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358698

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This Volume is for
REFERENCE USE ONLY

From the collection of the

o Prelinger
u v Jjibrary

San Francisco, California
2007

V«l. XL No. 1

, 1917

The World at Play

Real Play Store, Portland, Oregon, Conducted by the Children
under Teacher's Supervision — A New Way to Teach Arithmetic

Fifty Cents a Copy

Two Dollars a Year

• ;•;

V : : ..: :;'. " '

• *. •, .•

Che Playground

Published monthly at Cooperstown. New York
FOR THE

PLAYGROUND AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION
OF AMERICA

1 Madison Arenue, New York City

MEMBERSHIP

Any person contributing five dollars or more shall be a
of the Association for the ensuing year

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PACK

The World at Play 5

The Story of Rose Cottage, by Ginerra Harrison Potts 17

Play School of the University of California, by Clark W. Hetherington 19

Play School of the University of California, by Mrs. D. Alford Hetherington 25

Recreation Problems in Uruguay, by Samuel G. Ybargoyen 29

Report of the Committee on Recreation Buildings 33

Discussion of Problems of Outdoor Playgrounds 42

Swimming Pools, by V. K. Brown 43

Indoor Pools, by S. K. Nason 51

Forward Steps in Recreation in Illinois, by Sidney A. Teller 52

Book Reviews 57

Entered as second-class matter August 8, 1916, at the Post Office at
Cooperstown, New York, under the act of March 3, 1879

AUG 27
253698

1 — Ready for a Bird Lesson with the Victrola, Wittenberg. Wis. — '

Spring is here again, and with it nature's music.

Are your pupils cultivating a knowledge of bird life through the use of

The Victor and Victor Records?

There are records of bird songs, given by real birds and by famous nature singers.
Children may learn to identify the native birds by hearing their songs repeated by Kellogg
and Gorst. These Victor Records should be in your School Record Library ready for use
during the Spring months:

Song of a Nightingale, No. 2
Song of a. Thrush (German,

Drossel)
Song of a Sprosser (Also called

"Field Nightingale")
Canary and Thrush Duet
64566 f Nightingale Song (Zeller) (Bird
10 in.$1.00t Voices by Kellogg) Alma Gluck

45057
10 in.$1.00

45058
10 in.$1.00

74465
12 in.$l.!

64438
10in.$1.00

Victor XXV

$67.50 special quotation

to schools only

When the Victor is not
in use, the horn can be
placed under the instru-
ment safe and secure
from danger, and the
cabinet can be locked to
protect it from dust and
promiscuous use by ir-
responsible people.

f Listen to the Mocking Bird (Sep-

•< timus Winner) (Bird Voices by
( Charles Kellogg) Alma Gluck
f Vogel als Prophet (Bird as
I Prophet) (From "Waldscenen"
—Op. 82, No. 7) (Schumann)
(Pianoforte accompaniment by
I Percy B.Kahn) Mischa Elman
64217 /Return of Spring (Robert
10in.$1.00\ Schumann) Evan Williams
Songs of Our Native Birds— No. 1 (Cat-bird; stormy
petrel; cardinal redbird; Jenny or house wren; loon;
red wing blackbird; bobolink; California mountain
quail, and general conversation of the birds of the
marsh) Charles Kellogg

Songs of Our Native Birds— No. 2 (Ring-dove; gold-
finch (wild canary); wood pewee; blue jay; whip-
poor-will; mourning dove; meadow 'ark; peabody
bird (white-throated sparrow); cat-bird: wood or
barn-owl; hoot-owl) Charles Kellogg

Songs and Calls of Our Native Birds-No. 3 (Ameri-
can robin; killdeer; blue jay; bluebird; wood-thrush:
yellow-billed cuckoo; mocking-bird) Charles Gorst
Songs and Calls of Our Native Birds— No. 4 (Kentucky
cardinal or redbird; oven-bird; red-eyed vireo; Balti-
more oriole; mourning dove; Western meadow lark)

Charles Gorst
Spring Song (Mendelssohn) (Orchestra with Bird

Calls) Charles Gorst

The Robin's Return (j_eander Fisher) (Orchestra
with Bird Calls) Charles Gorst

Any Victor dealer will gladly play any of the above selections
for you and supply you with Victor ^. ^

Educational Literature. For further
information write to the

Educational Department

Victor Talking Machine Co.

Camden, N. J.

Victor

Play School University of California

MANUAL ACTIVITIES

Play School University of California

PLAYING GAMES IN GERMAN

Play School University of California

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES— THE STORY HOUR

Play School University of California

ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURE ACTIVITIES

Play School University o. California

RHYTHMIC AND MUSICAL ACTIVITIES

Play School, University of California

BIG MUSCLE ACTIVITIES

THE WORLD AT PLAY

Resting and Camping
Spots. — Cyrus Kehr before the
American Civic Association, in
Washington, advocated public
reservations for camping or rest :

"As further adjuncts to these
highways there must be places
for resting and camping — places
in which tourists may procure
water and rest for a half hour
or an hour or camp for a night or
longer. The ordinary highway
affords no such places. Usually
the traveler may now stop and
rest or camp only by encroach-
ing or trespassing upon private
lands. There are already regions
where few such private places
can be found, and owners will
gradually exclude the public
from their lands. Before lands
become more valuable and be-
fore places suited to this purpose
are denuded of trees and
otherwise spoiled for this pur-
pose, such places should, so far
as possible, be acquired for the
public. These places should be
for the use of those who travel
for pleasure or business and for
those who haul farm products,
merchandise, or other freight.

"In some instances these rest
or camp places may be added at
one side or the other of the 100-
foot right-of-way, and in other
instances they may be put into
the middle of the right-of-way,

the roadside being divided and
extended along both sides of
the rest or camp place and the
right-of-way being correspond-
ingly widened. Recently in the
city of Ashland, Oregon, in a
public park, camp lots were
marked by suitable boundaries
and the free use of these, in-
cluding water and lights, granted
to automobile tourists bringing
their own tents."

Know the National Parks.—
Booklets of lovely views and
poetic descriptions issued by
the Department of the Interior
form part of a new effort to
promote interest and knowl-
edge and use of the National
Parks. Fourteen parks, with a
total area of 7,290 square miles
belong to the people of the
United States.

Enlarging the Value of Na-
tional Parks. — Perfect quiet, or
only primitive and natural
sounds; distant landscapes; ac-
cessible mountains; natural phe-
nomena— these four essentials
of recreation for the modern
city-dweller can now be well
provided in the national parks
and, before long, in the national
parks only. Recounting the
values of such recreation, Joseph
Grinnell and Tracy I. Storer,
in an article in Science, reprinted,
urge the need for more thought-

THE WO'RLD AT PLAY

ful preservation of wild life in
the parkvS, including letting the
parks alone — with trees, both
dead and alive, underbrush and
marshes left so animals may
retain their natural habitat,
for the benefit of the traveller
and for research in natural
history. The authors urge that
a trained resident naturalist be
placed in each national park, to
supervise the protection of ani-
mal life and to awaken and
satisfy curiosity regarding this
wild life.

Prize for City Park Plans.—
Missoula, Montana, is offering
a prize of one hundred dollars
for the best plan for a city
park plot recently donated to
the city.

Where Is the Sedate Adult?
— An exchange, commenting on
a plan for a "model park" to
include tennis, baseball, race
tracks, wonders what the sedate
adult is to get out of it. In a
really modern town everybody
gets out and plays, no one has
"spectatoritis," and the "se-
date adult" is not!

Use the Vacant Lots. — One
property owner in Brooklyn is
tired of having property values
spoiled by vacant lots adjacent
or across the street being turned
into refuse heaps. He is Eugene
R. Hudders. Mr. Hudders has
started a campaign for legisla-
tion to cover the matter. He

suggests that it should be made
a misdemeanor to dump rubbish
on vacant lots; that such lots
should be enclosed by iron or
wire fences rather than the
usual high board fence with its
unsightly billboards and its temp-
tation to use the ground as a
dump. Finally, Mr. Hudders
wishes to give the city the right
to take over such lots, using
them for playgrounds until the
owners can sell or improve
them.

Joseph Lee comments upon
Mr. Hudders' scheme as fol-
lows:

"I think Mr. Hudders' propo-
sition about lots is a mighty good
one. I don't see why people
should be allowed to make their
empty lots a nuisance to their
neighbors, and the law will soon
recognize that the sense of sight
has some rights in the court as
well as the sense of smell or
that of sound.

"On the positive side also,
that of permitting the city to
make the lots into playgrounds,
I think the idea a good one,
though I doubt the likeli-
hood of permitting the city to
forcibly take possession of land
for that purpose without com-
pensation and without the con-
sent of the owner. As a matter
of fact I believe that if the city
had the money to clear up the
lot and to put in a supervisor,

THE WORLD AT PLAY

an attendant of whatever kind
the particular playground re-
quired, most owners would be
glad to have it done ; and the use
of compulsion would be un-
necessary.

"This whole matter of the utili-
zation of spare lots has become
a very interesting one. I know
that people feel as I used to feel
myself, that a vacant lot was a
temporary piece of luck and
there was no particular interest
in developing it as a playground.
But there is a fallacy in that idea.
The vacant lot will always be
frequent in residential districts,
and although the old ones may
be built over, that will largely
happen when a section has
ceased to be residential, which
is exactly the time when you
can dispense with playgrounds.
In other words, although the
particular vacant lot may pass,
the vacant lot as an institution
may keep on in a new incarna-
tion, as a city, however much
it grows, will always have an
edge somewhere, and it is largely
on the edge that the people live.

"I believe that with the proper
development of vacant lots we
could get about half our play-
grounds and three-quarters of
our playground space for noth-
ing, so far as the cost of pur-
chase is concerned."

Exposition "Zone" Be-
comes a Permanent Play-

ground.— Lobos Square, a field
of eight or nine acres which was
covered with buildings as part
of the "zone" of the Panama-
Pacific, will be turned over to
the Playground Commission after
it is replanted. The Japanese
Pavilion, which was presented
to the City of San Francisco
after the Exposition by the
Japanese Government, will be
moved to Lobos Square to
serve as a field house. Lobos
Square was previously a park
without leadership, used largely
as a baseball field. It was
turned over to the Exposition
with the understanding that it
should be returned to the city
in the same condition as when
granted.

' ' Cash for Old Newspapers. ' >
— School children of Washing-
ton, D. C., have saved over one
hundred fifty tons of old news-
papers, for which more than
$2,000.00 was received. The
money will be devoted to play-
grounds.

Children of the Neighbor-
hood Are Welcome to the Use
of This Playground. — Thus
an M. E. Sunday School in San
Francisco announced at the gate
its invitation to use a building
lot on a busy corner which the
church was not ready to build
upon.

Recreation in Religious
Education. — An enlargement of

THH WORLD AT PLAY

the department of religious edu-
cation in Boston University
School of Theology provides
for a demonstration center at
Maiden, Massachusetts, where
through the cooperation of thir-
teen churches a city training
school for religious workers has
been established. The Boston
courses include principles of
recreational leadership, given by
Professor Norman E. Richard-
son; the boy scout movement
in principle and practice by
Ormond E. Loomis, and prac-
tice work in the various aspects
of scout craft, by James A.
Wilder. A course on musical
pageants and festivals for church
and community is given by
Professor H. Augustine Smith.

"A special foundation of
$10,000 created in memory of

Arthur Howe Pingree, a

Christian minister of broad

community interests a

zealous scout master" pro-
vides for a course of lectures
on the theory and practice of
boy scout leadership, both class-
room and field work. General
lectures on play are given by
Joseph Lee, George Ellsworth
Johnson, Ernst Hermann.

Play as a Substitute for the
Saloon. — A correspondent de-
clares that unless "something is
done to replace the social fea-
tures of the saloon, we can be
quite certain that it will come

back." Perhaps the answer is
found in a great "poor man's
club" in Portland, Oregon. Be-
fore Oregon "went dry," Mr.
Fritz ran one of the largest
saloons in the West. After-
wards it became "Fritz' Great
Workingmen's Resort," in
which the proprietor takes great
pride. There are baths, lunch
counters, a restaurant, employ-
ment office, soft drink bar, a
lodging house and free reading
rooms and motion pictures are
exhibited without charge.

In Memphis, Tennessee, the
neighborhood centers, estab-
lished just at the time that pro-
hibition was becoming effective
in that city, have proved whole-
some substitutes for the saloon.
In the cities and rural districts
of Georgia, Michigan and Vir-
ginia, the field secretaries of the
Association are helping to sup-
ply similar substitutes.

In the U. S. A. in 1917.— A
correspondent writes:

"If any one had told me that
such conditions exist in school-
houses in this day as I saw this
morning, I should have doubted
the truth of the statement. But
I have seen with my own eyes!

"I arrived at one school at
recess time, and because of the
deep snow the children were in
the basement playrooms. There
were two — one for boys and one
for girls. They were each about

THE WORLD AT PLAY

seventy feet long and possibly
thirty or thirty-five feet wide.
The girls' room contained the
furnace and a huge coal bin that
was filled with slack. The ceil-
ing in the boys' room was pos-
sibly nine feet high, but in the
girls' I could touch it in most
places without effort.

"It was so dark that even
with my good eyes I could not
see the faces of children half
way down the room. Light is
supposed to come through four
or five small basement windows,
you know the kind — half sashes
set in horizontally. But venti-
lation is had only through the
toilets and an outside basement
door. The windows are nailed
shut by order of the chief
janitor.

"I half tumbled down some
rickety stairs and found a howl-
ing, seething mass of boys of
all ages and all grades tearing
around like maniacs, not play-
ing. The air was so full of
dust from coal and the concrete
floor that I choked. It was a
perfect inferno. The girls
weren't doing much except stand-
ing about, talking and laughing
at the top of their lungs.

"Immediately after recess I
saw some 'physical training'
that I was told is required,
although there is no director.
It was awfully bad work, yet
it seemed to pass.

"I suggested games in the
school rooms instead of in that
awful basement ta the princi-
pal and I don't think he had
the faintest idea what I meant
for he seemed horrified."

Is there need for the promo-
tion of play?

From a Letter from Thomas
Curley. — "A good many play
leaders and directors are not
'playing the game.' To il-
lustrate, in a certain town in
Massachusetts last season I went
on a playground and found the
two directors in one corner of
it alone playing volley ball;
at the other end of the ground,
two or three hundred feet away,
were 125 to 150 children and
apparatus. Again, in another
playground in that same town,
on the same day, the director
wanted to show me her work in
folk dancing. She had the
children give three; in one group
she had six children; in another
eight; in another ten; on the
ground were about 175 chil-
dren. You see what a tale
both these incidents tell of
officials without playground
imagination."

The Jacob A. Riis Neigh-
borhood Settlement, 48 and 58
Henry St., New York, October
24th, 1916. My dear Mr.
Braucher, It was very thoughtful
of you to write me of the anni-
versary meeting and I like to

THE WORLD AT PLAY

know that the Association of
which my husband was so very
fond remembers him with af-
fection. Nothing that he tried
to do was more thrilling to
him than the effort to give little
children a chance for the right
kind of play, and he rejoiced in
the able work done by the
Playground Association.

Yes, he was buoyant, and he
gave of himself freely. For a
long time I was resentful of the
drains made on his radiant vi-
tality by the public, but he was
so glad to give always.

Thank you for your letter.
Very sincerely yours,
(Signed) Mary Riis

Community House. — Rev-
erend Arthur A. McKay writes
of the community house of
Oceanic, New Jersey:

"The work developed here,
under the leadership of the Pas-
tor of the Presbyterian Church —
who happens to be myself.
This is a small place surrounded
by the homes of many of the
wealthy people of New York
City and I have succeeded in
securing their cooperation in the
work I am doing. Though we
have no organized recreation
societies, we have a parish house
which we recently built from an
old church, remodelled it — added
to it at an expense of forty-three
hundred dollars, raised by pub-
lic subscription. The building

is open to all denominations,
controlled by a board of direc-
tors made up of prominent men
of the place."

Community Service. — The
Community Service School for
Sampson County, North Caro-
lina, held at Laurel Hill for
four days, discussed "Holiday
recreation for whole families,"
"Making the most of the com-
munity fairs," "Plays and games
with educational factors of the
community," "Neighborhood so-
cials for old and young," "Re-
vival of some old-time enter-
tainments."

There were also discussions
of education, of fair progress,
cooperative marketing, of health
and the home and the family.

Neighborhood Center Work
in Snoqualmie, Washington.
— H. L. Rowley, Principal of
Schools, has been able to de-
velop rather remarkable com-
munity feeling in Snoqualmie.
Living in a "school cottage,"
the principal and his wife have
been able to gather the teachers
into friendly and helpful social
gatherings, to look after the
playground and school gardens
adjoining. Community din-
ners, given each month, with a
banquet at the end of the school
year, have drawn the people to-
gether. Public athletic games
and school entertainments have
enticed forth even the most in-

THE WORLD AT PLAY

veterate stay-at-homes. Nearly
three hundred attended the com-
munity Christmas tree — the one
public Christmas celebration,
which all united to promote.

A beautiful bungalow play-
shed, built at a cost of $1500, is
one of the years' achievements.
The building is fifty by seventy-
two feet, lighted by electricity,
heated, and the canvas cur-
tains at the sides may be rolled
up so as to make an open-air
play court. Four hand ball
courts at the ends and a sur-
face satisfactory for tennis,
basket ball or gymnasium games
assure the usefulness of the build-
ing for games, as well as for
fairs and exhibits.

Successful Summer in
Ponca City, Oklahoma. — Be-
ginning with an enrollment of
130, an increase was made to
1 80 by the close of the summer.
The proprietors of the swim-
ming pool gave its use free to
the boys for an hour each after-
noon. The boy scouts spent a
week at Ranch 101, the guests
of Mr. Joe Miller.

Answer Requested. — One
superintendent of schools worked
for recreation by sending out
over the village the following
letter: "A COMMUNITY REC-
REATION CENTER is a tract
of land or building developed,
equipped, and under trained
leadership, to furnish oppor-

tunities for the people to engage
in wholesome games, sports and
exercise.

"Such centers have been es-
tablished in many communities
throughout the land and the
movement is making rapid prog-
ress.

" greatly needs such a

center for its young people
especially, provided with a gym-
nasium, baseball diamonds, lawn
tennis courts, running track, ap-
paratus for outdoor sports and
games.

"The School grounds

might be admirably developed
for such a purpose. If this does
not seem advisable some other
tract of land can be secured.

"If the churches, public school
officials, grange, business men's
association, village improvement
society, Y. M. C. A. and other
organizations, and also individ-
uals will cooperate such a center
can be easily provided.

"What do YOU think about
it?"

Superintendent of Schools
Volunteers Help.— Many

volunteers are doing much to
spread the play movement in
this country. Mr. Sidney A.
Teller, Resident Director at the
Irene Kaufmann Settlement,
Pittsburgh, delivered during 1916
some ninety-eight lectures, most
of them on the recreation move-

THE WORLD AT PLAY

ment. His audiences totaled
over fourteen thousand people.
It is possible for much to be ac-
complished in this work because
of the large number of volun-
teers who are so generous in
giving their services.

Let the People Sing.— The
Civic Music Association of Chi-
cago, reports, after three years'
effort to stimulate musical ex-
pression throughout the city,
especially in community sing-
ing, the following achievements:
549 Children's classes in small

parks and schools
28 Children's classes at the

Municipal Pier

69 Dalcroze lessons for children
1 8 Violin class lessons
307 Choral rehearsals in small

parks and schools
9 Community "Sings" at the

Municipal Pier
25 Programs by local talent

2 Spring festivals by civic

music clubs

i Children's Christmas carol

program in the Venetian

Court of the Fine Arts

Building

147 Artist programs in small

parks and schools
20 Popular concerts by the
Chicago Symphony Or-
chestra

i Community concert at the
Lane Technical High
School

3 Community concerts at the

Municipal Pier
it

Music for Little Money. —

Pasadena, California, gave a
series of concerts at motion
picture prices. How often has
the music-lover with an hour or
so free longed for good music
which one might "drop into" as
into the moving picture houses!

Little Theatre in Detroit.—
The Little Theatre of the So-
ciety of Arts and Crafts in
Detroit has been completed and
will be used for amateur pro-
ductions.

Children's Theatre, Berk-
eley, CaL— The Children's
Theatre recently established
has been so successful that it is
expected that it will become a
permanent institution. The first
performance was fairy scenes
from A Midsummer Night's
Dream. It is planned that for
the present the children will
give only Shakespeare. In an
effort to eliminate the individual
and to emphasize the group, the
names of the children taking the
various parts are not printed and
there are no flowers given to the
performers.

Making Music Democratic.
— Milwaukee, Wisconsin, dur-
ing the last of October conducted
"Music Boosters' Week." The
object of this movement was to
make music more democratic.
Lectures by prominent musical
authorities, a luncheon, and
other features were used for
publicity purposes. At the close

THE WORLD AT PLAY

of the week a musicians' club
was formed.

Play and Art.— J. H. Stine,
Norwood, Massachusetts be-
lieves that the playground has a
vital function in the artistic
development of America :

"I am tremendously inter-
ested in seeing the public recre-
ation movement make use of
every phase of play life that
may contain spirit and make for
the development of the imagina-
tive powers and resource and
initiative. It seems to me that
all playground work ought to be
tied up closer to all forms of art
expression in the several com-
munities. It is great to build
strong, healthy, sturdy bodies
through active games and plays,
but we should not be content
with that alone. Health should
be only the starting point of a
play program rich in the funda-
mentals which constitute cul-
ture, power, vision. Correlate
our playgrounds with the art
interests of the cities: the musi-
cal organizations, the men and
women of letters, the painters,
the poets, — and I believe we
shall soon rise high above the
plane where a handful of poli-
ticians may sway the destinies
of this great work.

"The children in the cities
may never be 'rich in lore of
fields and brooks' — but don't
you pity the youngsters of ten-

der age who are plunged into
the intricacies of track athletics
and baseball at seven and eight
years of age? Through the
festival and pageant and drama
we can provide in a measure,
artificially, for that exercise of
the imagination which was as
free as air when I was a boy —
when I took out sail boats at
the age of ten, all alone, and
played at being a pirate cap-
tain with a bold and saucy crew,
one minute standing on the
deck and crying orders to my
imaginative crew, the next jump-
ing to the tiller and sheet and
executing them."

Moving Pictures in a Pub-
lic Library. — The Public Li-
brary at Youngstown, Ohio,
recipient of a moving picture
machine, plans to show films on
Saturday afternoons to the chil-
dren and Saturday evenings to
the adults of the town. Pictures
already secured include David
Copper field, Alice in Wonderland,
Ramona, Treasure Island, Les
Miserables, and some of Shakes-
peare's plays.

"Class Legislation."— The
New York State law prohibit-
ing the admission of children
under sixteen years to moving
pictures, unless accompanied by
parents or guardian, has re-
cently been before the Court of
Appeals. The case was based
upon the complaint of a pro-

THE WORLD AT PLAY

prietor of a New York City
moving picture theatre who ap-
pealed from the Lower Court's
conviction, who contended that
the law was "class legislation"
in as much as it permitted chil-
dren unaccompanied to attend
performances conducted for the
benefit of religious and educa-
tional institutions. The Court
of Appeals confirmed the judg-
ment of the Lower Court.

Municipal Golf in Sacra-
mento.— Golf is being added to
the sports that have been munici-
palized by Sacramento, Cal.
An eighteen hole links was
opened for public use on August
fifteenth. The course is in
Del Paso Park, a wildwood
park of nearly 1,000 acres ac-
quired a few years ago by the
City of Sacramento when the
Rancho Del Paso, one of the
last remaining Mexican grants,
was subdivided. The munici-
pal links are within a short dis-
tance of the course of the Sac-
ramento Country Club. Both
courses are in a part of the primi-
tive forest of scattered weeping
oaks that once covered the en-
tire Sacramento Valley floor.

Golf for Children.— Ward
Brennan, Director of Pratt Play-
ground, Brooklyn, has laid out a
three-hole golf course for boys
and girls. The holes are forty-
two yards apart. For bunkers,
boards twelve feet long by six

inches wide are used. The
boys make three rounds of the
course, playing nine holes. One
boy made an average of thirty
for a week. Over sixty boys
entered a playground champion-
ship contest.

Roller-skating on the
Street for Adults. — A corres-
pondent appeals for suggestions
for popularizing this sport, con-
fessing that she never enjoyed
any other one so much — but she
couldn't be the only adult doing
it! Her opportunity to enjoy
it came in Coldwater, Kansas,
where high school boys and
girls started it and those of
maturer age joined in. "It is
cheap, in the open air; it is
possible everywhere in towns;
ill manners are almost impossi-
ble; no one can skate and talk
scandal at one and the same
time!" How can it be done?

"Sand-craft" on Philadel-
phia Playgrounds. — Supervi-
sor J. Leonard Mason has worked
out a combination of sand and
clay, with which permanent
modelling is possible. A Gre-
cian amphitheatre, a modern
home were among the exhibits
of "sand-craft."

Playground Apparatus as
Shop Projects.— The boys of
the upper grammar grades in
Wilmette, Illinois, made a set
of six swings, a teeter-totter,
and turning bars for use on the

THE WORLD AT PLAY

playground. Lessons in public
spirit and community property
were learned as they could not
have been learned through in-
dividual projects.

Boys' and Girls' Exposi-
tion.— Competition in exhibits,
in judging exhibits and in dem-
onstrations made up the junior
activities in the Agricultural and
and Industrial Exposition of
the Eastern States held in Spring-
field, Massachusetts. The ex-
hibits were handiwork, cookery,
canned goods and products of
field and garden.

In the judging contests, teams
from different states or counties
passed judgment upon all ex-
hibits, entering the judgment
upon a score card, which was
submitted to an expert to be
compared with his own judg-
ment.

Boys and girls individually or
in teams showed how to pre-
pare, sterilize, and can fruit;
how to plan, cut, and sew a
garment; how to bake bread;
how to butcher; how to obtain
and care for the various milk
products; how to kill and dress
poultry; how to plan and build
various wooden structures; tell-
ing about the demonstration
while it was being made.

Boys and girls took part, too,
in races, and in jumping, throw-
ing and lifting contests.

The Seattle Junior Exposi-

tion for October, 1916, was
announced at the beginning of
the summer vacation, thus giv-
ing incentive to vacation ac-
tivities. The Exposition in-
cluded "anything a boy or girl
can make or do outside of
school hours." Demonstrations
of dramatic play, swimming,
Camp Fire Girl activities, ex-
hibits of pets were awarded
prizes as well as countless de-
partments of constructive ac-
tivity such as work with wood,
crayon, pencil, ways of saving,
domestic science, photography,
agriculture, collections, poems,
plays, stories, music, records
of hikes, shown by pictures,
maps, equipment.

Plan of Directed Activi-
ties.— To promote leadership on
the part of play leaders, E. B.
DeGroot has instituted a plan
of directed activities on San
Francisco playgrounds. Team
games, folk dancing, active games
and singing games, apparatus
play for girls, with track and
field sports instead of folk danc-
ing for the boys, are scheduled,
one for each day. Two days
are left free for the directors'
hobbies.

The prescribed team games
are baseball, playground ball,
basket ball, volley ball, soccer
football, field hockey. The
track and field sports are broad
and high jumps, shot put, pole

THE WORLD AT PLAY

vault and matters of form. In
the other lists may be found
three deep, black and white, leap
frog relay, prisoners' base; Did
you ever see a lassie, looby loo,
muffin man; and representative
folk dances from various na-
tions.

Atlanta Training Courses.
— One hundred nineteen stu-
dents took the Atlanta, Georgia
training course for recreation
workers under the supervision
of Mrs. Florence M. Tibbets.
The course lasts ten weeks and
is free to all applicants. A
diploma indicating that the stu-
dents have passed the play-
ground examination is presented
by the Department of Parks.

Dallas, Texas, carries on a
playground course given by
Myron A. Kesner in connection
with the Free Kindergarten
Association courses.

Non- professional Course of
Study.— Elbert M. Vail, su-
perintendent of Recreation, Fort
Worth, Texas, has published,
at the request of the Recrea-
tion Committee and members of
the Parents-Teachers' Clubs, an
outline of fundamental points in
recreation, designed for fathers,
mothers, teachers and others de-
siring general knowledge of the
movement.

Building for Health.— The
Open Stairway Dwelling Com-
pany recently laid the corner-

stone of its third apartment,
built to prove that tenements
may promote health and yet
pay. At a rental of about thirty
dollars a month, from two to
four rooms with bath may be
secured. All building is on the
unit plan about a court thirty
by forty feet. Open stairways
lead to each apartment so no
halls are necessary. The com-
pany has offered part of the
most recently acquired land to
the city for park or playground
purposes at the price the com-
pany paid. The Commissioner
of Health of New York City
agrees with the company that
its apartments are the most
healthful which can be erected
in accordance with the building
code of New York State.

Finds Filipinos Eager for
Play. — "The playground move-
ment here is on a sound footing.
At present there are eleven public
playfields and sixteen tennis
courts. More area is being
acquired for this purpose. The
playgrounds are part of the
school system. I have now been
here two months, coming from
Seattle, and never during my
playground experience have I
had the pleasure of witnessing
such whole-hearted enthusiasm
and desire for play as the Fili-
pinos display. They will turn
out by the hundreds to witness
a little indoor baseball game

THE STORY OF ROSE COTTAGE

between school teams and will
root and yell their heads off.
They are as keen about social
activities and dramatics. At
present there are eight instruc-
tors employed full time. A
public golf course is in the
course of construction. The

public schools and the Y. M.
C. A. have accomplished won-
ders in developing athletics
throughout the Islands and in
promoting the play movement."

Extract from letter from

Superintendent of Schools Fred
O. England, City of Manila

THE STORY OF ROSE COTTAGE
Ginevra Harrison Potts, Wyebrooke, Chester County, Pennsylvania

When I came to the country to live, I was struck with the fact
that the children seemed to have no real good times together, save
during the school months, and at picnics and occasional gatherings.
I love children and I wanted to help. I thought about it for some
time, and finally decided to begin in the school. I was granted
permission to have one hour a week of the school time. I gave
the boys drawing books and lessons — and the girls sewing materials
and lessons, which took courage since I neither draw nor sew
particularly well. At the end of the year a small prize was given
the best workers — and the work was exhibited. The children were
interested and I learned a great deal. But the third year was not so
successful because we happened to have a teacher who was not in
sympathy with us. So I decided to abandon the school. I asked
my husband to let me have a pretty little cottage beside a wonderful
spring of pure, cold water — and that cottage with the addition of
many porches on which nearly all our work is done — and the boys'
room — is still our home today. I said frankly I did not know just
what I was going to do — but I was going to do something.

Oh! those first days! I had only nine children but they were of
both sexes and all sizes. I read fairy stories, which the children
enjoyed, they brought me wild flowers, and we together learned all
we could about them, in How to Know Wild Flowers. We played
jackstraws, croquet, and on very hot days, even went paddling in
the brook. We cooked — the children bringing each a potato or an
egg. Then the girls prepared a dainty table and we all ate wonder-

THE STORY OF ROSE COTTAGE

ful things, made with those potatoes and eggs, — and the butter,
milk, bread and so forth, it was my share to bring. We met every
Wednesday, during the summer months, from nine a. m. till twelve.
Two friends helped me faithfully, and now after seventeen years, one
of them is still a regular co-worker, and the other would be if she
could.

Like Topsy, "we just grew" — at that time we had no age limit.
I sat on the porch floor and built blocks for active little twin babies
to knock down, more than once — without the twins, the older sister
could not come, and we wanted the older sister. The twins, big
boys now, are still with us but we no longer admit a child under
three years of age, nor over sixteen.

When we had about fifty children in a year or two, we began to
see the necessity of some system. We were able to get a teacher
who had taught kindergarten work in Philadelphia, and who was a
splendid help. Then we learned to weave paper mats, do a little
work with pen knives, make our own jackstraws, began sewing
lessons with a ground work, and made scrapbooks of paper muslin,
with pictures pasted on the leaves in wonderful designs — and much
love, — for the very sick children in hospitals who could not hold the
heavier scrap books.

And still we grew, adding more teachers to our staff — always
doing better work. We now have ten trained teachers and fifteen
volunteer aids, — good friends who work nobly through heat and
storm. We begin our course now, with bead stringing, cutting out
Teddy Bears, dolls, and soldiers, — pasting, sewing cards, coloring
pictures with crayon, or paints, paper weaving. Then boys and
girls still together go on to simple raffia work. After that the boys go
into the boys' department where they hammer brass, make base-
balls, and tie hammocks — on to sloyd work, and so into the big work
room where with two manual training teachers they do carpentry
work and, considering that we have at most only thirteen mornings
a year — they do very good work.

After the girls leave the raffia class, they begin sewing. Two
trained teachers and several aids take them through the work from
the little square of white muslin on which they make their stitches
— to the finished camisole, which ends the work in that department.
They make a towel, needle case, Rose Cottage bags, initialed with
their initials in white cotton in which ever after they keep their work
until it is completed, — and on these things they get almost every
stitch, — basting, even and uneven, overcasting, hemming, and
18

PLAY SCHOOL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

buttonholing. They then go on to embroidery or crocheting, and
some of my big girls do beautiful work, most of them, in fact.

We begin at 9 a. m. — at 1 1 130 work is put in the work cup-
boards,— and two by two the children march past a given place
where they receive a sandwich and a cake — say "thank you" — and
the day is over.

The work is absolutely free, — what the child makes is his or
hers, — but we insist it shall be well done if possible, and it almost
always is. We have grown enormously, have now from two hundred
to two hundred and seventy-five children. I am sometimes asked
if I am satisfied and I always answer, no. — We have to give up
cooking, — and we ought to teach cooking, also dressmaking, and
millinery. We are extravagant — we cost too much for the time we
spend. But it is wonderful how kind the parents are about sparing
children and horses in their busy summer time. If we tried to have
all the things we want it would mean other days — We can do no more
in our one morning could we get the children — I do not know. But
I do know that I am so proud of Rose Cottage, that I am just around
the corner from being satisfied, after all.

PLAY SCHOOL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA*

Clark W. Hetherington, University of Wisconsin, Madison,
Wisconsin

The Demonstration Play School of the University of Cali-
fornia was a demonstration first, of the organization of an institution
and, second, of the activities required for that institution. I shall
speak briefly on the first item and Mrs. Hetherington will speak on
the more interesting part : the activities.

Imagine, if you will, this demonstration carried on in a large
eucalyptus grove with administrative and assembly space in the
center, and radiating from this center, spaces for departmental
activities, one of which was a playground. Of course the demon-
stration was out-of-doors, but this is not its essential characteristic
as some people think. Every school should be at least a fresh-air
school. It is ridiculous to keep children indoors until they become
sick; then, put them in an outdoor school to make them well, in

* Address given at Recreation Congress, Grand Rapids, Michigan, October 2-6, 1916

PLAY SCHOOL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

order that they may be put indoors again to be made sick. The
fresh-air feature should be a characteristic of every school. So it
makes little difference to us whether you think of this school as con-
ducted on a one-acre or ten-acre lot, or in a one-story or ten-story
building, provided the essential characteristic in the demonstration
is understood.

We should like to have you think of this organization as both
a school and a play center including all that the school and the play-
ground mean to child-life and civilization. It is not a playground
only; it includes all that a playground means and expands its
functions as a play center. It is not a school only; it includes all
that we think of as belonging to the school and expands its functions
as an educational center.

To bring out the nature of this demonstration, let me call
your attention to two fundamental characteristics of child-life : i. e.
play and infancy.

1. Play is child life. We speak of the child as active,
spontaneous. The activity goes on irrespective of our will or
desire. All the child's life forces are lived out in play; all his
capacities exercised and developed. This play is the primary
form of education because activity is the sole means of education.
Interpret education as the total process and the total results of life
experience, then compare the educational results of the self-impelled
activities of life with the results of school room instruction and see
which is most influential. Play is child life; it is nature's method
of education. All that we do in education, or can do, is built on
the development that comes out of these spontaneous activities
called play.

2. Infancy is the recognized symbol of weakness and help-
lessness in the Christian appeal to human sympathy. The child
is dependent and demands care and leadership. This dependence
is complemented by the parental instinct to care for and instruct
the child, and the child instinctively calls out this parental function.
This demand for care and leadership is illustrated by the child's
crying when hungry or hurt, and by the long years of "what?"
and "why?" and "how?" This child dependence and demand for
care and for leadership complemented by the parental instinct are
the bases for all child welfare and educational effort.

Child life, care and instruction have come under institutional
control. The original social institution to care for and train the
child was the home. Under the rules of the home the child lived its

PLAY SCHOOL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

spontaneous life in play. It entered spontaneously into the activ-
ities of the parents and the parents protected, cautioned, inhibited,
encouraged and directed the activities. Part at least of the child's
active energies were organized by the parents, but usually on the
basis of the child's own self -impelling impulses; hence, the power of
custom among savages.

With the rise of civilization and social organization, new needs
for training developed. Chief among these the invention of writing
created the need for learning to read the written language, especially
by the governing classes. So the school arose. With the invention
of printing this need spread to the masses, and the school as we
know it today began its development. This school was an insti-
tution for the transmission of the written language. Its function
was symbolized by the three R's. This function has expanded in
recent years, though the school is still dominated by the linguistic
ideal as the means of transmitting the written culture of the race.
The school, therefore, has stood and stands today, increasingly as
one great extra home institutional center of child life. The child
still lives his own spontaneous life; he is controlled and helped in
part by the home, and he is controlled in part by the school.

