by 
free  citizens.  It  contributes  to  the  ideal  for  the 
city  set  forth  by  Aristotle  who  said,  “A  city  is  a 
community  of  equals  for  the  purpose  of  enjoying 
the  best  life  possible.”  And  that  of  Whitman,  who 
wrote : 

“I  dreamed  in  a dream,  1 saw  a city  invincible  to  the  at- 
tacks of  the  whole  of  the  rest  of  the  earth ; 

“I  dreamed  that  was  the  New  City  of  Friends; 

“Nothing  was  greater  there  than  the  quality  of  robust 
love — it  led  the  rest; 

“It  was  seen  every  hour  in  the  actions  of  the  men  of  that 
city, 

“And  in  all  their  looks  and  words.” 


“The  outlook  for  youth  in  American  life  will 
be  determined  not  so  much  by  what  we  do  to  the 
system  as  by  what  we  do  to  the  individual  youth 
himself.  That  is  why  an  education  which  holds 
constantly  in  mind  the  inner  and  enduring  values 
of  life,  which  aims  at  making  responsible,  en- 
lightened, happy  and  well-adjusted  individuals 
seems  to  me  so  vitally  important  at  this  hour. 
That  is  why,  amid  all  the  shifts  and  changes  of 
social  forces  today,  I for  one  would  place  squarely 
in  the  center  of  the  picture  education,  not  merely 
the  formal  education  of  the  school,  but  the  mak- 
ing of  personality  through  organizations  like  this, 
through  the  churches,  through  all  the  agencies  at 
work  in  this  field,  as  the  fundamental,  determin- 
ing feature  for  the  outlook  of  youth.” — Dr.  Harry 
Woodburn  Chase  in  Planning  the  Future  unth 
Youth. 


Shure,  Tis  Time  for  a St.  Patrick’s  Party! 


It  will  soon  be  “St. 

Patrick’s  Day  in  the 
morning,”  and  by 
that  time  plans  must  be 
all  laid  for  an  Irish 
party  of  some  kind. 

With  the  fame  of  smil- 
ing Irish  eyes,  gay  Irish 
wit  and  the  joy  of  an 
Irish  jig,  it  would  be  a 
shame  not  to  capitalize 
on  them,  for  by  so  do- 
ing the  party  will  almost 
plan  itself.  In  fact  there 
won’t  be  time  for  all  the  things  that  you  can  think 
up!  Just  as  in  this  party,  you’ll  have  to  do  some 
choosing.  Perhaps  you  will  find  something  in  this 
party  or  the  historical  background  to  add  to  your 
own  ideas. 

For  there  are  hosts  of  ideas  for  a holiday  or 
historical  party  to  be  had  in  an  encyclopaedia. 
Read  up  the  subject  of  your  party — it  takes  only 
a minute  — and  you’ll  find  new  angles  to  old 
stories  which  can  be  used  in  making  up  games 
and  planning  decorations  and  which  will  add  in- 
terest and  color  to  your  party.  We  looked  up  St. 
Patrick  and  Blarney  Stone  and  Limerick  and  the 
map  of  Ireland  and  discovered  a great  number  of 
things  we  had  forgotten  and  some  new  things  we 
hadn’t  known  about  St.  Patrick,  Ireland  and  the 
Irish. 

We  learned  that  the  shamrock  was  supposedly 
used  by  St.  Patrick  to  explain  how  the  Trinity 
could  be  Three  and  yet  One,  and  so  is  especially 
cherished  in  Ireland.  St.  Patrick  is  supposed  also 
to  have  forced  the  snakes  of  Ireland  to  fling  them- 
selves into  the  sea.  It  is  known  that  as  a lad  of 
sixteen  he  was  captured  from  his  home  in  Britain 
by  Irish  raiders  and  sold  as  a slave  to  an  Irish 
Druid  for  whom  he  served  six  years  as  a swine- 
herd before  he  escaped  and  went  to  Gaul.  Years 
later  he  returned  to  bring  Christianity  to  the  Irish 
whose  priests  were  Druids  and  believed  in  “Lit- 
tle People”  (fairies)  and  Leprechauns.  When  St. 
Patrick  died  (493  A.D.)  there  was  no  night  for 
twelve  days — at  least,  so  the  story  goes.  If  you 
kiss  the  Blarney  Stone  set  in  the  outer  wall  of  a 
castle,  you  will  have  the  power  to  persuade  and 


win  people  through  a 
flattering  and  agile  ton- 
gue. Limericks  are  heap 
of  fun  to  read  and  not 
too  hard  to  write,  and 
they  were  originally 
Irish,  too. 

And  to  Be  Shure 
Ye’re  Invited 

You’ll  almost  have  to 
draw  straws  over  the 
way  your  invitations 
will  be  made,  for  St. 
Patrick’s  Day  has  so  many  appropriate  symbols. 
Take  your  choice  of  these : snake,  shamrock,  pig, 
paddy-hat  (topper),  clay  pipe,  dancing  figures  in 
Irish  costume,  lyre  (harp),  potato  (the  mainstay 
of  the  Irish  menu),  policeman,  shellalah  or  Irish 
flag  (green,  orange  and  white).  Write  a verse,  a 
joke  or  an  Irish  limerick  to  convey  the  invitation 
on  whatever  form  you  choose. 

Decorations,  too,  may  be  selected  from  this  list, 
to  which  might  be  added  travel  posters  of  Ireland, 
corks  (for  County  Cork),  the  Blarney  Stone, 
Lakes  of  Killarney  or  the  Cats  of  Kilkenny  (after 
the  old  song). 

Pre-Party  Activities 

There’ll  be  some  guests  so  eager  for  the  party 
they’ll  be  coming  early.  Provide  a game  or  some 
activity  for  them  until  the  others  come. 

Going  Irish.  If  the  party  is  not  too  large,  a 
table  may  be  laid  out  with  materials  for  making 
any  or  all  of  the  Irish  symbols  listed  in  the  para- 
graph on  invitations.  You  will  need,  among  other 
things,  scissors,  paste,  crayons,  thread,  string, 
toothpicks  and  paper  of  appropriate  color.  As 
the  guests  arrive  let  each  make  some  favor  to 
wear  to  show  himself  a loyal  Irishman.  Paper 
streamers  for  small  bows  or  green  paper  sham- 
rocks may  be  kept  in  reserve,  ready  made,  for 
late  comers.  Prizes  may  be  awarded  to  the  clever- 
est symbols  of  Ireland. 

Irish  Music.  For  a larger  group,  early  comers 
may  gather  around  a piano,  or  be  seated  and  sing 
Irish  songs.  Provide  mimeographed  sheets  of 


535 


536 


■SHU RE,  ’T1S  TIME  FOR  A 

words,  it  possible,  since  many  of  the  tunes  are 
better  known  than  the  words. 

We’ll  Be  a-Breakin’  of  the  Ice 

Blarney.  Give  each  girl  an  envelope.  In  it  is  a 
simple  word  written  on  a piece  of  paper.  Boys 
line  up  on  one  side  of  the  room,  girls  on  the  other. 

To  an  Irish  tune  the  lines  move  toward  one  end 
of  the  room,  turn,  and  come  up  the  center  so  that 
the  group  is  now  paired.  The  first  couple  goes  to 
the  right,  the  second  to  the  left,  third  to  the  right, 
etc.,  in  a regular  grand  march  figure  around  the 
room,  coming  up  the  center  in  four’s.  Boys  are  given 
pencils.  On  “Go”  each  girl  gives  her  partner  her 
envelope.  He  opens  it,  reads  the  word  and  writes 
a couplet  to  the  girl,  ending  the  first  line  with  the 
word  in  his  envelope.  The  first  file  to  finish  wins 
a green  shamrock  mint  for  each  member  of  the 
team.  The  “Blarney”  may  be  read  aloud  or  they 
may  all  be  collected  and  prizes  awarded  for  the 
best,  which  are  then  read.  (A  check  must  be  made 
to  see  that  all  have  a couplet,  before  any  team  is 
given  a prize.) 

Relays 

Boggy  Roads.  Ireland  is  known  for  some  of  its 
boggy  country  over  which  it  is  difficult  to  walk 
with  safety.  However,  there  is  a way.  Give  the 
leader  of  each  file  two  shoe  boxes — without  lids. 
(These  are  obtainable  at  any  shoe  store).  On 
“Go,”  the  leader  steps  into  the  boxes  and  shuffles 
off  across  the  bog  to  the  other  end  of  the  room  to 
the  place  marked  “Town,”  and  back  to  touch  off 
the  next  player  who  steps  into  the  boxes  and  is 
off.  The  first  team  to  have  all  its  men  across  the 
bog  to  town  and  back  again,  wins.  Have  extra 
boxes  in  reserve  in  case  the  ones  in  use  are  broken. 

SB  Patrick  and  the  Snakes.  St.  Patrick  is  sup- 
posed to  have  driven  the  snakes  out  of  Ireland 
into  the  sea,  but  it  took  a little  time  for  the  snakes 
to  reach  the  sea  from  the  interior.  Which  do  you 
think  traveled  the  fastest,  the  garter,  grass,  gopher 
or  the  rattlesnake?  Give  the  leader  of  each  team 
a wavy  snake  of  cardboard,  each  of  a different 
color  (and  kind),  but  all  of  the  same  shape  and 
length  and  an  inch  and  a half  wide  at  every  point. 

A square  of  cardboard  is  also  given  the  leader. 

In  it  is  a slit  one-sixteenth  of  an  inch  longer  than 
the  width  of  the  snake  and  a little  wider  than  the 
thickness  of  the  cardboard  of  which  the  snake  is 
made.  Tape  is  put  across  the  bottom  and  top  of 
the  slit  to  keep  it  from  tearing.  On  “Go”  the  first 


ST.  PATRICK’S  PARTY ! 

player  grasps  his  snake  in  one  hand  and  his  card- 
board in  the  other  and  wriggles  the  wavy  snake 
through  it.  When  it  is  through  he  hands  the 
snake  and  cardboard  to  the  next  player,  who  does 
the  same.  The  last  player  is  the  sea  and  when  the 
snake  is  through  the  sea  he  is  out  of  Ireland.  The 
first  one  out  wins  the  race  and  is  the  snake  that 
traveled  the  fastest  after  St.  Patrick’s  order. 

Shamrocks  to  Market.  Give  the  leader  of  each 
row  a green  cellophane  shamrock  cut  from  a five- 
inch  square  of  cellophane.  Make  it  as  large  as  you 
can  in  that  space.  On  “Go”  the  leader  puts  the 
shamrock  on  his  hand  which  is  open  and  flat  with 
fingers  together  and  starts  to  “market"  fifteen 
feet  away.  He  must  carry  his  hand  level  at  all 
times.  If  the  paper  falls  he  must  stop  while  he 
replaces  it  and  remove  his  free  hand  before  pro- 
ceeding. The  team  to  get  its  shamrock  taken  to 
market  first  wins. 

Irish  Shenanigans 

Irish  Luck.  Seat  the  group  in  a circle  or  circles. 
Give  each  a clean  Irish  potato.  Ask  each  guest  to 
count  the  eyes  in  his  potato.  From  a score  card 
read  the  fortunes  according  to  the  number  of 
eyes : one  means  foes ; two,  presents ; three, 
friends;  four,  suitor;  five,  travel;  six,  courtship; 
seven,  wealth ; eight,  broken  heart ; nine,  happily 
married ; ten,  single  blessedness.  Collect  the  po- 
tatoes after  each  has  determined  his  fortune. 

Blarney  Stone.  The  group  is  still  in  a large  circle 
or  several  smaller  circles.  Give  the  leader  or  the 
leader  of  each  group  a small  stone.  When  the 
whistle  blows  he  makes  a wish  aloud,  saying,  “I 

wish  ” and  passes  the  stone  to  the  next 

player,  who  does  the  same.  At  intervals  the 
whistle  blows  (the  blower  is  designated  an  Irish 
policeman)  and  the  fine  for  being  the  one  with 
the  stone  at  the  moment  is  to  do  as  the  neighbor 
on  the  left  dictates.  Play  rapidly  until  six  or  eight 
have  performed. 

Potato  Jig.  Select  two  boys  and  two  girls.  Give 
them  seats  in  the  center  of  the  circle,  one  couple 
facing  one  side,  the  other  the  opposite  side  — so 
all  may  see.  Give  each  a potato  and  a paring 
knife.  On  “Go”  the  boy  peals  his  potato.  (Peel- 
ings must  be  thin.)  He  then  passes  the  knife  to 
the  girl  who  peels  her  potato.  The  first  couple 
through  wins  a prize.  (Be  sure  potatoes  are 
scrubbed  and  are  of  the  same  size  and  that  knives 
are  fairly  sharp.) 


SHURE,  'TIS  TIME  FOR  A ST.  PATRICK’S  PARTY ! 


537 


Irish  Pipes.  Select  several  couples  to  go  into  the 
center  of  the  circle.  (If  the  group  is  small,  all 
might  play  this  game.)  Give  each  a clay  pipe  and 
provide  several  bowls  of  soapy  water.  (A  pinch 
of  sugar  and  a tablespoon  or  so  of  glycerine  will 
make  the  bubbles  stronger.)  Have  a contest  to 
see  who  can  blow  the  most  bubbles  from  one  dip 
in  the  bowl,  who  can  blow  the  most  bubbles  and 
fan  them  to  a goal  line  in  a given  time,  and  who 
can  make  the  largest  bubble,  all  blowing  at  once. 


Tests  of  Irish  Wit 

The  Hall  of  Fame.  Who  are  the  famous  Irish 
described  in  these  phrases?  Give  each  paper  and 
pencil  and  read  the  statements  slowly,  allowing  a 
minute  or  two  for  guests  to  think  of  and  write 
down  the  answers.  The  ones  with  the  most  cor- 
rect might  be  given  a candy  mint  prize,  a toy  pig 
or  other  favor. 


1.  The  father  of  the  famous  twins 

McSorley 

2.  A character  in  the  funny  sheet 

Happy  Hooligan 

3.  The  hero  of  a novel  by  Gene  Stratton  Porter 

Michael  O’Halloran 

4.  The  proprietor  of  a well-known  restaurant 

Dinty  Moore 

5.  The  man  whose  whiskers  the  wind  blew  in  again 

Michael  Finnegan 

6.  The  gentlefnan  who  wears  “the  green  necktie” 

Kelly 

7.  The  young  lady  who  danced  on  the  sidewalks  of  New 

York — Mamie  O’Rourke 

8.  A famous  Irish  mother 

Mother  Machree 

9.  The  man  whose  name  suggests  a potato 

Murphy 

10.  Three  Irish  girls  whose  praises  are  often  sung 
Kathleen  Mavoureen 
Rosie  O’Grady 
Annie  Rooney 


Irish  Art.  Having  visited  the  Hall  of  Fame  it  is 
fitting  that  you  also  visit  an  Irish  Art  Gallery. 
Lay  out  the  following  objects,  each  in  the  center 
of  a numbered  cardboard  frame.  Each  guest  is 
to  write  down  the  number  and  opposite  it  the  title 
suggested  by  the  work  of  art.  If  the  objects  are 
set  about  the  room  on  a number  of  tables  and 
chairs  there  will  not  be  such  crowding.  Here  are 
the  objects  and  the  titles.  The  most  nearly  correct 
list  wins. 


Object 

1.  Cork 

2.  Rocky  road  candy 

3.  Wilted  rose 

4.  A bell  sewed  to  the  cloth 

5.  Green  stone  in  water 

6.  Raincoat 

7.  Problem : 2x2= 

8.  Doll  dressed  in  green 

9.  Harp 

10.  Limerick 


Title  of  Picture 
Cork 

Shamrock 

“Last  Rose  of  Summer” 

Belfast 

Emerald  Isle 

Ulster 

Dublin 

“Wearing  of  the  Green” 
“The  Harp  That  Once 
Through  Tara’s  Halls” 
Limerick 


Irish  Wit.  If  you  wish  to  be  truly  Irish,  you  may 
play  this  game,  for  long  ago  it  was  an  Irish  favor- 
ite. At  parties,  so  they  say,  it  was  the  custom  for 
a guest  to  make  up  a line  of  nonsense  verse  and 
then  all  would  join  in  the  chorus,  “Will  you  come 
up  to  Limerick?”  before  the  next  guest  added  a 
line.  Hence  was  born  the  limerick,  which  now  lacks 
only  the  chorus.  The  game  may  be  played  this 
way  or  guests  be  simply  asked  to  write  the  last 
line  of  a limerick  which  is  read  with  the  last  line 
omitted.  Prizes  may  be  given  for  the  best  lines. 

Here  are  two  to  start  you  off : 

In  jaunting  carts  down  near  Kilkenny 
There’s  many  and  many  and  many 
A bit  of  a kiss 


There  was  a young  fellow  named  Denny 
Who  lived  in  County  Kilkenny 
Said  this  husky  lad 
“Oi’m  Irish,  bedad,” 


Keep  a few  Irish  jokes  up  your  sleeve  to  tell  off 
and  on  during  the  party  or  ask  guests  to  tell  the 
ones  they  know. 

Irish  Jig.  There  are  a number  of  simple  Irish 
dances  such  as  the  “Irish  Washerwoman”  and 
“There’s  a Pig  in  the  Parlor”  which  may  be 
taught.  Use  one,  at  least,  for  an  Irish  party  should 
have  laughter,  wit,  songs  and  dancing  to  be  true 
to  tradition. 

Irish  Songs.  It  so  happens  that  a number  of  our 
best  known  and  best  loved  songs  are  Irish  or  about 
the  Irish.  Here  are  some  of  them: 

Londonderry  Air 
The  Minstrel  Boy 

Believe  Me,  If  All  Those  Endearing  Young  Charms 
Tipperary 

When  Irish  Eyes  Are  Smiling 
My  Wild  Irish  Rose 
Where  the  River  Shannon  Flows 
Wearing  of  the  Green 
Mother  Machree 
Kathleen  Mavoureen 
Sidewalks  of  New  York 


And  Ye’ll  Be  Ate’in 

Refreshments.  May  be  potato  chips  and  gher- 
kins and  sandwiches  (spread  with  cream  cheese 
and  finely  minced  sweet  pepper)  and  green  punch 
or  it  may  be  green  ice  cream  with  shamrock 
cookies  or  cake  with  green  frosting,  but  whativer 
it  be,  ’twill  be  the  foinest  end  to  the  foinest  party 
ye  iver  attended. 


Why  Folk 


Dancing? 


Folk  dancing  has  been  taken  from 
the  shelf  and  is  realized  to  be 
something  of  great  value  aesthet- 
ically, historically,  nationally 


By 

Vytautas  F.  Beliajus 

Chicago,  Illinois 


Everything  that  exists,  be  it  animate  or  inani- 
mate, a simple  object,  a story,  a human  in- 
dividual, a community  of  persons  or  a na- 
tion, reaches  that  stage  in  its  development  which 
is  called  the  climax.  At  this  point,  the  object,  the 
story,  the  individual,  the  community  or  the  na- 
tion, retrogresses  into  oblivion  or  develops  further 
to  a certain  greatness  or  permanency.  Those 
things  of  worth  which  sink  into  oblivion  are  re- 
membered only  because  they  are  preserved  in  mu- 
seums. Some  of  these  are  later  to  be  resurrected, 
to  become  again  of  almost  as  much  importance  as 
they  were  in  their  beginning.  In  this  category  we 
place  the  art  of  folk  dancing,  which  has  entered 
into  its  period  of  renaissance. 

Folk  dancing  is  the  creation  of  the  people,  of 
the  masses,  and  not  of  the  individual.  In  folk 
dancing  the  workers  and  the  serfs  spent  their  lei- 
sure hours,  to  find  in  it  the  pleasure  of  social 
intercourse  that  was  almost  entirely  denied  them 
in  their  ordinary  lives.  Among  those  nations 
which  were  subject  to  foreign  rule  and  great  cul- 
tural and  economic  persecution,  the  dance  re- 
mained as  the  one  pleasure  of  their  lives ; the  one 
activity  in  which  they  could  forget  the  burdens 
laid  upon  them  and  feel  something  of  the  joy  of 
life.  They  would  wipe  their  tears  away  with  a 
dusty  apron  or  with  a hand  blackened  by  toil,  un- 
able to  resist  this  one  call  to  merriment  that  they 
could  answer. 

Each  nation  tells  us  of  its  national  origins  and 
of  the  national  life  in  the  form  of  its  folk  dance. 
Those  who  have  ruled  with  the  heavy  hand  have 
dances  that  are  haughty  in  character ; those  upon 
whom  the  heavy  hands  have  fallen  have  dances  of 
an  insuppressible  gaiety.  Even  the  geographical 
characteristics  of  a nation’s  country  can  be  found 
in  the  style  of  its  dance.  Those  who  live  in  coun- 
tries that  are  mountainous  have  a measured  slow- 


ness in  the  tempo  of  their  dance,  and  those  who 
live  in  the  level  lands  have  the  freedom  of  the 
open  plain  clearly  expressed  in  the  style  of  their 
dance. 

During  its  period  of  near  oblivion,  the  folk 
dance  became  infantile  in  its  form.  It  was  looked 
down  upon  as  no  true  form  of  national  art,  as 
something  to  be  neglected  and  further  discourag- 
ed. This  view  on  folk  dancing  came  from  its  hav- 
ing been  associated  with  the  country  people,  with 
the  unlettered  peasantry  who  are  too  often  for- 
gotten in  their  position  of  being  the  very  founda- 
tion of  a national  group.  The  burghers,  in  their 
position  of  superiority,  did  no  folk  dancing,  but 
ridiculed  it  as  the  childish  recreation  of  the  peas- 
ants. And  the  poor  peasant,  who  too  often  apes 
the  prejudices  of  the  city  folk,  also  came  to  avoid 
this  purest  of  national  arts,  and  helped  it  further 
into  its  oblivion.  Such  was  the  fate  of  many  of 
the  folk  arts,  notably  weaving. 

The  Evolution  of  the  Dance  Form 

With  the  passing  of  folk  dancing  it  was  neces- 
sary that  another  dance  form  be  found  for  the  en- 
tertainment of  the  urban  population.  From  this 
necessity  there  was  evolved  the  dance  form  known 
as  social  dancing,  which  is  too  subdivided  in  types 
to  be  easily  classified  as  a national  art.  These 
forms  are  best  represented  by  the  fast-tempoed 
polkas  in  the  East  of  Europe,  the  slower-tempoed 
polka  and  the  waltz  in  other  nations,  the  graceful 
tango  and  the  tremulous  rhumba  and  the  ragtime 
dances  of  the  faddists. 

In  America,  it  is  the  .last  of  the  aforementioned 
forms  that  is  most  popular.  There  are  no  set 
rules  to  follow.  The  variations  that  come  into  ex- 
istence for  a time  are  but  fads  that  too  often  are 
vulgar  to  an  extreme.  This  type  of  dancing  is 
(Continued  on  page  562) 


538 


Let’s  All  Go 


Courtesy  The  Nation’s  School 


to 

School 

By 

H.  S.  Hemenway 


The  average  American  defends  the  public 
school  with  almost  a holy  zeal.  In  general,  he 
not  only  believes  in  an  education  as  a desir- 
able attainment  for  everyone,  but  he  also  feels 
that  every  child  should  go  to  school  regardless  of 
home  finance,  cultural  background  or  handicaps 
of  a mental  or  physical  nature.  Therefore,  he  has 
been  ready  to  provide  elaborate  buildings,  fine 
equipment  and  a well  trained  teaching  personnel 
in  order  that  every  child  in  every  backwoods  ham- 
let may  have  brought  to  him  at  least  some  of  the 
advantages  which  only  contact  with  learning  can 
give.  America  to  him  would  not  be  a land  of  op- 
portunity and  freedom  without  public  schools. 

However,  the  school,  with  the  exception  of  a 
few  nights  a year,  is  reserved  for  the  activities  of 
the  immature;  children  alone  need  to  continue  to 
study.  Magnificent  school  plants  over  the  coun- 
try, costing  collectively  billions  of  dollars  to  build 
and  having  equipment  worth  additional  millions, 
for  a great  amount  of  time — nights,  holidays  and 
vacation  periods — lie  idle.  Adults  are  seldom  seen, 
other  than  in  the  role  of  parents,  within  the  doors 
of  the  public  school. 

The  fact  that  education  should  be  a continuing 
process  from  the  cradle  to  the  grave,  that  the 
buildings  and  equipment  provided  at  public  ex- 
pense can  be  made  a center  of  adult  growth  and 
recreation,  has  not  received  wide  acceptance  in 
America.  Most  adults  through 
their  contacts  with  the  work- 
aday world  realize  gaps  in  their 
preparation  for  living  which 
need  be  filled,  but  strangely 
enough  they  seldom  turn  to  the 


agency  best  fitted  to  help  them  — the  public 
school. 

Believe  it  or  not,  there  is  one  community  in 
which  the  school  plant  has  become  the  adult  com- 
munity center,  in  which  the  school  board  realizes 
that  its  buildings  and  equipment  render  complete 
service  only  when  they  are  used  a maximum 
amount  of  time,  in  which  there  has  been  estab- 
lished an  Opportunity  School  for  exclusive  use  of 
the  adults  of  the  community  and — here  lies  the 
strangest  fact  of  all  — in  which  accurate  enroll- 
ment records  show  that  for  the  last  five  years  more 
adults  have  been  enrolled  in  the  adult  school  than 
there  are  children  in  daytime  attendance ! 

No  account  is  taken,  so  far  as  the  number  of 
adult  enrollments  is  concerned,  of  the  attendance 
of  more  than  18,000  at  the  Sunday  afternoon  lec- 
tures or  of  the  hundred-odd  thousands  who  were 
spectators  at  the  various  adult  athletic  events. 
These  are  the  simple  facts : the  average  yearly  en- 
rollment in  adult  classes  for  the  last  five  years  is 
2,877,  while  the  enrollment  of  children  in  kinder- 
garten through  senior  high  school  averaged  2,702 
over  a similar  time. 

Shorewood,  Milwaukee,  is  the  town  in  which 
the  Opportunity  School  flourishes.  Far  from  be- 
ing a community  in  which  “English  for  Foreign- 
ers” would  be  a leading  class  for  adults,  it  has 
been  populated  with  the  suburban  type  of  city 
dweller.  Its  lakeside  residences 
compare  favorably  with  the  best 
in  the  Milwaukee  area,  while  the 
rest  of  the  square  mile  and  one- 
half  of  residential  territory  has 
homes  representing  the  prosper- 


This  story  of  the  interesting 
community  center  conducted 
at  Shorewood,  Milwaukee,  is 
reprinted  from  the  December 
issue  of  The  Nation's  School. 


539 


340 


LET’S  ALL  GO  TO  SCHOOL 


ous  middle  classes.  It  is  a village  exclusively  of 
homes  and  small  service  stores  — a residential 
suburb  of  the  better  type  with  a population  of 
1 6, (XX)  inhabitants. 

There  are  two  boards  of  education  in  Shore- 
wood  as  in  each  Wisconsin  city;  one,  the  day 
board,  controls  the  usual  school  activities  con- 
nected with  the  education  of  children,  and  the 
other,  the  vocational  board,  has  under  its  direction 
the  training  of  the  few  children  who  drop  out  of 
high  school  and  also  of  the  education  of  the  adults 
of  the  community.  As  the  “day”  board  of  educa- 
tion appoints  the  “night”  board,  and  as  the  super- 
intendent of  schools  is  ex-officio  a member  of  the 
night  board  sufficient  correlation  of  the  work  of 
the  two  boards  is  maintained  so  that  duplication 
of  effort  or  conflict  of  authority  is  amicably 
resolved. 

As  this  dual  system  has  been  in  operation  in 
Shorewood  over  a period  of  fifteen  years,  certain 
principles  of  operation  have  been  developed. 
Among  these  are  the  following : 

1.  The  adult  school  program  should  appeal  to 
all  ages  and  all  types  of  previous  education.  How 
successful  the  school  has  been  in  this  respect  may 
be  found  in  the  report  of  Director  Harvey  Gen- 
skow.  Of  those  enrolled,  44.7  per  cent  give  their 
ages  as  between  eighteen  and  thirty  years  and 
about  one  half  (48.5  per  cent)  between  thirty-one 
and  fifty  years.  Only  1.4  per  cent  are  below  eigh- 
teen years  and  5 per  cent  over  fifty  years.  Three- 
fourths  of  the  students  have  completed  high 
school,  one-fourth  college,  and  nearly  10  per  cent 
have  received  some  graduate  training. 

2.  The  teacher  is  the  most  important  factor  in 
a successful  night  school  program.  The  question 
is  always  asked : “Do  the  regular  instructors  of 
the  high  school  teach  in  the  evening  school?” 
While  there  are  some  notable  exceptions,  such  a 
combination  of  work  is  generally  deemed  inad- 
visable, owing  to  the  fact  that  the  instructor  is 
tired  at  the  end  of  the  day,  and  also  that  the  finest 
teachers  of  children  are  not  always  the  best  teach- 
ers of  adults.  A dififerent  technique  of  instruction 
has  to  be  used. 

In  any  large  center  of  population  certain  indi- 
viduals stand  out  in  their  profession.  Many  in- 
dividuals are  interested  in  passing  on  to  a group 
of  people,  similarly  inclined,  the  many  fine  points 
of  their  professional  or  avocational  life.  Among 
these  outstanding  individuals  in  the  area  they  rep- 
resent may  be  found  the  ideal  teachers  for  an  eve- 
ning school.  A noted  architect  gives  a course  on 


house  planning,  a lawyer  on  business  and  real 
estate  law,  a dub  woman  on  parliamentary  law, 
two  professionals  train  groups  in  golf,  and  a 
noted  painter  of  murals  teaches  a course  in  draw- 
ing and  sketching. 

3.  The  school  gives  recognition  to  the  recrea- 
tional aspects  of  community  life.  Seventeen  lec- 
tures were  presented  to  Sunday  afternoon  audi- 
ences averaging  more  than  1,000  people  last  year. 
A volunteer  collection  defrays  about  one-third  of 
the  cost.  Kitten  ball  played  under  lights  is  a sum- 
mer attraction  for  old  and  young.  More  than 
100,000  spectators  attended  last  summer.  Admis- 
sion is  charged  on  two  nights  only.  Ice  hockey, 
volley  ball,  indoor  baseball,  swimming,  fencing, 
boxing,  tap  dancing,  rhythmics  and  basketball 
offer  sport  for  all. 

4.  The  work  of  the  school  is  more  largely  avo- 
cational than  strictly  vocational,  although  both 
types  of  courses  are  offered.  Of  approximately  a 
hundred  courses  and  activities  offered  by  the  Op- 
portunity School  only  eight  come  within  the  clas- 
sification “vocational.” 

5.  Community  members  are  the  sole  judges  of 
effective  class  work,  but  certain  courses  must  be 
self-sustaining  financially.  Board  members  may 
be  prejudiced  against  some  offering  such  as  an  a 
cappella  choir,  tap  dancing,  bridge,  or  golf,  but  the 
community  demand  is  the  determining  factor  in 
presenting  the  course.  As  a further  precaution, 
the  vocational  board  demands  that  certain  courses 
be  self-sustaining  so  far  as  finance  is  concerned. 
These  include  tap  dancing,  bridge,  golf  and  social 
dancing. 

6.  The  school  attempts  to  give  equal  attention 
to  all  the  fine  arts.  Even  though  community  mem- 
bers choose  their  class  work,  it  is  the  aim  of  the 
school  to  give  equal  attention  to  all  of  the  fine 
arts.  At  present  there  are  eleven  classes  in  music, 
including  a cappela  choir,  band,  harmony,  appre- 
ciation, piano,  violin  and  chorus.  In  art  there  are 
two  appreciation  classes,  applied  arts,  art  metal, 
drawing  or  sketching,  interior  decoration,  pho- 
tography and  woodworking. 

It  is  a curious  fact  to  record  that  in  classes 
where  principles  of  design  underlie  and  dominate 
the  work,  the  interest  continues  year  after  year. 
For  example,  a class  in  woodworking  failed  as 
such.  However,  when  the  principles  of  design 
were  applied  in  a course  on  period  furniture,  the 
class  became  so  large  that  additional  sections  were 
formed.  The  auditorium  was  completed  only 
within  the  last  few  months,  but  already  four 


LETS  ALL  GO  TO  SCHOOL 


541 


groups  are  arranging  the  staging,  costuming  and 
production  of  plays  for  children  and  adults,  which 
may  well  lead  to  a large  following  for  a people's 
theater.  The  Little  Theater  movement  is  in  its 
infancy. 

7.  Whenever  it  may  be  shown  that  sufficient 
enrollment  can  be  obtained  to  justify  the  estab- 
lishment of  a class  in  a subject  a teacher  for  such 
a class  will  be  found  and  the  work  will  be  offered. 

The  enrollment  necessary  for  the  establishment 
of  a class  differs  with  the  type  of  work  offered. 
For  academic  study  the  minimum  is  twelve ; for 
gymnasium  activity  twenty-five  is  desirable, 
whereas  for  purely  social  contacts  an  enrollment 
of  thirty  or  more  is  necessary. 

Adults  are  quick  to  sense  the  worthwhileness 
of  a course,  and  consequently  one  effective  means 
of  discouraging  the  teacher  who  is  not  efficient  is 
the  establishment  of  these  minimum  attendance 
standards  and  prorating  the  salary  paid  the 
teacher  whenever  enrollment  does  not  justify  the 
continuation  of  the  class.  Certain  teachers  readily 
attract  enrollments  of  fifty  or  more  in  their  classes 
and  make  mandatory  the  offering  of  new  sections 
for  the  same  course.  Some  instructors  present 
their  work  in  such  an  unorganized  form  that  the 
class  membership  quickly  vanishes. 

As  all  new  classes  are  “on  trial”  until  enroll- 
ment develops  and  the  prospective  teacher  has  to 
attract  the  minimum  number  before  any  salary 
payment  has  been  made,  the  school  can  afford  to 
be  liberal  in  its  of- 
ferings of  untried 
courses.  That  such 
a policy  often 
produces  unusual 
results  is  shown 
by  the  fact  that  a 
course  in  the 
speaking  voice  was 
begun  as  an  ex- 


periment. Ten  sections  taught  by  the  same  teacher 
were  a part  of  the  evening  school  offering  just  one 
year  later. 

8.  The  schools  shall  be  open  without  cost  for 
any  legal  meeting.  Shorewood  schools  belong  to 
the  taxpayer.  Why  not  reduce  the  costs  of  the 
organizations  which  are  sponsored  by  taxpayers 
by  opening  the  schools  free  of  charge  to  Shore- 
wood  organizations  that  have  a general  community 
program  ? The  Women’s  Club,  American  Legion, 
Cooperative  Club,  and  Association  of  Commerce, 
all  hold  meetings  in  the  school  at  some  time  during 
the  year. 

The  services  of  the  high  school  cafeteria  are 
available  to  the  group  at  a “per  plate”  charge, 
which  just  defrays  expenses.  Meals  are  served  at 
prices  dependent  on  menus  offered  at  from  25c  to 
80c,  with  the  average  price  at  55c. 

Whenever  some  organization  in  Shorewood  de- 
sires to  use  the  schools  for  activities  at  which  ad- 
mission is  charged  — for  example,  an  entertain- 
ment or  a bridge  party  — the  actual  additional 
expense  of  operation  is  paid  by  the  organization 
making  the  reservation. 

To  any  individual  who  has  not  seen  a school  of 
this  type  in  action,  the  choice  of  activity  given  the 
students  would  seemingly  necessitate  high  costs. 
As  a matter  of  fact,  quite  the  reverse  is  true.  Cer- 
tain classes,  as  has  been  mentioned,  are  wholly 
self-sustaining ; others  are  conducted  on  a low  rate 
( Continued  on  page  562 ) 


Courtesy  The  Nation's  School 


Community  de- 
mand is  the  de- 
termining factor 
in  the  selection 
of  activities  for 
the  center's 
program 


Detroit’s  Community  Night  Programs 


Some  suggestions  for  planning  community 
night  programs  at  the  recreation  center 


Community  night  programs 
have  been  made  a feature  of 
Detroit’s  recreation  center 
activities,  and  starting  December 
1 8,  1936,  at  every  center  where  a continuous  rec- 
reation program  is  being  carried  on  daily  an  eve- 
ning was  set  aside  and  dedicated  to  the  idea, 
“Know  your  community  center.”  This  program 
will  be  continued  until  March  25,  1937. 

The  purpose  of  the  community  night  celebra- 
tion is  threefold:  to  acquaint  the  public  with  the 
work  of  the  Recreation  Department  in  each  par- 
ticular community ; to  stimulate  the  interest  of  the 
classes  already  engaged  in  recreational  activities, 
and  to  increase  the  scope  of  recreation  in  the 
various  communities. 

The  program  itself  may  be  described  as  a ka- 
leidoscopic view  of  the  activities  of  the  center,  and 
the  effort  of  the  director  in  charge  is  directed  not 
so  much  toward  presenting  a perfect  series  of  ex- 
hibitions as  it  is  toward  giving  a glimpse  of  the 
working  of  the  center  and  the  various  types  of 
recreation  offered.  The  winter  work,  however,  is 
usually  at  its  peak  at  this  time,  and  the  different 
classes  are  as  a rule  prepared  to  put  on  some  fin- 
ished work.  The  dramatic  classes  have  acquired 
a repertoire  of  plays  from  which  something  suit- 
able may  be  selected.  The  gymnasium  classes, 
working  toward  the  spring  meets,  are  able  to  pre- 
sent very  good  drills,  and  this  holds  true  of 
swimming,  handcraft  and  other  activities. 

The  program  presented  on 
community  night,  however,  is 
not  a culmination  of  studied  re- 
hearsals ; rather  it  is  an  informal 
presentation  of  what  goes  on 
daily  in  the  center — a cross  sec- 
tion of  community  center  life. 

Activities 

The  programs  consist  of  box- 
ing, mass  drills,  games  for  all 
classes  (juniors,  intermediates 
and  seniors),  drills  with  hand 


apparatus  such  as  wands  and  In- 
dian clubs,  dramatics,  band  music, 
community  singing,  old-time 
dances,  exhibitions  of  work  done 
by  the  woodcraft  and  model  building  classes, 
demonstrations  of  first  aid  and  life  saving,  and 
exhibitions  of  swimming,  diving  and  water  polo 
matches  in  community  centers  equipped  with 
swimming  pools.  The  events  follow  in  orderly 
sequence  from  auditorium  to  the  gymnasium,  from 
the  gymnasium  to  the  swimming  pool.  It  has  not 
been  felt  advisable  to  have  several  activities  car- 
ried on  simultaneously  because  of  the  confusion 
which  invariably  accompanies  the  continual  mov- 
ing of  large  groups. 

These  programs  are  well  attended.  By  actual 
statistics  an  average  of  1,000  people  in  each  com- 
munity avail  themselves  of  the  opportunity  to  be- 
come more  intimately  acquainted  with  the  exten- 
sive work  of  the  department. 

Other  Winter  Activities 
In  addition  to  the  activities  housed  in  the  com- 
munity centers,  the  Recreation  Department  spon- 
sors city-wide  activities  such  as  the  boys’  band,  a 
fine  organization  of  some  sixty  young  musicians, 
aircraft  classes  in  which  the  work  of  fashioning 
model  planes  is  demonstrated,  and  model  boat 
building  classes.  These  activities,  drawing  upon 
the  community  centers  at  large,  have  their  place 
on  the  individual  program. 

At  Christmas  Time 
The  Department  of  Recrea- 
tion arranged  approximately 
sixty  Christmas  programs 
which  were  held  throughout  the 
city  at  the  different  centers. 
There  was  also  a community 
Christmas  tree  erected  by  the 
department  at  City  Hall.  The 
hundreds  of  ornaments  which 
decorated  the  tree  were  made  by 
(Continued  on  page  562) 


By  J.  J.  CONSIDINE 
Superintendent 
Department  of  Recreation 


"The  job  of  the  community  center 
worker  is  first  to  connect  every 
would-be  participant  with  the  ac- 
tivity in  which  he  feels  at  home, 
and  then  to  lead  him  on  to  the  ex- 
pression of  talents  that  may  be 
dormant  but  none  the  less  real, 
and,  finally,  to  give  him  a sense 
of  belonging.  The  community  cen- 
ter should  be  a busy,  friendly, 
happy  place  where  lost  talents 
are  found  and  released  for  in- 
dividual and  community  good." 


542 


Youth  0oes  Adventuring  Out-of-Doors 


At  the  conference 
which  was  held  at 
Mt.  Cardigan,  1936 


IF  the  reader  had  hiked  through  the  Lake 
Colden  region  of  the  Adirondacks  during  the 
second  week  of  September  in  either  1935  or 
1936,  he  would  have  found  almost  one  hundred 
college  students,  both  men  and  women,  from  many 
colleges  camped  out  in  tents  or  in  the  shelters 
which  are  scattered  through  this  section  of  the 
mountains.  They  came  into  the  woods  with  their 
food  and  sleeping  bags  for  the  annual  college  week 
— a week  of  mountain  climbing  and  camping. 
During  the  days  they  were  climbing  the  moun- 
tains, sometimes  on  the  trails,  and  sometimes 
“bushwhacking,”  in  informal  small  groups  which 
had  joined  forces  because  they  were  making  the 
same  climb.  They  climbed  to  suit  their  individual 
desires,  up  difficult  rock  walls,  such  as  the  slide  on 
Mount  Colden  which  rises  two  thousand  feet 
above  Avalanche  Lake,  or,  if  they  were  not  so 
ambitious,  up  the  comparatively  easy  trails,  the 
one  up  MacIntyre,  for  example,  with  plenty  of 
time  out  at  noon  for  lunch  and  a nap  on  top  in  the 
sun.  And  if  the  reader  had  stayed  the  night  with 
them  in  one  of  the  shelters,  he  would  undoubtedly 


By  L.  David  Hawley 

Executive  Secretary 

Intercollegiate  Outing  Club  Association 


have  joined  in  one  of  the  almost  traditional  song 
sessions  that  is  held  after  the  camps  are  made 
ready  for  the  night. 

After  the  supper  dishes  were  disposed  of,  and 
sleeping  bags  laid  out  ready  for  their  occupants, 
flashlights  dotted  the  dark  trails  with  spots  of 
light  as  the  tenants  of  the  more  distant  shelters 
came  to  one  more  centrally  located,  whose  inhabi- 
tants had  invited  the  group  for  the  evening.  A 
large  camp  fire  crackled  in  front  of  the  shelter, 
licking  up  through  the  big  logs,  while  in  groups 
of  three  and  four  the  hikers  strolled  into  the  fire- 
light. Some  settled  down  to  their  pipes,  and  others 
talked,  but  before  long  a song  started,  and  the 
program  of  the  evening  began  in  earnest.  Ballads, 
old  favorites,  parodies  rang  out  on  the  night  air, 
with  sometimes  rather  weird  harmony  to  spice 

the  singing.  For 
hours  these  songs 
were  sung  with 
rarely  a repetition, 
the  record  being 
five  and  a half 
hours  without  re- 
peating a song. 
The  reader  could 
not  have  missed 
seeing  an  elderly 
lady  somewhere  in 
the  assemblage, 
with  young,  twin- 
kling eyes  and  a 
kindly  face.  She 
was  Mrs.  Orra 


Photo  by  Laura  C.  Allen 


543 


544 


YOUTH  GOES  ADVENTURING  OUT-OF-DOORS 


Enjoying  the  view  from 
an  Alumnae  lean-to  dur- 
ing College  Week,  1935 


Phelps,  chaperone  for  the 
outing ; there  is  none 
better,  in  the  opinion  of 
those  who  know  her. 

In  the  winter  most  of 
the  same  students  strap 
up  their  skis  and  poles 
and  travel  to  some  center 
for  a ski  week-end.  These 
have  been  held  on  Mount 
Washington  and  Mount 
Moosilauke  in  New 
Hampshire,  Mount 
Mansfield  in  Vermont, 
and  at  North  Creek,  New 
York,  at  various  times 

during  the  past  seasons.  Photo  by  Laura  C.  Allen 
By  day  they  ski,  and  at 
night  they  sing,  as  at  College  Week. 

These  outings  are  experiences  never  to  be  for- 
gotten by  those  who  have  attended  them.  They 
are  run  under  the  auspices  of  the  Intercollegiate 
Outing  Club  Association,  which  was  founded  in 
the  Dartmouth  Outing  Club  cabin  on  the  top  of 
Mount  Moosilauke,  N.  H.,  in  1932,  when  that 
club  called  a conference  of  representatives  from 
nine  college  outing  clubs.  It  was  decided  that 
there  should  be  but  one  officer,  an  executive  sec- 
retary, who,  with  two  more,  would  act  as  an  ex- 
ecutive board  of  three,  each  from  a different  col- 
lege. The  various  outing  clubs  became  members 
upon  payment  of  small  annual  dues.  They  receive 
in  return  copies  of  the  I.  O.  C.  A.  Bulletin,  issued 
three  times  a year  by  the  executive  secretary  and 
the  privilege  of  participating  in  the  I.  O.  C.  A.  ac- 
tivities. Members  of  the  board  are  in  charge  of 
the  conference  each  spring,  and  of  College  Week, 
each  second  week  in  September.  A ski  week-end 
during  the  winter  completes  the  planned  schedule. 

The  wide  range  of  activities 
sponsored  by  college  outing 
clubs  has  attracted  an  ever  in- 
creasing participation  by  stu- 
dents. Some  prefer  to  ride 
horseback,  others  to  roam  the 
hills  on  foot,  some  to  canoe,  to 


ski,  or  to  fish  and  hunt.  The  greatest  appeal,  how- 
ever, has  generally  been  found  in  mountain  climb- 
ing and  skiing,  and  it  is  these  sports  that  have 
been  officially  sponsored  by  the  I.  O.  C.  A.  In 
the  early  years  of  the  organization  the  numbers 
who  attended  College  Week  were  small  in  com- 
parison with  what  they  were  last  year.  For  the 
last  two  years  College  Week  has  been  run  by  the 
Union  College  Outing  Club,  and  in  the  Lake 
Colden  region  of  the  Adirondacks  because  no- 
where else  could  there  be  found  a region  with  a 
sufficient  number  of  shelters  grouped  in  a small 
enough  area.  Not  one,  but  three  ski  week-ends 
were  held  last  winter,  and  last  autumn  the  Dart- 
mouth Outing  Club  ran  a fall  week-end  for  hik- 
ing at  Spy  Glass  Hill  Farm,  below  Mount  Moosi- 
lauke, to  which  ninety-five  came  to  hike  in  the 
rain  on  Moosilauke  and  the  Franconias.  It  is 
likely  that  during  the  winter  sports  season  of 
1 936-37,  ski  week-ends  will  have  to  be  run  on 
successive  week-ends  to  take  care  of'  those  who 
want  to  enjioy  them. 

Thirty  outing  clubs  from  the 
following  colleges  have  joined 
the  association : Amherst,  An- 
tioch, Barnard,  Bates,  Brown, 
Colby,  Connecticut  College  in 
New  London,  Dartmouth,  Den- 
( Continued  on  page  562) 


These  photographs  were  taken  by 
Miss  Laura  C.  Allen  of  New  York 
City,  a member  of  the  Intercol- 
legiate Outing  Club  Association. 
It  is  through  her  courtesy  that 
we  are  reproducing  them  here. 


Juggling  With  J ingles  and  Jargons 


By  Do  you  remember  the  jingles  you  used  as 

Irma  Thompson  Ireland  a child  to  "counl  out"  for  games?  They  will 

come  back  to  you  as  you  read  this  article! 


Who  doesn't  remember  the  foolish  little  jin- 
gles and  senseless  combinations  of  syllables 
we  used  when  we  were  children  to  “count 
out”  in  games  ? Our  own  children  have  carried  on 
with  many  of  the  old  ones  and  any  number  of 
new  variations.  No  doubt  it  will  keep  on  going  as 
long  as  children  love  to  play  games,  skip  rope,  or 
bounce  a rubber  ball. 

We  all  remember  such  old  stand-bys  as : “Eenie, 
meenie,  miney,  mo,”  etc.,  and  from  grandmother’s 
day : 

“Intry,  mintry,  cutry,  corn ; 

Apple  seed  and  apple  thorn ; 

Wire,  briar,  limber,  lock; 

Three  geese  in  a flock ; 

One  flew  East,  and  one  flew  West ; 

And  one  flew  over  the  cuckoo’s  nest!” 

Here  is  another  old-timer  with  the  third  line 

missing.  Who  can  supply  it? 

“One-ery,  two-ery,  tickery  tee; 

Halibo,  crackibo,  tender-/^; 


One,  two,  three ; out  goes  he !” 

(Or  she,  as  the  case  may  be.) 

From  my  own  remembrance  of  District  School 
days  in  the  Middle  West : 

“Monkey,  monkey,  bottle  of  beer ; 

How  many  monkeys  have  we  here? 

One,  two,  three;  out  goes  she!” 

From  out  of  the  past  comes  also  ; “Rich  man, 
poor  man,  beggar  man,  thief ; doctor,  lawyer, 
merchant,  chief!”  And  for  the  good  old  game  of 
Hide-and-Seek,  the  one  who  is  “it”  must  blind  his 
eyes  and  call  at  the  top  of  his  voice : “A  bushel  of 
wheat,  a bushel  of  rye;  all  that’s  not  ready,  hol- 
ler I!  A bushel  of  wheat,  a 
bushel  of  clover;  All  that’s  not 
hid,  can’t  hide  over!  The  owl 
cries  out : to  whit ! to  \Vhoo ! 

Here  I come  to  hunt  for  You!” 

Then  later,  if  the  hunt  seems 
to  last  too  long,  comes  the  wel- 
come call : “Bumbly,  bumbly, 
bumbly  Bee!  All  that’s  out  can 
come  in  Free !” 


Besides  the  counting-out  rhymes  there  are 
dozens  of  incantations  used  for  rope-skipping  and 
bouncing  rubber  balls.  Some  of  them  will  be 
found  almost  identical  in  form  in  Michigan,  In- 
diana, Ohio,  Kentucky,  Pennsylvania,  and  in 
Texas.  Who  put  the  queer  combinations  of  words 
together  and  what  they  mean  no  one  seems  to 
know,  and  the  children  who  use  them  do  not  care. 
For  instance,  try  bouncing  a ball  to  this : 

“I  love  coffee,  I love  tea; 

I love  the  boys  and  the  boys  love  me. 

I’ll  tell  Ma  when  she  comes  home 
To  pull  my  hair  and  break  my  comb. 

Mother,  mother,  have  you  heard? 

Daddy’s  going  to  buy  me  a mocking  bird ! 

If  that  mocking  bird  don’t  sing 
Daddy’s  going  to  buy  me  a diamond  ring. 

If  that  diamond  ring  don’t  shine 
Daddy’s  going  to  buy  me  a bottle  of  wine. 

If  that  bottle  of  wine  don’t  flow 
Daddy’s  going  to  buy  me  a big  pink  'bow. 

If  that  big  pink  bow  don’t  wear 
Daddy’s  going  to  kick  it  up  in  the  air !’’ 

As  far  as  we  know  Philadelphia  is  responsible 
for  this  one,  also  for  bouncing  a ball : 

“All  in  together,  this  fine  weather; 

January,  February,  March,  etc.  (to  the  month  of 
the  player’s  birth.) 

All  in  together  for  the  date  of  the  year : 

One — nine — one — four.  (1914) 

All  in  together  for  the  date  of  the  month: 

One.  two,  three,  four,  etc.  (to  birthday  of  player.) 

All  in  together  for  the  years : 

One,  two,  three,  four,  etc.  (to  the  age  of  the  player.) 

And  in  another  tempo  : 

“I  lost  my  arm  in  the  Army;  I found  it  in  the  Navy; 

I dipped  it  in  the  Gravy,  and  gave  it  to  the  Baby.” 

While  in  Boston  we  could  almost  hear  the  ball 
bounce  this  one : “One,  two, 
three  a-leery ; four,  five,  six 
a-leery,  seven,  eight,  nine  a- 
leery,  Ten!” 

For  the  more  difficult  maneu- 
ver of  bouncing  the  ball  first  on 
one  side  then  on  the  other  of  a 
sturdy  swinging  leg  this  seems 
to  be  a universal  rhythm,  re- 
(Continued  on  page  564) 


Mrs.  Ireland  writes  that  she  will  ap- 
preciate receiving  from  readers  of 
Recreation  jingles,  verses,  incan- 
tations and  game  routines  "typical 
of  American  children,  no  matter 
what  the  source,  if  complete  and 
definitely  associated  with  real  chil- 
dren." Mrs.  Ireland's  address  is 
98  - 34th  St.,  Newport  News,  Va. 


545 


A Recreation  Executive  Considers 


Recreation 


in  the 


The:  family  is  the 
nation’s  first  unit 
of  organization  — 
also  its  safety.  There- 
fore, the  type  of  rec- 
reation that  knits  this  Photo  by  H • D-  Barlow’  Ridgewood, 
group  into  a closer  unit 

is  not  only  building  a family  but  stabilizing  a 
nation. 

With  the  present  eight-hour  day,  and  an  even 
shorter  one  in  the  offing,  the  boy  and  girl  grown 
tall,  including  “Mom  and  Dad,”  have  time  on 
their  hands  as  well  as  do  the  children.  All  can 
best  use  recreation  to  relax  frayed  nerves  and 
help  to  build  a happy  family  group. 

The  Garden 

As  gardening  is  one  form  of  recreation,  and 
because  the  facilities  for  many  other  varieties 
are  to  be  planned  somewhere  within  the  gar- 
den, we  must  consider  the  foundations  of  our 
garden  of  happiness.  Year-round  beauty  is 
necessary.  Beauty  has  far  more  to  do  with  the 
element  of  happiness  in  the  family  group  than 
is  ever  realized. 

We  may  think  of  our  garden  or  yard  as 
divided  into  four  parts : first,  the  front  garden, 
which  as  a rule  is  not  laid  out  for  recreation; 
second,  the  back  lawn  and  open  game  space ; 


N.  J 


third,  the  rustic  sec- 
tion, and  to  the  rear  of 
the  garden,  the  play- 
ground section. 