The rise of modern industrialism and related social changes
have eliminated the home industries, the old family life, and the
space and paraphernalia in house, yard and community. And so
the playground has developed. The old opportunities for activity
and an education have been squeezed out of the home and the
community. The child can no longer enter into the highly special-
ized activities of the parents; his play in so far as he can play at all
has become more conspicuously of the child type — a pure exercise
of functions and capacity. Congestion of population in cities with
the cramped opportunities for activity, on a background of sensi-
tiveness concerning child nature created by child study, forced the
idea of the playground. The idea evolved rapidly into an institu-
tion under adult control to meet child needs everywhere. So we
have the development of a third institution controlling child life —
the second extra home institutional center controlling child life.
It is essentially a place for the organizing of activity from the child's
standpoint.

There are, then, three types of institutions concerned with the
organization of child life — two of them apart from the home. The
child with a well-organized life is fortunate if he does not have his
activities outside of the home cut up under several institutions of

PLAY SCHOOL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

each extra-home type, such as the dancing school, the music school,
the boy scouts and other clubs. Now the point to note about this
triplicate organization of child life even with just one institution
each of the extra home types, is that it is impossible as an organiza-
tion. It is impossible from the standpoint of the child's time,
energy and health; and impossible from the parents' standpoint
(which I need not develop here) and it is impossible from an economic
standpoint. This latter point is impressive. Imagine a city school
organization within the required distance of every child; and then
imagine the necessity of duplicating that organization by an inde-
pendent playground within a quarter mile or half mile of every
child. Such an organization if the schools and playgrounds were
efficient would bankrupt any city. Survey the South Park System
of Chicago with its splendid playgrounds as I have done and you
can walk for miles in almost any direction and find thousands of
children playing in the streets and in dirty vacant lots, who have
no opportunity to get to a playground. The cost and maintenance
of those playgrounds have been enormous ; the cost of putting them
within even a half-mile distance of every child would be staggering.
The only solution is to fuse the school and the playgrounds into one.
I am not arguing against the independent playground. There will
probably always be some independent playgrounds. But as a
general scheme of organization the duplicate extra-home organ-
ization of child life seems indefensible.

There is, however, a more profound reason than those just
noted why these extra home institutions must be fused. To bring
out this point I wish to lay down two fundamental propositions.
First, any educational organization or school that does not recog-
nize child life or play, is doomed to failure. Second, any play
organization of child life, any playground, that does not recognize
the child's social needs in relation to social demands or standards
is doomed to failure.

Now let us apply these fundamental propositions to the three
types of institutions controlling child life and welfare.

(i) The home is the fundamental institution concerned with
child care and education. It always has been; it always must be.
But under present day social conditions it cannot organize effec-
tively either the educational activities or the play activities of the
child, and in many cases not even the physical care. Most homes
cannot have the necessary equipment and parents cannot prepare
themselves for or give the time for the necessary leadership. This

PLAY SCHOOL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

leadership and care must be supplied by some extra-home organ-
ization or institution. To leave children to their own devices is a
most destructive educational and social doctrine.

(2) The school in the organization of the child's activities
has rightly emphasized social needs and social standards, but it has
neglected the real life of the child, his own life, his play life. Dr.
Lange of California once said that when he was a boy he went to
school three months in the year, and then had nine months in which
to get an education. Today that situation is reversed. We put
the child in school nine months of the year and not only neglect the
three months but neglect all through the nine months the real
source of education — the child's self-impelled activities. This
neglect is the source in most children of the dislike for the school.
Thoughtful parents are now tending to support, and society will
ultimately support, them in that dislike. So long as children go to
school with reluctance instead of joyous anticipation and leave
school with glee instead of with regret, the school is failing in the
very foundation of an effective educational organization, — the
fostering of the enthusiasm for activity, the essence of life and a
progressive education.

(3) The playground is organizing activity from the child's
standpoint. The emphasis in organization naturally has been on
big muscle activities i. e., apparatus play, games, athletics, dancing,
swimming. The playground properly speaking, as distinct from
a play center, is a place for just such activities but they are not all
of play. A Russian visiting this country said to me in conference
that we seemed to know a great deal about physical play, but not
very much about mental play. The child plays many forms of
play besides the big muscle plays of the playground. The best
playgrounds recognize this. They are not only organizing big
muscle activities, but manual activities, storytelling, music, dra-
matics, excursions, and other activities. The big muscle activities
alone are not sufficient to satisfy the child. Hence the playground
in its organization is approaching a duplication of the activities of
the school, but educational standards in this organization are almost
if not entirely lacking.

Though playground directors have a great many very enthusi-
astic notions about pleasure, physical development, health con-
servation, social and moral training, the creation of good
citizens, and there is no doubt that all these values are
secured, yet the playground has set up no standards for

PLAY SCHOOL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

judging either the process or the results. The phrases "pleas-
ure," "happiness," "a good time," of the play director are as
superficial as the externally aroused "interest" of the school men,
because of two activities giving equal pleasure one may be mere
fooling, the other profoundly educational. Even the big-muscle
activities are frequently pathetically valueless. Therefore if the
playground is to succeed it must standardize its activities ac-
cording to criteria of educational values that appeal to earnest work-
ers. Otherwise society will condemn the playground.

To sum up these criticisms of the three types of institutions,
we may conclude that the home alone without the school and the
playground is inefficient; that the school alone without the spirit
of the playground in the organization of activities is inefficient and
finally that the playground, without the social purpose of the
school is inefficient.

The only solution of this problem of an efficient organization
of child life and education seems to be a complete fusion of the two
extra-home centers into a single center with a single purpose.
The addition of a playground to the school and the organized direction
of the activities on the playground will not satisfy the need. This
is being done. It merely adds another department or activity to
the several that are already organized in the school. What is
needed is the incorporation of child life or play into the school, and
the injection of real life or play into every single study in the school,
as well as an injection of purpose into what is ordinarily called play.

This is the organization of the Play School. Through leader-
ship it fuses the joyousness and dynamic power of play and the
social purpose of education. In this fusion there is absolutely no
conflict. Yet many times when I explain the play school I am
asked, "What do you do about the discipline of the child?" "How
will you train him to meet the disagreeable side of life or do things
that are not pleasant?" These questions miss the point. They
think of schooling and discipline as something hard and dry and of
play as fooling or a mere pleasurable use of energies. Yet play to
the child is the most serious activity in life. It is life; and a mastery
of the issues of life is gained through virile living, not through im-
posed suffering.

Now I have shown that there are two related characteristics
in child nature: the child's spontaneous educational activity or play,
and the child's educational dependence or needs complemented by
the parental instincts. Next I have shown that in the organization

PLAY SCHOOL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

of the child's educational activities three types of institutions have
evolved — the home, the school and the playground — two of them
being extra-home institutions. And I have shown further that no
one of these institutions alone is efficient and that the two extra-
home institutions are peculiarly inefficient because each neglects an
essential which the other supplies inefficiently; and that what each
supplies should be part of a single organization — a single extra-
home center of child life — a center in which the child finds the
fullest life and society guides that life according to the educational
ideals of the race.

This single extra-home institutional center of child life re-
quires a pedagogical classification of the child's activities that will
cover in one harmonious whole the spontaneous play forms and the
more formalized educational activities and that can be administered
as the older subjects of study are administered.

We have divided life into seven fundamental classes of
activities. Mrs. Hetherington will talk to you about the organ-
ization of these activities.

PLAY SCHOOL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA*
Mrs. D. Alford Hetherington, Madison, Wisconsin

The Play School was organized under the department of edu-
cation of the summer session of the University of California in
1913 and was conducted during three consecutive summers, cul-
minating in the exposition summer of 1915.

We enrolled about three hundred children from three and a
half to eleven years of age. Hundreds were turned away and the
summer of 1915 found the enrollment closed before the session
opened. The climate of California is such that little thought need
be given to the elements, so we were able to spread out over about
three acres of ground in a glorious old eucalyptus grove. To the
trees our manual training benches were nailed as well as our black-
boards. Much of the equipment was borrowed from other schools
and in every way the material equipment was most simple. We
did have some wonderful leaders, plenty of oxygen, plenty of free-

*Adciress given at Recreation Congress, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Oct. 2-6, 1916

PLAY SCHOOL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

dom and immeasureable earnestness and joy on the part of the
children.

It seems to me that in a broad, general way, the final goal of
education has been determined. But what we have not done,
what we have failed most lamentably in, is to find a natural way of
reaching this goal. At the meeting of the National Education
Association in New York City last July, I noticed that every paper
given in the elementary sections, was an attempt to get away from
the artificiality of our present methods in education. Each speaker
offered a balm for some particularly obnoxious form of artificiality
peculiar to her special field.

Now what we attempted to work out in the Play School was
an organization that was fundamentally natural. Thus, you see,
we eliminated the necessity of putting on patches of naturalness
such as the National Education Association educators were sug-
gesting, because we began with a natural foundation.

Every child in a normal environment enters spontaneously
into certain forms of activity. This activity is playful, joyous,
intense. If the environment is such as it should be the child,
driven by his internal mental and physical hungers, will do much
toward educating himself through these activities. Now if these
spontaneous natural activities into which the child enters are
organized so that they can be administered for educational ends,
you see you have an organization that begins at the child's end of
the ladder of development, — at the natural end.

Before these activities can be organized for educational ends
they must be analyzed and classified. The following classification
gives the basis of our organization : —

1 . Vocal or linguistic activities

2. Social activities

3. Environmental and nature activities

4. Manipulating and manual activities

5. Big-muscle activities

6. Rhythmical and musical activities

7. Economic activities

The object of organizing these natural activities is purely
for administrative purposes. The child will participate in them and
in a measure educate himself, but to achieve the best educational
result, organization is necessary. When organized, however, the
activities must be as natural as when unorganized.

With these spontaneous activities organized in a proper en-

PLAY SCHOOL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

vironment, only one more factor is needed — leaders — not mere
teachers, but leaders, individuals who can forget their specialized
subjects of study and enter into the child's natural, spontaneous
activities, his play life, his real life, leaders who can live and lead,
and in living and leading, loop up all the essential culture of the
race to these natural spontaneous activities of the children. Then
what have we? An organization of the child's whole active life —
the organization of his real life, his play life, the only real part of
life to him; an organization which furnishes an opportunity for the
natural development of the child's organic, nervous, intellectual
and moral powers; an organization which furnishes leaders to loop
up to these natural activities the formulated wisdom of the race.

In other words, we captured the wonderful spirit of leadership
which is so finely demonstrated by the great play and recreation
leaders in our nation, and transplanted it into the school where so
often it is non-existent. Thus, you see, we had a combined play
center and school center, an organization in which the play
center and the school center became one, in spirit, in aim and in
organization.

(Stereopticon Illustrations)

No. I. Manual Activities

Here you see the children in their manual activities. They
made the things they were most interested in. They are here
entering into the activities which are the direct avenues to skill,
adaptability and economic adjustment. One hears these days
constant reference to the failure of our schools to develop inde-
pendent thinking and acting, initiative, resourcefulness. One
cannot imagine, it seems to me, conditions more saturated with
opportunities for the development of these qualities.

No. II. The Linguistic Activities

Under this class were organized the mechanics of reading,
of number, and of foreign language. The smaller children played
little games or did little stunts and then talked and wrote about
what they did. They learned to count by scoring their successes
in their games. The older groups visited factories in the neigh-
boring environment, such as a rubber factory, then by the use of
maps, and selected materials, read and discussed the importance of

PL AY SCHOOL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

rubber to mankind. Twice a week our storyteller illumined these
activities with a serial story. She placed her little actors in the
rubber fields of South America and as she cleverly depicted their
joys and sorrows she wove in with them all forms of geographical,
commercial and meteorological knowledge. Thus you see, the story
became a real, educational tool, not a mere source of entertainment.
The German was taught entirely by looping it up with the
child's spontaneous activities. The children played games, sang
songs in German, and I almost said — ran races in German, for I
used to find them playing they were lions and tigers, running
match races, and then hear the victory shouted by all — in German.
This was pure play. They literally played themselves into a
knowledge of the German language.

No. III. The Social Activities arise out of the social instincts. In his
social activities the child develops his social habits and ideals and
it it in these activities that the leader has his greatest opportunity
for training in democracy. In the Play School we emphasized at
all times the spirit of courtesy. Obviously with this type of organ-
zation we had constant social contacts, so the opportunities were
endless for the development of courtesy.

No. IV. The Environmental and Nature Activities arise out of
the investigating and interpreting tendencies. They include al en-
vironmental exploration and all experimentation with the physical,
biological and social environment. Here you see the children
studying animals at first hand. Many of these they secure on their
excursions with their leaders into the wood. They experimented
with heat, with sound, with water, thus satisfying their intense
hunger for knowledge concerning the physical phenomena of life.
You see they were satisfying the impulses which in the race have
caused continents to be discovered and have produced all science
and philosophy.

No. V. The Rhythmic and Musical Activities

The rhythmic and musical activities arise out of the joy derived
from rhythm, tone and melody.

This picture shows the boys furnishing the melody while the
girls delighted in the rhythm.

Children, as you probably know full well, find little pleasure

RECREATION PROBLEMS IN URUGUAY

in learning the musical language as it has been developed by adults,
but they joy in music when it is fitted to their stage of development.
Mrs. Dorrett, a wonderful leader, found the boys were not inter-
ested in singing, so she purchased vocophones — (children sing
through vocophones) and while they apparently disliked singing,
they went into raptures over singing through these vocophones. You
see she took these boys where she found them musically, a decidedly
barbaric stage to be sure, and easily led them on to better things,
because she met them where they were — and led a natural impulse,
instead of forcing an unnatural one upon them. And they learned
music.

No. VI. Big Muscle Activities

Here we see the children in their big muscle activities. In
the child these activities are the source of organic vigor and general
nervous power. While regarded usually as mere muscular exercise,
these activities carry the discipline of racially old instincts and
are therefor fundamental in their influence on character development.
They need leadership just as do all other activities. All the
groups had periods on the playground during the morning under
skilled leaders, from the three-year-olds up.

Thus you see we organized the child's whole actual life —
by organizing his spontaneous activities — then we furnished leaders to
loop up the wisdom and ideals of the race to these activities. This
plan of organization we believe furnishes an opportunity for (i) the
development of the entire child, mental, moral and physical. (2)
It eliminates the necessity of driving and forcing, thus economizing
much time and preventing the development of abnormal nerves and
attitudes toward knowledge. (3) It does, we believe, place edu-
cation on a real physiological, psychological and sociological basis.

RECREATION PROBLEMS IN URUGUAY*

Samuel G. Ybargoyen, Member of National Committee of Physical
Education, Montevideo, Uruguay

What I may have to say regarding the problems of recreation

*Address given in Spanish and interpreted by Mr. Charles J. Ewald at the Recreation
Congress, Grand Rapids, Mich. Oct. 2-6, 1916

RECREATION PROBLEMS IN URUGUAY

in Uruguay might almost as well be said concerning the problems
of all the other countries in South America, because our problems
throughout South America are largely similar. But there is this
difference between my country and the other countries, that mine
has actually made a start in the solution of these problems of
recreation.

None can appreciate better than you, who are interested in
these matters, what I feel in my own heart, when I tell you this
morning that the children of South America do not know how to
play. May we dwell a moment upon the question as to why it is
that the children of South America do not know how to play?

The first reason that I would mention is that the ancient
customs of the Spanish people, or the people descended from the
Spanish, have militated against the play of children. The parents of
our South American children have not been interested in seeing them
exercise themselves much physically; they have not been interested
in seeing them run about much, or play much. Their desire has
been to give them a full intellectual development. They have
wanted to send them to schools and colleges, and see them well
prepared in that respect, and to have them perfectly proper and
gentlemanly and ladylike, but they have not appreciated the value
of play.

In our primary schools, very little provision is made for
recreation. Children are given a few moments from time to time,
brief intervals between classes, but it is not at all sufficient to give
them time for any play. Nor are they given any leadership or
direction in the spending of these recesses. This is the general
situation in the South American countries.

I am glad to say that in Uruguay the leaders
Soccer the Most . J .

Popular Game of that nation are changing in their attitude

toward this question, and are giving serious

thought to this problem. The first game that has played any con-
siderable part in the development of the play life of the youth of
Uruguay and other countries of South America has been the game
commonly known here as soccer. Some fifteen years ago a gentle-
man by the name of Mr. Poole, an Englishman, introduced football
into Uruguay. For a long time this game was severely criticized
by many of our most thoughtful people in Uruguay, who believed
that it had no important part to play in the life of the young men
and boys.

RECREATION PROBLEMS IN URUGUAY

We have in the city of Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay,
no less than fifty soccer clubs at the present time, under the direction
of leaders. These clubs are united in a league, and the Football
Association of Uruguay is a well-organized and powerful association
today. It has not only organized many football matches within
the country, but also international football games, which have
taken place between Uruguay and Chile, Argentina, and Brazil
It is a real satisfaction to me to be able to tell you, that at the time
of the Argentine Centenary celebrations in 1910, when they organ-
ized great sports and brought together athletes, and especially foot-
ball players, from Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil, in these
events they gave the championship to my own city of Montevideo.

What I have said about soccer is just a hint
National Committee *

on Physical Education merely of what is going on amongst the boys

and young men of my country in athletic

sports. The enthusiasm shown by the youth of Uruguay for these
athletic sports became so great that of necessity the public authori-
ties of that country had to intervene and began to study the matter.
The president at that time visited Europe and there came into
touch with some of these groups in Europe, and returned to the
country with enthusiasm for athletic sports. One of the definite
results of this interest, on the part of President Du Jose Batlle y
Ordonez, was the naming by the government of a committee known
as the National Committee of Physical Education, which has
under its supervision the development of all these physical activities
throughout the country. He, as president, named in the first
instance a committee of distinguished Uruguayan citizens to take
in hand the working out of a definite program of physical education
and recreation. The national government, through its congress,
voted $50,000 annually to be expended in the promotion of this
kind of work. This first committee that was named, in spite of all
of its splendid ideals and best of intentions, found itself in a per-
plexing situation. They knew what they wanted to accomplish,
but they did not know how to accomplish it. We had on this com-
mittee distinguished lawyers, physicians, engineers and other pro-
fessional men of the country, but they did not know anything about
working out a real program of physical education. It is not strange,
therefore, that this committee did not, during the first years,
accomplish very large results in this matter. Money was expended,
but nothing could really be seen in the way of definite results.

RECREATION PROBLEMS IN URUGUAY
. , D The president realized that a change would

Remarkable Progress r.

in Providing Play be desirable in the character of the committee,

and so at the expiration of the term of service,

which was four years, he renewed the committee by naming a
younger group of men as members, and that younger group of men
is responsible for the remarkable progress which has been made
in the last few years in physical education in Uruguay.

I should like to explain to you one or two of the reasons why
this second committee has been so much more successful in develop-
ing a program than was the first committee. One of the large
factors in the success was the fact that the Young Men's Christian
Association of Montevideo has called to that city a competent
physical director, a Mr. Hopkins of Wichita, trained in this country.
He came to Uruguay as physical director, and later became the
director for this committee in the arrangement of that practical
program.

To put briefly some of the results of the splendid work that
Mr. Hopkins has been able to do, we have in the last two years
established nine splendid playgrounds in Uruguay. The National
Committee of Physical Education has now a definite program for
establishing twenty-five playgrounds in the city of Montevideo
alone, and proposes to do a similar work in the other cities and towns
and rural districts of my country.

We have three large playgrounds in the city, and all of them
accommodate from 15,000 to 30,000 children every month. These
children have heretofore frequently played in the street amid great
danger, and they now come to the playgrounds where they have
every protection and play to their hearts' content, in surroundings
that are good and healthful. The committee names a director, an
assistant, and two women assistants, who give their time to directing
the work of each playground.

In addition to the development of playgrounds, which this
committee has carried forward so successfully, a swimming school
has been conducted during the past year. In this one swimming
school, where the teaching is done by a competent swimming
instructor, over six hundred children have learned to swim in this
past summer.

The committee, by request of one of its more active members,
Dr. Ghigliam, has also organized the Athletic Federation of Uruguay.
And it has organized some very successful athletic events and
athletic leagues in Uruguay, and while we are still young in the

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON RECREATION BUILDINGS

development of these activities, our young men do have athletic
ability. They are strong, and we have the greatest hope in regard
to the future development of such movements as this.

My chief motive in coming to this country has been to fit
myself as a director of physical education. I feel deeply grateful
to Mr. Hopkins, the man who has inspired me to do this work, and
I look forward with great pleasure to getting the preparation, and
returning to develop the physical education activities of my coun-
try. I am entered at the Young Men's Christian Association Col-
lege at Springfield, as a student, where I aspire, not only to the
physical preparation, but to the mental and moral preparation as
well, which I believe should always belong to one who is to become
a leader in such work.

I have learned much during the days that I have spent in your
midst, in the sessions of this Congress, and my ambition is to return
to my country to put into practice some of the good things I have
learned here during the days I have spent with you.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RECREATION BUILD-
INGS*

The neighborhood recreation center is fast becoming so im-
portant a part of community life that in increasing numbers cities
and small communities are considering ways and means of housing
facilities which will provide for the recreational life of the entire
community. In the main these problems may be said to fall under
three heads :

i. How to adapt existing school buildings to neigh-
borhood recreation center use

*Giveii at Recreation Congress, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Oct. 2-6, 1916

Committee on Recreation Buildings:

Sidney A. Teller, Resident Director, Irene Kaufmann Settlement, Pittsburgh, Pa.,

Chairman

Prank S. Marsh, Superintendent of Playgrounds, San Diego, Cal.

John L. MacBean, Superintendent of Playgrounds and Public Recreation, St. Paul, Minn.
H. O. Berg, Supervisor Extension Department, Public Schools, Milwaukee, Wis.
Rev. Robert P. Kreitler, Saint Luke's Parish, Scranton, Pa.
Joseph A. Mott, Superintendent of Recreation, Scranton, Pa.
George F. Mooney, Superintendent Division of Public Welfare, Columbus, Ohio
J. Leonard Mason, Superintendent Playground, Philadelphia, Pa.
Clarence Arthur Perry, Associate Director, Department of Recreation, Russell Sago

Foundation, New York City

A. H. Hiatt, Superintendent The John C. Proctor Recreation Center, Peoria, 111.
Eugene C. Gibney, Ass't Superintendent in charge of Neighborhood Centers, Vacation

Schools and Playgrounds, Department of Education, N. Y. C.
A. A. Fisk, Superintendent of Parks, Racine, Wis.
H. N. Sollenberger, Superintendent of Recreation, Dayton, Ohio

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON RECREATION BUILDINGS

2. How to construct new school buildings so that
they shall include facilities for neighborhood recreation
center work

3. How to construct municipal recreation buildings
to be used by the entire community solely for recreational
purposes.

In gathering material under these three general heads, the
Committee on Recreation Buildings has gone into detailed dis-
cussion of various features of construction and has made sugges-
tions which it is hoped will be helpful to cities contemplating
neighborhood center work.

Adaptation of Exist- It was felt by the committee that in adapting

t^^Hhborh^od the averaSe sch°o1 building to neighborhood
Recreation Center center work, the following changes should be
Work made.

Windows and lighting apparatus must be protected by screens
and additional lights installed where necessary both inside the
building and on the outside playground. Barriers must be placed
at the various exits to restrict activities, and toilets arranged for
both sexes. The provision of movable chairs in a number of the
smaller class rooms will make it possible for them to be used as club
rooms. If these rooms are not large enough, the partition may be
removed and replaced with accordion doors. In Milwaukee,
instead of discarding the old-style desks in the class rooms used for
neighborhood recreation center work the plan has been adopted of
placing them on boards in sets of three. These boards meet in the
center so that the child sitting in his seat is not made uncomfort-
able by having his feet raised an inch from the floor.

If the school building already contains an auditorium, with
the installation of movable seats and a platform arranged if possible
to permit the giving of plays, it can be used for dancing, plays,
games, and socials of various kinds. If the building contains no
auditorium, an addition containing an auditorium with stage, shower
baths, and if possible large enough for a gymnasium and athletic
floor, should be planned.

The best plan, it was felt, for screening windows in an audi-
torium or gymnasium, and thus protecting them during the play-
ing of basket ball and other games, is to utilize hinge No. 12 wire
with a one inch mesh. The frame of wire, held in place by turn or
thumb buckles, can be easily removed when the windows are cleaned.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON RECREATION BUILDINGS

In planning for ventilation, the windows should be fixed at the
bottom and open outward from the top. The cold air rises and
there is no draught on the heated players.

It was suggested that the best protections for electric light
bulbs in a gymnasium are strong No. 12 wire baskets with hinged
bottoms which may be secured at a cost of from $3.00 to $4.00.
For bulb clusters, hemispherical cast iron heavy cages may advan-
tageously be used. The bars of the cages should be far enough
apart to permit of maximum illumination and close enough to
prevent the passage of an indoor baseball. Where any repairs or
changes are made, it is best, if possible, to sink the light below the
surface of the ceiling or wall, and then to cover the opening with
wire screening. This prevents any loss from the breaking of lights,
even from vibration.

The suggestions for the best lockers for school neighborhood
center use involved a 12" x 12" metal locker, double deck, either
open for ventilation or mechanically ventilated. The top locker
must not be too high from the floor and within reaching distance
from the bench in front of the lockers which should be self-locking
rather than equipped with padlocks. The number of lockers pro-
vided for boys and men should represent ten times the number of
open shower heads. There should be five units of use on the fol-
lowing basis: One-fifth using showers, one-fifth undressing, one-
fifth dressing, one-fifth on the gymnasium floor, clothes in locker,
one-fifth reserved for home teams and visiting teams.

For the benefit of small communities which feel the need of
maintaining the strictest economy in installing their locker systems
it is suggested that a system of wire baskets 8" x 12" or 10" deep
be substituted for the metal locker system, having only sufficient
lockers i2"x I2"x36" to accommodate the number of people using
the gymnasium at any time. The locker room can be so constructed
that the wall space will provide a series of pigeon holes in which the
wire baskets may be attached. The shelving of the pigeon holes
can be made in open fashion. As the baskets themselves are open,
very satisfactory ventilation may be secured. The baskets cost
approximately 4oc, the lockers $3. Consequently if a large number
of people are to be provided for there will be a great difference in the
cost of the two types of equipment; moreover the amount of floor
space necessary to install the steel lockers would necessitate having
a larger building and add further to the cost of constructing the
building. It should be noted that where it is necessary to provide

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON RECREATION BUILDINGS

supervision of the baskets to prevent stealing, the cost of the wages
of the attendant should be charged against locker equipment.

Construction of New In PlanninS sch°o1 buildings to incorporate
School Buildings for neighborhood center work, it was felt that
NenghborhoodCenter among the essential features for such a
building are the following: auditorium, pref-
erably on the ground floor, gymnasium, toilets, shower baths,
lockers, swimming pool, stage equipped with border and foot lights,
moving picture booth, rooms for manual training, home economics,
branch library, and club rooms. In arranging for such buildings,
the exterior should represent the natural expression of the beautiful,
while the interior should combine art and utility permitting of a
flexible relation between academic and social requirements.

As a first step towards making the building not only useful but
attractive to the community at large, it was felt that the entrances
should be made as attractive as possible by brilliant illumination.
Electric signs provided with letter-changing equipment help
greatly in advertising the neighborhood recrea^ >n center activities.
Where the school abuts two streets an entrance should open on each
and the main entrance should serve as an approach to the audi-
torium, or, if the auditorium serves also as a theatre, to both theatre
and stage. A raised or movable box or ticket office is helpful.

In the interior construction the following considerations should
be taken into account: The walls should lend themselves to art
and craft exhibitions, bazaars and similar activities. Sliding par-
titions or accordion doors should be provided for dividing large
areas into units and for transforming wings and alcoves into social
rooms. Heaters should be elevated or recessed for space, economy,
and safety; the heating plant should be devised on the horizontal
plan so as to serve one floor or a part of a floor to the exclusion of the
rest of the building. Adequate provision should be made for
ventilation through windows or exhaust fans. The provision of
abundant illumination for both day and evening use is an absolute
necessity and, as in the case of existing school buildings which are
utilized for neighborhood recreation center use, the lighting system
and the windows should be protected by heavy wire screening.
Adequate and well-planned toilets for both sexes are a prime need
and wardrobe or checking room facilities are a modern requirement.

One of the most important features to be considered in school
construction providing for neighborhood recreation center use is an

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON RECREATION BUILDINGS

auditorium, of which there are several types. Where economy of
space must be considered, an auditorium which combines a kinder-
garten room and social hall is best. The kindergarten room may be
made to serve as a stage, music room, game room, branch library,
and committee room while the social hall combines the uses of
mezzanine floor, gymnasium, dancing area and skating rink. An
open fire place properly protected greatly increases the attractive-
ness of the social hall.

Still another type of auditorium is the theatre type providing
for a stage, a motion picture curtain, an asbestos
curtain, wardrobes, dressing booths, toilets, and other facilities.
This type of auditorium has a mezzanine floor sloping in the rear,
flat in the area adjacent to the stage, with permanent furniture on
the sloping protions, movable on the flat space. A gallery adds
materially to the seating capacity. Other accessories which may
well have a place in a school auditorium are a motion picture
machine and booth.

In order to make the class rooms adaptable for evening use,
movable or strip furniture is necessary on both the first and second
floors. The basement may well include such facilities as a swimming
pool, bowling alleys, billiard rooms, and a fire-proof smoking room.
A work-shop is a very desirable addition to social center equipment,
if the manual training rooms are not adapted for such use. There
should also be enough store rooms to provide adequate storing
facilities for chairs and other equipment not being used on the main
floor. The question of the provision of a play room in the school
basements for the use of children in stormy or extremely cold
weather is receiving consideration from school authorities especially
from the point of view of the amount of play space per child which
should be provided. The ordinary practice in school house con-
struction has been to provide a minimum of twenty square feet per
child — in a 12 room building, one-third of the basement space.
The new school building construction must provide for more
play space; the minimum requirement of 30 square feet of space
per child should be the basis for computing amount of indoor space
necessary.

In the construction of the modern school building, particularly
in cities suffering from problems of congestion, even the roof is made
to serve community purposes. Tiled or asphalt surfacing surrounded
with a high iron fence with a heavy iron mesh enclosing the sides,
and a permanent roof forming the top makes it possible to tise the

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON RECREATION BUILDINGS

roof for a number of purposes. It may be flooded and frozen during
the winter for skating. If the surfacing is of asphalt it may be used
for roller skating. A band stand on casters may be provided for
concert work. Adequate lighting facilities should be provided for
evening use and detachable panels fitted to the sides will make it
possible to enclose the roof for winter use.

No school building is felt to be well-equipped or complete un-
less adequate grounds are provided around the building for play-
ground and athletic purposes. The modern slogan is "a block for
a school," with ample space not only for playground and athletic
facilities, but also for school gardens and for short shrubbery.

In planning for out-of-door activities the committee suggests
that heavy screening be used to protect the windows of the first and
second floors. Overhead flaming arcs protected by wire cages are
excellent for lighting purposes. High barriers between the school
yard and adjacent private residences will eliminate friction with
neighbors. High fences should separate the yard from thorough-
fares. Drinking facilities should be installed and provision made
for access from the outdoor playground to the toilets. The build-
ing of permanent settees around the sides is also suggested.

The question of surfacing school playgrounds is a very im-
portanjt one. Asphalt and concrete surfaces have their advantages
for school yard use. They are, however, expensive and can be con-
sidered only when the ground is very small. A suggestion for a
surfacing which will be less expensive but probably even more
satisfactory if good drainage can be secured and the ground graded
so that there will be no water standing on it a short time after a rain
provides for the use of a screened gravel about the consistency of a
coarse sand. The foundation should consist of a 4" or 5" layer of
cinders covered with a 3" layer of screened gravel. A treatment of
calcium chloride — it has been the experience in Racine, Wis. — applied
once or twice a year, makes the surface practically dustless and does
not stain the clothes of the children. The Chicago Park systems
have worked out a solution of the problem which has been found
satisfactory for the Chicago park playgrounds. Information
regarding the construction and treatment of an outdoor playground
surface may be secured from the South Park or West Chicago Park
Commissioners.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON RECREATION BUILDINGS

In many communities, the effective use of the
Construction of Rec-
reation Buildings to school plant tor neighborhood center purposes

Be Used Solely for an^ the hearty cooperation of the Board of
Recreational Purposes /.

Education with the recreation authorities

have made unnecessary the erection of buildings to be used ex-
clusively for recreation purposes. Such a utilization of the school
plant whenever possible is desirable and results in economic saving
for the city. There are communities, however, in which because of
the construction of the school building and problems of administra-
tion or because of certain specific local needs and difficulties, the use
of the school plant is not practicable and the erection of a building
for recreational purposes presents the only solution to the problem
of housing community recreational facilities and activities.

In discussing the erection of such buildings the committee
took up first of all the consideration of the general principles to be
followed in locating and constructing such a building. Among the
most important of these are the following : The accessibility of the
building to population and transportation lines; the provision of
ample grounds for future needs; architectural beauty; a compre-
hensive plan which will permit of future additions constructed in
such a way as to preserve original investments.

From the service point of view, the building should embody
such activities and utilities as will provide for the teaching and play
of the younger children; the instruction and drill of high school
children; gatherings of various kinds for the young and adult
resident population; for the leisure time pursuits of adults; and for
such civic uses as voting, forums, and allied activities. It should be
planned on the unit basis so that each floor or structural unit may be
used to the exclusion of the remainder of the building, and in the
construction the units representing the greatest service to the
community should be provided first.

The committee next considered the most essential features which
should be incorporated in a recreation building. It was felt these
should include a room for use as a gymnasium, auditorium, theatre,
athletic and director's offices, rest room, toilets, and shower baths
for men and women. The number of club rooms which should be
provided depends upon the character and density of the neighbor-
hood. The convenient size for a club room, however, varies from
14' x 20' to 22' x 32'.

The equipment of a gymnasium in a neighborhood recreation
building depends in a large degree upon floor and gallery space. A

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON RECREATION BUILDINGS

recreation center gymnasium requires greater diversity of equip-
ment than a college gymnasium. The apparatus listed by the
committee includes adjustable and suspended parallel bars, horizon-
tal bars and ladders, vaulting horse and buck, vaulting standards,
travelling rings, adjustable flying rings, spring board, jumping
board, high jump standards, approach boards, jump mats, wrestling
mat, punching bag standard and drum, chest weights, climbing
ropes, and basket ball backs and goals. There should also be
provided such mobile apparatus as basket balls, indoor baseballs,
bats, hand balls, medicine balls, volley balls, maple dumb bells,
Indian clubs, maple wands, vaulting poles, and striking bag.

It was the general feeling of the committee that it was un-
desirable to design a room in a recreation building especually for
roller skating. Such a proceeding is unnecessary as all play areas
that are sufficiently smooth and capacious may be used for roller
skating. It is not, however, advisable to permit skating on a
wooden floor used for dancing. The ordinary cement floor, al-
though durable for most purposes, has no great value for skating
because of rapid disintergration and dust. Cement is a rough sur-
face which prevents slipping at the turns and has the added advan-
tage of causing less noise than wood. If the cement floor is given a
finished coat of some patent cement hardener or is covered with
mastic asphalt it has greater value as a skating surface. Wood
block laid in mastic is felt by many to be by far the most satis-
factory indoor surfacing but the cost makes its use in most instances
prohibitive.

The problem of the initial cost of a recreation building and of
maintenance is one which confronts all communities initiating such
movements. It was the decision of the committee that, generally
speaking, a building incorporating features felt to be essential and
desirable could not be constructed at a cost of less than $15,000-
$18,000. This is based on the estimate that centralized school
buildings cost 22C per cubic foot, and with the price quoted on com-
posite, i6c per cubic foot, and fireproof, i8c per cubic foot.

Dressing rooms, toilets, showers may be on both sides of stage ;
basement only under stage end of building.

Wings may be added to ends or side to meet future needs.

The Park Department of Racine, Wisconsin, at a cost of less than
$12,000, constructed a building well adapted to small community
use and yet with an equipment to serve a large number of people.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON RECREATION BUILDINGS

The building, which cost $7,324.00, has a gymnasium 40' x 70', 12
shower baths, toilets for both men and women, a reading room,
kitchen, locker room, and also a special room fitted with pigeon holes
for the u£e of wire baskets. The locker room is utilized as a dress-
ing room and instead of a permanent stage a sectional movable
platform is used for dramatics and entertainments of various kinds.
In this way a valuable economy of space is gained.

The cost of heating, lighting, and janitor service for any given
building depends upon its size, the amount of heat desired, hours
used, number of lights, whether or not the plant is owned by the
city, whether the lights are supplied by public or private service and
other considerations of similar nature. For a center containing an
auditorium, gymnasium, four club rooms, and shower baths, one
ton of coal per day would probably be required to heat the building
from 7 a. m. to ii p. m. and supply hot water for the shower
baths. Janitor service for 52 hours per week should be secured at
an average cost of $55 per month.

In planning for a recreation building too much emphasis can
not be laid upon the necessity of securing expert advice in order to
avoid mistakes in construction which will decrease the usefulness
of the building. A careful study of the experiences of the other
cities in constructing their buildings and a selection of the features
found most successful in these buildings, will result in a
great saving in efficiency and money for the community undertaking
such a project. The final plans should be submitted to the Super-
intendent of Recreation to criticise from the standpoint of use after
completion as well as to simplify problems of supervision. "Plan,
criticise, and then build."

The increasing tendency to throw open the schoolhouse for
neighborhood recreation center uses, the growing interest in school
architecture design for community needs, and the erection of
recreation buildings to meet community needs, point to a rapid
development in the next few years which will have a most im-
portant influence on community life and the building up of a real
democracy.

DISCUSSION OF PROBLEMS OF OUTDOOR PLAYGROUND

DISCUSSION OF PROBLEMS OF OUTDOOR PLAY-
GROUND CONSTRUCTION

The Committee on Recreation Buildings, in addition to their
report on buildings, took under consideration some of the problems
involved in the construction of shelter houses on playgrounds and
other phases of playground equipment.

The essential features of a shelter house for playgrounds, it
was felt by the committee, would include two rooms for supervisors ;
a room to be used for storage ; shower baths and toilets for boys and
girls; an open pavilion for hand classes, dancing, games, and shelter.
If the shelter is located in a part of the country where the climatic
conditions permit of year-round use, it is worth while to expend
funds for a well-constructed and beautiful building. If, on the
other hand, the shelter can be used only during the summer months,
it is better to expend energy in arousing sentiment for a more ex-
pensive recreation building equipped for year-round use.

The question of whether a smooth or rough surfacing is prefer-
able for shelter houses which are likely to be used for roller skating
or for play and games, was decided in favor of a smooth finish with
dust proofing and hardener. Concrete is too brittle to be used
incessantly for roller skating as depressions will soon appear which
will develop into deep holes, endangering the skaters. The best
surface for universal use is probably a fine high-grade asphalt which
is not brittle enough to develop spots. It may be utilized for roller
skating by using powdered pumice which causes the skates to stick.
The surface may be used for dancing by the application of powdered
boracic acid which gives it a sopacious effect. For other activities
no treatment of the surface is necessary.

Inexpensive shower baths for a playground may easily be
devised by the following simple methods: A tin pail with holes
punched through the bottom may be hung from a string piece or
post; a rubber hose with one end attached to a water faucet, the
other end placed in the pail and tied to the handle completes the
equipment. For outdoor purposes, a tent may be used or the
device may be set up in an unused toilet in an indoor play center.
Still another suggestion for a temporary shower bath is that a piece
of rubber hose with a flower spray attached to one end, the other
connected with the supply pipe, be placed over a catch basin or a
short distance from a drain pipe. Canvas which is light proof
against shadows may be used as a shelter if there can be supervision
42

SWIMMING POOLS

to provide against the cutting of the canvas. Otherwise old tin
will be better.

A comparison of the structure of grand stands of wood or con-
crete shows that a frame structure can be built for the cost of the
forms alone for a concrete grand stand. The difference between
common bleachers and concrete bleachers is so great that it would
be necessary to have plans and specifications in order to arrive at
a reasonable safe estimate of cost.

PORTABLE BLEACHERS

The playground authorities at San Diego, California, have
solved the problem of providing strong, serviceable wooden bleachers
at comparatively small expense. The bleachers are strengthened by
a galvanized iron pipe which is designed for foot rests as well as for
lending additional strength in bracing the bleachers. The four
i x 12 braces at the back of the bleachers are nailed in with three
or four eight-penny nails so that they may be readily taken off and
put in again when the bleachers are moved.

The cost of these portable bleachers is estimated at $45 per
section, each section holding 80 people. Two men with a team can
take 20 bleachers down and put them up again in a half a day.

Plans and specifications for the bleachers may be secured for
thirty-five cents from the office of the Playground and Recreation
Association of America.

SWIMMING POOLS*
V. K. Brown, Superintendent of Recreation, Newark, New Jersey.

In view of the increasing demand for such facilities, the con-
struction of outdoor swimming pools at a cost which will not make
them prohibitive for small communities or for groups of individuals
who must take into consideration the economic side of the problem,
is a matter for careful consideration. In the judgment of engineers
no absolute cost estimates for artificial outdoor pools can be at-
tempted for general application. The climate is a variable making

SWIMMING POOLS

generalization untrustworthy. In northern latitudes, for instance,
frosts cause heaving of the ground and develop pressure rendering
heavier reenforcement necessary. Local conditions of soil — rock,
clay, or quicksand — and the drainage and water supply also affect
the outlay. Furthermore, local labor and material costs vary to a
degree rendering general statements valueless.

Attempting, however, to state concretely what may be assumed
with safety of those factors which are fairly constant, some general
summary of experience and consensus of opinion is highly desirable.
Communities lacking swimming provision need some index to an
equipment of minimum cost, not the elaborate facilities of the more
costly systems. They must not be compelled to spend what funds
they have for the services of experts to gather information that will
show what is within their limited reach, if that information can be
assembled.

Suggestions for Esti- To this end three standard sizes of rectan-
matesonCost Based guiar pOOi basins are here considered arbi-

on Standard Me as- .

urements and Quan- tranly as a preliminary table by which local
tities resources may be gauged and their possi-

bilities estimated. Table I is based upon the minimum practical
size, 20' x 60', Table II on a medium size 30' x 90', and Table III
on a large size 40' x 120'. Wall thickness and reenf orcing must be
determined by local soil condition and the support it affords. Con-
crete contractors of the community can furnish estimates of labor
and materials cost, and mixtures suited to the location. A uniform
thickness of one inch for the entire pool shell is considered in the
following tables and reduced to terms of cubic yards of mixed con-
crete, to be multiplied by the number of inches of wall thickness
necessitated in local construction. The result will be found roughly
accurate, affording a starting point for local cost estimates.

Table Number I. Pool size 20' x 60', sloping longitudinally
with a depth 3' to 7'

7 cu. yds. of mixed concrete required per one inch wall thickness
For each lo.feet added to length add i.i cu. yards material
For each 10 feet added to width add 2.3 cu. yards material
Table Number II. Pool size 30' x 90' sloping longitudinally
with a depth 3^' to 8'

13 cu. yds. mixed concrete required per one inch wall thickness
For each 10 ft. added to length add 1.4 yards material

SWIMMING POOLS

For each 10 ft. added to width add 3.25 yards material
Table Number III. Pool size 40' x 120'. Sloping longitudinally
with a depth 3^' to 8'

22 cu. yds. concrete required per one inch wall thickness
For each 10 ft. added to length add 1.8 cu. yds. material
For each 10 ft. added to width add 4.2 cu. yds. material

Where the concrete construction work is done

General Suggestions . . »• .

for Construction of by inexperienced workers one principle is to

Poofs001" Swimming be observed— the deepest point should al-
ways be filled first to prevent robbing of the
mixture by seeping of the cement to a lower level.

A long, narrow pool is safest. Unskilled swimmers cannot
get far from shore, and life guards can more quickly reach those
in trouble. Unless funds permit of employing a large staff, the pool
should be limited to 35 feet, or less, in width.

For safety, the pool should always be built with its shallow end
nearest the entrance. No danger signs will keep heedless and
hurrying, foreign, or illiterate bathers from plunging into the water
at the nearest point, as they come into the enclosure. Many who
cannot swim will do this.

Various water growing forms of plant life will attach them-
selves to sides and bottom of any pool, rendering the surface slippery
and unsafe. Weekly scrubbing — with an occasional day's hot
sunlight on the empty pool, will keep down, but will not eliminate,
these growths. The more smooth the surface, the more insecure
the footing becomes — a good argument for a rough bottom. Too
sharp a pitch from shallow to deep water must be avoided. The
shallow end of the pool at Pulaski Park, Chicago, is connected with
the deep end by a series of steps rather than a slope, a preferable
arrangement, in the writer's opinion. A stranger, unable to swim,
cannot slide beyond his depth, on such a bottom, nor exhaust his
strength fighting his way back to a secure footing. This arrange-
ment also permits a long basin with gradual slope, for the majority
who want shallow water, and a sharp break to deep water after steps
lead down to a five, or six foot depth, at the deep end. The danger
zone is thereby of limited area, and close to the deep-water station
of the Life Guard. The volume of water consumed is also lessened.

The Park Department of Grand Rapids recently built a pool
36' x 100' with a ten-inch wall thickness, without finishing the inner

SWIMMING POOLS

coat or waterproofing, at a cost of about $3,500. In reenforcing,
twisted half -inch iron rods, were placed 3^ feet apart vertically
and 1^2 ft. apart horizontally. This type of construction has with-
stood severe winters, without cracking, or developing leaks. Grand
Rapids considers a spoon shaped bottom contour best, with a
maximum depth of eight feet about fifteen feet from the wall at the
deep end of the pool for diving, but a 3^" foot depth, affording a
footing shelf, along the side and end walls, for safety. This also
serves to decrease the cost of the necessary Life Guard Service; it
materially lessens the volume of water necessary to fill the pool,
lowering water cost, where that is an item to consider, and shorten-
ing the time lost to use while thje pool is being emptied for cleaning
and refilled. Deep-water corners are dead spaces, in-so-far as use
is concerned, and many pools now being built have rounded corners
as a measure of economy in excavation and water consumption cost.
Initial construction cost for such curved surfaces, is higher, however,
due to the difficulty in making moulds. The Grand Rapids pools
are built of a mixture of one part cement, two parts sand, three parts
gravel.

Another experiment in outdoor pools has been worked out in
Westbrook, Maine where a mill stream with a moderate current of
pure water has been used for swimming since 1905, when at a cost
of $3,900, a crib pool and bath house were built and anchored in
place where the flow of the river through the slatted walls provides
a fresh water supply every five minutes. The annual maintenance
cost of this pool is about $300 and it is estimated by the school
authorities that 75% of the local children know how to swim, 90%
of them having learned in this pool. The suggestion is included
here as of possible value to other communities.

Before building a pool, the capacity of avail-
Sewers able trunk and branch sewers must be con-
sulted, in the immediate neighborhood.

Emptying the pool at full capacity of its drains, with its head of
water, may easily flood neighboring basements with water back-up,
unless the sewer capacity is ample.

Floating objects have caused much trouble by blocking drains,
finding lodgment in pipes and gratings. In Philadelphia ex-
perience early brought about the adoption of a catch-basin, for the
drain, sunk in the pool bottom. A grating covers the catch basin,
and the drain pipe rises from the floor of the basin curving down-

SWIMMING POOLS

ward again in an inverted u-shape so that the initial outgoing water
movement is upward, and floating objects cannot be drawn down
into the sewer. Sand and sediment lodge in the catch-basin, and
are not swept into the drain pipe to collect and make a costly stop-
page.

The capacity of available water mains, wells,
Filling System J •.•«.*!.

or body of water, from which the pool is to be

filled must be taken into account in determining the pool's size and
shape, and the whole water-consuming system of operation.
Scant water supply means slow refilling and consequent loss in ser-
vice. It may also necessitate a costly refiltration system, and
chemical sterilization such as may be secured by the use of calcium
chloride. Fresh, pure water, where it can be had, is preferable to
stale water, filtered or sterilized. But a pool dependent on the city
water system must not be located in a district where meagre water
mains will suffer such lowering of pressure while the pool is being
filled, as to impair the neighborhood's service or fire protection.
Possibility of this must be determined in advance and if necessary
other means of supply taken, or the pool location changed.

A more even distribution of water-flow into the pool is secured
by fitting the supply pipe to a distributing pipe of larger diameter
set in the end wall, having several openings into the pool so the
initial pressure may be lost without lessening its volume, and the
water flow rather than shoot into the pool. An overflow during the
night by this means more effectually forces the stale water into the
drain pipes, and flushes floating impurities into the gutters, where
a single strong stream merely churns fresh and stale water with the
pool sediment.

Hand Rail — An inset, combination hand rail
8*1 and drain gutter, running completely around

the pool, is to be preferred to projecting hand

rails. The former, being merely an opening in the flush face of the
side wall, does not interfere with rescue work, nor bruise those who
must be lifted out of the water. Moreover it does not decrease the
pool size either for general use, or aquatic sports. The open drain
gutter permits floating impurities and objects to flush out of the
pool while it is overflowing, on any side to which the wind causes
them to drift.

SWIMMING POOLS

Booths and Showers — A shower before entering the pool is almost
universally demanded, both as a sanitary measure, and safety
precaution in preparing the bather for his plunge. The South Park
system of Chicago years ago built all their pools in such a way that
entrance is through a shower room, past an inspecting attendant
who permits only those who have bathed, and who are free from
surface signs of disease, to enter the water. Lately their new pools
have been so designed that men and boys must bathe in the nude,
trunks being given out after leaving the showers. Fear of detection
doubtless keeps many diseased bathers from entering. Some indoor
pools may be entered only by a passage-way under a row of showers
graduated in temperature down to a cold spray at the end just before
the plunge. Toilet facilities should be provided at the door to the
pool, where those about to enter the water file past. It is important
that such provision be conveniently accessible to those entering, and
to those in the enclosure.

Special Facilities — An enclosed roof garden, or secluded sun
parlor where women in reclining chairs may in privacy dry their
hair, or rest after the unaccustomed exertion of swimming, will
beyond doubt attract many patrons who would otherwise never or
seldom come. Towel or other stock rooms adjacent to a service
roadway, and drained receptacles at the exit, for wet suits and
towels, as bathers file out, need careful planning if the labor of
operation is to be minimized.

The draining of dressing booths and aisles both for water
brought in by suits and bodies of bathers, and for the daily scrub-
bing of the quarters, is important.

Indented Steps or Ladders — For climbing out of the water, lad-
ders or steps are necessary at the ends of the pool. Either should be
set into an indentation, rather than project out into the pool, where
swimmers may accidentally strike them. For aquatic sports the
inset space may be blocked off flush with the wall face; in this way
controversies as to distances covered, always possible in an irregular
space, may be avoided.

Around the Pool — What? The concrete walk at the immediate
edge of the pool, draining away from the pool so dirty surface water
will not run into it, is on hot days liable to become uncomfortable.
On the early assumption that a pool was an artificial lake or river
brought to a residence neighborhood, an artificial beach of sand
courts was included. It was found, however, that sand clinging to

SWIMMING POOLS

the wet bathers caused trouble with drains and also introduced a
certain amount of dust and dirt into the water. Grass plots — if
free from clover and bees — afford pleasant lolling places, but when
the grass is cut blades blow or are carried into the water and give it
an uninviting appearance. Either is preferable, however, to a hot
brick or concrete walk.

Lighting — The problem of lighting is a most

Problems of Super- . , .

vision important one to consider in a discussion of

the supervision of swimming pools. Service
to the men of the community, especially in industrial districts,
means night operation. In fact, night use should be limited to
working boys and men. The problem of adequate lighting is no
easy one. Arc or other lights on poles surrounding a pool, cause
numberless reflections and make the life guard's work doubly
difficult. At Jackson Park Beach in Chicago, flood-lighting from
shore, the reflectors projecting a powerful light down on the water
from behind the life guards at the water's edge, rendered night use
as safe as during the day. Such a flood of light converging from
behind the corners of the deep end of a pool, where life guards would
be stationed, costs no more than a number of lights around the pool,
and is incomparably safer.

Aisles — To facilitate supervision it is best to run the aisles in
the booth house lengthwise through the building so that the at-
tendants' oversight will cover the maximum area to prevent thefts
and disorders.

Entrance to Booths — The provision of shaded benches enclosed
by a fence in a narrow lane at the entrance to the booths, greatly
facilitates the maintaining of order among those waiting their turn
to be admitted, preventing late arrivals from unfairly crowding into
line or creating disturbances. An entrance gate to this enclosure,
which may be closed when a capacity number is reached, establish-
ing the limit while comparative quiet prevails before the line starts
to file into the baths, automatically avoids disputes and rushing
of the booth doors by over-eager patrons near the end of the line
who become fearful that the limit has about been reached and that
they may not be admitted unless they hurry. A separate gate for
exit obviates confusion.

SWIMMING POOLS

Suggestions for Administration — Safety I Do not economize on life

guard service.

Drill life guards daily in swimming, rescue work, practice of
artificial respiration, and use of pulmotor or lung motor.

Have a couch or stretcher, blankets, brandy, and first aid kit
ready, and physicians listed beside the telephone.

If the water supply is limited, making long use necessary, or
polluted at its source, adopt some sterilization process.

Clean the pool too often rather than not often enough.

Adopt a valuables checking system, and make employees
responsible for losses which indicate negligence. Do not permit
bathers to return to booths, dress, and leave until the entire group
leaves the water.

An occasional water-carnival, admitting spectators, adds to a
pool's usefulness — and patrons.

Graham Taylor once said Sabbath observance is a "matter of
geography." A laborer working the week around ought to be per-
mitted a quiet plunge on a hot Sunday afternoon by any com-
munity. Adapt Sunday hours and age limits to local views, but
"stick" for needed service.

Arrange "Women's Days" to follow the cleaning of the pool;
they should have the fresh, and can better withstand the cold
water. Watch the men employees on women's day.

Have a linen supply and a laundering contract for the hottest
not the average day.

Individuals grow limp and irritable in hot weather — don't
permit the service to do so.

It's better to fire a politician than fail a patron.

Some college-fraternity vacationists are not as faithful as back-
of-the-yards wage earners.

Remember that when you were a boy, one twenty-minute swim
a day was as satisfying as a one-inning ball game.

On rainy days add some soap to the water, and help nature out.

Condition employment on willingness to do night work if
needed. Patrons are not turned away by a pool closed and cleaned
at night.

INDOOR POOLS
INDOOR POOLS

S. K. Nason, Director Municipal Gymnasium and Baths, Brook-
line, Massachusetts

The cost of construction of an indoor pool aside from consider-
ations of local cost of labor and material, depends entirely upon the
size and type of construction.

i. The pool with all-brick wall having a
Types of Construction . r .

lining of enameled brick or mosaic tile

2. The pool with all-concrete wall lined with enameled brick
or mosaic tile. With this type of wall some patent waterproofing
substance is used, but an efficient inspection of the mixing of the
concrete is a greater help towards securing a waterproof wall. This
type of pool with the overflow gutter which can also be used as a
hand rail is a satisfactory pool.

3. The third type of pool which has been found very satis-
factory at Brookline, Mass., and which to a great degree obviates
the danger of leakage, is built in the following manner: — A six-inch
concrete wall, waterproofed with four layers of tar paper with pitch
between each two layers, a wall of single brick with concrete i"
thick and a lining of mosaic tile. A pool of this construction 21' x
60' with a depth varying from 4' to 8' was built in Brookline, Mass,
in 1914 at a cost of $7,150.

Concrete work, including walls around pool $3,000

Waterproofing 300

Lining 2,000

Heating the water by use of feed water heater 500

Plumbing 350

Filtration system 1,000

Considerations to Be Inlets and outlets must be sufficiently large.

Kept in Mind in Con- J

structing an Indoor Supply pipes must be large enough to permit
Pocl of the satisfactory use of all showers at one

time.

All radiators must be raised or elevated.

Special attention should be paid to the location of electric
switches.

Shower bath handles should not be flexible.

The filtration and heating plant should have a capacity which
will permit of emptying, cleaning, and refilling the pool in one night.

FORWARD STEPS IN RECREATION IN ILLINOIS

The use of alum in filters is desirable but precautions should be
taken against over-amount as it makes the water murky and causes
the eyes to smart.

If the pool is to be used by women and girls there should be a
hair-drying room.

A bubbler fountain should be installed in the pool room.

The walk around the pool should be left rough enough to pre-
vent slipping when it is wet.

FORWARD STEPS IN RECREATION IN ILLINOIS

Sidney A. Teller, Formerly Director, Stanford Park, Chicago,

Illinois

Four bills passed by the last legislature, the 49th General As-
sembly are of great importance and value to every city in Illinois
and the United States, in the promotion of play and recreation.
Copies of these bills can be obtained from the Secretary of State,
Springfield, Illinois.

Senate Bill No. 401, "an act to provide for physical training
in the public and all normal schools." This bill is commonly
known as the "Compulsory Physical Education" law, and states
it shall be the duty of all school boards or institutions where chil-
dren are taught, which are supported wholly or partly by public
funds, to provide for at least one hour of physical education and
training, each week during the whole school year, in all the grades.
This will further provide that the curriculum of all normal schools
of the state shall contain a regular course of physical education
and training for the students. Physical education includes and
will lead to games, contests, better school ventilation, better school
yards, school gardens, school playgrounds.

Senate Bill No. 221, commonly known as the "School Social
Center" Bill, enlarges the powers of all school boards along some
sixteen definite lines. The ones in which we are interested are as
follows :

Section seven — To appropriate funds for the purchase of li-
braries and apparatus, after the provision has been made for the
payment of all necessary school expenses.

Section ten — To have the control and supervision of all pub-
lic schoolhouses in their district, and to grant the temporary use

FORWARD STEPS IN RECREATION IN ILLINOIS

of them, when not occupied by schools, for religious meetings and
Sunday schools, for evening schools and literary societies, and for
such meetings as the directors may deem proper. To grant the use
of assembly halls and class rooms when not otherwise needed, in-
cluding light, heat and attendants, for public lectures, concerts,
and other educational and social interests under such provisions
and control as they may see fit to impose, to conduct or provide
for the conducting of recreational social and civic activities in the
school buildings under their control.

Section thirteen — To furnish each school with a flag and a
staff, as provided by law.

Section sixteen — To establish kindergartens for the instruc-
tion of children between the ages of four and six years, if in their
judgment the public interest requires it, and to pay the necessary
expense of the same out of the school funds of the district; pro-
vided, that no one shall be employed to teach in a kindergarten
who does not hold a kindergarten certificate as provided by law.

Before the passage of this law, those who were interested in the
wider use of the schoolhouse for social, civic and recreation pur-
poses, were repeatedly told by the board of education that they
would be very glad to open up the schoolhouse but that they lacked
authority for so doing. This bill now gives the authority and any
community that wants to use the little red schoolhouse or the great
big new consolidated high school can do so. We expect now to see
the American flag flying on every Illinois schoolhouse the symbol of
the larger liberty and larger education, possible inside of the school.
We want every schoolhouse to be the community center, the civic
center, the social center, the recreation center of its district. We
all want to go to school again, but this time along the lines of com-
munity education.

Senate Bill No. 452. This act authorizes cities and villages
having a population of less than 50,000 to maintain by taxation
public parks. For this purpose the governing board of the city or
village, after a favorable or majority referendum vote, can levy an
annual tax up to three mills. The proposition may be put before
the people in two different ways. The governing group can pass
the ordinance and then submit it to the people, or if the board
does not act and the people wish, upon petition of voters equal to
at least one percent of the number of votes cast at the last preced-
ing election, the election officers must submit the proposition to
the people. With such a bill, any village or smaller city can have

FORWARD STEPS IN RECREATION IN ILLINOIS

its town square, city park, large athletic fields, places of natural
and historic value. Experience has shown that if a town has the
opportunity and power to buy the land, the improvement and use
of it follow very quickly, thus making for more beautiful towns,
civic pride, better recreation and better community spirit.

House Bill No. 63. "An act to provide for the acquisition,
equipment, conduct and maintenance of public playgrounds in
and by cities having a population of less than 150,000." In most
communities, the value of a playground has to be demonstrated
by an experiment through private effort before it is taken over by
the municipality. Women's clubs and. civic organizations are
glad to support a playground for a season or year, but do not want
to carry eternally a burden which should be supported by public
funds. The Playground Bill provides the way, after the experi-
mental stage, of letting the people decide whether or not they
want public playgrounds. A petition by two percent of the voters
compels the submission of the proposition or propositions to
the people. A majority vote carries the desire into a fact, and a
"playground tax" not to exceed two mills can be levied annually
for the purpose mentioned in the bill. These monies cannot be
used for any other purpose, and cannot be scaled down under any
existing law. In addition to making provision for expert super-
vision, the bill further states:

Section 4 — "Such playgrounds, shall in the discretion of the
playground board or boards, be filled with suitable appliances and
instrumentalities, games and exercises ; and shall be so conducted as
to be most conducive to the moral, intellectual, and physical wel-
fare of the children using the same ; and their use shall be free under
such rules and regulations as will best enable the largest number of
users to receive substantial benefit therefrom."

We are happy to report that since the passage of this bill, two
cities have already favorably passed on such a referendum measure
and public funds are being used for this public need.

With four bills such as are described above, any and every
community in Illinois can take a step forward in public recreation
bring physical education and play to every child, wholesome rec-
reatiofn to every adult, and a system of parks, playgrounds and
recreation centers to every community. Build good roads, of
course, but let these roads pass playgrounds instead of reform
schools, pass parks instead of tuberculosis sanatoria, pass rec-
reation centers instead of jails, poorhouses, and insane asylums.

Annette Keller-
man's diving tank
at the famous New
York Hippodrome
and 141 Y. M. C.
A., and Y. W. C.
A., 60 School and
College, and 78
Public and Private
Pools made safe
and attractive by
our Filters.

Angalica Street Playground, San Francisco, Cal.

A NEW YORK-CONTINENTAL-JEWELL re-filtration
system saves lives, water and money and makes a safe, sani-
tary and attractive pool. With dear water no one can drown
unseen; with filtered water the danger of disease is reduced to
the minimum. Re-filtration maintains the water in proper
condition and keeps down the water bills. A pi ay ground jpool
to fulfill its mission must be attractive. With our system all
pools are attractive. Easily installed by any plumber. Easily
operated.

The New York Continental Jewell Filtration Co.

15 Broad Street New York

We are the
originators of me-
chanical filtration.
We established
re-filtration for
the swimming
pool. WE KNOW
HOW! Our rec-
ord tells the story;
but if you are
skeptical — write
for the evidence.
AH sizes in sto k
for immediate
shipment.

Play School, University of California

BIG MUSCLE ACTIVITIES

RECREATION BUILDING AT RACINE, WISCONSIN, ERECTED AT

A COST OF $7,324.85
This building houses indoor recreation for the entire neighborhood

BOOK REVIEWS
FOLK DANCES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

By Cecilia Van Cleve. Published by Milton Bradley Company, Springfield,

Massachusetts. Price, $2.OO

Ninety-four dances of Scandinavian origin are given, with words and music.
The illustrations weie posed by Swedish children, under the direction of Pro-
fessor O. Helgren, member of the faculty of the college at Naas, Sweden.

THE VICTOR IN RURAL SCHOOLS

Issued by the Educational Department, Victor Talking Machine Company,

Camden, New Jersey

A "Dedicatory" by P. P. Claxton and a "Foreword" by Frances Elliott
Clark introduce two stories of thriving human interest from rural school teachers
in Idaho and Georgia who have found good mus c a new and inspiring addition
to the curriculum. A suggested list of records with introductory material for
each completes the prmphlet.

"Fun-Ful" Apparatus in Use
in New Orleans Beaurejjard Playground

A "CAME" BOY

The boy standing in the trapeze is a wonder. He has lost both feet but
can do all kinds of "stunts" on "Fun-Ful" Apparatus

More than forty states and three foreign
countries are using "Fun-Ful" Equipment

We have all necessary Outdoor Equipment and Athletic Goods

WRITE FOR FREE CATALOG

rim cm

PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT

BOOK REVIEWS

COMMUNITY CENTER ACTIVITIES

By Clarence Arthur Perry. Published by the Department of Recreation,
Russell Sage Foundation, New York City. Price, thirty-five cents
A real service has been rendered the recreation movement by Mr. Perry
in providing so compact and complete a handbook for easy reference. A very
imposing array of possibilities confronts the reader, calculated to inspire to
greater zeal and more effective use of both space and time. Activities which
may be carried on in various types of school rooms, kindergartens, class rooms,
assembly, corridor- suggest that no space need be wasted. The various activi-
ties are then described more in detail with a sufficiently complete reference to
books most useful in each phase of the center's work. Sample programs, showing
what has actually been done, raise mute voices advocating "full steam ahead."

THE FIRST COUNTY PARK SYSTEM

By Frederick W. Kelsey. Published by J. S. Ogilvie Publishing Company,

57 Rose Street, New York

The vice-president of the original commission of the Essex County parks of
New Jersey traces the inception and development of th's system, 'one of the
largest, and the initial county park system of thii country." Pages of ethical
principles might be written from the simple story of th^ contrast between high-
minded devotion and political self-seeking. The author gives his facts. He who
runs may read.

THE SPIRAL SLIDE is another recent Medart innovation. This
winding slide caters to the "something new" longing which dominates every
child heart. The easy spiral gives a winding sensation and the descent is
extended over a longer route.

THE SPIRAL SLIDE is listed in our catalog "W" in a variety of styles
and sizes. This catalog covers other new Medart creations in Playground
Equipment.

All of our new inventions
have been thoroughly tested and
approved by leading authorities
in this work. Medart reputa-
tion prohibits marketing any
untried piece of apparatus.

Write for Catalog "W"

Fred Medart Mfg. Co.

St. Louis, Mo.

Gymnasium Outfitters

Steel Lockers

BOOK REVIEWS

A CHILD'S BOOK OF HOLIDAY PLAYS

By Frances Gillespey Wickes. Published by The Macmillan Company, New

York City. Price, seventy-five cents

These little plays, easily prepared, would add color and fancy to the holi-
days they celebrate, though the dialogue is somewhat amateurish and the moral
rather pointed. One cannot be too captious, however, regarding plays for chil-
dren these days. These show a fine sympathy with the imaginings of childhood
and a grateful simplicity.

The New Haven Normal
School of Gymnastics

Two years' Normal Course in
Theory and Practice of Gymnastics,
Playground Work, Land and Water
Sports.

Vocational Bureau will provide
well trained supervisors and in-
structors for playgrounds and camps
as well as for gymnasia.

Address
DR. E. H. ARNOLD

1466 Chapel St., New Haven, Conn.

SUMMER SCHOOL

June 25— Aug. 3, for

Playground Training

Pestalozzi-Froebel Training School

A Normal School for
Playground Workers

Class Rooms overlook Lake Michigan
Credits toward Diploma. Folk Dancing,
Pageantry. Games, Story Telling, Gym-
nastics, Playground Practice. Strong
Faculty, Accredited. For Illustrated
Bulletin address

REGISTRAR, Box 71

616-22 So. Michigan Blvd. CHICAGO

Fall Term opens Sept. 1 8

CORONA

Is a six-pound silent partner
that makes routine a habit.

With it your business reports
and accounts as well as your
personal correspondence are
attended to promptly.

Corona eliminates worry.

Cost with case, $50.00

Write, phone or call for booklet

Corona Typewriter Co., Inc.

141 W. 42d St. Tel. Bryant 7150

Opposite Hotel Knickerbocker

FRANCIS ASBURY ROBINSON
Landscape Architect

BOSTON MASS.

The design of Public Recreation Areas given special attention

ANCHOR POST FENCES

FOR the modern playground Anchor Post Chain Link
Woven Steel Fences are far superior to any other type.
These fences can be made in any height up to 12 feet,
and are heavily galvanized throughout. When built on our
patented Anchor Posts they are practically indestructible
and unclimbable.

Write For Illustrated Catalogue

ANCHOR POST IRON WORKS

Cortland St. (13th floor)

New York

SPALDIN6 HICKORY WANDS FOR PLAYGROUNDS

WANDS AS A PLAYGROUND EXERCISE

cannot be surpassed. The cost is so low that the large quantities needed
do not run into much money. You can provide one for every boy and
girl and have large mass drills. These are very effective and do much to
promote and retain the interest and enthusiasm of the Playground chil-
dren, young men and women in classes, and the supporters of the Play-
ground movement. Individual and small group work of great interest
and value is also easily taught by the Director of no previous experience
in this branch after reference to our books described below.

TEAM WAND DRILL

In this book the children are paired off for height — one wand is used for
the two. A remarkably effective drill whether in large groups or small —
all who take part are most enthusiastic.
Book — Team Wand Drill by J. M. Brandau, each, postpaid 25 cents.

SINGLE STICK DRILL

In these martial days the children of the playgrounds will take to the
single stick drill with never failing enthusiasm and real interest in the
exercises means large attendance. That's what is wanted, of course, for
the playground that is not crowded with children is decidedly failing of
its purpose. This drill teaches correct posture and develops the sense of
balance, puts snap in the muscles and a light in the eye.
Book — Single Stick Drill by W. J. Gromie, each, postpaid 25 cents.

Single Sticks or Wands net price f. o. b. Ghicopee, Mass.,
$5.00 a hundred. Can be made any length up to 45
inches and any diameter up to 7/8 of an inch.

A. G. SPALDING & BROS., Inc.

Playground Dept.
Chicopee, Mass.

The Victor in a Primary School
in Japan

Calisthenics with the Victor, Waco, Texas

School Preparedness

A well-developed body is the best preparation for a well-developed mind.
All that is needed is plenty of sunshine, fresh air and exercise, and an enthusiastic
teacher who uses the

Victor and Victor Records.

Let the rhythmic music of the Victor accompany your pupils in marching, calisthenics,
mass drills, folk dances and singing games.

Ten Folk-Dance Records by Victor Band
which should be in every school

f The Needle's Eye (2) Jolly is f Come Let Us Be Joyful (2)

17567 J the Miller 17761 J Kulldansen No. 2

10 in. 75c ] Looby Loo (2) Oats, Peas, Beans 10 in- 75c 1 Seven Pretty Girls (2) The

I and Barley Grow I First of May

17SfiR (Let Us Cha«c thc Squirrel (2) How D'ye Do My
in J,, ~* 1 Partner (3) The Muffin Man
I in. 73c j Soldier Boy (2) Did you Ever See a Lassie

17084 /The Shoemaker (Danish)
10 in. 75c\Klappdans (Swedish)

17158 (I See You (Swedish)
10 in. 75c 1 Dance of Greeting (Danish)

18010 ( Sellenger's Round (Old English)
10 in. 75c I Gathering Peascods (Old English)

17160 j Norwegian Mountain March
10 in. 75c ( Country Dance (Pop Goes the Weasel)

17085 I Mountain Polka (Fjallnaspolska) (Swedish)
10 in. 75c \ Bleking (Swedish)

18004 (Newcastle (2) Sweet Kate (Old English)
10 in. 75c|r

Black Nag (2) Grimstock (Old English)
otl

(Swedish)'

Victor XXV

$67.50 special quotation

to schools only

17331 (Irish Lilt (2) Highland Schottische (Scotch)
10 in. 75C ( Hop Mor Annika

Hear these selections at your nearest Victor dealer's, and
obtain a copy of the LIST OF NEW
RECORDS FOR EDUCATIONAL
USE. For further information write
to

Educational Department

Victor Talking Machine Co.
Camden, N. J.

Victor

ye/ylrf

»1 r t fLc v7-^ *

Tower City, North Dakota

LADS AND LASSIES KEEP HOLYDAY
(See Article, Page 74)

SPALDING HICKORY WANDS FOR PLAYGROUNDS

WANDS AS A PLAYGROUND EXERCISE

TEAM WAND DRILL

SINGLE STICK DRILL

Single Sticks or Wands net price f. o. b. Chicopee, Mass.,
$5.00 a hundred. Can be made any length up to 45
inches and any diameter up to 7/8 of an inch.

A. G. SPALDING & BROS., Inc.

Playground Dept.

Chicopee, Mass.

THE WORLD AT PLAY

Workers Needed.— Experi-
enced workers are needed by the
Parks and Playgrounds Associa-
tion of the City of New York
for its summer playground ac-
tivities, July first to September
eighth.

Training in recreation work
and at least one year's actual
experience is required.

Registration.— April first to
May fifteenth. Application
blanks will be sent by request
from the office of the Parks and
Playgrounds Association.

Boys' Work Conference.—
The Eleventh Annual Confer-
ence of the Boys' Club Federa-
tion will be held at Buffalo,
N. Y., May 22nd, 23rd, and
24th, 1917. All interested in
work with boys will be wel-
comed as delegates.

Among the questions for dis-
cussion as reported by the pro-
gram committee are: "A Boys'
Club Program for All the Year
Around," "Boys' Clubs in In-
dustrial and Business Plants,"
"Clubs within the Club," "The
Place That the Boys' Club
Should Occupy in the Commu-
nity.' ' There will be an Exhibit
of Vocational Class Work, with
workers or boys on hand to ex-
plain their own exhibits.

The social features include:
an automobile trip to Niagara
Falls, with a trolley ride to points
of interest, an evening enter-
tainment by boys, a trip through

the Larkin Plant, and a compli-
mentary banquet at the Hotel
Statler. Other special enter-
tainment features will be pro-
vided for the ladies.

The opening session of the Con-
ference will be at 10 a. m.,
Tuesday, May 22nd and there
will be morning, afternoon and
evening sessions. The Confer-
ence will close with the banquet
at the Hotel Statler, Thursday
evening. For further informa-
tion, and Conference literature,
address the Boys' Club Federa-
tion, One Madison Ave., New
York City.

Extract from letter from
H. O. Berg.— "This week Mon-
day, we put over the first meet-
ing of its kind held in the United
States — a mass meeting of all
men who have declared their
intention of becoming citizens.
It was a stormy night, but
standing room was at a premium.
Mr. Sturges of Chicago, who
cooperated with me, felt it was
a howling success, and intends
to spread the good news of our
success all over the country."

One Man Knew. — At a meet-
ing held in Glendale, California,
to consider plans for securing
a neighborhood center, one man,
who had grown up from boy-
hood in Glendale, related in-
stances of the efforts of his
"bunch" to secure places for
reasonable recreation — efforts
which were always futile. But

THE WORLD AT PLAY

there was always recreation to
be found in Los Angeles, not
far away, perhaps not always
"reasonable" recreation. Upon
the wasted lives of young men
driven into vice by lack of
rightful opportunity, this man
based his plea for a better
chance for the boys now growing
up.

George Sim, assistant superin-
tendent of the Los Angles Play-
ground Commission, the speaker
of the evening, presented ideas
and ideals for neighborhood cen-
ters drawn from the experiences
of many cities.

Fitness not Geographical.
— School superintendents, associ-
ated charities secretaries, Young
Men's Christian Association
secretaries are now chosen from
those who have had success in
other cities. For playground
work, as Joseph Lee says, fitness
should not be exclusively geo-
graphical!

Making the Park Serve the
People. — Green Hill Mansion,
the people's club house in Wor-
cester, Massachusetts, housed
281 parties attended by 9,441
persons, from its opening Octo-
ber 12, 1914, to February i, 1916.
Dances, "showers," birthday
parties, musicales, reunions were
among the entertainments given.

When the Worcester Country
Club moved to new quarters, the
old club house, with its kitchen,
piazzas, shower-baths, and the

beautiful nine-hole golf course,
was leased by the city for muni-
cipal golf links and club house.
A competent chef reigned
in the kitchen. An expert
golfer was given the sale of golf
supplies and repairing of clubs,
so there was always someone at
hand to instruct beginners and
keep up the zest of the more ex-
perienced players. Clubs were
rented at fifteen cents an hour.