The  front  garden 
benefits  the  general  pub- 
lic as  much  as  the  owner.  As  a rule,  the  planting 
is  for  beauty  rather  than  recreation.  With  a back- 
ground of  green,  and  some  Nandina,  Golden 
Evonnymous,  and  Variegated  White  Myrtle  to 
lend  color  and  variation  throughout  the  year,  the 
passing  public  should  not  be  disappointed.  A 
splash  of  purple  heather  will  help  at  the  time  of 
year  it  is  most  needed.  Distinction  in  the  garden 
may  be  further  gained  by  the  use  of  different 
shrub  forms — some  oval,  round  or  conical ; others, 
tall  and  tapering.  Open  lawn  space,  summer  shade 
and  winter  sun  space,  as  well  as  border  planting 
and  proper  placements  of  garden  design  and  fa- 
cilities for  the  ever-changing  family  needs,  are 
possible  and  often  desirable. 

Let  us  next  plan  the  background  of  our  garden. 
“Edgular”  planting  should  for  the  most  part  con- 
sist of  evergreen  trees  and  shrubs  for  a founda- 
tion. However,  deciduous  trees  on  the  south  and 
west  often  prove  desirable  for  the  sake  of  sum- 
mer shade  and  winter  sun.  Permissible  exceptions 
to  this  permanent  green  foundation  are  flowering 
shrubs  and  trees  for  spring  and  summer  blossoms, 


Is  it  the  recreation 
executive’s  respon- 
sibility to  promote 
home  play?  Here  is 
an  executive  who  is 
sure  it  is  his  job 
to  be  familiar  with  all 
the  forms  of  home 
play  and  to  stimu- 
late them  constantly. 


Home 


By 

Raymond  Quigley 

Superintendent 
Parks  and  Recreation 
Fresno,  California 


546 


A RECREATION  EXECUTIVE  CONSIDERS  RECREATION  IN  THE  HOME  547 


and  colorful  shrubs  for  bright  red  or  gold  autumn 
leaves.  As  spacious  a lawn  as  possible  should  be 
provided  for  open  play. 

Particular  care  in  the  choice  of  flowers  which 
will  provide  as  permanent  bloom  as  possible  in 
your  locality  will  do  much  to  enhance  the  beauty 
of  the  home  and  furnish  cut  flowers  as  well. 

Recreational  Features 

After  the  garden  has  been  planned  for  the 
greatest  happiness  of  the  entire  family,  specific 
features  should  be  considered.  A barbecue  fire- 
place, for  example,  is  as  enjoyable  to  all  as  is  a 
small  children’s  playground  to  the  younger  mem- 
bers of  the  family.  For  the  pleasure  of  beauty 
derived,  an  “old,  oaken”  bucket,  rock  garden, 
miniature  waterfalls,  rose  garden,  arbor  or  minia- 
ture Japanese  garden  are  suggested.  A green- 
house, aviary  or  pool  may  be  welcome  additions 
to  the  yard  where  space  and  desire  permit. 

The  number  of  recreational  features  must  be, 
of  course,  limited,  whether  the  garden  is  small  or 
large.  Those  should  be  selected  that  will  give  the 
greatest  amount  of  satisfaction  and  recreation  to 
the  family  concerned.  It  is  well  to  make  the  con- 
struction of  certain  features,  such  as  a fireplace, 
a family  project.  When  built  in  this  manner,  they 
are  doubly  appreciated,  while  the  mutual  planning 
has  wonderful  recreational  value.  Artistic  setting, 
convenience,  adaptability,  and  usefulness  should 
determine  the  location  of  each  recreational  pro- 
vision in  the  yard. 

Apparatus.  Small  children  will  hail  the  presence 
of  sand  box,  small  swing,  turning-bar,  and  trapeze 
or  rings  under  the  shady  arbor.  A handcraft 
table  placed  with  these  under  the  grape  arbor  will 
prove  a double  source  of  pleasure  for  both  mother 
and  children. 

The  Barbecue  Fireplace.  Let  us  consider  more 
specifically  the  barbecue  fireplace,  for  it  is  the 
feature  around  which  the  rustic,  back-to-nature 
part  of  the  garden  is  built.  The  fireplace  may  be 
made  of  rough  stone  for  beauty,  lined  with  fire- 
brick for  practicability.  Rustic  benches  or  sawed- 
off  log  seats,  rustic  table  and  a rock  garden  near 
the  fireplace  will  give  a woodsy  atmosphere.  Ar- 
ranged to  catch  the  shade  in  summer,  and  the  sun 
in  the  winter,  the  barbecue  corner  will  be  the  set- 
ting of  many  happy  gatherings.  With  the  beauty 
of  the  stars  overhead  to  enhance  the  charm  of  gay 
evening  scenes,  broiled  steaks  will  prove  the 
crowning  glory  of  your  successful  family  parties. 

There  are  many  other  entertaining  features  that 


occur  in  the  rustic  section  of  the  yard.  A marsh- 
mallow roast  goes  over  in  a big  way  with  all  ages, 
and  visitors  like  to  be  included.  The  weenie  roast 
will  never  go  out  of  date  for  the  growing  boys 
and  girls,  and  most  of  the  rest  of  the  family  like 
to  join  in.  Story-telling  by  firelight  is  in  a class 
by  itself. 

We  have  said  a great  deal  about  the  necessity 
of  an  attractive  place  for  the  “happy  family 
group.”  Now  let  us  be  more  specific  about  some 
practical  suggestions  that  will  tend  to  expand  home 
recreational  activities. 

Open  Lawn  Activities 

First  let  us  mention  those  activities  that  will  be 
played  on  the  open  lawn,  using  the  same  space 
for  several  games,  but  changing  the  nets  and  the 
lines  or  goals  according  to  desires  and  season  of 
play.  The  same  pair  of  courts  will  serve  for  vol- 
ley ball,  paddle  tennis  and  badminton,  and  they 
should  be  placed  outside  of  the  side  lines  of  the 
center  of  the  basketball  court  if  this  game  is  to  be 
played  on  the  same  space.  Barring  room  for  a 
basketball  court  a single  goal  set  up  in  an  out  of 
way  spot  or  even  a goal  ring  fastened  to  the  side 
of  a building  will  furnish  unlimited  hours  of 
pleasure  to  the  “teen  age”  boys  and  girls. 

Recently  a basketball  goal  was  taken  out  in  our 
neighborhood  when  a new  house  was  built.  It  had 
been  used  almost  incessantly  by  not  only  one 
family  but  several.  One  youngster  expressed  the 
despondency  of  the  crowd  when  he  said,  “Aw, 
there’s  nothing  to  do  around  here  any  more.” 
Necessity,  however,  was  the  proverbial  mother 
of  invention,  and  the  goal  reappeared  in  a blind 
alley.  The  same  expressive  boy  commented  some 
time  later,  “That  blind  alley  sees  plenty  now  1” 

Volley  ball,  an  old  standby  in  playgrounds, 
clubs,  churches,  and  Y.M.C.A.’s,  should  be  in  just 
as  good  favor  with  the  family  group.  Paddle  ten- 
nis has  made  good  headway  and  is  deserving  of  its 
progress. 

The  game,  however,  that  is  growing  in  popu- 
larity by  leaps  and  bounds  and  will  soon  take  the 
country  by  storm  is  badminton.  This  is  the  game 
that  Canadians  play  so  much,  more,  in  fact,  than 
tennis.  Several  other  countries  have  played  it  for 
years.  Badminton  is  splendidly  suited  to  the 
“happy  family  group,”  as  the  space  required  is 
not  large,  and  the  play  is  adapted  to  both  children 
and  adults.  It  fascinates  both  men  and  women. 
A game  that  commands  the  respect  of  both  old 
and  young  and  fosters  the  healthy,  wholesome, 


548 


A RECREATION  EXECUTIVE  CONSIDERS  RECREATION  IN  THE  HOME 


active  family  play  that  badminton  does  is  bound 
to  go  far  in  the  many  homes  of  America. 

Alongside  a back  fence  or  building  there  should 
be  a horseshoe  court. 

If  you  are  lucky  enough  to  have  a space  for 
playground  ball,  don’t  leave  out  this  game.  An 
adjacent  vacant  lot  often  solves  the  problem  of 
space.  'I  have  seen  boys,  girls,  men  and  women, 
playing  in  a playground  ball  game,  the  youngest, 
a four-year-old  girl,  the  oldest  a man  of  eighty- 
five.  The  fine  thing  was  that  the  entire  group  was 
having  a splendid  time. 

Handcraft 

To  many  people  handcraft  is  the  only  method 
by  which  complete  recreation  can  be  obtained. 
The  feeling  of  accomplishment  upon  the  comple- 
tion of  an  all-engrossing  handcraft  project  is  one 
of  the  finest  sensations  imaginable.  The  family 
that  becomes  interested,  for  instance,  in  making 
a colorful  set  of  backyard  garden  furniture,  is 
not  only  having  a good  time  but  is  doing  some- 
thing useful  as  well.  The  moulding  of  large 
earthen  vases  is  another  project  that  fosters  gar- 
den beauty.  Basketry  is  a form  of  handcraft  so 
varied  in  both  material  and  shape  that  its  possi- 
bilities are  unlimited.  Sewing,  sketching,  paint- 
ing, crepe  paper  work  and  lamp  shade  construc- 
tion all  have  their  most  ardent  advocates.  For  the 
younger  members,  miniature  aircraft,  doll  fur- 
niture making,  kite  making,  and  coping  saw  cut- 
outs are  absorbing  examples  of  handcraft.  In  win- 
ter weather,  an  attic  or  unused  room  can  often  be 
used  for  handcraft. 

Collecting  Things 

Collections  are  one  phase  of  recreation  that 
should  occupy  a place  at  some  time  or  another  in 
the  life  of  every  one.  A collection  of  wild  flowers 
pressed  for  a herbarium  makes  a delightful 
family  project  that  brings  to  attention  some  of  the 
oft-neglected  “little  things  of  life.”  Collections  of 
insects,  rocks,  shells,  samples  of 
wood,  are  educative  as  well  as 
fascinating.  Buttons,  beads  and 
calico  print  collections  are  en- 
joyed by  the  younger  generation. 

The  collecting  of  stamps  is  a 
hobby  that  leads  all  others  in 
popularity. 

Dramatics  and  Celebrations 

It  is  not  every  family  that  can 
utilize  dramatics,  but  it  is  sur- 


prising how  many  backyard  shows  are  enacted  by 
the  children  of  the  nation,  and  how  much  these 
improve  with  even  a little  direction.  This  method 
of  self-expression  has  done  wonders  for  some 
children. 

Puppet  shows  are  worth  while  and  stimulate 
the  imagination. 

Family  parties  or  celebrations  on  special  holi- 
days are  a great  source  of  joy  for  the  happy 
family  group  that  really  gets  into  the  spirit  of 
Easter  egg  hunts,  Christmas  tree  decorations  and 
the  like.  Carefully-arranged  enlargements  of 
pictures  of  these  festivities  always  go  a long  way 
toward  insuring  success  of  the  event.  Family 
birthday  parties  should  never  be  forgotten. 

Reading 

Reading  for  the  family  group  may  be  divided 
into  four  or  five  divisions.  Good  books  are  a 
source  of  quiet,  restful  recreation  that  often  is 
just  what  is  needed  by  the  tired  worker.  Regard- 
less of  the  age  or  the  choice  of  book,  the  library 
can  always  furnish  a splendid  list  for  various  ages 
from  which  to  select. 

Magazines  that  are  well  chosen  for  the  family 
needs  are  anxiously  awaited  each  month.  Stories 
and  tales  of  adventure  should  be  provided  for  the 
amusement  and  mental  growth  of  the  youngsters. 

The  newspaper  is  still  another  source  of  read- 
ing material  which  is  perused  for  business  pur- 
poses, for  local  and  national  interest,  and  for 
amusement. 

Whatever  the  reading  matter,  if  it  is  good,  it 
is  of  sound  recreational  value. 

Music 

Countless  hours  of  pleasure  may  be  had  in  the 
home  through  the  art  of  music,  in  an  appreciative, 
performing,  or  creative  sense.  Radio  programs 
are  becoming  increasingly  worth  while  and  not 
only  are  they  varied  to  suit  all  tastes  but  they  are 
so  arranged  as  to  educate  the  musical  discrimina- 
tion of  the  public.  All  types  of 
music,  many  of  which  cannot  be 
heard  in  many  parts  of  the  coun- 
try, are  now  possible  at  the  twist 
of  the  dial  — symphony,  grand 
opera,  chamber  music,  dance  or- 
chestras. 

Of  more  value,  no  doubt,  is  the 
performance  by  members  of  the 
family  (no  matter  the  degree  of 

( Continued  on  page  564) 


"In  order  to  understand  life  as  a 
whole  one  must  see  life  in  all  its 
various  manifestations.  I would 
have  my  children  share  life  with 
persons  of  all  age  levels  and  en- 
ter sympathetically  into  their 
activities,  for  only  then  can  they 
regard  life  as  truly  full  of  mean- 
ing and  loaded  with  satisfac- 
tions that  are  lasting."  — From 
Parents  and  the  Latch  Key. 


New  and  Ancient  Sports  of  Hawaii 


The  majority  of  arrests,  re- 
ports tell  us,  are  of  young 
people  under  twenty-five 
years  of  age,  and  most  of  these 
are  children  in  their  teens.  It  is  apparent  that  the 
petty  deviltries  to  which  youth  turns  to  work  off 
its  surplus  energy  when  no  other  means  are  avail- 
able can  easily  lead  to  habits  which  produce 
enemies  of  society. 

Yet  somewhere  along  the  line  the  needs  of  these 
children  could  have  been  met.  At  some  time  their 
habits,  both  of  thought  and  action,  could  have 
been  changed  to  give  them  an  even  chance  of  be- 
coming decent  citizens  instead  of  “bad”’  boys  and 
girls. 

Honolulu’s  “G-Men” 

In  Honolulu  we  have  a barefoot  football  league 
each  fall.  Thirty  teams,  classed  according  to 
weight,  stage  battles  on  our  playgrounds  every 
Sunday  morning.  One  of  the  145  pound  teams  is 
named  the  “G-Men”  and  its  history  is  interesting. 

In  Honolulu,  as  in  all  other  cities  in  the  United 
States  with  a population  of  almost  175,000,  there 
is  the  problem  of  the  boy  who  habitually  stands 
on  corners  and  shows  a penchant  for  getting  him- 
self into  trouble.  He  is  not  bad — yet.  But  he  and 
his  group  are  rooting  themselves  into  habits  of 
thought  and  action  which  can  make  him  bad. 

Chief  of  Police  Gabrielson,  in  1935,  suddenly 
swooped  down  on  all  these  boys.  They  were 
brought  into  his  office  in  groups  of  ten  or  more. 
He  talked  to  them.  He  concluded,  “I’m  going  to 
form  a barefoot  football  team  and  you  boys  will 
be  on  the  squad.  Let’s  see  if  you  can’t  keep  your- 
selves busy  that  way,  instead 
of  standing  on  corners  won- 
dering what  to  do  next  and 
coming  up  with  silly  answers.” 

As  the  next  step  he  looked 
the  city  over  and  asked  half 
a dozen  upstanding  young 
fellows,  between  the  ages  of 
14  and  22,  if  they  would  not 
join  his  team.  They  did.  The 
influence  of  the  game  itself 
plus  the  influence  and  exam- 


ple of  these  half  dozen  boys  has 
been  amazing. 

Speak  to  Gabrielson  about  them 
and  he  smiles.  “I  never  have  any 
trouble  with  boys  once  they  make  that  team.  Nor 
does  anyone  else  have  trouble  with  them.”  The 
team  took  its  name  from  the  first  initial  of  Chief 
Gabrielson’s  name  but  its  other  connotation  is  not 
lost. 

Dick  Hyland,  All-American  Stanford  halfback 
of  a decade  ago,  who  officiates  at  many  of  our 
Barefoot  League  football  games,  states  the  G-Men 
are  among  the  hardest  fighting  but  cleanest  play- 
ing teams  in  the  league.  Furthermore,  they  rarely 
protest  the  officials’  decisions.  Once,  when  one  of 
the  boys  grumbled,  a team  mate  shut  him  up  with, 
“Skip  it.  Even  if  the  guy  was  wrong,  what  of  it? 
Being  wrong  once  don’t  make  him  wrong  all  the 
time.” 

Wrong  once.  Some  of  the  G-Men  were  wrong 
once ; delinquent  boys,  boys  who  were  continually 
getting  into  fist  fights  on  streets,  who  ran  away 
from  home,  who  showed  tendencies  to  commit 
petty  crimes  because  of  undeveloped  respect  for 
rules  of  the  game  of  life  as  it  should  be  played. 
Recreation  helped  save  them. 

I do  not  wish  to  give  the  impression  that  lack 
of  recreation  means  a boy  or  girl  is  headed  into 
trouble.  But  it  cannot  be  said  too  forcefully  that 
recreation  is  most  likely  to  tax  the  surplus  animal 
energies  of  youth  in  such  a manner  that  little  pep 
will  be  left  over  to  devote  to  mischief.  That  is  on 
on  the  physical  side.  There  is,  too,  the  mental 
training  which  comes  through  the  necessity  to  play 
the  game  the  way  the  rules  demand. 

The  Honolulu  Program 

Here  in  Honolulu  we  are 
fortunate,  much  more  fortu- 
nate than  many  other  cities 
in  the  United  States,  in  being 
able  to  use  our  playgrounds 
all  the  year  around.  Last 
year  we  promoted  163  dif- 
ferent activities  including 
plays,  music,  story-telling, 
handcraft,  radio  broadcast- 


By  Arthur  Powlison 

Superintendent  of  Recreation 
Honolulu 


"We  know  that  a period  of  delinquency 
existed  during  the  boyhood  of  adult 
criminals;  that  delinquencies  are  com- 
mitted during  hours  of  leisure;  that  a de- 
linquent is  a normal  boy  gone  wrong; 
that  the  adult  criminal  is  just  a mature 
delinquent.  It  follows  that  prevention  of 
delinquency  will  prevent  crime,  and  pre- 
ventive treatment  must  begin  before 
delinquent  behavior  becomes  a fixed 
habit." — Joseph  Sieglec,  Judge  of  the 
Juvenile  Court,  Essex  County,  New  Jersey. 


549 


550 


NEW  AND  ANCIENT  SPORTS  OF  HAWAII 


ing,  camping,  boating,  boxing,  rope  skipping,  pic- 
nics, hobbies,  hula  contests,  sand  modeling  con- 
tests, horseshoe  and  checkers  tournaments,  crab- 
bing and  fishing  contests,  insect  displays,  kite 
contests,  singing  and  all  the  more  usual  forms  of 
athletics  such  as  baseball,  swimming,  football, 
basketball,  volley  ball  and  soccer.  Certificate 
awards  were  given  the  winners  of  every  activity 
and  it  was  surprising  to  see  how  boys  and  girls 
scrambled  to  secure  those  small  printed  bits  of 
paper.  A total  of  1,058,002  participants  engaged 
in  the  various  activities  under  the  direction  of 
fifty-six  staff  members  in  thirty-one  supervised 
areas.  Thirty-two  of  our  staff  members  are  reg- 
ular city  and  county  employees;  the  others  are 
given  us  by  the  WPA. 

A most  enjoyable  group  of  activities  are  those 
we  may  classify  under  the  heading:  Na  paani 
Kahiki  O Hawaii  Nei — which  is  the  lyrical  local 
way  of  saying  the  “Ancient  Sports  of  Hawaii.” 
They  make,  for  our  barefooted  boys,  fine  play- 
ground games.  Recently  we  staged  a pageant  of 
these  old  games,  duplicating  the  manner  in  which 
they  were  played  hundreds  of  years  ago  under  the 
old  native  regime.  Spectators  came  from  all  the 
islands  to  see  the  show  which  was  performed  in 
native  costumes.  Here  is  the  outline  of  the  pageant. 

A Pageant  of  Ancient  Sports 

The  herald,  or  ilamoku,  enters  the  arena  and 
blows  a conch  shell.  He  then  exits  and  the  ka-‘ 
huna,  or  priest,  enters  chanting.  He  takes  his 
position  to  one  side  of  the  field  as  the  king  enters, 
preceded  by  a procession  of  eight  bearers  of  kapu 
sticks,  ti  leaves,  sugar  cane  blossoms  and  flower 
kahilis.  The  kapu  sticks  are  in  effect  policemen. 
When  they  are  placed  before  the  platform  upon 
which  sits  the  king  and  his  lovely  daughter  no 
commoner  may  venture  inside  them. 

At  the  proper  moment  the  king  rises  and  says, 
“Keia  ka  la  i hookaawaleia  no  na  hana  hauoli. 
O-ka  moho,  iaia  ka  eo,  iaia  e lilo  ai  ka  hanohano 
o-ka  kamalii  kaikamahine  alii.”  He  has  said,  “This 
is  a day  set  aside  for  recreation.  Now,  whatever 
candidate  wins  the  games  will  have  the  honor  of 
marrying  the  princess.” 

For  a moment  all  eyes  are  upon  the  princess. 
Then  the  kahuna  prays  to  the  patrons  of  the  dif- 
ferent games  and  invokes  their  blessings. 

The  herald  again  blows  his  conch  shell,  an- 
nouncing the  arrival  of  the  champions — princes — 
of  the  eight  islands  in  the  Hawaiian  group.  As 
they  enter  the  arena  they  are  accompanied  by  the 


chanting  of  the  kahuna  and  are  announced  indi- 
vidually by  the  herald.  Every  prince,  with  his 
retinue,  approaches  the  king  and  his  daughter  and 
makes  his  obeisance.  The  princess  religiously  re- 
frains from  indicating  any  favorite  among  the 
contestants. 

After  this  ceremony,  and  while  the  princes  re- 
tire to  their  appointed  places,  the  king  calls  upon 
his  hula  dancers  to  perform.  Then  the  king  an- 
nounces the  opening  of  the  games  through  the 
herald,  who  says,  “E  hoomaka  na  le-a-le-a  ka  la,” 
“begin  the  fun  of  the  day.” 

There  are  nine  games,  or  contests,  in  which 
eight  princes,  or  champions,  compete.  The  num- 
ber nine  is  chosen  to  insure  a winner ; one  prince 
must  win  at  least  two  of  the  nine  games.  Some 
of  the  ancient  Hawaiian  games  are : 

Hakoko — catch-as-catch-can  wrestling  within  a 
12  foot  circle.  A fall  is  proclaimed  when  a con- 
testant touches  the  ground  with  any  part  of  his 
body  other  than  his  feet. 

Ulumaika  — the  rolling  of  a stone  along  the 
ground  for  distance  and  accuracy.  The  “stones” 
we  use  are  discus  shaped,  of  metal,  about  four 
inches  in  diameter. 

Honuhonu — hand  pulling,  which  requires  good 
strength  and  balance. 

Puhenehene — a game  in  which  one  player  con- 
ceals a stone  under  a pile  of  leaves  placed  before 
him.  Opponents  must  state  where  he  placed  the 
stone  under  the  pile.  This  is  judged  by  watching 
closely  his  actions. 

Oo-ihe — spear  throwing,  much  like  the  javelin 
throw  of  track  and  field  meets. 

Uma  — wrist  wrestling  in  which  the  two  con- 
testants kneel  facing  each  other  and  grasp  right 
hands.  The  right  elbow  is  placed  upon  the  ground 
as  is  the  left  hand.  The  object  is  to  force  the  op- 
ponent’s hand  to  the  ground.  Should  either  con- 
testant lift  his  elbow  from  the  ground  he  loses 
the  match. 

Kulakulai  — two  opponents  stand  facing  each 
other  within  a circle.  They  push  each  other 
around,  using  the  palm  of  the  hand  to  the  op- 
ponent’s chest.  Tripping  is  allowed,  and  the  one 
who  falls,  either  by  accident  or  otherwise,  is  the 
loser. 

Kulai-wawae — contestants  assume  a sitting  posi- 
tion within  a circle  and  try  to  push  each  other  out 

( Continued  on  page  565) 


Oakland  Organizes  Recreation  Week 


Last  year  the  Oakland,  California,  Recreation 
m Department  held  its  first  annual  Recreation 
Week  with  the  objective  of  developing  the 
recreation  program  of  the  city  through  as  many 
different  media  as  possible.  The  fact  that  a very 
limited  amount  of  money  was  available  for  the 
venture  made  it  important  that  all  affiliated  recrea- 
tion agencies  cooperate  whole-heartedly.  It  is  to 
this  cooperation  that  the  week  owed  its  success. 

The  Procedure 

In  brief,  the  following  plan  was  put  into  effect 
in  promoting  the  venture : 

Printed  Programs.  A complete  outline  of  the  ac- 
tivities for  the  week  was  printed  and  widely  dis- 
tributed throughout  the  city  to  organizations,  pub- 
lic school  officials,  and  interested  persons.  On  the 
back  of  the  program  were  short,  concise  “Do  You 
Knows?”  about  recreation  in  Oakland. 

Outdoor  Billboards.  Placed  throughout  the  city 
on  main  arterial  streets  were  twenty-five,  six  sheet 
billboards  done  in  bright  colors,  giving  a slogan 
and  outline  depicting  recreational  activity.  Space 
was  donated  for  these  and  the  only  cost  was  the 
printing  of  the  poster. 

Window  Displays.  Photographs  showing  several 
of  the  city’s  recreation  facilities  as  well  as  other 
recreation  material  were  given  prominent  space  in 
downtown  store  windows. 

City  and  Neighborhood  Newspapers.  Articles, 
pictures  and  editorials  were  generously  included 
in  all  newspapers  during  the  celebration. 

Department  Bulletins.  Through  the  regular 
weekly  department  bulletin, 
every  employee  of  the  Oak- 
land Recreation  Department 
was  kept  advised  as  to  all 
phases  of  the  plans  for  the 
week. 

Recreation  Motion  Pictures. 

A special  film  showing  the 
variety  of  activities  carried 
on  by  the  department  was  as- 
sembled and  shown  to  groups. 

Radio.  Local  broadcasting 
stations  in  the  city  gave  time 


A successful  effort  to  inform  the  public  of 
Oakland  of  the  play  program  for  children  and 
the  leisure  time  opportunities  for  adults 
provided  by  the  city’s  Recreation  Department 

generously  to  the  department  for  talks,  “plugs,” 
music,  dramatic  presentations,  during  the  entire 
week.  The  Mayor,  District  Attorney,  members  of 
the  Board  of  Playground  Directors  and  other  civic 
leaders,  spoke  inspiringly  in  behalf  of  recreation. 
The  Music  and  Educational  Dramatic  Depart- 
ments contributed  appropriate  programs. 

Service  Club  Luncheon  Programs.  Business  and 
professional  men  were  reached  by  offering  pro- 
grams before  all  the  leading  luncheon  service 
clubs.  A good  speaker  and  entertainment  by  play- 
ground community  center  children’s  groups  found 
a ready  response  whenever  offered.  Such  recrea- 
tion programs  were  presented  before  the  Lions, 
Kiwanis,  Rotary,  Soroptimists,  Business  and  Pro- 
fessional Women’s  Club,  Big  Sisters,  Executives’ 
Association,  and  Twenty-Thirty  Club. 

Open  House.  All  recreation  facilities  were  open 
for  inspection  during  the  entire  week.  The  regu- 
lar activities  were  offered  at  all  playgrounds,  and 
special  emphasis  was  placed  on  demonstrating  the 
extensive  recreation  program. 

One  evening  was  set  apart  for  a motor-caravan 
tour  of  some  of  the  night  recreation  centers, 
where  demonstrations  were  offered  in  badminton, 
archery,  basketball,  volleyball  and  other  games 
Night-lighted  playgrounds, 
tennis  courts,  horseshoe  pits 
and  community  centers,  as 
well  as  the  shops  of  the  Di- 
vision of  Construction  and 
Maintenance,  were  visited. 

Sports  Carnival.  One  of  the 

featured  events  during  the 
week’s  program  was  the 
Fourteenth  Annual  Sports 
Carnival,  patterned  after  the 
Olympic  Games,  put  on  by 
the  Industrial  Athletic  Asso- 
( Continued  on  page  566) 


WHAT  RECREATION  WEEK  DID 

Put  the  program  before  the  public. 

Created  a better  understanding  of 
the  work  on  the  part  of  our  citizens. 

Brought  out  the  extent  and  variety  of 
the  program  offered. 

Reached  groups  of  individuals  who 
knew  nothing  of  the  Department. 

Was  an  education  to  members  of  the 
staff. 

Increased  participation. 

Demonstrated  there  is  something  in- 
teresting for  the  leisure  of  all. 


551 


A Puppet  and  Marionette  Shop 


What  is  THERE  more  fasci- 
nating to  child  and  adult 
alike  than  a foolish,  flop- 
ping, gaudy,  lovable 
puppet  ? Within  the 
heart  of  every  human 
being  there  must  be 
some  inborn  flare  for 
the  theater.  Perhaps 
that  is  what  makes 
every  visitor  to  a pup- 
pet and  marionette  shop 
try  out  the  funny  little 
hand  puppets  or  pull 
the  strings  of  a mario- 
nette with  unskillful 
motions — yet  with  the 
delight  of  a child  in 
winding  up  a new  toy. 

And  don’t  think  you’re 
too  sophisticated  to  suc- 
cumb to  the  lure  of 
these  little  fellows ! For 
when  you  see  a ridicu- 
lous-looking monkey 
going  through  his  an- 
tics, even  standing  on  his 
head,  he’ll  get  into  your 
blood,  too,  and  you’ll 
laugh  with  very  real  en- 
thusiasm. 

I wish  you  could  all 
come  with  me  for  a visit  to 
the  Danville  Puppet  and  Mari- 
onette Shop.  It  is  one  of  the 
busiest  and  most  fascinating  places  you’ll  see  for 
some  time.  The  shop  is  housed  in  the  basement 
of  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.,  and  as  you  come  down  the 
stairs,  you  will  be  greeted  with  the  noise  of  buzz 
saws  and  hammers  and  your  nostrils  will  quickly 
detect  the  smell  of  oil,  paints,  paste  and  shellac, 
and  a general  feeling  of  activity  and  excitement 
will  run  over  you.  This  work  of  making  puppets 
is  fun ! As  you  glance  around  from  face  to  face 
of  the  workers,  you  immediately  sense  that  this 
business  of  making  puppets  is  the  greatest  fun  in 
the  world. 


The  puppets  and  their  stage 
are  taken  in  turn  to  the  four 
community  centers  and  from  time 
to  time  to  the  Children’s 
Home,  Veterans’  Ad- 
ministration Facility  for 
Disabled  Soldiers,  the 
Home  for  Aged  Wom- 
en, PTA’s,  schools, 
churches,  luncheon 
clubs  and  other  places. 
But  while  plays  are  be- 
ing put  on  each  week 
around  the  community, 
the  main  project  of  the 
shop  at  the  present  time 
is  the  depicting  of  the 
history  of  Illinois 
through  a series  of  short 
marionette  plays.  This 
plan  entails  a great  deal 
of  research  work  and 
keeps  two  workers  busy 
probing  into  the  many 
interesting  historical 
tales  about  Illinois,  delv- 
ing into  library  books  and 
writing  the  events  into 
suitable  storiesand  plays. 
Following  the  research, 
the  shop  artists  make 
color  plates  of  the  his- 
torical characters  in  the  stories 
selected.  Then  the  real  work  of 
marionette  construction  begins. 
At  the  end  of  the  shop  from  which  all  the  noise 
seems  to  come  is  the  body  part  section.  Here  the 
characters’  bodies  are  carefully  carved  of  wood 
and  the  legs  and  arms  are  attached.  One  worker 
devotes  his  entire  time  to  making  shoes  and  feet. 
This  section  is  an  experimental  one  in  which  the 
workers  constantly  invent  and  try  new  methods  of 
joining  the  parts  and  stringing  the  marionettes. 

Modeling  the  heads  is  done  from  a pliable  com- 
mercial plasticine.  The  clay  is  worked  into  shape 
by  the  modelers  who  are  able  to  make  any  charac- 
ter they  desire,  from  an  Indian  chief  to  a mouse 


By  Robert  L.  Horney 

Superintendent  of  Recreation 
Danville,  Illinois 


Characters  made  for  one  of  the  plays 
dealing  with  the  history  of  Illinois 


552 


A PUPPET  AND  MARIONETTE  SHOP 


553 


or  a fat  pig.  It  is  especially  interesting  to  the 
visitor  to  watch  this  process  and  see  the  lump  of 
clay  develop  into  an  animated  character.  When 
the  heads  and  necks  are  molded,  two  workers  be- 
gin to  cover  the  head,  applying  first  a moistened 
paper  napkin  and  then  pasting  on  bits  of  paper 
toweling  until  five  layers  have  been  put  on.  This 
makes  a firm  but  light  head.  After  the  paper  is 
dry  the  clay  is  removed  by  cutting  the  back  of  the 
head  from  the  front  with  a sharp  razor  blade  and 
digging  it  out.  The  head  is  put  together  again  by 
pasting  paper  over  the  crack.  Now  the  little  figure 
begins  to  take  life.  When  the  head  is  dry  the 
artists  paint  the  features  and  hair.  This  is  a job 
requiring  skill  and  patience. 

* Adjoining  the  painting  table  is  the  sewing  table 
where  clothes  are  made  for  the  puppets  and  mari- 
onettes — lace  neck  ruffs  for  the  clown,  beaded 
leather  jackets  for  the  Indians  and  corduroy 
jackets  for  the  foolish  monkeys.  Many  of  the 
puppets  and  marionettes  already  have  been  com- 
pleted. When  each  is  finished  it  is  carefully 
marked  and  placed  in  a gingham  bag  hung  from 
a hook.  This  prevents  breakage  and  soiling  and 
the  tangling  of  the  strings.  Lining  one  wall  of 
the  shop  are  boxes  on  shelves,  indexed,  and  con- 
taining heads  to  be  painted,  puppets  and  mario- 
nettes to  be  dressed  and  extra  parts. 

In  the  center  of  the  shop  stands  a new  col- 
lapsible and  portable  puppet  stage,  the  product  of 
the  inventive  genius  of  a number  of  different  peo- 
ple. The  stage  is  painted  white  with  draw  cur- 
tains of  silk  pongee  bordered  in  bright  red  and 
blue.  The  demand 
for  puppet  plays 
in  various  places 
has  made  the  con- 
struction of  more 
stages  a pressing 
problem. 

In  addition  to 
the  puppets  and 
marionettes,  the 
Danville  shop  has 
made  over  fifty 
giant  and  gro- 
tesque heads  for 
parades  and  pag- 
eants. They  were 
first  used  for  the 
summer  play- 
ground  circus  pa- 
rade. Since  that 


time  we  have  been  asked  to  parade  them  in  the 
Danville  merchants’  Hallowe’en  demonstration, 
and  now  we  are  remaking  old  and  making  new 
figures  for  the  Danville  merchants’  Christmas  pa- 
rade. When  not  in  use  these  many  masks,  covered 
with  muslin,  hang  from  the  ceiling  of  the  shop. 
They  include  dogs,  giraffes,  pirate  faces,  Maggie 
and  Jiggs,  Pop  Eye,  Mickey  and  Minnie  Mouse, 
Felix,  and  many  other  characters. 

About  the  whole  shop  there  is  a professional 
air,  yet  the  work  has  all  been  done  by  inexperi- 
enced people.  The  project  is  sponsored  by  the 
city’s  Recreation  Department,  but  supplies  and 
personnel  are  provided  at  the  present  time  through 
WPA  funds.  It  is  hoped  that  through  this  project 
the  work  will  be  introduced  to  the  children  in  the 
community  centers,  children  in  homes,  churches 
and  schools.  Already  the  interest  in  the  art  of 
puppetry  is  expanding  far  beyond  our  own  craft 
shop.  Classes  will  soon  be  established  in  the  four 
community  centers  where  demand  is  great.  Daily 
calls  come  into  our  office  inquiring  about  this  pro- 
ject and  seeking  help  to  establish  classes  or  shops. 
We  shall  soon  have  a much  larger  building  where 
we  hope  to  carry  on  instruction  classes  and  pro- 
duce puppet  plays  for  public  entertainment. 


Fifty  of  these  huge,  grotesque  masks  were  made 
for  use  in  the  circus  parade.  They  also  appear- 
ed in  the  Hallowe'en  and  Christmas  celebrations 


Newburgh’s  Novel  Skating  Rink 


Newburgh,  New 
York,  has  a novel 
skating  rink  de- 
signed by  Douglas  G. 

Miller,  Superintendent 
of  Recreation,  after 
much  experimenting 
with  rinks  of  various 
types.  The  rink  was 
constructed  in  1934  as 
a CWA  project  from 
plans  and  specifications 
furnished  by  Charles 
Woodhull,  city  engineer. 

Rink  Construction.  The 
rink  is  unique  in  the 
fact  that  it  is  in  the  form  of  an  oval  track  instead 
of  the  usual  rectangular  shape.  This  arrangement 
provides  better  facilities  for  long  distance  skating 
and  requires  less  upkeep  for  the  amount  of  dis- 
tance furnished.  One-sixth  of  a mile  long  and  40 
feet  wide,  the  track  has  retaining  walls  of  con- 
crete which  are  14  inches  high  and  16  to  22  inches 
deep.  This  winter  a new  feature  makes  the  track 
even  better  than  it  has  been.  This  involves  a sur- 
face of  asphalt  which  allows  the  rink  to  be  flooded 
and  frozen  both  earlier  and  later  in  the  season. 

Lighting.  The  lengthening  of  the  skating  day 
through  the  evening,  moon  or  no  moon,  was  ac- 
complished by  members  of  the  city’s  Lighting 
Service  Bureau,  who,  in  cooperation  with  civic 
authorities,  prepared  the  specifications  for  light- 
ing the  track.  The  circular  path  of  light,  designed 
for  this  particular  track,  is  a kaleidoscope  of 
speeding  forms  and  colors  as  the  skating  teams 
flash  around  the  course  in  their  uniforms  of  red, 
green,  purple,  yellow,  maroon  and  blue,  mingling 
with  the  other  skaters  in  their  bright  winter  sports 
wear.  The  lighting  system,  installed  in  the  sum- 
mer of  1935  and  first  used  last  winter  to  replace 
a makeshift  arrangement  of  two  flood  lights,  was 
planned  to  focus  the  maximum  amount  of  illumi- 
nation on  the  track,  without  wasting  it  on  the  area 
outside,  and  to  provide  well  distributed  illumination 
without  casting  confusion  shadows  across  the  track 
and  without  allowing  light  rays  to  glare  into  the 
skater’s  eyes.  Eighteen  metal  standards,  spaced  50 
feet  apart  and  standing  24  feet  high,  support  the 


porcelain  enamel  angle 
reflectors,  each  of  which 
contains  a 300  watt  in- 
side frosted  lamp  at  a 
height  of  22  feet.  The 
system  is  operated  in 
four  circuits  controlled 
by  switches  inside  of 
the  shelter  house  build- 
ing, and  the  lights  can 
also  be  operated  indi- 
vidually by  a separate 
switch  at  each  pole. 

Maintaining  the  Ice. 
Four  one-inch  hose  con- 
nections provide  for 
flooding  the  track,  with  no  feet  of  hose  covering 
about  200  feet  of  rink.  Each  night  ice  clippings 
are  scraped  from  the  rink  with  a Myers  snow 
shovel  attached  to  a truck,  which  also  makes  quick 
work  of  snow.  Rain  and  thaw  water  are  easily 
drained  from  the  surface  of  the  track  by  side 
outlets. 

The  Rink  in  Action.  Last  season  the  Delano- 
Hitch  Skating  Club  of  72  boys  and  men  was  or- 
ganized under  the  leadership  of  the  recreation 
staff.  Divided  into  six  teams  of  twelve  members 
— four  juniors,  four  intermediates  and  four 
seniors — with  a coach  for  each  team,  the  skating 
club  last  season  held  seven  weekly  meets  with 
from  twelve  to  fourteen  events  each  night.  Each 
team  has  skating  uniforms  in  its  own  team  color 
which  were  purchased  with  funds  raised  by  the 
boys  themselves. 

The  important  and  exciting  chapter  in  the  do- 
ings of  the  skating  rink,  which  the  new  skating 
club  is  writing  with  swift  blades  of  steel,  is  one 
of  the  many  community  activities  conducted  here 
for  the  enjoyment  of  thousands,  for  Newburgh 
schools  and  organizations  keep  the  rink  a busy 
center  of  sporting  events.  During  the  past  season 
of  fifty-four  actual  skating  days  the  attendance 
records  showed  a total  of  55,375  skaters  and 
15,585  spectators. 

Raising  the  Funds.  To  raise  money  for  the  ex- 
penses of  the  skating  club  the  Recreation  Com- 
mission has  devised  membership  certificates  8 by 
( Continued  on  page  566) 


Courtesy  Newburgh  Recreation  Commission 


554 


A Community  Children’s  Theater  0rows 


In  the  small  city  of  Palo  Alto,  California, 
there  has  flourished  and  grown  to  maturity  a 
community  children’s  theater,  so  beloved  by  the 
city  as  to  be  municipally  subsidized — an  arrange- 
ment rarely  to  be  found  in  children’s  theater  pro- 
jects throughout  this  country. 

Until  recently,  Palo  Alto’s  Children’s  Theater 
was  self-supporting,  but  the  salaries  of  its  staff 
members  are  now  paid  by  the  city,  which  arranges 
its  budget,  collects  its  receipts  and  dispenses  its 
funds.  An  advisory  board  of  eighteen  women 
assists  in  administering  the  organization,  deter- 
mining policies,  and  reading  and  selecting  plays 
for  presentation.  This  group  of  women  is  chosen 
from  various  fields  and  includes  representation 
from  the  parent-teachers  association,  public  li- 
brary, school  department,  clubs,  music  organiza- 
tions, private  schools,  businesses  and  professions, 
and  social  groups. 

From  a small  organization,  venturing  only  to 
produce  plays  requiring  the  payment  of  no  royal- 
ties because  of  the  expense,  it  has  developed  and 
become  so  large  a part  of  the  recreational  program 
of  Palo  Alto,  that  now,  after  four  years,  it  can 
safely  present  such  expensive  plays  as  “Peter 
Pan,”  “Treasure  Island,”  “Pinocchio,”  “Tom 
Sawyer,”  to  name  only  a few  of  the  offerings  of 
the  past  year. 

A Building  of  Its  Own 
Having  functioned  for  half  of  its  life  in  the 
splendidly  equipped  civic  theater,  a part  of  the 
community  center  donated  by  Mrs.  Louis  Stern 
of  Palo  Alto,  the  children’s  theater  is  about  to 
move  into  its  own  building.  This  is  a wing  of  its 
present  home,  and  a further  gift  of  its  generous 
donor.  The  new  theater  will  have  a beautiful  lit- 
tle auditorium  and  roomy  stage, 
an  ample  rehearsal  hall,  work- 
shop, airy  dressing  rooms,  cos- 
tume and  sewing  rooms,  offices, 
foyer,  and  rest  rooms,  and  a 
very  large  play  room  in  the 
basement.  When,  by  the  begin- 
ning of  the  new  year,  the  or- 
ganization has  moved  from  its 
present  quarters  it  will  continue 
its  regular  policy  of  operation 


By  Alyce  Shell 

Children’s  Theater 
Palo  Alto,  California 

under  the  capable  supervision  of  its  general  di- 
rector, Mrs.  Hazel  Glaister  Robertson. 

A small  theater  membership  fee  of  fifty  cents 
a year  is  asked  of  each  child  participating  in  its 
activities,  as  this  membership  produces  the  desired 
effect  of  giving  the  children  a sense  of  ownership 
in  their  theater,  and  a feeling  of  close  affiliation 
with  its  development  throughout  the  years.  This 
membership  fee  entitles  the  child  to  participate  in 
all  of  the  theater’s  plays  and  recreational  activities, 
and  admits  him  free  to  all  workshop  productions 
during  the  year. 

Types  of  Plays  Offered 
Two  types  of  plays  are  offered  — the  major 
plays  and  the  workshop  plays.  The  former,  always 
under  the  direction  of  the  general  director,  in- 
clude full-length  plays  for  which  royalties  are 
usually  paid  and  admission  charged — twenty-five 
cents  for  children  and  fifty  cents  for  adults.  The 
workshop  plays  are  shorter  presentations  either  of 
original  manuscripts,  or  selections  from  some  col- 
lection of  plays  for  which  no  royalty  is  required. 
These  are  generally  directed  by  an  assistant  or  by 
volunteer  workers.  During  the  past  summer  a 
group  of  outdoor  workshop  plays  was  directed  by 
some  junior  college  and  high  school  students,  thus 
offering  opportunity  for  them  to  test  their  abili- 
ties and  supplying  recreational  occupation  to  fill 
their  summer  days.  Admission  to  the  workshop 
plays  is  by  membership  card  or 
on  payment  of  ten  cents  for  chil- 
dren and  twenty-five  cents  for 
adults.  A major  production  is 
offered  approximately  each 
month;  workshop  plays  on  an 
average  of  six  times  during  the 
year. 

So  fascinating  has  this  game 
of  acting  become  to  Palo  Alto’s 
children  that  they  throng  the 


In  Recreation  for  September  1934, 
there  appeared  an  article  telling 
of  the  activities  of  the  Community 
Children's  Theater  of  Palo  Alto, 
California.  More  than  two  years 
have  passed,  and  in  that  period 
so  many  developments  have  been 
recorded  that  we  are  continuing 
the  story  of  this  unusually  interest- 
ing project  in  children's  drama  mu- 
nicipally conducted  and  financed. 


555 


556 


A COMMUNITY  CHILDREN’S  THEATER  GROWS 


theater  daily  asking,  “When  can  I be  in  a play?” 
“When  is  the  next  play  going  to  be  ?”  “When  can 
I try  out  for  a play?”  Try-outs  are  always  an- 
nounced in  the  local  newspaper,  and  if  the  play  is 
sufficiently  enticing,  as  “Peter  Pan,”  “Pinocchio” 
and  “Snow  White”  proved  to  be,  over  a hundred 
children  ranging  in  ages  from  three  to  sixteen 
years  will  appear  to  read  bits  of  the  script  and 
“try  their  luck”  at  securing  parts.  Particular 
emphasis  is  stressed  on  the  development  of  the 
individual  child,  and  for  that  reason  each  child  is 
given  to  understand  explictly  that  he  need  not 
possess  any  dramatic  ability  whatsoever  to  be 
placed  in  a play,  he  is  never  made  to  feel  inferior. 
It  is  never  too  much  trouble  to  dress  up  a child 
and  let  him  carry  a spear  or  a wreath  of  flowers, 
and  the  satisfaction  to  the  child  is 
most  important  to  his  development. 

Naturally,  the  children  with  dra- 
matic talent  are  given  the  leading 
parts,  but  no  child  is  placed  in  a 
prominent  role  more  than  twice  a 
year. 

In  order  not  to  overtax  the 
young  actors,  the  performances  of 
the  major  plays  will  be  given  in 
the  new  theater  over  a period  of 
several  week-ends  to  accommodate 
the  large  audiences.  Workshop 
plays  are  usually  offered  only  once 
and  occasionally  twice. 

Drama  Plus 

In  order  to  develop  a full,  well- 
rounded  recreational  program,  on  Saturday  morn- 
ings the  Palo  Alto  children’s  theater  digresses 
from  the  actual  business  of  rehearsing  and  pre- 
senting plays  and  during  the  three  active  hours  of 
the  morning  it  offers  a handcraft  class  for  which 
a large  group  of  children  register,  a dramatic 
class,  a ballet  dancing  class,  a rhythmic  class,  a 
theater  routine  dancing  class,  two  groups  of  in- 
terpretive dancing  and  at  various  times  other 
types  of  classes.  These  classes  are  offered  free  of 
charge  to  members  of  the  theater  who  have  paid 
their  annual  dues  of  fifty  cents.  The  instructors 
are  paid  by  the  organization.  The  efficiency  of  the 
theater  having  been  recognized  by  Stanford  Uni- 
versity and  the  city’s  Board  of  Education,  with 
which  the  project  is  definitely  allied,  it  also  has 
the  benefit  of  student  teachers  who,  in  exchange 
for  credit  in  the  field  of  education,  offer  story 
reading  to  groups,  and  assist  in  rehearsals  of  plays. 


Summer  months  are  busy  days  for  this  theater 
which  has  operated  for  three  years  a summer 
school  including  swimming,  speech  arts,  orches- 
tra, theater  art,  sketching,  puppetry,  all  types  of 
handcraft,  sewing,  dancing  and  various  other  ac- 
tivities. A small  fee  is  charged  for  each  course, 
the  teachers  being  remunerated  on  a percentage 
basis  from  the  total  intake  of  fees  in  their  several 
classes.  In  this  manner  it  is  possible  for  the  sum- 
mer school  to  support  itself. 

The  costume  department  has  grown  to  such 
proportions  that  racks  upon  racks  of  costumes 
line  its  wardrobes  and  new  costumes  are  being 
created  continually.  As  a result,  the  theater  has 
established  a satisfactory  rental  business  in  the 
city.  To  schools  and  churches  costumes  are  loaned 


free  of  charge,  but  a very  small  fee  is  required 
for  other  groups. 

Stage  sets,  designed  by  experienced  artists, 
very  often  volunteers,  afford  the  principal  field  of 
activity  for  high  school  students  in  the  theater 
who  contribute  their  services  for  painting,  car- 
pentry and  stage  shifting. 

Throughout  the  period  from  July  1935  to  July 
1936  approximately  one  thousand  children  took 
part  in  the  various  activities  of  this  children’s 
theater.  This  number  represents  a very  satisfac- 
tory proportion  in  view  of  the  fact  that  Palo  Alto’s 
school  population  is  only  3371  children,  1014  of 
whom  are  high  school  students  with  very  little 
time  to  devote  to  the  activities  of  the  theater. 

With  the  opening  of  its  new  home  greater  en- 
thusiasm will  doubtless  result,  and  the  coming 
year  will  witness  a greater  growth. 


World  at  Play 


: — MICHIGAN’S 

Michigan  s Newest  , . . , 

^ , newest  state  park 

State  Park  ....  . , r., 

will  include  the 

Tahquamenon 
River  Falls,  which,  states  Michigan  Con- 
servation for  October  1936,  are  not  equal- 
led between  Niagara  and  the  Rockies. 

Nearly  five  miles  of  this  wide,  majestic 
stream,  from  a point  half  a mile  above 
the  great  upper  falls  to  a point  half  a mile 
below  the  beautiful  lower  falls,  are  com- 
ing into  state  ownership.  After  many 
months  of  negotiation  between  state  and 
government  representatives  and  private 
owners,  the  National  Forest  Reservation 
Commission  has  purchased  the  five  mile 
section  of  the  stream  containing  the  falls  and 
rapids  for  the  purpose  of  conveying  it  to  the  State 
of  Michigan  in  exchange  for  desired  state-owned 
parcels  within  boundaries  of  the  Hiawatha  and 
Huron  national  forests.  The  area  along  the  river 
acquired  by  the  Commission  contains  2,200  acres 
of  densely  wooded  water  frontage  and  uplands. 
The  country  has  always  been,  and  remains  today, 
a wilderness  region  penetrated  by  few  persons, 
and  its  remoteness  and  inaccessibility  will  always 
be  among  its  potential  attractions.  There  will  be 
no  automobile  road  directly  to  the  falls  and  camp- 
ing will  not  be  permitted. 


Congratulations  to 
Lancaster ! 


THE  Lancaster,  Penn- 
sylvania, Recreation 
and  Playground  Asso- 
ciation, of  which  Grant 
D.  Brandon  is  Secretary-Superintendent,  reports 
that  a referendum  for  the  purchase  of  permanent 
recreation  centers  was  carried  at  the  November 
election  by  a vote  of  three  to  one.  The  question 
which  appeared  at  the  top  of  the  voting  machine 
ballot  was : “Shall  the  indebtedness  of  the  city  of 
Lancaster,  Pennsylvania,  be  increased  in  the  sum 
of  Fifty  Thousand  Dollars  ($50,000),  for  the 
purpose  of  providing  funds  for  or  toward  the  ac- 
quisition of  lands  and  equipment  for  playgrounds 
in  the  city  of  Lancaster,  Pennsylvania,  and  for 
the  payment  of  all  land  damages  and  all  expenses 
incidental  thereto?” 


Courtesy  Michigan  Department  of  Conservation 


..  _ ..  , THE  interest  in  ski- 

Sknng  Trails  and  . , . , . 

° mg  which  has  swept 

Jumps  , . f 

the  country  has  result- 
ed in  the  publication 
of  a number  of  new  books  and  also  of  pamphlets 
and  circulars.  The  State  Planning  and  Develop- 
ment Commission  of  Concord,  New  Hampshire, 
has  issued  a map  of  New  JIampshire’s  ski  trails 
giving  complete  information  regarding  trails  and 
ski  jumps.  It  has  also  issued  “Do’s  and  Dont’s  on 
New  Hampshire  Ski  Trails.”  New  York  State, 
through  the  Bureau  of  State  Publicity,  Conserva- 
tion Department,  Albany,  has  published  a pam- 
phlet entitled  “Ski  Trails  of  New  York  State” 
showing  the  location  of  the  trails  and  giving  de- 
tailed information  regarding  them  and  the  sections 
in  which  they  are  located.  The  New  York  Her- 
old  Tribune  has  issued  an  attractive  folder  en- 
titled “Ski-Tips”  which  pictures  and  describes 
the  correct  downhill  running  positions,  the  ele- 
mentary turns,  and  the  fundamentals  of  climbing 
uphill. 


An  “Artist  in 
Residence” 


THE  University  of 
Wisconsin  announces 

the  appointment  of 

John  Steuart  Curry, 
one  of  the  country’s  leading  artists,  as  “artist  in 
residence”  at  the  University.  This  appointment 
initiates  a new  movement  which  civic,  educational 
and  art  leaders  believe  will  exert  a far-reaching 


557 


558 


WORLD  AT  PLAY 


A Health  - Building  Game 
for  Old  and  Young 

Pitching  Horseshoes  is  muscle-building  rec- 
reation that  appeals  to  all  types  of  people. 
Install  a few  courts  on  your  grounds,  organ- 
ize a horseshoe  club,  schedule  a tournament. 
Write  for  free  booklets  on  club  organiza- 
tion, tournament  play.  etc. 