From the time Mayor Wright
drove the first ball "until snow
balls came in the fall, there was
not a moment that the links
were not filled to their capacity."
Tournaments were played and,
through the club organized from
those who used the links, op-
portunity was given to play in
tournaments throughout the
country.

The nine holes were kept in
splendid condition and at the
end of the season, $4.20 remain-
ed of the $2000.00 appropriated.

The success of the leased
links has encouraged the com-
missioners to arrange for a per-
manent nine-hole course in Green
Hill Park, which may later be
made an eighteen hole-course.

Fifteen Months of Work
Here.— The South Bend Mu-
nicipal Recreation Committee
gives thus briefly the accom-
plishments of its first period of
service: "Four playgrounds and
one play field were provided and
supervised; another 2o-acre play

THE BETHLEHEM BACH FESTIVALS

field secured for future develop-
ment. During the summer and
fall there was an attendance of
about 120,000 at these play
places. A civic federation con-
sisting of 13 social centers, repre-
senting every part of the city,
was organized. The committee
has assisted and supervised these
constituent organizations which,
during this period, held 119
meetings with a total attendance
of over 20,000. An amateur
athletic federation, to promote
amateur athletics in accordance
with approved standards, was
formed. The federation enrolled
38 teams with more than 500
players and conducted 2 track
and field meets. Public school
and inter-playground leagues
were formed, comprising 1,000
players, and playing over 200
matched games. School and

home garden departments were
organized. Two municipal
Christmas tree festivals were
carried out. Community sing-
ing was inaugurated — courses in
civics for the social centers ar-
ranged, a class in parliamentary
law formed for the officers of the
social centers. Training work
was organized for playground
directors, for leaders in singing,
and for boys' and girls' clubs."
A Word of Appreciation. —
John F. Walsh, President of the
Association of Park Superin-
tendents, writes: "I wish you
could send a copy of THE
PLAYGROUND to every park su-
perintendent in this country. I
have no hesitancy in saying that
it would do more to further the
playground movement, so ably
advocated by your Association,
than any other means I know of.' '

THE BETHLEHEM BACH FESTIVALS— A COMMUNITY

ENTERPRISE

Raymond Walters, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Benjamin Franklin, in a letter to his wife telling of a visit to
the Moravian community of Bethlehem in 1756, wrote that he
"heard very fine music in the church."

The ancient reputation of the Moravians in this respect was re-
ferred to in a recent editorial in The Outlook upon the seventy-fifth
anniversary of the New York Philharmonic Society. When this
oldest orchestral body in continuous service was founded, in 1842,
"there was," The Outlook said, "a real musical center in Bethlehem,
Pennsylvania, which was in communication with the great Haydn."

THE BETHLEHEM BACH FESTIVALS

The Bethlehem Bach Choir, which took part in the anniversary
program of the Philharmonic Society in Carnegie Hall, New York
City, in January, represented in fact a community that, in respect
to musical activities and traditions, stands historically with New
York and Boston.

In the early economy of brethren and sisters grouped in various
trades and occupations, music was a common bond and heritage
from the fatherland. An institution of the church, it had sanction
likewise as a recreation. Love of music and skill in its rendition have
continued to be characteristics of their descendants and, in general,
of the city where Charles M. Schwab has enthroned steel as king.
Bethlehem has an unusual record for having given first performances
in America of great musical compositions, including Haydn's Crea-
tion in 1811, Haydn's Seasons in 1834, Bach's S*. John Passion in
1888 and Bach's Mass in B Minor in 1900. It is to traditions like
these that the present Bach Choir is heir.

The founder and conductor of the Festivals, Dr. J. Fred Wolle,
is a native of Bethlehem and he has there achieved his greatest work.

Mr. T. Edgar Shields, organist of the Choir, has been a life-
long citizen, a continuous force in local musical life.

In its beginning the Bach Choir was based upon the Moravian
Church Choir and it grew as the city grew. The homes of eighty
per cent of the singers — members of many religious denominations and
of diverse occupations — are in the Bethlehems, with the remain-
der in adjacent towns and cities. It is typically a community chorus.

Citizens — most of them for many years — are the men whose
financial and executive service as trustees makes the Festivals a
fact: Mr. Charles M. Schwab, Chairman of the Bethlehem Steel
Corporation and main guarantor; Dr. Henry S. Drinker, President
of Lehigh University and President of the Choir; Mr. Albert N.
Cleaver, Treasurer of the Choir since its reorganization in 1911;
Mr. Warren A. Wilbur, Mr. George R. Booth, Vice-President of the
Choir, Mr. H. S. Snyder, Dr. W. L. Estes, Mr. M. J. Shimer, Dr.
J. H. Clewell, President of the Moravian Seminary and College for
Women; Mr. A. C. Huff and Mr. Frank G. Hoch, Secretary. Here
should be mentioned also the Membership Secretary of the Choir,
Mrs. George W. Halliwell who continues the work begun, when the
choir was started, by Mrs. W. E- Doster.

Two local institutions of learning have placed their resources
behind the Bach Choir: Lehigh University, which lends its beauti-
ful Packer Memorial Church for the Festivals and its campus as a

THE BETHLEHEM BACH FESTIVALS

background, and the Moravian Seminary and College for Women,
which places its historical chapel at the disposal of the choir for
fall and winter rehearsals.

What, it is asked, are the elements that have made the success
of the Bach Festivals. First of all, the work the Choir presents is
supremely worth doing. "Master of masters" was Bach, and his
product is astounding in its brilliance, beauty and abundance.
When rendered as the Bethlehem Choir gives them, under Dr.
Wolle's interpretation, his massive compositions are revealed as
having a fundamental simplicity, an appeal that the unlearned in
music feel as well as cultivated listeners. Upon this point Dr. Wolle
is insistent. "Bach's themes are as simple as folk songs. Any boy
on the street could whistle them. Now in places the music of Bach
is wonderfully ornate, running off in little embellishments, with all
of the parts active and independent. If you prune off these runs,
these secondary notes, as you could the leaves and twigs of a tree,
you would find the tree trunk and branches of a harmony, — based
upon a natural foundation. This innate simplicity is the reason
Bach's music takes hold of people. "

That the earliest presentation in America of Bach's work should
have taken place in Bethlehem is an element of vital consequence in
the importance and ranking of the Bach Choir. The story of how
this came to pass goes back to Bethelem's early musical history.
The services of the local Moravian Church included from the earliest
days ancient German chorales and these Dr. Wolle learned and
loved as a boy. When a young student in Germany he heard Bach's
oratorios and he found that Bach had used these same old chorales
and had built upon them in his choral compositions. It was, in the
conductor's own words, "like coming home." Then and there he
was inspired to study and to interpret the glorious music of this
supreme master. It was a summons. To it, for more than a quarter
of a century, he has been obedient. Dr. Wolle has studied, played,
directed and preached Bach. As Edward Fitzgerald, "twin brother
in the spirit," translated Omar Khayam, Wolle has made Bach's
choral work mean something more than a name in America today.

The devotion of the Bach singers to the ideal held aloft by their
leader is an element without which the annual festivals would be
out of the question. It is an asset that cannot be overvalued.

A New York musician who was told some of the facts about
Bethlehem's musical history when the Choir sang with the Phil-
harmonic Society in the metropolis, exclaimed: "Now I see the

THE BETHLEHEM BACH FESTIVALS

foundation of the success of this wonderful choir. You Bethlehem
folks have in music what New England has in literature. You
have traditions."

A pretty picture this — with a modicum of truth. But to over-
stress tradition as anything more than one minor element in the
success of the Bach Choir would be to part company with fact and
to indulge in cant. The difficulties of maintaining an organization
of three hundred singers are about as formidable today as though
the Creation and the St. John Passion and the Mass in B Minor had
not had their first renditions in Bethlehem. These achievements
and their own successes do not make it materially less arduous for
the present singers to give the time and study and to undergo the
drill demanded in singing the music of Bach.

It is pertinent to mention the chorale announcements of each
session of the Festival by the Moravian Trombone Choir, an en-
tirely local group of musicans. The one element of the Festivals
not local is the orchestra, which has been made up, since the revival
of the Festivals at Lehigh in 1912, of members of the Philadelphia
Orchestra.

No list of elements of success in the Bach movement could omit
the executive and financial handling of the Bach Festivals, due to
citizens and institutions whose patronage is of singularly high mo-
tive.

The Editor of THE PLAYGROUND has asked for specific sugges-
tions based upon Bach Festival experience that would be helpful to
those who in other parts of the country "are struggling with the
problems of community music. " These points seem to be pertinent.

Whatever the form of community musical endeavor, there should
be obtained somehow an assured financial basis. It is this assurance
that enables conductor and choir in Bethlehem to do their work
without worrying about the inevitable money deficit of the Festi-
vals.

The conductor must be a musician of vision, persistence and in-
fectious enthusiasm. He ought to be given complete power within
his sphere. A composition cannot be interpreted through legisla-
tion. For results the conductor should be an autocrat.

Singers with trained voices are not necessary to make a good
chorus. Dr. Wolle declares that he is delighted to have Choir mem-
bers with only fair voices, or even poor voices — if they possess
earnestness and spirit.

There is danger in overorganizing a chorus, Dr. Wolle believes;

WHAT MUSIC DID FOR WINFIELD

in having by-laws, dues, fines, and a multiplicity of committees.
The least possible government in these respects has proved the best
in Bethlehem. A Membership Secretary who will keep after singers
and somehow make them attend is a pearl of great price.

The Bach Choir's success has come in concentrating upon the
work of one composer. But unless there is as good a reason in
other cases, limitation to one composer is not a policy to be advised,
in Dr. Wolle's judgment.

There is, to sum up, no insurmountable obstacle to other com-
munity choruses equaling what the Bach Choir has accomplished.
The qualities called for are not genius nor exceptional beauty of
voice, but fair musical intelligence and ardor that endures. The
reward is, as Bach singers will testify, that the work adds inches to
their spiritual stature, and they know the joy that comes with
artistic achievement.

WHAT MUSIC DID FOR WINFIELD*
Edgar B. Gordon

It is not an "uplift" story that we have to tell. On the con-
trary, the community about which this is written stands high in
rank among the second-class cities in Kansas, and doubtless the
development in community music and drama in Winfield has been
due, in a measure at least, to the ideal local conditions. A town with
two denominational colleges, a college of music, a real Chautauqua
Assembly over a quarter of a century old, an excellent public school
system, with a sympathetic board of education and an able superin-
tendent, surely is a favorable environment for trying out anything
having as its purpose the development of community life. Winfield
also has several churches, lodges, men's and women's clubs which show a
commendable civic spirit, well-conducted picture theatres, and the
usual social life among young and old.

It was in this community that the writer found himself about
seven years ago, after a long residence in Chicago, five years of which
were spent as a resident worker at the Chicago Commons, a social
settlement. Being imbued with the social worker's point of view,
it is not strange that, while going back into what seemed to be

"Courtesy of Good Housekeeping

WHAT MUSIC DID FOR WINFIELD

strictly professional musical work, he should have sought con-
stantly to give his efforts a turn into a channel having some social
significance.

The first opportunity presenting itself was the organization of a
community orchestra, which was made possible by there being in
Winfield a number of earnest young people seriously studying the
various stringed instruments. From a splendid band, which had for
years been the pride of the town, the necessary brass and wood wind
players were recruited to make up an orchestra capable of render-
ing standard orchestral works. Shortly after undertaking this, the
writer was also given charge of the music in the high school, and
it was a natural step to combine these organizations for the pro-
duction of a choral and instrumental program.

This plan was followed for three years, and then the idea was
conceived of presenting a series of programs, to which a season
ticket could be sold at a nominal price, the money earned to be
used for something of value to the entire community. Thus the
beginning of a definite development of community music in Winfield
was made. It was decided to begin with the young people and chil-
dren of the schools, and gradually reach out until all the available
talent in the community should be utilized. It was also decided that,
inasmuch as the enterprise was for the community at large, no com-
pensation of any kind should be paid those taking part. At first,
professional musicians were disposed to regard requests for assist-
ance as an imposition, but by degrees they came to recognize the
difference between the service in which the entire community is
the beneficiary and the service which is rendered where only special
groups are benefited. In other words, they come to see that the
opportunity was being given them to enrich the community life
of Winfield.

The public also caught this spirit and responded by their patron-
age in increasing numbers each year, until, last season, the en-
tire house was sold out for the series of eight programs. From the
proceeds of two season's concerts, a choice collection of reference
books on music has been contributed to the local library. These
books have aided very materially in the encouragement of the serious
study of music. Funds also have been provided for the purchase
of over thirty orchestral instruments, which have been donated to
the public schools. During the past three years eighteen different
programs have been presented to the community entirely by people
of the community. In many instances the programs have been

WHAT MUSIC DID FOR WINFIELD

given a second time to meet the demands of the public, and again
as matinees for the grade-school children, who were admitted with-
out cost.

By slow degrees the real significance of the development came
to be appreciated, and last season, when the idea was conceived of
enlarging the plan so as to include some evenings of carefully chosen
plays, the possibility of making the venture a real expression of
community art was seen. Almost unconsciously the effort had
changed from a sporadic one, calculated to furnish an outlet for
certain school activities, into one which had become interwoven with
the whole social and recreational fabric of the community to such
an extent that it touched almost every phase of life.

One thing which has contributed to the interest in the plan is
the fact that many of the families of the community are touched
personally by having some of their members take part. Fond
mamas, papas, uncles, aunts, and even neighbors are interested
when little Willie is going to ' ' shine. ' ' This is one of the great values,
socially, of this type of entertainment. The spirit of neighborliness
engendered by having children of a neighborhood sing, play, or act
together while the older folk listen from the "front" is very desira-
ble.

In planning the programs, great care has always been exercised
in the selection and arrangement of the various numbers. Only
good music and plays have been used, and the tastes of the average
person rather than the exceptional one have been kept in mind.
Either program-notes have been supplied, or short talks have pre-
ceded each program, in order that the numbers might be better
understood. To give the programs sufficient variety, some were
choral, some orchestral; some had a piano-soloist who played with
orchestral accompaniment; again, a violinist or cellist contributed
solo numbers. On one program, Cadman's song cycle, The Morn-
ing of the Year, was sung, while another program was given to il-
lustrate the use of Indian themes and included a selection from
Victor Herbert's Natoma, Cadman's Indian songs, and Coleridge-
Taylor's Hiawatha's Wedding Feast. One of the programs most
enjoyed, and yet one which was decidedly educational in character,
illustrated the chronological development of music from the early
Greeks to the present time.

Since the real hope of the future artistic development of the
community lies in the children, special programs have been planned
each year for their benefit. Sometimes they were orchestral and

WHAT MUSIC DID FOR WINFIELD

consisted of selections within the comprehension of the children.
At other times children's plays were performed.

Last season, as a contribution to the spirit of Christmas time,
a production of the beautiful English mystery-play, Eager Heart,
by A. M. Buckton was given. The interest on the part of both the
performers and the audience in the truths of the play was very grati-
fying. Another occasion last season which was particularly success-
ful was an evening of three one-act plays. Here the desire was to
make three different appeals to the audience. That to their sense
of beauty was made by a lovely little mythological play Demeter
and Persephone, by Thomas Woods Stevens. This play has a charm-
ing background of incidental music for string orchestra by George
Colburn, the play and music making a matchless appeal. As a con-
trast to this and as appeal to the heroic and dramatic, the thrilling
war-drama, Allison's Lad, by Beulah Marie Dix, was given. Then,
to relieve the tension and send the audience away happy, the de-
lightful English comedy, Mr. Sampson, by Sydney Lee, was performed.

Upon the Winfield Orchestral Club has fallen the chief burden
of the movement, for they not only have contributed heavy pro-
grams of orchestral music, but they have been called upon to supply
accompaniments for choral works, light operas, solo numbers, and
incidental music for plays. A wonderful spirit and interest has been
shown by these splendid young people, who have met week after
week, season after season, studying with painstaking care the scores
of the works presented. Without their cooperation, the work would
have fallen far short of the standard attained.

To offer dramatic opportunity to a very large number of young
people, the work last season was concluded by an outdoor pro-
duction of the Pageant of Patriots, by Constance D'Arcy Mackay.
About five hundred children and young people took part before an
audience of over three thousand. Some weeks after this production,
as a part of the child-welfare work of the Winfield Chautauqua, an-
other pageant, The Pied Piper of Hamelin, was given, with an equal
number of townspeople and children. In this, the real mayor and
councilmen of Winfield enthusiastically took the parts of the mayor
and councilmen of Hamelin.

Another development of last season was the introduction of
orchestral training in the public schools as a part of the regular
music course. Sixty children of the grades were selected because of
musical ability and general fitness, and each was given training
on one or another of the instruments of the modern orchestra. This

WHAT MUSIC DID FOR WINFIELD

work was conducted under regular school discipline, with examinations
credits, and promotions. The year's work was concluded by a
joint recital with a large chorus of children. In September, 1915,
another group of fifty children was started, thus making classes in
orchestral playing of several different grades of advancement. In
this type of work lies the hope of the country in so far as the devel-
opment of symphony orchestras is concerned. By offering the train-
ing as part of their school work, efficient players are produced in
such numbers as to make it possible to have real orchestras outside
of the great cities — a condition absolutely essential to a universal
musical development. Then, too, where the training is started in
the grades, the school and community have the benefit of the services
of the student-players for a number of years before they leave school.

The plans for the present season include such definite exten-
sions of the work as the use of a women's chorus from the local
women's musical club, and a male chorus of college students and
men of the community, while for the children of Winfield a rare
treat is in store. Through the courtesy of Mr. Winthrop Ames, of
the Little Theater of New York, permission has been granted for
the production of the delightful children's play, Snow White and the
Seven Dwarfs. The children's orchestra are looking forward to a
spring concert in conjunction with a group of children, who will
produce in costume The Childhood of Hiawatha, an Indian open tta
by Whitiey.

Gradually the possibilities of community art-development have
unfolded until an almost bewildering number of ramifications present
themselves. Where this development ultimately will lead it is diffi-
cult to say. That there is a distinct value in it is indisputable. This
is attested in the case of Winfield at least, by the interesting fact
that the town recently won a prize of one thousand dollars offered by
the Child- Welfare Department of the University of Kansas for the best
town in the state in wh;ch to raise children. The judges who made
the survey of towns stated that one of the significant facts about Win-
field was the community aspect of the musical and dramatic work.
The significance of our work has also appealed to the national govern-
ment, and at the request of Mr. P. P. Claxton, Commissioner of Edu-
cation, a bulletin on community music and drama has been prepared,
outlining a plan and supplying a bibliography of material for other
communities that may wish to undertake this kind of work. Eight
specimen programs are included. This bulletin may be had upon
application to the Bureau of Education at Washington.

TOWER CITY FINDS ITSELF

The general plan as outlined here, with modifications to suit local
conditions, is applicable to both large and small communities. Aside
from the addition it makes to the wholesome recreation and artistic
education of a community, its greatest value lies in the fact that it
offers an ideal opportunity for the development of group conscious-
ness and a disposition to work in conjunction with others — to do
team work. In the three years in Winfield, we have seen a remarkable
development of esprit de corps, which is attributable in a measure
to the emphasis that has been placed upon the idea that it is not
only a duty but a privilege to contribute of one's talents and time
for the common good.

From this attitude of mind, it is but reasonable to expect a
coming generation of good citizens who shall find their chief joy,
not in what they can get from a community, but in what they can
give back to it.

TOWER CITY FINDS ITSELF

F. H. Talbot, Minister The Federated Church, Tower City, North

Dakota

Socializing and in less than five years bringing a town of five
hundred people up to a state of artistic development where it can
successfully present pageants, oratorios and operettas generally con-
sidered possible only in cities of five thousand or more, is the record
of the hustling town of Tower City, North Dakota. And the best
part of the story is that Tower City is not a miracle town, nor are
its inhabitants so different that achievements attainable here would
be impossible elsewhere. Neither the town nor the people have
millenial aspirations. It is, in short, a place of just common folk
who through the exercise of the cooperative instinct, coupled with a
large amount of energy, have been able to accomplish things which
are truly worthy in a social sense.

The beginning of Tower's fight with monotony and social retro-
gression was when two of the churches combined to form a federated
church. This did so much to combine the musical talent of the little
place, that musical programs of merit could be offered in place of
the weak choruses supplied by two competing organizations. With
a rather good group of singers, a choral union was formed, which,

TOWER CITY FINDS ITSELF

commencing with small cantatas and song services, gradually be-
came more and more ambitious as their talents increased, until these
singers were able to present artistically such really good works as
The Holy City and Ruth. Many of the great choruses from the
big oratorios have been studied and sung to audiences now educated
to the point where they highly appreciate the efforts of the local
singers.

But the singers were not satisfied with singing alone, so they
tried musical comedies with the result that after a year or so it was
discovered that dramatic talent could be developed, too. In the
past six months this same group of musicians has presented two
standard operettas, The Nautical Knot and Pocahontas. They are
now contemplating a presentation of Pinafore, or the Pirates of
Penzance.

Pageantry has not been neglected by the town. Probably the
most successful attempt along this line was the presentation of an
old-time English festival, including the maypole dance with the
introduction of many characters from fiction and history. Over
one hundred people took part in this festival and supplied everything
needed for the production locally. The town band, numbering
about twenty pieces, born out of the town's new cooperative spirit
furnished the music for the dances and the procession.

While this development was going on, the people were also ac-
quiring a taste for the better form of traveling amusements. Lyceum
courses which before failed financially are now operated successfully
and this year a circuit Chautauqua of splendid merit which failed to
draw sufficient attendance to pay expenses in towns nearby many
times the size of Tower City was so thoroughly appreciated here
that a fine balance was left for a nucleus for another year.

The secret of all these achievements lies in the fact that the
people have learned to appreciate the best. They have developed a
fine discrimination and are very quick to judge and acknowledge real
talent. The deadly monotony of rural life has received a solar plexus
blow, while the development has been little less than miraculous.
In fact, such is the recognized ability of the players and singers now,
that when a play or an oratorio is announced, it is always the signal
for the coming of large delegations of visitors from nearby towns.

And with the growth of the cooperative spirit, fostered by
the musicians, other forms of social enterprises were attempted with
satisfactory results. A live commercial club has been organized
which has done much towards creating a civic righteousness which

THE COMMUNITY FAIR

makes the town very desirable as a place of residence. Under di-
rection of the club, the streets are kept free from the Utter and rub-
bish which is such a continual eyesore in many of the smaller villages.
Prizes were offered for the best-kept lawns and backyards, trees
have been planted on both sides of every street in town, spring
clean-up day has been established and this fall a remarkably success-
ful fair, or as it is popularly called in North Dakota, corn show, was
held.

Growing out of this same spirit of community loyalty came the
high school championship basket ball team of last year, for so splen-
did was the response and support of the citizens to the work, that
the local boys, cheered by the loyal rooters who always accompanied
them on their journeys, easily disposed of their opponents and cap-
tured the coveted first place honors among state high schools.

Tower City's achievements have not been of the mushroom type,
but have been gradually evolved out of many trying experiences.
Setbacks there have been continually. Calamity howlers, knockers
and a wonderful anvil chorus have all done their share to discourage.
Jealous and envious ones have thrown themselves under the wheels
of progress and have been badly mussed up for their pains, but the
great rank and file of the people have been enthusiastic, progressive,
loyal and appreciative. And best of all the people are still dissatis-
fied with their attainments and are hopefully looking toward the
future, planning still bigger things for the welfare of the town.

THE COMMUNITY FAIR*

J. Sterling Moran, Field Assistant in Rural Organization, United
States Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C.

The community fair is a miniature county fair conducted by
the people of a community for the purpose of developing a greater
spirit of cooperation, to arouse interest in local achievement, to
stimulate pride in, and enthusiasm for the community, and to bring
its resources prominently before the people. Not being under the
necessity of meeting heavy expenses, and being controlled entirely
by the people it naturally reflects their attitude toward the "mid-
way," racing, and the many catch-penny devices usually found at
county fairs.

* Address given at Recreation Congress, Grand Rapids, Mich. Oct. 2-6, 1916
76

THE COMMUNITY FAIR

A community fair can be large or small, elaborate or other-
wise, as the people desire. Recreational features, such as field
sports, folk games and dances, pageants may be introduced,
together with such educational features as lectures, addresses,
demonstrations, judging contests.

The first step toward organizing a community
Organization fair is to get together a small group of people

composed of the leaders of the different
organizations in the community for the purpose of determining
whether or not, and in what ways, a community fair would be
beneficial. If approved by this group, a community meeting is
held for the public discussion of the plan. At the opening of this
meeting it is the usual custom to have someone explain fully what
a community fair is, the method, purposes and expected results.
Several people who are known to be favorably inclined may be
asked for their opinions, after which there may be a general dis-
cussion followed by a vote on the proposition, both men and women
voting. If it is decided that the community shall hold a fair, the
next step is to elect the officers — president, vice-president, and
secretary-treasurer. Committees on publicity, amusement and
entertainment, arrangement and decoration, consisting of three
or more members each, are also usually elected or appointed at
this time.

The amusement and entertainment committee has charge of
all athletics, field sports, games and folk dances, as well as such
entertainment features as music and motion pictures.

The arrangements and decorations committee attends to
securing a place to hold the fair, assigns space to each department,
arranges tables and shelves, for the display of exhibits and looks
after the decorations for the occasion, using flowers, leaves, flags,
bunting and other available material.

The publicity committee enlists the help of the local news-
papers and supplies them with well written articles concerning the
fair, a comprehensive list of articles for the different departments is
often published so that the people will have a clear understanding
of the classes of articles that are to be exhibited. This committee
sees, too, that announcements are made in churches, schools, and at
all public gatherings. A newspaper man is especially helpful on a
committee of this kind.

Hand-made posters are often used and prizes awarded to the

THE COMMUNITY FAIR

persons making the most attractive designs. The advantage in
this plan is twofold. It gives individuality and attractiveness to
the advertising and at the same time, helps in keeping down ex-
penses. Besides the lists published in the local papers, handbills
or "flyers" giving in detail as many things as possible to be exhibited
in each department may be printed and distributed to every one in
the community.

Perhaps the most important committees are those having
charge of the several departments of the exhibits. These committees
are made up of people of both sexes and include boys and girls as
well as men and women, The personnel of these committees is
naturally important, especially the matter of getting members who
are competent and willing to serve.

The committees are usually as follows: (a) live stock and
poultry (b) farm crops (c) orchard and garden products (d) home
economics, foods, dairy products (e) household arts and crafts (f)
flowers and shrubbery (g) school work, compositions, manual
training (h) historical relics.

One of the most important committees is that having charge
of the department of historical relics. Communities seldom realize
what a wealth of material is stored away in attics and barns which
if brought together would form the nucleus of a community museum,
which would furnish a high type of recreation for both old and young.
It would be unsurpassed as an aid in teaching local history and
community progress. Relics, souvenirs, and curios from as many
as seventeen countries have been observed at one little community
fair.

Community fairs are usually held at the
Place school house for the reason that it comes most

nearly being the one center or institution in
which the whole community is interested. If it is held at a church
or a lodge hall it is very likely to be thought of by many as being
an enterprise of the group to which the building belongs. If the
proper amount of preliminary work has been previously done, the
fair, under ordinary circumstances, lasts but one day. This, how-
ever, is a problem to be decided locally.

Experience with many community fairs all
Prizes seems to point to the giving of ribbons instead

of cash prizes. If money is available these

ribbons may be suitably stamped, if not, the color of the ribbon
denoting first, second and third prize is sufficient. The awarding

THE COMMUNITY FAIR

of cash prizes, besides making the cost prohibitive, defeats the real
purpose of the fair, which is fundamentally recreation, or some-
thing done for the joy of the doing.

A community fair ought to represent the

Exhibits normal production of the community. Articles

that have received special attention and treat-
ment for the main purpose of exhibition while other articles of the
same kind are far below the average ought not to be encouraged.
It is the increase in the quantity or quality of the average pro-
duct that is most to be desired. Freak exhibits of all kinds, par-
ticularly of animals, are to be avoided so far as possible.

Personal solicitation has been found to be the most effective
means of inducing people to make exhibits. Everyone should be
made to feel that he will be in competition only with his neighbors
and that it will not be possible for some outsider to capture all the
prizes.

The importance of selecting judges of experi-
ence deserves special attention. The state
agricultural college and schools and other
institutions are usually willing to render such assistance as their
force of workers and means will permit. The educational value
of the judging is enhanced when the judges are given an opportunity
to explain to the whole group, why the prizes were awarded in the
particular manner decided upon. Besides its educational value
this helps to allay criticism.

The cost of a community fair is ordinarliy
Expenses small. The largest item of expense is the

printing bill and this can be reduced to a
negligible amount by the liberal use of hand-made posters. As
before mentioned, the community fair is recreational, — arranged by
the community for the joy of the doing, and its purpose to teach
tion; therefore the more the recreational spirit is manifested
and the more the whole community cooperates, the greater will be
success oi the fair.

A wholesome, friendly rivalry between com-

r< r !•!•, munities may be developed by transporting

Community Exhibits Jf

in Larger Fairs to a county, or other larger fair, all prize-

earning material from several community fairs.
The social and educational value of most county fairs could be
greatly improved in this way.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS ATHLETIC LEAGUE
PUBLIC SCHOOLS ATHLETIC LEAGUE

BOYS' WORK
History

In many cities originally the department of physical training
in the public schools bore no relation to athletics. It was con-
cerned exclusively with gymnastics carried on in school hours. Its
primary object was to correct the sedentary effects of school life,
and especially, the effect of sitting too long at a school desk.

Accordingly, for the purpose of providing public school boys
with interesting and helpful recreation and opportunities for con-
trolled athletic practice and extending participation to the entire
student body, various cities have found it helpful to organize a public
schools athletic league. Usually the organization has included not
only the superintendent of schools and the president of the board
of education, but also a number of business men who, because of
their interest in the health and strength of the school boy, were will-
ing to help the movement financially.

These leagues endeavor to supplement and assist the board of
education, by carrying out, through funds obtained from private
contributions, the things the board desires to have done but has
been unable to accomplish itself with the public money it controls.
Wherever the board has been able to give assistance to the league,
it has done so. In New York which had one of the earliest leagues,
organized in 1903, the two have always worked in perfect harmony.
At present the directors of the New York League include the presi-
dent of the Board, together with the superintendent of schools and
supervisor of physicial education, and a large part of the adminis-
trative work is carried out by the department of physical education.
Hence the activities of the league are actually controlled by the
board of education.

In no city could the league have succeeded at all without the
earnest, continuous, and enthusiastic support of the principals
and teachers. While it is true that in its early days the leagues
could not have existed without the financial help of the business
men of the city, nevertheless, even more important was the coopera-
tion and encouragement of the teachers.

That the New York City Board of Education has appreciated
the work of the League in that city is apparent in a paragraph taken
from "A Minute in Approval of the Public Schools Athletic League,"
passed by the Board, December 30, 1914.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS ATHLETIC LEAGUE

"In the eleven years during which the League has been or-
ganized it has effected an improvement both physical and mental
in the vast army of boys and girls who attend the public schools of
New York, the value of which cannot be adequately described.
The children are far healthier and happier than before, and they
have also acquired ideas of manly and honorable conduct to which
many of them were previously strangers. The discipline of schools
also has been helped."

ORGANIZATION

Eligibility

The following points in general cover the question of the eligi-
bility of a boy to represent his school.

(1) No boy is eligible who has ever taken part in professional athletics.

(2) No boy may represent his school unless he has been a member of the
school for a certain length of time (Time varies from 3 weeks to 30 weeks in differ-
ent cities).

(3) No boy is admitted into any contest who has not received a passing
mark for the month previous in effort, proficiency, and deportment.

(4) No entry is accepted unless approved by the principal of the school.

(5) In some cities no boy is eligible to enter games without the written con-
sent of his parents.

(6) A physician's certificate of physical fitness is necessary.

(7) An elementary school boy may enter one event only at any set of games.
Usually, however, exception is made in the case of the relay.

These leagues provide for three distinct classes of athletics that
the boy may enter — i. e., the badge test, class athletics, and the
championship meet. In addition, for the beginner, sometimes a
"novice meet" is held.

A number of badges, medals, and trophies are awarded to suc-
cessful competitors in each class, not only by the league but by in-
dividuals and organizations who are interested in the work of the
league.

THE BADGE TEST

The general tendency in competitive athletics is to induce boys
to specialize in the kind of work for which they are most adapted
and to train themselves still further in this line to the exclusion of all
other forms of athletics. The athletic badge test is made up of three
divisions: each boy has to run a certain distance in a certain time,
to jump a certain distance, and to pull himself up on a bar a certain
number of times. This insures in a measurable degree an all-round
development. It gives to all boys an opportunity to win a badge

PUBLIC SCHOOLS ATHLETIC LEAGUE

upon an absolute basis and not upon ability to beat someone else.
Bach boy who qualifies in all three events in any one class is given a
badge or button.

The standards set by different leagues vary somewhat. The
standards of the Playground and Recreation Association of America,
generally accepted, are as follows :

First Test

60 yards dash 8 3-5 seconds

Pull-up (chinning on bar) 4 times
Standing broad jump 5 ft. 9 in.

Second Test

60 yards dash (indoors) 8 seconds
(or) loo yards dash (outdoors) 14 seconds
Pull-up (chinning on bar) 6 times

Standing broad jump 6 ft. 6 in.

All age, weight, or height classifications are abolished in the athletic badge
test.

Third Test ( High Schools)

220 yards run 28 seconds

Pull-up (chinning on bar) 9 tunes
Running high jump 4 ft. 9 in.

Newark, New Jersey, is trying out a variation of the badge
test called the physical efficiency test. In this, boys participate by
school years, beginning with the third school year, provided that
the participants are nine years of age or older.

The test is based upon three events — fifty yards dash, chinning
the bar and running high jump.

Boys are rated according to standards fixed for different school
years, as shown by charts.

A contestant securing an average standing on these three events
is entitled to a testimonial in physical efficiency — to which is at-
tached a gold, red, or blue seal to denote the percent of efficiency at-
tained.

CLASS ATHI^I;ICS

The purpose of this form of athletic competition is to interest a
large number of boys. It consists in the competition of one class
against another in the standing broad jump, pull-up, and running.
Its aim is to do away with the notion that only the best athletes may
represent the school. There is always any number of boys who,
because they are not quite fast enough to win signal honors, become
discouraged and drop out of athletic work. Class athletics do away

PUBLIC SCHOOLS ATHLETIC LEAGUE

with this feeling, for here every pupil is eligible to compete. Indeed,
to encourage the average boy, the rule is sometimes made that at
least eighty percent of the boys enrolled must take part in order to
have the class record stand, and the average performance of all
constitutes the record of the class.

On account of the great number participating, the contests are
held at different times; i. e., the jumping takes place in the fall,
chinning in March, and running in May.

One of the most valuable results coming from class athletics
has come through the fact that those who compete must train.
Naturally the training is very simple and consists of a few, simple
exercises and clean living. Nevertheless, it constitutes a great check
on bad habits. It is also a great help in discipline in the school.

The success of this system has been so marked that in many
schools it has been extended to all branches of competitive athletics,
the effect being that each school has become an athletic center in
itself.

This work, directed as it is toward the development of the mass
of boys, has somewhat reduced the number of "star athletes" and
reduced the entries in different inter-school events. But, while it
has not been so spectacular in its results, it is believed to be so bene-
ficial to the schools and to the children that it more than makes up
for any difference of this description that has been caused by it.

CHAMPIONSHIP MEETS

Aside from the badge test and class athletics, the leagues make
provision for inter-school competitions; i. e., championship events.

There are special lists of championship events for boys of the
elementary school and for the high school boys.

The usual events for elementary schools are:

/. Indoor Track and Field Events
85 pounds class
50 yards dash
Running high jump
Standing broad jump
360 yards relay race

loo pounds class
60 yards dash
Running high jump
Standing broad jump
440 yards relay race

115 pounds class
70 yards dash
8-pound shot put
Standing broad jump
440 yards relay race

Unlimited weight class
loo yards dash
1 2 -pound shot put
Running high jump
880 yards relay race

PUBLIC SCHOOLS ATHLETIC LEAGUE

II. Outdoor Track and Field Events

85 pounds class
50 yards dash
Running high jump
Running broad jump
360 yards relay race

100 pounds class
60 yards dash
Running high jump
Running broad jump
440 yards relay race

III. Basket Ball

IV Indoor Swimming

V Outdoor Baseball

VI Soccer Football

VII Hand Ball

Events For High Schools

I. Indoor Track and Field Games
II. Outdoor Track and Field Games

III. Soccer

IV. Cross Country
V. Lacrosse

VI. Indoor Rifle Shooting

115 pounds class
70 yards dash
8-pound shot put
Running broad jump
440 yards relay race

Unlimited weight class
100 yards dash
12-pound shot put
Running high jump
880 yards relay race

VII. Tennis

VIII. Indoor Swimming
IX. Hockey

X. Outdoor Rifle Shooting
XI. Basket Ball
XII. Baseball
XIII. Football

NOVICE MEETS

In some cities novice meets are held. They are conducted in
the same manner as championship meets.

As the object of holding novice meets is to give boys of lesser
athletic ability than those who engage in championship meets a
chance to have the benefits of athletic competition, every school is
allowed to enter as many boys as desired in each event.

No boys who have ever won, or been placed in a race or other
event in a meet under the auspices of the public schools athletic
league — that is, no boy who has ever won medal or bar other than
a novice button in any previous meet — is allowed to compete.

The leaders in the New York Public Athletic League have been
C. Ward Crampton, as secretary and executive, S. R. Guggenheim;
Luther Halsey Gulick; Gustavus T. Kirby; George W. Wingate.
Through their leadership in New York City they have helped many
cities throughout America. It is said that the League has effected
an improvement of about 30 per cent in the average physique of
New York City school boys.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS ATHLETIC LEAGUE

In New York City, in the class contests, some schools have
had ninety per cent of the boys compete, while in the various series
of athletics held in 1915, about fifty per cent of the grammar grades
competed regularly, about seventy-five per cent once or twice a year;
the high school percentage is slightly higher.

General George W. Wingate, President of the New York City
Public Schools Athletic League since its founding, reported in 1916
that after fourteen years of work, over 350,000 children take part
in the after-school work. A prize offered for the school having the
largest percentage of pupils winning badges was won by a per cent of
80.4. Speaking of the great meet held in Madison Square Garden
annually, participated in in 1915 by 1750 competitors, General Win-
gate says:

"Over 7,000 spectators packed the Garden, with an excited
crowd of representatives from the different schools, whose enthu-
siastic efforts to applaud their respective representatives sounded
like the roaring of the sea.

"Through a new and excellent system of checking in the dress-
ing rooms (by which each boy's clothes were put in a separate bag)
and assigning boys to position for the parade, the boys were all
promptly in line ready to start at 2 o'clock, the prescribed hour for
the parade. The whole series of games, involving twenty-eight
events, was completed in three hours, to do which at times nine
events were going on at once in the field and on the track. The officers
in charge were perfectly familiar with their duties, their decisions
were acquiesced in without contention, and everything moved with-
out delay, difficulty or protest. Only those who appreciate the dif-
ficulty of handling such a large number of competitors, particularly
in a confined space like the Garden, in getting the members of the
different squads in their proper position to start exactly when the
right time comes, running each event off without conflicting with
any of the others in progress, and then getting the contestants off
the floor and into their proper places without confusion, can appre-
ciate what a marvel of executive administration was involved. * * *

"The meet also offered another striking example of the extra-
ordinary change which the League has effected among the large class
of our population whose parents are foreign born, and particularly
those from Russia and Poland. Ten years ago these knew nothing
about athletics and considered them a waste of time. In addition,
they had neither the physical strength nor the mental qualities of
courage, endurance and self-reliance under the strain of competition

PUBLIC SCHOOLS ATHLETIC LEAGUE

which are essential to success in them. Yet the children attending
Public School 62, Manhattan, on Hester and Essex Streets (which
was the winner of the match and was the third last year), and of
Public School 10, Manhattan, which was the winner last year and
second in this year's match, have each more than 90 percent of their
pupils either Russian or Polish Hebrews. Moreover, the reputation
of these two schools for playing with absolute fairness and strictly
according to the rules, is as high as the results attained in the games
themselves."

PUBLIC SCHOOLS ATHLETIC LEAGUE
GIRLS' WORK

History

Compared with the strides taken in the development of ath-
letics for boys, little has been done for girls. Yet in a few cities,
similar work has been organized and has met with delighted ap-
proval.

It was found that very little work for girls was carried on, on
account (i) of the lack of after-school supervision and instruction,
and (2) lack of any standard form of athletics for girls. The work of
the leagues has been to meet these two needs by providing after-
school supervision and instruction and establishing some standard
form of athletics for girls.

The problems involved in girls' athletics are much more difficult
than those in boys' athletics, because the athletics of boys and men
have been established through a long history of evolution, while
girls' athletics is a new subject which of necessity is largely experi-
mental.

The fundamental policies adopted by the Girl's Branch in New
York City, one of the first organized, in 1905, are:

e Athletics for all girls
Athletics within the school aud no inter-school competition
Athletic events in which teams (not individual girls) compete
(4) Athletics chosen and practiced with regard to their suitability for girls
and not merely in imitation of boys' athletics

The system of athletics for girls in New York City is as follows :
The Physical Training of the school day includes an athletic period
which is taken once or twice a week, and under the Welsh Act this
work will be given three hours a week. Athletic period consists of
squad work; each squad under the direction of a captain. Thus
individual groups play games, dance, engage in athletic competitions

PUBLIC SCHOOLS ATHLETIC LEAGUE

as described below. The Girls' Athletic Clubs under the general di-
rection of the Girls' Branch of the Public Schools Athletic League and
the Director of Physical Training, are described in detail. In ad-
dition sixty athletic centers have been organized for girls under
the Director of Physical Training. These are in effect self-sustain-
ing clubs under the direction of two teachers who are paid for their
services. Under these conditions it is found from 100 to 200 girls
can be handled at one time.

ATHLETIC MEMBERSHIP

Membership in the girls' leagues is open to any girl from the
third year on, who cares to join one of the athletic clubs of her
school.

However, in order to participate in events held under the aus-
pices of the leagues, a girl must herself be considered eligible and
she must belong to a club that is eligible.

A club to be eligible must comply with the following rules:

(1) It must register with the secretary and begin practice not later than
November first.

(2) It must hold at least twenty-four meetings during the year, eight of
which are out of doors.

(3) It must keep a record of the season's practice.

(4) It must practice only sanctioned events.

Each member of a club to be eligible to participate in events
with her club must comply with the following rules:

(1) She must have been in school one school month.

(2) She must have taken active part in at least twenty meetings of her club.

(3) She must have her principal's recommendation in regard to her standing
in effort, deportment, efficiency, and posture at the time of the meet, or at the
time of the completion of her season of all-round athletics.

(4) She must have a physician's certificate of her physical fitness.

(5) She must not play basket ball or take part in athletic competitions out-
side of school unless under auspices of the league.

ATHLETICS FOR THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GIRL

The following list comprises athletics sanctioned for elemen-
tary schools by the New York City Girls' Branch :

I. Walking

II. Swimming

III. Coasting

IV. Skating

1. Ice skating

2. Roller skating (out-of-doors)
V. Rope skipping

PUBLIC SCHOOLS ATHLETIC LEAGUE

VI. Folk dancing (special list of dances)
VII. Relay-races

1. Shuttle

2. Potato

3. All-up

4. Hurdle

5. Pass ball
VIII. Basket ball throw

IX. Team games

1. End ball

2. Captain ball

3. Basketball

4. Punch ball

ALL-ROUND ATHLETICS

In all-round athletics, sanctioned events are classified in four
groups as follows:

Group i Walking ) Group 3 Captain ball )

Rope skipping I End ball ( Any

Swimming f Any or Basket ball f or

Ice skating J all Punch ball ' all

Out-door roller skating , Group 4 Pass-ball relay

Coasting All-up relay

Shuttle relay

Group 2 Folk dances approved by the Potato relay

League Hurdle relay

Basket ball throw

Four

It is required that a club registering for this line of work se-
lect at least three of these groups and devote during its twenty-four
meetings an equal amount of time to the practice of each of the
chosen groups. By this work, as its name indicates, each girl is striv-
ing toward all-round development rather than specializing in any
one type of athletics.

A bronze all-round athletic pin is awarded to each member
of an athletic club who completes the required record in all-round ath-
letics during the school year, irrespective of competition.

SCHOOL INTER-CLUB CONTESTS

In inter-club contests, all competitions are between clubs,
classes, or teams in a single school. No inter-school competition is
allowed. Moreover, further to prevent notoriety, all contests must
be held in the school building or school grounds, unless there is no
suitable place there.

Each club entering the contest must take part in at least four
of the athletic events and folk dancing.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS ATHLETIC LEAGUE

In contests, dancing is merely one of the five competitive events
and the clubs winning first, second, or third places are accorded 5,
3, and i points as in other athletic events. Each club in the compe-
tition is judged on two dances, one which is peculiar to itself; i. e.,
not danced by any other club on the same program, and a second
dance called the common dance on which all of the competing clubs
are judged. To decide first, second, and third place in dancing,
each dance is judged on the following basis:

Memory — possible 10 points
Form — " 10 points

Spirit — " 10 points

No special costume other than a gymnasium suit is permitted.
The element of unity may be supplied by uniform colored ribbon
on the hair, a sash, a chest band or the like, of some inexpensive
material, so as not to be a burden of expense to any girl.

At each inter-club contest, there is a chief judge officially as-
signed through the League, together with two assistant judges and
three inspectors chosen by the school, but from outside of the teach-
ing corps of the school holding the contest.

Each member of the team having the highest total number of
points for the entire contest is awarded a pin.

ATHLETICS FOR HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS

The following is the list of sanctioned athletics for high schools :
I. Walking X. Track and field athletics

II. Swimming i. Simple relay

III. Skating 2. Shuttle '

1. Ice skating 3. Potato "

2. Roller skating (out-of-doors) 4. Hurdle "

IV. Horseback-riding 5. Basket ball throw
V. Bicycling 6. Baseball throw

VI. Golf XI. Team Games
VII. Tennis i. Indoor baseball

VIII. Dancing 2. Field hockey

1. Polk dancing 3. Basket ball

2. Gymnastic dancing 4. Captain ball
IX. Heavy gymnastics 5. Volley ball

6. Newcomb

7. End ball

8. Punch ball

9. Pin ball

The Girls' Branch of the Public Schools Athletic League in New
York City believes in running as an activity for girls and strongly
favors the training of endurance in running for a much longer dis-
tance than usually approved. It believes, however, that this should

PUBLIC SCHOOLS ATHLETIC LEAGUE

be a physical training procedure and not subject to the physical,
mental, and emotional strain of competition. Similarly, it believes
that all girls should be trained to proper form in jumping so as to
avoid harm whenever jumping becomes necessary in any of the ac-
tivities or emergencies of life. It does not favor the extreme effort
necessary for high and distance jumping, especially in competition.

ALL-ROUND ATHLETICS FOR HIGH SCHOOLS

In all-round athletics for high schools, the sanctioned events
are classified as follows:

Group i

Walking
Horseback riding

Group 2

Golf

Tennis

Roller skating (outdoors)

Ice skating

Bicycling

Indoor baseball
Field hockey
Basket ball
Volleyball
Captain ball
Newcomb
End ball
Punch ball
Pin ball

Any
or
all

Group 3

Group 4

Any

or all Group 5

Folk dances and gym-
nastic dances
(Special list)

Track and field ath-
letics

Simple relay
Shuttle "
Potato

Hurdle "
Basket ball throw

Baseball throw

Heavy gymnastics

A club registering in this line of work must choose at least three
of these five groups of work and during its twenty-four meetings,
spend an equal amount of time on each group.

At the close of the season each member of a dub who has com-
pleted the year's work in all-round athletics is awarded an all-round
athletic pin.

INTER-CLASS (OR INTER-CLUB) CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES IN HIGH

SCHOOLS

High school championships are decided within the school by
a series of games whereby each team of the school plays each of the
other teams entered in the school championships. The team winning
the greatest number of games is the winner of the school champion-
ship. If more than four teams are entered, preliminary games are
played to pick the four strongest teams. For the six games in which
each of these four teams play each of the others, a referee is assigned.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS ATHLETIC LEAGUE

The rules regarding contests of folk or gymnastic dancing in
high schools are the same as those applying to elementary schools.

All games and contests are played in the school building or
grounds, except where there is no suitable space, under the di-
rection of the physical training teacher or some other instructor
appointed by the principal.

A pin is awarded to each member of the team that wins the
championship meet or game.

FOLK DANCING

Elizabeth Burchenal, for many years executive secretary of
Girls' Branch of the Public Schools Athletic League of New York
City, believes strongly that folk dancing should be used for recrea-
tive, social, and physical training purposes only, and while such
dances may be used for exhibition purposes before assemblies of
parents, they should not be used at exhibitions where pay is re-
quired or the general public may attend. Exception is made in case
of field days and festivals outside the schools to which the children
belong, which are not primarily for exhibition purposes and which
are conducted under proper auspices.

The New York League favors for athletic purposes distinctive
national dances, and folk dances of traditional origin, selected for
their vigor and national characteristics. It deprecates invented
dances, made by putting together scraps of original dances, largely
because the tendency of such inventions is to weaken the values
of a dance. It also strongly deprecates for school use the type of
imitative or spectacular dance associated with stage performances.
The League has thus far regarded classic, aesthetic and social dances
as related to physical training rather than to athletics.

For elementary and high schools, respectively, the list of dances
that follows has been approved :

FOLK DANCES FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Bohemian English

Strasak Sailors' Hornpipe

Komarno Minuet (slow time)

May Pole Dance

Danish All Morris Dances—-
Norwegian Mountain March Laudnum Bunches
Ace of Diamonds Shepherd's Hey
Crested Hen Bobbing Joe, etc.
Little Man in a Fix Country Dances —
Four Dance Ribbon Dance, etc.
Seven Jumps Italian
Shoemakers' Dance Tarantella

PUBLIC SCHOOLS ATHLETIC LEAGUE

Irish

Jig Swedish

Reel Frykdalspolska

Lilt Klappdans

Carrousel

German I See You

Baby Polka Fjallnaspolska

Reap the Flax

Hungarian Oxdansen

Csardas Ma's Little Pigs

Hungarian Solo Tailor's Dance

Baborak Washing the Clothes

Csebogar Today's the First of May

Christmas Time

Russian Trollen

Kamarinskaia Chain Dance

The Crane Gustaf 's Skoal

Our Little Girls

Scotch Rheinlander

Reel of Four Bleking

Highland Fling Gotlands Quadrille

Shean Trews Trekarlspolska

Lott' 1st Tod

FOLK DANCSS FOR HIGH SCHOOL

English Swedish

All Morris Dances — Frykdalspolska

Laudnum Bunches Fjallnaspolska

Bobbing Joe Gotlands Quadrille

Shepherd's Hey, etc. Trekarlspolska

Country Dances — Rheinlander

Ribbon Dance, etc. Weaving Dance

Minuet (slow time) Oxdansen

Maypole Dance Reap the Flax
Sailors' Hornpipe

Irish Hungarian

Jigs Csardas

Reels Hungarian Solo

Lilts
Rinnce Fadde Scotch

Reel

Fling

Shean Trews
Russian
Komarinskaia Italian

Tarantella

PARK FETES

One of the most interesting features of the work of the Girls'
Branch in New York City is the Park F£tes that are held each spring
in which any club that has done a specified amount of practice
during the season may participate.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS ATHLETIC LEAGUE

Early in the spring certain specified folk dances and games are
announced to the clubs wishing to enter the f£te.

These f^tes are arranged as great play days. The children in
great numbers from many schools are dotted in groups over meadows
of twenty acres or more which are roped off and kept clear for chil-
dren only. In this way the individual child is lost sight of in the great
throng and the exhibition element is eliminated, while at the same
time the sight of acres of happy girls all dancing or playing at the
same time is a more stirring sight than can be easily described.

While it is true that the Girls' Branch in New York recognizes
no athletic work for the individual girl alone, in some other cities,
such events are sanctioned.

In Newark, N. J., there is a standard event for girls in each
grade and a standard pin equal to the boys' standard pin.

Girls' Standard Events

Throwing basket ball for distance — 8th grade
Throwing oat bag for height — yth grade
Hand walk on a 16 ft. horizontal ladder — 6th grade
Thirty-yards dash in 5 seconds — 5th grade
Throwing indoor baseball, 30 ft. — 4th grade

The Playground and Recreation Association of America has
instituted a badge test for girls that corresponds to the badge test
for boys. Many cities that have no organized athletic league are
using this test in their school athletics: The tests adopted are as
follows: —

First Test

All-up Indian club race 30 seconds

or potato race 42 seconds

Basket ball goal throwing 2 goals, 6 trials

Balancing 24 ft., 2 trials

Second Test

All-up Indian club race 28 seconds

or potato race 39 seconds

Basket ball goal throwing 3 goals, 6 trials

Balancing (bean-bag or book on head) 24 ft., 2 trials

Third Test

Running and catching 20 seconds

Throwing for distance, basket ball 42 feet

or Volley ball 44 feet

Volley ball serving 3 in 5 trials

ATHLETICS FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GIRLS

Ethel Rockwell, Supervisor and Director, Girls' Gymnasium, Public
Schools, Kalamazoo, Michigan

There are a great many opinions regarding athletics for school
girls, but I think it is generally agreed that there are certain activi-
ties which appeal strongly to them and which help to develop the
qualities — mental, moral, and physical — which will fit them for
daily life.

First — I wish to discuss briefly the aims of athletics for girls.
Just what do we want to accomplish? Of course we want to de-
velop strength for the duties of womanhood. We want good hearts,
good lungs, good digestive apparatus, good general health. We want
to take care of our girls as girls and to provide for their greater de-
velopment as they grow up. In order to do this we must select ac-
tivities which will secure the results desirable for growing girls and
also activities which will prove interesting enough to be used in after
life. Those of us who have really enjoyed the pleasures of Ir 'ing,
camping, swimming, dancing, and certain games will never grow old
enough to want to give them up.

We want to develop among our girls the ability to cooperate,
to be loyal to leaders and to other members of the group. We want
to develop leadership and the ability to follow leadership, courage,
honesty, self-control, self-reliance, good judgment, will power.

We should provide opportunities for wholesome social inter-
course. We desire to have our girls physically efficient, accurate,
alert and able to re-act quickly. We wish them to measure up to
certain standards — to be able to do certain things well.

There are limitations to girls' athletics which we have to recog-
nize. Of course there is the physical handicap that girls cannot do
certain events that can be easily done by boys. I think this worries
most of us very little for we do not think that athletics for girls must
or should be an imitation of boys' athletics. Boys' athletics furnish
an outlet for their fighting instinct, and as girls do not love this
instinct as boys do, boys' athletics do not appeal strongly to most
girls.

Girls' dress is a handicap which is sometimes hard to overcome.
In Kalamazoo, we have overcome this to some extent and hope
to overcome it almost entirely. We have encouraged our little girls
in every way to have bloomers like their dresses or black bloomers.

ATHLETICS FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GIRLS

Whenever we have a demonstration or bring the girls together in
numbers for any physical work we try to have all dressed in middies
and bloomers. This has done much to encourage the general prac-
tice of wearing simple and sensible clothes. This year the woman at
the head of our domestic art department has arranged to have our
6-1 girls and our 8-3 girls make bloomers as a part of the required sew-
ing. We have made an effort to select cheap and durable materials,
and the domestic art supervisor says that the bloomers furnish
just as good sewing problems as any other garments.

Activities for girls are hindered because of lack of equipment.
I suppose there are few places in Michigan where swimming can be
used as a regular event for any large number of girls. There are
many other splendid activities which require special equipment or
conditions — but which cannot be used in some localities.

Public sentiment sometimes hinders the use of certain activi-
ties— as dancing.

The Playground and Recreation Association of America has taken
these limitations into consideration in preparing the Athletic Badge Test
and has endeavored to plan events which can be used everywhere.
This is a good idea and doubtless will secure the desired results.
However, it seems to me worth while also to take into consideration
local conditions and possibilities and to use events which are suited
to the locality.

At Kalamazoo the plan has been developed gradually, and is
still incomplete in many ways.

First, we developed team games — always giving each girl an
opportunity to play on some team. We have had just intra-school
games for girls and do not feel that we want to try inter-school games
at least not for some time.

From time to time we have realized that certain games were
not played so well as possible because the girls could not catch and
throw balls as well as they should. Newcomb, end ball, corner ball
were not so good games as they could be, because the girls many times
failed to judge of the distance necessary to run up for balls. Patch
ball was not played so well as possible because the girls were unable
to place the balls, or unable to catch them, or unable to throw them
far enough. Volley ball suffered because the girls were unable to
serve the balls well. Because of these difficulties we have developed
the following events which I will discuss a little later — patch ball
distance throw, patch ball throwing and catching for accuracy,
basket ball distance throw, volley ball serving and we adopted from

ATHLETICS FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GIRLS

the Playground Association Badge Test the splendid event — running
and catching.

Our folk dances were many times poorly executed because some
of the girls were unable to do correctly the steps involved. Because
of this difficulty we planned the rhythmic steps which I will discuss
later.

Gradually we have worked out the following plan which doubt-
less will be revised yearly for some time.

It is only fair to say that our physical training work is all con-
ducted by specially trained directors — one woman for each building
for the children of the first four grades and the girls of the fifth and
sixth grade; one man for each two buildings for the boys of grades
five, six, seven and high school and three women who take charge
of the girls departmental, junior and senior high school.

The events are — first,

Walking — We feel that walking is important because it is
splendid exercise which keeps the girls in the fresh air, and is an
activity which will be kept up after leaving school. We try to intro-
duce a camp-fire and lunch as part of the walk so that the girls will
learn the real fun of outdoor living. We constantly hear of family
picnics and walks planned by the girls the who have taken these
hikes. Our rules for walking are as follows :

For grades five and six each walk shall not be less than two and
not over three miles. For grades seven, eight and nine, each walk
shall be not less than two and not over five miles.

The walking parties must be accompanied by the physical
training teacher or by some older person approved by her.

A certificate of attendance containing a statement of the num-
ber of miles covered, signed by the person who chaperones the group,
will be given each girl at the end of the walk. These certificates
must be presented to the physical training teacher to secure credit
toward a button.

For grades five and six each walk of two miles shall earn three
points, and each walk of three miles shall earn five points. For grades
seven and eight each walk of two miles shall earn two points and each
additional mile shall earn one point. Not over fifteen points shall
be allowed for walking.

The second event is swimming. We cannot use this to the ex-
tent that is desirable as we have just one pool at Central High School
which has to be used by the boys half the time.

The rules for swimming are as follows:

ATHLETICS FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GIRLS

Girls from all schools are allowed to use the swimming pool at
Central High School Gymnasium on Monday, Tuesday and every
other Friday from 3:10 until 5:00 o'clock. A certificate of attend-
ance signed by the clerk will be given each girl each time she attends
the swimming class. Each girl who has attended the swimming classes
at least five times and each girl who has learned to swim will be given
a certificate signed by the swimming instructor. These certificates
will contain a statement of the number of points earned, and they
must be presented to the physical training teacher to secure credit
toward a button. Each attendance shall earn one point, but not more
than ten points shall be allowed for attendance. Ability to swim
across the pool shall earn five additional points if the girl has at-
tended five times, and ability to swim half across the pool shall earn
two additional points if the girl has attended five times. Ability
to swim the length of the pool in good form shall earn five additional
points if the girl has attended ten times. (Our swimming pool is
47 x 20).

The third event includes the rhythmic steps found in our folk
dances for the year. The steps are:

(a) Grades five and six

1. Polka

2. Heel and toe polka

3. Step and throw

(b) Grades seven and eight

1. Schottische step

2. Courtesy

3. Set and turn single

1. Mazurka step

2. Set and turn single

3. Schottische

Ability to execute any two steps shall earn three points; three
steps shall earn five points. One point shall be given for effort if
at least two steps are attempted.

The fourth event includes two folk dances selected from the
physical training outline — any one folk dance correctly executed
earns five points.

The next event is patch ball throwing and catching — The rules
are as follows:

The patch ball shall be thrown from home plate to first, second
and third bases and the returned balls caught. The distances between
bases shall be thirty feet. Ability to throw to first and third bases
shall earn one point each. Ability to catch the returned balls from

ATHLETICS FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GIRLS

first and third bases shall earn one point each. Ability to throw to
second base shall earn two points and ability to catch the returned
ball from second shall earn two points. Ability to throw to first,
second and third bases and to catch the returned balls shall earn ten
points. (Two trials shall be allowed for each part of the event.)

The next event is patch ball distance-throwing. The rules are
as follows:

Plan of Ground — A six-foot circle with a heavy line drawn
across its center shall be drawn at one end of the throwing space.
The thrower toes this and in completing the throw shall not fall
nor step forward out of the circle in front of her. If this be done,
her throw shall be recorded as zero, so that it will count against her
group in estimating the average. The throwing space shall be divided
by arcs of circle measuring from the front of the circle as follows :

For grades seven and eight — fifty feet; sixty feet; seventy feet

For grade nine — sixty feet; seventy feet; eighty feet

Points — For any throw to the first line or any points between
it and the next line, a girl earns five points; to the second line or
between it and the next line, seven points; to the third line or beyond
it, ten points. One point allowed for effort. Two trials shall be
allowed.

These last two events did much to improve our game of patch
ball.

The next event is throwing the basket ball for distance. The
rules are as follows:

Plan of Ground — A six-foot circle (not a semi-circle) with a
heavy line across its center, shall be drawn at one end of the throw-
ing space. The thrower toes this line and in completing her throw
shall not fall or step forward out of the circle in front of her. If
this be done her throw shall be recorded as zero, so that it will count
against her group in estimating the average. The throwing space
shall be divided by three arcs of circles measuring from the front
of the throwing circle as follows: twenty-two feet; thirty-three feet;
forty-five feet.

Points — For each throw to twenty-two feet or any point
between it and the next line a girl scores five points; to thirty-
three feet or between it and the next line, seven points; to forty-
five feet or beyond, ten points. One point allowed for effort. Two
trials shall be allowed each girl.

The next event is basket ball goal throwing and the rules are as

ATHLETICS FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GIRLS

follows — (We have slightly modified the rules adopted by the
Playground Association.)

Plan of Field — The regular basket ball goal shall be used. From
a point directly under the center of the goal draw a semi-circle with
a radius of fifteen feet for a throwing line.

The girl may stand at any point outside of but touching the
throwing line. The basket ball used shall be of standard size and
weight. The goal may be made either by a clear throw or by bounc-
ing against the back board.

Points — Two goals in six trials shall earn seven points; three
goals in six trials shall earn ten points. One point allowed for effort.

The next event is serving the volley ball. The plan is as fol-
lows:

Plan of Ground — The court shall be twenty by forty feet. The
net shall be stretched at a height of six and one-half feet above the
playing space. For grade seven and eight the court shall be divided
into two equal parts by a line drawn at right angles to the net.
For grade nine, the court shall be divided (on each side of the net)
into four equal parts. A ball falling on the line shall be counted in.

Points — For grades seven and eight — Seven points shall be earned
if a ball is served into one section and ten points if served into two.
For grade nine — Three points shall be earned if a ball is served into
one section, five points if served into two sections, seven points if
served into three sections and ten points if served into four sections.
Two trials for each serve shall be allowed. One point allowed for
effort.

The next event is rope skipping. The rhythms used have been
collected by our children and teachers and we have classified them
into four types.

1. Plain jump standing in — as a rhyme is repeated — such as —

1. Lady, lady at the gate
Eating cherries from a plate

How many cherries did she eat- 1-2-3 -4-5

2. I dreamed that my horse had wings and could fly;
I jumped on his back and rode to the sky ;

The man in the moon was out that night

He laughed loud and long when I pranced into sight.

2. Skim the milk — Skimming the milk, as you probably know,
means running through the rope as it is turned. We have a
long list of jumps under this.

3. Stunt type — as Double Dutch — Two ropes are turned at

ATHLETICS FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GIRLS

the same time one each way, the girl jumping both of them — or

some stunt performed as a rhyme is repeated — as —
Itiskit, itasket, a green and yellow basket
I lost a letter for my mother and on my way I found it, I
found it, I found it. Something is dropped and picked up

as the girl jumps.

4. Rock the cradle type:

Old man Daisy, what makes you so lazy
Up the ladder, down the ladder-A-B-C-
Salt, vinegar, mustard, pepper

During the first line the girl jumps back and forth over the rope
as it is rocked; during the second line the girl jumps first toward one
end — then toward the other. During the rest of the rhyme the rope
is turned — faster and faster and over instead of being rocked.

The girls in grades four, five and six are interested in rope
skipping but the interest seems to grow less in grades seven and eight.

The next event is balancing which we borrowed from the Play-
ground Athletic Badge Test but we have varied it to fit the rest of
our plan. The rules are as follows :

The balance beams found in each school shall be used. There
is no time limit in this event but there should be an endeavor to
meet the requirements promptly, without haste, and with perfect
poise. In the first test the girl starts from the center of the beam,
walks forward to the end, without turning, walks backward to center;
turns and walks forward to other end; turns and walks forward to
starting point.

In the second test the girl starts from the center of the beam with
a bean-bag or book balanced on her head and walks forward to the
end ; turns and walks forward the entire length of the balance beam ;
without turning, walks backward to starting point. Two trials are
allowed in each test.

Points — The first test shall earn three points, the second test
shall earn five points. Ability to execute both shall earn ten points.

In connection with our gymnastic work posture tests are given
once each month and the posture record counts points toward the
athletic records as follows:

Each girl who is in Division one, Group one, in the last posture
test of the year shall be given ten points toward the athletic button.
Each girl who is in Division one, Group two, shall be given seven
points.

Running and catching we have also borrowed from the Play-

100

ATHLETICS FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GIRLS

ground Association Badge Test, but have modified it slightly to fit
the rest of our plan. The rules follow :

Plan — At a distance of thirty feet from the starting line and
parallel to it, stretch a cord ten feet from the ground. On the signal,
the girl runs from the starting line, tosses a Reach leather ball over
the cord, catches it, and runs back to the starting line. Three such
trips are made, finishing at the starting line. In case of failure to
catch the ball, it must be secured, tossed over the cord (either direc-
tion) and caught before continuing the run. The starting line and
the cord should both be well away from any wall, backstop or other
object, so that neither the contestant nor the ball shall touch any
obstruction during the run.

Points — Three trips in thirty seconds shall earn seven points.
Three trips in twenty seconds shall earn ten points.

The rules for team games are as follows:

Five match games shall be played by each team during the year.
Any games found on the outline may be used.

Points — Each member of the winning team shall be given three
points for each game played. Each member of the losing team shall
be given one point for effort.

The girls in grades five, six, seven, eight, and nine take part in
the athletics so we have divided the events, assigning certain things
to each grade.

We have planned the events with the seasons of the year in mind
and with the physical training outline in mind, so that each event
comes when it is best suited to the season and the outline, and as
the events run through the whole year, there is always something
to practice.

The girls are given some time to practice before the tests are
given. Each class has a large score sheet which contains each girl's
name and after it spaces for her record in each event.

Our assignment of events for this year is as follows:

1. Grades five and six:

i -September and October:

(a) walking (b) team games (c) running and catching
2-November, December, January, February, March:

(a) walking (b) rhythmic steps

(a) patch ball throw (accuracy) (b) rope skipping

2. Grades seven and eight:

i -September and October:
(a) walking (b) swimming
(c) volley ball serving

zoi

ATHLETICS FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GIRLS

2-November, December, January, February, March:

(a) walking (b) swimming (c) rhythmic steps

(d) rhythmic plays (e) basket ball—distance throw

(f) posture tests (g) volley ball serving — in November if necessary
3-April and May:

(a) walking (b) swimming (c) patch ball — distance throw
3. Grade nine:

i -September and October:

(a) walking (b) swimming (c) volley ball serving
2 -November, December, January, February, March:

(a) rhythmic steps (b) rhythmic plays

(a) walking (b) swimming (c) patch ball — distance throw
At the end of the year the buttons and banners are presented.

Last year we gave a simple banner to the class within each school
which earned the highest class average and we gave a blue celluloid
button to each girl earning the required number of points for the
first button and a red button to each girl receiving the required
number of points for the second button. We hope to have metal
buttons typically our own this year.

Our plan is to give each girl earning seventy-five points during
the year the first pin and each earning sixty points the second pin
and give the class within each school earning the highest average
a banner.

Last spring we had a special simple program when the buttons
and banners were presented, in some cases a joint program with
the boys. At these meetings we had short talks by the principals and
teachers, some songs and school yells. This did much to arouse in-
terest among the girls and recognition from the principals, teachers
and other children.

Girls' athletics in Kalamazoo Schools are still in the experimen-
tal stage, but the results so far are good and we expect to continue
to build on our present plan, and we hope that our next generation of
women will be better fitted mentally, morally, physically for life's
duties because of the opportunities we are trying to provide for our
girls today.

102

COMMENTS UPON THE KALAMAZOO PLAN
COMMENTS UPON KALAMAZOO PLAN

I have received the outline of the Physical Education Depart-
ment of the Kalamazoo Public Schools.

I think the general plan is excellent. I have only a few sugges-
tions to make. I should like to see the purposes of the plan stated
somewhat differently. Purpose Number One as stated is good. I
should think Purpose Number Two might be stated better this way :
to emphasize team work without neglecting individual work. It
seems to me that the general plan really emphasizes individual work
rather than team work, and we must not forget that team work as
called for in class competitions where the award is made to the
school attaining the highest class average is a very different thing
from team work in a cooperative game like baseball, basket ball,
hockey, and the like. This latter kind of team work is probably from
an educational point of view more valuable than the former type of
team work. There seems to be very little emphasis placed on the
second type of team work for girls.

The third Purpose I should prefer to state in this way : to develop
athletics suitable for girls, omitting the second clause, namely:
"not an imitation of boys' athletics." As a matter of fact it seems
to me that girls' athletics to a certain extent should be like boys'
athletics, particularly during the years ten, eleven, and twelve.

As to trophies and pins, I have no suggestions to make. As to
events, I feel like suggesting that the limit of the distance for walk-
ing might be greater in the two classes than the two miles and the
three miles suggested. We are apt, I think, to underestimate the
walking capacity of able-bodied children; the three-mile and the
five-mile walks are not real achievements for average children of
those ages.

As to the swimming, I should like to see recognition of more
ambitious events than those cited. I approve of giving points for
the minimum mentioned, but I think we should invite children to
surpass the quite moderate events suggested.

I have no suggestions to make as to the rhythmic steps, the
rhythmic plays, or the patch and basket ball throwing, catching,
volley ball serving.

As to rope-skipping, I think the plan is excellent. However, I
should like to see the tournament idea tried out in rope-skipping. I
think there would be great possibilities in the tournament in connec-

103

FURTHER WORD FROM MISS ROCKWELL

tion with rope-jumping and in connection also with several other
games for girls, which are not mentioned in the outline.

I quite approve of the plan with regard to balancing, and be-
lieve that the time limit has been wisely omitted. I approve also of
the plan with regard to the posture record, and think that recog-
nition has been wisely given to this matter in the general plan.

I have never felt convinced that a combination of running and
throwing or catching with a time limit should be included as one of
the events for a badge test. I think that a standard for speed and
a standard for accuracy ought to be kept separate except under
such conditions as occur in competitive games where, of course,
there is no time limit other than that necessitated by the efforts of
the opposing players.

I could not get from the outline any definite idea at all of the
use of the team games. To my mind these games are the most im-
portant part of the general plan.

I am sending this altogether too hastily dictated answer to your
request knowing that the time is limited. If I can do anything
further to serve you in this matter, I shall be glad.

Very sincerely yours,

George Ellsworth Johnson

FURTHER WORD FROM MISS ROCKWELL

While our athletic plan calls for very little team work of the
second kind — we use team games very extensively and have ar-
ranged a careful plan so that during the year the girls learn and play
several types of team games which fit the seasons and our condi-
tions (indoor and outdoor) as well as possible.

The amount of work with team games required for our athletic
badge is very small and I think we could wisely add more.

Formerly we had our walking distances farther and I still think
that most girls can walk farther under certain conditions. Most
of our walking has to be done after three-thirty and it made the
girls very late home. Some mothers objected and a few were quite
disagreeable. We decided that it was better to modify our plan
and keep enough walking to establish the habit even if it wasn't
as much as we should like. Then, too, we usually have a lunch and
campfire and that takes time. We want the girls to learn to love out
of door living.
104

ATHLETIC CONTESTS IN LAND OF MIDNIGHT SUN

More ambitious events in swimming would be desirable — but —
we have one pool only and it is hard for most of our elementary
girls to come often and I think the habit of coming is worth establish-
ing and we made the requirements for the athletic button light — but
we have offered in addition a certificate for swimming to all girls
who can meet the requirements. Our theory is that the girls who
come to our pool enough to get points toward the general athletic
button will become interested enough to go on and get the swimming
certificate.

The summary of games I am sending may give the impression
that our game work is "too carefully planned." We play many
other games and we play all of these games at other times besides
the months they are suggested — but we make a business of teaching
them carefully during the month they are on the outline.

Our social centers are going splendidly this year. I am getting
some splendid results in folk dancing with mixed groups of boys
and girls from sixteen to twenty or over.

Ethel Rockwell

ATHLETIC CONTESTS IN THE LAND OF THE MIDNIGHT

SUN

A letter received from Walter W. Pettit, formerly field secre-
tary of the Playground and Recreation Association of America,
gives an interesting account of Scandinavian games. Mr. Pettit
went to Europe to help in war relief work.

"We are some five hundred miles north of Stockholm, my
Corona and I, and are rapidly nearing Russia. Dr. Devine met us
at Stockholm and is accompanying us on our three-day trip around
the Baltic. The country through which we are passing is rugged
and covered with forests with many lakes and rivers. In the morn-
ing we shall be at the north end of the Baltic and near the Arctic
Circle. Since we landed in Bergen the days have been long. The
sun sets between ten and eleven and it is light enough to read
large print throughout the night.

"These long days have been used to advantage in the Scandi-

105

ATHLETIC CONTESTS IN LAND OF MIDNIGHT SUN

navian games which are at present being held in Stockholm. When
we arrived in the city last Saturday morning everywhere were the
beautiful Swedish flags, the 'yellow cross of the sun in the beauti-
ful blue of the sky* as a patriotic young student told me. Posters
announced the games and small boys were selling buttons and
pins on the streets advertising the meet. Gymnasts from Den-
mark, Norway and from all parts of Sweden had gathered here to
compete in athletic events, and the entire city was expressing its
interest in the eight day festival. Taxis and trams were alike deco-
rated with the national emblem.

"The program I am enclosing is for the opening day of the
meet. We had hoped to attend the afternoon session in time to
see the great opening procession but arrived late. The games are
held in the stadium, a beautiful building of brick and stone lo-
cated near the center of the city and seating probably some twenty
thousand people. It was in this stadium that Thorpe became a
household word in this country of athletes. These games are being
held as a substitute for the Olympic games which were to have
been in Berlin this summer.