Diamond  Official  Shoes  and  accessories 
are  the  choice  of  professionals  and  ama- 
teurs alike.  It’s  economy  to  purchase 
equipment  with  the  longest  life. 

DIAMOND 

CALK  HORSESHOE  CO. 

4610  Grand  Avenue  Duluth,  Minn. 

Makers  of  DIAMOND  Official  Pitching  Shoes 


influence  on  the  cultural  life  of  the  state.  The 
terms  of  the  appointment  are  unique  in  that  while 
Mr.  Curry’s  appointment  is  a general  university 
appointment  and  he  is  to  have  contact  with  all 
phases  of  the  university  life,  he  will  sustain  a 
special  relation  to  the  work  of  the  College  of  Agri- 
culture with  the  rural  youth  of  Wisconsin.  The 
new  undertaking  represents  an  added  opportunity 
for  a more  general  appreciation  of  art  upon  the 
part  of  the  rural  residents  of  the  state. 

Science  Clubs  at  a Settlement — On  January 
3rd,  Elizabeth  Peabody  House  of  Boston,  Mas- 
sachusetts, held  a Science  Fair  at  which  were 
exhibited  models  showing  the  effects  of  erosion, 
metals  from  ore  to  finished  products,  and  fluores- 
cent minerals.  There  were  demonstrations  on  the 
dyeing  of  textiles,  electrolysis  of  water,  the  build- 
ing of  well  balanced  aquariums,  the  planning  of 
meals,  and  the  composition  of  foods.  Boys  and 
girls  from  eight  to  eighteen  demonstrated  the  ex- 
hibits. One  of  the  most  unique  exhibits  was 
“Wizard — the  Chemical  Man,”  constructed  by  a 
high  school  boy  from  pieces  of  glass,  iron  and 


rubber  tubing  at  a cost  of  less  than  a dollar.  The 
“man”  digests  food,  responds  to  pain,  winks  his 
eyes  and  pumps  blood  through  his  veins.  One  hun- 
dred and  fifty  boys  and  girls  are  members  of  the 
science  clubs  developed  at  Elizabeth  Peabody 
House,  where  with  the  aid  of  fifteen  volunteer 
specialists  in  various  fields  of  science,  a depart- 
ment has  been  built  up  which  provides  free  after- 
school classes  and  clubs  in  the  sciences  covering 
chemistry,  nature  study,  biology,  photography  and 
physics. 

A Branch  Museum  on  a Playground  — The 
Museum  of  Natural  History  of  Cincinnati,  Ohio, 
and  the  Recreation  Commission  have  entered  into 
an  interesting  cooperative  undertaking  whereby 
the  Museum  will  establish  its  first  branch  at  the 
C and  O Playground.  For  the  past  few  months, 
under  the  leadership  of  the  naturalist  at  this  play- 
ground, the  children  and  their  parents  from  the 
West  End  have  brought  together  a most  inter- 
esting collection  of  flora  and  fauna.  While  the 
specimens  are  of  very  great  interest,  they  have 
been  improperly  housed  because  of  lack  of  space. 
The  Museum  of  Natural  History  has  become  so 
interested  in  the  results  achieved  that  it  has  un- 
dertaken to  provide  the  necessary  cases  to  house 
the  specimens  collected  by  the  neighborhood  and 
also  to  supply  considerable  auxiliary  material. 

A Municipal  Flower  Show  — The  American 
City  for  December  1936  tells  of  a municipal  flower 
show  planned  by  the  city  gardener  of  Schenectady, 
New  York,  which  was  held  for  two  days  in  Sep- 
tember at  Central  Park.  Not  only  did  the  display 
include  flowers  grown  in  the  park  but  garden 
clubs  and  schools  were  invited  to  send  exhibits, 
and  the  response  was  surprisingly  large.  “Adiron- 
dack” chairs  were  placed  about  the  grounds  so 
that  the  visitors  could  study  the  exhibit  at  their 
ease.  Tables  were  provided  for  cut  flowers.  The 
garden  study  department  of  the  Womans  Club 
devised  a number  of  effective  arrangements,  and 
school  children  made  a creditable  showing  with 
miniature  rock  gardens. 

Tennis  Courts  in  Trenton  — Trenton,  New 
Jersey,  boasts  of  thirty-five  new  asphalt  surfaced 
tennis  courts  in  different  playground  areas  of  the 
city.  The  excavating  and  foundation  work  was 
done  by  WPA  labor,  a foundation  of  four  inch 
waterbound  macadam  having  been  laid  and  rolled. 

A binder  course  consisting  of  crushed  stone,  sand 
and  Trinidad  Lake  asphalt  cement  was  mixed  hot, 


WORLD  AT  PLAY 


559 


P lay  Safe  W ith 


JtverWUP 

Safety 

PLAYGROUND  APPARATUS 

SAFETY  is  an  essential  of  every  outfit 
DURABILITY  is  built  in  to  give  longer  life 
Write  for  Catalog  28 


FOR  BEACH  AND  SWIMMING  POOL  EQUIPMENT 

Write  for  Catalog  28  W 

The  EverWear  Manufacturing  Company 

The  World’s  oldest  and  largest  exclusive  makers  of 
playground,  beach  and  pool  apparatus 


SPRINGFIELD,  OHIO 


hauled  to  the  job  and  compacted  to  a thickness  of 
one  and  a half  inches.  A wearing  surface  of  sand, 
crushed  stone  and  stone  dust  made  with  Trinidad 
Lake  asphalt  cement  of  6o  to  70  penetration,  was 
also  mixed  hot,  hauled  to  the  job  and  compacted 
to  a thickness  of  one  and  a quarter  inches  with 
heavy  rollers  until  the  wearing  surface  was  abso- 
lutely level.  A total  of  23,706  square  yards  of 
surfacing  was  laid  on  the  thirty-five  courts  in  the 
five  different  playground  areas,  the  largest  num- 
ber of  courts  being  installed  at  the  Trenton  High 
School  atheltic  field. 

The  Conservation  of  Natural  Resources  — 
The  New  England  Wild  Flower  Preservation  So- 
ciety, whose  headquarters  are  at  Horticultural 
Hall,  300  Massachusetts  Avenue,  Boston,  issues  a 
series  of  leaflets  designed  to  aid  in  the  conserva- 
tion of  natural  resources.  The  Society  provides 
lectures  on  wild  flowers  with  colored  slides  to  any- 
one desiring  to  use  them.  All  lectures  are  free  to 
schools,  but  there  is  a fee  of  $5.00  and  express 
charges  for  the  use  of  the  slides  and  written 
lectures  to  clubs  and  other  groups. 


A Course  for  Volunteers  in  Washington  — 
From  November  10th  to  December  8th  the  Dis- 
trict of  Columbia  Department  of  Playgrounds,  in 
cooperation  with  the  Junior  League  and  the  staff 
of  children’s  hospitals,  conducted  a training 
course  for  volunteers  desiring  to  carry  on  play 
activities  for  children  in  hospitals.  The  course, 
which  was  given  in  eight  periods,  covered  such 
subjects  as  child  psychology,  story-telling,  hand- 
craft, games  of  various  types,  and  hospital  or- 
ganization and  procedure.  The  majority  of  the 
sessions  were  held  at  children’s  hospitals  but  one 
was  held  at  the  Central  Public  Library  where 
children’s  books  and  the  services  of  the  library 
for  children  were  discussed. 

Southern  Section  of  A.  P.  E.  A.  Meets — The 

tenth  annual  meeting  of  the  Southern  Section  of 
the  American  Physical  Education  Association  will 
be  held  in  Houston,  Texas,  with  headquarters  at 
the  Rice  Hotel  on  March  17-20,  1937.  Mr.  H.  T. 
Taylor,  Supervisor  of  Physical  Education  in 
Louisville  is  president  of  the  section.  An  inter- 
esting program  has  been  planned,  including  ad- 


560 


WORLD  AT  PLAY 


Recreation 


A Major  Community 
Problem 

• The  why — the  what — and  the  how 
of  public  recreation  compressed  in  36 
pages  of  interesting  material.  The 
values  of  recreation ; the  present 
status ; how  recreation  is  conducted ; 
relationships  with  private  and  public 
agencies — information  on  these  and 
other  subjects  is  presented.  A study 
outline  is  included. 

....  Price  $.15 


National  Recreation  Association 
315  FOURTH  AVENUE 
NEW  YORK  CITY 


dresses  by  Dr.  C.  L.  Brownell  of  Teachers  Col- 
lege, Columbia  University;  Dr.  W.  W.  Bauer, 
Director,  Bureau  of  Health  and  Public  Instruc- 
tion, American  Medical  Association,  and  Mr. 
Ernest  Thompson  Seton. 

Bowling  in  Lexington — “Lexington  women,” 
reports  the  Lexington , Kentucky,  Leader,  “have 
taken  to  bowling  in  a big  way.”  Every  Monday 
night  under  the  auspices  of  the  Playground 
and  Recreation  Department  members  of  the 
Lexington  Women’s  Bowling  League  meet  to 
enjoy  this  sport.  In  a two  weeks’  period  nine 
teams  of  four  members  each  were  organized  and 
twenty  or  more  occasional  players.  Junior 
Leaguers  and  private  secretaries,  college  co-eds 
and  women  executives,  social  workers  and  home- 
makers are  among  the  recruits  to  this  ancient 
sport  which  was  introduced  into  the  United 
States  in  colonial  times  from  Holland  and  which 
originated  in  Germany  and  the  Low  countries. 

Handcraft  Classes — The  Recreation  Depart- 
ment of  Troy,  New  York,  has  started  an  innova- 
tion in  its  winter  program  and,  for  the  first  time, 
is  sponsoring  handcraft  classes  in  the  public 


schools  after  school  hours.  This  activity  has 
always  been  a popular  one  in  the  summer  pro- 
gram, developing  more  each  year  in  standards  and 
skills  achieved,  but  because  of  the  tremendous 
amount  of  interest  displayed  by  the  children  this 
past  summer,  the  Department  decided  to  continue 
this  activity  as  part  of  its  regular  winter  program 
to  provide  activities  for  boys  and  girls  who  are 
not  interested  in  athletics.  The  projects  selected 
for  construction  are  chosen  for  their  carry-over 
value.  Through  the  cooperation  of  the  School 
Department  classes  have  been  formed  in  two 
schools  and  approximately  a hundred  children 
have  enrolled.  The  children  come  directly  from 
their  classrooms  at  3 :30  and  are  provided  leader- 
ship and  instruction  until  5 :30.  Because  of  the 
limited  facilities  and  the  increase  in  attendance,  it 
has  become  necessary  to  stagger  the  classes. 

In  the  Field  of  Mental  Hygiene  — The 
twenty-seventh  annual  luncheon  of  the  National 
Committee  for  Mental  Hygiene,  held  in  New 
York  on  November  12,  1936,  drew  a record  at- 
tendance of  medical  and  lay  members  and  others 
interested  in  the  mental  hygiene  movement.  Ap- 
proximately 700  people  filled  the  grand  ballroom 
and  its  galleries  at  the  Roosevelt  Hotel. 

The  program  centered  chiefly  about  the  prob- 
lems of  and  trends  in  research.  The  alarming  in- 
crease in  the  number  of  cases  of  Dementia  Prae- 
cox  calls  for  a coordination  of  all  forces  in  the 
social  set-up.  Housing,  recreation  and  security, 
it  was  stated,  must  all  be  a part  of  the  future  pro- 
gram and  emphasis  must  be  placed  on  prevention 
rather  than  treatment.  The  mental  health  of  chil- 
dren is  of  supreme  importance.  Present  trends  in 
mental  hygiene  were  said  to  center  on  education, 
better  and  more  hospitals,  mental  health  of  chil- 
dren, better  and  more  clinics  and  personnel,  and  a 
new  emphasis  on  research. 

A Conference  on  Beach  Preservation  — On 
September  24th  and  25th  the  American  Shore  and 
Beach  Preservation  Association  held  its  annual 
meeting  at  Los  Angeles,  California.  The  associa- 
tion was  formed  as  the  result  of  a desire  on 
the  part  of  public  agencies  and  officials  respon- 
sible for  shore  protection  and  the  administration 
of  public  beaches  to  exchange  information  and 
opinions  on  mutual  problems.  Its  members  are 
city,  county,  state  and  national  agencies  of  gov- 
ernment and  their  officers  concerned  with  the 
preservation  of  shores  and  beaches,  and  inter- 


MAGAZINES  AND  PAMPHLETS 


561 


ested  public-spirited  lay  individuals  and  organi- 
zations. About  200  people  attended  the  confer- 
ence at  which  such  subjects  were  discussed  as 
legal  problems  of  California  beaches,  shore  line 
phenomena  and  research,  and  the  problem  of  oil 
pollution  of  the  beaches. 

Oakland’s  Industrial  Athletic  Program  — 
1935  saw  a banner  year  for  the  adult  recreation 
program  of  the  Oakland,  California)  Industrial 
Athletic  Association,  according  to  the  annual  re- 
port of  the  Board  of  Playground  Directors  for  the 
year  ending  June  30,  1936.  Membership  reached 
a new  peak  with  eighty  firm  members  represent- 
ing 32,000  employees.  4,984  members  participated 
in  twenty  scheduled  events  with  an  attendance  of 
over  76,000.  Softball  and  basketball  proved  the 
most  popular  sports  for  the  performers,  while  ice 
hockey  was  the  most  popular  with  spectators. 
Badminton  presented  a new  appeal  to  the  members 
of  the  association.  Outstanding  among  the  in- 
creased activities  was  the  annual  sports  carnival  in 
which  1,310  members  took  part. 

Louisville’s  Hiking  Club — For  seven  years 
the  Division  of  Recreation  of  Louisville,  Ken- 
tucky, of  which  Walter  R.  H.  Sherman  is  super- 
intendent, has  sponsored  a Hiking  Club.  The 
membership  of  this  club  is  now  250  and  the  aver- 
age attendance  on  each  hike  is  between  fifty  and 
sixty.  The  club  issues  a bulletin,  “The  Open 
Road,”  which  is  unusually  attractive  from  an  ar- 
tistic point  of  view.  It  was  cut  from  a linoleum 
block  in  the  Arts  and  Crafts  Department  of  the 
Division  of  Recreation  and  is  printed  on  tag 
board.  Each  month  the  program  for  the  month  is 
hand  lettered  and  the  posters  are  placed  on  bul- 
letin boards  in  the  public  library,  branch  libraries, 
churches  and  schools. 

The  Passing  of  Lorado  Taft 

(Continued  from  page  528) 

constructive  addresses  and  to  take  part  in  worth- 
while discussions  that  have  a direct  bearing  on 
making  both  better  and  more  beautiful  the  com- 
munities in  which  we  live. 

This  brief  summary  of  the  activities  of  this  able 
leader  reveals  clearly  that  he  was  in  the  truest  and 
best  sense  an  Illinoisan.  He  came  up  out  of  its 
soil  to  which  he  has  returned.  In  accordance  with 
his  request  and  in  keeping  with  the  wishes  of  his 
family  and  most  intimate  friends  his  ashes  were 
scattered  in  the  Taft  Circle  of  God’s  Acre  in  Elm- 
wood, his  birthplace.  Looking  back  over  his  long 


Magazines  and  Pamphlets 

j Recently  Received  Containing  Article*  ) 

\ of  Interest  to  the  Recreation  Worker  v 


MAGAZINES 

Business  Digest,  January  1937 

Increasing  Recreation  Facilities 

The  Nation’s  Schools,  November  1936 

Wanted— “Play”  Programs,  by  D.  C.  Todd,  M.D. 
Planned  for  Play,  by  Wesley  Sherwood  Bessell 

Planning  and  Civic  Comment,  October-December  1936 
Texas  Roadside  Parks,  by  Herbert  Maier 

Leisure,  December  1936 

Whittling  as  a Creative  Art,  by  Suen  Collins 
Building  the  Home  Museum,  by  Julian  D.  Corrington 
Ten  Times  Host  to  102,  by  Clifford  Parcher 

Leisure,  January  1937 

Hobbies  I Have  Ridden,  by  William  Henry  Spence 
Let’s  All  Sing,  by  Stanley  Rough 
Which  Way  Leisure?  by  W.  W.  Willard 
Ice  Hockey,  by  Bertha  R.  Parker 
The  Little  Theater  as  an  Avocation,  As  told  to  Alec 
Franc  by  Walter  Huston 

The  Journal  of  Health  and  Physical  Education, 

January  1937 

Play  vs.  Work  in  the  Gymnasium,  by  John  M.  Har- 
mon, M.D. 

Up-and-Downhill  Skiing,  by  Harold  M.  Gove. 
Volleyball  the  Game  for  All,  by  Robert  E.  Laveaga 
The  Oklahoma  Teacher,  January  1937 

Play  Skills  and  Social  Adjustment,  by  Margery 
Plawley 

Hygeia,  January  1937 

Skiing  and  Its  Health  Aspects,  by  Walter  Mosauer 
Character  Education  on  the  Playground,  by  Edith 
Creed  Fisher 

The  Grade  Teacher,  January  1937 

Fraction  Fun,  by  Emma  C.  Rickey 
Character,  January  1937 

Community  Music  Confuses  Our  Youth,  by  Martha 
Cruikshank  Ramsey 
Parks  and  Recreation,  December  1936 

Related  Park  and  Recreational  Problems,  by  Conrad 
L.  Wirth 

Wisconsin  Park  and  Recreation  Workers  Meet 
A Playground  for  Thespians,  by  Samuel  N.  Baxter 
Politics  and  Recreation,  by  David  M.  Saxe 

PAMPHLETS 

Directory  of  Recreational  Facilities  in  Borough  of  Queens 
Bureau  of  Information  and  Inquiry,  Department  of 
Public  Welfare,  Jamaica,  L.  I. 

Directory  of  Recreational  Facilities  in  Borough  of 
Brooklyn 

Bureau  of  Information  and  Inquiry,  Department  of 
Public  Welfare,  Borough  Hall,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 
Report  of  the  Chief  of  the  Forest  Service,  1936 

Government  Printing  Office,  Washington,  D.  C.  $.10. 
Second  Annual  Report  of  the  Chicago  Recreation  Com- 
mission, 1936 

First  Annual  Report  of  the  Chicago  Park  District,  1935 
Milwaukee  Municipal  Athletic  Association  Annual  Report 
1936 

Indiana  Association  of  Park  Departments  — Report  of 
21st  Convention 
Public  Recreation  in  Decatur 

Report  of  the  Community  Recreation  Association 
for  1936 


562 


WHY  FOLK  DANCING  ? 


and  successful  career  those  who  have  known  him 
best  can  say  of  him,  as  Tennyson  said  of  his  best 
friend,  “He  wore  the  white  flower  of  a blameless 
life.” 

The  Boys’  Club  and  Juvenile 
Delinquency 

(Continued  from  page  530) 

the  task  of  any  one  agency,  but  requires  the  con- 
certed attack  of  a coordinated  community  pro- 
gram in  which  all  preventive  and  remedial  ser- 
vices must  be  integrated. 

During  the  five  years  following  the  four  year 
study,  the  club  has  put  in  operation  many  of  the 
recommendations  of  the  study : 

1.  Record  keeping  more  efficient 

2.  Attendance  improved  and  turnover  reduced 

3.  Psychiatrist  added  to  staff 

4.  Handcraft  and  shop  work  added 

5.  More  time  in  gym  for  boys 

6.  Representative  of  Bureau  of  Attendance  of 
Public  Schools  has  been  added  to  staff  to 
route  all  known  truants  in  area  into  club. 

Why  Folk  Dancing? 

(Continued  from  page  538) 

lacking  in  beauty  and  can  carry  no  tradition  with 
it.  It  is  a dance  form  for  the  individual,  not  a 
form  into  which  everyone  can  enter  as  he  can 
enter  into  the  folk  dance  where  so  much  sincere 
joy  is  created. 

With  the  passing  of  folk  dancing,  the  loss  of 
something  fine  was  felt,  the  loss  of  something 
with  which  one  could  be  genuinely  entertained. 
Too  much  ragtime  and  too  much  dissipation  have 
come  to  sour  the  mouths  of  those  who  dance,  and 
so  they  look  back  to  the  dances  of  their  ancestors 
to  find  in  them  the  true  beauty  and  the  lasting 
pleasure  which  is  there. 

Folk  dancing  has  been  taken  from  the  shelves, 
it  has  been  dusted  clean  so  that  it  can  be  seen  to 
be  not  just  a silly  “ring-around-the-rosie”  dance 
form,  but  something  of  great  value  aesthetically, 
historically  and  nationally.  It  can  be  said  that 
folk  dancing  is  the  one  form  of  the  dance  that 
will  survive,  regardless  of  how  often  it  may  be 
pushed  aside  to  make  way  for  the  faddists.  Each 
time  it  is  resumed  it  is  entered  into  with  greater 
enthusiasm. 

Our  knowledge  of  the  various  national  folk 
dance  forms  will  improve  our  knowledge  of  the 
national  groups  they  represent,  and  when  we  are 
in  the  company  of  some  particular  national  group, 


we  can  derive  the  pleasure  that  comes  from  know- 
ing that  we,  too,  can  take  part  in  their  fun — in 
their  dance. 


Let’s  All  Go  to  School 

(Continued  from  page  541 ) 

of  expense,  the  dollar  enrollment  fee  practically 
paying  the  entire  cost.  On  most  classes,  under  the 
state  laws  of  Wisconsin,  about  30  per  cent  of  the 
teacher’s  salary  is  returned  to  the  school  in  the 
way  of  state  aids. 

The  day  school  charges  the  night  school  only 
such  operating  expenses  as  are  over  and  above 
the  necessary  day  school  expenditures.  This  in- 
cludes such  costs  as  heating,  lighting  and  sup- 
plies used.  The  average  tax  levy  for  the  last  five 
years  has  been  slightly  in  excess  of  $19,000,  the 
average  tax  rate  61c  per  $1,000  assessed  valua- 
tion. In  other  words,  the  average  taxpayer  with 
a home  assessed  at  $6,000  has  paid  $3.66  for 
class  work,  recreation  and  Sunday  afternoon 
lectures. 

With  the  changing  aspects  of  modern  civiliza- 
tion which  force  every  individual  periodically  to 
“catch  up,”  with  the  great  investments  in  school 
buildings  and  equipment  remaining  unused  during 
a large  part  of  the  year,  with  the  paramount  need 
of  everyone’s  securing  community  contacts  and  an 
understanding  of  governmental  problems,  the 
opening  of  school  buildings  for  adult  activities 
where  “Everyone  Goes  to  School”  should  be  the 
next  outstanding  development  of  the  great  Ameri- 
can public  school  system. 

Detroit’s  Community  Night  Programs 

(Continued  from  page  542) 

the  woodcraft  department.  The  Christmas  pro- 
gram began  at  5 :3c)  on  Christmas  Eve  with  a 
little  seven  year  old  girl  from  the  convalescent 
home  at  Farmington  celebrating  her  first  Christ- 
mas out  of  bed  in  three  years  pulling  the  switch 
and  lighting  the  400  bulbs  on  the  tree.  This  was 
followed  by  tableaux  on  City  Hall  steps  portray- 
ing the  Nativity  and  the  adoration  of  the  Magi. 

Youth  Goes  Adventuring  Out-of-Doors 

(Continued  from  page  544) 

ison,  Jackson,  University  of  Maine,  Massachu- 
setts State,  Middlebury,  Mount  Holyoke,  New 
Hampshire,  Pembroke,  Radcliffe,  Rensallear, 
Skidmore,  Smith,  Swarthmore,  Tusculum,  Union, 
Vassar,  University  of  Vermont,  Wellesley,  Wes- 
leyan, Williams,  and  Yale. 


WINTER  SPORTS  FACILITIES 


563 


At  the  conference  in  May,  1936,  run  by  Smith 
Outing  Club  at  Newfound  Lake,  New  Hampshire, 
it  was  thought  that  the  aims  of  the  association 
might  be  better  realized  through  the  publication  of 
a printed  magazine  rather  than  the  informal  bul- 
letin of  about  twenty-five  pages  which  had  previ- 
ously contained  club  reports  of  their  activities  and 
accounts  of  I.  O.  C.  A.  outing.  Howard  Cady,  of 
the  Middlebury  Mountain  Club,  then  executive  sec- 
retary, put  tremendous  effort  into  its  production, 
but  it  was  realized  that  the  purposes  of  a publi- 
cation could  best  be  served  by  the  bulletin.  Dur- 
ing this  same  conference  a long  and  serious  dis- 
cussion took  place  upon  what  the  real  values  of 
the  I.  O.  C.  A.  were.  It  was  generally  considered 
'that  the  value  lay  in  the  means  it  provided  for 
bringing  together  members  of  the  various  outing 
clubs,  and  in  the  Bulletin,  published  three  times  a 
year.  In  one  of  the  three  issues  club  reports  of 
their  year’s  activities  could  appear,  and  in  the 
other  two,  articles  of  informational  and  enter- 
tainment value  on  appropriate  subjects.  In  every 
number  there  would  be  an  “Odds  and  Ends”  sec- 
tion for  humor,  and  suggestions  for  food  and 
equipment. 

Another  new  development  has  been  the  for- 
mation of  an  alumni  body.  Many  of  those  who 
have  been  connected  with  the  I.  O.  C.  A.  in  their 
undergraduate  days  have  been  loath  to  sever  their 
ties  with  it  when  they  left  college.  Some  have 
continued  to  go  on  the  outings  through  their  own 
clubs  back  at  college,  but  it  has  been  suggested 
that  their  interest  could  best  be  served  by  an 
alumni  body  headed  by  an  alumni  secretary  who 
would  take  care  of  that  part  of  the  large  corre- 
spondence, and  maintain  contact  with  the  execu- 
tive secretary.  Miss  Janet  Cutler,  Vassar  ’34,  has 
taken  it  upon  herself  to  send  out  questionnaires 
to  interested  graduates  asking  for  the  times  when 
they  might  be  free  to  hike,  and  for  their  indi- 
vidual activity  preferences.  She  has  arranged 
geographically  the  names  of  those  who  responded, 
and  these  will  be  printed  in  a copy  of  the  Bul- 
letin so  that  if  they  so  desire  small  groups  of  the 
alumni  may  get  together  to  hike  in  their  own 
vicinities. 

It  must  be  clear  that  there  is  something  behind 
this  movement  that  has  aroused  the  enthusiasm  of 
the  students  and  enlisted  the  approval  and  sup- 
port of  the  faculties.  It  has  fostered  interest 
among  the  students  in  this  healthiest  of  pastimes, 
and  what  is  more,  it  has  held  their  interest  after 
(Continued  on  page  564) 


Winter  Sports  Facilities 

Cities  OF  Wisconsin,  according  to  The  Mu- 
nicipality for  January  1937,  are  responding 
to  the  demand  for  municipal  provision  for  winter 
sports.  In  Manitowoc,  three  skating  rinks  have 
been  provided  for  hockey  and  general  skating. 
The  fields  are  equipped  with  lights,  shelter  houses 
and  music  for  the  skaters.  Plans  are  being  made 
by  the  Department  of  Recreation  for  a skiing  and 
hiking  club.  Eau  Claire  has  three  hockey  rinks, 
five  skating  rinks  and  several  smaller  neighbor- 
hood rinks  for  younger  children.  A number  of 
ski  and  toboggan  slides  are  located  in  city  parks. 

There  are  nine  ice  rinks  distributed  through  the 
city  of  Green  Bay  so  that  there  will  be  skating  fa- 
cilities within  one-half  mile  of  every  child.  The 
Park  Department  has  also  provided  five  sled  slides 
in  the  city.  A toboggan  and  ski  slide  has  been 
located  outside  the  city  limits  in  Bairds  Creek.  In 
Hudson,  three  square  blocks  in  widely  scattered 
locations  have  been  flooded  by  the  city  and  pro- 
vided with  lights,  radio  music  and  warming 
rooms.  A professional  ski  slide  has  also  been 
built.  In  Rhinelander  two  skating  rinks  have  been 
provided,  and  a hockey  rink  and  hockey  club,  as 
well  as  a ski  club,  are  planned  under  the  auspices 
of  WPA  and  NYA.  Sheboygan  has  four  skating 
rinks  with  shelter  houses,  and  conducts  a city  ice 
carnival  and  Mardi  Gras,  and  a county  skating 
meet.  Menomonie  has  a ski  jump,  toboggan  slide 
and  skating  facilities  under  the  leadership  of  the 
Park  Department. 

Similarly  in  Minnesota,  the  December  issue  of 
Minnesota  Municipalities  states,  preparation  for 
winter  sports  have  been  made.  Authorities  in 
Albert  Lea,  expect  to  have  three  artificial  outdoor 
rinks  and  one  large  skating  and  hockey  rink  on  the 
lake.  All  rinks  are  flood  lighted  and  the  cost  of 
maintenance  is  about  $2,000.  Citizens  of  Bemidji, 
Minnesota,  have  taken  over  the  sponsorship  of  a 
Paul  Bunyan  winter  carnival  which  will  be  the 
greatest  of  its  kind  ever  held  in  Minnesota.  The 
program  will  combine  the  sports  of  former  years 
with  those  of  today. 

Jackson,  Minnesota,  has  maintained  a portion 
of  the  Des  Moines  River  as  a skating  rink.  Last 
year  a simple  sprinkler  was  constructed  composed 
of  a barrel  to  which  was  attached  a perforated 
pipe.  This  was  mounted  on  a sled  and  after  the 
skating  area  was  cleaned,  the  barrel  was  filled  with 
water  and  drawn  back  and  forth  over  the  area. 
(Continued  on  page  564) 


564 


JUGGLING  WITH  JINGLES  AND  JARGONS 


The  principal  playgrounds  of  St.  Cloud  this 
year  have  skating  rinks,  and  several  smaller  rinks 
are  being  constructed  in  various  parts  of  the  city. 
A winter  carnival,  featuring  fancy  skaters,  races 
and  hockey,  is  being  planned.  Instructors  will  be 
provided  at  the  larger  rinks  to  teach  skating.  On 
a large  hill  at  the  city  limits  a toboggan  slide  is 
being  constructed.  A warming  house  will  be  built 
and  toboggans  made  by  the  NYA  Industrial  Arts 
Shop  will  be  rented  at  a nominal  fee.  The  hill  and 
the  parking  lot  adjacent  will  be  constantly  policed. 
The  cost  of  material  for  building  this  slide  was 
less  than  $90. 

Youth  Goes  Adventuring  Out-of-Doors 

(Continued  from  page  563) 

they  have  graduated,  and  will  keep  it  for  the  rest 
of  their  lives.  It  promotes  good  fellowship  and 
feeling  between  the  different  colleges,  and  has  the 
hearty  endorsement  of  every  physical  education 
department. 

But  there  is  something  more  to  be  gained  than 
good  fellowship  and  exercise,  for  these  alone 
could  not  arouse  such  a widespread  and  perma- 
nent interest.  This  is  felt  most  by  those  who  have 
experienced  an  I.  O.  C.  A.  College  Week  or 
week-end.  Some  of  the  more  seriously  inclined 
have  sat  around  the  campfire  and  talked  about  it, 
but  have  found  it  elusive  of  definition.  One  thing 
is  certain,  that  it  reaches  out  to  something  basic 
in  human  nature,  takes  possession  of  the  whole 
being  as  does  a disease,  and,  once  contracted,  is 
incurable.  However,  this  is  one  contagious  dis- 
ease which  will  make  men  and  women  live  longer 
and  keep  them  healthier.  It  will  provide  a pleas- 
ant activity  for  their  leisure  time  which  they  will 
never  outgrow. 

Juggling  With  Jingles  and  Jargons 

( Continued  from  page  545 ) 

peated  as  long  as  the  youngster  can  keep  herself 
and  the  ball  in  motion  : 

“One  potato,  two  potato,  three  potato,  Four; 

Five  potato,  six  potato,  seven  potato,  O’er l” 

In  San  Antonio,  Texas,  my  rope-skipping 
daughter  learned  this : 

“Teddy  Bear,  Teddy  Bear,  turn  around,  round,  round; 

Teddy  Bear,  Teddy  Bear,  touch  the  ground,  ground, 
ground. 

Teddy  Bear,  Teddy  Bear,  show  your  shoe,  shoe,  shoe; 

Teddy  Bear,  Teddy  Bear,  please  skidoo,  doo,  DO 01" 

And  in  Louisville,  Kentucky : “Red,  white,  and 
blue , the  stars  over  You!  How  many  are  there  in 
the  sky?  One,  two,  three,  four  — ” etc.,  as  long 
as  she  could  keep  it  up. 


fersonville,  Indiana,  across  the  river ; 

“Ella,  Ella,  dressed  in  yellow 
Went  down  town  to  see  her  fellow. 

How  many  kisses  did  she  give  him? 

One,  two,  three,  four,  five,  six,  etc.” 

While  in  Michigan,  a favorite  rope-skipping 
i ingle  was 

“Salt,  vinegar,  mustard,  tart; 

What  is  the  letter  of  your  sweetheart? 

A,  b,  c,  d,  e,  f,  g,  etc.  (indefinitely.) 

And  back  in  Philadelphia ; 

“Mable,  Mable,  set  the  table; 

Don’t  forget  the  knives,  forks, 

Salt,  vinegar,  mustard,  pepper; 

Cedar,  cidar,  Red  Hot  Pepper !" 

It  is  interesting  to  know  that  Indian  children 
had  counting  out  games  also.  For  instance,  this 
one  which  is  called  “N’a-ta-sol-te’-ben.” 

After  counting  out  one  to  act  as  “squaw-oc-t’- 
moos”  or  leader  the  children  form  into  line  by 
each  taking  the  one  in  front  by  the  dress  between 
the  shoulders. 

The  “counting  out”  is  not  very  different  from 
that  of  white  children.  They  place  two  fingers  of 
each  hand  in  a circle;  the  one  who  repeats  the 
doggerel  having  one  hand  free,  touches  each  fin- 
ger in  the  circle,  saying : 

“Hony,  kee-bee,  la-weis,  an-les,  huntip.” 

Each  finger  that  “huntip”  falls  on  is  doubled 
under  and  this  is  repeated  again  and  again  until 
there  are  but  three  fingers  left.  The  owners  of 
these  start  to  run,  and  the  one  caught  has  to  play 
as  “squaw-oc-t’-moos”  for  the  next  game. 

To  the  Indian  mind,  “counting  out”  has  a sig- 
nificance and  even  the  simple  “huntip”  is  a magic 
word  bringing  good-luck,  as  it  lessens  the  chance 
of  being  “squaw-oc-t’-moos.” 

Note:  The  information  regarding  the  jingles  of  Indian  chil- 
dren was  taken  from  “American  Anthropologist,’’  October  1889. 
“Some  Indoor  and  Outdoor  Games  of  the  Wabanaki  Indians,”  an 
article  or  paper  by  Mrs.  W.  W.  Brown,  of  Calais,  Maine,  read 
before  the  Royal  Society  of  Canada,  May  23,  1888. 

A Recreation  Executive  Considers 
Recreation  in  the  Home 

(Continued  from  page  548) 

skill!)  upon  musical  instruments.  If  more  than 
one  instrument  is  played  in  a family,  much  fun 
can  be  experienced  by  the  combined  efforts  of  the 
players.  Everyone  in  the  family  should  learn  to 
play  some  type  of  instrument.  Often  the  per- 
former of  the  Jewsharp  or  harmonica  reaps  as 
much  satisfaction  as  does  the  harpist  or  pianist. 

Family  or  group  singing  is  a practice  all  too 
often  neglected.  Those  who  recall  moments  spent 
singing  around  the  family  piano  will  agree  that  it 
is  a simple  delight  of  deep  enjoyment. 


CULTURAL  OLYMPICS 


565 


Publicity  for  Home  Play 

The  recreation  executive  promoting  home  rec- 
reation will  find  the  best  channel  of  publicity 
through  the  local  papers,  and  attractive  pamphlets 
sent  home  from  the  playgrounds  or  schools.  Oc- 
casional newspaper  articles  regarding  the  various 
phases  of  home  recreation  and  its  benefits,  follow- 
ed by  a daily  section  of  publicity  and  pictures  pro- 
moting a home  recreation  contest  will  help  make 
the  community  “home  recreation-minded.”  Pic- 
tures of  outstanding  home  recreation  projects  will 
promote  the  idea  as  no  other  method  can,  for  a 
picture  tells  a story  at  a glance.  Neighborhood 
conferences  of  parents  near  recreation  grounds  is 
a splendid  way  to  promote  home  recreation  and  to 
furnish  helpful  demonstrations  and  useful  pro- 
gram data. 

A beautification  and  recreation  program  is  just 
as  possible  for  an  average  home  and  yard  as  it  is 
for  a mansion  with  spacious  gardens.  Even  a 
tumbled  down  shack  with  only  a rose  bush  over 
one  corner,  a few  hollyhocks  at  the  door  and  a 
scattering  of  petunias  and  verbenias  for  color, 
can  be  beautiful. 

With  a big  tree  at  the  back  with  a swing  and 
sandbox  under  it  where  children  are  playing,  while 
Dad  and  the  rest  have  a game  of  badminton — 
this  is  “home,  sweet  home”  for  a happy  family 
group. 

New  and  Ancient  Sports  of  Hawaii 

( Continued  from  page  550) 

of  the  circle  using  their  feet.  A fall  is  called  when 
one  is  pushed  out  or  falls  over  on  his  back. 

Mokomoko — a form  of  stiff-armed  boxing. 

After  each  game  has  been  concluded,  a joyous 
dance  is  staged  by  followers  of  the  winner.  The 
prince  winning  the  most  games  approaches  the 
platform  upon  which  sits  the  king  and  princess. 
The  king  presents  his  daughter  to  the  victor  and 
the  kahuna  covers  the  heads  of  the  young  couple 
with  a piece  of  white  tapa  cloth  as  the  people 
cheer  and  cry,  “Hoaa  na  alii  e,”  This  means  that 
the  young  chiefs  are  united  in  marriage.  The 
newlyweds  mount  the  platform  to  sit  with  the 
king,  who  announces  the  rest  of  the  day  and  night 
should  be  spent  in  merriment  in  honor  of  the 
occasion. 

As  a grand  finale  to  the  pageant  every  one  ex- 
cept the  royal  couple  stands  and  extends  his  left 
hand  to  them  as  the  song  “Hawaii  Ponoi”  is  sung. 

One  of  the  recreation  features  in  Honolulu  for 


Cultural  Olympics 

The  University  of  Pennsylvania,  according 
to  its  president,  Dr.  Thomas  S.  Gates,  will 
sponsor  an  annual  Cultural  Olympics  consisting 
of  competition  in  the  fine  and  applied  arts  among 
amateurs  of  all  ages.  Dr.  Frederick  C.  Gruber  of 
the  Roosevelt  Junior  High  School  will  be  director 
of  the  movement  which  will  be  guided  by  a com- 
mittee of  six  members. 

The  purposes  of  the  Olympics  have  been  stated 
as  follows : 

i.  To  stimulate  through  competition  and  other- 
wise interest  in  the  arts  as  worthy  leisure 
time  activities 

2.  To  popularize  participation  in  cultural  ac- 
tivities 

3.  To  discover  and  recognize  artistic  abilities 

4.  To  attempt  to  provide  gifted  individuals  with 
opportunities  for  further  study  and  develop- 
ment 

The  first  year’s  contests  will  include  four  di- 
visions of  the  arts : 

i.  Music,  vocal  and  instrumental 

2.  Graphic  and  plastic  arts 

3.  Speech  and  literature  — including  one-act 
plays,  verse  reading,  and  original  prose  and 
poetry 

4.  Dancing,  group  and  individual 

The  first  competitions  will  be  called  for  early 
spring,  with  the  finals  set  for  May.  The  territory 
covered  will  be  Philadelphia  and  some  adjacent 
suburbs  comprising  about  150  communities.  For 
the  first  year  at  least  the  Olympics  will  center 
about  the  public  and  private  secondary  schools 
and  academies. 

Samuel  S.  Fleisher,  founder  of  the  Graphic 
Sketch  Club,  is  playing  an  important  part  in  the 
development  of  the  movement.  For  years  he  has 
had  in  mind  a project  of  this  kind  involving  the 
arts,  and  in  1929,  speaking  at  the  Recreation  Con- 
gress in  Louisville,  he  made  use  of  the  phrase 
“Cultural  Olympics.”  In  a radio  address  five 
years  later  he  again  urged  the  providing  of  “op- 
portunities for  students  to  indulge  in  Cultural 
Olympics,  which  would  lead  to  such  a concern  for 
the  soul  as  has  never  been  known  anywhere  in  the 
past.”  Mr.  Fleisher  is  one  of  the  committee  guid- 
ing the  program. 


OAKLAND  ORGANIZES  RECREATION  WORK 


560 

which  we  are  most  grateful  is  our  radio  broad- 
casting. For  fifteen  minutes  every  week  we  have  a 
sustaining  program  over  station  KGU.  Short  talks 
upon  the  Commission’s  activities  and  music  and 
songs  by  our  playground  boys  and  girls  fill  the 
period.  Knowing  they  will  “get  on  the  air”  if 
good  enough,  our  music  and  song  classes  on  the 
playgrounds  work  diligently  toward  that  end. 

We  in  Honolulu  are  working  through  our  rec- 
reation program  to  promote  the  health  and  happi- 
ness of  our  boys  and  girls,  to  the  end  that  the 
motto  of  Hawaii  may  be  realized,  “Na  mau  ke  ea 
o ka  aina  i ka  pono.”  “The  life  of  the  land  is 
perpetuated  by  righteousness.” 

Oakland  Organizes  Recreation  Week 

(Continued  from  page  551 ) 

ciation.  Over  a thousand  participants,  representing 
a vear’s  sport  calendar  of  the  Association,  color- 
fully demonstrated  what  progress  was  being  made 
in  industrial  recreation. 

The  Forum.  Climaxing  the  events  of  Recreation 
Week,  the  Oakland  Forum,  a civic  group  organ- 
ized for  the  improvement  of  community  culture, 
cooperated  with  the  Oakland  Recreation  Depart- 
ment in  presenting  E.  C.  Lindeman.  His  address, 
well  received  by  a large  audience,  emphasized  the 
importance  of  recreation  in  wholesome  community 
life. 

Boys'  Day  and  Rally.  A program  of  games  for 
boys  on  sixty-five  city  playgrounds,  coupled  with 
a giant  boys’  sports  rally  in  the  evening,  made 
Boys’  Day,  sponsored  by  the  Junior  Chamber  of 
Commerce,  a successful  part  of  the  week’s  pro- 
gram. A boy  from  each  playground,  selected  be- 
cause of  ability,  sportsmanship,  dependability, 
leadership,  loyalty,  and  service,  was  honored  at 
the  rally  and  received  a certificate  of  award  by  the 
Recreation  Department.  Prominent  college  and 
high  school  coaches,  famous  athletes,  motion  pic- 
tures, music  and  other  entertainment  contributed 
to  evening  program. 

Music  and  Dramatic  Festival.  An  evening  pro- 
gram of  chorals  by  our  municipal  chorus,  combin- 
ed with  the  presentation  of  a one-act  play  by  the 
Community  Theater,  gave  the  public  an  oppor- 
tunity to  see  the  extent  to  which  municipal  rec- 
reation has  been  carried. 

Municipal  Golf  Championship.  In  cooperation 
with  the  Junior  Chamber  of  Commerce  the  An- 
nual City  Golf  Championship  was  included  as  one 


of  the  week’s  activities.  This  tournament  was 
played  on  the  beautiful  eighteen-hole  Lake  Chabot 
Municipal  Course. 

Badminton  Championship.  To  answer  the  cry  for 
something  new  in  sports,  the  Recreation  Depart- 
ment, in  cooperation  with  the  local  Y.  M.  C.  A. 
sponsored  the  first  City  Badminton  Tournament 
in  the  northern  part  of  California. 

Baseball  Day.  The  local  Baseball  Managers’  As- 
sociation scheduled  games  on  fifteen  baseball  dia- 
monds in  the  city  in  honor  of  Baseball  Day. 

Lake  Merritt  Day.  Sunday  was  set  aside  as  Open 
House  Day  on  Oakland’s  Lake  Merritt.  Races  of 
model  yachts,  sail  boats,  canoes  and  motor  boats, 
arranged  by  hobby  clubs  devoted  to  these  activi- 
ties, were  run  off  during  the  day. 

Camp  Reunion.  At  the  city’s  largest  recreation 
area,  vacationists  from  the  mountain  camps  gath- 
ered for  a reunion  around  an  evening  camp  life. 
Renewing  camp  acquaintances,  singing,  enter- 
tainment suitable  to  such  an  occasion,  and  plans 
for  the  approaching  camp  season  brought  to  a 
close  Oakland’s  Recreation  Week  which  was  put 
in  at  a cost  of  less  than  $100. 


Newburgh’s  Novel  Skating  Rink 

(Continued  from  page  554) 

1 1 inches  resembling  bonds  or  stocks.  The  cer- 
tificate carries  the  picture  of  the  track  and  states 
that  the  purchaser,  whose  name  is  written  in,  is 
a sponsoring  member  of  the  Delano-Hitch  Ice 
Skating  Club  of  Newburgh,  New  York.  After 
this  comes  the  following : 

“This  organization  of  72  Ice  Speed  Skaters,  six 
teams,  six  experienced  coaches,  and  an  Executive 
Committee  of  nine  officers,  is  dedicated  to  the  de- 
velopment of  local  speed  skaters  and  the  promo- 
tion of  winter  sports. 

“The  members  of  this  club  hereby  gratefully 
acknowledge  your  assistance.” 

The  certificate  is  signed  by  Douglas  G.  Miller, 
president  of  the  club,  and  John  A.  Donahue, 
treasurer. 

The  certificates  have  been  found  to  be  good 
publicity  and  they  are  greatly  appreciated  by  the 
purchasers  who  place  them  in  offices  and  stores. 
Two  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  worth  were  sold 
this  season  in  two  weeks  in  a campaign  to  raise 
funds.  The  selling  price  of  the  certificates  was  a 
dollar  apiece,  though  a number  of  purchasers  paid 
as  much  as  fifteen  dollars,  so  keen  was  their  in- 
terest in  the  project. 


New  Publications  in  the  Leisure  Time  Field 


Working  With  Tools 

By  Harry  J.  Hobbs.  Leisure  League  of  America,  New 
York.  $.25. 

W/here  to  tuck  in  a workshop;  the  tools  necessary, 
**  and  their  care  and  use ; what  to  make ; how  to  iden- 
tify woods  and  how  to  finish  wood,  are  some  of  the  sub- 
jects discussed  in  this  practical  booklet  which  virtually 
is  a manual  on  how  to  have  fun  in  a workshop.  The 
home  craftsman  will  find  this  handbook  invaluable. 

Other  booklets  in  the  Leisure  League  series  of  interest 
as  home  occupations  are— The  Knitting  Book  and  Crochet 
fiook,  both  by  Elizabeth  King,  and  The  Cookery  Book, 
by  L.  P.  DeGouy.  These  'booklets  are  exceedingly  prac- 
tical in  the  presentation  of  the  directions  given.  Illus- 
trations and  diagrams  add  to  the  usefulness  of  all  of  them. 
They  are  securable  at  25  cents  each. 

On  Skis  Over  the  Mountains 

By  Walter  Mosauer,  M.D.  The  Cloister  Press,  Holly- 
wood, California.  $.75. 

The  growing  popularity  of  skiing  has  given  rise  to  a 

* number  of  publications  on  this  sport  regarding  which 
little  technical  material  has  previously  been  available.  Dr. 
Mosauer’s  booklet  represents  the  second  edition,  revised 
and  enlarged,  of  his  illustrated  primer  on  modern  Alpine 
skiing.  Such  subjects  are  discussed  as  equipment,  skiing 
techniques,  and  ski  touring  and  mountaineering. 

Whittling  and  Woodcarving 

By  E.  J.  Tangerman.  Whittlesey  House.  McGraw-Hill 
Book  Company,  Inc.,  New  York.  $3.00. 

The  combining  of  whittling  and  wood  carving  in  one 

* volume  has  made  this  book  a complete  guide  for  the 
individual  who  enjoys  working  with  wood.  The  method 
of  treatment  carries  one  from  the  simple  whittling 
through  rustic,  chain  and  fan  carving  to  models,  carica- 
tures of  animals,  birds  and  people,  ships  in  bottles,  ship 
carving  and  surface  decoration.  In  the  woodcarving  sec- 
tion various  forms  of  decoration  are  discussed.  Other 
chapters  describe  and  illustrate  wood  carving  tools  and 
knives,  kinds  of  wood  and  their  physical  characteristics. 
There  are  more  than  450  illustrations  in  this  fascinating 
volume. 


List  of  Plays 

Dramatics  Division,  National  Federation  of  Settlements, 
Inc.,  147  Avenue  B,  New  York.  $.25. 

The  Dramatics  Division  has  listed  here  over  200  plays 
1 which  have  been  produced  in  settlements  during  the 
past  year.  In  compiling  them  the  purpose  has  been  to  in- 
dicate the  range  and  type  of  material  being  used  and  to 
make  available  the  experience  of  others.  In  connection 
with  the  listing  of  each  play,  its  publisher,  price,  playing 
time  and  similar  facts,  there  are  helpful  comments  and  a 
synopsis. 

Safety  in  Athletics 

By  Frank  S.  Lloyd,  George  G.  Deaver  and  Floyd  R. 
Eastwood.  W.  B.  Saunders  Company,  Philadelphia. 
$3.25. 

The  authors,  who  are  authorities  in  the  field  of  physi- 
_ cal  education  and  health,  have  made  an  important  con- 
tribution in  this  volume  presenting  the  results  of  their 
careful  study  of  safety  in  athletics — a study  designed  to 
establish  materials  which  would  indicate  the  relative  in- 
cidence of  accidents  in  the  various  sports,  types  of  in- 
juries, the  causes,  methods  for  their  prevention,  and  treat- 
ment of  injuries.  In  general  Part  I deals  with  the  hazards 
in  athletics,  including  a chapter  on  safety  in  camps.  Part 
II  presents  procedures  for  increased  safety  by  establishing 
principles  for  the  effective  administration  of  all  aspects 
of  a program  of  physical  education  and  sports.  Part  III 
is  devoted  to  a detailed  treatment  of  injuries. 

Sketching  As  a Hobby 

By  Arthur  L.  Guptill.  Harper  & Brothers,  New  York. 
$2.50. 

If  vou  are  one  of  those  who  sketch  just  for  fun,  you 
will  find  in  this  new  manual  on  learning  to  sketch  the 
essential  information  you  want.  In  it  the  nationally 
known  teacher  guides  the  beginner  through  the  rudiments 
of  sketching  to  more  advanced  considerations,  accom- 
panying each  step  with  graphic,  easily  understandable 
explanations  and  illustrations.  Not  only  are  the  tech- 
niques of  the  different  media  explained  simply  and  clearly, 
but  various  unique  methods  which  make  for  originality 
are  given  as  well. 


Skip  To  My  Lou 

Girl  Scouts,  Inc.,  570  Lexington  Avenue,  New  York. 

$.10. 

"Qkip  to  My  Lou”  is  the  title  given  a delightful  col- 
^ lection  of  seventeen  singing  games  which  have  been 
gathered  from  America,  England,  Sweden,  Czechoslo- 
vakia, the  Netherlands,  Germany  and  Russia.  Music  and 
directions  are  given. 


Can  Delinquency  Be  Measured? 

By  Mrs.  Sophia  M.  Robinson.  Columbia  University 
Press,  New  York.  $3.00. 

AA  rs.  Sophia  M.  Robinson  is  in  charge  of  the  Division 
* * * of  Neighborhood  Statistics  of  the  Welfare  Council 
of  New  York  City.  She  writes  with  an  unusual  insight 
into  the  causes  of  delinquency  and  understanding  of  the 
methods  of  dealing  with  it.  She  challenges  many  of  the 

567 


568 


NEW  PUBLICATIONS  IN  THE  LEISURE  TIME  FIELD 


current  theories  regarding  the  causes  of  delinquency  and 
proves  some  of  them  to  be  erroneous.  Her  questions  are 
pertinent  and  stimulating  as  she  contradicts  commonly 
accepted  ideas : 

Does  delinquency  really  arise  in  truancy  to  the  extent 
that  we  commonly  believe,  and  are  the  current  methods 
of  dealing  with  it  effective?  Do  all  immigrant  groups 
furnish  equal  or  similar  proportions  of  delinquency  in  a 
large  city?  Are  the  numbers  of  court  appearances  or  of- 
ficial figures  truly  indicative  of  the  rise  or  fall  of  juvenile 
delinquency?  Why  do  children  of  one  religious  affilia- 
tion far  out-number  those  of  another  in  the  official  count 
of  delinquency?  Why  are  children  of  another  religious 
affiliation  found  not  in  the  official  count  but  in  the  un- 
official count?  Why  are  children  of  certain  religious 
groups  not  found  in  the  delinquency  rolls  at  all?  Are 
so-called  delinquency  areas  really  the  breeding  places  of 
crime,  as  is  generally  supposed? 

This  volume  should  appeal  to  the  citizen  interested  in 
the  mounting  tax  bill,  to  the  'boys’  worker,  the  neighbor- 
hood coordinator,  the  student  of  research  and  social 
science,  the  social  worker  and  all  school  authorities. 

Craft  Work-and-Play  Things. 

By  A.  Neely  Hall.  J.  B.  Lippincott  Company,  Phila- 
delphia. $2.00. 

In  this,  Mr.  Hall’s  newest  book,  he  has  done  for 
younger  boys  and  girls  what  he  did  for  the  more  ad- 
vanced young  handicrafter  in  Home  Handicraft  for  Boys. 
The  uses  of  the  simpler  tools  are  explained,  and  the 
objects  to  be  made  with  their  detailed  directions  are 
scaled  carefully  to  a child’s  observed  progress  in  the  use 
of  tools.  Mr.  Hall  carries  the  child  through  making  doll 
houses,  toy  boats  and  model  airplanes  to  backyard  camp- 
ing and  building  a house  for  the  dog.  There  are  many 
illustrations  and  diagrams  which  make  the  directions 
easy  to  follow. 