"As we arrived the 1500 meter race was being held. A large
number of uniformed cadets from the naval training school were
singing and cheering the Swedish runners on. There was some
beautiful running in which a Dane on the last lap with a magnifi-
cent spurt passed those in front of him and won the applause of
the stands. A Swedish audience apparently seldom expresses
any enthusiasm.

"The feature of the afternoon was a drill by some two hun-
dred young men dressed in white uniforms. The movements were
those of Ling, I believe that was the name of the exponent of the
Swedish gymnastic system. It was interesting here in the home of
the movement after so many years to find the same exercises that
are used in some of our public schools today. In perfect time these
men bent their heads and gracefully moved their legs and arms. I
wonder if Father Jahn would not turn over in his grave could he
see the formalism of modern gymnastics. We Americans found
these exercises a little tedious and even when one of the athletes
carrying another on his shoulder fell off a high beam on which he
was balancing himself, could not join in the merriment of the
crowd. Later they ran in perfect time and marched using several
different steps. As one of the Swedes put it, the effort of these
people is toward grace while the German is more interested in

1 06

ATHLETIC CONTESTS IN LAND OF MIDNIGHT SUN

muscle development as a result of his Turning. A better example
of the Swedish ideal could not be found than was given us in the
hour's exhibition at the Stadium.

"Monday night about half -past eight I went out to the Games
again and found a three-thousand meter race between Danes and
Swedes being held. The Swedes easily outran the Danes. Then
at half-past nine came a football game between the citizens of
the old University town of Upsala and a team from Stockholm.
The Rugby game was played and the spectators showed consid-
erable enthusiasm, occasionally even breaking into a cheer, especi-
ally the younger boys present. Stockholm defeated Upsala after
which a few more races were run and at eleven the games were
called off for the night. From nine-thirty until eleven-thirty at
night seems a long day.

"I gather from the program that other events were broad
jumping, casting the javelin, discus throwing and dashes of various
distances. Both times I was in the stadium there was a large crowd
in attendance and numerous small boys anxious to slip in without
paying or get a glimpse free from some neighboring elevation.
The king was there the first afternoon, and a military band played
as only a band in a music loving country like this can play.

"The Swedes who took part in the drill were as clean appear-
ing a group of men as I have seen. They all had light hair and
red cheeks, well-developed chests but under-developed limbs.
They seem taller than other races. I have never seen so many tall
men and women. Was at dinner the other night with a young
student whose shoulder was on a level with the top of my head, and
you will remember I am a little over six feet myself.

"While in Stockholm I had hoped to see something of the social
developments of the school plant, but did not have time. Both at
Stockholm and Christiania we passed school gardens very well
cultivated with the same small plots one sees in our own gardens.
Have not seen a playground nor a piece of apparatus though there
are numerous parks especially in Stockholm. The municipal and
state opera houses are of course as important as they are in other
parts of Europe. Even in distant Bergen beyond the snow-covered
mountains we found the population out in the evening walking
about the band stand listening to the music or sipping coffee in
one of the numerous restaurants near."

107

PRACTICAL POINTS FROM RACINE
PRACTICAL POINTS FROM RACINE

A. A. Fisk, Superintendent of Parks, Racine, Wisconsin,

writes:

"I have found by experience that it is a very unwise policy to del-
egate any privilege whatsoever to private clubs. I think it is always
well for the park department to lend its kind offices to further the in-
terests of every kind of club that may be organized within the city,
but I do not think it is at all just to give members of these private
dubs privileges which are denied to the general public. I feel that it is
much safer and much more in keeping with good, sound business
judgment to fix a price for lockers and things of that sort which
everyone must pay whether he does or does not belong to. a club.
The sole object of organizing these clubs is that they may conduct
tournaments, making competitive play possible, and stimulating
perhaps a greater interest in the game itself. It is much easier to
foster that good-fellowship spirit within a club circle than it is with
the unorganized general public. This is the advantage of organizing
these clubs and the club members themselves receive the benefit
and are not entitled, nor should they expect, to receive any other
favors from the board of park commissioners.

"We have completed our building at Washington Park and
are using it at the present time. This building contains shower
baths and lockers for men and women, and of course is equipped with
toilet facilities. There is a caf£ and lounging room on the second
floor, and a broad porch twenty feet wide and fifty-four feet long
overlooking the golf course. We charge patrons of these locker
rooms $2.50 per year for a locker. Our lockers are fifteen inches
wide, eighteen inches deep, and seventy-two inches high. We
insist that these lockers be used by two individuals, each paying
$2.50 per year. We make no charge for the use of the building
other than this locker fee. The showers are free and each patron
who wishes to furnish his own towel is at liberty to do so. We
issue towel tickets which will give you ten towels for twenty-five
cents. A number is punched out of these tickets each time the
towel is used. This merely covers the cost of towels and laundering.

"All concessions, and by that I mean the sale of refreshments
and cigars, are sold direct by the board of park commissioners. We
have an attendant who is paid a definite salary and we run this
business just the same as anyone would run a mercantile business.
All refreshments are sold at popular prices, and we are having no

1 08

ONE YEAR OF RECREATION IN DETROIT

trouble at all in satisfying the public with the quality of service we
are rendering.

"We do not recognize the Washington Park Golf Club in any
official sense. We do, however, try to make things as agreeable for
them as we possibly can. We encourage the holding of parties and
social gatherings of all kinds at the club house, and we permit them
to hold these parties under the auspices of the club management
The date, however, is set so that we know when these activities are
going to take place. These activities are always held in the even-
ing as the golf links is seldom visited by people except during the
hours of daylight. We encourage these other activities because in
this way we are making our equipment more useful and rendering
more public service, and we think that is the function of our depart-
ment."

ONE YEAR OF RECREATION IN DETROIT

The report of the Recreation Commission of the City of
Detroit at the end of the first year of its organization shows sixty-
nine centers active through the summer months with an average
weekly attendance of 91,371 ; sixty-four winter centers and twenty-
eight skating rinks. The budget for this work did not become
available until July first, so actual organized work began on that day.

The feature of the evening activity upon the summer play-
grounds was the competition in playground ball between men's
teams of the various centers. There were nine leagues and as
many as seventy-eight teams playing in the regular weekly schedules.
One of these teams was composed of players of six nationalities.
Another had five ex-league players. Forty-five hundred persons
were taught to swim.

Street play conducted upon a little oval of street parking
transformed the space from a danger spot to an influence for good
in the neighborhood. The full time of three policemen was released
for other duties and the watchman "confined his efforts solely to
waste paper and the mechanism of the fountain." The group
maintained its organization at the close of the summer, meeting
in a neighboring school or at the children's houses.

109

CHILDREN'S NATURE EXPERIENCES

CHILDREN'S NATURE EXPERIENCES TOLD IN THE
CORNELL RURAL SCHOOL LEAFLET

One letter is from a boy who tells about the collection of birds'
nests which they have made in his school, how they have mounted
twenty-five on cardboard, and have many more to mount as soon
as they can secure more cardboard. He says, "I got the barn
swallow's nest out of a barn near the school by fastening a chisel to
a pole and unloosened the nest from the rafter. It fell onto the
haymow so it did not break at all. The red- winged blackbird's
nest we found in a low bush near the water and the eggs were in it.
Their color was bluish-white covered with black scrawls, and later
we went there and saw the young ones in it. We have the black-
bird's nest now." Boys and girls no longer collect bird's eggs
because that is unnecessary cruelty but practically all birds build
new nests every year so there is no harm in taking the old ones.

A girl writes about watching some bluebirds build their nest
in a birdhouse. Presently she discovered that there were five
little white eggs in the nest, and finally she knew that the little birds
had hatched out, for the parent birds began carrying worms to the
nest. When the young birds were old enough to fly, the old ones
would coax them to come out of the nest until one day the little
birds flew away to care for themselves.

In making a birdhouse, one should take care not to make it
too large and to have it look as much like a natural place as possible.
It should be left unpainted unless the wood is bright and new and
if painted, a dull gray or brown color should be used to make it look
as much as possible like the tree limbs.

An interesting day's camping trip which one teacher and her
pupils took is described in one of the boys' letters. He tells how
they gathered sticks to build a fire and roasted corn and potatoes for
their lunch in the ashes. After lunch the boys built a dam so that
there would be a place for them to go swimming in the summer and
after they had finished that, the teacher read to them and they had
a few classes. Before they left the place they were very careful to
put out the fire for the teacher explained to them that many forest
fires start through carelessness in putting out camp fires. On the
way home, they found wild pears and wild thorn-apples to eat.

zio

PROTECTING THE WILD FLOWERS

The following brief extract from one letter contains an inter-
esting suggestion: "Yesterday our teacher went ahead and we all
marched behind her. She would go to a tree, and we had our pencils
and paper with us and we would write on our paper what we thought
it was. There were twenty-two trees and I knew fifteen of them
right." An excellent way to learn how to identify the trees, isn't it?

A little girl who is much interested in the birds tells how she
and her classmates attract the birds around the schoolbuilding.
They put crumbs of bread or cake, pieces of apple and suet, on the
window-sill and watch the birds eat. The birds soon learn that no
harm will come to them and they eat crumbs out of the hands of
their little friends in the school.

Not many of us have had such an experience as one of the
boys relates in his letter. He went to the woods one Saturday and,
after he had walked a long way, he lay down in the long grass to rest.
While he was listening to the song of a robin-redbreast in a tree
overhead, a grasshopper hopped toward the lad, stretched out his
long legs and fastened his sharp claws in the grass, then his skin
split open beginning at his head and he crawled out of the shell
dressed in a new suit of bright green. Most grasshoppers shed their
skin or "molt" five times, a professor of entomology tells us.

PROTECTING THE WILD FLOWERS

Joseph Lee, Boston, Massachusetts, President Playground and
Recreation Association of America

I believe a lot could be done for a neglected sort of recrea-
tion by interesting school children in the campaign for the preser-
vation of our native plants, and if an interest in birds could be
added we might do even more. The result, in fact, would be a
protection to the birds, to the plants and to the suburbanite — kill-
ing three birds with one stone, as it were — besides giving boys and
girls better fun on their spring exploring or marauding expeditions
than they now enjoy.

PROTECTING THE WILD FLOWERS

Of course everybody wants to go out into the country on a
spring or summer afternoon and come home tired and laden with
the spoils of the chase, but if he goes armed with a pair of field
glasses, a notebook and a camera, it would be possible for him to
get the spoils without spoiling or despoiling other things or people.
A bird or plant can be photographed a great deal oftener without
material damage than it can be picked, "rocked" or have its nest
plundered, and with equal impunity.

Then there is the special joy, shared by St. Augustine in his
memorable exploit with the neighbor's pear tree (and if there was
any sweetness in them it was the sweetness of stolen fruit), in
stealing fruit or other edible commodity so long as it is presented
in the way that fetched our first parents direct from the tree itself.
Suburbanites, indeed, might almost start and finance a move-
ment to get the necessary teaching and suggestion into the schools
in sheer self-defence.

The Audubon Society and the Society for the Protection of
Native Plants should help, and would be, I think glad to help
in any such campaign in any city. A member of the society writes
me:

"The object of the Society for the Protection of Native
Plants is to check the unnecessary waste and destruction of our
native plants. Its work is done by the distribution of literature,
and especially by interesting children, although it must be admitted
that the older people are often quite as thoughtless in despoiling
our wild flowers.

"It is not necessary to discourage altogether the gathering
of wild flowers and ferns for decorative purposes. We merely ask
that the flowers shall be picked with a little care and discrimina-
tion. We would remind people that if our woods, fields, and
roadsides are to retain the loveliness of wild flower growth, many
flowers of each species must be allowed to go to seed.

"Tillage and buildings necessarily tend to restrict the areas
where wild flowers can flourish, but it is possible to help the flowers
to hold their own in places where they can still grow. The love of
natural beauty ought to lead us to use moderation in breaking off
large branches of flowering shrubs, which represent the growth of
many years, but can live in water but a few days.

"Many of the flowers most effective for decoration can be
gathered, away from the roadside, without fear of doing any per-
manent harm. Such are the daisy, buttercup, clover, wild-rose,

112

COMMERCIAL RECREATION TRANSFORMED

meadow-sweet, steeple-bush, aster, goldenrod, and other vigorous
and abundantly growing plants. Any of these are beautiful in
the house or on the piazza. From the picking or the purchase,
however, of the rarer flowers, and especially of the purple fringed
orchid, the sabbatia, the fringed gentian, or the mayflower, we en-
treat every one to abstain.

"To interest children in plants give them a garden to care
for. This need not mean anything large or costly; a small window-
box or a patch of cultivated earth a few feet square is ample.
Let them raise either vegetables or flowers, just something to awaken
an interest in growing things. The plants selected to grow should
be easy to get and easy to grow, and should be of a kind yielding
quick results and with a long season of productiveness. For a
simple flower-garden pansies are among the best plants, for they
give an abundance of bloom throughout the entire season. Also
to be recommended are petunias, nasturtiums, morning glories,
scarlet runners, marigolds, dahlias, and golden glow. If a child
once gets the pleasure of success in such a bed, its interest is awak-
ened and the result may be real love of a garden and of the living
things about us. To such a person needless destruction of wild
plants is abhorrent, and the protection of them a duty.

We urge:

ist. Moderation. (Do not gather too many flowers of the
same kind in one locality!)

2nd. Care. (Use scissors or knife.)

3rd. Judgment. (Respect the roadside and conspicuous
plants!)

4th. Occasional total abstinence. (Never pick especially
rare flowers!)

The Society is glad to furnish leaflets to anyone interested.
Application should be made to Society for the Protection of Native
Plants, 66 Newbury Street, Boston."

COMMERCIAL RECREATION TRANSFORMED

In Kansas City, Missouri, inspectors from the Recreation
Department of the Board of Public Welfare visit each public dance
hall every night that it is open. These men report to the office any
irregularities and the matter is taken up with the management of
the place.

113

COMMERCIAL RECREATION TRANSFORMED

When the work was begun, in 1910, as many as fifty-two
names of girls under age attending the dance halls were reported in
a single night but at the present time about four cases in a week is
a fair average. The number of cases of patrons found drinking
liquor brought into the place or appearing to be under the influence
of liquor have been reduced to a minimum. Constant pressure on
the managers of the dance halls has borne fruit. They are co-
operating in spirit as they never did before, realizing that the
clean places of amusement are more profitable than those conducted
under suspicion. They are becoming educated to the desire to
have their business rated as a well as other forms of amusement.

The general rules of conduct to be enforced by the manage-
ment of the dance halls require that the halls be brightly lighted
during all the time they are in use, that no undue familiarity between
partners be allowed, that people under the influence of liquor be
refused admittance to the hall, that the dance shall close at twelve
o'clock unless special permission to continue later is obtained, that
girls sixteen and under shall not be admitted unless accompanied
by parents or some other respectable adult, and that smoking,
profanity, or boisterous conduct shall not be permitted.

The skating rinks of the city are also regulated by an ordinance
similar to that controlling the dance halls and the rules of conduct
are practically the same for both places. Minors are not permitted
to attend the rinks after nine o'clock at night unless accompanied
by parents or guardian.

The censorship of motion picture films as carried on by the
Recreation Department in cooperation with the National Board of
Censorship has grown from a feeble attempt without an ordinance
in 1911 to fairly effective work under the ordinance that has been
enforced since May 4, 1914. Through the efforts of a number of
public-spirited men and women of Kansas City to get an effective
law regulating the exhibition of motion pictures, one was passed by
the Council creating the position of Censor of Films and Pictures
and a Board of Appeals of three persons appointed by the Mayor.
The censor was transferred by the civil service commission to the
recreation department. Some of the managers of film exchanges
cooperated with the department from the beginning. The re-
fractory ones were finally won over by firmness and fairness. As
the work progressed, it became impossible to keep a check on what
was being released by visiting the first release theatres. Too much
time was consumed by the deputy having to wait through an entire

THE STORYTELLER BECKONS

program in order to see the picture in question. It was also im-
practical to make any cuts that were necessary in the operator's
booth in the theatre. A projection room was fitted up in con-
nection with the recreation department offices in October, 1913,
and the film companies were directed to bring the films to this pro-
jection room. Two projection machines take care of this work.
The film exchanges are required to furnish the department each
week with a list of their releases for the week and this list is checked
against a list furnished by the National Board of Censors. If
any picture appears on the release sheet furnished by the film com-
pany that appears on the list furnished by the National Board of
Censorship, as passed subject to certain eliminations, that picture
is ordered into the projection room of the department to be reviewed
and if the eliminations have not been made, they are cut here. If
the film company refuses to allow the cuts to be made, the film is
not allowed to be run in the city. One of the difficulties to be over
come is that the present motion picture ordinance prohibits only
those pictures that can be proven immoral or obscene while other
pictures containing very objectionable scenes that cannot be
defined as being either immoral or obscene are allowed to run.

THE STORYTELLER BECKONS
Extract from Letter from Evelyn Shedd, Washington, D. C.

Every evening at twilight the little folks gathered together under
the pine trees for a story hour. There were about thirty children
of varied ages so I tried at first having three evenings a week for
the younger ones, and the alternate evenings for the older children.
But since they all came each evening I changed the plan, telling a
story for the little children first and then one for the older ones. I
let the wishes of the children themselves govern the selection of
stories for the most part and it was interesting to note how com-
pletely their requests covered the various types of stories, fairy
stories, folklore, myths, fables, nature stories, animal stories, ad-
venture tales, mystery stories, the experiences of the Knights of
the Round Table and Robin Hood and his merry men and of course
the fun stories.

The playground teacher and I cooperated in arranging an inter-
ns

TRAINED TEACHERS PROMOTE COMMUNITY SPIRIT

esting hour with the children Wednesday and Saturday evenings
for the parents and grown-ups to enjoy as well. We had them
dramatize some of the simplest stories, and taught them games,
folk dances and rhythms, varying the program each evening. The
final evening was especially effective and fanciful. The children
represented fairies, flowers and elves, sleeping in the woodland.
Spring awakened them to laughter, song and dance, until the chill
winds of the autumn blew them away.

Every Tuesday morning I read short stories or current novels
to the ladies of the community and every Thursday night I helped
arrange a program of "Home Talent." Before the summer was
over almost every talented member of the club had his hidden abili-
ties, musical, literary or artistic displayed for the pleasure of the
community. I filled in when necessary with stories or book reviews.
The selection of stories for the older folks was the most difficult
part of the work, possibly because my storytelling heretofore had
been confined to children almost exclusively.

A previous experience in summer work with children may in-
terest you, so I will give you a brief outline of it. The Children's
Department of the Public Library has a branch in Georgetown which
reaches the poorer class of children. For two summers I had a story
hour for the children when they came to exchange books once a
week. The other mornings I went to different localities, gathering
the children together under a tree or on a vacant lot for three hours
of games and stories. In one district there was neither tree nor grass
plot, so I took the group of children, twenty or thirty in number,
eight blocks to Montrose Park. Such a time as we had there, tramp-
ing the hills, playing games, wading in the creek on hot mornings
and telling stories. The interest of the older brothers and sisters
and even the mothers was a constant surprise to me.

The object of the work was primarily to give the children whole-
some pleasure, but of course close in the background was the desire
to develop in them a taste for good literature and ideals of right
living.

TRAINED TEACHERS PROMOTE COMMUNITY SPIRIT

Reports from teachers trained by the Wisconsin County Train-
ing Schools for Teachers in Rural Schools indicate the tremendous
vitalizing force even one person may be in community affairs.

116

TRAINED TEACHERS PROMOTE COMMUNITY SPIRIT

"One teacher called in the physician from the neighboring
village and asked him to come and speak to her people on tubercu-
losis. He had been principal of one of the high schools of the state
and readily responded. The interest which his address aroused
led the people to desire regular gatherings of that kind. The teacher
secured the organization of a society which has maintained monthly
meetings for the past three years." * * *

"She was no common teacher, but was a real spirit of progress
in the community. She went after the board, after the boys, after
their parents until she secured for her school ground the best equip-
ment of play apparatus in the county." * * * *

"Here, somewhat in the back woods, she went to work. She
organized the women and girls into a sewing circle. She secured a
Babcock milk tester and got all her pupils and many of the farmers
interested in the testing of milk. She interested the farmers in tested
seed corn, so that every farmer in her district planted tested seeds.
She secured through her sewing circle the most complete equipment
of almost any school in the county.* '

"The children wanted me to see their basement; so the teacher
took me down to see it. The furnace sat in the middle, dividing
the one large room. In each corner was a playhouse, and one or two
others edged in between. Each playhouse contained the rustic
furniture made by the children and was supplied with rugs of their
own making, pictures of their own framing, tables furnished with
dishes and linen; and all was complete. The ingenuity of each
family or set of children was plainly shown, and there were visible
signs of a little suggestion by the teacher.

"I was told that the children ate their dinners in their play
dining rooms and that they often visited each other and ate dinner
with each other, observing the best etiquette of the neighborhood.
They were happy and proud of their lovely basement."

117

BOOK REVIEWS

PLAY LIFE OF THE FIRST EIGHT YEARS

By Luella A. Palmer. Published by Ginn and Company, Boston, Mass. Price,

$1.20

Sometimes even the reviewer is nonplussed. Occasionally, once at least in a
life-time, even to the most captious, comes a book of which he longs to say, "I
can't do it justice. Read it, memorize it and try to live it, and the world will be
the better." Such a gift has Miss Palmer given students of child life. One
might catalogue the fanciful plays, the charming rhymes, the bubbling games;
one might tell of the womanly tenderness and sympathetic comprehension of the
way of a little child — but after all, it would be better for your children if you
were reading the book instead of the review.

TEN BOYS' FARCES

By Eustace M. Peixotto. Published by Walter H. Baker and Company, Boston •

1916. Price, twenty-five cents

These farces originated as impromptu entertainments at the Columbia
Park Boys' Club, in San Francisco. So popular were they that they were played
again and again, some of them fully 2000 times until they became somewhat
crystallized — though they are constantly modified in use by their originators
and heirs in the Columbia Park Club. Crude, "roughhouse," boisterous, they
are certainly of the boy, by the boy and for the boy.

In the author's preface, an exposition of the value of such spontaneous in-
genuity as is represented in these farces is presented.

CITY RESIDENTIAL LAND DEVELOPMENT

Publication of the City Club of Chicago. Published by the University of Chica -

go Press, Chicago, Illinois. Edited by Alfred B. Yeomans, Landscape

Architect

The results of the competition in plans for the development of a quarter-
section in Chicago, held by the City Club in 1913, are here made available.
Many of the plans submitted in the competition are shown, together with the
discussion by the architect. These plans are made more valuable by the discus-
sion from aesthetic, sociological and economic viewpoints provided by expert
critics.

Carol Aronovici, who contributes the sociological critique, notes the general
acceptance on the part of the competitors of the necessity for adequate recreational
and play facilities. No plan, however, provides for a recreation system consis-
tent with the needs of the population to be accommodated. Some plans provide
great spaces near detached houses and almost none near apartments and the
more congested areas. Some place playgrounds as objective points of main
thoroughfares, which exposure to the public gaze may tend, the critic says, to
foster "self -consciousness and a desire for display."

The critic questions placing groups of public buildings "out of proportion to
the home atmosphere which it is especially desirable to convey in such a develop-

118

BOOK REVIEWS

ment.******In the center of a great city or the plaza of a community as a unit,
it may be found convergent to concentrate many structures at a point where
they would be most easily found and where they would give expression to the
civic pride of the people. In a small section, however, such as was involved in
the competition, concentration of the civic structures and spaces is not neces-
sary, but detrimental to the wholesome community life of the people. The mob
spirit in amusement centers is an enemy of the home and of society. The concen-
tration of recreational facilities at a single point intensifies the use or abuse of
amusement facilities and the commercial values of such concentration are so
great as to stimulate an undue effort on the part of those financially interested to
detract from the home life and foster the street habit."

PLAYS FOR HOME, SCHOOL, AND SETTLEMENT

By Virginia Olcott. Designs for costumes by Harriet Mead Olcott. Published
(' , by Moffatt, Yard & Co., New York. Price, $1.00, net

Six charming little plays in simple prose and easy rhythms make up this
book. There are few speaking characters, but many supernumeraries may be
employed. The plays have all been used by the author and her friends. They
have dignity and a fine moral tone — -not too obvious.

SUMMER SCHOOL

June 25— Aug. 3, for

Playground Training

Pestalozzi-Froebel Training School

A Normal School for
Playground Workers

Class Rooms overlook Lake Michigan
Credits toward Diploma. Folk Dancing.
Pageantry. Games, Story Telling. Gym-
nastics. Playground Practice. Strong
Faculty. Accredited. For Illustrated
Bulletin address

REGISTRAR, Box 71
616-22 So. Michigan Blvd. CHICAGO

Fall Term opens Sept. 18

Come to
Milwaukee!

Play with the Play Leaders

from all parts of America

RECREATION CONGRESS
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Nov. 20-23, 1917

CORONA

Is a six-pound silent partner
that makes routine a habit.

With it your business reports
and accounts as well as your
personal correspondence are
attended to promptly.

Corona eliminates worry.

Cost with case, $50.00

Write, phone or call for booklet

Corona Typewriter Co., Inc.

141 W. 42d St. Tel. Bryant 7150
Opposite Hotel Knickerbocker

119

St. Louis, Mo.

MUNICIPAL GOLF LINKS

MEDART MEDALS

As a means of elevating the standard of physical efficiency ,
more and more cities throughout the country are employing
Medal Tests for Playground activities.

Medart Medals are furnished free with Medart Playground
Equipment. These medals are of intrinsic value and will be
cherished by the children receiving them.

The Medart Efficiency Tests can be adopted in whole or
in part, as they may suit local conditions.

WRITE FOR CATALOGUE "W"

It explains the Medart Medal System, as well as being a
recognized guide on Playground Equipment.

FRED MEDART MFG. CO., St. Louis, Mo.
Gymnasium Outfitters Steel Lockers

120

The Folk Arts in

Modern Education.

Poetry— Music — Dancing

The ancient Greek system of education
was founded upon a combination of these
three arts. ___^

All Lyric Poetry needs Music to bring
out its beauty. No one thinks of such poems

as "Drink to Me Only," "Believe Me If A'l Those Endearing Young Charms," "Flow
Gently Sweet Afton" and "Home Sweet Home" without associating them with music.

Dancing is the Poetry of Motion, measured by Music's Rhythm.

In all modern festivals, pageants and community gatherings we make use of the Folk
Song and the Folk Dance, because they are the oldest forms of human expression, and
represent successive stages in the growth of poetry, history and nationality.

The Victor and Victor Records

are now used universally to furnish the Music for Drills, Exercises, Field Days, Plays,
Festivals and Pageants in the School and on the Playground.
Many schools are using the following records:

Band Accompaniments to American Patriotic Songs

{America (Samuel F. Smith-Henry Carey)
Victor Military Band
The Red, White and Blue (David T. Shaw)
Victor Military Band

1 7*«i f The Star Spangled Canner (Frances bcott Key-
in :',«:„ •< Samuel Arnold) Victor Band

5c (Hail Columbia (Jos. Hopkinson-Prof. Phil e) Victor Band

Kindergarten Rhythms
( (1) Motive for Skipping (2) Motive for Skipping

(Clara L. Anders on) Victor Band

(1) Theme for High Stepping Horses (2) Horses or
Reindeer Running (3) Theme for Skipping (Clara
I L. Anderson) Victor Band

Marches

[The Jolly General- March (Neil Moret) Conway's Band
35608 J Patriotic Medley March (Introducing Hail Columbia;
12in.$1.25 I Red, White and Blue; Tramp, Tramp, Tramp; Battle
( Hymn of the Republic) Victor Military Band

Any Victor dealer will gladly play any of the above selections
for you, and supply you with the Victor booklets, "The Victor
in Physical Education,'" and "New Victor
Records for Educational Use," For further
information, write to the

Educational Department

Victor Talking Machine Co.

Camden, N. J.

18253

10 in. 75c

Victor XXV

$67.50 special quotation

to schools only

Victor

ai i IMflJlMS^!

WRITE FOR CATALOG

Chicopee, Mass.

When you want
the best

specify

Used year after year in the
majority of the country's
playgrounds

Cass County, Indiana, Boys' Hike

THE NOON-DAY LINE-UP

THE WORLD AT PLAY

National Conference of
Charities and Corrections.

— The Conference will open in
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, June 6,
1917. Problems of community
life will be the chief interest of
the program. Thirty-five hun-
dred delegates are expected. Full
information may be secured from
the General Secretary, William
T. Cross, 315 Plymouth Court,
Chicago, Illinois.

Does America Want Mili-
tary Training for Schoolboys?
The Peace Committee of the
Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of
Friends has secured the views
of eighty men, prominent in va-
rious phases of American life
to answer this question. The
answer is a no, almost unani-
mous— not military training in
schools, but physical training
to conserve strength for the
nation.

City at Large Should Pay
for Playgrounds. — A sugges-
tion to provide playgrounds by
assessing fifty percent on sur-
rounding land and fifty percent
on the borough, is assailed by
E. M. Bassett. Mr. Bassett
urges that increased value of
land used for business should be
used for playgrounds just as
it is for schools and for the
people who have created these
values, though they may live in
another borough.

Old Newspapers for Play.—
The children of Brattleboro,

Vermont, have collected news-
papers and magazines to sell —
enough to provide three play
leaders and some equipment.
Last year only one leader was
employed.

Donates Playground to
Braintree. — N. Eugene Hollis
has presented a twenty-one acre
field, valued at $4000, to Brain-
tree, Massachusetts. The donor
has already spent $2500 in im-
provements of the land, which
is high ground sloping off to a
river at a place which can be
flooded for a skating rink.

Mr. Hollis has previously pre-
sented a school lot to the town
and made a liberal contribution
toward the purchase of ground
for another playground.

Utica Playgrounds Lose a
Friend. — Through the death of
Rev. Dana W. Bigelow, D. D.,
every movement for community
betterment in Utica lost a friend
and zealous worker. Particu-
larly the playground and recrea-
tion movement will miss him,
for, for over sixteen years he
stood as the pioneer president
of the playgrounds committee,
serving loyally in the ranks
after the committee became the
Association. He had rarely
missed a meet'ng and was con-
versant with every detail of the
work. He himself took the re-
sponsibility for winter care of
apparatus, for years. He it was
who promoted interest in the

123

THE WORLD AT PLAY

history of the region through
many lectures and expeditions
and at last in assisting in ar-
ranging a historical pageant.

Campaign in Williams-
town. — As a result of a ten-
day campaign under the leader-
ship of Professor Howe, of
Williams' College, Williams-
town, Massachusetts, the mem-
bership in the Williamstown
Playground Association was in-
creased to 46 2 and more than $800
was added to the recreation fund.
An additional two hundred dollars
was spent by one member in
remodelling a hall for a gymna-
sium.

A mass meeting at Williams'
Inn, at which one of the most
powerful politicians came out
vigorously for the movement,
was followed by a minstrel
show a few days later, in which
cne newly organized community
orchestra appeared.

Measuring up to Sister
Cities. — Newport, Rhode Is-
land, recreation workers while
surveying conditions in New-
port, also obtained similar statis-
tics from fourteen other cities
of approximately the same size.
While Newport compared fav-
orably with the others, yet a
great need for active outdoor
recreation was indicated by the
report.

Making Rainy Days
Count. — Upon five rainy days,
when Oakland, California, play-
124

grounds had to be closed, Walter
Christie, track coach of the
University of California, spoke
to the men of the department
upon the technique of track
work.

That Easy Job of Play
Leader. — Urging more syste-
matic organization of playground
work, the Reading Herald says:

"It is an axiom that the most
important part of a playground
system is its instructors. Ap-
paratus counts for very little if
there is not the right sort of
man or woman there to make
the apparatus go. A perfectly
barren and empty field may be
made the most successful play-
ground in the countryside if a
capable man or a tactful woman
is put in charge of it.

"But the capable man and
the tactful woman must be
stationary if there are to be
results. The playground season
is brief at best. The usefulness
of the instructors is cumulative.
They must be much more effi-
cient in late August than in
early July, for they will have
learned to know the children
well by that time. They will
understand their peculiarities.
They will note ther idiosyn-
crasies. The instructors will
have learned something new
every day. And while they may
have entered the playground as
a stranger on the fifth of July,
they should leave it on Labor

THE WORLD AT PLAY

Day as the ardent friend, the
genuine sympathizer, the suc-
cessful uplifter of a little regi-
ment of children whom they
know, not as 'that freckle-faced
boy with a squint* and 'that
snub-nosed girl with the blue
hair ribbon,' but as Susie and
Katie and Clarence and Mike."

A Coroner Advocating
Playgrounds.— Peter M. Hoff-
man, Coroner of Cook County,
Illinois, advocating an appro-
priation to keep Chicago's school
playgrounds open, declares
closed playgrounds would double
the number of deaths by street
accidents.

Problem Grows More Acute.
—Life comments upon the in-
creasing danger to children in
crowded streets and sees in
playgrounds the necessary means
of defense:

"Certainly nobody would have
the audacity to suggest adding
to our already overburdened
curriculum a class in training
infants to dodge automobiles.
Merely as an adequate means of
national defense for the future,
we shall soon be compelled to
tear down many of our city
buildings to provide space for
playgrounds."

Money Value of Parks and
Boulevards. — In the beginning
I did not feel we could afford to
set aside a large amount of land
for parks and boulevards; now
we are paying enormous prices

for the privilege of affording
our customers these parks. — J.
C. Nichols in American Civic
Association Series II No. 5
(November, 1912)

Harks Back to the Revo-
lution.— General Gage's spirit
must have hovered near the
street commissioners of Boston
upon a recent occasion, when,
for the second time in the city's
history, boys and girls appeared
before municipal authorities to
plead their right to coast on
Roxbury streets and again the
right to the pursuit of happi-
ness was vindicated.

Correspondence Course in
Recreation. — The University of
California announces a corre-
spondence course in the organi-
zation and management of play-
grounds, given by Mr. Nash,
under the general supervision of
Associate Professor Kleeberger
of the Department of Physical
Training.

Recreation Applied to
Country Life Problems. —
Such is the title of a four weeks'
summer course given by the
Massachusetts Agricultural Col-
lege and the Northeastern Field
Committee of the Young Wo-
men's Christian Association, at
Amherst, Massachusetts, July
2 to 31. The course on Or-
ganised Play and Rrecreation
will be given by Agnes Burns
Ferguson — now Dr. Ferguson —
of Pittsburgh, whose growing in-

125

THE WORLD AT PLAY

sight into the meaning of play
for the family and the commu-
nity has been the inspiration of
many play leaders.

Work - Study - Play. — The
Brooklyn Eagle sees the point
when it declares the "work-
study-play" school worthy of
intelligent interest and support
as the "first serious effort for a
coordinated all-round develop-
ment of the great mass of future
citizens, such as the 'country
day schools' seek to give their
selected pupils."

Inaugural Declares for
Open Schoolhouses.— Mayor
Charles S. Ashley, of New Bed-
ford, Massachusetts, taking the
oath of office for the eighteenth
time, advocated throwing open
the schoolhouses when they were
wanted.

Coyotes for the Treasury. —
A novel way of earning money
for a playground in Custer
County, Nebraska, was by a
coyote "round up." The pelts
were sold and the money turned
into the treasury.

Rally Days for Advertis-
ing.—A series of "rally days"
were given in the various play-
ground districts of Oakland,
California, at which an attrac-
tive program was presented and
neighbors who knew told those
who didn't know what the play-
grounds had to offer them and
their children.

A Proper Study for Par-

126

ents. — A call sent out for a
parent-teachers' association in
Des Moines reads as follows:

"The next regular meeting of
the Parent-Teachers' Associa-
tion of the North High School
will be held in the North High
School auditorium next Mon-
day evening at eight o'clock.
Mr. L. H. Weir, Field Secre-
tary of the Playground and
Recreation Association of Amer-
ica, who is in Des Moines for an
extended study of our recrea-
tional needs and opportunities,
will be present and talk on A
Community's Recreation.

"The following resolution form-
ulated by the Executive Board
will be presented at this meet-
ing:

'Recognizing the urgent need
for concerted action on the
part of parents in the social life
of our sons and daughters, we,
the parents and patrons of the
North High School, do resolve —

'That we encourage the or-
ganization of social interests
within the school, pledging our-
selves to lend our aid in every
way to the support of such clubs :

'That we unite in opposing
expensive social affairs, late
hours, and interference with
school work in both school and
neighborhood gatherings, be-
lieving such affairs should be
confined to Friday and Satur-
day evenings and to seasonable
hours;

THE WORLD AT PLAY

'That we refuse to allow our
sons and daughters membership
in any club or society in which
the spirit and letter of the anti-
fraternity law is violated;

'To the support of the above,
in the interest of better life in
the home, the school, and the
community, we pledge our indi-
vidual and collective action.' '

Community Festival

Course. — Cedar Springs, Michi-
gan, successfully conducted a
lyceum combining "home talent"
and motion pictures. Ten pro-
grams were given — two by the
dramatic club of the school-
community center, two by the
orchestra, two by the choral
club, one lecture and Quo Vadis
and Last Days of Pompeii in
moving pictures. The last pro-
gram was a May festival put
on by all the clubs working
together. Course tickets sold
at one dollar and a half.

"Community Day."— A
musical program, an Edison
concert, a parlor field meet and
gymnastic drills made up the
program of the "community
day" held by the Roxbury, New
York, Young Men's Christian
Association. A Harvester drill
by boys in overalls using turnips
for dumbbells was popular. A
"community sing' ' closed the day.

Beninngton's Hallowe'en.
— Miss Agnes Whipple sends the
following account of Bennington's
Hallowe'en:

"For several years the community
celebrations in our village have
been conducted under the man-
agement of The Public Welfare
Association — or The Civic
League, as the organization was
called in its earlier years — and
always these celebrations have
been a success. But the palm
was awarded the 1916 observ-
ance of Hallowe'en, as to size,
the enthusiastic support given
by the public and the amount of
enjoyment apparent on all sides.