Facing  the  Future  with  the 
Character-Building  Agencies 

Community  Chests  and  Councils,  Inc.,  155  East  44th 
Street,  New  York.  $.25. 

Three  years  ago  nine  national  agencies  of  social  work 
concerned  for  America’s  young  people  decided  on  co- 
operative effort  in  planning  interpretive  material.  This 
booklet,  designed  to  guide  local  organizations  in  inter- 
preting their  service  to  the  public,  particularly  in  advance 
of  the  annual  mobilization  for  funds,  is  the  third  produc- 
tion. The  booklet  states  briefly  the  purposes  and  pro- 
grams of  the  nine  social  organizations,  suggests  new 
ideas  about  publicity,  presents  the  challenge  to  the  char- 
acter-building agencies,  and  offers  current  reading  refer- 
ences. It  is  prefaced  by  a statement  by  Arthur  A.  Schuck 
giving  “Focal  Points  of  Emphasis  in  the  Interpretation 
of  Character-Building  Agencies.” 

The  Boy's  Book  of  Strength. 

By  C.  Ward  Crampton,  M.D.  Whittlesey  House, 
McGraw-Hill  Book  Company,  Inc.,  New  York.  $2.00. 

In  this  book  Dr.  Crampton  tells  boys  in  language 
which  they  can  understand  how  to  be  strong  and  healthy 
and  how  to  improve  in  sports  and  games.  He  shows  how 
to  build  up  a “training  schedule”  as  varsity  athletes  do 
and  how  to  develop  a fine  all-round  physique.  In  a word, 
the  book  tells  how  to  get  the  most  out  of  living. 

Make  a Job  for  Yourself. 

By  Pauline  Cleaver.  Whittlesey  House,  McGraw- 
Hill  Book  Company,  Inc.,  New  York.  $2.00. 

A practical  book  which  suggests  new  and  congenial 
ways  of  supplementing  your  present  income  through  spare 
time  activity.  Concrete  examples  are  given,  and  the  book 
is  written  in  a stimulating  and  popular  style. 


Our  Homes. 

Edited  by  Ada  Hart  Arlitt,  Ph.D.  National  Congress 
of  Parents  and  Teachers,  1201  Sixteenth  Street 
Northwest,  Washington,  D.  C.  Paper,  $.25;  cloth, 
$.50. 

In  the  foreword  of  this  effective  booklet,  Mrs.  Mary 
L.  Langworthy,  president  of  the  National  Congress  of 
Parents  and  Teachers,  has  expressed  the  hope  that  the 
publication  will  be  “a  source  book  for  study  groups,  an 
inspiration  to  isolated  parents,  and  a guide  to  a richer 
life  together.”  The  booklet  is  well  designed  to  fulfill  all 
these  purposes.  A number  of  outstanding  authorities 
have  contributed  articles,  and  in  order  to  facilitate  the 
use  of  the  booklet  as  a source  book  for  study  groups 
there  are  questions  for  discussion  and  references. 

The  material  has  been  classified  under  four  main  head- 
ings : The  Story  of  the  Family ; Home  Planning  and 
Management ; The  Home  as  a Cultural  Center,  and  Edu- 
cational Aspects  of  the  Home.  Mrs.  Ivah  Deering,  author 
of  The  Creative  Home,  has  contributed  the  material  on 
home  recreation  under  the  title,  “The  Home  as  a Re- 
Creative  Force.” 

American  Planning  and  Civic  Annual  1936. 

Edited  by  Harlean  James.  American  Planning  and 
Civic  Association,  901  Union  Trust  Building,  Wash- 
ington, D.  C.  $3.00. 

This  issue  of  the  Annual  has  departed  from  its  usual 
plan  of  presenting  a picture  of  what  was  done  during  the 
past  year  in  the  field  of  planning,  housing  and  land  uses, 
and  has  followed  the  plan  of  presenting  the  papers  given 
at  five  significant  conferences  held  during  the  year  on 
city,  county,  state,  regional  and  national  planning,  to- 
gether with  a number  of  related  articles.  This  has  seem- 
ed an  appropriate  action  to  take  in  view  of  the  twentieth 
anniversary  of  the  creation  of  the  National  Park  Service. 
The  volume  is  full  of  invaluable  material  for  the  citizen 
interested  in  parks. 


Officers  and  Directors  of  the  National 
Recreation  Association 

OFFICERS 

Joseph  Lee,  President 
John  H.  Finley,  First  Vice-President 
John  G.  Winant,  Second  Vice-President 
Robert  Garrett,  Third  Vice-President 
Gustavus  T.  Kirby,  Treasurer 
Howard  S.  Braucher,  Secretary 

DIRECTORS 

F.  Gregg  Bemis,  Boston,  Mass. 

Mrs.  Edward  W.  Biddle,  Carlisle,  Pa. 

Mrs.  William  Butterworth,  Moline,  111. 

Clarence  M.  Clark,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

Henry  L.  Corbett,  Portland,  Ore. 

Mrs.  Arthur  G.  Cummer,  Jacksonville,  Fla. 

F.  Trubee  Davison,  Locust  Valley,  L.  I.,  N.  Y. 

John  H.  Finley,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Robert  Garrett,  Baltimore,  Md. 

Austin  E.  Griffiths,  Seattle,  Wash. 

Mrs.  Charles  V.  Hickox,  Michigan  City,  Ind. 

Mrs.  Mina  M.  Edison-Hughes,  West  Orange,  N.  J. 
Mrs.  Francis  deLacy  Hyde,  Plainfield,  N.  J. 

Gustavus  T.  Kirby  New  York,  N.  Y. 

H.  McK.  Landon,  Indianapolis,  Ind. 

Mrs.  Charles  D.  Lanier,  Greenwich,  Conn. 

Robert  Lassiter,  Charlotte,  N.  C. 

Joseph  Lee,  Boston,  Mass. 

Edward  E.  Loomis,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

J.  H.  McCurdy,  Springfield,  Mass. 

Otto  T.  Mallery,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

Walter  A.  May,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 

Carl  E.  Milliken,  Augusta,  Me. 

Mrs.  Ogden  L.  Mills,  Woodbury,  N.  Y. 

Mrs.  James  W.  Wadsworth,  Jr.,  Washington,  D.  C. 

J.  C.  Walsh,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Frederick  M.  Warburg,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

John  G.  Winant,  Concord,  N.  H. 

Mrs.  William  H.  Woodin,  Jr.,  Tucson,  Ariz. 


What  Is  the  American  Way  of  Life? 


PERHAPS  AMERICANS  do  have  more  automobiles,  more  bathtubs,  more  radios,  more  pianos, 
more  barns,  more  and  bigger  factories  than  other  people  on  the  world’s  surface.  Perhaps 
we  do  have  more  gold. 

That,  however,  is  not  our  American  dream. 

What  is  desired  above  all  alse  is  not  something  external — something  to  be  worn,  some- 
thing to  be  eaten,  some  tool.  What  is  really  sought  is  inner  power,  inner  capacity,  the  build- 
ing of  persons  “who  can  do  things,”  who  can  “go  places,”  the  building  of  immortal  souls,  the 
building  of  life  that  has  enough  to  it  to  be  worthy  of  being  eternal. 

All  that  is  external,  all  that  is  material  has  value  as  a symbol  of  inner  life.  There  is  no 
meaning  in  the  clock  that  does  not  run,  in  the  dynamo  that  is  dead. 

A certain  minimum  of  wood  and  steel  and  wool  and  cotton  and  rice  and  wheat  and 
corn  is  essential,  but  after  that  minimum  all  is  vanity  except  as  there  breathes  through  an  im- 
mortal spirit. 

Even  the  little  child  soon  tires  of  merely  piling  block  on  block  or  filling  his  little  room 
with  trinkets.  He  wants  activity  that  has  meaning,  that  leads  somewhere.  Even  in  the  nursery 
there  is  desire  to  dream  dreams  that  endure,  to  adventure.  Even  in  the  nursery  there  are  be- 
ginnings of  romance  in  joining  one’s  spirit  with  that  of  father,  mother,  brother,  sister,  other 
playmates, — striving,  competition,  finding  oneself,  finding  the  world,  what  it  is,  what  it  may 
be,  what  other  people  are,  what  other  people  may  be  when  one  makes  them  laugh,  when  one 
lifts  them  out  of  themselves. 

Early  we  discover  that  beauty  does  not  perish,  that  the  memory  of  beauty  remains  with 
us;  that  sports  with  others  satisfy  something  deep,  give  us  something  to  dream  over  later;  that 
comradeship  in  activity  builds  warm  feelings  within,  kindles  fires  that  go  on  burning  inside; 
that  seem  to  make  wheels  go  round  inside  us,  give  a reason  for  going  on;  transform  the  bare, 
the  barren,  the  cold  into  the  rich,  the  warm,  the  colorful. 

No  one  has  seen  deep  into  the  American  heart  who  thinks  that  the  American  way  of 
life  deals  first,  foremost  and  primarily  in  material  things.  It  was  not  so  at  Plymouth  Rock.  It 
was  never  so  on  the  bare  hills  of  New  England.  It  was  not  so  with  the  pioneers  and  their 
covered  wagons  moving  westward. 

The  American  way  of  life  on  the  surface  may  sometimes  have  seemed  to  wander  up  and 
down  and  around,  but  underneath  it  has  always  on  the  long  haul  moved  toward  beauty, 
music,  sport,  richness  in  living.  Church  spires,  school  bells,  art  galleries,  parks,  playgrounds, 
swimming  holes,  libraries,  choruses,  symphonies;  art  and  living — the  art  of  living — have  always 
been  a very  real  part  of  the  dream — in  times  of  famine,  in  times  of  flood,  in  times  of  war  and 
pestilence — even  in  times  of  prosperity  and  abundance. 

Nothing  that  has  come  out  of  America  is  more  characteristic  of  her,  expresses  more  truly 
her  inner  spirit,  than  her  national  recreation  movement,  her  movement  for  abundant  living  for 
all.  The  present  movement  for  security  is  not  merely  for  bodily  security,  but  for  security  for 
living,  security  for  building  life  that  has  enough  to  it  to  be  in  itself  valuable. 

Howard  Braucher. 

MARCH  1.9  3 7 


569 


March 


An  air  view  of  Sacramento's  stadium 
which  seats  25,000  people,  where  ath- 
letic, civic  and  patriotic  events  are 
held.  The  photograph  in  the  center 


shows  the  Annual  Easter  Egg  Hunt  at 
Southside  Park  sponsored  by  the  city. 
At  the  bottom  is  a scene  showing  the 
swimming  pool  at  McClatchy  Park. 


570 


Leisure  Ti 


ime 


Courtesy  Reading,  Fa.,  Recreation  Department 


Knitter  by  day,  volley  ball  player  by  night 

Every  human  achievement  represents  the  union 
of  two  elements  — material  resources  and 
idea.  The  builder  of  a house  must  have  ma- 
terial resources,  wood,  iron,  cement,  and  the  labor 
of  men.  But  also  he  must  have  idea  or  design.  His 
design  may  be  as  simple  and  as  standardized  as 
that  of  an  Indian  wigwam,  or  it  may  be  as  elabo- 
rate as  that  of  a royal  palace,  yet  only  as  the  ma- 
terials take  the  form  imposed  by  idea  or  design 
does  a structure  come  into  being. 

Persons  of  differing  temperaments  and  outlooks 
often  over-emphasize  one  of  these  factors  at  the 
expense  of  the  other.  For  more  than  a generation 
it  has  been  customary  for  many  social  workers 
and  for  some  economists  to  hold  that  if  we  will 
but  provide  abundant  economic 
resources  cultural  richness  and 
refinement  will  appear  as  surely 
as  plants  grow  in  good  soil  with 
sun  and  rain.  This  attitude  is  an 
extreme  reaction  from  the  old 
moralist  view  that  a man’s  char- 


in  an 


Industrial  Community 


By  Arthur  E.  Morgan 

Chairman 

Tennessee  Valley  Authority 


acter  and  quality  of  life  are  individual  to  him,  and 
are  independent  of  his  economic  circumstance.  We 
cannot  over-emphasize  the  interdependence  of  ma- 
terial resources  and  idea  in  the  make-up  of  human 
achievement.  To  leave  out  of  account  either  fac- 
tor is  to  miss  the  point. 

This  is  as  true  of  recreation  as  of  every  other 
human  activity.  Recreation  rests  on  a physical 
foundation.  For  people  to  play  wholeheartedly 
they  need  to  be  relieved  from  extreme  economic 
pressure.  Recreation  grows  out  of  leisure,  and  lei- 
sure requires  reasonably  adequate  and  secure  ad- 
justment to  one’s  environment.  A peasant  living 
securely  in  a two-room  house  and  with  meager 
and  simple  food  may  yet  have  good  social  adjust- 
ment, with  leisure  for  recreation.  An  unemployed 
man  whose  family  is  starving  is  not  a person  of 
leisure. 

Many  people  unconsciously  assume  that  the  only 
condition  lacking  to  full  recreational  expression 
is  the  leisure  which  can  come  with  economic  com- 
petence. Given  this,  it  is  often  assumed,  intelli- 
gent recreation  will  follow  as  a 
matter  of  course.  Except  as  this 
misconception  is  removed,  and 
recreation  is  seen  as  having  also 
the  element  of  design,  there 
can  be  no  adequate  recreational 
policy.  . . ..j 


This  address  by  Dr.  Morgan 
was  given  at  Chicago's  second 
annual  Recreation  Conference 
held  December  3,  1936,  under 
the  auspices  of  the  Chicago 
Recreation  Commission. 


571 


572 


LEISURE  TIME  IN  AN  INDUSTRIAL  COMMUNITY 


Recreation  a Phase  of  Human  Culture 

Recreation  is  a phase  of  human  culture.  Ca- 
pacity for  recreation  and  the  impulse  to  play  are 
inborn  in  every  normal  person,  just  as  capacity  for 
speech  is  inborn ; but  just  as  capacity  for  speech 
and  the  impulse  to  talk  can  find  effective  expres- 
sion only  through  the  use  of  words,  which  are  not 
inborn  but  are  a part  of  our  slowly  developed  cul- 
tured inheritance,  so  inborn  capacity  for  recrea- 
tion can  find  no  more  than  rudimentary  expression 
except  as  the  arts  and  skills  of  recreation  are  ac- 
quired. These  are  not  inborn,  but  are  the  result 
of  slow  cultural  development  through  the  ages, 
passed  on  from  generation  to  generation. 

As  a boy  I took  part  in  the  various  recreational 
activities  of  a frontier  community  in  Minnesota 
where  a large  part  of  the  people  were  recent  im- 
migrants from  Europe.  There  was  a considerable 
range  of  outdoor  sports  — horse  racing,  hunting, 
fishing,  swimming,  skating,  coasting  and  skiing. 
Indoors  there  were  card  playing,  dancing,  bowl- 
ing, billiards,  boxing  and  various  other  activities. 
Of  all  of  these  forms  of  recreation  I have  two 
fairly  distinct  impressions.  Nearly  all  were  rudi- 
mentary, lacking  in  great  skill,  refinement  or  other 
special  excellence.  Only  in  skating  did  I see  sport 
of  high  quality.  The  other  impression  is  that  in 
all  the  recreation  of  the  frontier  there  was  seldom 
a hint  of  originality  or  creativeness.  As  I think 
over  the  various  forms  of  sport  which  I knew, 
the  only  form  I can  recall  which  might  be  in- 
digenous was  “log  rolling”  by  men  who  drove 
logs  on  the  Mississippi  River  from  the  north 
woods  to  the  big  city  saw  mills.  Two  men  would 
stand  on  a floating  log  and  make  it  spin  or  rotate 
in  the  water,  the  contest  being  as  to  which  could 
keep  his  balance  until  the  other  had  fallen  off. 

Almost  every  form  of  play  I knew  had  come 
from  over  seas,  and  had  its  origin  in  the  long  ago. 
This  is  but  another  way  of  say- 
ing that  the  content  of  human 
culture  is  of  very  slow  growth. 

Only  at  long  intervals  does 
sheer  creation  take  place ; only 
on  rare  occasions  do  persons 
appear  who  give  new  quality 
of  dignity  and  beauty  to  old 
forms.  With  few  exceptions 
our  resources  of  recreational 
forms  and  the  quality  of  their 
expression  are  limited  to  what 
we  have  received  in  our  cul- 
tural inheritance.  The  three 


centuries  of  American  settlement  have  added  very 
little  that  is  new  in.  what  we  play.  If  so  much  de- 
pends on  our  cultural  inheritance  and  so  little 
upon  invention  or  creation  at  any  one  period,  then 
for  the  democratic  extension  of  recreation  we 
must  count  on  transmitting  to  the  whole  people 
by  effective  and  orderly  means  the  best  in  form 
and  quality  which  the  cultural  inheritance  of  our 
own  and  other  countries  can  supply. 

The  common  life  of  Europe  has  been  charac- 
terized by  many  folk  ways  of  fine  quality.  Yet 
under  fairly  universal  conditions  of  exploitation 
and  oppression  the  lot  of  the  masses  was  drab  and 
sordid  and  lacking  in  cultural  refinements.  To  a 
very  large  degree  the  refinements  of  European 
culture  have  long  existed  as  a thin  film  over  the 
unleavened  mass  of  the  population.  A casual  visi- 
tor may  find  keen  interest  in  the  indigenous  folk 
games  of  a peasant  community.  Yet  longer  ac- 
quaintance may  find  them  to  be  highly  standard- 
ized, unimaginative,  and  intolerant  of  innovation. 
Only  with  the  fading  of  general  oppression  and 
with  the  gradual  emergence  of  democracy  and  of 
respect  for  personality  do  the  cultural  achieve- 
ments of  the  aristocratic  veneer,  along  with  the 
finest  folk  ways  and  the  native  sense  of  self-re- 
spect, dignity  and  creativeness,  begin  to  permeate 
the  mass.  Peoples  which  have  longest  possessed 
elements  of  democracy  and  have  been  freest  from 
oppression  have  to  the  greatest  degree  achieved 
color  and  quality  and  variety  in  their  social  ex- 
pressions. 

One  of  the  weaknesses  of  emerging  democracy 
is  a tendency  to  despise  those  elements  of  culture 
which  are  indigenous,  and  to  assume  that  every 
quality  of  the  ruling  classes  is  good  and  should  be 
imitated.  In  rural  Newfoundland  I saw  fine  old 
hand-made  furniture  being  cast  aside  to  make 
place  for  varnished  golden  oak  from  Chicago  mail 
order  houses.  In  the  lake  dis- 
trict of  Austria  colorful  and 
picturesque  peasant  costumes 
had  been  cast  aside  for  party 
dresses  from  Paris  and  Vienna, 
until  aristocratic  summer  visi- 
tors, by  adopting  the  peasant 
costumes  themselves,  gave 
them  renewed  status.  In  the  ex- 
tremely diverse  immigrations 
to  America  there  have  been  in- 
troduced a great  variety  of  cul- 
tural forms,  including  those 
concerned  with  recreation. 


"The  past  few  years  have  seen  thou- 
sands of  brave  men  and  women  taking 
up  all  sorts  of  new  leisure  interests 
and  discovering  in  them  satisfactions 
which  are  not  dependent  upon  job  or 
employer,  prosperity  or  financial  cri- 
sis. Finding  in  their  leisure  activities 
a means  of  living  creatively  and  con- 
tentedly, apart  from  a paid  job,  these 
hardy  men  and  women  are  helping  to 
build  up  a new  and  valuable  tradition 
— the  use  of  leisure  for  the  mainte- 
nance of  personal  integrity.” — Bess 
V .Cunningham  in  Family  Behavior. 


LEISURE  TIME  IN  AN  INDUSTRIAL  COMMUNITY 


573 


Among  them  have  been  many  elements  of  real 
merit  which  might  well  be  preserved  and  added 
to  our  own.  Yet  there  has  been  a tendency  on  the 
part  of  immigrants,  and  especially  on  the  part  of 
their  children,  to  look  at  those  old  folk  ways  as 
lacking  in  worth  and  to  cast  them  aside  for  typi- 
cally American  ways.  Thus  one  of  the  funda- 
mental processes  of  civilization — the  passing  on 
of  the  cultural  tradition — has  been  greatly  inter- 
fered with.  The  work  of  Jane  Addams,  great  in 
so  many  ways,  was  admirable  in  that  she  tried  to 
develop  respect  and  es- 
teem for  the  cultural 
forms  which  survived  in 
the  neighborhood  of  Hull 
House. 

, Human  Culture  a 
Slow  Growth 

My  remarks  so  far 
may  seem  to  be  discon- 
nected and  some  times 
conflicting.  Yet  they  all 
illustrate  or  bear  upon 
two  points.  The  first  is 
that  human  culture,  of 
which  recreation  is  one 
phase,  never  is  quickly 
created  or  improvised.  It 
is  a product  of  very  slow 
growth.  A culture  which 
is  rich  in  variety  and  in 
quality  possesses  that 
character  because  there 
has  been  accumulated  and 
conserved  the  essence  of 
a long  and  fortunate  in- 
heritance. 

My  second  point  is  that  this  perpetuation,  re- 
finement and  extension  of  inheritance  cannot 
wisely  be  left  to  chance.  Wherever  some  great 
crescendo  of  achievement  has  occurred  we  will 
nearly  always  find  preceding  it  a long  process  of 
more  or  less  orderly  selection  and  education. 
There  has  been  seemingly  spontaneous  inventive- 
ness in  America,  yet  if  the  orderly  and  cumula- 
tive contributions  of  our  technical  schools  should 
be  removed,  the  technology  on  which  American 
civilization  rests  would  almost  completely  break 
down. 

The  whole  institution  of  organized  education  is 
testimony  to  the  fact  that  human  culture  reaches 
its  finest  and  fullest  development  only  by  deliber- 


ately organized  social  effort.  That  effort  includes 
search  for  existing  cultural  values  wherever  they 
may  appear,  the  appraisal  of  all  cultural  resources 
and  selection  of  those  of  greatest  worth,  orderly 
research  in  the  creation  of  new  forms  and  values, 
the  constant  search  for  creative  genius,  the  as- 
sembly of  materials  in  orderly  and  consistent  form 
for  transmission  to  the  next  generation,  and  the 
selection  and  setting  aside  in  a favorable  environ- 
ment of  the  most  accomplished  and  inspiring  per- 
sons to  be  teachers.  There  was  a time  when  this 


No  longer  do  adventures  into  the  open  with 
no  economic  incentive  brand  one  as  "queer"! 

educational  process  was  thought  of  as  applicable 
to  only  a few  fields,  such  as  the  ministry,  law  and 
medicine.  Gradually  other  fields  of  activity  have 
been  recognized  as  needing  this  organized  educa- 
tional process,  until  today  a great  variety  of  ac- 
tivities are  served  by  organized  education. 

The  essence  of  my  proposal  to  you  is  this : rec- 
reation is  subject  to  the  same  laws  of  develop- 
ment as  any  other  phase  of  human  culture.  It 
represents  the  slow,  gradually  accumulations  of 
creative  elements,  the  contributions  of  occasional 
genius,  slowly  perfected  and  enlarged  by  general 


Courtesy  Intercollegiate  Outing  Club  Association 


Photo  by  Laura  Allen 


574 


LEISURE  TIME  IN  AN  INDUSTRIAL  COMMUNITY 


experience  and  by  the  influence 
of  discriminating  personalities. 

Recreation  cannot  reach  its  full 
development  by  accidental  and 
casual  transfers  of  the  cultural 
tradition.  For  its  best  develop- 
ment it  requires  all  the  resources 
of  organized  education,  com- 
bined with  well  selected  first 
hand  experience.  It  requires  the 
assembling  of  existing  data,  ap- 
praisal of  relative  values,  re- 
search for  new  possibilities,  and 
teaching  by  the  best  informed,  most  creative,  most 
skillful  and  most  inspiring  persons. 

Play  Must  Be  Spontaneous 

For  the  average  man  in  the  past  recreation  has 
had  the  character  of  brief  respites  from  hard  and 
bitter  living.  Where  the  Puritan  tradition  has 
prevailed,  play  has  been  looked  at  askance,  as  be- 
ing on  the  verge  of  impropriety.  Too  often  it  has 
been  dull  and  uninspired,  affording  little  exercise 
to  training  intelligence  or  to  aesthetic  discrimina- 
tion. Three  centuries  of  life  on  this  continent  has 
given  general  currency  to  only  a few  rudimentary 
elements  of  an  indigenous  recreational  culture.  In 
the  face  of  these  facts  I am  not  put  to  shame  by 
those  who  say  that  of  all  our  many  activities,  play 
at  least  should  be  spontaneous  expression  of  the 
spirit,  and  not  a technique  to  be  learned  in  the 
schools. 

I am  inclined  to  reply  that  even  originality  and 
spontaneity  are  in  large  part  the  result  of  example 
and  imitation.  The  great  historic  outbursts  of 
human  culture  have  not,  I believe,  been  due  to 
sudden  changes  in  the  germ  plasm,  but  rather  to 
exceptional  combinations  of  opportunity,  example 
and  stimulus,  the  very  conditions  which  it  is  the 
business  of  education  to  provide.  With  some  not- 
able apparent  exceptions  great  scientific  discov- 
eries have  not  come  to  the  isolated  worker,  but 
originate  in  an  atmosphere  of  science.  The  same 
is  true  of  music,  sculpture  and  literature,  and  the 
same  will  be  true  of  recreation. 

In  view  of  the  dead  lines  of  much  educational 
•effort  there  is  danger,  it  is  true,  in  putting  any 
live  interest  into  the  hands  of  formal  education 
for  fear  it  may  be  killed.  In  a well-known  Eng- 
lish school  for  boys  the  first  head  master  pro- 
vided a hobby  period  in  which  each  boy  could  cul- 
tivate some  hobby,  such  as  pets  or  photography. 
Headmaster  changed,  and  the  hobbies  became  in- 


exorable duties,  with  grades  for 
good  or  poor  achievement.  Under 
the  new  headmaster  the  new 
prospectus  stated  that  no  boy 
could  graduate  without  having 
“satisfactorily  completed  three 
hobbies.”  When  I advocate  rec- 
reational education  it  is  not 
without  some  misgiving.  Only 
the  spirit  of  recreation  can  save 
us  from  that  deadliness. 

In  recreation,  as  in  other 
fields,  education  can  liberate  us 
from  a narrow  and  restrictive  orthodoxy.  As  a 
boy  I had  a passionate  love  of  nature.  Evening 
half-lights  on  the  river,  a crescent  fringe  of  blue 
gentians  and  white  grass  of  Parnassas  about  the 
margin  of  an  open  marsh,  or  the  silent  aisles  of 
the  tamarack  swamp.  These  gave  me  sheer  joy 
of  living.  I was  intensely  curious  to  decipher  the 
geological  peculiarities  of  our  region  and  to  pene- 
trate the  secrets  of  life  histories  of  plants  and 
animals.  With  companions,  when  they  could  be 
found,  and  otherwise  by  myself,  I enjoyed  tur- 
bulent trips  on  the  upper  Mississippi,  astride  logs 
on  their  way  from  the  northern  woods  to  the  big 
city  saw  mills.  There  were  the  sudden  rushes 
through  the  rapids,  and  leisurely  loafing  through 
the  still  pools,  and  then  the  long  tramp  up  river 
and  home  in  the  dark. 

These  were  fair  substitutes  for  adventure,  but 
they  did  not  fit  the  narrow  recreational  orthodoxy 
of  the  time.  It  was  proper  to  go  into  the  woods 
to  hunt  or  fish  or  trap,  or  even  to  gather  wild 
grapes  or  butternuts,  but  to  go  for  the  sheer  joy 
of  the  woods  and  the  streams  and  of  walking, 
without  a semblance  of  economic  incentive — that 
was  fairly  definite  evidence  of  feeble-mindedness, 
or  at  least  of  queerness. 

It  is  easy  to  say  that  the  narrow  recreational 
orthodoxy  of  that  time  and  place  represented  the 
potential  recreational  interests  of  the  people,  but  I 
do  not  believe  that  is  true.  At  Knoxville,  Ten- 
nessee, for  a considerable  period  there  has  ex- 
isted an  organization  known  as  “The  Smoky 
Mountain  Hiking  Club.”  Its  members  are  not 
peculiar  fanatics,  but  normal  men  and  women 
who  have  discovered  that  they  can  openly  enjoy 
together  those  very  interests  which  as  a boy  I was 
at  great  pains  to  conceal  in  order  not  to  be  classed 
as  peculiar.  The  Smoky  Mountain  Hiking  Club  has 
grown  so  large  that  on  its  trips  it  breaks  up  into 


"There  is  no  way  of  life  that  is  ulti- 
mately as  satisfying  or  as  promis- 
ing for  the  group  as  the  way  of 
democracy  itself.  I take  it  with  all 
its  weaknesses.  With  all  the  mould- 
ing that  democracy  still  has  to  do, 
I still  say  that  democracy  is  the 
one  way  of  life  men  have  discov- 
ered that  makes  it  possible  for 
them  to  go  forward  as  a group  in 
mutual  understanding  and  in  mu- 
tual good  will."  — Dr.  Frank 
Kingdon  in  The  Jewish  Center. 


LEISURE  TIME  IN  AN  INDUSTRIAL  COMMUNITY 


575 


numerous  sections  so  that  a considerable  number 
of  diverse  interests  can  find  expression. 

I use  the  particular  case  of  enjoyment  of  the 
out  of  doors  only  to  illustrate  a principle.  It  is 
not  enough  that  recreational  activities  should 
originate  from  time  to  time.  We  need  definitely 
planned  educational  provisions  for  recognizing 
such  developments,  preserving  them,  developing 
them,  giving  them  open  recognition,  and  for  mak- 
ing them  generally  current.  The  new  industrial 
revolution  now  under  way  is  eliminating  the  need 
for  lives  of  drudgery.  Leisure  will  be  upon  us  in 
great  abundance  as  soon  as  we  can  adjust  our 
social  and  economic  thinking  and  feeling  to  the 
possibilities  of  present  day  production.  But  rec- 
reational versatility  and  skill  is  a cultural  growth. 
-.Unless  we  provide  for  it  leisure  may  lead  chiefly 
to  dull  competition  in  conspicuous  waste  and  to 
ostentation  of  vulgarity. 

Education  for  Leisure 

Education  for  recreation  should  become  a rec- 
ognized part  of  our  educational  program  as  surely 
as  education  for  production.  That  program 
should  cover  every  stage  of  living  from  the  kin- 
dergarten to  the  leisure  of  old  age.  Recreational 
education  should  not  endeavor  to  set  up  a com- 
plete curriculum  of  its  own,  but  should  develop 
skill  in  drafting  the  services  of  every  department 
of  organized  education.  It  should  make  men 
aware  of  the  tremendously  varied  resources  for 
avocational  activities  and  for  play  which  are  avail- 
able in  the  sum  total  of  human  culture.  It  should 
develop  recognition  of  the  respectability  and  rea- 
sonableness of  varied  interest,  so  they  can  com- 
pete with  the  standardized  forms,  such  as  bridge 
and  motoring  and  dancing  and  golf  and  football 
games.  It  should  help  to  give  variety  and  color 
and  individuality  to  our  recreational  impulses.  I 
speak  not  primarily  for  the  liberation  of  a selected 
and  favored  group  such  as  you  whom  I am  ad- 
dressing, but  for  recreational  liberation  of  the 
great  body  of  Americans  who  are  without  special 
opportunity  or  favored  cultural  background.  It  is 
by  such  gradual  liberation,  penetrating  the  entire 
mass  of  the  population,  rather  than  by  the  passing 
of  the  laws  alone,  that  democracy  will  become  a 
reality.  The  first  great  education  institution  which 
clearly  recognizes  this  need  and  deliberately  un- 
dertakes to  supply  it  in  a full  and  orderly  manner 
will  have  established  a new  landmark  in  educa- 
tion and  in  human  culture. 


Using  Leisure  Creatively 

Now  let  me  illustrate  in  a rambling  way  some 
of  the  uses  which  may  be  made  of  leisure  in  an  in- 
dustrial democracy  where  recreational  ignorance 
has  been  banished,  and  a broad  educational  cul- 
ture achieved.  Many  productive  processes  will 
become  sources  of  pleasure.  In  the  little  town  of 
Norris,  Tennessee,  there  has  been  maintained  for 
two  years  a community  craft  shop,  a part  of  the 
town  educational  system.  It  has  the  part  time  ser- 
vices of  a man  highly  competent  in  furniture  de- 
sign, and  also  has  a managing  mechanic  familiar 
with  metal  work.  In  many  homes  in  that  town 
are  well  designed  and  well  built  pieces  of  fur- 
niture made  in  that  shop  by  men  and  women  in 
leisure  time.  In  some  cases  such  work  has  sup- 
plied a considerable  part  of  the  home  furniture 
of  such  quality  as  to  be  fit  for  family  heirlooms. 
Textiles,  ceramics  and  metal  work  of  quality  and 
individuality  are  appearing  in  those  homes,  prod- 
ucts of  leisure  hours. 

Mass  production  can  be  assigned  the  work  of 
making  goods  of  utility,  but  intelligent  and  edu- 
cated men  will  not  willingly  give  up  opportunity 
to  express  their  creative  personalities  in  some  of 
the  intimate  associations  of  their  lives.  I am  told 
that  about  one  person  in  four  in  the  general  popu- 
lation has  innate  capacity  for  fine  craftsmanship 
in  wood  or  metals  or  their  plastic  substitutes.  The 
entire  range  of  craftsmanship  is  open  to  the  spirit 
of  recreation. 

Some  of  you  in  exploring  the  short  wave  length 
bands  of  your  radios  have  come  across  the  region 
assigned  to  amateur  broadcasters.  Apparently 
hundreds  and  perhaps  thousands  of  young  men  in 
all  parts  of  the  country  have  found  this  a means 
of  self-expression,  which  up  to  the  present  is 
rather  pitifully  narrow.  In  many  cases  these  ama- 
teur radio  sets  belong  to  normal,  well  developed 
boys  or  young  men.  Too  often,  however,  a de- 
scription of  the  boy’s  activities  by  his  mother 
would  run  somewhat  as  follows:  “John  is  a very 
quiet  boy.  He  has  but  one  or  two  boy  friends.  He 
does  not  go  to  parties  or  have  girl  friends.  Most 
evenings  after  his  work  is  done  he  spends  in  his 
room  with  his  amateur  set.”  Listen  to  these  ama- 
teur radio  conversations  and  we  hear  little  but  an 
inane  monotonous  formula  of  sending  and  receiv- 
ing, with  an  occasional  remark  about  the  weather. 
Here  is  an  opportunity,  under  inspired  educa- 
tional guidance,  for  opening  up  the  lives  of  many 
young  people. 


576 


LEISURE  TIME  IN  AN  INDUSTRIAL  COMMUNITY 


I believe  that  in  every  large  school  and  in  many 
communities  there  might  well  be  taken  an  annual 
census  of  recreational  interests,  the  results,  after 
being  classified,  to  be  made  available  to  the  student 
body  or  community  members.  Any  person  could 
then  discover  what  others  shared  his  particular 
interests,  and  much  greater  diversity  and  spon- 
taneity might  result  with  the  development  of 
many  new  companionships.  Having  experimented 
with  this  device  I am  of  the  opinion  that  it  can 
be  used  successfully,  but  only  in  case  someone  will 
see  its  success  as  a major  achievement  and  will 
work  with  it  persistently  and  enthusiastically  for 
a period  of  years  until  it  takes  root  and  becomes 
part  of  the  life  of  the  institution  or  community. 

The  members  of  your  organization  and  the  rec- 
reational authorities  of  the  country  in  general 
have  not  been  idle.  I scarcely  need  to  mention 
such  developments  as  the  Little  Theater,  com- 
munity singing,  women’s  garden  clubs,  the  steady 
increase  in  playgrounds  for  city  children,  sum- 
mer camps,  studies  in  children’s  toys,  children’s 
music,  research,  disciplinary  and  educational  work 
in  moving  pictures  and  radio,  and  many  other  ac- 
tivities. Neither  need  I mention  the  enormous  de- 
velopment of  student  recreation  in  school  and  col- 
lege, and  its  steadily  widening  range.  The  news- 
paper sport  pages  keep  us  aware  of  that  world. 

Recreational  education  should  not — it  could  not 
— forget  these  mass  activities  I hope,  however, 
that  it  may  come  to  perform  a much  more  difficult 
function,  that  of  keeping  open  the  road  for  in- 
dividuality and  creative  effort  and  of  liberating, 
developing  and  refining  recreational  potentialities 
which  have  an  intellectual  or  aesthetic  quality.  Try 
as  we  may  to  preserve  independence  and  individu- 


ality in  our  lives,  it  appears  that  many  of  our 
major  economic  processes  are  to  become  social- 
ized, so  that  we  shall  be  parts  of  great  economic 
organizations.  The  present  tendency  is  strongly 
in  that  direction,  regardless  of  whether  we  call 
those  organizations  private  business,  as  with  the 
telephone  industry,  or  public  business,  as  with  the 
post  office  industry. 

With  this  socializing  and  regimenting  of  our 
economic  life,  how  are  we  to  preserve  individu- 
ality? I believe  we  can  do  it  in  recreation,  giving 
to  that  word  its  widest  meaning.  The  average 
man  can  be  encouraged  through  imaginative  and 
creative  suggestions  and  guidance  to  find  indi- 
vidual expression  in  the  sciences  and  the  arts.  The 
out  of  doors  will  have  other  uses  than  to  pass 
through  swiftly  by  automobile.  It  will  be  allow- 
able to  wear  clothing  which  does  not  conform  to 
the  season’s  commercial  vogue,  but  which,  dis- 
ciplined by  good  taste,  best  suits  one’s  personality. 
I hope  it  may  be  possible  to  live  in  houses  dar- 
ingly conceived,  but  well  designed,  in  suitable  set- 
tings, which  may  differ  widely  from  conventions. 
I should  like  to  see  some  adventurous  persons  use 
modern  construction  materials  to  build  homes  in 
the  air  and  sun,  inspired  by  the  form  of  a tree 
and  its  spreading  branches,  rather  than  by  present 
day  houses  which  are  adaptations  of  the  shelters 
of  our  early  ancestors,  the  cave  dwellers.  A spirit 
of  recreational  adventure  will  explore  many  fields. 

There  is  no  doubt  in  my  mind  of  the  existence 
of  millions  of  Americans  who  now  play  bridge  a 
few  nights  a month,  go  to  movies  as  often,  attend 
standard  football  games,  or  baseball  games,  read 
the  sport  pages,  and  listen  to  the  monotonous 
( Continued  on  page  610) 


Rvm 

vwXwS 


B8ESBHI 


Courtesy  WPA,  Boston,  Massachusetts 


'Merrily  We  Roll  Along! 


Hi  Ho!  my  friend,  for  this  zveek-end 
We  plan  a camping  trip. 

Now  bring  your  bike  at  half  past  one 
On  Saturday.  We’ll  have  great  fun. 

We’ll  romp  and  szvim  and  ride  our  wheels; 

We’ll  even  cook  our  meals. 

Please  sign  up  now,  if  you  decide 
To  join  us  on  our  camping  ride. 

P.  S.  About  our  baggage,  we’ll  not  fuss — 

A truck  will  take  our  things  for  us. 

So  ran  the  announcement  of  the  annual  over- 
night camping  trip  taken  by  a group  of  girls 
who  love  the  feeling  of  the  wind  a-whistliiv 
in  their  ears  and  the  lure  of  the  “Romany  Road," 
woodlands  and  adventure. 

This  band — over  forty  strong — began  very  sim- 
ply. Two  young  women  with  newly-purchased 
bicycles  planned  an  outing  in  the  country  outside 
of  Reading,  Pennsylvania.  They  had  such  a pleas- 
ant jaunt  that  crisp  March  day  in  1935  that  they 
determined  to  form  a small  club  among  the  few 
grown-ups  who  were  known  to  own  bicycles.  A 
. meeting  was  held  and  five  girls  were  present. 
They  decided  to  ride  together  every  two  weeks. 
The  first  ride  was  postponed  by  bad  weather  three 
times,  but  finally  the  weather  cleared  and  the  first 
trip,  a “cook-out,”  was  taken.-  While  only  five 
participated,  two  of  them  were  brand  new  mem- 
bers who  increased  the  total  to  seven  instead  of 
five  and  encouraged  the  founders  immensely. 

They  Go  Vagabonding 

Now  there  are  forty-three  active  vagabonds  in 
the  Senior  Bicycle  Club,  as  the  group  is  called,  and 
it  is  sponsored  bv  the  Reading  Recreation  Depart- 
ment. All  of  the  members  are  over  sixteen  and  all 
but  one  are  industrial  girls.  Twenty-two  went  on 
the  overnight  trip  announced  in  the  jingle  at  the 
top  of  the  page — the  most  to  ride  at  any  one  time. 
At  the  camp,  the  girls  swam,  played  the  annual 
volley  ball  game,  hiked,  explored  new  roads  by 
bicycle  and  gave  an  evening  fire  program.  It  was 
a happy  group  of  bicycle  campers  which  rolled 
over  the  hills  into  Reading  on  Sunday  afternoon. 

The  overnight  trip  is  the  big  event  of  the  club 
year,  yet  every  two  or  three  weeks  finds  the  group  * 
on  the  road  bound  for  some  interesting  place,  with 
something  unusual  planned  to  do  en  route.  On 


By  Marion  Shelmerdine 

Supervisor,  Girls'  and  Women's  Activities 
Department  of  Public  Playgrounds  and  Recreation 
Reading,  Pennsylvania 


one  scavenger  hunt  the  girls  had  a hilarious  time 
pedalling  about  town  searching  for,  among  other 
things,  a doormat,  a 1932  calendar,  a corncob 
pipe,  pine  needles,  a caterpillar,  the  signature  of 
the  acting  head  of  the  Recreation  Department  and 
a horse  hair.  The  driver  of  a milk  wagon  agreed 
to  let  the  girls  pull  out  a bit  of  his  horse’s  hair, 
but  he  eyed  them  askance,  none  the  less,  as  they 
fed  the  horse  sugar  and  extracted  a few  hairs 
from  “Dobbin’s”  mane.  On  another  such  hunt — 
this  time  at  camp— the  girls  sought  nature  objects 
with  the  aid  of  their  flashlights. 

Events  of  All  Kinds 

There  are  “splash”  rides  (bring  your  bathing 
suit),  breakfast,  picnic  lunch  and  supper  rides  and 
once  “A-nutting  we  will  go”  ride  (bring  a bag). 
There  was  a treasure  hunt,  a “co-ed  ride”  with  a 
similar  group  sponsored  by  the  Y.M.C.A.  Any 
friends  of  the  girls  were  also  welcome.  The  girls 
gave  a tea  at  one  of  the  field  houses,  played  games 
and  thoroughly  enjoyed  themselves.  They  also 
planned  a Christmas  party  to  which  each  was  to 
bring  a ten-cent  gift  for  Santa  Claus  to  distribute. 

Another  major  event,  second  only  in  popularity, 
perhaps,  to  the  overnight  trip  to  Indiandale,  was 
the  rodeo  which  the  club  held  at  the  High  School. 
The  following  events  were  scheduled  : 

Ride  and  Coast  Race 
Ride-Push-Ride  Race 
Slow  Race 
Zigzag  Race 
Potato  Race 
Relay  Race 
Bicycle  Polo 

While  the  rides  tend  to  average  ten  to  fifteen 
miles  in  length,  the  “pal  ride”  was  a shorter  one. 
On  this  ride  each  of  the  Senior  Club  members 
acted  as  a buddy  for  one  of  the  Junior  Club 
members. 


577 


578 


" MERRILY  WE  ROLL  ALONG!” 


The  Junior  Club 

The  Junior  Club  was  formed  after  the  Senior 
Club  had  aroused  much  interest  in  bicycling.  The 
Juniors  range  from  eight  to  fifteen  years  of  age. 
The  purpose  of  their  club  is : “To  provide  the 
young  girls  of  Reading  and  vicinity  with  a sched- 
ule of  various  rides  and  activities,  enabling  them 
to  ride  in  a group  to  a number  of  interesting 
places  both  in  and  outside  the  city  limits;  to  pro- 
vide capable  leadership  for  every  ride  and  to  unite 
all  young  girls  interested  in  bicycling  as  a hobby.” 
They  plan:  “To  enjoy  themselves  thoroughly;  to 
have  rides  as  much  as  possible  oft'  the  main  high- 
ways ; to  return  home  in  ample  time  and  not  to 
schedule  rides  so  long  they  are  fatiguing.” 

The  program  committee  plans  the  schedules. 
This  committee  is  composed  of  some  of  these 
youngsters  who  map  their  trips  under  adult  super- 
vision. The  junior  group  is  particularly  interested 
in  breakfast  rides,  picnic  trips  and  most  especially 
in  the  overnight  trip  to  camp.  They  have  had  an 
overnight  trip  which  was  quite  an  undertaking 
since  many  of  the  children  had  not  been  away 
from  home  before,  but  each  child  was  given  in 
advance  a task  to  perform  while  at  camp  so  that 
routine  matters  of  living  were  carried  out  quickly 
and  without  confusion.  Three  senior  club  girls 
helped  the  juniors  on  this  trip.  Once  they  held  a 
naturejscav enge r hupi  in 

the  park  and  even  these  Some  of  the  members  of 

of  Reading  as  they  get 


mites  had  a “co-ed  ride”  and  were  invited  “To 
bring  your  brother  or  some  other  boy  who  rides.” 
They  have  had  picnic  and  “cook-out”  rides  as  well 
as  “splash”  parties. 

The  newspapers  have  been  generous  with 
stories  about  these  ambitious  cyclists,  following 
their  activities  closely  and  publishing  announce- 
ments of  scheduled  rides.  All  in  all,  if  we  have 
given  the  girls  and  young  women  of  Reading 
nothing  more  than  companionship  in  a sport  which 
they  have  made  their  hobby,  we  feel  well  paid  for 
time  and  effort  expended. 


With  the  return  of  the  bicycle  to  popularity 
we  may  expect  to  see  a revival  of  bicycle  days, 
or  bicycle  “carnivals,”  as  they  are  sometimes 
called,  when  races  and  events  on  wheels  of  vari- 
ous kinds  are  featured  for  both  boys  and  girls. 
Programs  for  such  gala  days  include  75  and  100 
yard  dashes,  races  around  the  block,  slow  races, 
riding  and  coasting,  and  coasting  for  distance. 
Then,  too,  there  are  such  novelty  events  for  the 
more  daring  as  steering  with  the  feet,  riding 
under  the  crossbar,  pedaling  first  on  one  side, 
then  on  the  other,  riding  on  one  wheel,  riding  a 
three  or  four-inch  plank,  sitting  on  the  handle 
bars,  lifting  the  wheel,  while  sitting  on  it,  over  a 
four-inch  plank,  and  rid- 
the  Girls'  Bicycle  Club  ing  between  barrels, 
off  to  a "flying  start!" 


One  W 


oman 


Twenty-five  years  ago  this  March 
a woman  returned  from  England 
and  started  a small  group  of  Girl 
Guides,  patterned  after  the  English 
organization.  On  the  surface  that 
might  seem  an  event  of  no  particular 
moment.  But  because  the  woman  was  Juliette 
Gordon  Low,  enthusiastic,  determined  and  irre- 
sistible, that  small  group  of  eleven  girls  grew  into 
a national  organization  — the  Girl  Scouts,  some 
31,000  times  as  large  as  the  original  group  of  girls 
which  met  in  a barn  in  Savannah. 

Early  Developments 

She  was  an  amazing  woman,  was  Juliette  Gor- 
don Low.  Never  taking  “no”  for  an  answer, 
sweeping  all  obstacles  before  her,  rushing  from 
city  to  city,  she  told  the  need  of  the  American 
girl  on  every  hand.  By  1916  a national  headquar- 
ters was  established.  In  1919  the  World  Associa- 
tion of  Girl  Guides  and  Girl  Scouts  was  formed, 
laying  a corner  stone  for  international  friendship 
and  sisterhood.  In  1920  the  Girl  Scouts  took 
stock  and  revised  the  entire  program  to  meet 
modern  needs.  The  old  war-time  khaki  uniform 
was  changed  to  a grey-green,  the  official  magazine 
changed  its  name  to  The  American  Girl , the  hand- 
book was  re-written  and  a new  emphasis  placed 
on  the  educational  side  of  Girl  Scouting.  The  or- 
ganization began  a new  period  of  growth. 

The  year  1926  was  an  important  one,  for  dur- 
ing it  the  Brownie  program  for  girls  seven  to  ten 
was  officially  recognized  in  the  handbook  of  the 
Girl  Scouts  and  two  national  camps  were  estab- 
lished on  the  site  of  Horace  Greeley’s  farm  at 
Briarcliff  Manor,  New  York. 

To  these  camps  came  dele- 
gates from  thirty-two  coun- 
tries to  attend  the  first 
World  Camp.  The  World 
Camp  was  the  last  great 
dream  for  her  girls  that 
Juliette  Low  saw  realized, 
for  in  1927  the  founder, 
friend  and  guide  of  the  Girl 
Scouts  died. 


Her  Legacy 


During  1937  nearly  400,000  Girl  Scouts 
and  their  leaders  throughout  the  United 
States  will  celebrate  the  twenty-fifth 
anniversary  of  the  organization  and  will 
commemorate  it  in  various  ways.  The 
actual  birthday  will  occur  on  March  12th. 
The  date  of  October  31st  will  also  be 
given  special  prominence  as  the  birthday 
of  Mrs.  Juliette  Low,  the  founder.  Rec- 
reation workers  will  want  to  have  a part 
in  this  significant  Silver  Anniversary. 


But  others  carried  on  her  work.  In 
1934  the  Mariner  program  for  older 
girls  was  established  for  girls  who 
like  to  sail.  Even  more  important, 
however,  was  the  second  thorough  in- 
ventory of  the  Girl  Scout  program. 
A committee  was  set  up  to  study  every  angle  of 
the  program  to  determine  if  and  how  it  could  be 
made  more  adequate  and  effective.  Recommenda- 
tions are  already  being  acted  upon.  This  year, 
1937,  will  mark  the  second  World  Encampment 
of  Girl  Scouts  at  the  national  camps.  Together 
the  leaders  and  girls  will  celebrate  the  twenty- 
fifth  anniversary  and  lay  the  foundations  for  the 
coming  years. 

Today  there  are  350  permanent  Girl  Scout 
camps,  over  400  Little  Houses,  some  800  local 
councils,  a large  national  headquarters  with  a 
staff  of  traveling  advisors,  a magazine,  and  equip- 
ment service  and  nearly  400, 000  members. 

Mere  Statistics  Are  Inadequate 

But  there  is  infinitely  more  to  the  story  of  the 
development  of  Girl  Scouting  than  a mere  list  of 
names,  dates,  major  events  and  figures. 

There  is  the  spirit  of  Juliette  Gordon  Low,  in- 
domitable and  courageous,  surmounting  the  handi- 
caps of  continual  ill  health,  extreme  deafness  and 
advancing  years  — to  carry  forward  an  idea  — a 
spirit  which  serves  as  a beacon  to  the  girls  of  the 
world  who  follow  in  her  steps  through  Scouting. 

There  is,  too,  the  aim  of  the  whole  movement — 
to  help  each  girl  to  discover  and  develop  the  rich 
possibilities  which  lie  within  her  and  in  the  world 
around  her.  She  may  embark  on  this  voyage  of 
discovery  through  the  Mari- 
ner program,  or  enter  it 
through  the  regular  Girl  Scout 
program  some  of  whose  main 
roads  explore  the  home,  the 
out-of-doors  and  community 
service,  or  as  a wee  Brownie, 
she  may  lay  the  foundations 
of  rare  womanhood  in  the 
magic  and  charm  and  inter- 
ests of  the  small  child’s  world. 


579 


580 


ONE  WOMAN  AND  HER  LEGACY 


There  is  also  the  service 
which  Girl  Scouts  give  in  their 
communities.  These  girls  do 
not  wait  until  adulthood  to  dis- 
cover and  utilize  ways  of  be- 
ing good  citizens  and  partici- 
pating in  a democratic  com- 
munity life.  Their  skills  and 
interests  and  desire  for  ser- 
vice are  used  in  a number  of 
ways.  There  are  troops  which 
regularly  work  with  district 
nurses  and  community  relief 
agencies ; troops  which  serve 
meals  to  underweight  children  in  their  schools ; 
troops  which  cooperate  with  municipal  recreation 
departments  in  carrying  a recreation  program  to 
shut-ins.  Girl  Scouts  have  planted  thousands  of 
trees,  run  thrift  shops,  repaired  clothing  for  the 
unemployed.  In  times  of  disaster  such  as  floods, 
Girl  Scouts  are  among  the  first  to  volunteer  to 
assist  the  Red  Cross  and  other  agencies,  caring 
for  children,  delivering  supplies  and  helping  in 
every  way  possible. 

The  Girls  Themselves 

There  are,  lastly,  the  girls  themselves,  vibrant 
and  alive,  moving  toward  adulthood  fortified  with 
a rich  store  of  interests  and  skills,  encouraged  by 


understanding  companions  and 
leaders  and  guided  by  the  shin- 
ing gure  of  Juliette  Gordon 
Low. 

The  Girl  Scout  Promise 

On  my  honor,  I will  try; 

To  do  my  duty  to  God  and  my 
country, 

To  help  other  people  at  all 
times, 

To  obey  the  Girl  Scout  laws. 

The  Girl  Scout  Motto 

“Be  Prepared” 

The  Girl  Scout  Emblem 

The  Girl  Scout  emblem  is  a trefoil  bearing  the 
American  Eagle  and  the  initials  G S.  The  three 
leaves  of  the  trefoil  symbolize  the  three  parts  of 
the  Girl  Scout  Promise. 

The  Girl  Scout  Sign 

The  idea  of  the  Girl  Scout  sign  has  come  down 
from  the  days  of  chivalry  when  armed  knights 
greeted  friendly  knights  whom  they  met  by  rais- 
ing the  right  hand,  palm  open,  as  a sign  of  friend- 
ship. The  Girl  Scout  sign  is  made  with  the  palm 
forward,  the  first  three  fingers  extended,  and  the 
little  finger  held  down  by  the  thumb.  The  hand 
is  usually  held  shoulder  high.  The  sign  is  used  as 
a greeting  among  Girl  Scouts. 


THE  GIRL  SCOUT  LAWS 

A Girl  Scout's  honor  is  to  be  trusted. 

A Girl  Scout  is  loyal. 

A Girl  Scout's  duty  is  to  be  useful 
and  to  help  others. 

A Girl  Scout  is  a friend  to  all  and  a 
sister  to  every  other  Girl  Scout. 

A Girl  Scout  is  courteous. 

A Girl  Scout  is  a friend  to  animals. 

A Girl  Scout  always  obeys  orders. 

A Girl  Scout  is  cheerful. 

A Girl  Scout  is  thrifty. 

A Girl  Scout  is  clean  in  thought,  word 
and  deed. 


Courtesy  Girl  Scouts 


An  "April  Fish”  Party 

"A  little  nonsense  now  and  then 
Is  relished  by  the  wisest  men.” 


While  an  “April  Fish”  party  is  particularly 
appropriate  for  April  first,  it  may  be  held 
at  any  time  during  the  month. 

The  Invitation.  The  following  is  suggested  for 
the  invitation : 

Simple  Simon  went  a-fishin’ 

For  to  catch  a whale, 

But  all  the  water  he  could  find 
Was  in  his  mother’s  pail. 

We’re  going  fishin’  Friday  night 
For  to  catch  a sucker, 

At  eight  bells  come  to  Paul’s  house 
In  your  best  bib  and  tucker. 

Trading  Fish.  Cut  out  some  small  paper  fish  and 
give  each  guest  ten.  Whenever,  during  the  eve- 
ning, one  guest  succeeds  in  fooling  a fellow  guest, 
the  player  fooled  must  give  him  a fish.  Similarly, 
whenever  one  player  says  or  does  something 
funny  which  makes  other  players  laugh,  those 
who  laugh  must  pay  a penalty  by  giving  up  a fish. 
The  player  with  the  most  fish  at  the  end  of  the 
evening,  and  the  one  with  the  least  fish,  receive 
comic  prizes. 

Parts  of  a Fish.  Give  each  guest  a sheet  of  paper 
containing  the  following  scrambled  letters  which, 
correctly  arranged,  spell  various  parts  of  a fish : 

(1)  Ahde.  Head.  (6)  Lasecs.  Scales. 

(2)  Lait.  Tail.  (7)  Ehtet.  Teeth. 

(3)  Ifsn.  Fins.  (8)  Syee.  Eyes. 

(4)  Kocnabeb.  Backbone.  (9)  Lgisl.  Gills. 

(5)  Isbr.  Ribs.  (10)  Umtoh.  Mouth. 

A booby  prize  of  a toy  fish  may  be  given  the 
player  who  is  last  to  finish,  or  a real  prize  to  the 
one  finishing  first.  Or  it  may  be  desirable  to  have 
all  the  others  give  their  fish  to  the  winner. 

To  a small  piece  of  cane  fish- 
ing pole  attach  a line  about  three 
feet  long  to  the  end  of  which  a 
small  magnet  has  been  tied.  Cut 
a number  of  fish  out  of  card- 
board and  number  each.  (There 
should  be  as  many  numbers  as 
there  are  guests.)  Stick  a pin 
through  each  fish  and  place  all 
the  fish  in  a dish.  Each  player 


pi  oceeds  to  catch  a fish.  When  all  have  their  num- 
bers the  leader  calls  on  them  one  by  one  and  asks 
each  to  do  a stunt.  The  following  stunts  are 
suggested : 

(1)  Show  how  you  acted  when  you  made  your 
first  speech. 

(2)  Tell  what  you  know  about  golf. 

(3)  Show  how  you  proposed  (or  how  you  are 
going  to  propose.) 

(4)  Draw  a picture  of  yourself. 

(5)  Say  the  threes  in  the  multiplication  table 
backwards.  (This  may  be  done  by  turning 
your  back  to  the  audience.) 

(6)  Register  supreme  joy. 

(7)  Act  as  if  you  were  a new  stenographer. 

(8)  Act  as  if  you  were  a successful  business 
man. 

(9)  Imagine  you  are  a ventriloquist  and  give  a 
performance. 

(10)  Imitate  a book  agent. 

( 1 1 ) Show  how  you  take  your  morning  exercise. 

(12)  Act  as  if  you  were  an  Egyptian  dancer. 

(13)  Choose  a partner  and  imagine  you  are  play- 
ing tennis. 

(14)  Give  a swimming  lesson. 

(15)  Recite  “Mary  Had  a Little  Larhb”  as  a ten- 
year-old  girl  would. 

(16)  Tell  why  or  why  not  you  like  blondes  better 
than  brunettes. 

Kinds  of  Fish.  Give  each  player  a piece  of  paper 
and  pencil  and  allow  them  five  minutes  in  which 
to  write  the  names  of  as  many  fish  as  they  can 
think  of.  Give  a prize  to  the 
one  who  has  the  longest  list. 
There  are  about  800  varieties  of 
fish.  It  is  easy  to  list  forty  or 
fifty  of  them  in  ten  minutes. 

You  will  find  many  chances 
for  humor  in  this  game.  One 
player,  for  example,  listed  King- 
fish,  Oueenfish,  Princefish,  blue- 
fish,  redfish,  blackfish,  brown- 


The  idea  of  an  "April  Fish"  party 
comes  to  us  from  the  French,  who, 
instead  of  saying  "April  Fool"  use 
the  expression  "Poisson  d'Avril," 
meaning  "April  Fish."  The  party 
suggestions  offered  here  are  taken 
from  a bulletin  issued  by  the  So- 
cial Council  of  the  Onized  Club, 
Owen-lllinois  Plate  Glass  Company. 


581 


582 


AN  “ APRIL  FISH”  PARTY 


fish  and  so  on.  Another  player  presented  a list 
containing  Papa  fish,  Mamma  fish,  Baby  fish, 
fried  fish,  boiled  fish  and  baked  fish.  These  lists 
caused  much  merriment. 

An  April  Fool  Relay.  Divide  the  guests  into  two 
or  more  groups  and  have  them  stand  in  line  fac- 
ing a goal  twenty  or  twenty-five  feet  away.  Sug- 
gest that  the  players  run  to  the  goal,  and  return, 
in  the  following  manner : They  must  take  two 
steps  forward  and  one  step  backward.  Mincing 
steps  are  not  permitted.  The  first  player,  after 
completing  the  run  to  and  from  the  goal,  touches 
the  next  in  line  who  runs  to  the  goal,  returns, 
touches  the  third  player,  and  so  on.  The  group 
which  finishes  first  wins. 

Guessing  the  Names  of  Fish.  This  game  may  be 
used  in  addition  to  the  other 
writing  games,  or  instead  of 
either  of  them. 

What  fish 

(1)  Does  the  miser  love? 

Gold. 

(2)  Twinkles  in  the  sky? 

Star. 

(3)  Is  musical?  Bass. 

(4)  Is  the  royal  fish? 

King. 

(5)  Is  the  carpenter’s 
fish?  Sawfish. 

(6)  Is  part  of  the  human 
body?  Mussel 

(7)  Is  the  soldier’s  fish? 

Sword. 

(8)  Is  a color?  Blue. 

(9)  Will  try  to  swindle  you  ? Shark. 

(10)  Is  like  a bird?  Flying. 

( 1 1 ) Is  another  name  for  a road  ? Pike. 

(12)  Is  also  a frog?  Toad. 

(13)  Serenades  you?  Cat. 

(14)  Is  immortal?  Sole. 

(15)  Is  a flop?  Flounder. 

April  Fish  Menu.  Have  the  following  menu 
printed  on  slips  of  paper  and  passed  out  to  the 
guests.  They  are  allowed  to  select  any  three  of 
the  articles  on  the  menu  for  their  refreshments. 
Of  course  this  is  only  an  April  Fool  refreshment 
menu,  and  after  this  has  been  served  the  regular 
refreshments  will  be  produced.  Bring  in  the  three 
articles  selected  on  small  plates.  It  will  be  neces- 
sary for  each  guest  to  write  his  name  on  the  menu 
after  he  has  underscored  what  he  wishes,  so  that 
those  in  charge  will  know  to  whom  to  return  the 


menu  and  who  are  to  be  served  the  different 
articles. 

MENU 

(1)  Regular  Chicken  Dinner 

(2)  Bell  of  the  Garden  (3)  Girl’s  Delight 

(4)  Fruit  of  the  Vine 

(5)  Vital  Prop  (6)  Polly’s  Special 

(7)  A Chip  of  the  Old  Block 
(8)  Life  Preserver  (9)  Good  Impudence 

(10)  Porcelain  Delight 

(11)  Salted  Nuts  (12)  Spring’s  Offering 

KEY 

(1)  Mixed  cracked  grain  (a  chicken  dinner) 

(2)  Bell  pepper  (a  slice  of  it)  (3)  Date 

(4)  Cucumber  (a  slice  of  it) 

(5)  Slice  of  bread  (6)  Soda  cracker 

(7)  Toothpick 
(8)  Salt  (9)  Chili  Sauce 
(10)  Tea 

(11)  Nuts  off  of  bolts, 
salted 

(12)  Water 

Refreshments.  For  the 

regular  refreshments  serve 
sandwiches  cut  into  the 
shape  of  fish,  and  fruit 
punch,  or  ice  cream  (snow- 
drift) and  cherub’s  food 
(angel  food  cake). 

Properties.  The  following 
properties  will  be  needed : 
(1)  Enough  paper  fish  to 
give  ten  to  each  guest. 

(2)  Papers  prepared  for  the  game,  Parts  of  a 

Fish. 

(3)  Fishing  pole,  small  magnet,  and  paper  fish 

with  pins  in  them. 

(4)  Blank  sheets  of  paper  and  pencils. 

(5)  Papers  prepared  for  guessing  the  names  of 

fish. 

(6)  Fake  menu  cards. 

(7)  April  Fool  tricks.  (Since  April  first  is  cele- 

brated in  France  as  in  other  countries  with 
joking  and  tricks,  be  sure  to  buy  or  arrange 
some  tricks  which  will  catch  the  unwary 
guest.  Thumbtack  a handkerchief  to  the 
floor ; the  habit  of  picking  up  things  is  strong. 
Purchase  inexpensive  tricks  such  as  rubber- 
leaded  pencils  and  artificial  food  or  candy. 
These  may  be  obtained  at  a ten  cent  or  nov- 
elty store.  Such  tricks  make  excellent  prizes 
for  the  winners  of  the  games  or  party  favors. ) 


"April  first  is  dedicated  to  practical 
jokers  in  America;  but,  contrary  to 
general  belief,  the  custom  of  fooling 
friend  and  foe  did  not  originate  in  this 
country.  For  centuries  All  Fools'  Day 
has  been  observed  in  England,  Scot- 
land, Spain,  Japan  and  France.  In 
Scotland  it  is  called  'Cuckoo  Day,'  in 
France  it  is  'Fish  Day'  and  in  Spain  it  is 
known  as  'Boob  Day.'  Even  the  Japa- 
nese have  a name  for  it.  In  the  land  of 
the  Mikado  April  first  is  known  as  'Doll 
Day.'  " — From  The  Year  ’Round. 
Party  Book  by  Young  and  Gardner. 


**%%/#here  do  we  go  this  year?” 

“When  does  Vacation 
Reading  Club  start  ?” 

With  the  first  hint  of  spring 
comes  a steady  stream  of  such  questions,  with 
eager  faces  peering  up  at  us  over  the  library  desk. 
School  has  begun  to  pall  and  every  normal  child 
is  filled  with  the  spirit  of  wanderlust  and 
adventure. 

“What’s  the  Reading  Club  doing  this  summer?” 
“How  soon  do  we  begin?” 

Even  before  examinations  are  over  and  the 
school  yard  gate  is  locked,  the  desire  for  a glori- 
ous vacation  full  of  good  fun  excites  youth  to 
seek  new  interests  in  spite  of  a chance  for  freedom. 

Before  the  boys  and  girls  have  scattered  to  the 
four  winds,  the  Moorestown  Free  Library  has 
capitalized  on  this  holiday  spirit  and  has  directed 
this  lively  interest  toward  books  and  special  pro- 
grams of  reading  during  the  summer  months. 

The  Announcement 

One  of  the  most  popular  schemes  yet  tried  was 
the  “Personally  Conducted  Tours”  sponsored  by 
the  Library  last  summer.  About  the  last  of  May 
every  pupil  of  the  elementary  and  junior  schools 
was  given  a printed  notice  of  these  tours  with  this 
invitation : 

“Come,  choose  your  guide  and  away,  my  lad, 
Come  choose  your  guide  and  away !” 

The  list  of  authorized  guides  spelled  adventure 
from  the  very  start.  King  Arthur  promised  the 


fulfillment  of  a long  cherished  de- 
sire to  visit  the  “World  of  Knights 
and  Chivalry.”  The  challenging 
caption,  “The  Sky’s  the  Limit,” 
under  the  capable  piloting  and  companionship  of 
Lindbergh  was  a temptation  even  to  those  who 
had  never  thrilled  to  the  drone  of  a plane.  To 
those  who  had  often  envied  Wendy’s  method  of 
traveling,  but  had  come  to  grief  and  fallen  off  the 
foot  of  the  bed  when  attempting  Peter  Pan’s 
technique,  the  invitation  to  tour  “Never-Never 
Land”  with  Peter  was  a chance  too  good  to  miss. 
Daniel  Boone  promised  a first-hand  acquaintance 
with  Indians  and  opened  up  all  sorts  of  chances 
for  wild  encounters.  Every  child  knew  Pinocchio 
and  his  name  as  a guide  meant  skipping  off  for  a 
summer  of  fun  and  jollity.  No  one  knew  just 
what  to  expect  with  Alice  in  Wonderland,  but 
many  were  willing  to  risk  the  first  plunge  down 
the  Rabbit  Hole  on  the  chance  of  escaping  to  a 
land  of  magic  and  wonder.  “All  Aboard  for 
Pirates  and  Hidden  Treasure”  with  Captain  Kidd 
in  command  was  enough  to  attract  the  bravest  of 
the  boys  and  even  a few  stout-hearted  girls.  The 
name  of  Sherlock  Holmes  aroused  those  who  had 
an  ear  tuned  for  mysterious  adventure.  The 
chance  to  escape  to  the  Greenwood  with  Robin 
Hood  and  his  Merry  Men  was  hard  to  resist  after 
the  first  few  hot  days  of  early  June,  and  Mowgli 
as  a guide  meant  a real  break  from  a small  back- 
yard to  a life  of  freedom  in  the  jungle. 


By  HANNAH  SEVERNS 
Librarian 

Moorestown,  N.  J.,  Free  Library 


583 


584 


GAY  TOURS  TO  FAR-AWAY  LANDS 


Personal  Introductions 

As  the  boys  and  girls  entered  the  children’s 
room  they  came  face  to  face  with  these  guides. 
Here  they  were,  bright  cardboard  figures  gaily 
dressed  in  appropriate  attire.  Pinocchio,  with  his 
long  saucy  nose,  beckoned  to  them  from  his  place 
on  the  mantle  over  the  fireplace.  Mowgli  peered 
out  from  the  jungle  of  the  window-box  and  was 
irresistible  in  his  cooling,  though  scanty  costume. 
King  Arthur,  ready  to  leap  upon  his  white  horse, 
gave  the  impression  that  there  was  no  time  to  lose 
if  you  wished  to  follow  him! 

Even  the  appearance  of  Sherlock  Holmes,  pipe 
in  hand,  mystified  those  who  entered,  for  he  did 
look  a bit  out  of  place  in  these  colorful  surround- 
ings. Peter  Pan,  piping  a merry  tune,  seemed  to 
set  the  atmosphere  for  the  summer’s  program,  and 
the  children  followed  him  as  though  he  might 
have  been  the  Pied  Piper  of  Hamlin.  With  Lind- 
bergh standing  beside  his  humming  plane,  with 
Daniel  Boone,  all  booted  and  spurred,  and  with 
Captain  Kidd  and  Robin  Hood  both  ready  for 
action  and  promising  a summer  of  thrills,  is  it 
any  wonder  that  some  boys  and  girls  signed  up 
for  several  tours  before  they  could  finally  decide 
on  the  one  they  actually  wanted  to  follow?  In 
fact,  during  the  summer,  some  traveled  fast 
enough  to  finish  several  journeys. 

The  Art  Department  of  the  Moorestown  Pub- 
lic School  had  shown  its  interest  and  cooperation 
by  making  these  life-like  figures  that  nodded  to 
everyone  who  entered  from  every  corner  of  the 
festive  room. 

The  Start 

Now  that  the  exciting  choice  was  made  and  the 
anticipated  journey  well  in  mind,  each  child  was 
requested  to  sign  up  in  the  “log  book”  of  the  tour 
of  his  choice.  Bright  colored  scrap  books  from 
Woolworth’s  appeared  in  an  entirely  new  guise 
with  gay  pictures  appropriate  to  the  subject  of  the 
tour  pasted  and  shellaced  on  the 
cover.  Opening  the  book,  the 
children  saw  what  might  have 
been  an  ordinary  book-list,  but 
a few  sketches  and  the  alluring 
titles  gave  an  entirely  different 
impression,  and  the  titles  as  read 
sounded  like  magic  vehicles  that 
would  carry  them  toward  their 
clreamed-of  destination.  The 
books  in  each  tour  were  so  ar- 
ranged in  groups,  according  to 


ages  and  reading  ability,  that  a child  in  the  third 
grade  could  find  enough  books  to  interest  his  more 
limited  imagination,  and  yet  on  the  same  tour 
there  were  books  to  attract  the  boys  and  girls  of 
the  junior  schools  as  well.  For  instance,  Daniel 
Boone’s  tour  started  off  with  that  delightful  pic- 
ture-story book,  “Down,  Down  the  Mountain”  by 
Credle,  that  the  smallest  reader  could  enjoy,  and 
ended  with  “Early  Candlelight,”  a thrilling  his- 
torical novel  of  early  days  in  Kentucky.  In  this 
way  no  one  tour  was  limited  to  any  special  age  or 
group,  and  from  any  list  a traveler  could  easily 
select  the  ten  books  which  were  the  official  com- 
pletion of  the  itinerary. 

The  ceremony  of  signing  up  was  an  impressive 
one,  for  each  child  was  given  a blank  page  in  the 
log  book  of  the  tour  he  had  decided  to  follow.  His 
name,  school  and  grade  were  written  at  the  top  of 
the  page,  and  the  space  below  was  his  very  own 
to  fill  in  or  to  embellish  as  he  wished.  It  was  sug- 
gested to  the  tourist  that  as  he  reached  any  new 
place  in  his  travels,  that  is,  as  he  returned  each 
book  read,  the  name  of  the  book  should  be  noted 
with  a brief  account  of  his  impressions.  It  may 
have  been  that  such  reports  savored  too  much  of 
school  or  we  may  have  been  a bit  too  optimistic 
about  the  creative  ability  of  our  groups,  for  we 
were  disappointed  to  find  few  original  additions 
to  the  literature  of  exploration  and  travel. 

“Get  Your  Tickets  Ready” 

The  next  important  step  before  actually  em- 
barking was  to  receive  a ticket.  As  the  child 
reached  up  for  that  long  yellowish  looking  docu- 
ment his  fingers  fairly  tingled  with  excitement. 
The  ticket  was  dated  in  true  railroad  fashion  and 
each  time  a book  was  returned  it  was  marked  with 
the  name  of  the  place  visited  as  well  as  with  the 
title  of  the  book  read.  The  real  thrill  came  when 
the  official  punch  was  made  beside  the  destination 
when  it  was  reached  at  last.  A real  proof  that 
they  were  traveling ! 

Story  Hours  En  route 
The  regular  weekly  story- 
hours  supplemented  the  spirit 
of  the  summer’s  venture  and 
each  week  one  of  the  tours  was 
featured  with  as  much  lure  as 
railroad  advertising.  One  week, 
King  Arthur  and  his  knights, 
together  with  his  noble  band  of 
followers,  were  hosts.  Then  an- 


Children's  reading  is  a subject  with 
which  playground  workers  should 
be  vitally  concerned,  and  the  ques- 
tion of  more  active  cooperation 
between  recreation  officials  and 
their  local  libraries  is  one  which 
is  arousing  much  interest.  No  rec- 
reation worker  can  afford  to  miss 
th  is  fascinating  story  of  the  ex- 
perience of  one  library  in  making 
summer  reading  a glamorous  ad- 
venture for  children! 


GAY  TOURS  TO  FAR-AWAY  LANDS 


585 


other  week  Mowgli  and  his 
friends  of  the  jungle  entertain- 
ed with  tales  of  the  wilds.  One 
afternoon,  much  to  the  amuse- 
ment of  the  story-teller  and 
members  of  the  staff,  just  as 
Peter  Pan  was  being  introduced 
to  the  group  as  the  visiting  ce- 
lebrity, a WPA  band  burst  forth 
in  full  blast  on  the  front  lawn, 
and  poor  Peter  and  the  story- 
teller were  left  alone.  The  charm 
of  music  had  again  proved  its  power.  However, 
to  prove  that  it  was  not  that  they  particularly  pre- 
ferred music  to  stories,  but  wanted  both,  they  re- 
turned during  the  intermission  with  a few  recruits 
from  the  concert  audience  and  coaxed  for  the 
story-hour. 

The  Reward 

In  this  day,  when  nearly  every  broadcast  and  . 
periodical  showers  the  general  public  with  prize 
contests  of  every  tantalizing  description,  it  may 
seem  strange  that  no  reward  of  any  kind  was  of- 
fered at  the  journey’s  end.  The  Vacation  Read- 
ing Club,  as  our  summer’s  reading  program  has 
always  been  called,  has  been  carried  on  simply  for 
the  joy  of  reading.  Parents  have  been  not  only 
pleased  to  have  the  reading  of  their  children  di- 
rected during  the  summer  months,  but  the  boys 
and  girls  have  apparently  liked  it  also. 

Usually  after  each  summer  of  some  such  direct- 
ed reading  we  have  planned  a carry-over  into 
Book  Week  in  November  when  we  invite  the  boys 
and  girls  who  have  been  interested  during  the 
summer  to  some  special  entertaniment,  glorified 
story-hour  or  book  party.  This  year  the  party 
took  on  the  glamour  of  a Treasure  Hunt.  The 
boys  and  girls  were  invited  to  come  dressed  to 
represent  any  of  the  friends  they  had  met  in  their 
vacation  travels.  One  little  fellow  came  in  about 
a week  before  the  party  for  a special  conference 
with  the  librarian.  He  had  been  traveling  with 
Mowgli  and  had  found  most  of  his  new  acquain- 
tances scantily  clothed,  and  he  seemed  a bit  em- 
barrassed to  think  of  appearing  too  dramatically 
playing  the  part.  After  conferring  on  what  his 
attic  had  to  offer  he  decided  to  come  as  Dr.  Do- 
little  with  a magnificent  topper  and  carrying  a 
black  satchel.  It  was  great  fun  guessing  each 
other  and  extremely  difficult  in  some  cases.  A 
boy  with  a pillow  under  his  belt,  with  a small 
red  toy  horse  sitting  on  top,  was  supposed  to  be 


a character  from  “Red  Horse 
Hill.” 

After  the  guessing  was  over 
and  each  character  strutted  about 
proud  and  recognized,  the  search 
for  treasure  began.  The  chil- 
dren were  divided  into  teams, 
each  with  a captain  who  was 
given  the  first  clue  for  his  team 
to  follow.  The  clues  for  each 
team  were  printed  on  a different 
colored  paper.  Soon  the  children 
were  running  in  all  directions  with  the  clues  that 
led  them  from  book  shelves  to  dictionaries,  to  the 
catalog,  over  to  the  reference  alcove,  back  to  the 
shelves.  “If  you  would  find  treasure,  go  look  in 
the  ‘Secret  Garden’  ” sent  them  all  scrambling  to 
the  shelves,  only  to  find  after  looking  through  the 
pages  another  clue  which  told  them  that  they  must 
find  “Diggers  and  Builders”  to  help  them.  Al- 
though many  clues  for  the  different  teams  led  to 
the  same  places,  they  were  so  arranged  that  not 
more  than  one  team  was  searching  in  the  same 
place  at  the  same  time.  Finally,  after  much  excit- 
ing adventure,  they  came  upon  the  treasure.  This 
was  a new  library  card,  gaily  decorated  with  a 
bright  star  announcing: 

A library  card 
Is  a magic  key 
That  opens  new  worlds 
To  you  and  me. 

These  cards  when  presented  at  the  desk  by  the 
winners  entitled  them  to  select  a new  book  from 
that  Book  Week  exhibit  of  tempting  covers  and 
titles  which  had  been  on  display  for  a week  under 
their  yearning  eyes. 

The  fact  that  there  are  always  more  children 
who  follow  the  summer’s  program  of  reading 
than  attend  the  party,  leads  us  to  believe  that  it  is 
not  the  certificates  or  the  recognition  in  Book 
Week  that  is  the  incentive  of  those  that  remain 
enthusiastic  followers  from  one  year  to  another. 

Other  Popular  Schemes 

From  summer  to  summer  other  projects  have 
been  carried  out  with  more  or  less  popularity. 

“A  Trip  Around  the  World”  one  year  attracted 
many  would-be  tourists.  Tickets  proved  not  only 
an  important  requirement  to  the.  youngsters,  but 
were  useful  also  in  keeping  a record  of  the  travel- 
er’s progress.  The  list  of  books  about  each  coun- 
try was  printed  on  the  ticket,  and  the  punch  was 
made  opposite  the  book  read.  The  names  of  the 


"We  are,  for  the  first  time  in  all 
history,  building  in  our  public  li- 
braries temples  of  happiness  and 
wisdom  common  to  us  all.  No 
other  institution  that  society  has 
brought  forth  is  so  wide  in  its 
scope;  so  universal  in  its  appeal; 
so  near  to  every  one  of  us;  so  in- 
viting to  both  young  and  old,  so 
fit  to  teach  without  arrogance,  the 
ignorant  and,  without  faltering,  the 
wisest."  — John  Cotton  Dana. 


586 


GAY  TOURS  TO  FAR-AWAY  LANDS 


tourists  were  also  listed  on  a large  chart  which 
hung  in  the  Children’s  Room.  This  was  gaily 
decorated  with  the  flags  of  each  country  to  be 
visited,  and  their  journeys  from  country  to  coun- 
try were  noted  on  the  chart  each  time  news  was 
received  of  their  whereabouts.  Some  children 
who  were  vacationing  away  from  town  joined  this 
tour  and  sent  frequent  reports  back  to  the  Library. 

The  following  summer  we  confined  our  travels 
to  our  own  country.  Instead  of  tickets  each  child 
was  given  a small  outline  map  of  the  United 
States,  and  as  he  read  books  relating  to  the  vari- 
ous sections  of  the  country  he  colored  the  map  or 
decorated  it  with  pictures  illustrating  the  story 
and  its  location. 

“Ten  Adventures  in  the  Wonderland  of  Books” 
was  a borrowed  idea  that  was  adapted  to  meet  our 
own  collection  and  local  needs.  As  our  colorful 
Children’s  Room  is  called  the  “Alice  in  Wonder- 
land Room”  and  the  lights  and  furnishings  fea- 
ture Alice  in  her  many  adventures,  this  plan, 
based  on  the  exploits  of  Alice,  was  very  appro- 
priate and  popular. 

Stephen  W.  Header,  the  writer  of  boys’  books, 
and  a member  of  our  Board  of  Trustees,  prepared 
for  us  a chart  showing  various  trails.  The  boys 
and  girls  that  particular  summer  were  invited  to 
follow  “Book  Trails,”  leading  from  the  Library 
“to  the  sea,”  “to  the  mountains,”  “paths  to  long 
ago,”  and  other  alluring  places.  As  the  books  were 
read  from  the  suggested  lists  the  names  of  the 
readers  were  written  on  the  trail  of  the  book  rep- 
resented. At  the  close  of  the  summer  each  trail 
was  paved  with  the  names  of  those  who  had  wan- 
dered joyously  up  and  down  these  inviting  paths. 

Another  summer  a covered  wagon  appeared  in 
the  Children’s  Room  in  early  June.  Although  the 
wagon  had  been  made  by  the  pupils  of  one  of  the 
fifth  grades  of  the  local  school,  its  appearance  in 
the  Library  prompted  all  kinds  of  excitement  and 
curiosity  from  the  other  children.  The  news  post- 
ed announced  that  a “Caravan  Journey”  would 
start  from  the  Library  as  soon  as  school  closed, 
and  all  children  interested  were  invited  to  write 
their  names  on  a card  provided  and  slip  it  in  the 
back  of  the  wagon.  When  the  caravan  was  ready 
to  start  a silhouette  was  cut  of  each  child  who  had 
registered,  and  .these  were  placed  on  a large  pos- 
ter, in  procession  formation,  all  following  a sketch 
of  a Conestoga  wagon.  The  book  lists  were  also 
printed  in  books  cut  in  the  form  of  covered 
wagons.  As  the  caravan  moved  from  place  to 


place,  and  the  pioneers  reported  on  the  books 
read,  copies  of  small  books  in  bright  colors  were 
pictured  by  colored  crayons  as  though  they  were 
piled  on  their  arms.  The  army  of  over  one  hun- 
dred children  marching  with  great  piles  of  books 
made  an  impressive  poster.  Parents  were  a bit 
aghast  when  they  discovered  their  own  offspring 
in  line,  for  even  though  the  same  pattern  was 
used  for  all  the  figures  the  scissors  had  a queer 
way  of  making  a stock  silhouette  take  on  strange 
and  different  appearances,  by  a sudden  curve  of  a 
nose,  or  a lock  of  up-springing  hair. 

“Discoverers  in  Far-away  Lands”  was  the  at- 
traction for  another  summer.  A large  map  of 
the  world  was  hung  in  the  Children’s  Room  at  a 
height  that  the  children  could  reach.  As  the  books 
were  read  the  map  was  colored  and  decorated  to 
illustrate  the  location  and  character  of  the  story. 
At  the  end  of  the  summer  the  Library  was  the 
proud  possessor  of  a very  attractive  map  of  the 
world  made  by  the  boys  and  girls. 

So  the  summers  fly  by,  while  the  boys  and  girls 
not  only  experience  fun  and  interesting  adventure 
but  build  up  a background  of  good  literature  that 
becomes  part  of  their  permanent  heritage. 

Such  a program  carried  on  in  a vacation  play 
school  or  on  the  playground  offers  many  possi- 
bilities in  the  field  of  creative  dramatics.  The  li- 
brary, however,  with  its  specialized  program,  and 
in  view  of  the  fact  that  the  children  are  not  in 
attendance  each  day,  has  felt  that  such  a feature 
would  be  difficult  for  it  to  foster.  Yet  what  a field 
all  this  is  for  those  who  are  interested  in  puppets 
and  a summer’s  repertoire  for  a marionette  thea- 
ter! In  fact,  these  same  ideas  with  many  varia- 
tions could  be  adapted  to  any  program  of  activi- 
ties including  crafts,  leading  the  child’s  interest 
into  many  engaging  and  enriching  channels. 


“We  do  know  this — that  a generation  educated 
to  acquire  taste  for  reading  and  to  appreciate  good 
books ; that  has  had  training  in  music  and  oppor- 
tunity for  dramatic  expression ; that  has  acquired 
a love  for  the  outdoors  and  an  appreciation  of 
nature ; that  has  built  up  hobbies  in  different 
fields ; that  has  early  gained  skills  in  games  which 
can  be  enjoyed  through  life,  and  that  has  de- 
veloped ease  and  facility  in  social  relationships, 
may  well  face  any  kind  of  world  in  leisure.  And 
when  we  so  educate  all  youth  we  shall  be  master 
builders — builders  who  will  be  making  a life  for 
real  living!” — Minnette  B.  Sfector. 


"We  the  People  — and  the  Constitution 


Plans  for  the  one  hundred  and  fiftieth  anniversary 
of  the  adoption  of  the  Constitution  are  now  under 
way.  What  is  the  significance  of  the  celebration? 


The  Congress  of  these  United  States  has  de- 
creed that  “we  the  people”  shall  go  to  school 
for  the  next  two  years  to  study  the  Constitu- 
tion which  we  so  deeply  revere  but  so  little  un- 
derstand. 

The  one  hundred  and  fiftieth  anniversary  of  the 
adoption  of  the  Constitution,  on  September  17, 
19 37,  will  be  the  first  of 
a series  of  events  which 
will  continue  until  April 
3°,  1939.  The  signing  of 
the  Constitution,  its  rati- 
fication by  the  different 
states,  the  launching  of 
the  Constitution  by  the 
first  Congress  of  the 
United  States,  and  the 
one  hundred  and  fiftieth 
anniversary  of  the  in- 
auguration of  George 
Washington  as  President 
of  the  Republic,  will  be 
the  major  events  to  be 
celebrated. 

Purpose  of  the  Celebration 

The  purpose  of  the  celebration  is  to  create  a 
quickened  interest  in  the  Constitution  and  its  es- 
sential relation  to  the  history  of  the  nation ; to 
bring  to  each  citizen  the  knowledge  of  his  rights 
and  obligations  under  the  Constitution ; how  it 
guards  him ; how  it  gives  him  the  opportunity  to 
make  the  most  of  himself,  while  it  demands  his 
respect  and  obedience.  The  historical  backgrounds 
and  origins  of  the  Constitution  will  be  studied,  the 
struggle  for  ratification,  the  triumphal  organiza- 
tion of  the  National  Government  and  the  constitu- 
tional phases  of  its  later  development. 

The  Commission  and  Its  Program 

Congress  has  established  the  United  States  Con- 
stitution Sesquicentennial  Commission  to  direct 
these  significant  events.  The  Commission  is  made 
up  of  The  President  of  the  United  States,  chair- 


man, Vice-President  of  the  United  States,  Speaker 
of  the  House  of  Representatives,  five  United 
States  Representatives,  five  United  States  Sena- 
tors and  five  “Presidential  Commissioners.”  Mr. 
Sol  Bloom  of  New  York  is  the  Director  General. 

The  Commission  will  carry  this  educational  cele- 
bration to  every  section  of  the  United  States,  its 
territories  and  insular 
possessions.  Every  city, 
town,  institution,  and  or- 
ganization is  asked  to 
participate  in  some  ap- 
propriate and  timely  way, 
during  the  period  Sep- 
tember 17,  1937  to  April 
30,  1939.  Within  a short 
time  every  city  and  town 
in  America,  participating 
in  these  celebrations,  will 
be  appointing  local  com- 
mittees for  the  develop- 
ment of  its  own  cere- 
monies. The  mayors  of 
all  cities  have  been  asked 
to  cooperate  with  state 
and  national  commissions.  All  important  organi- 
zations of  men  and  women  have  been  asked  to  ap- 
point similar  committees. 

Three  major  divisions  have  been  set  up  to  assist 
local  communities  or  groups.  A History  Division 
will  provide  the  necessary  accurate  facts  for  the 
use  of  local  committees,  and  will  serve  as  a clear- 
ing house  through  which  many  queries  will  pass 
concerning  phases  of  our  constitutional  history. 
This  division  will  work  in  close  cooperation  with 
the  Education  and  Library  Divisions. 

A special  project  for  creative  writing  of  plays 
and  pageants  will  conduct  contests  in  high  schools, 
colleges  and  among  adults. 

There  will  be  nation-wide  activities  that  have  a 
special  appeal  in  every  community.  Foremost  of 
these  is  the  distribution  of  authentic  reproduc- 
tions of  the  Constitution  and  the  Declaration  of 
Independence  to  be  displayed  in  appropriate  places. 

587 


Many  recreation  departments  are  no  doubt 
planning  to  take  an  active  part  in  the  150th 
anniversary  of  the  adoption  of  the  Consti- 
tution which  is  to  be  celebrated  this  year, 
and  there  will  be  many  opportunities  to  in- , 
terpret  in  story,  song  or  pageantry  some  of 
the  lessons  of  the  Constitution.  In  connec- 
tion with  the  annoucement  of  the  plans  pre- 
sented here  we  are  giving  some  facts  about 
the  Constitution  which  may,  perhaps,  be 
woven  into  pageantry  material.  Further  in- 
formation and  descriptive  matter  may  be 
secured  from  the  United  States  Consti- 
tution Sesquicentennial  Commission,  524 
House  Office  Building,  Washington,  D.  C. 


' 588 


“WE  THE  PEOPLE”— AND  THE  CONSTITUTION 


These  facsimiles  will  be  sent  to  schools,  libraries 
and  museums. 

An  educational  motion  picture  with  a constitu- 
tional theme  is  planned  for  distribution  at  a mini- 
mum cost.  The  film  will  be  available  in  both  35 
and  16  mm.  widths.  To  school  children,  a well 
directed  film  with  a dramatic  presentation  will 
have  a special  appeal  and  may  form  the  basis  for 
a series  of  lessons  in  history. 

There  will  be  a special  issue  of  stamps  com- 
memorating the  Sesquicentennial  of  the  Constitu- 
tion. Appropriate  commemorative  medals  and 
badge  medals  will  be  struck  for  presentation  in 
Sesquicentennial  projects  and  contests,  as  well  as 
to  schools  taking  a prominent  part  in  the  cele- 
bration. 

The  planting  of  trees  as  a special  tribute  during 
this  observance  is  being  planned  with  the  Ameri- 
can Tree  Association. 

Special  Constitution  poems  and  music  will  be 
distributed,  together  with  plays  and  pageants 
adaptable  to  community  needs. 

In  the  Nation’s  Capital  an  art  exhibition  is  be- 
ing planned  for  the  period  of  the  celebration. 
This  will  consist  of  a loan  exhibition  of  portraits 
of  the  signers  of  the  Constitution. 

Outstanding  of  the  planned  general  activities 
are  Constitution  pilgrimages  to  the  Nation’s  Capi- 
tal and  to  Philadelphia  to  visit  the  shrines  of  the 
Constitution.  Pilgrimage  certificates  will  be  issued 
to  persons  making  this  pilgrimage. 

Principal  Dates 

The  educational  phases  of  the  program  will  be 
continuous,  but  the  commemorative  features  will 
center  around  a succession  of  definite  dates. 

On  September  17,  1937  the  national  celebration 
will  be  inaugurated  at  Philadelphia  where  150 
years  before  the  delegates  signed  the  Constitution. 

June  21,  1788  the  date  when  New  Hampshire 
ratified  the  Constitution,  the  last  of  the  nine  states 
required  to  make  it  effective. 

April  30,  1939,  the  150th  anniversary  of  Wash- 
ington’s inauguration,  will  bring  to  a close  the 
series  of  commemorative  events. 

Celebrations  in  those  states  which  originally 
ratified  the  Constitution  will  naturally  center 
about  the  dates  of  ratification  given  below : 

December  7,  1787 — Delaware 

December  12,  1787 — Pennsylvania 

December  18,  1787 — New  Jersey 

January  2,  1788 — Georgia 

January  9,  1788 — Connecticut 

February  6,  1788 — Massachusetts 


April  28,  1788 — Maryland 
May  23,  1788 — South  Carolina 
June  21,  1788 — New  Hampshire 
June  26,  1788 — Virginia 
July  26,  1788 — New  York 
November  21,  1789 — North  Carolina 
May  29,  1790 — Rhode  Island  and  Providence 
Plantations 

The  Constitution  Grew  Out  of  Struggle 

One  hundred  and  fifty  years  ago  fifty-five  dele- 
gates came  together  to  draft  a Constitution  for 
the  new  government  which  was  soon  to  be  estab- 
lished. The  Colonies  had  declared  their  independ- 
ance  of  Great  Britain,  the  Revolution  had  been 
fought  and  won,  and  a great  new  State  was  to  be 
organized.  For  four  months  these  delegates  work- 
ed and  fought  and  compromised  before  they  were 
ready  to  sign  the  Constitution  which  was  then 
just  a “Document.”  This  document  consisted  of 
a preamble  and  seven  articles  providing  for  the 
establishment  of  the  various  powers  of  govern- 
ment— legislative,  executive  and  judicial;  a defini- 
tion of  states  rights;  provision  for  amendment; 
establishment  of  the  Constitution,  laws  and  trea- 
ties of  the  United  States  as  the  supreme  law  of 
the  land;  and  provision  for  ratification  of  the 
Constitution  as  proposed. 

The  purposes  of  the  Constitution  as  set  forth 
by  these  men  indicate  the  true  human  objectives 
the  framers  had  in  mind.  They  stated,  “We  the 
people  of  the  United  States — in  order  to  form  a 
more  perfect  Union,  to  establish  justice,  to  insure 
domestic  tranquility,  to  provide  for  the  common 
defense,  to  promote  the  general  welfare,  to  secure 
the  blessings  of  liberty  to  ourselves  and  our  pos- 
terity, do  ordain  and  establish  the  Constitution  of 
the  United  States  of  America.” 

These  objectives  of  the  preamble  were  no  doubt 
acceptable  to  all,  but  critical  issues  arose  over  the 
articles.  From  that  day  to  this,  a struggle  has 
persisted  over  states  rights.  After  bitter  conflict 
between  the  National  party  and  the  State  Sover- 
eignty group,  a compromise  was  reached  which 
gave  Congress  more  power  than  it  had  under  the 
old  Articles  of  Confederation.  A federal  execu- 
tive and  a judiciary  had  not  previously  existed. 
There  was  a contest  and  compromise  over  the 
basis  of  representation  of  the  states  in  the  new 
Congress  and  another  over  the  proportion  of  Ne- 
groes to  be  counted  as  “population”  in  the  slave 
states. 

The  fact  that  it  took  seven  months  to  secure 
the  required  nine  ratifications  of  states  and  two 


“WE  THE  PEOPLE”— AND  THE  CONSTITUTION 


589 


and  a half  years  to  get  ratification  by  the  thirteen 
original  states  indicates  something  of  the  human 
element  that  went  into  the  framing  of  this  great 
national  document.  The  narrow  margin  by  which 
ratification  was  won  in  some  states  indicates  the 
widely  divided  opinion  as  to  some  provisions  of 
the  original  Constitution.  Pennsylvania  ratified  by 
43  to  23  votes ; Massachusetts  after  a-  close  con- 
test ratified  by  a vote  of  187  to  168;  New  Hamp- 
shire followed  with  57  to  46 ; Virginia  with  89  to 
79;  New  York  194  to  77  and  Rhode  Island  34 
to  32. 

With  such  large  minorities  in  several  of  the 
strongest  states  it  was  clear  that  changes  would 
have  to  be  made  early  in  the  life  of  the  new  Con- 
stitution. 

Dissatisfaction  in  and  out  of  Congress  with  the 
Constitution  as  finally  ratified  was  so  great  that 
it  was  agreed  to  submit  to  Congress  at  once  a 
series  of  twelve  amendments.  Many  people  felt 
that  states  rights  and  the  rights  of  the  individual 
under  the  new  government  were  not  clearly  de- 
fined. Within  a comparatively  short  time  ten  of 
the  proposed  amendments  were  passed  which  are 
now  popularly  called  a “Bill  of  Rights.”  This  Bill 
of  Rights  assures  us  those  guarantees  we  so 
much  cherish  — freedom  of  religion,  freedom  of 
speech,  freedom  of  the  press,  and  freedom  of  as- 
sembly. “These  fundamental  freedoms  are  the 
cornerstones  that  support,  four  square,  the  edifice 
of  liberty  we  enjoy — if  one  crumbles  the  others 
fall.”* 

The  question  of  slavery  was  a thorny  one  with 
the  framers  of  the  Constitution.  But  it  was  not 
until  the  struggle  for  the  freedom  of  the  slaves 
was  almost  ended,  75  years  later,  that  the  13th 
amendment  abolishing  slavery  in  the  United  States 
was  passed.  Reconstruction  measures  guaranteeing 
equal  rights  to  all  citizens  and  the  right  of  fran- 
chise to  ex-slaves  were  embodied  in  the  14th  and 
15th  amendments  in  1868  and  1869.  Both  of  these 
amendments  were  bitterly  contested. 

For  a whole  generation  after  the  reconstruction 
amendments,  the  Constitution  remained  intact. 
Then  came  another  wave  of  discontent  and  new 
amendments;  some  designed  to  facilitate  govern- 
ment, others  growing  out  of  great  social  move- 
ments. 

The  authorization  of  income  taxes  in  1913.  the 
provision  for  the  election  of  Senators  by  direct 
popular  vote  in  the  same  year,  did  not  disturb  the 
nation  deeply.  But  the  world  upheaval  of  the 
Great  War  when  all  established  known  institutions 

* Mr.  Sulzberger,  pub.  of  New  York  Times,  December  30,  1936. 


were  tested  to  the  limit  brought  in  its  aftermath 
the  Liquor  Prohibition  Amendment  in  1919  and 
nation-wide  suffrage  to  women  in  1920.  The 
forces  and  events  leading  up  to  these  amendments 
were  profound.  The  women’s  suffrage  movement 
and  the  effort  to  outlaw  liquor  came  closer  to  the 
life  of  the  people  than  any  other  issue  since  the 
days  of  slavery.  The  repeal  of  the  18th  amend- 
ment in  1933  was  probably  hastened  by  the  ca- 
lamitous days  of  the  depression. 

The  current  struggle  over  the  Child  Labor 
Amendment  giving  Congress  the  right  to  limit, 
regulate  and  prohibit  child  labor  is  a laboratory 
in  which  one  can  see  the  conflicting  motives  that 
lie  behind  all  these  deep-seated  changes.  For  al- 
most fifteen  years  that  amendment  has  been  be- 
fore the  states  of  the  nation.  It  was  passed  by 
both  houses  of  Congress  by  large  majorities  in 
1924  but  has  not  yet  had  the  required  number  of 
state  ratifications  to  make  it  effective. 

What  Lies  Ahead 

Our  daily  papers  now  carry  headline  proposals 
for  another  amendment  to  the  Constitution,  pre- 
sumably to  check  the  powers  of  the  Supreme 
Court.  The  President  in  his  opening  address  to 
Congress  stated  that  it  was  not  necessary  to  amend 
the  Constitution  in  order  to  achieve  the  ends 
sought  by  a progressive  democracy  and  plead  for 
liberal  interpretations  of  the  Constitution  by  the 
courts,  so  that  the  will  of  the  people  as  expressed 
by  Congress  should  not  be  thwarted. 

The  discussion  in  the  present  session  of  Con- 
gress and  the  educational  program  of  the  Sesqui- 
centennial  Committee  will  give  to  all  an  oppor- 
tunity to  understand  the  origin  and  nature  of  the 
Constitution ; to  appreciate  its  many  forward  look- 
ing aspects ; to  realize  that  it  is  not  a dead  and 
eternally  fixed  document,  but  an  instrument  that 
has  been  changed  time  and  again  to  meet  the  de- 
mands of  our  people,  and  that  we  need  not  fear 
future  additions  to  its  scope  and  effectiveness. 
Whatever  may  be  our  personal  attitude  in  this  re- 
gard, we  may  rest  assured  that  the  American  peo- 
ple will  “carry  through”  on  the  principles  first  laid 
down  in  the  Declaration  of  Independence. 

“We  hold  these  truths  to  be  self-evident,  that 
all  men  are  created  equal,  that  they  are  endowed 
by  their  Creator  with  certain  unalienable  rights, 
that  among  these  are  Life,  Liberty  and  the  Pur- 
suit of  Happiness.  That  to  secure  these  rights 
governments  are  instituted  among  men,  deriving 
their  just  powers  from  the  consent  of  the  gov- 
(Continued  on  page  610) 


Recreation  Marches  Forward! 


The  next  significant 
event  in  the  onward 
sweep  of  the  public  rec- 
reation  movement  in 
America  is  the  National 
Recreation  Congress  to  be 
held  May  17  to  21,  1937  at 
the  Ambassador  Hotel  in 
Atlantic  City,  New  Jersey. 

No  city  should  fail  to  be  represented. 

No  leader  can  afTord  to  be  absent. 

Board  members,  professional  leaders,  citizens 
generally  will  meet  to  pool  their  experiences, 
check  their  plans,  gather  new  suggestions,  and 
take  further  steps  to  push  ahead  this  vital,  youth- 
ful surging  movement  to  make  America  a land 
where  all  may  live  joyously  through  recreation 
publicly  provided. 

Ask  Yourself  These  Questions 

What  about  recreation  now  that  recovery  is 
here  ? 

What  have  we  learned  from  the  depression? 
What  can  be  retain- 
ed for  the  permanent 
program  ? 

How  is  it  being  an- 
swered in  your  city? 

In  other  cities? 

Do  your  present  fa- 
cilities meet  your 
needs  ? 

Are  you  using  what 
you  have  to  capacity? 

Is  your  leadership 
in  accord  with  modern 
standards  ? 

Is  your  city  con- 
scious of  what  is  be- 
ing done  now  ? 

What  contribution 
can  you  and  your  city 
bring  to  the  Congress  ? 

What  can  you  take 
back  to  your  city  from 
the  Congress? 


The  information,  inspira- 
tion, ideas  and  plans  to  be 
had  at  the  Twenty- second 
National  Recreation  Con- 
gress are  the  sine  qua  non 
for  the  recreation  move- 
ment in  the  year  ahead. 
Come  to  the  Congress. 
Use  the  power  of  the 
whole  national  movement  to  help  expand  and 
strengthen  your  own  local  work. 

The  Headquarters  Hotel 

Delegates  to  the  Recreation  Congress  will  be 
fortunate  in  finding  the  entire  facilities  of  the 
magnificent  Ambassador  Hotel  placed  at  their  dis- 
posal. 

Comfortable  and  quiet  sleeping  accommoda- 
tions, spacious  meeting  rooms,  attractive  exhibit 
space,  facilities  for  special  luncheons  and  dinners, 
reasonable  rates  and  generous  cooperation  are 
being  provided  by  the  Ambassador  Hotel.  The 
entire  Congress  will  be  centered  there.  All  dele- 
gates are  urged  to 
to  make  their  reserva- 
tions early  and  direct- 
ly with  the  Ambassa- 
dor Hotel. 

Back  to  Atlantic 
City! 

The  plan  of  going 
back  to  Atlantic  City 
for  the  twenty-second 
Recreation  Congress  is 
meeting  with  a favor- 
able response  from 
those  who  recall  the 
meetings  held  there  in 
past  years.  Newer 
workers  who  have  en- 
tered the  field  since 
the  last  meeting  held 
in  Atlantic  City  in  1930 
are  looking  forward 
eagerly  to  their  first 
congress  in  the  city  of 
boardwalks. 


The  Twenty-second  National  Recreation 
Congress  will  be  held  May  17-21,  1937, 
at  Atlantic  City.  There  have  been  sig- 
nificant developments  in  the  leisure- 
time field  since  the  last  Congress  in  Oc- 
tober 1935.  Many  urgent  problems  are 
confronting  recreation  officials.  You 
will  have  an  opportunity  to  discuss 
them  at  the  Congress.  Do  not  miss  it! 


iPit 

5 

iTrir-ny 


— uTii1; 
! ■ •»  .1' 


590 


Louisvi  lie’s  Fifth  A nnual  Play  Contest 


•*  r^RACTicE  makes  PERFECT/"’  the  ancients  ad- 

Y*  vise  us  in  a familiar  saying.  Then  it  follows 
if  you  do  a thing  well  four  times  the  fifth 
time  it  should  be  even  better.  And  so  it  proved  at 
the  Fifth  Annual  One-Act  Play  Contest  held 
under  the  auspices  of  the  Division  of  Recreation, 
Department  of  Public  Welfare,  Louisville,  Ken- 
tucky. The  number  of  plays  presented  this  year 
was  double  that  of  the  first,  and  over  150  eager 
Thespians  tried  their  skill  at  comedy  or  farce  or 
tragedy  in  the  twenty-four  plays  produced.  The 
Louisville  contest  was  scheduled  for  three  days 
late  in  May  at  the  University  of  Louisville  thea- 
ter, the  Playhouse,  Boyd  Martin,  Director  of  the 
University  of  Louisville  Players,  cooperating. 

Contest  Rules 

1.  The  contest  is  open  to  all  non-professional 
dramatic  groups  in  Louisville.  No  professional 
actors  shall  be  employed  in  the  presentation.  A 
professional  director  does 

not  come  within  the  re- 
striction mentioned  as  long 
as  he  does  not  act  a part 
in  the  tournament. 

2.  Registrations  may  be 
made  at  the  Recreation 
Division  Office,  Central 
Park.  Registrations  close 
at  noon  Friday,  May  15th, 

1936.  The  name  of  the 
play  should  accompany  the 
registration. 

3.  All  plays  must  be  pre- 
sented before  the  cyclo- 
rama  provided  at  the  Play- 
house, only  portable  props 
being  permitted. 

4.  Each  group  will  be 
responsible  for  its  own 
properties.  The  stage  will 
be  provided  “broom-clean- 
ed.” Foots,  borders,  hang- 
ing spots  in  the  border, 
and  four  spots  in  the  audi- 
torium will  be  provided. 

All  additional  adjustable 


"What  rules  do  you  suggest  for  a 
drama  tournament?"  This  question 
is  asked  over  and  over  again  as 
more  communities  initiate  events 
of  this  kind.  The  rules  developed 
over  a series  of  years  by  Miss 
Elizabeth  Wilson,  Drama  Supervisor, 
Division  of  Recreation,  Louisville, 
may  help  you  in  planning  a 
tournament  in  your  community. 


lighting  equipment  must  be  furnished  by  the 
production. 

5.  All  properties  and  effects  of  each  group  must 
be  at  the  theater  on  the  morning  of  the  day  it  is 
to  play.  These  must  remain  in  charge  of  the  tour- 
nament until  a decision  has  been  reached  by  the 
judges  as  to  the  prize  plays  that  are  to  be  pre- 
sented a second  time  at  the  final  performance. 

Groups  must  remove  prop- 
erties as  soon  as  they  are 
definitely  eliminated  from 
the  contest. 

6.  Each  group  will  be  al- 
lowed one-half  hour  be- 
fore the  tournament  for  a 
scenery,  properties,  and 
lighting  rehearsal,  time  to 
be  alloted  by  the  tourna- 
ment committee.  A com- 
plete dress  rehearsal  of 
each  group  will  be  impos- 
sible. 

7.  The  tournament  com- 
mittee is  absolutely  not  re- 
sponsible for  royalty  fees. 
Each  group  must  show 
proof  of  royalty  payment 
before  lots  are  drazvn. 