"Heretofore in our Hallowe'en
parades each group has masqued
and costumed according to its
own ideas. But this time the
parade was centered upon the
idea of representing Mother
Goose characters, and the result
was far more interesting and
attractive. There were thirty-
five floats in line, all splendidly
arranged and decorated, and
many had particular aptness;
for instance, one of our leading
clothiers named Cole arranged
his float to represent Old King
Cole and His Fiddlers Three;
and a plumbing firm very cleverly
showed one depicting Rub-a-dub-
dub, Three Men in a Tub.

"The parade was headed by the
Chairman of the Festival Com-
mittee, dressed as Uncle Sam,
and there were over six hundred
in line. After the parade, the
band played for a time in the
principal square, one section of
which was cleared and swept

127

THE WORLD AT PLAY

for dancing. This part of the
program opened with a snake
dance, under the direction of
Physical Director Mann. Gen-
eral dancing followed. The
crowd on the streets was im-
mense and the square so packed
that one could hardly struggle
through. There were various
estimates of the number of peo-
ple thronging the streets as
spectators, and while it was im-
possible to get a very accurate
estimate, everyone agreed that
pretty nearly the entire popu-
lation was present, enjoying
themselves hugely.

"The most gratifying feature
of the entire affair to the Wel-
fare Association was the spirit
of co-operation shown by the
merchants and different organi-
zations taking part. Several
merchants were so pleased with
the outcome of their efforts that
they announced their intention
of participating even more largely
another year, and others who
were not represented expressed
their determination to take part
next time. The absence of any
hint of rowdyism was particu-
larly noticeable, good-natured
fun and jollity prevailing every-
where. Many of us have visions
of a time when our young people
will have forgotten that Hal-
lowe'en ever meant rough prac-
tices and rowdyism."

Happy Evenings. — Kather-
ine F. Smith, conducting the

128

first summer playground at Bath,
Pennsylvania, found the long
summer evenings the time to
make the playground count for
the community:

"After supper the parents
would come up and watch the
children play and dance.

"The older boys and girls,
who were not provided for in
the equipment of the grounds,
enjoyed seeing the youngsters
do their folk dancing so well
that they were eager to learn.
So a social dancing class was
formed in connection with the
playground, and three evenings
a week in a hall hired for the
purpose I instructed these young
people in modern dancing. I
might add that a goodly num-
ber of 'real grown-ups' partici-
pated

"The last night was a beauti-
ful moonlight one — almost as
bright as day. We had a grand
finale. Almost everyone in town
was there. The children danced
and the older boys and girls danc-
ed— the dancing class giving the
crowd an extra treat by appearing
in costume — gi ving a grand march
and winding the May pole, to
the great delight of everyone
present. The hall in which
the masquerade was held was
so small that visitors and friends
had to be excluded, only the
local editor and three or four
matrons being present."

A Neighborhood Associa-

THE WORLD AT PLAY

tion That Does Things.—

The report of the Matinecock
Neighborhood Association for
the year 1916 shows many recre-
ational features. These features
center about the neighborhood
house which was built in 1914
through the cooperation of no
families. The building is worth
$31,000 and contains an audi-
torium, social room, bowling
alleys, pool table, lavatories,
motion picture booth and room
for the village fire department.
The attendance at the house
during the past year was more
than 800 a week, and the in-
come for the year was $4,039.
A dancing class, whose enroll-
ment of a hundred made it neces-
sary to meet in three divisions
instead of one as planned, was
one of the new developments dur-
ing 1 9 1 6 . The class was conduct-
ed by volunteers and met once a
week all winter and once a
month during the summer. Each
member of the class paid fifteen
cents a lesson, the proceeds
going to the house. Then there
were motion pictures twice a
week, lectures, and many church
socials held in the auditorium.
There was a choral club reor-
ganized during the year and
this has now a membership of
thirty-five members. The meet-
ings are well attended and when
the club gave an open rehearsal
the audience was large and en-
thusiastic. The house is said

to be in use for some recrea-
tional purpose every night in
the week, and has brought to
the community much that it
could not otherwise have had.

A library containing 3500
volumes is conducted as well
as class-room libraries at various
schools. School gardens, a pub-
lic bathing beach, skating and
winter sports have also been
enjoyed as a result of the efforts
of the Neighborhood Associa-
tion.

At a "Bob-sled Carnival"
held in February, nine villages
competed for the Association's
trophies and for sweepstake
prizes. The "Matinecock," the
new bob owned by the women
of the Matinecock Neighbor-
hood Association, took third
prize as it did a few days later
at the Huntington Carnival.

Making Room for Neigh-
borliness. — In a neighborhood
center ought there to be an
opportunity for "private" or
"exclusive" groups from neigh-
borhoods to meet? Whether
you turn to city or country at
the present time you have a
large part of most neigh-
borhoods unorganized. If all
the people of a neighborhood
were already members of a
neighborhood group there would
be much less need of the neigh-
borhood centers. The individ-
uals who are not sharing in a
community life have however

129

THE WORLD AT PLAY

an unconscious desire to be
part of the neighborhood. A
center which is largely a place
for private or exclusive groups
already formed, which does not
help to organize the great unor-
ganized part of the neighbor-
hood, falls short of the true ideal
of neighborliness. It is because
so many families have no neigh-
borhood relationship that there
is such need of a neighborhood
center.

A neighborhood center, like
the church, can be organized to
death. We do not want always
to travel with just the same
group. So far as we do this we
narrow ourselves and become
less useful citizens, less efficient
neighbors. We want to try
out new groups and new com-
binations and through the in-
fluence of new friends make
new discoveries as to latent
possibilities within ourselves.

Much of our modern leisure
time life is carried on through
groups but these groups are
ever-changing and the mortality
of private associations is great —
for which we have many times
reason to be grateful. If social
life, neighborliness, is organized
too much it is killed and
only the ugly corpse remains.
Neighborliness, play, is a spirit
not to be too closely measured
with a ruler, chained with for-
mal plans, or with too elaborate
tables of statistics. The greatest

need is for big men with big
souls who will make neighbor-
liness attractive.

Somebody to Talk to.—
"I want somebody to talk to
and there isn't anyone I know
well enough."

The neighborhood center helps
many a stranger to find the
comradeship he longs for.

Music Brings Cheer. — "Buf-
falo will need its community
chorus in war time. Every
city in America will need one.
There isn't anything like song
to cheer the heart in times of
turmoil, or to keep the mind
from dwelling on misfortune."
So Harry Barnhart prefaced
the singing of America by the
Buffalo community chorus, 300
strong, in the high school build-
ing, though a blizzard raged
and some of the singers had
walked miles in the storm.

State Moving Picture Films.
—Governor T. W. Beckett, of
North Carolina, in his message
to the legislature and people
of his state, advocates a state
appropriation of $50,000 to fur-
ther the use of educational
motion pictures.

More Gardens for Boys
and Girls. — Commissioner Clax-
ton's plan for using vacant lots
and boys' and girls' time for
making gardens is echoed in a
circular sent to the schools of
Ontario, Canada by the Minis-
ter of Education. Larger home

130

THE WORLD AT PLAY

and school gardens, with less
space for flowers and more for
plants of food value are urged.

Boys' and Girls' Exposi-
tions.— A modern method of
utilizing the play spirit in work
lies in the expositions held in a
number of communities for boys
and girls. Here are displayed
the results of a summer's gar-
dening, handiwork, arts-crafts —
all the work of the boys and
girls themselves. The third
annual event of this kind was
held in Burlington, Vermont, in
October. Exhibits of vocational
and pre-vocational work were
made, the most interesting ex-
hibits taking the form of class
demonstrations by pupils of
schools and other institutions
from all over Vermont.

Snow-Man Competition. —
The playgrounds of Rochester,
New York, held an inter-play-
ground "snow-man competi-
tion." Only children under
fourteen were allowed to com-
pete. Points were awarded as
follows: 30 for height, 30 for ap-
pearance and proper proportion,
30 for originality in design, 10
for difficulties overcome, such
as accumulation of snow. Metal
or wooden supports were per-
mitted but stuffing with old
clothes was not encouraged.
The same judges visited all the
playgrounds before dark, meas-
uring the snow-men and giving
30 points for the tallest, no

points for height for the small-
est and points in proportion to
height for the others.

Exhibit of School Equip-
ment for Little Children. —
At the Riverside Branch of the
New York Public Library, an ex-
hibit was held for the purpose
of showing materials which are
adapted to free use by children
under seven years of age "at
the promptings of their own
creative impulses." It also
showed results accomplished by
young children. It included
drawing materials, building
blocks of all sorts, crayons and
paints and many other materials
with which a child develops
individuality while playing. There
were also pictures (if such irreg-
ular forms could be called pic-
tures) drawn by children and
exhibits of apparatus from dif-
ferent companies. One particu-
larly interesting exhibit was
that of some furniture made by
children under seven — a doll's
bureau, chairs, tables. An ex-
hibit given by the School of
Childhood of the University of
Pittsburgh showed an ingenious
two-story structure of wood
which could be placed in a
playroom. By means of this,
space could be economized as
children might play on both
stories at the same time. A
screen to place between the
children in the playroom so that
each child's play might be more

THE WORLD AT PLAY

individual, was not universally
approved. The exhibit is to
go to Boston and later to
Teachers' College.

Discs for Dice.— Superinten-
dent of Playgrounds and Recre-
ation, Robert A. Bernhard of
Rochester, N. Y., has designed
a dial to take the place of dice
in the game of parchesi. The
advantage of this dial is obvious.
It is made by printing all the
combinations of numbers it is
possible to obtain with two dice,
on a paper disc, which is pasted
upon a block of wood in the
following manner;

Shellac the block with white
shellac, sandpaper the top, paste
disc on sandpapered surface
with library paste, shellac over
the surface while the paste is
still moist, varnish entire block
with spar varnish, these steps
are necessary to keep the var-
nish or shellac from soaking
under the paper and staining the
disc.

A substantial spinner is made
from a brass strip one-fourth
inch wide and one-sixteenth
inch thick. By sawing V shape,
the V makes the point of one
spinner and the tail of another
with one operation.

Fasten the spinners to the
blocks by the use of washers
and brass nails.

The paper discs can be pur-
chased in Rochester N. Y., at
$1.50 per hundred or $5.50
132

for 500, as they have the type
already set up, they probably
can make them at a better price.

Swimming to a B. A. —
Washington and Lee Univer-
sity, Lexington, Va., requires
each student receiving a diploma
to pass a series of swimming
tests, the last one being the
carrying of a man of one's own
size twenty-five feet in deep
water. The gymnasium of the
University is as full of workers
as any college laboratory.

Permits for Municipal Ten-
nis.— Many cities do not use
any permits but open the courts
on the principle of "first come,
first served."

East Orange, New Jersey, re-
serves two of its tennis courts
each Saturday afternoon and on
holidays for adults. No reser-
vations of any courts can be
made in advance. Singles are
not allowed when others are
waiting to play, and no court
can be used continuously by the
same party for more than forty
minutes if others desire to use
it. To accommodate busi-
ness men who wish to play be-
fore going to the day's duties,
the courts are open for tennis
at six a. m. It is not unusual
to have all the courts used at
this early hour. Players fur-
nish their own racquets and balls.

In order to use the Park
Department courts in New York
City it is necessary to secure a

THE WORLD AT PLAY

permit. The permit is issued
without charge and is given for
one season, eight months. A
permit is issued for a certain
specified park, but not for a
certain specified time or a cer-
tain court. The holders of the
permits must wait at the park
until their turn is reached. The
courts can be used forty-five
minutes and it is necessary
for two of the players using
the court to have permits. There
are both small size single courts
and regulation size double courts.
No singles can be played on the
double courts. The only re-
striction regarding the use of
shoes is that they do not have
heels. The players themselves
must furnish racquets and balls
and in most of the parks their
own nets. In Central Park
nets are furnished by the City.
Generally there are no locker
accommodations. Permits are
revoked for any violations of
the rules.

Volley Ball Popular.— Vol-
ley ball is one of the most pop-
ular games with the Women's
Outdoor Club of the Mosswood
Playground, Oakland, Califor-
nia.

Amateur Athletic Federa-
tion in Newport. — This or-
ganization began in an effort
of athletic leaders in Newport,
Rhode Island, to offset the
tendency to passive play, in
which the few took part and the

many looked on, the lack of
community consciousness, since
most play was provided along
racial, class or religious lines,
and a rather extreme develop-
ment of athletic competition for
money prizes. All of these
undesirable conditions have been
influenced by the Federation
in its service of little more than
a year. Fourteen amateur or-
ganizations were federated in
the first year, three great meets
were held and really remark-
able cooperation of those inter-
ested in athletic progress was
secured.

Athletics in Detroit Public
Schools. — Boys and girls under
the Detroit public school depart-
ment of physical education are di-
vided into squads for register-
ing records in various tests.
The squad leader takes his
squad out of the school room
and has each member try the
event. Records are handed to
the room captain, who mails
them to the physical training
department. All practicing is
done out of school hours. So
well-organized is the squad work
that in some cases six boys
leave a room, register their
record and are back in their
seats in two and one-half min-
utes. A school trophy is given
to the best physically developed
school in each league.

Cards for standard badge tests
for each boy indicate number of

133

THE WORLD AT PLAY

points allowed for each achieve-
ment so that any boy can
compute his own record.
Securing a Hearing for the

Old Story.— Dorothy Wilson
writes in The Storyteller's Mag-
azine of storytelling in Los
Angeles Libraries, where that
activity is carried on through-
out the whole system. Many
of the libraries, especially the
newer ones, have rooms for
storytelling; in other buildings
the story hour is held infor-
mally in a corner of the chil-
dren's room — a plan which has
its advantages, as well as dis-
advantages. "The program con-
sists of one story for the littlest
children, a fairy story of gen-
eral appeal, as The Tinder Box,
Aladdin, or Murdoch's Rath,
and a realistic or cycle story, as
The Leak in the Dike, or the
adventures of Ulysses or Robin
Hood. Care is taken always to
select stories of literary and
dramatic worth with moral
soundness existent but not em-
phasized, and with wholesome
humor, which may be boisterous
and even crude, but never vul-
gar. Any new stories with these
properties may be used, but
most of the modern stories lack
the vigor and the artistic qual-
ity of the old."

The storytellers at first pro-
tested that the children would
not listen to old stories retold
but they found if they led up to

the stories in the right way
the children were always pleased.
"If, for instance, the storytel-
ler begins without warning the
story of Sleeping Beauty, by the
time she comes to the wicked
fairy's prophecy, her audience
then feels no doubt that an old
story is being worked off on
them and they become dis-
gusted and with their natural
frankness say: 'We don't want
to hear that' or, 'That's no
good; tell another.' That set-
tles the story ; * * * before starting
it, I said, 'I know you have all
heard this story but I wonder
if you ever heard it the way I
am going to tell it?' This re
mark aroused their curiosity
and they decided to give it a
trial."

More Land than Boys. —
The Morristown School is unique
in that it has seventy boys and
eighty acres of land about it.
Athletic play forms a large part
of the course, and the mas-
ters play with the boys.

Indispensable in Town-
ship Life.— The Rollo Consoli-
dated School, Paw Paw Town-
ship, De Kalb County, Illinois has
a school yard of twenty-six acres.
This includes a park, with shrubs
and flowers, a playground, ath-
letic field, and individual gardens.
The school also maintains neigh-
borhood orchards and conducts
tests for tuberculosis.

An Extra Hour for Play.—

134

THE WORLD AT PLAY

Since Cleveland has adopted
eastern time, more than two
thousand people there have been
playing baseball daily in the
parks, and one thousand others
have played tennis every day
in the hour that they have
gained by rising earlier.

New Hawaiian Park. — A
new national park, including
three great volcanoes, has been
created in Hawaii, the first out-
side the continental boundaries
of the United States.

Athletics in Spain.— Those
who have been responsible for
launching the movement for
athletic games and sports for
young people in Spain feel that
it is succeeding beyond their
expectation. The young Span-
iards are very enthusiastic and
eager to develop international
competitions, when conditions
will permit. The football com-
petitions have been well patro-
nized. They are conducted ac-
cording to the rules of the Eng-
lish Football Association, the
leading competition each year
being for a cup given by King
Alfonso. The second cross-coun-
try championship, organized by
Espana Sportiva, was a huge
success. Eighty-six entered ;
seventy-seven finished, in spite
of rain. In the evening, prizes
were presented amid enthusiasm
and festivity.

Camp Fire in the Orient.—
The Camp Fire Girl Manual

has recently been translated
into Italian. Camp Fire cir-
cles have been established in the
Orient. America has oppor-
tunity for a very distinct con-
tribution to progress through
the Boy Scouts, the Camp Fire
Girls, and the playgrounds.

Colombo, Ceylon, Plays. —
A park in the congested district
has been opened as a playground
with the usual equipment. The
first to make use of it were
"about fifteen street boys whose
clothing consisted mostly of
fresh air, playing 'rounder/ "

The course in physical train-
ing which the Y. M. C. A. gives
at the Government Training
College of Ceylon is helping to
meet the need for play leaders.

Philippine Inter- Scholas-
tic Meet. — More than 300 Fili-
pino athletes from the southern
half of the Islands participated
in a four-day meet held at
Zamboanga under the auspices
of the Board of Education.
Basket ball, baseball and tracks
athletics were on the program.

Developments in China.—
C. M. Goethe, who has done so
much to rouse play interest in
China sends the following cheer-
ing items :

To meet the need of super-
visors for the eighty playgrounds
to be inaugurated in the Provi-
dence of Kiang Su, China, the
Young Men's Christian Asso-
ciation has provided a special

i35

THE WORLD AT PLAY

training school for the superin-
tendents and supervisors.

Recognizing the need of
trained supervisors, the Govern-
ment College at Nanking has
just instituted a two-year course
for playground directors.

The Amoy Chamber of Com-
merce has financed a contract for
an American playground super-
intendent for three years.

St. John's University at Shang-
hai has joined the playground
movement in the Orient and
become a center of radiation of
playground work under leader-
ship. The University has opened
a playground using students
trained in the social better-
ment courses as leaders.

"Foreign" Women in Ja-
pan.— Miss Susan A. Searles,
of Kobe College, Kobe, Japan
writes of playground progress in
Kobe:

"Some of us are talking of
municipal playgrounds, but a
larger number of the mothers are
as yet interested only in a play-
ground for their own children.
We have been able to secure
the use of Kobe College play-

ground on Saturdays when not
used by the students, and are
trying the experiment with these
'foreign* children. A committee
of three members of the club
has general direction and the
mothers take turns in supervis-
ing. We are hoping that the
interest may grow, and that it
may be an object lesson for the
Japanese who are already inter-
ested in the matter, but who do
not yet feel able to spend money
on apparatus, and who do not
appreciate the value of play
leadership.

"It may be that later I can
pass on the pamphlets you sent
me to some of the English-speak-
ing Japanese. The Japanese
educational authorities are al-
ready doing a good deal in the
way of calisthenics and other
forms of physical exercises in
their schools, and they make a
great deal of their annual or
semi-annual field day sports.

"One of the primary school
principals has recently returned
from a trip to America, where, I
understand, he was sent to inves-
tigate playground conditions."

136

THE RECREATION MOVEMENT IN WAR TIMES

BULLETINS SENT OUT FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PLAYGROUND AND RECREA-
TION ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

To Leaders in Recreation Work in America :
America demands our best now.

There is no group more loyal than the recreation workers.
The Board of Directors of the Playground and Recreation
Association of America has passed the following votes:

Voted:. That the Association approve the suggestion
that in order to make the service of soldiers in military camps
more effective, the War Department appoint a recreation com-
mission to make adequate provision for the wise use of leisure
time.

That there ought to be on such a commission men who
have had experience in recreation activities and in physical
training; that the Playground and Recreation Association of
America tender to the Secretary of War any help within its
power to give.

Voted: That the secretary confer with the Committee
on National Defense regarding possible ways in which recrea-
tion workers can help in the present national crisis.

Voted: That the secretary prepare a statement regard-
ing the more important recreation workers, showing the special
experience which they have had in bringing men into good
physical conditions, in training physical directors, in organiz-
ing special recreation activities.

Voted: That the Association prepare a special report for
local recreation leaders showing how they can help now in
the municipal recreation centers in bringing men into good
physical condition for possible future military service.

Voted : That the Association help leaders in various states
to secure state legislation providing for compulsory physical
education in the schools under a plan giving a central state
authority some control over appointments.
April 9, 1917

To Recreation Secretaries:

With our country at war with Germany, we want as recreation
workers to do all we can to help. Many neighborhood centers will

137

THE RECREATION MOVEMENT IN WAR TIMES

open classes for the training of young men who want to get in phy-
sical condition to enlist.

Through neighborhood gatherings at the recreation f centers,
much can be done to keep an enlightened public opinion back of
the government.

Many recreation centers already promote vacant lot or home
gardening. That the cost of living may be reduced, much more
will undoubtedly be attempted in encouraging the planning and
proper care of such gardens, not only for economic reasons as a
patriotic service, but also as a form of recreation and wholesome
outdoor exercise.

Through newspaper articles, the physical training experts of the
recreation systems will try to help all men in the country to keep
in good physical trim so that the maximum service may be given
in industry as well as in the army, in case they should be called
upon for service in the future.

Cities located near military camps will undoubtedly try to
make their schoolhouse centers and other centers of as great service
as possible to the soldiers.

Please send at once any other suggestions, also information as
to plans for any form of national service which you are now putting
into effect. It is hoped that we can send a number of bulletins
to all the recreation systems, embodying the suggestions received
from various cities.

If the United States Government organizes a national recrea-
tion board, how many men in your recreation systems, or men
living in your city who were formerly in your system, who have
had recreation training, would be available for^service under such
a national recreation board?
April 9, 1917

WHAT A RECREATION SYSTEM CAN Do TO HELP.NOW

Dr. Thomas A. Storey of the New York Military Training
Commission in a conference a few days ago, suggested that recrea-
tion secretaries enlist the service of local physicians, the best ob-
tainable, to give medical examinations to young men over nine-
teen who wish at the recreation centers to train themselves for
future military service. Dentists also might be enlisted as few
things are more important than the properjcare of the teeth. After
138

THE RECREATION MOVEMENT IN WAR TIMES

taking the physical examination, men can work under the direction
of the recreation leaders in trying to overcome any difficulties found.

Dr. Storey suggests also the possibility of a series of talks on
personal hygiene, care of the body, problem of the prevention of
disease, through what carriers disease is spread. At the gymnasium
of the center a series of posture exercises and exercises affecting
the abdominal muscles and the muscles of the leg would be exceed-
ingly valuable. Koehler's Manual of Physical Training is the one
in use at West Point and Dr. Storey states that it contains excel-
lent suggestions for exercises of various kinds. Great emphasis
should be laid on playing such games as hand ball, volley ball, and
other games which make the heart beat fast and the blood circu-
late more freely. It is particularly desirable that men should learn
to play games which can be kept up later while they are in military
service.

In any effort to prepare for military 'service, much time should
be spent in hiking, tramping, and in cross-country runs which will
involve going up and down hill and through woods and entangle-
ments. Such tramps should be taken daily if possible, increasing
gradually in length and difficulty. Of course great care must be
taken to keep the feet in good condition. Shoes must fit well.
Socks with holes should be avoided and clean socks should be put
on prior to every march. Care should be taken that any blisters
be not broken; they should be protected by a piece of chamois
greased with vaseline.

A special committee has been appointed to draw up sugges-
tions which may be of value to recreation secretaries throughout
the country.
April 9, 1917

SUGGESTIONS TO THE PLAYGROUND DIRECTORS CONCERNING THE FITTING OF
YOUNG MEN FOR MILITARY SERVICE*

I. Hygienic Suggestions

i. Give suggestions concerning the care of the feet. The

*Dr. J. H. McCurdy has prepared for us these brief suggestions as to
what we can do in fitting young men for military service.

Please send us word as soon as possible as to any such plans you are trying.
The Association has asked J. H. McCurdy, William Burdick, A. E- Metzdorf,
and E. A. Peterson to serve as a committee to go over the suggestions received
and draw up a report which we can all have for use.

139

THE RECREATION MOVEMENT IN WAR TIMES

Soldier's Foot and ike Military Shoe by Munson, the book officially
approved by the War Department, is the best work along this line.
2. Personal hygiene concerning the care of the skin, abrasions
and blisters, and the care of the teeth. For the whole topic would
recommend directors studying carefully Pyle's Personal Hygiene.
This book would give in definite form suggestions regarding diet,
sleep and exercise.

II. Exercise Suggestions

1. Games. Recommend such games as volley ball, indoor
baseball, soccer, and hand ball. Directors should be urged to in-
crease these games, and encourage young men who are likely to
enlist to learn the rules of the games as well, so that they may be
leaders in them.

2. Definite exercises

1. Arm bending, standing with the feet 15 inches from
the wall and with the hands against the wall

2. Arm bending in the front leaning rest position, with
the trunk straight

3. Rope climbing, with rope stretched at an angle of 45

4. Rope climbing, vertical rope 16 ft. in height

5. Knee raising (high) 40-50 times in one minute

6. Walking — five miles in one hour

7. Running — one mile in nine minutes

8. Wall scaling — over a solid wall 6 ft. high, five times in
eight minutes

9. Trunk bending, in the standing position

10. Raising the legs from the lying position on the back

These exercises should be pursued with vigor. Classes of a

competitive nature might well be organized, care being taken to

keep the running and walking distances only at the speed at which

the slowest man in the group could cover the distance.

The directors should purchase the Manual of Physical Train-
ing published by the United States Army in 1914. This book gives
many additional exercises and suggestions.
April 12, 1917

To Recreation Secretaries:

Please write as soon as you can whether you consider it wise,
during the present war, for recreation systems to concentrate so
far as possible upon the following program: —
140

THE RECREATION MOVEMENT IN WAR TIMES

1. Bringing and keeping men and women in good physical
condition for one hundred per cent service to America at this time

2. Vacant lot gardening to increase the food supply and at
the same time afford wholesome recreation and build up physical
vigor

3. Patriotic meetings to keep all the people united behind the
President and the Government

April 17, 1917

RECREATION LEADERS AT WORK ON WAR PROBLEMS
LETTERS RECEIVED

F. C. BERRY, Supervisor of Recreation Board of Park Commissioners, Minne-
apolis, Minnesota

We are going right ahead with our plans for the operation of
playgrounds and centers and the conduct especially of physical
activities.

Many of your suggestions I shall be able to put into practice
and will give this matter local publicity and stimulate the promotion

of this type of work to my best ability.

* * *

LINCOLN E. ROWLEY, Secretary Board of Recreation Commissioners, East
Orange, New Jersey

I have been very much interested in your communications
suggesting ways by which playground and recreation workers may
be of help to the country at this trying time, and I am prompted
by your interest to ask you if you do not think it would be wise
for your office to ask all who are in charge of playground and recrea-
tion fields to consider the cultivation of a reasonable part of these
fields in order that the supply of food may be increased, and be-
cause it seems to me that in this way, by a well thought out plan,
there is the finest opportunity to teach real patriotism that has
ever been our lot.

Supposing, for instance, our board approves a plan which I
am formulating to cultivate four out of the nine acres at Elmwood
Park, with our general caretaker as superintendent. It would be
my idea to form clubs, the members of which would undertake to
plant, care for and harvest — say — one hundred hills of potatoes
or beans, the seed for a quarter of these to be donated and the pro-
ceeds of this quarter to be devoted in the fall to the Red Cross or
some other military need which the Recreation Commission ap-
proves; the balance to go to the individual for his own family's

141

THE RECREATION MOVEMENT IN WAR TIMES

need. In case of one's failing properly to cultivate his part the
Commission could continue the cultivation and sell the entire
product and devote the proceeds to some cause such as I have
mentioned.

In addition to this I think we may have a plot about the size
of the average commuter's back yard which we will plant with the
different things that grow here in order that the people may see
what can be done and how the different things should be cared for.
I also have in mind that here we will utilize all the large space
which has formerly been used for flowers, for planting tomatoes,
cabbages, egg-plant, beans and turnips. I believe that the boys
and girls would not only help care for these, but would see that they
were not injured during the growing season.

Unless the Engineering Department of our City does so, I
think the Recreation Commission will buy three or four plows, a
disc-harrow and a cultivator or two, which we will loan to people
who have larger tracts which they could cultivate if it were possible
to get the grounds prepared in time and without excessive cost.
The trouble is in most of these cities there are no tools of this kind
which can be brought into use and no individual of course can afford
to buy them for use on a small city lot.

H. F. COOK, Supervisor Board of Recreation Commissioners, Newport, Rhode

Island

Because the United States is in a state of war, the demands
of the government for service from each and every American —
child as well as adult — will be particularly great with a view
to the successful termination of the war. The supervisor has con-
sidered for some time whether his services would be more import-
ant to the country by enlisting in regular military work or by re-
maining in his present position. For a while, at least, he has thought
it best to continue in the recreation work, though if necessity should
arise, it would be possible, it seems to him, to have the recreation
work so organized that most of it could be done by women.

In no circumstances, however, should the work for children be
given up. The countries at war advise strongly against such action.
France, Great Britain, and Germany report increased delinquency,
even serious crimes committed by children, because of the lack of
discipline caused by the war. Therefore, the Children's Bureau in
Washington urges greater attention to the health and morals of
142

THE RECREATION MOVEMENT IN WAR TIMES

children during the war than formerly. But the recreation work in
war time should be somewhat different from that of peace times.
Recreation work in war time — for adults as well as children — should
be planned with a view to contributing something to the country
either in service or efficiency for service. For children, this need
not be military training. In fact, it is the opinion of those who are
qualified to speak concerning the training of children under fifteen
years of age, that it would be unwise to give them any distinctly
military training. Of course, marching, wand and gymnastic
drills, and other formal activities are promoted in peace as well as
war time to teach discipline, precision of movement, and respect for
authority.

The activities suggested for the season of 1917 are as follows:
gardening, basketry, sewing, swimming, kindergarten work, camp-
ing and first aid, marching and drills, and games and athletics.
The promotion of vacant lot gardening, aside from aiding the coun-
try, offers one of the most wholesome forms of outdoor recreation.
The children might also make bandages, mufflers and towels for the
soldiers.

For the young men, the recreation program should include
cross country runs each week, physical and medical examinations,
athletic contests and physical training fitting young men for future
military training.

P. O. OSTERHUS, Supervisor the Playground Association, Williamstown, Massa-
chusetts

As soon as the new international relation with Germany was
officially stated by our Government, I at once conferred with the
officials as to our opportunities for service. The men of the town
were called together by the leading citizens and a committee on
Food Production and Conservation was formed. The object was
to raise crops and the thought of the children's doing something
would be a side issue. As we have considerable land available we
shall no doubt be able to do a certain amount in addition to what
other agencies as the schools and The Goodwill Club, active now,
have already planned.

Under the college, military training is carried on both of stu-
dents and also a certain number of the town boys. The Boy Scouts
under the direction of college boys have been given special training
of late looking toward preparedness.

143

THE RECREATION MOVEMENT IN WAR TIMES

Classes of instruction in first aid and Red Cross work are in the
process of formation under various agencies, chiefly under that of
of the college. The Association began this work some time ago in
the high school.

Various clubs as poultry clubs and corn clubs are contemplated.
Work of this sort is under consideration for the country districts.

Wn,i,iAM A. STBCHER, Director of Physical Education, Philadelphia, Pennsyl-
vania

To the Teachers of Physical Training in the High Schools :

There is no telling what the near future will demand of our
boys in the way of military preparedness. To do our duty as
teachers of physical education, I would suggest that at this
time special stress be laid upon such exercises as will, in the shortest
time, increase the vigor and the endurance of our older boys.

1. The marching tactics of the soldier, the squad, and the
company as laid down in the course of study in physical education
should alternate with the more vigorous body building exercises.
At times the whole school arranged in platoons and companies
should take part in marching tactics.

2. The following types of exercises, being of most value as pre-
military instruction suited to growing boys, should be emphasized :

a. Marching in fast time (in column formation)

b. Running and marching in fast time, in alternation

c. Endurance running, from 4 minutes, gradually increas-
ing the time to 20 minutes

d. Fast running; relay racing

e. Jumping and hurdling

f . Vaulting over beams, fences and other obstacles

g. Climbing; wall scaling; carrying comrades; pyramid
building

h. Extended tramping from 2 to 8 hours a day, where
there is an opportunity

3. In all forms of athletics, please have the schedules so ar-
ranged that the weaker boys shall have the first chance to partici-
pate.

* * *

ARTHUR R. MORRISON, Commissioner of Recreation, Winnipeg, Canada

I beg to congratulate you most heartily on the circular just

J44

THE RECREATION MOVEMENT IN WAR TIMES

received dealing with the work that can be done by recreation work-
ers in connection with the betterment of the conditions of the men
in uniform.

In Canada, in all military camps, this has been the policy and
I have been privileged to assist the military authorities here in
arranging entertainments and games for the benefit of the men. I
am indeed proud at this stage of the fact that you are at last with
us in this war for freedom.

April 23, 1917

* * *

A. J. SHARADIN, Director Physical Education, Altoona, Pennsylvania

Since the break of relations with Germany, the plans for
physical work in the city schools have been completely re-arranged,
conforming more to the military lines. Too many young men are
rejected by the recruiting officers when the physical test is made.

The vacant lot gardening project is to be launched here on an
:tensive scale this year, working hand in hand with the playground
lovement. An expert gardener has been secured from Pennsyl-
vania State College to supervise the garden work and work with
me in the playground and recreation activities of Altoona.

Several patriotic meetings have so far been held where the
efforts of the citizens have been voiced freely relative to the posi-
tion Altoona takes in the present crisis. Of the 70,000 population
we have, approximately 5,000 are Germans.

* * *

W. M. CASTLE, Castle-Pierce Printing Company, Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Physical fitness for national service, and planting the vacant
lots for food and physical vigor. That's fine. That's our slogan.

Our own recreation director is carrying out a program for phy-
sical development which consists of active games, swimming, out-
door playgrounds, and a municipal camp. With regard to patriotic
meetings, we are planning a Memorial Day Pageant with a chorus
of looo, cast 200, orchestra 33 pieces; also a patriotic parade in
which 5000 school children will march "with an American flag on
one*shoulder and a hoe on the other," as our board president puts it.

* * *

J. R. BATCHBLOR, Director of Recreation, Duluth, Minnesota

We are taking up the matter of vacant lot gardening and push-
ing it very hard. We are also pushing patriotic meetings.

145

THE RECREATION MOVEMENT IN WAR TIMES

I should like to suggest, in view of the fact that so many of
our troops are doing guard duty in our own country, and in view
of the fact that they are having so much time hanging on their
hands, that the recreation association suggest to the officers the
need for constructive activities for their leisure time. Games should
be provided and vacant lots utilized near the headquarters for outdoor
playground games, and club houses should be equipped with check-
ers and other games for their leisure time.

W. BETTS, Parks and Playgrounds Associaion, Brooklyn, New York

We have taken up vacant lot gardening in Brooklyn, securing
people to cultivate the land offered, and securing the land for the
people who ask for specified plots. The practical side of the work
is carried on by the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, an expert super-
visor being placed in charge of the work.

HARRY P. CLARKE, Supervisor of Physical Education, Public Schools and Director
of Community Recreation, Winnetka, Illinois

The Winnetka War Emergency Union has been organized in
Winnetka, Illinois, as a result of a class in military drill and train-
ing, organized at our community gymnasium several weeks ago.
We secured the services of an ex-regular army commissioned
officer to take charge, enrolling my assistant and several others as
instructors. We already have 150 men training. We plan one
night per week for close order drill, setting up exercises and lec-
tures on personal and camp hygiene, Saturday afternoons to be
devoted to field and extended order drill. The general scheme was
suggested by a prominent lawyer of Chicago, who called a meeting
of the influential residents of Winnetka to organize, after he had
witnessed the enthusiasm displayed by the men in the training
class.

We are now canvassing the town to secure all available land
for free gardens, to be apportioned to citizens on application for
the production of foods for home consumption. We are beating
the organization into shape as rapidly as possible. A general meet-
ing is called for all residents to hear details and ratify departmental
committees.

If a national recreation board is organized, I volunteer and
offer the services of my one male assistant for any service we are

146

THE RECREATION MOVEMENT IN WAR TIMES

called upon to perform. I will supply you with details of the en-
tire scheme as soon as they are complete. The unanimous expres-
sion of our community is: "Tell us what to do — teach us how to do
it — and we will do it."

We are also agitating the organization of a North Shore
Hospital Unit, including Kenilworth, Wilmette, Winnetka and
Glencoe, cooperating with the North Shore Medical Association.

* * *

HELEN TUCKER LORD, Assistant, Playground and Recreation Association of
America, New York City

Would patriotic meetings be a way to draw in the foreign
population of the town? Could there be a series of meetings, the
program of each presented by American citizens of a certain na-
tionality designed to lead as many others as possible of that na-
tionality to become naturalized? Could naturalization classes be
carried on through the recreation system?

* * He

H. L. KAYTON, Chairman Recreation Commission, Savannah, Georgia

We have this year installed two civic gardens and the Com-
mission is encouraging vacant lot development in every way possi-
ble. The Parent-Teachers' Association of the various schools
have secured and planted vacant lots, and the result will be an
increased supply of fresh vegetables, which will be produced in
connection with the outdoor recreation work of the Commission.
This will undoubtedly add greatly to the physical condition of the
children and at the same time afford them recreation and educate
them in the way of planting and raising food-stuffs. The Recrea-
tion Commission is encouraging and developing this work to the
extent of its financial ability.