8.  Plays  will  be  grouped 
by  the  tournament  com- 
mittee to  give  a diversified 
program  at  each  session, 
but  lots  will  be  drawn  the 
day  before  the  perform- 
ance for  the  order  of  pre- 
sentation. 


This  attractive  program  cover,  in  blue 
and  white,  was  designed  by  a NYA  worker 

Ad 


as 

1 w*  1 mm 

m * 

CONTEST 

\ THE 

iPLAyHOUSE 

l QELKNAP 

CAMPUS 
MAY  2*25,29 

LOUiSviLLE,Ky 
SPONSORED  g y 
DIVISION  OF 
- ' RECREATION 


591 


592 


LOUISVILLE’S  FIFTH  ANNUAL  PLAY  CONTEST 


9.  Judges,  selected  by  the  Tournament  Com- 
mittee, will  judge  on  the  following  scale:* 


Interpretation 

15  points 

1.  Tempo 

(3) 

2.  Diction 

(3) 

3.  Acting 

(3) 

4.  Mood 

(3) 

5.  Voice 

(3) 

Production 

10  points 

1.  Costuming 

(3) 

2.  Props 

(2) 

3.  Lighting 

(3) 

4.  Makeup 

(2) 

Play  Selection- 

—quality 

5 points 

10.  The  Tournament  will  be  held  on  Wednes- 
day, May  27th,  at  2 :3c)  and  7 :oo  P.  M.,  and 
Thursday,  May  28th,  at  2:30  and  7:00  P.M.,  and 
Friday,  May  29th,  at  7:30  P.  M.  In  case  of  a tie, 
time  for  the  play-off  will  be  arranged  by  the 
committee. 

11.  Groups  will  be  divided  into  age  groups  as 
follows:  Junior  High  age;  Senior  High  age; 
Open  (no  age  limit).  Groups  may  indicate  into 
which  age  classification  they  fall.  In  registering, 
give  the  average  age  of  players  in  the  cast. 

12.  A special  classification  will  be  made  for 
original  plays  in  event  of  three  entries. 

Publicity,  Tickets  and  Programs 

But  rules  and  regulations  were  not  the  only 
problems  in  the  contest.  There  was  need  for 
publicity,  tickets  and  programs.  One  person 
handled  the  publicity  and  a considerable  number 
of  articles  and  pictures  heralded  the  event  in  the 
newspapers.  During  the  contest  the  papers  ran 
interest-stimulating  stories  and,  at  its  close,  pub- 
lished pictures  of  the  winners  with  their  trophies. 
Bright  yellow  tickets  were  printed  as  a NYA  pro- 
ject. They  were  free  and  twenty-five  of  them 
were  given  to  each  participating  group,  but  each 
group  could  obtain  additional  tickets  by  asking. 
Tickets  were  available  for  the  general  public  at 
the  Recreation  Division  offices  and  the  Playhouse 
on  the  days  of  the  contest  and  could  be  had  for 
the  asking.  An  attractive  program  was  done  in 
blue  and  white  with  an  appropriate  block  print  de- 
sign on  the  cover,  designed  and  executed  by  a 
NYA  worker.  Inside  the  program  were  printed 
the  entries. 

The  Entries 

Junior  Division 

1.  The  Princess  No  One  Could  Silence  by 
Goodrun-Thorne  Thruston,  Community 
Center 

* These  figures  were  not  o,n  the  blanks  given  to  groups,  but  on 
the  judges’  score  cards 


2.  The  Blue  Prince  by  Alice  C.  D.  Riley 

Humpty  Dumpty  Players,  Neighborhood 
House 

3.  Princess  Tenderheart 

Marylen  Players,  St.  Mary  Magdalen 
School 

4.  Little  Pink  Lady 

Oakdale  Community  Center 

5.  Hans  Billow’s  Last  Puppet  by  Grace  Ruthen- 

burg.  Central  Park  Players 

6.  Theories  and  Thumbs  by  Racheal  Field 

U.O.A.  Club,  Neighborhood  House 

7.  The  Meeting  of  the  Young  Ladies  by  Eugene 

LaTour.  Holy  Rosary  Club 

8.  Six  Who  Pass  While  the  Lentils  Boil 

by  Stewart  Walker 

The  Puppeteers,  Main  Library 

9.  Ten  Minutes  By  the  Clock  by  Alice  C.  D. 

Riley.  Die  Yidische  Kinder  Zingers, 
Neighborhood  House 

10.  Once  in  a Hundred  Years  by  N.  A.  Jagendorf 

Highland  Park  Community  Center 

11.  The  Three  Wishes 

Shawnee  Players 

12.  The  Sentimental  Scarecrow  by  Racheal  Field 
Shawnee  Junior  Players 

13.  Imagination  by  Warren  Beck 
Eastern  Junior  High  School 

Senior  Division 

1.  Op  O’  Me  Thumb  by  Tenn  and  Pryce 

Highland  Park  Community  Center 

2.  The  Rehearsal  by  Christopher  Morley 

Oakdale  Community  Center 

3.  The  Heart  of  a Clozvn  by  C.  Powell 

Anderson.  Baptist  Goodwill  Center 

Open  Division 

1.  The  Wonder  Hat  by  Hecht  and  Goodman 

Five  Star  Dramatic  Club 

2.  Bread 

Oakdale  Mothers’  Club 

3.  The  Man  Upstairs  by  Augustus  Thomas 

Bertrand  Players 

4.  The  Intruder  by  Maeterlink 

Federal  Players 

5.  If  Men  Played  Cards  As  Women  Do 

by  Edgar  Kaufman.  Richmond  Boat  Club 

6.  The  Marriage  Proposal  by  Chekhov 

Independent  Players 

Original  Plays 

1.  Dusk 

2.  W e I'ight  for  Peace 

Trophies  were  awarded  on  the  last  evening  of 
the  contest — a plaque  for  the  play  taking  first 
place  in  its  division  and  a silver  cup  for  the  win- 
ner of  the  original  play  division.  Honorable  men- 
tion was  given  to  a play  in  each  of  the  Junior  and 
(Continued  on  page  610) 


More 

About 

Chess 


A game  which  is 
winning  a place 
for  itself  in  city 
play  programs 


Courtesy  Chicago  Park  District 


The  history  of  chess  playing  in  the  social  cen- 
ters and  on  the  playgrounds  of  Milwaukee, 
Wisconsin,  covers  a period  of  five  years.  It 
has  been  a steady  growth  which  bids  fair  to 
continue. 

At  the  Social  Centers 

There  were  very  few  chess  players  in  Mil- 
waukee prior  to  1932.  In  the  fall  of  1931,  the 
Milwaukee  Public  Schools  Department  of  Mu- 
nicipal Recreation  and  Adult  Education  start- 
ed its  chess  instruction  at  the  social  centers 
with  classes  open  to  adults  only.  The  results 
were  surprising.  The  summer  of  1936  found 
eleven  beginners’  courses  taught  by  three 
teachers  in  the  evening  social  centers,  two  ad- 
vanced courses  "with  one  teacher,  and  four 
master  courses  taught  by  a United  States  chess 
master.  In  the  afternoon  social  centers  there 
were  fourteen  beginners’  courses  with  three 
teachers  and  forty-seven  be- 
ginners’ classes  on  the  sum- 
mer playgrounds  taught  by 
four  teachers. 

It  was  only  natural  that 
after  the  first  year  of  chess 
instruction  there  should  be 
not  only  an  increased  inter- 
est in  the  game  but  a de- 
mand for  competition.  To 


meet  this  the  Department  organized  in  1932 
a Municipal  Chess  Association.  Instead  of  con- 
ducting a tournament  for  individuals,  the  first 
competition  offered  the  players  was  in  the 
form  of  leagues.  The  best  known  players  were 
classified  as  Major  AA.  Those  of  some  ability 
were  classed  as  Major  A,  while  those  just  com- 
pleting beginners’  lessons  were  given  a Minor 
classification.  The  six  best  players  in  the  Major 
AA  division  were  appointed  captains.  At  a 
meeting  of  the  captains  numbers  were  drawn 
from  a hat  and  each  selected  one  at  a time 
three  players  for  his  team.  In  the  Major  A and 
Minor  leagues  anyone  could  organize  a team 
and  enter  same  in  the  league.  A complete  set  of 
league  rules  and  regulations  was  drawn  up  to 
govern  team  organization  and  play.  A double 
round  robin  schedule  was  played  and  this  com- 
petition proved  to  be  far  more  beneficial  for 
the  promotion  of  chess  than 
individual  tournaments.  The 
first  year  of  municipal  league 
play  found  one  Major  AA, 
two  Major  A and  two  Minor 
leagues,  with  32  teams  and 
143  registered  players. 

Since  the  opening  year  of 
league  play,  the  continuance 
of  chess  classes  has  in- 
creased tremendously  the 


In  the  June  issue  of  Recreation  there 
appeared  an  article  on  chess  playing 
on  the  playgrounds  of  Milwaukee 
which  aroused  much  interest.  So  rapid 
has  been  the  development  of  interest 
in  chess  as  a game  for  playgrounds 
and  community  centers  not  only  in 
Milwaukee  but  in  other  cities,  that  we 
are  presenting  some  facts  showing 
something  of  its  growth  in  popularity 
among  children  as  well  as  adults. 


59.3 


594 


MORE  ABOUT  CHESS 


number  of  chess  players.  As  a result,  last  sea- 
son found  a Major  AAA  league  with  eight 
teams,  two  Major  A A leagues,  two  Major  A 
leagues  and  five  minor  leagues — a total  of  ten 
leagues,  71  teams  and  322  players  in  league 
competition.  A double  round  robin  schedule 
for  all  leagues  over  a period  of  twelve  or  four- 
teen weeks  is  now  in  operation.  Individual 
medals  are  given  to  the  members  of  each  team 
in  each  league,  while  the  names  of  the  players 
are  inscribed  on  the  municipal  league  plaques 
in  the  chess  room.  Players  are  rated  annually 
according  to  their  record  in  league  play  dur- 
ing the  previous  season.  Captaincies  are  now 
automatic  in  each  league,  appointment  being 
made  according  to  the  individual  standings. 
Players  with  an  individual  standing  of  .750  in 
75  per  cent  of  the  season’s  games  are  automa- 
tically classified  to  the  next  league  of  higher 
classification,  while  those  with  a record  of  .250 
are  dropped  to  the  next  league  of  lower  classi- 
fication. 

Chess  classes  and  league  play,  however,  have 
not  furnished  all  of  the  chess  desired  by  the 
many  players  in  Milwaukee.  As  a result,  an- 
nual tournaments  are  conducted  for  the  City 
Championship,  County  Championship,  Mas- 
ters, Class  A and  Minor  divisions,  Rapid  Tran- 
sit, Women’s  Championship,  Boys’  Clubs,  and 
the  Wisconsin  State  Championship.  The  latter, 
however,  is  not  held  annually  in  Milwaukee 
but  finds  many  local  players  competing  in  the 
same  each  year.  This  last  season  these  nine 
tournaments  attracted  279  participants.  Trav- 
eling trophies  are  awarded  in  the  City,  Master, 
Major  and  Minor  tournaments,  while  perma- 
nent trophies  are  awarded  in  the  State,  County, 
Women’s,  Rapid  Transit  and  Club  tourna- 
ments. 

In  league  play,  a franchise  fee  of  two  dollars 
per  team  is  charged  in  the  Major  divisions, 
while  the  Minor  league’s  team  franchise  fee  is 
one  dollar.  A charge  of  fifty  cents  is  made  in 
the  City  Tournament,  twenty-five  cents  in  the 
County  and  Master  tournaments,  fifteen  cents 
in  the  Major  tournament,  and  ten  cents  in  the 
Minor  and  Rapid  Transit  tourneys.  The  entry 
fee  to  the  women’s  tournament  is  twenty-five 
cents,  and  the  club  tournament  is  free.  The 
entrance  fee  to  the  state  tourney  is  one  dollar. 

In  addition  to  classes,  league  and  tournament 
play,  inter-city  matches  are  scheduled.  This 


last  season  thirteen  such  matches  involving 
396  players  were  played.  In  addition,  fifteen 
exhibitions  were  given  throughout  the  city  by 
leading  players  and  two  national  masters,  such 
exhibitions  attracting  308  participants.  As  a 
result  of  all  this  chess  activity,  the  1935-36  sea- 
son (from  June  to  June)  attracted  a total  at- 
tendance of  13,811. 

The  Department  of  Municipal  Recreation 
has  provided  an  attractive  large  municipal 
chess  room  at  the  Lapham  Park  social  center. 
This  room  is  well  furnished  and  the  chess  pic- 
tures on  the  walls  create  an  appropriate  atmo- 
sphere. A beautiful  trophy  case  contains  the 
trophies  and  statuettes,  while  the  walls  are 
adorned  with  the  municipal  league  plaques. 
Tables,  chairs,  chess  sets,  boards  and  clocks  are 
furnished.  Chess  magazines  are  also  furnished 
by  the  Department  for  the  use  of  municipal 
players.  An  official  referee  is  provided  by  the 
Recreation  Department  for  all  league  and  tour- 
nament matches.  The  room  is  open  every  after- 
noon and  evening,  six  days  a week.  Monday 
and  Friday  evenings,  however,  are  the  league 
and  tournament  evenings. 

On  the  Playgrounds 

In  1936  for  the  third  consecutive  year  the 
Department  of  Municipal  Recreation  and 
Adult  Education  taught  chess  on  the  play- 
grounds. This  year  instruction  was  offered  at 
47  playgrounds  instead  of  27  as  in  1934  when 
the  program  was  initiated,  and  1,324  boys  and 
girls  and  young  people  ranging  in  age  from 
eight  to  twenty-four  years  were  enrolled  in  the 
classes  which  were  conducted  in  the  afternoon 
and  evening.  The  course  of  instruction  con- 
sisted of  five  lessons,  one  given  each  day  for 
five  consecutive  days  on  every  playground. 
The  class  period  lasted  an  hour  and  a half; 
part  of  this  time  was  spent  in  simultaneous 
play  by  the  instructor.  Classes  were  organized 
through  the  medium  of  the  playground  bulletin 
board,  announcements,  pictures  and  newspaper 
articles. 

The  method  of  procedure  in  instruction  was 
as  follows:  The  first  lesson  consisted  of  teach- 
ing the  names  of  each  piece,  how  each  moves, 
the  object  of  the  games  and  mate;  lesson  two 
reviewed  lesson  one  and  then  took  up  board 
notation,  En  Passant,  and  castling;  lesson 

( Continued  on  page  611) 


Types  of  Municipal  Recreation  Areas 


Ix  response  to  increasing  demands  for  recrea- 
tion areas  and  facilities,  American  cities  in  the 
last  few  years  have  greatly  expanded  their 
recreation  properties  and  have  developed  them  for 
a wide  range  of  uses.  Because  of  the  varying  con- 
ditions in  different  cities  and  of  rapidly  changing 
recreation  interests,  habits  and  needs,  there  is  lit- 
tle uniformity  in  the  types  of  properties  compris- 
ing present-day  recreation  systems. 

Nevertheless,  several  types  of  areas  are  recog- 
nized as  essential  and  there  is  considerable  agree- 
ment as  to  their  function,  size,  location  and  lay- 
out. Furthermore,  it  is  agreed  that  these  and  other 
types  of  properties  should  be  distributed  through- 
out the  city  in  such  a way  that  the  entire  popula- 
tion be  adequately  served.  Open  space  devoted  to 
park  and  recreation  use  should  be  provided  with- 
in a city  so  as  to  afford  one  acre  for  each  ioo  peo- 
ple, according  to  a widely  accepted  standard.  Some 
authorities  further  believe  that  from  forty  to  fifty 
percent  of  the  total  open  space  should  be  in  areas 
devoted  primarily  to  active  recreation  use. 

The  following  statement  outlines  briefly  some 
of  the  essential  functions  and  features  of  the  more 
important  types  of  municipal  recreation  areas : 

The  Play  Lot 

Play  lots  are  small  areas  intended  for  the  U6e 
of  children  of  pre-school  age.  They  serve  as  a 


Play  lots  where  children  of  pre-school  age 
may  play  under  the  watchful  eye  of  parents 
or  of  older  sisters  are  highly  desirable 


substitute  for  the  back  yard  and  are  usually  owned 
and  maintained  by  private  rather  than  municipal 
agencies.  They  are  rarely  provided  except  in 
apartment  or  tenement  districts  or  in  under- 
privileged neighborhoods  where  back  yard  play 
opportunities  are  not  available. 

Size.  5,000  to  10,000  square  feet.  A reasonable 
standard  for  children’s  playground  space  is  one 
acre  for  each  1,000  of  the  total  population. 

Location.  In  the  interior  of  large  city  blocks  or 
in  or  near  the  center  of  one  or  more  units  of  a 
multiple  family  housing  development.  Small  chil- 
dren should  not  be  required  to  cross  a street  in 
order  to  reach  one  of  these  play  areas.  In  some 
neighborhoods  it  may  be  desirable  to  provide  a 
play  lot  in  a small  section  or  a corner  of  a neigh- 
borhood or  children’s  playground. 

Layout.  The  play  lot  should  be  entirely  sur- 
rounded with  a low  fence  or  hedge.  There  should 
be  shade  trees  around  the  borders  and  a central 
grass  plot ; play  equipment,  set  at  intervals  around 
the  border,  under  the  trees,  and  possibly  a wide 
concrete  walk,  separating  the  apparatus  area  from 


595 


596 


TYPES  OF  MUNICIPAL  RECREATION  AREAS 


the  grass  plot,  the  walk  to  be  used  for  kiddy  cars 
and  velocipedes. 

Equipment.  One  or  more  sand  boxes  with  mov- 
able covers;  block-building  platforms  adjoining 
the  sand  boxes ; sand  tools ; large  building  blocks ; 
small  slide;  playhouses;  several  chair  swings;  a 
few  low  see-saws ; low  climbipg  apparatus,  such 
as  junior  Junglegym;  low  drinking  fountain; 
benches  and  tables  for  quiet  games  for  mothers, 
nurses  and  older  sisters;  shelter  for  baby  car- 
riages and  from  sudden  rains;  flag  pole;  bird 
bath ; play  materials.  If  the  sand  box  is  not  under 
a tree  a trellis  should  be  erected  over  it  and  vines 
planted  along  the  trellis. 

Leadership.  On  most  play  lots  there  will  be  no 
regular  paid  leadership  but  the  children  will  be 
looked  after  by  their  parents,  nurses  or  older  sis- 
ters. The  area  will  be  visible  from  many  of  the 
homes  which  it  serves.  If  a play  lot  is  located  on 
a children’s  playground  a play  leader  should  be 
assigned  to  care  for  the  children. 

The  Children’s  Playground  or  the  Neigh- 
borhood Playground 

This  area  is  intended  to  provide  opportunities 
for  children,  primarily  between  the  ages  of  five 
and  fifteen,  to  take  part  in  a variety  of  funda- 
mental and  enjoyable  play  activities.  It  is  per- 
haps the  best  known  and  most  numerous  of  all 
types  of  municipal  recreation  areas.  Most  play- 
grounds in  addition  provide  facilities  which  may 
be  used  under  certain  conditions  for  the  play  of 
young  people  and  adults. 

Size.  From  three  to  seven  acres.  Seldom  is  a 
smaller  area  satisfactory  even  in  a sparsely  set- 
tled neighborhood.  If  a larger  area  than  7 acres 
is  required  more  effective  service  will  usually  be 
given  by  providing  two  smaller  areas.  A reason- 
able standard  for  children’s  playground  space  is 
one  acre  for  each  1,000  of  the  total  population. 

Location.  Since  the  playground  serves  pri- 
marily children  of  grammar  school  age  it  is  usually 
desirable  for  the  children’s  playground  to  be  lo- 
cated at  or  adjoining  the  elementary  school  site. 
No  child  should  be  required  to  walk  more  than 
half  a mile  to  reach  a playground.  In  congested 
neighborhoods  or  where  there  are  heavily  trafficked 
streets  the  most  effective  radius  is  not  more  than 
a quarter  mile.  The  location  of  playgrounds  along 
heavily  trafficked  streets,  railroads  or  industrial 
areas  should  be  avoided. 


Layout.  Among  the  usual  features  are  an  ap- 
paratus area;  an  open  space  for  games  of  the 
younger  children ; a wading  pool ; sheltered  area 
for  handcraft  and  quiet  games;  informal  out- 
door theater  or  storytelling  corner ; a shelter  house 
(unless  the  school  building  provides  needed  fa- 
cilities) ; special  areas  for  games  and  sports  such 
as  playground  baseball  diamonds,  volley  ball,  bas- 
ketball, paddle  tennis,  handball  and  horseshoe 
courts;  straightaway  running  track,  jumping  pits 
and  probably  one  or  two  tennis  courts.  In  some 
neighborhoods  a special  section  for  children  of 
pre-school  age  will  be  provided.  The  various  areas 
should  be  separated  by  paths,  hedges  or  fences 
where  necessary.  The  entire  area  should,  as  a 
rule,  be  fenced  and  a planting  strip  provided  out- 
side the  fence.  Shade  trees  should  also  be  pro- 
vided around  the  borders  and  especially  in  the 
play  lot. 

Equipment.  Among  the  types  of  apparatus  which 
are  commonly  provided  are  an  eight-foot  high 
slide;  several  ten  or  twelve  foot  swings;  sand 
boxes;  Junglegyms;  a few  see-saws;  balance 
beam ; giant  stride ; traveling  rings ; horizontal  lad- 
der and  horizontal  bars.  Other  desirable  items  of 
equipment  are : one  or  more  drinking  fountains ; 
tables  and  benches;  a flag  pole;  a bulletin  board. 
Permament  or  removable  standards  will  be  requir- 
ed for  the  various  games  and  sports  and  an  ample 
supply  of  play  materials  for  various  activities  will 
also  be  needed. 

Leadership.  At  least  one  man  and  one  woman 
leader  should  be  present  on  the  playground  at  all 
times  when  it  is  open  for  use.  During  periods  of 
intense  use  or  when  special  activities  are  being 
carried  on  one  or  more  additional  assistants  are 
needed. 

The  Neighborhood  Playfield 

This  area  is  primarily  to  provide  varied  forms 
of  recreation  activity  for  young  people  and  adults, 
although  a section  of  this  area  will  usually  be  de- 
veloped as  a children’s  playground.  If  possible, 
it  is  desirable  that  a part  of  the  neighborhood 
playfield  be  landscaped  so  that  it  may  have  a park 
effect. 

Size.  10  to  20  acres.  If  more  space  is  available 
it  is  usually  used  for  development  as  a landscaped 
area.  A reasonable  standard  for  neighborhood 
playfield  space  is  one  acre  for  each  1,000  of  the 
total  population. 


TYPES  OF  MUNICIPAL  RECREATION  AREAS 


597 


Location.  One  of  these  areas  should  be  within 
a mile  of  every  home.  In  congested  areas  or  where 
the  population  is  more  than  20,000  per  square 
mile  there  should  be  one  of  these  areas  in  every 
square  mile.  Because  many  of  the  facilities  which 
this  type  of  area  provides  are  needed  for  junior 
and  senior  high  school  physical  education  and 
sports  programs,  it  is  usually  desirable  that  the 
neighborhood  play  field  be  at  or  adjoining  a high 
school  site. 

Layout.  Not  more  than  three  acres  will  usually 
be  developed  for  a children’s  playground  for  the 
immediate  neighborhood.  A major  part  of  the 
area  will  be  devoted  to  fields  for  games  and  sports 
such  as  baseball,  football,  soccer,  softball,  field 
hockey ; also  for  handball,  volley  ball,  tennis,  cro- 
quet and  other  courts.  Other  features  may  be  a 
bowling  green,  archery  court,  outdoor  theater.  A 
special  section  should  be  provided  for  the  exclu- 
sive use  of  older  girls  and  women.  Usually  there 
is  a quarter  mile  running  track  and  essential  fa- 
cilities for  track  and  field  events.  The  area  may 
also  provide  one  or  more  outdoor  fireplaces  and 
benches  and  tables  for  neighborhood  picnics.  Un- 
less bathing  facilities  are  provided  elsewhere  in 
the  neighborhood  served  by  the  area,  an  outdoor 
swimming  pool  may  be  essential. 

Unless  the  school  building  provides  suitable  fa- 
cilities there  should  be  a field  house  with  sanitary 
facilities,  locker,  dressing  and  shower  rooms ; also 
a place  for  the  storage  of  equipment  and  the  di- 
rector’s office.  Frequently  the  building  also  con- 
tains recreation  rooms  such  as  a gymnasium,  club 
rooms,  craft  rooms  or  an  auditorium  for  social, 
dramatic  ^nd  other  events.  If  the  area  contains  a 
swimming  pool  the  building  will  also  serve  as  a 
bath  house  and  provide  the  needed  facilities. 

The  entire  area  should  be  attractively  landscap- 
ed and  as  much  should  be  in  turf  as  practicable. 
If  possible,  one  or  more  small  groves  of  trees 
should  be  in  the  area  which  should,  especially 
through  border  plantings,  present  an  attractive 
park-like  appearance. 

Equipment.  The  same  types 
of  equipment  are  needed  as 
for  the  children’s  playground, 
although  frequently  a greater 
amount  will  be  required  to  take 
care  not  only  of  the  people  in 
the  immediate  vicinity  but  the 
larger  numbers  who  come  to 
the  play  field  for  various  ac- 


This statement  has  been  compiled  by 
George  D.  Butler  of  the  staff  of  the 
National  Recreation  Association  in 
response  to  a number  of  requests 
which  have  been  sent  the  Association. 
There  will  undoubtedly  be  differences 
of  opinion  where  certain  of  the 
standards  suggested  are  concerned, 
and  the  Association  will  very  much 
appreciate  receiving  comments. 


tivities.  Additional  types  of  outdoor  and  indoor 
equipment  will  be  needed  for  the  building,  swim- 
ming pool  and  the  special  game  courts.  Mainte- 
nance equipment  will  also  be  required;  likewise 
additional  game  supplies.  As  a rule,  movable 
bleachers  are  more  preferable  for  this  type  of 
area  than  permanent  seating  facilities. 

Leadership.  The  amount  of  leadership  will  de- 
pend on  the  size  of  the  area  and  the  features  pro- 
vided. If  there  is  no  swimming  pool,  one  man  di- 
rector with  an  assistant  and  one  woman  director 
with  an  assistant  are  likely  to  be  required  for  ef- 
fective operation,  especially  during  periods  of  in- 
tense use.  If  the  area  has  a swimming  pool,  a man- 
ager, cashier  and  lifeguards  will  also  be  needed. 
At  least  one  and  probably  two  or  more  mainte- 
nance workers  will  be  required  for  a fully  equip- 
ped playfield. 

Large  or  Recreation  Park 

This  area  is  intended  to  provide  the  city  dweller 
with  an  opportunity  to  get  away  from  the  noise 
and  rush  of  city  traffic,  to  refresh  his  senses  by 
contact  with  nature.  This  type  of  area  affords 
such  an  opportunity  in  the  restful  contemplation 
of  the  out  of  doors  and  it  provides  a pleasant  en- 
vironment for  engaging  in  recreation  activities. 

Size.  100  acres  and  upwards.  It  is  seldom  pos- 
sible to  secure  the  desired  park  effect  in  an  area 
of  less  than  100  acres  and  it  is  not  often  possible 
to  secure  suitable  areas  of  more  than  300  acres 
within  the  city  limits. 

Location.  There  should  be  one  of  these  parks  in 
every  major  section  of  a large  city.  It  has  been 
suggested  that  there  should  be  one  for  every 
40,000  inhabitants. 

Layout.  This  type  of  area  does  not  lend  itself 
to  any  standardized  form  of  layout,  but  its  value 
lies  primarily  in  the  effective  utilization  of  its 
natural  features.  A large  percentage  of  the  area 
should  be  in  various  types  of  woodland  so  as  to 
make  possible  different  landscape  effects  and  with 
some  sections  sequestered. 
Part  of  the  area  should  be  de- 
voted to  open  lawn,  meadow 
and  valley.  One  or  more  water 
areas  contribute  greatly  to  the 
value  of  the  recreation  park. 
Roads  should  provide  access 
to  centers  of  greatest  use  or  to 
vantage  points,  but  should  be 
kept  at  a minimum.  Paths  for 


598 


TYPES  OF  MUNICIPAL  RECREATION  AREAS 


walkers  should  be  numerous  and  in  some  parts  a 
bridle  trail  is  a desirable  feature. 

Whereas  the  area  is  intended  primarily  for  in- 
formal recreation,  small  sections  especially  near 
the  borders  may  be  developed  for  picnicking  and 
for  games  and  sports  of  various  types.  Boating 
facilities  should  be  provided  at  the  water  areas 
which  will  also  be  used  for  skating  in  winter.  The 
park  will  afford  in  addition  tobogganing,  coasting 
and  skiing  in  the  winter  months.  Needed  parking 
facilities  should  be  provided  near  the  entrance.  A 
zoological  garden  or  water  fowl  sanctuary,  out- 
door theater,  botanical  garden,  nature  trail  or  na- 
ture museum  may  be  suitable  for  such  a park. 
Comfort  stations  or  shelters  are  needed  at  places 
where  people  congregate  in  the  largest  numbers. 
In  large  areas  a secluded  section  may  be  set  aside 
for  a day  camp. 

Equipment.  Rustic  benches  and  shelters  may  be 
placed  at  strategic  points  throughout  the  park, 
especially  where  fine  views  are  obtainable.  At  the 
picnic  centers  drinking  fountains,  water,  cooking 
accommodations  and  incinerators  are  needed,  with 
possibly  a few  simple  types  of  play  equipment  for 
children.  Boats  and  accessory  equipment  are 
needed  for  boating,  and  toboggans,  toboggan 
chutes,  hockey  rink  boards  and  ice-maintenance 
equipment  may  be  needed  for  winter  sports. 

Supervision.  The  personnel  required  for  the 
maintenance  and  operation  of  such  an  area  nat- 
urally varies.  There  should  be  one  man  in  direct 
charge  who  will,  perhaps,  need  an  office  or  cleri- 
cal assistant,  at  least  during  seasons  when  the  park 
is  intensively  used,  especially  if  permits  are  re- 
quired. If  large  numbers  of  people  use  the  special 
sections  for  picnicking  or  other  forms  of  recrea- 
tion, a recreation  leader  may  be  desirable  not  only 
for  the  summer  but  to  promote  a winter  activities 
program.  The  services  of  several  men  will  be  re- 
quired for  maintaining  and  policing  the  park. 

The  Reservation 

The  reservation  is  a large  tract  of  land  which 
is  kept  primarily  in  its  natural  state  but  which  is 
made  available  for  the  recreational  use  of  the  peo- 
ple for  such  activities  as  hiking,  camping,  picnick- 
ing, nature  study  and  winter  sports.  Most  mu- 
nicipal areas  of  this  type  are  located  either  near 
the  boundaries  of  the  city  or  outside  the  city  limits. 
Many  cities  do  not  have  this  type  of  area  but  rely 
upon  state  or  county  owned  areas  to  provide  this 
type  of  service. 


Size,  i ,000  acres  or  more. 

Location.  As  previously  indicated,  this  type  of 
area  is  usually  near  or  outside  the  city  limits.  Most 
areas  of  this  sort  are  on  county  or  state  owned 
property. 

Layout.  These  areas  are  as  a rule  not  intensively 
developed,  although  at  strategic  points  over-night 
camps,  picnic  centers  and  water  sports  facilities 
are  located,  accessible  by  automobile  roads.  Large 
sections  of  the  reservation  are  accessible  only  by 
hiking  or  bridle  trails.  Increasingly  these  areas 
are  used  for  winter  sports  and  for  a variety  of 
nature  activities. 

Buildings  are  essential  at  hiking,  camping,  pic- 
nicking and  boating  centers,  and  shelters  are 
sometimes  provided  along  trails  or  at  lookout 
points.  These  areas  should  also  afford  refresh- 
ment facilities. 

Equipment  and  Supervision.  These  factors  vary 
widely,  depending  on  the  size  and  development  of 
the  areas. 

Special  Recreation  Areas 

Many  cities  have  acquired  other  areas  which 
serve  a particular  recreation  purpose.  Among  the 
best  known  are  the  municipal  golf  course,  mu- 
nicipal camp,  bathing  beach  or  swimming  pool, 
athletic  field  or  stadium.  Sometimes  these  facili- 
ties are  to  be  found  in  the  types  of  areas  previ- 
ously discussed  but  in  the  last  few  years  cities 
have  acquired  many  such  special  areas. 

Golf  Course.  Most  of  the  golf  courses  that  have 
been  established  in  the  last  few  years  have  been 
on  areas  especially  acquired  for  this  purpose.  At 
least  forty  or  fifty  acres  are  needed  for  a nine- 
hole  course  and  not  less  than  one  hundred  acres 
for  an  eighteen-hole  course.  Land  of  an  uneven 
topography  and  with  some  woodland,  is  the  most 
suitable.  Besides  the  playing  course  a club  house 
is  needed.  Sometimes  tennis  courts,  a bowling 
green,  putting  greens  and  other  game  courts  are 
provided  near  the  club  house.  The  course  is  often 
used  for  winter  sports.  Considerable  machinery 
equipment  and  materials  are  essential  for  main- 
tenance purposes.  Personnel  required  at  a golf 
course  usually  consists  of  a manager  and  profes- 
sional (although  these  functions  are  sometimes 
combined  in  one  person)  ; one  or  more  greens- 
keepers,  laborers,  starter,  store-keeper  and  caddy 
master. 


( Continued  on  page  611) 


A New  Recreation  Frontier 


They  may  be  shut-ins,  but  they  are  most 
decidedly  not  shut-outs  from  recreation! 


The  western  Frontier  may  be  gone,  but  fields 
for  pioneering  are  not  exhausted,  as  a num- 
ber of  municipal  recreation  departments,  pio- 
neering along  the  new  frontier  of  recreation  for 
shut-ins,  have  found. 

One  of  the  first  to  explore  this  frontier  was  the 
Board  of  Recreation  Commissioners  of  East 
Orange,  New  Jersey,  which  organized  in  1927  a 
Recreation  Council  for  Shut-ins  in  East  Orange, 
but  later  enlarged  it  to  include  all  the  Oranges  and 
Maplewood.  The  Council  is  composed  of  the 
civic  groups  and  organizations  which  are  inter- 
ested in  working  with  shut-ins,  and  has  provided 
a number  of  different  services  to  lighten  the  days 
of  the  shut-ins  of  these  communities. 

Each  month  a personal,  chatty,  cheery  letter, 
written  by  Miss  Frances  Haire,  founder  of  the 
project  and  Director  of  Recreation  in  East 
Orange,  goes  out  to  over  a hundred  shut-ins,  many 
of  whom  are  adults.  These  letters,  mimeographed 
and  gayly  colored  by  the  Girl  Scouts,  contain  news 
of  the  service  offered  for  shut-ins,  the  cooperat- 
ing groups  and  games,  and  projects  for  the  stay- 
at-home.  The  Public  Library  of  East  Orange  com- 
piles special  lists  of  books  for  shut-ins,  and  many 
persons  contribute  magazines  and  books  which  are 
delivered  free  to  each  home.  Should  an  Orange- 
ite  plan  a trip  abroad  or  to  an  interesting  place, 
the  Woman’s  Auxiliary  of  the 
Chamber  of  Commerce  as- 
sumes the  task  of  sending  let- 
ters to  the  traveler  asking  him 
to  send  letters  or  post  cards  to 
five  shut-ins  and  encloses  their 
names.  So  shut-ins  do  travel 
— if  only  vicariously. 

The  Gift  Flower  Bureau  of 
the  Oranges  and  Maplewood 
is  organized  to  deliver  flowers 
to  those  who  need  them.  It  is 
a member  of  the  Recreation 
Council  for  shut-ins,  and  it  has 
so  organized  its  service  that 
various  member  garden  clubs 


take  turns  sending  flowers  to  the  shut-ins  on  the 
Council’s  list.  Deliveries  are  made  to  each  shut- 
in  every  two  weeks  in  outdoor  growing  season, 
and  monthly  during  the  rest  of  the  year.  One 
Christmas  the  Bureau  sent  candles  with  sprays  of 
holly,  and  on  Easter,  violets  growing  in  white  egg 
shells.  A number  of  clubs  are  on  the  waiting  list 
to  be  allowed  to  deliver  flowers,  so  popular  has  the 
activity  become. 

An  instructor  from  the  WPA  Recreation  Di- 
vision teaches  the  shut-ins  various  handcrafts,  not 
only  so  that  they  may  enjoy  a creative  activity  but 
also  so  they  may  earn  a little  money  if  they  care 
to.  This  year  there  have  been  two  exhibits  and 
sales  in  vacant  store  buildings  which  cleared 
$202.20  from  the  sale  of  articles  made  and  brought 
$100  or  so  in  orders  throughout  the  year.  All 
proceeds  go  to  the  makers,  and  materials  or  money 
for  them  have  thus  far  been  donated  by  the  clubs 
belonging  to  the  Council. 

The  visitors  who  deliver  books  and  magazines, 
flowers  and  small  gifts  or  just  come  to  call  add  no 
little  to  the  shut-ins’  happiness: 

Other  Cities  Fall  in  Line 

Following  the  East  Orange  trail  along  this  new 
frontier  came  a number  of  other  cities.  Sioux 
City  was  one  of  them. 

The  Sioux  City  Department 
of  Recreation  Club,  like  that 
of  the  Oranges  and  Maple- 
wood, is  open  to  all  elderly 
people  unable  to  get  out,  any 
person  who  has  been  ill  a long 
time,  and  all  crippled  children 
and  adults.  For  these  home- 
bound  people  a monthly  news 
bulletin  is  edited  by  “Miss 
Cheer”  at  the  Recreation  De- 
partment office.  The  bulletin 
contains  information  on  hob- 
bies of  famous  people,  hand- 
craft suggestions,  a book  cor- 
ner, special  humor  and  news 


"If  occurred  to  me  that  other  shut-ins 
would  enjoy  reading  either  parts  or 
the  whole  of  an  interesting  letter  sent 
to  you  by  a shut-in.  Such  a letter 
should  be  informative,  funny,  or  tell 
of  an  interesting  experience.  It  was 
with  this  thought  that  the  fish  derby 
started,  and  this  is  the  proposal:  Three 
or  more  of  the  best  letters  sent  in  by 
shut-ins  about  fish  shall  be  printed  and 
enclosed  in  the  monthly  letter.  The 
shut-ins  who  haven't  fish  can  enter  the 
contest  by  writing  about  a 'fishy'  ex- 
perience, either  true  or  imaginary." 
— Extracts  from  a letter  sent  Miss  Haire  of 
East  Orange  by  a shut-in,  and  included  by 
her  in  a regular  monthly  letter  to  all  shut-ins. 


599 


600 


A NEW  RECREATION  FRONTIER 


sold  through  a Central  Handcraft  Exhibition  for 
Disabled  Craftsmen.  Twice  a month  handcraft  is 
given  eighteen  people  at  the  Willowbrook  Sani- 
tarium, a county  institute,  and  special  crafts  are 
arranged  for  the  play  activity  of  dangerous  car- 
diac cases.  And  if  a shut-in  is  back  in  his  studies 
he  is  given  instruction  to  help  him  keep  abreast  of 
physically  normal  children.  Friends  of  the  move- 
ment provide  automobiles  to  take  the  shut-ins  to 
the  social  club  meetings  held  each  month.  One  of 
the  high  spots  of  this  club  program  was  the  Hal- 
lowe’en party. 

A monthly  bulletin,  “An  Open  Window,”  pub- 
lished by  the  Recreation  Department  reaches  a 
hundred  shut-ins  a month.  It  contains  several 
pages  of  material,  including  book  suggestions  con- 
tributed by  a library,  a poet’s  corner,  short  stories 
by  members  and  famous  authors,  jokes,  puzzles, 
children’s  features.  A social  and  a personal 
column. 

In  addition  the  Department  has  published  a 
bulletin  as  a guide  for  setting  up  homebound  com- 
munity programs  in  the  district.  It  includes  sug- 
gestions for  initial  contacts,  people  to  accept  ac- 
tivities, and  supervision  of  home  calls. 

A “Play  Lady”  for  Shut-ins 

The  Recreation  Commission  of  Cedar  Rapids, 
Iowa,  does  not  forget  the  children  who  are  “shut- 
outs” from  the  regular  playground  program.  To 
these  crippled  children  it  sends  in  cooperation 
with  the  WPA  a “play  lady”  who  knows  full  well 
the  joy  she  can  bring  to  the  children,  for  she,  too, 
was  once  a shut-in. 

(Continued,  on  page  614) 


An  elderly  shut-in  at  Kenosha,  Wis- 
consin, greatly  enjoys  wood  carving 


columns,  puzzles,  games  and  con- 
tests. The  names  of  those  who 
wish  to  have  other  club  members 
write  to  them  are  published  in  the 
bulletin  so  that  those  who  care  to 
may  make  new  friends.  The  De- 
partment also  arranges  a weekly 
radio  program  for  the  club  which 
consists  of  dramatics,  music  and 
reviews. 

The  Girl  Scouts  of  Sioux  City 
have  cooperated  with  the  Depart- 
ment by  calling  on  members  of  the  Shut-In  Club 
and  run  such  errands  for  them  as  calling  at  the 
library  for  books.  The  city  has  been  divided  into 
districts  and  a captain  appointed  for  each  district. 
The  captain,  also  a member  of  the  Girl  Scouts, 
appoints  a girl  to  call  on  each  shut-in  in  her  dis- 
trict. Calls  are  made  on  Monday  or  Tuesday  each 
week. 

The  club,  organized  in  February  1936,  now  en- 
rolls 75  members.  The  names  of  prospective  club 
members  were  gathered  as  a result  of  announce- 
ments of  the  club  over  the  air  and  through  the 
newspapers.  Principals  of  schools,  presidents  of 
clubs  and  ministers  were  also  asked  for  names. 


Through  an  Open  Window 

Reaching  the  new  frontier  more  recently  is  the 
homebound  program  organized  in  April  1936  for 
shut-ins  in  Kenosha,  Wisconsin,  under  the  direc- 
tion of  Ellen  Marie  Larsen,  Municipal  Recreation 
Supervisor.  By  October,  with  the  aid  of  eight 
carefully  selected  high  school  graduates  available 
through  the  NYA,  fifty  shut-ins  recommended  by 
social  agencies  were  placed  on  a weekly  calling 
list.  Fifty  more  eagerly  await  a place  on  that  list. 

A group  of  civic-minded  citizens  have  been 
asked  to  establish  an  executive  group  to  promote 
this  work  and  plans  are  being  worked  out  for  a 
women’s  organization  to  sponsor  the  activities, 
lend  assistance  and  leadership. 

For  the  shut-in  the  workers  provide  weekly 
periods  of  handcraft  instruction  of  recreational  or 
therapeutic  values  as  the  need  requires,  and,  in  the 
case  of  some  of  the  older  shut-ins,  encourage  them 
to  develop  sufficient  skill  so  that  articles  can  be 


Frequently  we  hear  boys 
express  the  desire  to  have 
boxing  at  school.  We 
feel  that  tether  ball,  as  it  is 
played  here,  satisfies  the  nor- 
Tnal  urge  of  a growing  boy  to 
punch  someone  now  and  then. 

In  our  recreational  program  tether  ball  ranks  very 
high  in  popularity. 


Courtesy  Sierra  Educational  News 


Rules 

1.  When  two  players  start 
to  play,  the  shorter  has  the 
choice  of  courts. 

2.  When  a challenger 


comes  into  play,  a winner  of 
a previous  game  has  the  choice  of  courts. 

3.  The  ball  is  always  served  from  the  south 


Tether  Ball 

By 

Richard  J.  Fox 

Willow  Glen  School 
San  Jose,  California 


Is  tether  ball  a popular 
game?  A Cooperative  Ex- 
tension Department  worker 
in  a southern  state  recently 
gave  it  first  place  as  a fa- 
vored activity  for  the  rural 
schools.  This  article  is  being 
published  in  Recreation 
through  the  courtesy  of  the 
Sierra  Educational  News, 
November,  1936. 


Advantages 

Moderate  in  cost. 

No  problem  of  checking  equipment  in  or  out. 
Can  be  played  when  grounds  are  muddy. 
Nominal  supervision  needed. 

Balls  not  easily  lost,  stuck  on  roof  or  tree,  or 


over  fences. 

Object  of  Game 

The  object  of  the  game 
is  to  punch  the  ball 
with  either  fist  in  such  a 
manner  as  to  wind  the 
cord  attached  to  the  vol- 
ley ball  around  the  pipe 
above  the  stripe  six  feet 
off  the  ground.  Two  boys 
play  the  game  at  a time. 
Both  face  east  and  try 
to  punch  the  ball  as  in- 
dicated. 

A foul  line  is  grooved 
in  the  concrete  base  in  a 
north  - south  direction. 
Each  player  must  stay  on 
his  own  side  of  the  circle. 

A series  is  won  when  a 
player  wins  two  out  of 
three  games  from  his  op- 
ponent. 


Courtesy  Sierra  Educational  News 


court. 

4.  Players  alternate  in  use  of  courts  after  game 
is  started. 

5.  Upon  winning  a series  (2  out  of  3),  the  loser 
drops  out  and  a challenger  from  the  waiting  line 
comes  into  the  game. 

6.  If  a player  defeats  three  opponents,  he  auto- 
matically drops  out  of  the  game  at  the  conclusion 

of  the  third  series.  In 
such  a case,  two  new 
players  take  the  court. 

7.  If  both  players 
“stall”  (pull  thei  r 
punches),  both  are  elimi- 
nated at  once. 

Violations 

The  following  offenses 
are  punishable  by  loss  of 
one  game  (one-third  of 
series)  : 

1.  Use  of  open  hand, 
or  hands. 

2.  Use  of  both  hands 
together  (open  or  closed) 
as  in  volley  ball. 

3.  Set-up  — stopping 
the  ball  to  get  an  easy 
shot  at  ball  instead  of 
hitting  it  on  the  fly. 

( Continued  on  page  616) 


601 


Figures 

in 

Light 


By  H.  D.  EDGREN 
Chicago,  Illinois 


Figure  I personifies  vigorous  energy 
with  the  body  prepared  for  activity 


IN  our  many  demonstrations 
of  a school  physical  educa- 
tion progra  m,  we  have 
found  that  practi- 
cally every  physical 
education  director 
needs  to  balance  his 
program  with  an 
“appreciation”  act 
which  is  non-vigor- 
ous  and  non-stimu- 
lating to  the  audi- 
ence. Statuesque 
posing  fits  this  re- 
quirement for  it  is 
restful,  pleasant  and 
artistic. 

George  Williams 
College  in  Chicago 
has  used  a number 
of  variations  of  such 
an  act  in  the  past 
years,  including  the 
classic  frieze, 
bronze  statues,  uni- 
formed athletes  in 
motion  and  station- 
ary figures.  We  be- 


In  Figure  2 the  predominating  motive 
is  that  of  reaching  up  toward  interest 


lieve  we  have  developed  some- 
thing unique  this  year,  for  the 
act  on  our  program  entitled 
“Figures  in  Light” 
was  an  attempt  to 
portray  abundant 
energy  seeking  ac- 
tive expression  in 
successful  perform- 
ance of  an  activity. 
Through  it  we 
sought  to  give  a 
picture  of  the  aver- 
age boy  or  girl,  full 
of  life,  wanting  to 
be  up  and  doing, 
coming  to  the  gym- 
nasium, being  offer- 
ed a great  variety 
of  play  opportuni- 
ties, being  taught 
skill  and  style  in 
these  activities  and 
then  experiencing 
the  joy  and  satis- 
faction to  be  had  in 
performing  these 
activities. 


602 


FIGURES  IN  LIGHT 


603 


the  silhouette.  In 
figure  2 the  light  in 
front  was  omitted 
and  in  its  place  a 
light  was  placed  be- 
hind with  cut-out 
figures  in  front  of 
it,  enabling  us  to 
throw  the  shadows 
of  various  types  of 
play  equipment  on 
the  screen,  repre- 
senting the  interests 
possible  in  a well- 
rounded  play  pro- 
gram. The  use  of 
lights  of  different 
colors  made  the 
shadow  effect  even 
more  beautiful 
than  a white  light 
could  have  done. 


Figure  3 shows  the  general  movements 
which  are  used  in  any  type  of  sports 


These  figures 
were  made  particu- 
larly effective  with 
careful  use  of  lights 
and  shadows. 
Lights  were  thrown 
from  above  and  in 
front  of  the  group 
which  stood  against 
a white  background. 
Figures  i,  3 and  4 
had  a spotlight 
turned  on  the  floor 
in  front  of  the 
group,  which  threw 
the  shadows  on  the 
screen,  adding  to 
the  effectiveness  of 


Just  how  this  was  done  may  be  most 
clearly  explained  by  a study  of  the  pic- 
tures of  the  “Figures  in  Light'’  as  caught 
by  the  camera. 

Vigorous  Energy.  Here  are  happy,  joy- 
ous expressions  with  body  ready  to  go,  to 
leap  to  run.  (Figure  1.) 

Interests.  The  group  is  reaching  up, 
looking  longingly — reaching  and  pointing 
toward  interest.  (Interests  are  suggested 
by  the  silhouettes  of  various  pieces  of  play 
equipment  thrown  on  the  screen.  The 
reaching  and  pointing  is  toward  them.) 
(Figure  2.) 


Style.  Here  are  shown  the  various  gen- 
eral movements  which  might  be  used  in 
any  sport— flexion,  ready-to-spring  posi- 
tion, poise,  reaching  and  striking.  (Fig- 
ure 3.) 

Repose  After  Effort.  Here  is  relaxation, 
comfort,  joy. of  ac- 


:ivity,  and  conver- 
sation about  the 
previous  play. 


Relaxation,  comfort  and  the  joy  of 
activity  are  portrayed  in  Figure  4 


Young  People’s  Social  Clubs  in  St  Paul 


Boys  and  girds  between  the 
ages  of  sixteen  and  twenty 
years  naturally  have  the 
desire  to  be  together. 

The  Department  of  Parks, 

Playgrounds  and  Public  Build- 
ings of  St.  Paul  believes  it  is  its  responsibility  to 
provide  wholesome  recreation  for  this  age  group 
under  favorable  conditions.  To  meet  this  objective 
social  groups  have  been  formed  at  each  recreation 
center  and  regular  evenings  are  set  aside  for  social 
games  and  dances.  Leaders  are  provided  who  un- 
derstand and  are  sympathetic  with  the  needs  and 
desires  of  young  people  and  who  are  successful 
in  bringing  out  boys  and  girls  who  are  self-con- 
scious and  retiring. 

Among  the  mediums  which  are  used  to  accom- 
plish the  objectives  of  the  department  are  the  fol- 
lowing : 

Regular  monthly  planning  meetings. 

The  planning  and  conducting  of  all  the  activi- 
ties by  the  young  people  themselves. 

Special  instruction  in  activities  such  as  dancing, 
game  leadership  and  other  phases  of  social 
•recreation. 

City-wide  monthly  instruction  in  planning  meet- 
ings conducted  by  representatives  of  each  club, 
with  the  advisors  and  leaders  of  the  club  and  the 
supervisor  of  recreation  activities. 

Continuous  though  indirect  suggestions  of  ac- 
tivities by  the  supervisor  and  the  staff. 

Occasional  contact  with  the  individuals  who 
need  bringing  out  and  the  making  for  these  in- 
dividuals of  social  contacts  which  will  cause  them 
to  look  forward  eagerly  to  the  next  party. 

The  cultivation  of  inter-club  courtesies  and  in- 
vitational social  activities  throughout  the  city. 

The  creation  of  personal 
hobby  groups  such  as  bicycle, 
camera  and  nature  study  groups, 
outdoor  painting  classes,  and 
other  hobbies  and  joint  meet- 
ings of  the  groups  engaging  in 
their  particular  hobbies  in  the 
same  area  followed  by  joint 
exhibits. 

The  provision  of  good  popu- 


By Ernest  W.  Johnson 

Superintendent  of  Playgrounds 
and 

Public  Recreation 
St.  Paul,  Minnesota 


lar  music  and  of  decorations  ap- 
propriate to  the  season. 


Accomplishments 

Sixteen  clubs  have  been  or- 
ganized with  a total  of  1,014 
members.  Each  club  has  conducted  at  least  one 
dancing  party  and  other  types  of  parties  have 
been  held.  Through  our  department  we  are  fur- 
nishing two  dancing  teachers  who  are  giving  in- 
truction  to  those  who  do  not  know  how  to  dance 
and  are  helping  them  to  feel  at  home  on  the  dance 
floor  with  young  people  of  their  own  age. 

Many  of  the  parties  are  given  over  to  games 
and  game  contests — activities  which  are  very  pop- 
ular. There  is  a desire  among  the  boys  and  girls 
to  learn  the  old-fashioned  dances  and  these  are 
introduced  into  the  program  at  opportune  times. 

We  feel  that  a program  of  joint  social  activities 
for  young  people  has  been  somewhat  neglected, 
and  our  young  people  have  consequently  been 
drifting  to  the  public  dance  halls  and  taverns 
which  are  not  wholesome  or  desirable  places  for 
them.  We  have  the  hearty  cooperation  of  the 
parents  in  this  program,  and  we  believe  that  suc- 
cess is  certain. 


Mr.  Johnson's  interesting  contribu- 
tion to  the  important  subject  of 
so-called  "co-recreational"  activi- 
ties for  young  people  offers  us  the 
opportunity  to  remind  you  of  the 
book  "Partners  in  Play"  by  Mary 
J.  Breen,  now  in  its  second  edition. 
This  book  may  be  ordered  from 
the  National  Recreation  Associa- 
tion. Price,  $1.00. 


“Good  leaders  are  the  first  and  most  impor- 
tant need  in  a recreation  program  for  mixed 
groups.  But  leaders  who  are  successful  in  other 
activities  are  not  necessarily  successful  when  they 
serve  in  this  capacity.  An  expert  with  younger 
girls’  clubs  or  an  efficient  basketball  coach  may 
be  entirely  unsatisfactory  as  a leader  of  a mixed 
group  of  young  men  and  women.  The  ability  to 
lead  a particular  group  or  teach 
an  activity  well  is  not  enough. 
The  leader  of  mixed  activities 
needs,  in  addition,  a warm 
sympathy  and  understanding  of 
boy  and  girl  relationships,  but, 
most  of  all,  the  equality  of  be- 
ing ‘unshockable.’  ” — From 
Partners  in  Play. 


604 


World 

at 

Play 


Traveling  Puppets  in 
San  Francisco 


Courtesy  San  Francisco  Recreation  Commission 


THE  San  Francisco,  California,  Recreation  Com- 
mission has  a traveling  puppet  stage  with  a guig- 
nol  proscenium  on  one  side  and  a marionette  pro- 
scenium on  the  other.  It  is  mounted  on  a trailer 
and  is  parked  near  a playground  for  productions. 
There  is  plenty  of  room  to  store  scenery  and  for 
taking  care  of  the  puppets.  During  the  summer  of 
1936  a “puppet  lady”  went  from  playground  to 
playground  helping  the  children  to  make  puppets. 
She  also  took  the  children  from  place  to  place  to 
present  their  plays,  eight  of  which  were  produced 
during  the  school  vacation  period.  A total  number 
of  twenty-three  productions  were  given.  Adults 
as  well  as  children  are  interested  in  puppetry,  the 
Commission  found.  In  1935  an  adult  group  be- 
came interested  in  marionettes,  made  a set  and 
produced  a pantomime  of  the  “Nutcracker  Suite” 
of  Tschaikowsky.  It  was  a delightful  production, 
and  the  same  group  is  now  working  on  characters 
for  “The  Wizard  of  Oz.” 


: . ' ' ACCORDING  to  a 

Compulsory  Physical  ,.  . f ^ . 

. . _ dispatch  from  Paris  of 

Education  in  trance  , . r TT  , _ 

the  New  York  Sun, 

the  French  Parliament 
is  expected  to  pass  a bill  making  physical  educa- 
tion compulsory  for  boys  and  girls  under  eighteen 
years  of  age.  Since  school  attendance  is  required 
only  of  those  under  fourteen,  it  will  be  necessary 
for  employers  to  arrange  their  schedules  in  com- 
pliance with  the  new  law.  Local  sport  clubs  will 
cooperate  in  putting  the  provisions  of  the  bill  into 
effect,  and  government  subsidies  will  be  granted 
in  return  for  the  use  of  instructors  and  grounds. 
Where  local  facilities  are  inadequate,  fields  for 
sport  will  be  provided  and  equipped. 


tt  ir  nfiv  A UNDER  the  land-use 

One-Half  Million  Acres  . . ^ 

r . program  of  the  Reset- 

for  Recreation  , . , . . , 

tlement  Administra- 
tion, more  than  one- 
half  million  acres  of  land,  unsuited  for  agricul- 
ture, are  being  purchased  and  developed  for  pub- 
lic recreation.  Most  of  this  land  is  included  in 
forty-six  projects  established  in  cooperation  with 
the  National  Park  Service,  and  is  located  largely 
within  fifty  miles  of  large  industrial  centers. 


A Year’s  Progress  in 
Recreation 


THE  year  beginning 
July  1,  1935  and  end- 
ing July  1,  1936  was 
an  important  one  in 
the  recreational  life  of  Hastings-on-Hudson,  New 
York,  a city  of  some  7,500  persons.  Advances  in 
recreation  for  that  period  include  employment  of 
a full-time  Girls’  Supervisor;  the  establishment  of 
a new  playground ; the  setting  up  of  a boys  cen- 
ter in  the  Hook  and  Ladder  Fire  Station ; the  use 
of  four  rooms  daily,  afternoon  and  evening,  in  the 
school,  and  of  two  school  gymnasia  four  nights 
a week ; the  development  of  winter  sports  for  the 
first  time  with  the  blocking  off  of  six  streets  for 
coasting,  the  flooding  of  tennis  courts  for  skating, 
and  last,  but  not  least,  the  broadening  of  the  entire 
program  to  cover  all  ages  and  privileged  as  well 
as  under-privileged  groups. 


The  Dade  County 
Centennial 


A HIGH  point  in  the 
annual  report  of  the 
Recreation  Division  of 
Miami,  Florida,  was 
the  contribution  of  the  Division  to  the  celebration 
of  the  Dade  County  Centennial  which  lasted  three 


605 


606 


WORLD  AT  PLAY 


weeks.  Although  the  event  was  county-wide,  it 
was  under  the  direction  of  the  Recreation  Divi- 
sion, and  for  weeks  the  personnel  and  facilities  of 
the  Division  were  absorbed  in  the  colossal  under- 
taking. The  opening  event  was  a children's 
fashion  show,  followed  by  a number  of  track 
meets  and  a dedicatory  exercise  at  Greynolds  Park 
to  which  over  2,000  brought  basket  lunches  and 
enjoyed  boat  races  and  an  historical  pageant  utiliz- 
ing a number  of  CCC  boys.  The  Florida  Centen- 
nial collection  of  flowers,  valued  at  $100,000,  was 
also  held  at  this  time.  Then  came  the  two-week 
Dade  County  fishing  tournament  in  which  over 
2,000  fishermen  participated,  fishing  within  a pre- 
scribed area  and  landing  fish  varying  in  weight 
from  four  to  four  hundred  and  eighty-two  pounds 
— on  the  scales.  The  Recreation  Division,  for  its 
annual  Pan-American  Day  celebration,  gave  in  con- 
j unction  with  the  Centennial  a pageant  “O’Higgins 
of  Chile,”  written  especially  for  the  occasion.  The 
Dade  County  Centennial  Track  Meet  marked  the 
inauguration  of  the  Miami  Olympics.  The  high 
school  boy  athletes  were  housed  in  a miniature 
“Olympic  Village”  of  tents  and  showers,  and 
special  kitchens  were  set  up  on  the  park.  So  suc- 
cessful was  this  two-day  meet  that  it  promises  to 
be  an  annual  affair.  It  is  estimated  that  sixty  per- 
cent of  the  population  of  Miami  attended  one  or 
more  of  the  Centennial  events. 

Soap  Sculpture  Contest  Announced  — The 

annual  competition  for  small  sculpture  in  white 
soap,  held  under  the  auspices  of  the  National  Soap 
Sculpture  Committee,  will  extend  until  June  17, 
1937.  Full  information  regarding  the  contest  may 
be  secured  from  the  Committee  at  80  East  nth 
Street,  New  York  City. 

An  Orchestra  for  Reading — It  was  in  May 
1932  that  ten  residents  of  Reading,  Pennsylvania, 
met  at  the  home  of  one  of  the  group  and  formed 
the  Reading  Philharmonic  Ensemble  which  was 
later  destined  to  become  the  Philharmonic  Sym- 
phony Orchestra.  For  the  first  few  months  H.  A. 
Meyers,  the  conductor,  held  rehearsals  at  his  home 
and  supplied  the  orchestra  with  music.  As  mem- 
bership increased,  a rehearsal  room  was  rented 
and  later  the  orchestra  obtained  permission  to  use 
the  City  Hall  auditorium.  From  its  initiation  the 
orchestra  has  had  the  backing  of  the  City  Recrea- 
tion Department  which  has  aided  materially  in 
securing  support  for  the  group. 

Each  year  since  its  inauguration  the  orchestra 


has  presented  four  large  public  concerts  and  on 
frequent  occasions  has  supplied  music  for  Berks 
County  charitable  groups  and  institutions.  It  has 
been  active  in  the  city’s  recreation  program,  per- 
forming at  church  functions,  playground  events 
and  in  city  parks.  The  real  purpose  of  the  orches- 
tra has  been  to  afford  music  students  of  Reading 
an  opportunity  to  further  their  interest  in  the 
orchestral  field,  to  tide  over  the  period  between 
high  school  and  college  or  professional  life,  and 
to  give  the  students  an  opportunity  for  solo  work. 
There  are  now  no  active  members  and  Mr. 
Meyers  is  still  the  leader. 

Youth’s  Needs — The  National  Girls’  Work 
Council  in  its  October  News  Letter  reports  the 
panel  discussion  of  “What  Youth  Needs  Today 
and  Tomorrow,”  held  at  one  of  the  Council  meet- 
ings at  the  National  Conference  of  Social  Work 
in  Atlantic  City.  Mr.  John  Lang,  Research  As- 
sistant, CCC  Office  of  Education,  Department  of 
Interior,  Washington,  gave  the  chief  paper,  bring- 
ing out  five  basic  needs  of  youth — education,  rec- 
reation and  avocation,  employment,  health  needs, 
and  needs  related  to  character,  moral  and  citizen- 
ship development.  In  speaking  of  recreation,  Mr. 
Lang  stressed  the  inadequate  use  of  school  re- 
sources and  the  very  great  challenge  of  the  new 
leisure.  Speakers  taking  part  in  the  panel  discus- 
sion emphasized  the  need  of  education  for  leisure 
and-  for  developing  more  resources  and  better 
methods  in  the  field  of  informal  education  outside 
the  school.  The  discussion  of  the  other  main  points 
brought  out  the  importance  of  revamping  the  edu- 
cational system  and  for  attacking  the  vital  prob- 
lem of  employment,  and  the  part  which  youth 
could  play  in  the  solution  of  its  own  problem. 

Musical  Opportunities  in  Pontiac — The  Pon- 
tiac, Michigan,  Recreation  Department  was  able 
to  offer  a great  variety  of  musical  opportunities 
according  to  its  annual  report  for  1936.  Out- 
standing among  these  was  the  Christmas  Cantata, 
“Music  of  Bethlehem,”  which  was  presented  at 
the  Pontiac  High  School  Auditorium  by  members 
of  the  Wisner,  McConnell  and  Longfellow  PTA 
chorus  and  the  St.  Joseph  Hospital  Nurses’  Glee 
Club.  It  is  hoped  that  the  success  of  the  cantata 
will  stimulate  the  formation  of  a chorus  in  con- 
nection with  every  Parent-Teacher  Association  in 
the  city.  In  addition  to  the  Christmas  music,  in- 
struction was  offered  in  piano  and  violin.  An  or- 
chestra and  a glee  club  were  organized  among  the 


New  Germicidal  Compound 


Here  is  a public  school  playground  which 
was  treated  with  GULF  SANI-SOIL-SET 
6 months  before  the  photograph  was 
taken.  It  has  been  used  daily  by  school 
as  well  as  neighborhood  children. 


EE 


tfl 


I E 


7oi  oundl  and  'Tennli  £outti 


lolvei  “Puli  ftxoltlemii 


WRITE  FOR  THIS 
BOOKLET... 


easily  applied , . inexpensive . . long  lasting 

RECREATION  officials  now  have  a practical  solution  to  the  play- 
_ ground  dust  problem! 

A new  product — Gulf  SANI-SOIL-SET — has  been  developed  by  Gulf  for 
dust  allaying  purposes  on  earth  surface  playgrounds.  This  material  can 
be  applied  at  low  cost.  When  properly  applied,  it  will  not  harm  or  stain 
clothes  or  shoes  and  under  usual  conditions  of  weather  and  soil,  one 
application  per  season  will  suffice. 

Let  a Gulf  representative  tell  you  more  about  GULF  SANI-SOIL-SET. 


This  booklet  tells  the  story  of 
Gulf  SANI-SOIL-SET  and  its 
use.  It  will  be  mailed  without 
cost  on  your  request.  The  cou- 
pon is  for  your  convenience. 


GULF  OIL  CORPORATION-GULF  REFINING  COMPANY 

GENERAL  OFFICES:  CULF  BUILDING,  PITTSBURGH,  PA. 


GULF  OIL  CORPORATION  . GULF  REFINING  COMPANY,  R.-3 

General  Offices:  Gulf  Building,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 

I Please  send  me  without  obligation  a copy  of  the  booklet  "Gulf  Sani-Soil-Set 
| for  Treating  Playgrounds.” 

Name 

I Company 

! Address 


608 


WORLD  AT  PLAY 


patients  at  the  State  Hospital,  winning  many  fa- 
vorable comments  from  the  State  Hospital  au- 
thorities. 

“Human  Crop” — The  Department  of  the  In- 
terior has  produced  a new  moving  picture,  “Hu- 
man Crop,”  which  has  been  made  to  tell  the  story 
of  the  recreational  demonstration  areas  being  de- 
veloped by  the  National  Park  Service.  It  shows 
graphically  the  need  for  organized  camping  facili- 
ties throughout  the  country,  especially  for  people 
of  the  lower  income  group  living  in  large  centers 
of  population.  The  film  is  now  available  for  dis- 
tribution and  may  be  borrowed  free  of  charge 
from  the  Division  of  Motion  Pictures,  Depart- 
ment of  the  Interior,  Washington,  D.  C.  It  is 
available  in  both  1 6 mm.  and  35  mm.  size,  but  for 
sound  projection  equipment  only.  It  is  in  one 
reel,  requiring  approximately  ten  minutes  to  run. 
The  Division  of  Motion  Pictures  suggests  that  in 
writing  for  the  film  local  groups  state  a choice  of 
several  dates  for  showing  as  it  is  expected  there 
will  be  fairly  widespread  demand  for  the  picture. 

Sycamore  Resumes  Its  Year-Round  Program 

Sycamore,  111.  (population  approximately  4,000) 
voted  favorably  on  two  tax  levies  on  December 
9th.  One  authorized  a permanent  recreation  levy 
on  the  basis  of  the  Illinois  Law.  The  other  was  a 
vote  to  increase  the  present  millage  under  the 
State  Park  Laws  from  1 ]/2  mills  to  2 mills.  Be- 
fore the  depression,  Sycamore  had  a year-round 
program  for  a time  which  centered  about  the 
community  building  contributed  by  a local  resi- 
dent. The  budget  was  provided  through  private 
funds  which  were  not  forthcoming  during  the  de- 
pression period,  with  the  result  that  the  com- 
munity has  been  without  a full  time  worker  and 
the  building  has  actually  been  closed  for  the  past 
year  or  more  except  on  special  occasions.  The 
donor  of  the  building  is  transferring  the  owner- 
ship of  the  building  to  the  city  and  a new  Play- 
ground and  Recreation  Commission,  created  by 
authorization  of  the  Illinois  Recreation  Law,  will 
henceforth  administer  the  building  and  the  com- 
munity program.  The  funds  derived  from  the  ad- 
ditional park  levy  will  also  be  applied  to  the  com- 
munity recreation  work. 

Pamphlets  for  Club  Women  — Miss  Lena 
Madesin  Phillips,  Associate  -Editor,  Pictorial  Re- 
view, has  prepared  a series  of  attractive  pam- 
phlets for  club  women  under  the  following  titles : 


New  Techniques  in  Club  Programs ; Denizens  or 
Citizens f ; Starting  the  Club  Year  Right;  Key-  < 
noting  the  Club  Program;  A Challenge  to  the 
Modern  Club  Woman;  Conventions;  The  Club 
and  the  Community  (We  Organize  for  Action)  ; 
The  Club  and  the  Community  (We  Make  a Sur- 
vey) ; The  Leaders  of  1966 ; Getting  It  Across; 
Taxes.  There  are  also  available  two  study  out- 
lines, The  Constitution  of  the  United  States  and 
American  Home.  These  pamphlets  may  be  secur- 
ed from  Miss  Phillips,  Pictorial  Review  Company, 
Inc.,  316  West  57th  Street,  New  York  City,  at 
six  cents  each.  Twelve  may  be  obtained  for  fifty 
cents  for  the  set. 

Recreation — the  Melting  Pot — When,  early 
in  1936,  the  Recreation  Division  of  the  WPA 
opened  a recreation  project  at  Red  Lodge,  Mon- 
tana, the  biggest  obstacle  encountered  was  the 
“clannishness”  of  several  foreign  groups  in  this 
former  coal  mining  center.  The  largest  foreign 
group  consisted  of  the  Finns,  who  for  years  have 
been  a group  unto  themselves,  conducting  activi- 
ties at  which  only  the  Finnish  language  was 
spoken.  With  the  inauguration  of  a series  of 
Community  Nights  the  Finns  were  asked  to  pre- 
sent their  choir  at  one  of  the  first  programs.  The 
choir,  singing  a group  of  Finnish  folk  songs,  was 
well  received,  and  when  next  the  Finns  held  an 
entertainment  they  requested  that  the  project’s 
English  chorus  sing  a group  of  songs.  By  this  re- 
quest a custom  of  half  a century  was  broken,  for 
it  was  the  first  time  that  any  entertainment  in  the 
English  language  had  ever  been  presented  on  a 
program  of  the  Finnish  group  in  Red  Lodge.  The 
recreation  project  director  now  has  in  preparation 
an  International  Night  at  which  the  Austrians 
and  Italians,  as  well  as  the  Finns,  will  present  a 
program  of  their  national  songs  and  dances. 

The  Radio  Problem  — The  November  issue 
of  The  Record,  published  by  the  Girls’  Friendly 
Society,  386  Fourth  Avenue,  New  York  City,  is 
devoted  to  the  subject  of  the  radio.  “What  do  we 
get  out  of  it?”  “What  does  it  do  to  us?” — are 
some  of  the  questions  asked  in  this  issue.  The  ma- 
terial also  includes  skits,  “What  I Listen  To,” 
check  lists,  discussions,  trips,  etc. — a wide  variety 
of  things  to  do  and  to  discuss.  Copies  may  be 
secured  from  the  Girls”  Friendly  Society  for  20 
cents  each. 

In  a Children’s  Museum  — Oklahoma  City, 


WORLD  AT  PLAY 


609 


Oklahoma,  has  a taxidermist  provided  through  a 
WPA  recreation  project  whose  duties  include  the 
repairing  of  birds  and  animals  at  the  children’s 
museum,  the  giving  of  talks  and  demonstrations 
before  PTA  groups,  community  centers  and  class- 
rooms. 

Summer  Sessions  at  Mills  College  — Mills 
College,  Mills  College,  California,  announces  its 
twelfth  residential  summer  session  for  men  and 
women  to  be  held  June  27th  to  August  Jt\\. 
There  will  be  courses  in  art,  sports,  education, 
creative  writing,  drama  and  the  speech  arts,  child 
development,  Maison  Francaise,  modern  dance, 
and  music. 

The  National  Play  Bureau  — The  National 
Play  Bureau,  Federal  Theater  Project,  231  East 
42nd  Street,  New  York  City,  is  performing  a 
practical  service  in  the  compilation  of  lists  of 
recommended  plays  and  other  dramatic  material. 
Among  these  are  such  compilations  as  a suggest- 
ed production  list  of  non-royalty  plays,  patriotic 
holiday  plays,  and  ninety  new  plays.  One  free 
copy  of  each  list  is  available  to  tax-supported,  non- 
profit institutions.  All  lists  published  will  be 
found  in  the  catalogue  of  National  Play  Bureau 
Publications  which  may  be  secured  on  request. 

Community  Centers — The  Social  Work  Year 
Book  for  1937,  issued  by  the  Russell  Sage  Foun- 
dation and  scheduled  to  appear  on  March  15th, 
will  contain  an  article  on  community  centers 
which  will  be  of  interest  to  recreation  workers. 

Five  Major  Events  in  Lexington — The  five 
major  events  of  the  year  (September  1,  1935 — 
September  1,  1936)  in  the  program  of  the  Play- 
ground and  Recreation  Department  of  Lexington, 
Kentucky,  according  to  the  annual  report  are: 
First,  the  opening  of  a new  community  house  to 
be  open  six  months  a year ; second,  the  receipt  by 
the  city  of  a garden  and  fountain  near  the  center; 
third,  the  training  and  guiding  of  fifty-two  WPA 
and  NYA  recreation  workers  to  assist  in  all 
phases  of  the  work;  and  fourth,  the  serving  of 
free  lunches  on  four  playgrounds  for  five  days  a 
week  for  eight  weeks  to  all  children  12  years  old 
and  under.  These  lunches  were  given  by  local 
commercial  concerns  and  consisted  of  two  sand- 
wiches, one  sweet  and  one  meat  substitute,  and  a 


GROUP  WORK  INSTITUTE 

May  31  —June  19,  1937 

Western  Reserve  University 

A three  weeks  institute  for  experienced  professional 
group  workers  including  credit  courses  in  Principles 
of  Group  Work,  Supervision  of  Group  Work,  Work 
with  Individuals  in  Groups,  The  Use  of  the  Skills 
(dramatics,  crafts,  music). 

A bachelor’s  degree  from  a college  of  approved 
standing  is  required  for  admission. 

For  information  address 

SCHOOL  OF  APPLIED  SOCIAL  SCIENCES 
Western  Reserve  University 
CLEVELAND,  OHIO 


half  pint  of  milk  for  each  child.  When  milk 
prices  rose,  orange  crush  was  substituted.  The 
playgrounds  averaged  between  88  and  115  lunches 
a day.  The  fifth  advance  was  the  replacing  of 
policemen  in  the  city  parks  after  an  absence  of 
four  years. 

Schools  for  Job  Hunters — Up-to-date  meth- 
ods in  job  hunting  form  the  course  of  study  in 
the  job  information  classes  now  being  conducted 
by  the  National  Youth  Administration  in  Illinois. 
Sixty  thousand  Illinois  young  people  have  come 
to  these  classes  since  they  were  opened  in  January 
1936  at  meeting  places  secured  through  the  co- 
operation of  churches,  park  field  houses,  settle- 
ment houses  and  other  social  centers.  Teachers 
were  obtained  from  the  adult  education  program. 
It  was  necessary  to  secure  up-to-the-minute  in- 
formation regarding  the  many  present-day  indus- 
tries in  order  to  teach  job  information.  A corps 
of  fourteen  trained  research  workers,  all  college 
graduates,  were  set  to  work  to  gather  and  compile 
this  information.  Thirty-two  studies  have  been 
made,  and  the  monographs  published  as  the  result 
of  these  studies  include  aviation,  radio  manu- 
facturing and  broadcasting,  air  conditioning,  Die- 
sel engineering,  beauty  culture,  meat  packing, 
laundry  work  and  dress  designing.  In  giving  pub- 
licity to  the  project,  in  addition  to  press  announce- 
ments and  mimeographed  handbills,  the  classes 
used  cleverly  decorated  posters  produced  with  the 
cooperation  of  the  Federal  Arts  Project,  and  a 
fifteen  minute  radio  program  dramatizing  the 
possibilities  of  the  job  information  classes  was 
written  and  released  each  week  to  twelve  stations 
in  Illinois. 


610 


LEISURE  TIME  IN  AN  INDUSTRIAL  COMMUNITY 


A Health  - Building  Game 
for  Old  and  Young 

Pitching  Horseshoes  is  muscle-building  rec- 
reation that  appeals  to  all  types  of  people. 
Install  a few  courts  on  your  grounds,  organ- 
ize a horseshoe  club,  schedule  a tournament. 
Write  for  free  booklets  on  club  organiza- 
tion, tournament  play.  etc. 

Diamond  Official  Shoes  and  accessories 
are  the  choice  of  professionals  and  ama- 
teurs alike.  It’s  economy  to  purchase 
equipment  with  the  longest  life. 

DIAMOND 

CALK  HORSESHOE  CO.' 

4610  Grand  Avenue  Duluth,  Minn. 

Makers  of  DIAMOND  Official  Pitching  Shoes 


For  the  Children’s  Museum  of  Boston — The 

Children’s  Museum  of  Boston  has  begun  the  con- 
struction of  a new  auditorium  which  will  be 
modern  Georgian  in  design,  of  white  brick  and 
will  have  a seating  capacity  of  512-  Measuring 
106  feet  by  54  feet  in  its  greatest  dimensions,  it 
will  have  a circular  lobby,  dressing  rooms,  coat 
rooms  and  a janitor’s  apartment,  in  addition  to  the 
lecture  hall  with  up-to-date  equipment.  It  will  be 
connected  with  the  museum  building. 


Leisure  Time  in  an  Industrial  Community 

(Continued  from  page  576) 

grind  of  radio  jazz,  who,  under  inspiration  and 
leadership  at  an  early  age,  would  be  capable  of  a 
high  quality  of  cultural  recreation.  Increase  of 
leisure  alone  will  not  bring  that  result.  There 
must  be  not  only  material  resources,  but  also  idea. 
It  is  the  business  of  those  concerned  with  recrea- 
tion to  assemble  from  the  ends  of  the  earth  every 
cultural  tradition  of  excellence,  every  capacity  for 
research  in  developing  sources  of  creative  design, 
and  to  create  for  the  great  and  growing  field  of 
recreation  recognized  educational  leadership  com- 


An na  Louise  Johnson  Retires 

Miss  Anna  Louise  Johnson,  who  has  been  di- 
rector of  the  chool  playgrounds  at  Denver,  Colo- 
rado, since  1908,  retired  on  December  1,  1936, 
from  active  service. 

Few  recreation  workers  in  the  country  have  had 
so  long  a record  of  public  service  as  has  Miss 
Johnson.  Teacher  at  the  first  kindergarten  in 
Colorado,  she  began  her  teaching  career  in  1891. 
Miss  Johnson  founded  Denver’s  play  festival,  an 
annual  event  of  the  Denver  schools  for  twenty- 
six  years,  and  she  has  played  an  active  part  in  all 
the  recreational  developments  of  the  city. 


parable  to  that  in  any  other  educational  field.  Then 
recreation  will  include  not  only  participation  in 
social  activities,  but  everything  which  we  do  be- 
cause we  enjoy  it  and  because  we  find  refresh- 
ment and  renewal  of  life  in  doing  it. 


"We  the  People” — and  the  Constitution 

( Continued  from  page  589) 

erned,  that  whenever  any  form  of  government  be- 
comes destructive  of  these  ends  it  is  the  right  of 
the  people  to  alter  or  to  abolish  it  and  to  insti- 
tute new  government,  laying  its  foundation  on 
such  principles  and  organizing  its  powers  in  such 
form  as  to  them  shall  seem  most  likely  to  effect 
their  safety  and  happiness.  Prudence  indeed  will 
dictate  that  governments  long  established  should 
not  be  changed  for  light  and  transient  causes ; and 
accordingly  all  experience  hath  shown  that  man- 
kind are  more  disposed  to  suffer,  while  evils  are 
sufferable,  than  to  right  themselves  by  abolishing 
the  forms  to  which  they  are  accustomed.” 

Note  : The  greater  part  of  this  material  has  been  taken 
directly  from  pamphlets  issued  by  the  government. 


Louisville’s  Fifth  Annual  Play  Contest 

(Continued  from  page  592) 

Senior  groups,  and  an  individual  was  selected 
from  each  of  the  three  main  divisions,  Junior, 
Senior  and  Open,  who,  in  the  opinion  of  the 
three  well-qualified  judges,  gave  the  most  out- 
standing performance. 

Mr.  Martin,  Director  of  the  University  of 
Louisville  players,  writes  of  the  contest:  “We 
feel  that  there  are  few  better  ways  of  spending 
leisure  than  in  the  production  of  plays  which  call 
for  the  cooperation  of  every  person  concerned 
with  their  production.  The  friendly  rivalry  demon- 
strated by  the  various  groups  is  stimulating,  and 
the  plays  themselves  are  interesting  to  observe.” 


MORE  ABOUT  CHESS 


611 


P lay  Safe  With 

rWear 


PLAYGROUND  APPARATUS 

SAFETY  is  an  essential  of  every  outfit 
DURABILITY  is  built  in  to  give  longer  life 
Write  for  Catalog  28 

FOR  BEACH  AND  SWIMMING  POOL  EQUIPMENT 

Write  for  Catalog  28  W 

The  EverWear  Manufacturing  Company 

The  World’s  oldest  and  largest  exclusive  makers  of 
playground,  beach  and  pool  apparatus 

SPRINGFIELD,  OHIO 

lar  too.  Here  NYA  workers  assigned  to  the 
Division  of  Recreation  of  the  Department  of 
Parks  and  Public  Property  have  made  chess- 
men designed  from  patterns  of  those  developed 
in  Milwaukee,  though  using  them  in  a differ- 
ent way.  The  spools  used  were  donated  by  a 
clothing  manufacturer.  The  figures  were  sawed 
from  wood,  whittled  down  and  glued  into  the 
holes  in  the  spools.  The  pawn  was  made  by 
using  a sawed  off  golf  tee.  Chess  boards  were 
made  from  pieces  of  heavy  cardboard  such  as 
bolts  of  material  are  wound  on. 

Types  of  Municipal  Recreation  Areas 

(Continued,  from  page  598) 

Bathing  Beach  or  Swimming  Pool.  The  bathing 
beach  is  sometimes  a part  of  a larger  recreation 
area  but  often  it  consists  of  a comparatively  small 
tract  adjoining  a lake,  river  or  ocean.  In  addition 
to  the  bathing  area  a bath  house  is  required.  Some- 
times playground  apparatus  and  game  courts  are 
provided  on  or  near  the  beach.  Life  saving  and 
sports  equipment,  such  as  diving  boards  and  floats, 
are  essential.  The  beach  requires  the  services  of 
(Continued  on  page  612) 


More  About  Chess 

( Continued  from,  page  594) 

three  reviewed  lesson  two  and  then  covered 
such  material  as  the  valuation  of  pieces,  stale 
mate,  perpetual  checking,  drawn  games ; les- 
son four  reviewed  lesson  three  and  then  taught 
the  queening  of  the  pawn,  and  simple  end  game 
play;  lesson  five  reviewed  all  lessons  previ- 
ously taught  and  covered  the  first  four  or  five 
moves  of  the  Ruy  Lopez  and  Guicco  Piano 
openings.  Most  of  the  lessons  were  taught  in 
the  playground  field  houses  or  in  the  basement 
of  the  school  buildings  on  the  playground.  The 
instructor  carried  twenty  chess  sets  and  boards 
with  him,  as  well  as  a group  of  large  tagboard 
charts  showing  the  movements  of  the  pieces, 
mate,  castling,  etc. 

The  children  made  their  own  chess  sets  dur- 
ing the  playground  construction  periods  using 
camera  film  spools.  Details  regarding  construc- 
tion were  given  in  an  article  appearing  in  the 
June  1935  issue  of  Recreation. 

In  Cleveland 

In  Cleveland,  Ohio,  chess  has  become  popu- 


612 


BOYS’  AND  GIRLS’  WEEK 


Boys’  and  Girls’  Week 

April  24— May  I,  1937 

Boys’  and  Girls’  Wekk  will  be  celebrated  this 
year  from  April  24  to  May  1,  when  the  en- 
tire country  will  focus  attention  on  the  nation’s 
greatest  assets  and  will  give  thought  to  the  general 
welfare  of  boys  and  girls. 

The  daily  program  suggested  in  the  “Manual 
of  Suggestions”  issued  by  the  National  Boys’  and 
Girls’  Week  Committee  is  as  follows : 

Saturday,  April  24 — Boys'  and  Girls' 

Recognition  Day 

The  program  might  include  a parade  designed 
to  demonstrate  the  boy  and  girl  power  of  the  com- 
munity, or  a pageant  where  it  is  impractical  to 
have  a parade.  There  may  be  exhibitions  such  as 
hobby  and  pet  shows  or  achievement  exhibits. 
Sunday,  April  25 — Boys'  and  Girls' 

Day  in  the  Churches 

Monday,  April  26 — Boys'  and  Girls'  Day  in  Schools 
Tuesday,  April  27 — Boys'  and  Girls'  Vocational  Day 
Wednesday,  April  28 — Boys'  and  Girls' 

Day  in  Entertainment  and  Athletics 

The  program  on  this  day,  it  is  suggested,  might 
include  interschool  field  meets;  marble  tourna- 
ments; contests  in  rope  skipping,  hop  scotch  and 
jacks  for  girls,  swimming  contests,  and  life  saving 
exhibitions  for  both  boys  and  girls;  recognition 
of  local  athletes ; indoor  athletic  meets  in  the  eve- 
ning at  the  school  gymnasium,  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.  or 
the  boys’  club ; folk  dance  and  folk  song  programs 
by  groups  of  boys  and  girls  representing  the  na- 
tions from  which  their  parents  came;  talent  ex- 
hibitions, possibly  in  the  form  of  an  amateur  cir- 
cus ; dramatic  contests  between  groups  of  children, 
and  a radio  amateur  hour. 

Thursday,  April  29 — Boys'  and  Girls' 

Day  in  Citizenship 

Friday,  April  30 — Boys'  and  Girls'  Day  Out-of-Doors 

On  this  day  there  might  well  be  hikes  taken  by 
groups  of  boys  and  over  various  routes  to  cul- 
minate at  a central  point  where  a treasure  hunt 
or  picnic  may  be  engaged  in  by  all  the  groups; 
open  air  sports  and  games,  such  as  kite  flying; 
outdoor  rallies  of  Boy  Scouts,  Girl  Scouts  or 
Camp  Fire  Girls  and  other  groups ; picnic  suppers 
organized  by  the  various  local  service  clubs  with 
a program  of  appropriate  games  and  other  events, 
such  as  boat  excursions,  mountain  climbing,  na- 
ture study  hikes  and  day  camps.  The  day’s  pro- 


gram may  be  followed  by  Boys’  and  Girls’  Eve- 
ning at  Home. 

Saturday,  May  I — Boys'  and  Girls'  Health  Day 

Note  : A copy  of  the  “Manual  of  Suggestions” 
may  be  secured  from  the  Committee  at  35  East 
Wacker  Drive,  Chicago,  Illinois. 

Types  of  Municipal  Recreation  Areas 

(Continued  from  page  611) 

a manager,  cashier,  one  or  more  bath  house  as- 
sistants and  one  or  more  lifeguards. 

Swimming  Pool.  Sometimes  this  is  a separate 
area  although  more  often  it  is  included  in  a play- 
ground or  play  field.  Where  it  is  a separate  area 
a space  as  small  as  one  acre  may  suffice  for  a 
small  pool,  but  several  acres  are  needed  for  a 
large  pool  especially  since  a parking  space  should 
be  provided.  Frequently  courts  are  provided  for 
games  and  play  activities.  The  personnel  required 
is  comparable  to  that  at  the  bathing  beach. 

Athletic  Field  or  Stadium.  This  is  a specialized 
type  of  center  intended  primarily  for  highly  or- 
ganized games  and  sports.  It  is  often  established 
at  a high  school  site  or  as  a part  of  a neighbor- 
hood playfield.  Because  it  is  intended  to  serve  large 
numbers  of  spectators,  ample  permanent  seating 
facilities  are  provided  and  the  area  is  enclosed  by 
a wall  or  fence.  An  area  smaller  than  five  acres  is 
not  satisfactory  and  often  it  is  as  large  as  twenty 
acres,  especially  in  the  case  of  a large  stadium 
where  an  extensive  parking  area  is  required. 

The  athletic  field  or  stadium  usually  provides  a 
quarter  mile  running  track  in  which  are  laid  out 
a football  or  soccer  field  and  a baseball  diamond 
and  facilities  for  field  events.  Unless  locker, 
shower  and  toilet  rooms  are  provided  under  the 
stadium  a special  field  house  is  required.  Main- 
tenance equipment,  and  supplies  and  space  for 
storing  them  are  also  essential.  Unlike  most  of 
the  other  areas  previously  described,  the  athletic 
field  is  often  not  open  to  general  public  use. 
Therefore  continuous  supervision  is  seldom  pro- 
vided although  one  or  more  maintenance  workers 
are  required. 

Municipal  Camp.  Comparatively  few  cities  have 
established  municipal  camps,  and  as  a rule  they 
are  located  on  properties  a considerable  distance 
from  the  city,  either  on  city-owned  land  or  land 
leased  from  state  or  federal  authorities.  These 
(Continued  on  page  614) 


MAGAZINES  AND  PAMPHLETS 


613 


Magazines  and  Pamphlets 

\ Recently  Received  Containing  Articles  \ 
of  Interest  to  the  Recreation  Worker 


MAGAZINES 

Parents’  Magazine,  February  1937 
Year-Round  Value  from  Camp, 
by  James  L.  Hymes,  Jr. 

Family  Fun,  by  Elizabeth  King 

The  Catholic  School  Journal,  February  1937 

Education  for  Leisure,  by  Rev.  Charles  P.  Bruehl, 
Ph.  D. 

School  Activities,  February  1937 

Stunts  and  Program  Material,  by  W.  Marlin  Butts 
Parties  for  the  Season,  by  Mary  Helen  Green 
The  Popularity  of  Extra-Curricular  Activities  in 
Certain  Courses  of  Study,  by  F.  Byron  B.  Cory 

The  American  Girl,  February  1937 
Give  a Ski  Party,  by  Anna  Coyle 

Parks  and  Recreation,  January  1937 

Lake  Worth  Park,  by  Leo  A.  McClatchy 
Making  the  Playground  Slide  More  Useful  and 
Beautiful,  by  Arthur  Leland 
“The  More  Abundant  Life” 

“Old  Silver  Mine”  Ski  Tow  in  Bear  Mountain  Park 

Parks  and  Recreation,  February  1937 

Parkway  Development  Under  the  National  Park 
Service,  by  Dudley  C.  Bayliss 
The  Palisades  Interstate  Park 

Leisure,  February  1937 

He  Pulls  the  Strings,  by  Barbara  Lee  Reed 
The  Moving  Circus  Challenges  Model  Makers,  by 
Waldon  Fawcett 

When  Three  or  Four  Join  in  Song, 
by  HildrethMartin 
Winter  Is  the  Time  to  Plan  Hikes, 
by  Mark  G.  Pierce 

The  American  City,  February  1937 

Berkeley’s  Yacht  Harbor  and  Aquatic  Park 
A Large  Sports  Arena  for  a Town  of  2,500 
(Hershev,  Pa.) 

PAMPHLETS 

Seventeenth  Annual  Report  of  the  Houston  Recreation 
Department 

Annual  Report  of  the  Bureau  of  Parks,  Recreation  and 
Aviation  of  the  Department  of  Public  Works  of 
Chicago,  1935 

Annual  Report  of  the  Salt  Lake  City  Recreation  Depart- 
ment, 1936 

Annual  Report  of  the  Newburgh  Recreation  Commission, 
1936 

Ninth  Annual  Report  of  the  Park  Association  of  New 
York  City,  1936 

1 4 th  Annual  Report  of  the  Recreation  Commission  of 
Plainfield,  N.  J.,  1936 

Annual  Activity  Report  of  the  Memorial  Community 
Building,  Goldsboro,  N.  C.,  1936 

Annual  Report  of  the  Recreation  Department  of  the  Chil- 
dren's Community  Center,  New  Haven,  1936 

Winter  Program — Mount  Vernon  Recreation  Commis- 
sion, 1936-1937 

Annual  Report,  Department  of  Public  Recreation,  Mill- 
burn,  N.  J.,  1936 


Child  Health  Day 

May  I,  1937 

The  Children's  Bureau  of  the  United  States 
Department  of  Labor  is  sponsoring  Child 
Health  Day  activities  at  the  request  of  the  state 
and  provincial  health  authorities  of  North  America 
and  in  accordance  with  the  Congressional  Resolu- 
tion of  May  1 8,  1928,  authorizing  the  President  to 
proclaim  May  Day  as  Child  Health  Day. 

The  objective  for  the  1937  observance  of  the 
day  on  Saturday,  May  1,  will  be  to  promote  the 
extension  of  year-round  child-health  services  in 
every  community,  including  services  for  physi- 
cally handicapped  children.  The  slogan  will  be, 
“Health  protection  for  every  child." 

State  May  Day  chairmen  will  be  appointed  by 
state  health  officers  to  plaq  the  State  Child  Health 
Day  program  and  to  arrange  for  the  cooperation 
of  organizations  concerned  with  child  health.  State 
departments  of  education  will  be  asked  to  cooper- 
ate by  planning  and  directing  school  Child  Health 
Day  programs. 

The  program  suggested  is  briefly  as  follows: 
For  Community  Groups.  (1)  an  evaluation  of 
child-health  services  in  the  community  based  on  a 
survey  of  existing  child-health  conditions  and  or- 
ganization to  promote  child  health;  (2)  the 
launching  of  new  local  child-health  projects,  and 
(3)  exhibits  or  programs  celebrating  gains  made. 

For  Children.  As  a climax  for  the  year's  health 
program  — festivals,  athletic  contests,  programs, 
exhibits  celebrating  children’s  growth,  vigor,  and 
safety  from  health  hazards. 

It  is  suggested  that  there  be  state  and  local 
news  stories,  radio  talks  and  speeches. 

Recreation  departments  will  want  to  cooperate 
this  year,  as  they  have  in  the  past,  with  local  health 
departments  that  are  promoting  the  program.  Re- 
quests for  information  on  state  programs  or  for 
further  material  should  be  sent  to  May  Day  chair- 
men in  state  health  departments. 


National  Parks  Bulletin,  February  1937 

Issued  by  the  National  Parks  Association, 
Washington,  D.  C. 

Annual  Report  of  the  Bureau  of  Recreation,  Philadelphia. 
Pa.,  1936 

Annual  Report  of  the  Recreation  Division  of  the  City  of 
Miami,  Florida,  1935-1936 

Annual  Report  of  the  Recreation  Commission  of  the  City 
of  Norwalk,  Conn.,  1936 

Annual  Report  of  the  Department  of  Recreation  of  T wo 
Rivers,  Wisconsin,  1936 

Annual  Report  of  the  Department  of  Public  Recreation  of 
Irvington,  N.  J.,  1936 


614 


GENTLEMEN , //£££  /*££  THE  FORESTS! 


Gentlemen,  Here  are  the 
Forests! 

On  the  road  toward  higher  civilization  we 
have  come  through  the  age  of  steam  into  the 
age  of  electricity.  Steadily  increasing  demands  are 
being  made  on  the  limited  sources  from  which 
electric  power  now  comes.  From  what  sources  is 
the  new  supply  of  electric  power  to  come  ? 

That  was  the  question  facing  the  Third  World 
Power  Conference,  which  met  in  September,  1936. 
In  reply  the  Forest  Service  of  the  United  States 
Department  of  Agriculture  said,  “Gentlemen,  here 
are  the  forests.”  One-third  of  the  United  States 
is  forest  land. 

The  relation  of  the  forest  to  human  progress  in 
the  age  of  power  is  of  great  concern  to  the  forest 
service.  Recognizing  the  increased  demand  for 
power  and  the  diminishing  resources  of  oil,  gas 
and  water,  which  are  used  in  creating  power,  the 
Forest  Service  appraises  its  own  capacity  to  meet 
this  growing  demand  for  potential  power. 

Of  our  total  forest  lands  172,600,000  acres  are 
in  the  hands  of  state  and  federal  government.  The 
Forest  Service  of  the  federal  government  must 
“meet  the  challenge  of  returning  wealth  not  only 
measurable  in  money  but  also  services  and  social 
values  which  will  continue  as  far  into  the  future 
as  men  have  need  of  trees.” 

Preservation  of  the  forests  for  power  is  only  one 
aspect  of  the  forest  Service.  The  unscrupulous 
lumber  man,  the  ravages  of  fire,  the  preservation 
and  control  of  wild  life,  and  the  education  of  Mr. 
Public  on  all  these  problems  are  among  the  tasks 
to  which  the  Forest  Service  sets  itself.  To  deter- 
mine when  there  are  too  many  deer  or  elk  in  a 
forest  area  careful  studies  are  made  to  see  what 
deer  eat,  how  much  they  eat,  and  then  how  many 
deer  a given  forest  can  support.  Since  deer,  rab- 
bits and  elk  kill  the  trees,  and  since  wolves  and 
bob  cats  kill  the  deer,  when  and  how  long  should 
the  killer  of  both — man — be  allowed  to  run  loose 
with  a gun  ? When  game  becomes  a menace  the 
hunting  season  is  extended  and  the  balance  of 
wild  life  is  preserved. 

It  devolves  upon  the  Forest  Service  to  maintain 
inside  the  Service  a balance  which  will  provide  us 
with  the  greatest  possible  harvest  of  what  we 
want,  both  from  the  trees  and  the  animals  that  live 
there.  Finally  the  forests  are  being  turned  into 
the  most  wonderful  playgrounds  people  ever  had. 
Roads,  camping  grounds  and  cabins  are  being  built. 
Streams  are  stocked  with  fish.  Information  as  to 


changing  color  schemes  when  frosts  turn  autumn 
leaves  to  red  and  gold  is  scattered  far  and  wide. 
This  service  is  so  effective  that  17,000,000  people 
visited  the  great  playgrounds  in  one  year  because 
of  the  newly  found  leisure  provided  by  this  age 
of  power. 

From  facts  presented  in  “Here  Are  Forests,”  by  Martha 
B.  Bruere,  Published  by  the  Government  Printing  Office, 
Washington,  D.  C. 

Types  of  Municipal  Recreation  Areas 

(Continued  from  page  612) 

areas  afford  camping  facilities  for  city  groups — 
either  boys,  girls,  adults  or  family  groups. 

The  camp  should  be  in  a comparatively  secluded 
section.  Preferably  it  should  have  or  border  a 
body  of  water  suitable  for  swimming.  A mini- 
mum desirable  site  is  twenty  acres;  some  camps 
occupy  sites  of  several  hundred  acres.  Many 
buildings  are  needed,  including  sleeping  cabins, 
dining  room,  recreation  hall,  nature  museum,  ser- 
vice buildings,  boat  house  and  infirmary.  A great 
variety  and  quantity  of  equipment  and  supplies 
are  needed  in  establishing  and  operating  a camp. 

Necessary  personnel  includes  a camp  director 
and  assistants,  counselors  for  small  groups,  cook 
and  assistants,  caretaker,  doctor  or  nurse  and 
leaders  for  such  special  activities  as  nature  study, 
water  sports  and  arts  and  crafts. 

Other  Properties 

Each  of  the  properties  previously  discussed  pro- 
vides to  a greater  or  lesser  extent  opportunities 
for  varied  forms  of  active  or  organized  recrea- 
tion. In  addition  there  is  need  in  every  city  for 
other  kinds  of  properties.  One  of  these  is  the 
small  landscaped  area  such  as  the  square,  circle  or 
“intown”  park.  Another  is  the  neighborhood  park 
which  varies  from  a few  to  twenty-five  or  more 
acres  and  which  is  primarily  a landscaped  prop- 
erty. One  of  these  areas  should  be  provided  for 
at  least  each  square  mile  of  the  city.  Sometimes 
this  type  of  park  is  combined  with  the  neighbor- 
hood playfield  to  comprise  the  neighborhood-play- 
field  park.  A third  additional  type  of  area  is  the 
parkway  which  in  a sense  is  an  elongated  park 
and  which  often  serves  to  connect  large  units  in 
a park  system. 


A New  Recreation  Frontier 

(Continued  from  page  600) 

1'hree  months  after  the  program  was  estab- 
lished (in  the  fall  of  1936)  the  “play  lady”  called 
regularly  each  week  on  fourteen  children.  Many 


WILLIAM  H.  WALKER 


615 


William  H.  Walker 

In  November,  William  H.  Walker,  Executive 
Secretary  of  the  American  Institute  of  Park  Ex- 
ecutives, died  very  suddenly.  For  over  twelve 
years  Mr.  Walker  served  as  Superintendent  of 
Parks  in  South  Bend,  Indiana,  where  he  built  up 
a splendid  park  system.  He  was  well  known 
throughout  the  country  for  his  work  in  the  field 
of  parks  and  conservation. 


more  are  on  her  waiting  list.  To  these  children 
are  brought  games  and  simple  crafts.  They  are 
taken  on  scrap  book  trips  to  foreign  countries, 
learn  to  observe  nature  from  their  windows  and 
attend  parties  despite  braces  and  casts  and  wheel 
chairs. 

The  Works  Progress  Administration  has  co- 
operated by  making  decorations  for  bedside  and 
group  parties.  A group  of  women  collect  scrap 
material  and  make  handcraft  samples  for  the  chil- 
dren and  the  men  have  made  bedside  or  lap  tables 
“to  fit”  and  repaired  wheel  chairs.  For  those  who 
were  discovered  to  be  behind  in  their  studies 
tutors  have  been  obtained. 

Because  of  this  program  a fifteen-year-old  car- 
diac case  is  virtually  eating  up  mathematics,  tak- 
ing guitar  and  harmonica  lessons  and  turning  out 
craft  projects  by  the  score;  a fourteen-year-old 
girl  sings  over  the  making  of  Mexican  dolls — she 
wants  to  be  an  opera  singer — and  a seven-year-old 
lad,  his  legs  in  long  casts,  has  started  on  a career 
of  painting. 

Joy  in  a Children’s  Ward 

The  City  Recreation  Bureau  of  Knoxville, 
Tennessee,  keeps  its  eye  on  thirty  white  beds  in 
the  children’s  ward  of  the  General  Hospital 
through  the  person  of  a NYA  worker.  No  longer 
do  these  thirty  boys  and  girls  from  six  to  fourteen 
who  may  be  in  those  beds  wait  drearily  for  the 
hours  to  pass.  The  “play  lady’’  of  Knoxville 
comes  two  hours  a day  except  Sunday,  providing 
constructive  and  entertaining  activities  for  them. 
There  are  things  to  make,  games  to  play,  songs  to 
sing  and  happiness  for  all.  Every  two  weeks  a 
special  entertainment  is  prepared  for  the  children. 
Once  it  was  a magician  ! There  was  a Santa  Claus 
who  brought  gifts  and  the  first  smile  in  three 
weeks  to  the  face  of  one  small  lad. 

Plans  are  growing  for  opening  an  adjoining 
room  for  a play  room  and  a place  where  games, 
toys  and  handcraft  materials  may  be  kept. 


POSTERS'PLAYS*  PROGRAMS 
LESSON  OUTLINES 


Safety  Materials 
for  the  Teacher 

• The  Education  Division  of  the  National 
Safety  Council  offers  a consultation  and 
publications  service  to  the  schools  on  all 
problems  relating  to  safety  teaching. 

• A Special  Safety  Packet  for  Playground 
Directors  is  now  available.  This  is  a valu- 
able collection  of  materials  to  help  the 
playground  director  promote  safety  on  the 
playground  and  consists  of  ten  attractive 
safety  posters,  crayon  lessons  for  small 
children,  a short  play  and  a program  of 
activities  for  supervised  playgrounds. 

Price  $1.00 

• SAFETY  EDUCATION  MAGAZINE 

provides  the  teacher  with  material  for  a 
well-rounded  safety  program  based  on 
seasonal  hazards.  The  colored  posters, 
graded  lesson  plans,  plays,  stories,  infor- 
mational articles,  accident  facts,  patrol 
news  items  and  other  features  are  pre- 
pared by  school  people  who  are  experts 
in  the  field  of  safety  teaching. 

Subscription — $1.00  a Year 
EDUCATION  DIVISION 

National  Safety  Council 

One  Park  Avenue,  New  York,  N.  Y. 


616 


TETHER  BALL 


SAMPLES 

. . . of  what  is  published  in 

the  columns  of  CAMPING  WORLD 


PARENTS  . . . Camping  World  meets 
the  challenge  of  parent  behaviour 
and  attitude  toward  the  Camp  Di- 
rector and  The  Camp  by  publishing 
a frank  discussion  of  the  problem. 

LAWS  . . . Camping  World  meets 
the  challenge  of  state  health  authori- 
ties by  publication  of  an  enlighten- 
ing series  of  articles  on  the  scientific 
reasons  for  health  laws. 

MOTIVATION  ...  A guide  by  which 
camp  leaders  can  study  the  various 
means  by  which  camper  motivation 
is  generated. 

ADOLESCENT  . . . Camping  World 
discusses  the  advisability  of  send- 
ing a 12-16  year  old  child  to  a co- 
educational camp. 

INITIATIVE  . . . Do  you  believe 
campers  are  capable  of  deciding 
their  own  activities?  Camping  World 
shows  that  initiative  at  best  is  rare. 

PERSONNEL  ...  A successful,  tried 
method  of  preparing  the  counsellor 
staff  for  its  camp  duties  is  given  by 
Camping  World. 

PROGRAM  . . . The  heart  of  a camp 
is  its  program.  See  Camping  World's 
criteria  for  the  formation  of  a camp 
program. 

$2.00  for  ONE  YEAR 

CAMPING  WORLD 

THE  NATIONAL  MAGAZINE  OF  CAMPING 

Edited  by  L.  Noel  Booth 

1 1 East  44th  Street,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Send  to  Dept.  R 6 for  a sample  copy 


Starting  with  Baseball 

The  shut-in  program  for  children  of  Akron, 
Ohio,  was  launched  in  January  1937  by  the  Rec- 
reation Department.  A staff  member  has  been 
assigned  to  formulate  the  program,  and  already 
the  lives  of  some  thirty-five  children  have  been 
considerably  brightened.  Who  could  help  being 
excited  and  happy  if  a Chicago  White  Sox  base- 
ball played  walked  right  into  his  home  and  talked 
to  him  and  autographed  a ball  or  a card?  No  red- 
blooded  youngsters — and  these  shut-ins  radio  base- 
ball fans  are  that.  And  that  is  just  what  hap- 
pened to  thirteen  boy  and  girl  “fans”  in  the  first 
days  of  the  shut-in  program.  The  names  of  these 
children  have  been  taken  to  the  spring  training 
place  of  big  league  teams,  and  players  will  be 
asked  to  write  to  them.  It  is  hoped  that  when 
sport,  film  or  radio  stars  visit  Akron  they  also 
will  visit  the  shut-in  children. 

In  addition  to  surprises  of  this  kind  there  are 
story-tellers  and  “readers”  who  visit  the  children, 
a music  teacher  for  those  who  want  to  learn  and 
are  not  too  disabled  to  play,  and  airplane  and  toy 
construction  sets  to  put  together. 

While  the  initial  group  is  made  up  of  only 
thirty-five  children  whose  names  were  suggested 
by  the  Family  Service  Society,  it  is  planned  to  en- 
large the  group  as  the  program  is  developed. 


Tether  Ball 

(Continued  from  page  601) 

4.  Stepping  over  line  into  opponent’s  court. 

5.  Using  pipe  upright  to  aid  in  jumping  for  ball. 

6.  Catching  rope-  and  throwing  ball  and  rope. 

Equipment  Needed 

1.  1 piece  galvanized  pipe  13  feet  long. 

2.  1 3-inch  cap,  galvanized. 

3.  1 screw-eye. 

4.  1 halter-snap  (to  connect  sash  cord  to 
screw-eye  on  pipe). 

5.  1 roll  No.  8 Samson  red  spot  sash  cord. 

6.  1 roll  strong  twine  (used  in  whipping  rope). 
/.  1 roll  tape  (tape  over  whipped  places  in 

forming  loops  to  attach  ball  to  rope). 

8.  1 light,  soft,  leather  volley  ball  with  strong 
leather  loop  attached.  Make  loop  of  very  strong 
soft  leather.  It  should  be  hand-sewn  and  backed 
with  leather  inside  ball. 

9.  1 l/z  yards  gravel  (cement  mix). 

10.  8 sacks  cement. 

11.  3 pieces  inch  by  4 inches  by  16  feet 
(form  material). 


New  Publications  in  the  Leisure  Time  Field 


Wooden  Toy-Making 

By  Winifred  M.  Horton.  The  Manual  Arts  Press, 
Peoria,  Illinois.  $1.75. 

This  new  book  on  toy-making  is  valuable  and  unique 
in  that  it  presents  a creative  method  of  toy-making. 
Complete  directions  are  given  for  making  a few  toys  of 
each  type  shown  accompanied  'by  suggestions  which  will 
lead  to  the  designing  of  toys  of  a similar  nature.  The 
encouragement  of  originality  in  design  and  production  is, 
however,  an  important  objective  of  the  book.  Four  groups 
of  toys  are  shown — toys  built  from  waste  pieces  of  wood; 
toys  designed  and  shaped  before  building  up ; toys  with 
simple  movement,  and  others  with  more  complicated 
movement.  The  book  is  delightfully  illustrated  with  pen 
and  crayon  drawings. 

Skiing  for  All 

By  Otto  Schniebs.  Leisure  League  of  America,  New 
York.  $.25. 

T he  tremendous  popularity  of  skiing  makes  this  book, 
■ a recent  publication  of  the  Leisure  League  of  America, 
most  timely.  Armed  with  this  practical  book  with  its 
many  illustrations,  the  amateur  skier  should  save  himself 
many  a tumble ! The  'booklet  includes  suggestions  for 
building  ski  trails  and  a glossary  of  ski  terms. 

Painting  As  a Hobby 

By  Stephen  D.  Thach.  Harper  and  Brothers.  New  York. 
$1.75. 

✓"N  ne  of  the  interesting  features  of  this  book,  which  is 
addressed  to  those  who  have  had  no  experience  with 
painting,  is  that  it  approaches  the  undertaking  of  painting 
in  oils  and  water  colors  as  a simple,  understandable  effort 
rather  than  a complicated  and  elaborate  task.  Step  by 
step  the  author  supplies  the  essential  information  which 
will  lead  the  reader  most  quickly  into  an  understanding 
of  how  to  paint — how  to  mix  paint,  how  to  apply  it,  and 
how  to  organize  the  subject  matter. 

In  Quest  of  Contentment 

By  Marjorie  Barstow  Greenbie.  Whittlesey  House. 

McGraw-Hill  Book  Company,  Inc.,  New  York.  $2.50. 
T he  author  of  that  delightful  book,  The  Arts  of 
* Leisure,  has  given  us  another  guide  to  the  art  of  living 
under  the  title,  In  Quest  of  Contentment.  In  this  volume 
Mrs.  Greenbie  philosophizes  on  what  real  basis  there  is 
for  the  hope  of  happiness  and  contentment  in  the  life  of 
the  average  individual.  She  has  grouped  under  four  main 
headings  her  suggestions  for  the  readjustment  of  our 
inherited  ideals  to  'modern  knowledge  and  new  social 
conditions.  These  include  “Contentment  in  Health,” 
“Contentment  in  Wealth,”  “Contentment  in  Love,”  and 
“Leisure  and  the  Ends  of  Life.”  Some  very  sound  ad- 
vice, as  well  as  much  interesting  philosophy,  will  be  found 
in  Mrs,  Greenbie’ s thought- provoking  book. 


Safety  Through  the  Year 

Bv  Florence  Nelson  and  H.  Louise  Cottrell.  McGraw- 
Hill  Book  Company,  Incorporated,  New  York.  $.52. 
/■^hild  accidents,  in  spite  of  the  progress  which  has 
^ been  made  in  safety  education  in  the  schools,  still 
constitute  a very  serious  problem  and  there  is  a distinct 
need  for  more  material  for  use  in  the  schools  in  the 
promotion  of  safety  education  programs.  Safety  Through 
the  Year — An  Activity — Text — Workbook  provides  the 
safety  information  necessary  for  intermediate  groups  and 
will  fill  a long  felt  need.  Ten  units  are  included,  sufficient 
work  for  a complete  course  for  one  year.  Opportunity  is 
given  to  study  and  discuss  the  safety  information  and  to 
supplement  it  by  personal  experiences.  Many  attractive 
and  clarifying  illustrations  add  to  the  usefulness  of  this 
textbook. 

Youth  Faces  the  World 

Building  America.  Volume  1.  Number  8.  Society  for 
Curriculum  Studv,  Inc.,  425  West  123rd  Street,  New 
York.  $.30. 

AA  any  recreation  workers  are  familiar  with  the  Rec- 
reation Issue  of  Building  America,  which  is  known 
as  “a  photographic  magazine  of  modern  problems.”  In 
this  issue  the  editors  have  presented  most  forcefully  some 
of  the  problems  facing  youth  and  some  of  the  steps  which 
are  being  taken  by  the  government  and  by  youth  them- 
selves to  meet  the  situation.  The  issue  is  one  which  rec- 
reation workers  will  not  want  to  miss.  A subscription 
to  Building  America,  of  which  there  are  eight  issues,  may 
be  secured  for  $2.00. 

Adventures  in  Living 

By  Thomas  D.  Wood,  Anette  M.  Phelan,  Marion  O. 
Lerrigo,  Nina  B.  Lamkin  and  Thurman  B.  Rice. 
Thomas  Nelson  and  Sons,  New  York. 

II  ere  is  a series  of  five  books  designed  to  teach  health 
” as  a means  to  abundant  living  and  not  as  an  end  in 
itself.  The  ultimate  purpose  of  the  series  is  to  give  the 
child  a well-rounded,  sound  and  sensible  concept  of  live 
— to  make  the  business  of  living  an  absorbing  and  ever 
broadening  adventure.  The  books  now  available  are : 
Now  We  Are  Growing  ($.60)  Grade  3 — Subject  matter 
is  presented  in  stories  of  the  family  life  of  four  children, 
their  parents  and  their  dog;  Many  Ways  of  Living  ($.60) 
Grade  4 — This  book  tells  how  children  live  in  many  lands 
and  shows  how  basic  health  principles  apply  to  their 
lives;  Keeping  Fit  ($.72)  Grade  5 — Scientific  subject 
matter  is  introduced  in  an  elementary  way;  Blazing  the 
Trail  ($.80)  Grade  6 — Accounts  are  given  of  pioneer 
scientific  discoveries ; How  We  Live  ($.80)  Grades  7 
and  8 — This  is  a study  of  the  body  at  work  and  at  rest, 
and  material  is  presented  in  units  related  to  essential  life 
functions. 


617 


618 


NEW  PUBLICATIONS  IN  THE  LEISURE  TIME  FIELD 


Music  Education. 

National  Society  for  the  Study  of  Education.  Public 

School  Publishing  Co.,  Bloomington,  Illinois. 

Though  especially  designed  for  school  people,  Music 
Education  should  be  read  by  anyone  who  has  anything 
to  do  with  the  choice  and  direction  of  musical  activities 
anywhere  in  a community.  Indeed,  it  could  be  read  with 
profit  by  any  recreation  leader,  for  it  reveals  in  very 
interesting  philosophy  as  well  as  in  practical  detail  how 
education  and  recreation  turn  out  to  be  happily  the  same 
when  each  is  seen  in  its  own  best  light. 

The  book  starts  with  this  philosophy  very  practicably 
presented  by  Columbia’s  Professor  James  L.  Mursell. 
Relationships  of  music  to  other  subjects  are  discussed 
by  Professor  Peter  W.  Dykema.  His  brief  statement  of 
the  differences  between  the  “functional  approach”  and  the 
“technical  approach”  is  especially  revealing.  A terse  and 
very  telling  chapter  on  The  Place  of  Music  in  a System 
of  Education  throws  light  incidentally  on  the  insight  by 
which  its  author,  Miss  Lilia  Belle  Pitts,  has  become  a 
remarkably  successful  teacher  of  fine  music  among  all 
sorts  of  adolescent  boys  and  girls  where  success  is  most 
rare.  What  constitutes  musical  talent,  and  where  and  how 
is  it  found?  This  question  is  discussed  by  Dr.  Jacob 
Kwalwasser  of  Syracuse  University. 

Following  these  chapters  a second  section  deals  in  con- 
siderable detail  with  the  various  musical  activities  as  they 
are  carried  on  in  the  best  schools — with  rhythm  and 
simple  dancing,  singing,  ear-training,  instrumental  activi- 
ties, listening,  reading  music,  music  theory  and  creative 
activities.  The  last  of  these  topics  is  discussed  by  Dr. 
Will  Earhart,  director  of  music  in  Pittsburgh’s  public 
schools.  Dr.  Earhart  knows  whereof  he  writes.  Each  of 
the  other  chapters  on  activities  is  likewise  the  work  of 
an  authority.  That  this  reviewer  cannot  asrree  with  every 
thought  in  them  is  at  best  for  him  a token  that  other 
people  in  the  recreation  field  will  also  find  stimulus  to 
careful  judgment. 

The  third  and  final  section  of  the  book  has  seven 
chapters  on  the  organization  and  administration  of  music 
in  schools,  including  two  on  equipment,  one  on  the  selec- 
tion and  training  of  teachers  and,  very  significantly,  one 
on  a program  of  music  activities  outside  the  school. 
These  also  are  by  persons  who  can  speak  with  authority. 
The  writer  of  the  last  chapter  mentioned  is  Professor 
Edgar  B.  Gordon  of  the  University  of  Wisconsin,  who 
has  for  many  years  been  among  school  music  teachers 
the  principal  advocate  of  amateur  music-making,  espe- 
cially in  small,  informal,  non-concert-giving  groups,  both 
outside  and  inside  the  schools.  He  is  the  sort  of  person 
around  whom  such  happy  music-making  springs  wherever 
he  stays.  This  book  should  help  to  develop  more  such 
persons. — A.  D.  Zansig., 

Family  Behavior. 

By  Bess  V.  Cunningham,  Ph.D.,  W.  B.  Saunders  Com- 
pany, Philadelphia.  $2.75. 

Many  situations  which  arise  in  everyday  life  and  which 
are  familiar  to  all  of  us  are  held  up  for  examination  in 
this  textbook  and  are  analyzed  in  relation  to  the  part 
they  play  in  promoting  or  hindering  an  ideal  state  of 
affairs.  A chapter  on  “Using  Leisure”  presents  an  ap- 
proach to  the  subject  of  the  use  of  leisure  which  is 
practical  and  interesting.  “A  philosophy  of  leisure,” 
says  Dr.  Cunningham,  “cannot  be  defined  for  everyone, 
but  the  modern  family  which  might  be  willing  to  try 
to  evolve  its  own  would  undoubtedly  be  well  repaid.” 

The  Municipal  Year  Book  1936. 

Edited  by  Clarence  E.  Ridley  and  Orin  F.  Nolting.  The 

International  City  Managers’  Association,  Chicago. 

$4.00  postpaid. 

The  1936  Year  Book  contains  five  main  divisions. 
(1)  Municipal  Administration,  which  offers  a number  of 
articles  on  municipal  activities  in  1935  by  outstanding 
authorities;  (2)  deals  with  Governmental  Units ; (3) 
with  Municipal  Personnel;  (4)  with  Muncipal  Finance, 


and  (5)  with  Sources  of  Information.  Municipal  officials 
and  all  interested  in  government  will  find  this  book  of 
great  value.  i 

A Step  Forward  for  Adult  Civic  Education. 

Bulletin,  1936,  No.  16.  Office  of  Education.  Government 
Printing  Office,  Washington,  D.  C.  $.10. 

The  story  of  ten  forum  demonstration  centers  spon- 
sored by  the  United  States  Office  of  Education  and  man- 
aged by  local  educational  agencies  is  told  in  this  attract- 
ively illustrated  booklet.  The  material  is  convincingly 
presented  in  a way  to  give  the  reader  a clear  picture 
of  the  significance  of  these  centers  for  “civic  enlighten- 
ment through  free  public  discussion.” 

Squash  Racquets. 

By  John  Skillman.  Whittlesey  House.  McGraw-Hill 
Book  Company,  Inc.,  New  York.  $2.50. 

The  needs  of  both  players  and  teachers  are  considered 
in  this  book  which  discusses  the  technique  of  a game  which 
is  rapidly  growing  in  popularity  at  schools  and  colleges, 
in  clubs  and  other  centers.  Actual  plays  are  discussed 
in  detail,  suggestions  are  given  for  training  and  for  tour- 
nament play,  and  there  is,  in  addition,  a special  chapter 
on  squash  racquets  for  women,  together  with  a section 
on  the  rules  and  court  specifications.  Illustrations  and 
diagrams  are  included. 

Parent-Teacher  Publicity. 

Edited  by  Clarice  Wade,  Publicity  Secretary.  National 
Congress  of  Parents  and  Teachers,  1201  Sixteenth 
Street,  Northwest,  Washington,  D.  C.  Paper,  $.25; 
cloth,  $.50. 

Although  written  primarily  for  parent-teacher  work- 
ers, the  material  in  this  booklet  is  equally  appropriate 
for  individuals  interested  in  publicity  relations  with  other 
organizations  and  agencies.  Chapters  particularly  appli- 
cable to  all  groups  are  the  Publicity  Committee;  Pub- 
licity Channels ; The  Press  and  Publicity ; Suggestions 
on  News  Writing,  and  Style  Sheet.  Recreation  workers 
will  do  well  to  add  this  booklet  to  their  libraries. 


Officers  and  Directors  of  the  National 
Recreation  Association 

OFFICERS 
Joseph  Lee,  President 
John  II.  Finley,  First  Vice-President 
John  G.  Winant,  Second  Vice-President 
Robert  Garrett,  Third  Vice-President 
Gustavus  T.  Kirby,  Treasurer 
Howard  S.  Braucher,  Secretary 

DIRECTORS 
F.  Gregg  Bemis,  Boston,  Mass. 

Mrs.  Edward  W.  Biddle,  Carlisle,  Pa. 

Mrs.  William  Butter  worth,  Moline,  111. 

Clarence  M.  Clark,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

Henry  L.  Corbett,  Portland,  Ore. 

Mrs.  Arthur  G.  Cummer,  Jacksonville,  Fla. 

F.  Trubee  Davison,  Locust  Valley,  L.  I.,  N.  Y. 

John  H.  Finley,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Robert  Garrett,  Baltimore,  Md. 

Austin  E.  Griffiths,  Seattle,  Wash. 

Mrs.  Charles  V.  Hickox,  Michigan  City,  Ind. 

Mrs.  Mina  M.  Edison-Hughes,  West  Orange,  N.  J. 
Mrs.  Francis  deLacy  Hyde,  Plainfield,  N.  J. 

Gustavus  T.  Kirby,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

H.  McK.  Landon,  Indianapolis,  Ind. 

Mrs.  Charles  D.  Lanier,  Greenwich,  Conn. 

Robert  Lassiter,  Charlotte,  N.  C. 

Joseph  Lee,  Boston,  Mass. 

Edward  E.  Loomis,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

J.  H.  McCurdy,  Springfield,  Mass. 

Otto  T.  Mallery,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

Walter  A.  May,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 

Carl  E.  Milliken,  Augusta,  Me. 

Mrs.  Ogden  L.  Mills,  Woodbury,  N.  Y. 

Mrs.  James  W.  Wadsworth,  Jr.,  Washington,  D.  C. 

J.  C.  Walsh,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Frederick  M.  Warburg,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

John  G.  Winant,  Concord,  N.  H. 

Mrs.  William  H.  Woodin,  Jr.,  Tucson,  Ariz. 


Recreation 

Index  to  Volume  XXX 

April  1936 — March  1937 


Administration  of  Recreation 


Month 

Year 

Page 

Can  an  Advisory  Board  Help  ? . . . 

December 

1936 

463 

Citizen  Boards  in  Public  Welfare, 
Margaret  Carey  Madeira 

January 

1937 

485 

Appreciations 

William  Butterworth  July 

1936 

186 

William  D.  Champlin 

December 

1936 

467 

Luther  Halsey  Gulick,  J.  H.  Mc- 
Curdy, M.D 

September 

1936 

297 

Anna  Louise  Johnson 

March 

1937 

611 

David  I.  Kelly  

May 

1936 

89 

Ethel  Rockwell  

November 

1936 

419 

Passing  of  Lorado  Taft,  The, 

R.  E.  Hieronymus 

February 

1937 

527 

William  H.  Walker  

March 

1937 

615 

Arts  and  Crafts 

Building  a Bomber,  Richard  B. 

Hoag  October 

1936 

354 

Community  Workshop  in  Decatur, 
The,  Elmer  Gidel 

April 

1936 

30 

Creation  in  Clay,  Marese  Eliot. . 

April 

1936 

17 

Cultural  Olympics 

February 

1937 

565 

Handicraft  Arts  in  the  Public 
Recreation  Program,  Minnette 
B.  Spector 

December 

1936 

454 

“Let’s  Make  Something,” 

Ray  Forsberg  

April 

1936 

6 

Municipal  Sketch  Club,  A, 

Helen  Huston  

September 

1936 

311 

Recreation  Through  Handicraft, 
Ellick  Maslan 

September 

1936 

303 

Book  Reviews 


Adult  Education,  Lyman  Bryson. 

January 

1937 

520 

Adult  Education  in  Action, 

Edited  by  Mary  L.  Ely 

October 

1936 

376 

Adult  Education  in  Hamilton 
County,  Ohio — 1934-1935, 
Miriam  Walker  

October 

1936 

376 

Adventures  in  Living,  Thomas  D. 
Wood,  Annette  M.  Phelan, 
Marion  0.  Lerrigo,  Nina  B. 
Lamkin  and  Thurman  B.  Rice. 

March 

1937 

618 

After  All  It’s  Up  to  You, 

Frank  H.  Cheley  

May 

1936 

96 

Along  Nature’s  Trails,  Lillian 
Cox  A they  

September 

1936 

327 

American  Foundations, 

H.  C.  Coffman 

July 

1936 

232 

American  Planning  and  Civic  An- 
nual 1936,  Edited  by  Harlean 
James  

February 

1937 

568 

Archery  Tackle,  Adolph  Shane. . . 

August 

1936 

279 

Month 

Year 

Page 

Artcrafter,  The,  Artcraft  Studios  July 
Athletic  Handbook,  The,  Spald- 

1936 

232 

ing’s  Athletic  Library 

Basketball  — Official  Guide  1936- 
37,  Edited  by  Women’s  Rules 
and  Editorial  Committee,  A.P. 

November 

1936 

423 

E.A 

Beacon  Handicraft  Series,  The, 

November 

1936 

424 

Boston  University  

Bibliography  of  Planning  1928- 

December 

1936 

471 

1935,  Katherine  McNamara. .. . 
Bibliography  on  Education  in 
Family  Life,  Marriage,  Parent- 
hood, and  Young  People’s  Re- 
lationships, Federal  Cornell  of 

May 

1936 

95 

Churches  

Bibliography,  Resource  Material 
and  Background  Notes  on  Folk 
Song,  Music  and  Dance,  Com- 

August 

1936 

280 

piled  by  John  O’Brien 

Book  of  Puppetry,  A,  Edited  by 

October 

1936 

375 

Felix  Payant  

October 

1936 

375 

Boss  Rule,  /.  T.  Salter 

Boxing  for  Beginners,  Bernard 

May 

1936 

96 

F.  Mooney  

Boy’s  Book  of  Strength,  The, 

June 

1936 

184 

C.  Ward  Crampton,  M.D 

Campers’  Handbook,  The,  Dillon 

February 

1937 

568 

Wallace 

Can  Delinquency  Be  Measured? 

July 

1936 

231 

Mrs.  Sophia  M.  Robinson 

Catch  ’Em  Alive  Jack, 

February 

1937 

567 

Jack  Abernathy  

Catching  Up  with  Housing, 

July 

1936 

232 

Carol  Aronovici,  Ph.D 

Columbus,  Westward  Ho ! 

March 

1937 

618 

Alice  Merrill  Horne 

May 

1936" 

96 

Cookery  Book,  The,  L.  P.  DeGouy 
Cookery  in  Camp  and  on  the 
Trail,  Prepared  by  Ernest  A. 

February 

1937 

567 

Dench  

Craft  Work-and-Play  Things, 

September 

1936 

328 

A.  Neely  Hall  

February 

1937 

568 

Crochet  Book,  Elizabeth  King... 
Designs  for  Wood-Carving, 

February 

1937 

567 

Herbert  W.  Faulkner  

Elementary  Photography,  N cblette, 

May 

1936 

95 

Brehm  and  Priest  

Facing  the  Future  with  the  Char- 
acter-Building Agencies,  Com- 
munity Chests  and  Councils, 

September 

1936 

328 

Inc 

Family  Behavior,  Bess  V.  Cun- 

February 

1937 

568 

ningham,  Ph.  D 

Field  Hockey  Guide,  The,  Spald- 

March 

1937 

618 

ing’s  Athletic  Library  

Fifty  Cases  for  Camp  Counselors, 

December 

1936 

472 

Roland  W.  Ure  

October 

1936 

376 

619 

620 


INDEX  TO  VOLUME  XXX 


Fifty  Football  Plays,  Edited  by 

Month 

Year 

Page 

Arthur  J.  (“Dutch”)  Bergman  November 
55  New  Tin-Can  Projects, 

1936 

423 

Joseph  J.  Luk owts 

Four  Seasons  in  Your  Garden, 

November 

1936 

423 

John  C.  Wister 

Fundamentals  of  Personal  Hy- 
giene, The,  Walter  W.  Krue- 

November 

1936 

424 

ger,  Ph.B ' 

Game  Craft,  H.  D.  Edgren  and 

September 

1936 

328 

D.  T.  Eiswald  

April 

1936 

47 

Gang,  The,  Frederic  M.  Thrasher  January 
Gardens  and  Gardening  1936, 

1937 

520 

Edited  by  F.  A.  Mercer 

Girl  Scout  Diary  1937,  The, 

May 

1936 

95 

Girl  Scouts,  Inc 

Good  English  Through  Practice, 

December 

1936 

471 

Edward  H.  Webster 

Government  by  Merit,  Lucius 

October 

1936 

376 

Wilmerding,  Jr 

Guide  to  Motion  Pictures,  Com- 

April 

1936 

48 

munity  Chests  and  Councils,  Inc. 
Guide  to  the  Appalachian  Trail  in 
Maine,  The  Appalachian  Trail 

April 

1936 

48 

Conference 

Handbook  for  Nursery  Schools 
and  Parent  Education  in  Ore- 

April 

1936 

48 

gon,  Sarah  V.  Case  

Handbook  for  Recreation  Leaders, 

July 

1936 

232 

Ella  Gardner 

Handbook  for  the  Amateur  Actor, 

December 

1936 

471 

A,  Van  H.  Cartmell 

Handbook  of  Adult  Education  in 
the  United  States,  1936,  Edited 

June 

1936 

184 

by  Dorothy  Rowden 

Handy  Green  Book,  Handy  Green 

September 

1936 

328 

Book  Publishing  Company ... . 
“Handy  II” — Sections  N and  U, 

October 

1936 

376 

Edited  by  Lynn  Rohrbough 

Health  Program  in  Small  Asso- 

July 

1936 

231 

ciations,  The,  Edith  M.  Gates. . 

December 

1936 

472 

How  to  Build  Motor  Car  Trailers, 


A Frederick  Collins 

August 

1936 

280 

How  to  Make  Marionettes, 

Edith  Flack  Ackley  

November 

1936 

423 

How  to  Present  the  Gilbert  and 
Sullivan  Operas,  Albert  0. 
Bassuk  

May 

1936 

96 

In  Quest  of  Contentment, 
Marjorie  Barstow  Greenbie... 

March 

1937 

617 

Index  to  Folk  Dances  and  Sing- 
ing Games,  An,  Compiled  by 
Staff  of  the  Music  Department, 
Minneapolis  Public  Library . . . . 

September 

1936 

327 

Individual  Satisfaction  in  Adult 
Education,  A Study  by  Olive  0. 
Van  Horn  

January 

1937 

520 

Individual  Sports  Guide  (Archery, 
Golf,  Tennis)  1936,  Compiled 
by  Women’s  Rules  and  Editorial 
Committee,  A.P.E.A 

July 

1936 

232 

Industrial  America — Its  Way  of 
Work  and  Thought,  Arthur 
Pound  

October 

1936 

376 

Junior  Fun  in  Bed,  Virginia  Kir- 
kus  and  Frank  Scully 

May 

1936 

95 

Juvenile  Delinquents  in  Public 
Institutions  1933,  Prepared 
under  the  supervision  of  Dr. 
Leon  E.  Truesdell  

April 

1936 

47 

Kit,  The  (Puppet  Making — Punch 
and  Judy)  , Edited  by  Lynn 

Month 

Year 

Page 

Rohrbough  

“Kit”  39,  Edited  by  Lynn  and 

December 

1936 

472 

Katherine  Rohrbough 

Knitting  Book,  The,  Elisabeth 

May 

1936 

95 

King  

February 

1937 

567 

Learn  to  Ski!  Herman  Bautsmann  April 
Leisure  and  Recreation,  Martin 

1936 

47 

H.  and  Esther  S.  N eumeyer . . . 
Leisure  for  Living,  Katherine 

August 

1936 

279 

Glover 

Let  the  Child  Draw,  Van  Dear- 

June 

1936 

184 

ing  Perrine  

Libraries  of  the  South — A Report 
on  Developments,  1930  - 1935, 

September 

1936 

328 

Tommie  Dora  Barker  

List  of  Plays,  Dramatics  Division, 
National  Federation  of  Settle- 

August 

1936 

280 

ments,  Inc 

Make  a Job  for  Yourself, 

February 

1937 

567 

Pauline  Cleaver  

Man  and  the  Motor  Car, 

February 

1937 

568 

Albert  W.  Whitney  

Manual  of  Walking,  A, 

September 

1936 

327 

Elon  Jessup 

Many  Ways  of  Living,  Thomas 

October 

1936 

375 

D.  Wood,  M.D.,  and  Associates  October 

1936 

375 

Merry  Gentlemen  of  Japan,  The, 


H.  W.  Reiter  and  Shepard 
Chartoc  

April 

1936 

48 

Modern  Methods  in  Archery, 
Natalie  Reichert  and  Gilman 
Keasey  

January 

1937 

519 

More  Zest  for  Life,  Donald  A. 
Laird  

April 

1936 

47 

Municipal  Year  Book  1936,  Edited 
by  Clarence  E.  Ridley  and  Orin 
F.  Nolting  

March 

1937 

618 

Music  Education,  National  Society 
for  the  Study  of  Education March  1937  617 


Music  in  Institutions,  Willem  van 
de  Wall,  assisted  by  Clara  M. 

Liepmann January  1937  519 

Mystery  of  the  Mind’s  Desire, 

The,  John  Finley July  1936  231 

Nature  Games,  William  G.  Vinal  December  1936  471 

Nature  Guides’  Dictionary,  The, 


William  G.  Vinal  

December 

1936 

471 

Nature  Guiding  on  Wheels, 
William  G.  Vinal  

August 

1936 

279 

Nature  Lore  or  Listen  to  the  Voice 
of  Nature,  H.  P.  Kjerschow 
Agersborg,  Ph.D 

September 

1936 

328 

New  Plays  for  Children, 

Selected  by  A.  P.  Sanford 

November 

1936 

423 

New  Ways  in  Photography, 
Jacob  Deschin  

January 

1937 

519 

New  York  Advancing,  Edited  by 
Rebecca  B.  Rankin  

January 

1937 

520 

News  Almanac  for  Social  Work 
1936,  Community  Chests  and 
Councils,  Inc 

April 

1936 

47 

1936  Handbook  of  the  Smoky 
Mountains  Hiking  Club,  Smoky 
Mountains  Hiking  Club 

August 

1936 

280 

Official  Softball  Rules  1936, 
Spalding’s  Athletic  Library . . . . 

July 

1936 

231 

INDEX  TO  VOLUME  XXX 


621 


Month  Year  Page 

On  Skis  Over  the  Mountains, 

Walter  Mosauer,  M.D February  1937  56/ 

101  Things  for  Girls  to  Do,  Lillie 
B.  and  Arthur  C.  Horth April  19oo  4/ 

Our  Homes,  Edited  by  Ada  Hart 
Arlitt,  Ph.D February  1937  568 

Organizing  to  Reduce  Delin- 
quency, Lowell  J.  Carr May  1936  9o 

Our  Earth  and  Its  Life,  Mary  G. 

Phillips  and  Julia  McN.  Wright  January  1937  520 

Outdoor  Baseball  for  Women  and 
Girls  1936,  Spalding’s  Athletic 

Library  September  1936  327 

Paint,  Powder  and  Make-Up, 

Ivard  Strauss  September  1936  327 

Painting  As  a Hobby, 

Stephen  D.  Thach March  1937  617 

Parent-Teacher  Publicity,  Edited 
by  Clarice  Wade  March  1937  618 

Parents  and  the  Automobile, 

Edited  by  Elisabeth  J.  Reisner, 

Harriet  de  Onis  and  Thalia  M. 

Stolper  December  1936  472 

Parents  and  the  Latch  Key, 

Edited  by  Elisabeth  J.  Reisner, 

Harriet  de  Onis  and  Thalia  M. 

Stolper  August  1936  280 

Physical  Education  Achievement 
Scales  for  Boys  in  Secondary 
Schools,  Frederick  W.  Cosens, 

Martin  IT.  Trieb  and  N.  P. 

Neilson  

Planning  for  the  Small  American 
City,  Russell  Van  Nest  Black.. 

Planning  the  Future  with  Youth, 

Edited  by  S.  M.  Keeny 

Play  in  Childhood,  Margaret 

Lowenfeld  

Principles  and  Practice  of  Recre- 
tional  Therapy  for  the  Mentally 
111,  John  E.  Davis  and  Dr.  Wil- 
liam Rush  Dunton,  Jr 

Principles  and  Statutory  Provi- 
sions Relating  to  Recreational, 

Medical,  and  Social  Welfare 
Services  of  the  Public  Schools, 

Everett  C.  Preston 

Puppet  Making — Punch  and  Judy, 

The  Kit,  edited  by  Lynn 

Rohrbough  

Puppetry,  An  Educational  Adven- 
ture, Virginia  Murphy 

Putting  Standards  Into  the  Sum- 
mer Camp,  Edited  by  H.  S. 

Dimock  

Real  Log  Cabin,  The,  Chilson  D. 

Aldrich 

Recreation  and  Education,  The 

World  Peace  F oundation  

' Recreation  Bird  Book,  Depart- 
ment of  Health,  Education  and 
Public  Recreation,  Michigan.  . 

Regional  Planning,  Karl  B.  Loh- 

mann  jr. 

Rhythm  Book,  Elisabeth  Water- 
man   

Romance  Map  of  the  Northern 
Gateway,  A,  Compiled  by  C. 

Eleanor  Hall  in  collaboration 

with  Josephine  W.  Wickser April  1936  48 


August 

1936 

280 

June 

1936 

184 

June 

1936 

184 

April 

1936 

47 

September 

1936 

327 

July 

1936 

232 

December 

1936 

472 

December 

1936 

471 

October 

1936 

375 

December 

1936 

471 

July 

1936 

232 

January 

1937 

520 

July 

1936 

232 

October 

1936 

375 

Month 

Safety  Education  in  the  Public 
Schools,  Department  of  Public 

Instruction,  Pennsylvania  October 

Safety  in  Athletics,  Lloyd,  Dea- 

ver  and  Eastzvood February 

Safety  Through  the  Year,  Flor- 
ence Nelson  and  H.  Louise 
Cottrell  March 

Schools  People  Want, 

Harry  S.  Ganders November 

Science  and  the  Young  Child, 

Association  for  Childhood  Edu- 
cation   May 

Selected  Bibliography  on  Recrea- 
tion, Compiled  by  C.  O.  Jackson  September 
Settlement  Primer,  The, 

Mary  K.  Simkhovitch  July 

Simplified  Human  Figure,  The, 

Adolfo  Best-Maugard September 

Sing  Together,  Girl  Scouts,  Inc.. . August 
Sketching  As  a Hobby, 

Arthur  L.  Guptill  February 

Skiing,  Ingrid  Holm  January 

Skiing  for  All,  Otto  Sckniebs March 

Skip  to  My  Lou,  Girl  Scouts,  Inc.  February 
Skits  and  Stunts, 

W.  Martin  Butts April 

Soccer  and  Speedball  Guide,  The, 

Spalding’s  Athletic  Library  ...  November 
Social  Determinants  in  Juvenile 
Delinquency,  T.  Earl  Sitllenger, 

Ph.D November 

Some  Animal  Neighbors,  Mary  G. 

Phillips  and  Julia  McN . Wright  November 


Songs  and  Hymns  for  Many  Oc- 
casions, Selected  by  the  Music 
Committee  of  the  National 


Board  of  the  Y.W.C.A September 

Speedball  for  Girls,  Frances  T. 

Duryea  and  Dorothy  E.  Wells.  November 
Sports  Curriculum,  A, 

Seward  C.  Staley,  Ph.D December 

Sports  for  Recreation  and  How  to 
Play  Them,  Edited  by  Elmer 

D.  Mitchell  July 

Squash  Racquets,  John  Skillman.  March 
Step  Forward  for  Adult  Educa- 
tion, A Bulletin,  1936,  No.  16, 

Office  of  Education March 

Story  of  Costume  Told  in  Pic- 
tures, The,  Compiled  by  Belle 

Northrup  January 

Story  Parade,  Story  Parade,  Inc.  April 


Study  of  Public  Recreation  in 
Cleveland,  A,  Leyton  E.  Carter 
in  collaboration  until  Edward 

’A.  Levy  October 

Survey  of  Parks  and  Recreation 
in  Providence,  Rhode  Island, 

Lebert  H.  Weir August 

Symposium  on  Health  and  Recre- 
ation by  Ten  Y.W.C.A.  Lead- 
ers, A,  with  a Foreword  by 

Edith  M.  Gates  October 

Teaching  of  Archery,  The, 

Dave  and  Cia  Craft September 

Teaching  of  Body  Mechanics  in 
Elementary  and  Secondary 
Schools,  The,  Ivalclare  Sprozv 
Howland,  M.A August 


Year  Page 

1936  376 

1937  567 

1937  617 
1936  424 

1936  96 

1936  327 
1936  231 

1936  328 

1936  279 

1937  567 
1937  519 
1937  617 
1937  567 

1936  47 

1936  424 

1936  423 
1936  424 

1936  328 
1936  423 
1936  472 

1936  231 

1937  618 

1937  618 

1937  519 
1936  48 

1936  375 
1936  279 

1936  376 
1936  327 

1936  280 


622 


INDEX  TO  VOLUME  XXX 


Teaching  of  Physical  Education, 
The,  Jackson  R.  Sharman,  Ph.D. 

Month 

.November 

Year 

1936 

Page 

424 

Teaching  of  Stunts  and  Tumbling, 
The,  Bonnie  and  Donnie  Cotteral 

November 

1936 

424 

Ten  National  Character  Dances, 
Arranged  by  Edna  L.  Baum. . . 

January 

1937 

519 

Tennis  for  Teachers,  Helen  Irene 
Driver  

June 

1936 

184 

Theory  of  Social  Work,  The, 
Frank  J.  Bruno  

May 

1936 

96 

Through  the  Telescope, 

Edward  A.  Fath  

May 

1936 

95 

Tumbling  for  Girls, 

Mama  V.  Brady,  M.A 

June 

1936 

184 

Whittling  and  Woodcarving, 

E.  J.  Tangerman 

February 

1937 

567 

With  Puppets,  Mimes  and  Shad- 
ows, Margaret  K.  Soifer 

January 

1937 

519 

Wooden  Toy-Making, 

Winifred  M.  Horton 

March 

1937 

617 

Working  with  Tools, 

Harry  J.  Hobbs 

April 

1936 

48 

Wrestling  for  Beginners, 

Bernard  F.  Mooney  

July 

1936 

231 

Year  ’Round  Party  Book,  The, 
William  P.  Young  and  Horace 
J.  Gardner 

December 

1936 

471 

Young  Child  in  the  Home,  The, 
Report  of  the  Committee  on  the 
Infant  and  Preschool  Child  of 
the  White  House  Conference  on 
Child  Health  and  Protection. . . 

August 

1936 

279 

Young  Child  in  the  Museum,  The, 
Compiled  by  Carolyn  Heller. . . 

August 

1936 

280 

Young  Lives  in  a Modern  World, 
National  Congress  of  Parents 
and  Teachers  

November 

1936 

424 

Youth  Action  in  the  Use  of  Lei- 
sure Time,  International  Coun- 
cil of  Religious  Education 

April 

1936 

47 

Youth  Faces  the  World,  Building 
America  Series  

March 

1937 

617 

Youth  Movements  Here  and 
Abroad,  Compiled  by  Margue- 
rita  P.  Williams 

April 

1936 

48 

Youth  Welfare  in  Philadelphia, 
Francis  M.  Wetherill 

December 

1936 

472 

Youth  Without  Jobs, 

E.  C.  W orman 

May 

1936 

95 

Camping  and  Hiking 

Bronx  Day  Camp,  The July 

1936 

220 

Camp  at  Your  Doorstep,  A, 
London  Gilbert  Rankin 

May 

1936 

51 

Living  with  “Shell-Shocked” 
Youth,  Arthur  Schroeder  and 
Frank  Kaplan 

May 

1936 

63 

Mass  Hikes,  Eugene  L.  Roberts. 

December 

1936 

445 

New  Deal  for  Boys  and  Girls,  A, 
C.  E.  Brewer 

July 

1936 

214 

New  York  Tries  Out  New  Meth- 
ods of  Education,  Maude  L. 
Dryden  

May 

1936 

58 

Organized  Camp  on  Recreational 
Demonstration  Projects,  The.. 

May 

1936 

69 

Organized  Camps  in  State  Parks, 
Julian  H.  Salomon  

August 

1936 

259 

Sunday  Hikers,  Mary  E.  Mercer. 

April 

1936 

23 

Celebrations  and  Observances 


Month 

Year 

Page 

Boys’  and  Girls’  Week 

March 

1937 

612 

Child  Health  Day  

For  May  Day  and  Other  Spring 

March 

1937 

613 

Celebrations  

April 

1936 

43 

Pennsylvania  Folk  Festival,  The. 
“We  the  People” — and  the  Con- 

November 

1936 

421 

stitution  

March 

1937 

587 

Clubs 

Boys’  Club  and  Juvenile  Delin- 


quency,  The  

February 

1937 

529 

City-Wide  Club  for  Girls,  A, 
Irene  Welty 

April 

1936 

21 

Club  Leadership, 

Sidney  J.  Lindenberg 

November 

1936 

395 

Clubs  in  the  Playground  Program, 
Josephine  Blackstock  

July 

1936 

215 

“Merrily  We  Roll  Along!” 
Marion  Shelmerdine 

March 

1937 

577 

Young  People’s  Social  Clubs  in 
St.  Paul,  Ernest  W.  Johnson . . 

March 

1937 

604 

Community  Centers  and  Recreation  Buildings 

Community  Buildings  Here  and 
There  

January 

1937 

488 

Community  Centers  in  Sioux  City, 
Ferdinand  A.  Bahr 

January 

1937 

478 

Detroit’s  Community  Night  Pro- 
grams, J.  J.  Considine 

February 

1937 

542 

Factory  Building  Serves  a Com- 
munity’s Recreational  Needs,  A September 

1936 

294 

Let’s  All  Go  to  School, 

H.  S.  Hemcnway  

February 

1937 

539 

Nationality  Night  at  a School 
Center,  David  D.  Hicks 

September 

1936 

288 

Recreation  Centers  for  Unem- 
ployed Men 

January 

1937 

517 

Recreation  Center  Prize-Winning 

Design September  1936  293 

Recreation  Program  in  Areas  of 
Cultural  Conflict,  The,  Halcyon 

M.  Thomas September  1936  305 

Securing  the  Use  of  Schools  as 
Community  Centers,  Thomas 
W.  Lantz October  1936  347 


Dancing 


Folk  Dancing  in  Chicago, 

Vytautas  F.  Beliajus  

September 

1936 

309 

Why  Folk  Dancing? 

Vytautas  F.  Beliajus  

February 

1937 

538 

Drama,  Festivals  and 

Pageants 

Community  Children’s  Theater 

Grows,  A,  Alyce  Shell 

February 

1937 

555 

“Curtain  at  8 P.  M.,”  Alice  Dietz 

and  J.  Kendall  Van  Booskirk.. 

January 

1937 

495 

Federal  Children’s  Theater  in  New 

York  City,  The,  Anne  Powell. . 

October 

1936 

344 

For  Your  Drama  Program 

July 

1936 

224 

Good  Plays  at  Reduced  Royalty. 

December 

1936 

469 

It  Beats  the  Movies  ! 

September 

1936 

295 

Louisville’s  Fifth  Annual  Play 

Contest  

March 

1937 

591 

INDEX  TO  VOLUME  XXX 


623 


Month 

Year 

Page 

Palo  Alto’s  May  Festival, 

28 

Katherine  Peavy  

Puppet  and  Marionette  Shop,  A, 

April 

1936 

Robert  L.  Homey 

Puppet  Trailer,  A, 

February 

1937 

1936 

552 

11 

L.  Gordon  Thomas  

Puppetry  in  a New  Age, 

April 

1936 

207 

Grace  Wilder  

July 

Producing  the  Playground  Pag- 
eant, Jack  Stuart  Knapp 

Richmond  Traveling  Players,  The, 

August 

1936 

241 

Frederick  Wohl 

December 

1936 

442 

Safe  and  Sane  Fourth,  The 

Why  Not  Puppets  in  the  Home? 

July 

1936 

229 

Kate  C.  Hall  

December 

1936 

435 

Games,  Athletics  an 

d Sports 

“Boyolympics”  and  All  Nations 
Festival,  The,  Ralph  Borrclli.. 

July 

1936 

211 

Boys’  Meets  in  Milwaukee  

Fencing  and  Its  Plan  in  Recrea- 

July 

1936 

217 

tion,  Anthony  A.  Scafati 

Fourteenth  Annual  Women’s 

September 

1936 

308 

. Demonstration,  The  

August 

1936 

275 

More  About  Chess  

Necatos — Recreation’s  Latest  In- 

March 

1937 

593 

novation,  Bernard  S.  Mason... 
New  and  Ancient  Sports  of  Ha- 

July 

1936 

219 

waii,  Arthur  Powlison 

Program  of  Games  for  Very 

February 

1936 

549 

Young  Children,  The,  Jamina 
Adamcsyk  

September 

1936 

283 

Softball — the  Game  for  all, 

Arthur  T.  Noren 

January 

1937 

508 

Tether  Ball,  Richard  J.  Fox 

March 

1937 

601 

Hobbies 

Baltimore’s  First  C i t y - W i d e 
Hobby  Show,  Lloyd  M.  Keller. 
Hobby  Show — Just  for  Fun, 

August 

1936 

265 

Lilas  Middleditch  

November 

1936 

398 

Organizing  a Hobby  Show, 

Henry  Ferris  Donn 

Nature  Study  as  a Hobbv, 

April 

1936 

25 

William  L.  Lloyd  

October 

1936 

361 

Holiday  and  Special  Day  Celebrations 

“April  Fish”  Party,  An 

March 

1937 

581 

Community  Christmas,  A 

For  a Happy  Thanksgiving, 

December 

1936 

441 

A.  D.  Zansig 

For  an  “Honest  Abe”  Party, 

October 

1936 

337 

Elisabeth  Price  

New  Year’s  Day  Around  the 

January 

1937 

481 

World  

December 

1936 

439 

Pittsburgh  Makes  Merry! 

November 

1936 

386 

Planning  the  Easter  Partv 

Shure,  ’Tis  Time  for  a St.  Pat- 

April 

1936 

15 

rick’s  Party ! 

Texas  Celebrates  Its  Hundredth 

February 

1937 

535 

Birthday,  Sarah  G.  Knott 

October 

1936 

351 

Thanksgiving  Party,  A 

Three-in-One  Christmas  Pro- 

October 

1936 

341 

gram,  A 

We  Celebrate  Hallowe’en ! 

November 

1936 

383 

M axine  Heiss -. 

September 

1936 

291 

Home  Play 

Why  Not  Puppets  in  the  Home? 

Kate  C.  Hall 

December 

1936 

435 

Gold  Digging  in  the  Home 

How’s  Your  Family  Foursome? 

July 

1936 

193 

Madelon  W.  Jackson  . 

November 

1936 

379 

Month  Year 

Oklahoma  Backyard  in  Action,  A, 

Mrs.  S.  J.  Lahman May  1936 

Recreation  Executive  Considers 
Recreation  in  the  Home,  A, 

Raymond  Quigley  February  1937 

Layout,  Equipment  and  Facilities 

Dearborn  Dedicates  Ford  Field . . October  1936 

From  a Woodchuck  Up! January  1937 

Increasing  America’s  Recreation 

Facilities  December  1936 

Types  of  Municipal  Recreation 
Areas  March  1937 


Leadership 

Institute  Comes  to  Town,  The, 

Weaver  IV.  Pangburn August  1936 

Play  Leader  for  a Day, 

Victor  H.  Taylor November  1936 

Training  for  Playground  Leader- 
ship, W.  F.  Temple,  Jr November  1936 

M iscellaneous 


Figures  in  Light,  H.  D.  Edgrcn..  March  1937 
For  the  Happiness  of  the  Com- 
munity   August  1936 

Foundation  Believes  in  Play,  A..  December  1936 

In  a Wisconsin  Communty July  1936 

Industry  and  Recreation November  1936 

Island  of  Play,  The, 

John  H.  Finley August  1936 

Juggling  with  Jingles  and  Jargons, 

Irma  T.  Ireland  February  1937 

Looking  Backward  Forty  Years.  October  1936 
One  Woman  and  Her  Legacy...  March  1937 
Parent-Teacher  Council  Finds  the 

Way,  A,  Gertrude  E.  Flyte January  1937 

Play  Past  Sixty  September  1936 

Plea  for  the  Speech  Arts  in  the 
Recreation  Program,  A,  George 

Berreman January  1937 

Recreational  Background  of  Our 
Transient  Boys,  The,  George  E. 

(Jutland  and  H.  M.  Eads April  1936 

Recreation  Marches  Forward March  1937 

Rehabilitation  at  Sixty-two, 

Cecil  F.  Martin  November  1936 

Revolutions — for  What  ? 

Dorothy  Thompson  October  1936 

Three  Months  Later, 

Harry  H.  Stoops July  1936 

What  Are  the  Possibilities  of  Co- 
educational Physical  Education 
in  Secondary  Schools?  Wini- 
fred Van  Hagan September  1936 

World  Congress  for  Leisure  Time 

and  Recreation October  1936 

Yankee  Ingenuity  Scores  in  Hart- 
ford, John  M.  Hurley April  1936 

Youth  Goes  Adventuring  Out-of- 

Doors,  L.  David  Hazdey February  1937 

M usic 

Christmas  Miracle,  A, 

A.  D.  Zansig  December  1936 

Going  Back  to  the  Good  Old  Days  ! November  1936 

Musical  Heights  for  the  Plain 

Man,  A.  D.  Zansig July  1936 

Where  Harmonica  Bands  Flour- 
ish ! Louis  A.  Canarelli September  1936 

Where  Music  Flourishes December  1936 


Page 

79 

546 

346 

479 

448 

595 

245 

406 
409 

602 

255 

465 

202 

416 

252 

545 

355 

579 

502 

301 

499 

33 

590 

388 

331 

190 

315 

360 

31 

543 

451 

407 

197 

286 

438 


624 


INDEX  TO  VOLUME  XXX 


Nature  Activities  and 

Gardening 

• Month 

Year 

Page 

How  Does  Your  Garden  Grow? 
Clare  Nichols  

May 

1936 

62 

Nature  on  the  Playground, 
Elisabeth  H.  Price  

July 

1936 

203 

Nature  Study  as  a Hobby, 
William,  L.  Lloyd 

October 

1936 

361 

Radishes  and  Roses 

May 

1936 

74 

Why  Do  1 Have  a Garden? 

John  Mason  Wells  

April 

1936 

35 

Yosemite’s  Junior  Nature  School, 
Reynold  E.  Carlson  

January 

1937 

504 

Parks  and  Forests 

American  Forestry  Association 

Meets,  The,  E.  C.  W orman. . . . November 

1936 

408 

Chicago  Reorganizes  Its  Park 
System  

November 

1936 

389 

Gentlemen,  Here  Are  the  Forests  ! 

March 

1937 

615 

Making  Waste  Places  Blossom, 
Jessie  Schofield  

September 

1936 

307 

Playing  in  the  Parks  of  New 
York,  James  V.  Mulholland 

April 

1936 

3 

Present-Day  Parks  and  Their 
Functions,  V.  K.  Brozvn 

January 

1937 

475 

Recreational  Features  of  Parks.. 

December 

1936 

458 

Wayside  Parks  in  Texas 

September 

1936 

300 

Philosophy  of  Recreation  and  Leisure 

Adventures  in  Recreation, 

Weaver  W.  Pangburn 

February 

1937 

531 

Education  Versus  Recreation, 
Louis  Wessel  

May 

1936 

72 

How  Effective  Is  Our  Education 
for  Leisure?  Hedley  S.  Dimock 

December 

1936 

427 

“Is  It  Well  with  the  Child?” 
Newton  D.  Baker 

February 

1937 

523 

Leisure  Time  in  an  Industrial 
Community,  Arthur  E.  Morgan  March 

1937 

571 

Tomorrow’s  Citizens, 

Charles  P.  Taft 

October 

1936 

334 

Programs 

Experiment  in  Organized  Street 
Play,  An,  John  Fox 

August 

1936 

257 

Flint  Marches  On ! 

January 

1937 

490 

Maine  Plans  for  State-Wide  Rec- 
reation, Marguerite  D.  Little 
and  Ruby  S.  Campbell 

May 

1936 

81 

New  Recreation  Frontier,  A 

March 

1937 

599 

Oakland  Organizes  Recreation 
Week 

February 

1937 

551 

Recreation  for  Colored  Citizens  in 
a New  Democracy,  E.  T.  Att- 
well  

January 

1937 

491 

Recreation  in  One  Community, 
Robert  L.  Homey 

October 

1936 

357 

Summer  Playgrounds  of  1935  in 
Action  

April 

1936 

7 

Youth  Week  on  a Newark  Play- 
ground, Victor  J.  Di  Fillipo... 

April 

1936 

13 

Play  School: 

Play  Schools  in  Chicago’s  Parks, 
Jane  K.  May  

s 

August 

1936 

235 

Story  of  a Summer  Play  School, 
The,  Sidney  J.  Lindenberg .... 

May 

1936 

67 

Reading 

Gay  Tours  to  Far-away  Lands, 
Hannah  Sevems  

March 

1937 

583 

Month 

Year 

Page 

Recreational  Reading, 

Amy  Loveman  

October 

1936 

363 

Sixteen  Million  Books  

Why  Not  Ask  Your  Library  for 

January 

1937 

497 

Help?  

April 

1936 

20 

Rural  Recreation 

Farm  Olympics  

Rural  America’s"  March  of  Time” 

November 

1936 

401 

December 

1936 

455 

Safety 

Making  Play  Safe  for  Our  Chil- 


dren  

August 

1936 

253 

Safety  Play  Yards  in  Flint 

Some  Hazards  of  Recreation, 

August 

1936 

263 

Frank  S.  Lloyd  

November 

1936 

399 

Social  Recreation 

An  “April  Fish”  Party 

For  an  “Honest  Abe  Party,” 

March 

1937 

581 

Elisabeth  Price  

January 

1937 

481 

Leap  Year  Party,  A 

New  Year’s  Dav  Around  the 

May 

1936 

77 

World  

December 

1936 

439 

Planning  the  Easter  Party 

Planning  the  Party, 

April 

1936 

15 

Ethel  Bozvers 

Shure,  ’Tis  Time  for  a St.  Pat- 

November 

1936 

391 

rick’s  Party ! 

February 

1937 

535 

Thanksgiving  Party,  A 

We  Celebrate  Hallowe’en ! 

October 

1936 

341 

Maxine  Heiss  

September 

1936 

291 

Therapeutic  Values  of 

Recreation 

Recreation  at  a Mental  Hospital, 

Betty  Snyder  

Recreational  Activities  for  the 

August 

1936 

249 

Mentally  111,  Beatrice  Brozvn.. 

November 

1936 

403 

Water  Sports 

Harrisburg  Revives  the  Kipona, 

William  C.  Pelton 

Tanuary 

1937 

507 

Water  Games,  Vivian  Eubank. . . . 

August 

1936 

239 

Winter  Sports 

Newburgh’s  Novel  Skating  Rink  February 

1937 

554 

Skiing  Epidemic  Invades  the 

Western  Slope  of  the  Rockies, 
The,  Ray  Forsberg  

December 

1936 

443 

When  Winter  Dons  Her  Mantle 

White,  Edzvard  Brooks  Ballard 

December 

1936 

431 

Winter  Sports  Facilities  

February 

1937 

563 

Story-Telling 

Story  Hours — and  Story  Hours, 

Anne  Majette  Grant October  1936  349 

That  Magic  Corner  in  the  Play- 
ground! Anne  Majette  Grant..  July  1936  209 

Year  Book 

Community  Recreation  Leader- 


ship, Facilities  and  Activities  in 


1935  

Tune 

1936 

100 

Emergency  Recreation  Service  in 
1935  

Tune 

1936 

142 

Service  of  the  National  Recrea- 
tion Movement  in  1935  

June 

1936 

158 

Tables  of  Playground  and  Com- 
munity Recreation  Statistics  for 
1935  in  Cities  Conducting  Reg- 
ular Service  

June 

1936 

111