To Recreation Secretaries:

"Every Scout feed a soldier." "Feed or fight." "Beans and
potatoes." These are the slogans now being used. America not
only faces a serious food shortage now — she will probably have a
shortage for several years to come despite all we can do. Recrea-
tion leaders, according to reports received, are doing all they can
to help. In other years, many recreation systems have maintained
gardens. This year, apparently, nearly all are gardening and upon
a much larger scale.

i. Where there are backyards, backyard gardens are encour

14?

THE RECREATION MOVEMENT IN WAR TIMES

aged. Boys are taking their backyards and neighboring vacant
lots and attempting to raise all the potatoes their families will need
for the winter.

2. The city engineers and the real estate agents help in locat-
ing the owners of vacant lots.

3. Owners are glad to cooperate with recreation commissions
by giving the use of their land as a national service.

4. Newspapers are giving generous publicity and thus secur-
ing many offers of vacant lots for gardening.

5. Specialists in gardening are training playground helpers and
the land is developed under the watchful eyes of the playground
directors. Funds expended for the salary of garden specialists
are well spent.

6. Waste and confusion are avoided by team work with all
working on the food and gardening problem. Letters received show
that recreation leaders are careful not to do what others are already
doing well. Where other organizations are not working, recrea-
tion leaders are seeking and receiving the cooperation of many diff-
erent groups in their communities.

7. "Plow no playgrounds," writes one leader. Surely there
will be in most cities plenty of land without. A corner of the
regular playground, sometimes, but a whole playground — No.

8. Very valuable suggestions for home and vacant lot garden-
ing may be secured from the following sources :

Bulletins on Gardening issued by the Dept. of Agricul-
ture, Washington, D. C.

Bulletins issued by Mass. Agricultural College, Oregon
Agricultural College, and the Agricultural College of your
state

Bulletins issued by the Home Gardening Association of
Cleveland

Bulletins on backyard gardens issued by the Brooklyn
Botanical Garden of the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and
Sciences

The Garden Primer issued by the Mayor's Food Com-
mittee, 71 Broadway, N. Y.

Children's Gardens for Pleasure, Health and Education
by Henry G. Parsons, published by Sturges & Walton, New
York City

How to Make a Vegetable Garden and How to Make
School Gardens, published by Doubleday, Page & Company

148

THE RECREATION MOVEMENT IN WAR TIMES

9. Several recreation systems interested in gardening because
of the present war situation have asked what cities have reported
gardening as one of their playground activities. Perhaps others
who have not asked this question will wish to have the information
given below to help secure support for their own plans :

List of Cities Reporting on Gardening as One of Their Playground
Activities 1917 Year Book

Arkansas Indiana

Fort Smith Columbus

Rogers and Bentonville East Chicago

California Indianapolis

Oakland Muncie

San Diego Portland

San Jose Richmond

San Francisco South Bend

Colorado Terre Haute

Boulder Iowa

Denver Cedar Falls

Greeley Sioux City

Lamar Kansas

Pueblo Atchinson

Connecticut Hmporia

Hartford Fredonia

Meriden Independence

Wallingford Newton

Waterbury Kentucky

District of Columbia Danville

Washington Louisana

Florida New Orleans

Tampa Maine

Georgia Presque Isle

Macon Maryland

Illinois Cumberland

Berwyn Massachusetts

Chicago Braintree

Earlville Concord

Evanston Danvers

Gibson City Framingham

Joliet Franklin

Rochelle Holyoke

149

THE RECREATION MOVEMENT IN WAR TIMES

Marlboro
Milton
Newburyport
Newton
Norwood
Salem
Somerville
Stoneham
Wakefield
Wayland
Williamstown
Michigan
Detroit
Harbor Beach
Ishpeming
Kalamazoo
Lansing
Pontiac
Minnesota

Minneapolis
Rochester
Winona
Missouri

St. Louis
Montana
Gilford
Kalispell
North Carolina

Charlotte
New Hampshire

Concord

Franklin

Laconia

Nashua
New Jersey

Jersey City

Montclair

New Brunswick

Princeton

South Orange

Summit

New York
Albany
Binghamton
Buffalo
Fulton
Hudson Falls
Ithaca
Lackawanna
Malone
Mechanicsville
New York
Plattsburg
Rochester
Utica
Ohio

Canton

Cleveland

Columbus

Dayton

Gallipolis

Newark
Oklahoma

Muskogee
Pennsylvania

Altoona

Duquesne

East Pittsburg

Lansford

Johnstown

Pittston

Pottstown

Reading

West Reading

Wyomissing
Rhode Island

East Providence

Pawtucket

Westerly
Texas

El Paso

Waco

150

THE RECREATION MOVEMENT IN WAR TIMES

Vermont Canada

Brattleboro _

TT7, , . Ontario

Washington _ t M1

^ Brockville

Tacoma _

TT/ . T/. . . Toronto

TV es* Virginia ^

Fairmont

T,7 . . Hawaii
Wisconsin

Kenosha Honolulu

Sheboygan

Waupaca April 27, 1917

To the Recreation Secretaries:

A National Commission on Training Camp Activities has been
appointed by the Secretary of War. The Commission has not yet
published any program but one of the tasks before it will neces-
sarily be to help in developing the recreation resources in communi-
ties in the neighborhood of the training camps in such a way as to
be of the greatest possible value to the officers and soldiers.

The problem of recreation is as important a military problem
as any that exists and the relation of outside conditions to the camps
is a vital feature of this problem and one with which it is especially
appropriate that recreation workers should deal. They have special
knowledge in this matter possessed by no one else and if they do
not perform this vital service it will be performed by no one and
our armies will in consequence suffer losses greater than those in
many battles.

There is also the problem of developing recreation within the
training camps. How this service will be organized has not been
decided but it is likely to offer a field of opportunity for recreation
workers especially qualified for it.

The men on the National Commission on Training Camp
Activities are :

Raymond Fosdick, of the Rockefeller Foundation; Lee F.
Hanmer, of the Russell Sage Foundation; Joseph Lee, of the Play-
ground and Recreation Association of America ; Joseph E. Raycroft,
of Princteon University; John R. Mott, of the International Com-
mittee of the Y. M. C. A.; Malcolm L. McBride, of Cleveland;
Thomas J. Howells, of Pittsburgh; Major Palmer E. Pierce, U. S.
A.; Charles P. Neill, of Pittsburgh.

151

RURAL RECREATION

RURAL RECREATION*

"In the development of rural recreation we are just beginning
to light the lamp of history and that illumination is the biggest
thing in country life." In these words the importance of rural rec-
reation was brought home to the delegates assembled at the Con-
gress.

The value of rural recreation as a factor in community life is
due in a great degree to three main factors:

(a) The greater part of our population lives in rural com-
munities.

(b) People living in rural districts, statistics prove, are not so
fit physically as city people.

Michigan has 374 clubs for boys and girls under the direction
of Mr. E. C. Lindemann, State Club Leader. Every one of these
clubs is working on some real home project. Their function is
three-fold:

(a) The economic function which is absolutely essential in
rural recreation.

(b) The social function which enables the children to come
together to discuss their various activities and to play games.

Games practicable for use in rural schools must have the fol-
lowing elements:

(a) They must be safe. Basket ball has not in general been
found desirable in rural districts but vigorous games which do
not have elements tending toward over-strain should be encour-
aged. Volley ball is the best game. Horse and Rider is also excel-
lent for rural children.

(b) They must require a minimum of equipment. In rural
districts the luxuries of the play world are out of place.

(c) They must be games which can be played together by boys
and girls and which permit of playing by large numbers of chil-
dren as well as by a few.

(d) Good games are indigenous and come out of the life of
the children.

*Discussion at Recreation Congress, Grand Rapids, Michigan, October 2-6,
1916

152

RURAL RECREATION
Difficulties Mili- A number of difficulties present themselves in

tating against a .

Play Program putting a play program into action. While it

is a simple matter in the city to get together
a group of people interested in the same thing, it is a difficult prob-
lem in the country. The man who works alone in the field will
not have the same outlook as the man who works in a group.
Country children reflect the individualistic training of their parents
and, lacking initiative, do not play well together. In country schools
there are often so few children that it seems impossible to play
games and there is great difficulty in getting together a group of
children in rural districts. It was Mr. Lindemann's experience,
however, that if there are six children it is possible to play games.
In the country there is a lack of leadership and of facilities for
recreation. The country schools in most instances are not adapted
to play purposes. The need for leisure time is not recognized by
the parents of country children and the never-ending work of
the farm limits leisure-time activities.

The lack of native leadership in country districts makes the
question of leadership a very urgent one. A play leader in a rural
district cannot be successful unless he is willing to open up his
life absolutely to the community. He is always in the public eye
and must live up to the definition that "Character is what one is
in the dark." He must have a love for and understanding of
country children and must be able to play himself. There is no
room for the person who is apologetic or ashamed of his work.

Rural Teacher* in Mr E)rnest Burnham, Director of the Depart-

Commumty Rec-

reation ment of Rural Schools, Western State Normal

School, Kalamazoo, Michigan, summarized the
vital need in rural recreation in the words, "The objective of
creative leadership is to beget or discover the dynamic sense of
leadership in individuals and in institutions and to continually
vivify the same in action." In rural districts the rural school
teacher must be the leader, through her consciousness of the child
and her own social consciousness.

The Normal Schoolln general normal schools are laying emphasis

Factor^^Train-011 the health ideal rather than the social and are
ing of the Teacher giving far more training in physical education
for Leadership ^^ m gam£ wQrk There should be & change in

curriculum which would make it possible for training in games to be

i53

RURAL RECREATION

included. Efforts are being made in some normal schools, how-
ever, to meet the need for training in recreation. In the summer-
school course of the normal course at DeKalb, Illinois, every
girl is equipped with a knowledge of at least fifteen or twenty
games. There are special schools in Michigan for rural leadership.
The Kalamazoo Normal School offers a summer course and there
are a number of county institutes helpful to rural leaders. In
Wisconsin articles on rural recreation appear each month in the
bulletin of the State Department of Education. Certain books
have been put on the required list for the teachers' reading
circles. The county training schools are doing good work along the
line of training for rural leadership.

Work of Parent- That Parent-Teachers' Associations provide a
zattonsTn Rura?1" medium for starting community recreation in
Districts rural districts, was the statement of Mrs. Fred

Dick, President of the Federation of Parent-Teachers' Associa-
tions in Colorado. The object of Parent-Teachers' organizations
is to bring the parent and the teacher, the home and the school,
into intelligent cooperation by bringing about a mutual under-
standing on the part of the parents and teachers of the problems
of the home and the school. The great need for some socializing
influence in the rural school makes of vital importance the work
of Parent-Teachers' Associations in rural districts.

The country school must have a large part in rural recreation.
It is of the utmost importance, therefore, that the unattractive
and desolate school yard which persists in country school districts
shall be beautified. The cinder-surfaced city playground is after
all only a makeshift, yet it is often held up as a model after which
small communities are trying to pattern when nothing could be
more desirable than that the natural beauty of the country be im-
prisoned in the school yard. In the opinion of Miss Mari Hofer,
much of the degeneracy and loose speech current among children
in rural districts may be attributed to the unloveliness, baldness
and crudity of the school and its surroundings.

Practical Demon- ^ seed corn stringing and potato paring con-

stration of Rural

Club Work test by a group of club boys and girls as well

as a demonstration of games, added greatly to
the interest of the discussion on rural work. In the seed corn

154

RURAL RECREATION

stringing contest, the boys worked in pairs, each of them stringing
two ears. For the potato paring contest, the girls were divided into
two teams, each of which had a quantity of potatoes equal in
weight although necessarily varying in number. The score was
made on the time consumed and the weight of the parings. The
winning team made a score of 22 ounces of parings in 5.5 min-
utes.

The contests were followed by a demonstration of methods of
teaching minimum equipment games, found successful in rural
districts. The boys and girls entered with great enthusiasm into
the playing of such games as Japanese croe relay, over and under
relay, and call ball.

Mr Lindemann, State Club Leader for Michigan, in explain-
ing the organization of the club work which had been presented,
stated that in each community there is a county agricultural agency
and a county club leader. Each community has its local leader
who is a year-round worker. During the school year the teacher
plays a prominent part in club activities.

Community celebrations as developed by the
Cooperative Educational Association of Virginia
have been very effective in getting people in
rural districts to come together for recreational purposes. So
successful has been the work of the association which was organized
about twelve years ago by a group of individuals who felt that the
schools should become agencies for developing community life,
that today there are 1,200 communities in Virginia organized for
other purposes. As a result there has been brought about a strong
spirit of cooperation in these communities, which has found its ex-
pression in better roads, better schools, and other educational
facilities as well as in neighborhood recreation.

The plan for community celebrations as outlined by Mr. J. H.
Montgomery, ex-secretary of the Cooperative Educational Asso-
ciation, involves the coming together of the whole community family
at the schoolhouse for the celebration of special festivals.

This substitution of community for individual family or small
group observance of holidays has resulted in a new, a deeper sig-
nificance for the celebrations. Thanksgiving Day becomes Farm
Improvement Day. The people come together not only to give
thanks for what they have but to plan for the future. Washington's
Birthday becomes Good Roads Day, in memory of the man who

155

RURAL RECREATION

blazed roads through the trackless forest that those of less forti-
tude might follow. Christmas with a Community Christmas Tree
takes on a broader meaning. May Day celebration follows the old
customs which have become associated with the festival. Inde-
pendence Day becomes Good Health and Clean-up Day, com-
memorating the giving up of the lives of our fore-fathers for the
life of the country, by emphasizing the necessity of safe-guarding
the lives and health of their descendants.

As the identity and unity of the Hebrews has undoubtedly
been preserved partly through the strict observance of their holi-
days, so might America as a nation gain strength and unity through
the community observance of her national days.

Most Effective fhe bes^ medium for creating community spirit

Forms of Commun- .

ity Drama through dramatics, according to Prof. C. B.

Mitchell of the Michigan Agricultural College,
lies in the pageant which takes the form of a huge dance partici-
pated in by the entire community. Other forms of dramatics which
can be successfully used in rural centers with minimum equipment,
include the following: tableaux, pantomimes, living statuary,
shadowgraphs, one-act plays, and rural problem plays, of which
there is a dearth.

In no way can the plea for dancing, Sunday recreation, and
means for making rural life worth while be more effectively pre-
sented than through the problem play. Those of this type which
have been found unusually good are Back to the Farm, and Kindling
the Hearth Fire by Martin Sheunway of the Extension Division
of the University of Minnesota, and A Bee in a Drone's Hiw which
may be obtained through Prof. Alfred G. Arvold of the South
Dakota Agricultural College at Fargo.

The giving of pageants in rural districts presents three main
difficulties which must be met and overcome.

1. Lack of time. This may be overcome by perfecting organi-
zation so that no great amount of the burden rests on the shoulders
of any one person.

2. A lack of material. If material means subject, it is desira-
ble to use some historical subject that deals with the community
itself. Costumes and properties may be unearthed in attics in
which is stored away much of great historical value. Costumes
should be inexpensive as the expenditure of too much money will
rob too many people of the joyous part of the pageant. A good

156

RURAL RECREATION

rule for filling of parts is, "If a man looks the part, try him out."

3. Lack of interest. This is a difficulty which is often hard to

overcome in rural districts but in producing something which of

necessity requires so much cooperation, interest is bound to grow.

A number of boys and girls from the Lansing, Michigan, High

School presented in pantomine a shortened version of a pageant

read by Miss Mary Derby which pictured labor through the help

of truth breaking the chains with which superstition has bound

him and conquering want.

Professor Peter W. Dykema, presiding, declared
Music and Drama that the chief value of dramatics is in the ex-
tension of personality made possible by break-
ing away from the conventional individual unified personality and
entering into the experiences of the characters portrayed. The
teacher who can act the banker is thereby broadened. In a dis-
cussion of the dangers involved in having the villain parts enacted,
although one or two expressed the opinion that the acting of vil-
lain parts tends to develop villainous natures, the majority opinion
was that this develops an intelligent abhorrence of evil. Virture is
intelligible only on the background of vice.

Edgar B. Gordon of Winfield, Kansas, expressed the convic-
tion that the drama in the small town should not be confined to
the movies and the atrocious travelling troupe. He described com-
munity entertainments in which the local musical and dramatic
talent were utilized.

The past few years have seen a great change in
the functions of the church. Its functions of
education and philanthropy which had bound
the people closely to it have been taken over by the state; the old
distinction between sacred and secular which designated as sacred
only such things as pertained definitely to the church and its
service, and everything outside this classification as secular and
hence to be avoided, has been outgrown. The time has come when
the church must put its stamp of approval upon recreation and
must come more closely in contact with the social life of the people.
Only by furnishing facilities and opportunities for social life or at
least by cooperating with the social agencies of the community,
can the church hope to draw to it or hold young people.

The question which the church of today has to face is not,

J57

RURAL RECREATION

"Shall we have Sunday recreation?" for that already exists but,
"What kind of Sunday recreation shall we have?" Shall the church
frown upon recreation and divorce the young people or shall it
approve and provide facilities for the right sort of recreation. As
a possible solution of this problem, Rev. W. A. Thompson of De-
Witt, Michigan, quoted the statement of Prof. Caron of Harvard
University: "If recreation can be under the auspices of some insti-
tution which will preserve sanity and wholesomeness, there is no
harm in Sunday recreation."

It is a very encouraging sign that the church in realizing its
responsibility in the provision of proper recreation, is laying stress
in its theological seminary on recreation as a part of the training
of the students.

The Relation of theBecause Y. M. C. A. leaders recognize that a
ChiisU^As'ocia- b°y's life and character can be readily molded
tion to Rural Rec- and shaped through his play, they are laying
great stress upon recreation in their county work.
Work in an individual county is started through the efforts
of the state executive secretary who secures the cooperation of all
the social agencies of the county and organizes the county committee
whose duty it is to raise funds to employ a county secretary. The
county secretary in turn trains volunteer leaders for the various
communities and keeps in close personal touch with all the work
that is being done. In its county and township work the Y. M. C. A.
works in cooperation with all existing forces, supplementing the
three fundamental agencies, the home, the school, and the church.
Just as good roads are furnishing easier means of communication,
,so the Y. M. C. A. county work is bringing the communities into
closer touch with one another. County fairs offer opportunities
for the boys from different localities to become better acquainted
with one another. Through county athletic contests, field meets,
camps, hikes, and outings arranged by the county secretary, the
social and community life is quickened. When field meets and
similar activities are held, one school usually acts as host and the
festivities last all day. State leadership conferences which are
frequently held aid greatly in developing this vital phase of the
work.

158

RURAL RECREATION
In the enumeration of the "planks" of the rural

Experiments in ,.»*•• -r-

Rural Recreation recreation platform the following specific ex-
amples of experiments along special lines of
rural recreation work were given:

1. The -Social Center as exemplified by the little country
school in Oak Ridge, South Carolina, which has become the center
of the life of the whole community. Here on the school porch, a
group of men and women including the old southern Baptist deacon
"play" the quadrille. To the children of this school, the hoe ranks
with the ball bat as a symbol of play because of the inspiration
received in the school garden work.

2. The Special Day and Community Fair. — No better example
of this phase of rural recreation can be quoted tfran the work
which is being done in Virginia through the Cooperative Educa-
tion Association.

3. Community Music. Asheville, North Carolina is conducting
interesting experiments along this line by sending out orchestras
to surrounding communities. Not only is Asheville benefiting
through the growth of community spirit, but the communities
visited by the orchestras are also being awakened by a desire to
emulate the community spirit shown by Asheville.

4. Boys' and Girls' Agricultural Clubs. The clubs conducted
throughout Michigan which were described at the Congress, are
an excellent example of this phase of rural work.

5. The Drama of Folk Play as exemplified by the pageant
held in Anoka, Minnesota

6. Athletic and Playground Work in Rural Districts, which
has come to have so important a place in rural community life

7. High School Cooperative Leagues. Among the experiments
in rural life which are proving valuable contributions to the move-
ment, are the high school cooperative leagues organized in Virginia
communities. Except for the presence of one teacher on the ex-
ecutive board, these organizations are governed entirely by student
committees. Meetings are held once in two weeks, when the activ-
ities consist of debates, readings, plays, and athletics. In order to
encourage the use of as many games as possible, the State Depart-
ment of Education of Virginia has issued a manual entitled Play
and Athletics for Virginia Public Schools. Local, community, and

state contests are held, the latter taking place at the State Uni-
versity. The leagues, which have the close cooperation of the
Young Men's Christian Association, play a conspicuous part in

159

HOW GRASS LAKE SECURED A PLAYGROUND

special day celebrations. Their work will doubtless be greatly
furthered by the law recently passed in Virginia which requires
that every rural school having three or more teachers shall have
an auditorium.

8. Star Commonwealth for Boys. An experiment in which
recreation plays an important part is the Star Commonwealth for
Boys, a forty-acre farm where boys who have not been touched by
the Young Men's Christian Association, the church, or any recrea-
tion system — the delinquent, friendless, and incorrigible boy is
given a wholesome training. Organized recreation rather than the
idea of punishment or reform is the basis of all the work of the
Star Commonwealth.

9. University Extension Work in Rural Districts. The Universi-
ty Extension Department of the State University of Iowa is helping
to solve rural community problems by working mainly through
chambers of commerce in small towns. The extension departments
of many state universities and agricultural colleges are doing
much in the development of volunteer leaders in rural communities
upon whom must depend the work of outlining and interpreting
the movement. This leadership and cooperation on the
part of expert workers of the departments is exceedingly vital in
view of the fact that if voluntary service is to be effective the
volunteer worker must know what it is all about; must understand
what part of his work is playing in the movement as a whole.

The Department of Agriculture at Washington is collecting
information regarding social, civic and recreation organizations in
rural communities — organizations that are enriching rural life.
The department will tabulate and classify this information so that
each rural section can learn of the experiments and successes of
other communities which are accomplishing results along this line.

HOW GRASS LAKE, MICHIGAN, SECURED AND MAIN-
TAINED A PLAYGROUND*

W. A. CUTLER

Grass Lake, Michigan, is a village of 800 people with a large
area of farms tributary to it. The population consists for the

*Mr. Cutler went to Grass Lake several years ago suffering from a nervous
breakdown. Farm life gave him the invigoration needed. He is now pastor of
the Congregational church with another church under his care and is running a
farm of 245 acres.

160

HOW GRASS LAKE SECURED A PLAYGROUND

most part of people of New England, New York and German stock.

There are three churches, a Congregational, a Methodist, and
a Baptist. The feeling is cordial and for twelve years or more
Union services have been held every Sunday night the year-round.

The schools are fair but have meagre equipment. Teachers
are not particularly well paid. There is no gymnasium and labora-
tory privileges are limited. The Board of Education is conserva-
tive.

During the past ten years several attempts have been made,
unsuccessfully, to secure a ball park. An association was formed
which secured a piece of ground for a short time but this attempt
failed. High school boys tried on Several occasions to rent ground
but the objections of near-by residents or the greed of real estate
owners prevented any result. Finally the organization of a Boy
Scout Club was effective in interesting the boys. By petitioning the
Town Board, the Scouts secured the use of the Town Hall for in-
door sports during the winter of 1915-16. Through the efforts of
the local scout officer, who was pastor of the Congregational church,
an option was secured on five acres of land situated on the out-
skirts of the village and fronting on the lake. A liberal offer of
five acres for $300 was made by the owner. The Scout officers
persuaded the School Board to call a public meeting at which it
was universally voted to raise $1,000 to secure and equip the land.
A local committee was appointed with the president of the village
council as chairman. The cashier of the bank was made chairman
of the high school alumni committee which worked in cooperation
with the local committee and the treasurer of the School Board
was made treasurer of the fund. The money was secured and the
grounds purchased by April i, 1916.

The deed of the ground was made over to the School Board.
In this way it became the property of the School Board and as
such was exempt from taxation. Prior to receiving the deed, how-
ever, the School Board passed a resolution binding itself and its
successors to hold the land, existing funds and all subsequent funds
raised by fees from games and other sources in trust for park and
playground purposes — said funds to be used for the equipment
and maintenance of the grounds for athletic and playground pur-
poses. The Board made further provision that a committee of
five students, two from the senior and one from each of the other
classes, be elected each year to cooperate with a committee of the
School Board in the supervision and care of the ground.

161

CONFERENCE ON RECREATION IN CITIES AND TOWNS

As soon as the grounds were secured, work was begun on put-
ting the field in shape. The park has been enclosed and a small club
house built. A baseball diamond has been laid out and equipment
for the younger children set up on the part of the ground adjoining
the school building. Plans for future development provide for a
running track around the field, the setting up of trees around the
park and on the lake front, and the equipment of the beach on the
lake for aquatic sports. The movement has deepened the com-
munity spirit and has given the older members a tremendous lev-
erage on the young life of the community. The churches are feel-
ing the effects of the work in a large increase in membership and
influence.

CONFERENCE ON RECREATION IN CITIES AND TOWNS
OF LESS THAN TEN THOUSAND POPULATION*

Small city problems and needs were outlined by Mr. R. K.
Atkinson, of Sag Harbor, as follows:

"Cities of less than 10,000 people show the greatest lack of
interest in the play movement. There commercial recreation is a
dominant factor. Dance-halls, railroad parks and moving-pic-
ture theatres prevail. There is no supervision of commercial
recreation in a small city. By tactful work, a playground leader
may direct the commercial recreation or make good suggestions.
He may direct the best type of censorship, enlighten public opinion,
and guide public demand.

"The ideal for a small city is two-fold: first, to provide for the
leisure-time problem in the form of social centers, playgrounds,
and parks; second, to introduce a real play program into the life
of the community and make it a part of the educational program.

"A playground association should not be organized in a small
city unless a responsible worker can stay with it. The best type
of club to work with is a social service club. This club is composed
of all social workers and people interested in social welfare. The
club should meet once a month for discussion. It should be the
clearing-house for all social service activities. The play leader
should be the coordinating force in this club's activities."

*Discussion at Recreation Congress Grand Rapids, Michigan, October 2-6,
1916
162

HOME, SCHOOL AND VACANT LOT GARDENING
HOME, SCHOOL, AND VACANT LOT GARDENING*

Gardening as a phase of rural recreation has come to occupy
an important place in the recreation program.

Mr. H. F. Machotka, county leader of boys' and girls' club
work, in developing garden work through the schools, has found
that there are four essentials to successful work.

1. Literature along the line of bulletins, such as are published
by the Department of Agriculture and the State Agricultural
Colleges

2. A demonstration garden at each school

3. A visit from the county leader or agricultural agent at
least once a month, when the boys and girls meet to discuss their
problems

4. A canning club, which is necessary because it rounds out
the plan by developing the economic side

Experience has shown that there are three factors giving value
to gardening which combine to justify gardening as an important
activity.

1. Gardening is a correlative factor in the play movement.
The soil idea is one of the first ideas to be coupled with play. Little
children have always loved to dig in the earth. Later the soil idea
becomes coupled in the child's mind with the plant and he finally
grasps the idea of life.

2. Gardening is economically coordinated with play, work, and
business. In the unconscious play which the child enjoys, in the
muscular exercise he gains, in the fact that he is learning the value
of work because he sees that he must work in order to get anything
out of life, and in the training he receives in keeping records and
accounts of his work.

3. Gardening is contributory to character and personality.
Through it may be developed thrift, stick- to-it-iveness, f oresighted-
ness, powers of observation, a cheerful and happy spirit, cooperation,
determination, and dignity of character.

Miss Frances Van Buren, Principal of one of the
Schoofcardening Grand Rapids schools, told of her experience in

starting school gardens last year. She was able
to secure the use of four vacant lots. The Association of Commerce

*Discussion at Recreation Congress, Grand Rapids, Michigan, October 2-6,
1916

163

WAYS AND MEANS

met the expense of preparing the soil. Although gardening was not
compulsory, 266 children stayed by the work until harvest-time
and two small boys made $50 apiece from the proceeds of their
plots.

The teacher of a little one-room school in California introduced
gardening as a means of preserving order in seven grades while
she was teaching the eighth. When the children had prepared
their lessons it was understood they might work in their gardens.
She found that the children were not only preparing their lessons
better and more rapidly while she was being freed from many
problems of discipline but that they were getting valuable training
in outdoor work.

In Detroit, a supervisor of gardens is employed under the
Recreation Commission for ten months. During the garden season
she has two workers who are employed at the centers during the
rest of the year. Last summer there were 300 gardens.

A resolution was introduced, asking for a section on children's
and adults' home and school gardens at the next Recreation Con-
gress.

WAYS AND MEANS

John R. Richards of Chicago, in his discussion of ways and
means defined "ways" to mean the objective of a play movement
in a city, the method of its organization, and the facilities necessary
to put the objective across. The "means" include the revenues
needed to support the play movement and the method of raising
these revenues.

In presenting the three aspects of the problem of ways, Mr.
Richards said, "Each community must work out its own objective.
For its objective the community must essentially devise plans of
solving the leisure time problems of all the people within its juris-
diction. It must also furnish opportunities of developmental
recreation for all people. Early play dealt with child life alone.
But to make the objective concrete, a play program must take care
of four groups: (a) Children under twelve, (b) Adolescent children,
(c) Young men and young women, (d) Adult groups. This concrete

*Discussion at Recreation Congress, Grand Rapids, Michigan, October 2-6,
1916

164

WAYS AND MEANS

objective does not mean that public recreation will be substituted
for private recreational efforts but will provide opportunities for
all people who desire it.

Municipal Support "Communities may differ in the scheme of

of Playgrounds a . ,

Necessity organization for the play movement, but all

agree that the movement should be publicly
administered and supported. Charity has no more place in
the field of recreation than in the field of education. We are
never going to have a universal need more properly handled than
by public agencies. The play movement cannot be trusted to
private organization. No commercial organization should have
anything to do with human recreation. Commercial recreation
hasn't worked.

"However, there is no traditional form of government to take
care of recreation as the government takes care of education, fire,
and police protection. The bogie of the watchdog of the treasury
is listed against a new thing. The first attempt to put recreation
into the hands of the government is to have old boards administer.
The play movement is not yet an independent part of the govern-
ment. I am afraid of school boards. To put recreation into the
control of old boards formalizes and stratifies it, which in turn
kills its very function. In 1912 Chicago's school board spent $143,-
ooo on fences to keep people out of school grounds and $12,000 on
social centers to invite people into school grounds.

"Boards exclusive of existing boards are essential to put across
the recreation program. City charters need to be amended to
create a unit of government having independent control of equip-
ment for recreation and its administration.

Outdoor and In- "Facilities are needed to take care of the outdoor

door Facilities

Essential and indoor life of the four groups. Do not spend

money at the start for apparatus. Good play
surface, and competent play leaders are more important than ap-
paratus. We have got to teach play knowledge. For fifty years
we have had no play heritage — largely because of immigration.

"The outdoor equipment should include sand courts, wading
pools, grass and shade for children, ball fields, tennis courts, golf
courses, swimming pools, skating rinks for adolescents and young
people; walks, drives, and boating for older people.

"Indoor facilities should include playrooms for children, gym-

165

WAYS AND MEANS

nasiums for adolescents and young people, assembly halls and
baths for adults. Toilets and drinking fountains should be pro-
vided before other equipment.

"Equipment costs money. The economic value of the play-
ground to the community is strikingly brought out in the case of a
boy bandit, trained in a Chicago pool room, whose misdeeds cost
the city of Chicago $150,000. The annual maintenance of a park
playground in the neighborhood of the pool room is only $35,000.
The pool room closed up soon after the playground was opened."

" At the close of the discussion of ways and means
Regular Program? the question, "Should the playground have a regu-
lar program?" was brought up. It was the gen-
eral feeling that a program to fill the needs of a community must
be flexible. In Milwaukee, for example, the programs are divided
into set periods in which games of a high and low degree of organi-
zation are scheduled. Considerable freedom is given playground
leaders to make necessary adjustments. Children in the neigh-
borhood are trained to expect certain games at certain periods.
There are in general four reasons which explain the absence
of children from a playground.

(a) Undesirable location — the ground may be near a dangerous
place such as a railroad yard, or too remote from the neighbor-
hood to attract the children

(b) Inefficient leaders — workers who loaf on the job or who
have not the personality to meet and direct people

(d) Domination of bad gangs

The Americaniza- Mr Sidney Teller of Pittsburgh in answer to the

tion of the Immi- *

grant question, Should the foreigners in America be

encouraged to forget their past life, their ways,
their literature, their language, through the program of the play-
ground?" expressed the sentiment of the delegates present when
he said, "The programs in the foreign neighborhoods of American
cities should lay emphasis upon the civilizations of the immigrants
and the reduction of their foreign backgrounds as quickly as possi-
ble. I have never spent one cent in advertising a program in a
foreign language."

1*6

WAYS AND MEANS

In an effort to standardize the methods of gath-
^undsfatistTcs erin? playground statistics, the delegates at-
tending the conference on ways and means
voted to recommend to the National Congress the plan drawn up
by a committee consisting of Mr. Sidney Teller, of Pittsburgh,
Mr. V. K. Brown of Newark, and Mr. Charles H. Mills, of Grand
Rapids. The plan as reported is as follows:

In recording playground statistics, two principles should be
used:

(a) The number of participants should be actually counted.

(b) The number of spectators should be estimated.

The records of participants and spectators should be listed
separately and the record would state whether the count is actual
or estimated.

For outdoor activities on the playground it is suggested that
three counts be taken during the day, once in the morning, once
in the afternoon, and once in the evening. The record should
show the highest number of people on the playground during these
periods.

For swimming pool actual count can be made by recording
number of towels or suits given out.

For indoor activities the record should differentiate between
participants and spectators and state whether the count is actual
or estimated.

The two general methods outlined for arousing

Public Sentiment to . , ~

Provide Adequate sentiment in favor of playgrounds were : (a.)
Rec

Recreational Facili-pubiicity, (b) actual demonstration.

The advantage of using these two methods is
that each reaches a different group of people. In Omaha it has
been found helpful in an effort to overcome political opposition
and yet interest large groups of people to work through civil and
fraternal organizations. The recreation work was made so elastic
that every organization could participate in a recreation program.
Detroit's plan of organizing and administering its public recre-
ation proved a satisfactory answer to the question, "What is the
value of a public recreation administrative agency which is not the
primary custodian of the property upon which it conducts its
ivork?" In Detroit approximately $200,000 is spent annually
ipon public recreation without the use of the public playgrounds.
The Playground Commission operates forty recreation centers all

167

DUES AND CHARGES FOR RECREATION PRIVILEGES

the year round and fifty-five summer playgrounds, all located on
private property or public property used for other purposes. Settle-
ments, churches, club houses, and factories give the commission
the use of their plants one or more evenings a week. It would cost
the city $50,000,000 to reproduce the equipment placed at the com-
mission's disposal by these various institutions. When a recreation
center is taken over by the city it is opened to the public regardless
of race, sect, color or sex. While under the operation of the com-
mission, the center is a public matter. The leaders are provided
by the commission.

By making the heads of five city departments, the Superin-
tendent of Schools, the Chief Librarian, the Public Commissioner,
the Superintendent of Public Works, and the Superintendent of
Parks and Playgrounds, in addition to five private citizens, mem-
bers of its Recreation Commission, Detroit has secured the coordi-
nation, cooperation, efficiency and economy necessary to make the
organization and administration of its public recreation so success-
ful. The commission receives its appropriations from the City
Council.

A difference of opinion prevailed on the question

Control of Com-
mercial Recreation of the centralization and supervision and censor-
ship of commercial recreation. Some of the
delegates favored the placing of such power in the hands of the
recreation commission. Mr. George A. Bellamy of Hiram House,
Cleveland, said that in that city inspection and supervision are
under the control of the mayor who appoints a policeman inspector.
Mr. Ira Jayne, of Detroit, doubted the advisability of such power
coming into the hands of the Recreation Commission. In Detroit,
the commission has not insisted upon the power because it is a well-
known police function. To place the supervision in the hands of
the commission would give that body trouble which it would not
otherwise meet.

DUES AND CHARGES FOR RECREATION PRIVILEGES*

In discussing the advisability of making charges for any of
the activities of a neighborhood recreation center, those in favor

*Discussion at Recreation Congress, Grand Rapids, Michigan, October 5,
1916

168

POLITICS

of such a plan felt it necessary and advisable, first, for the self-re-
spect of those using the privilege and second, for the securing of
attendance at the centers.

Those in favor of the free use of neighborhood recreation center
facilities took the ground that if recreation is as important to the
children's development as education, it is not consistent to ask
for a publicly supported school system absolutely free to all chil-
dren and at the same time to try to develop a system of dues and
charges for something which is of equal if not greater importance
than formal instruction. The sentiment for dues and charges
seemed to some to be more or less opportunistic and to work against
a thoroughly democratic system in recreation work.

POLITICS*

Political opposition to municipal recreation is but temporary
and is due, according to W. F. Ashe, chairman of the meeting,
to recreation secretaries, "who have not been careful enough to
inform the men in charge of our government." Mr. Ashe re-
viewed a campaign of education among city officials in Pittsburgh,
which resulted in a strong letter advocating municipal recreation
from Mayor Armstrong, who said, "My early impression and op-
position to playgrounds was due to ignorance. Now I believe that
the recreation movement is the most important of social welfare
work, and it is so important that it should be financed by the
municipality alone."

A discussion of the political aspects of civil service showed the
delegates evenly divided for and against it. Mr. Bellamy, of
Cleveland, thought that the great asset of civil service is that it
creates a public conscience. Not civil service but the constant
shifting of men and public discussion has brought good men.
Mr. Teller, of Pittsburgh, declared civil service is ninety percent
integrity and ten percent law. If the law is good and the exami-
nations are poor, civil service is bad. Civil service is good only
when the commissioners are good.

*Discussion at Recreation Congress, Grand Rapids, Michigan, October 2-6, 1916

169

GROUP ORGANIZATION
GROUP ORGANIZATION*

It was felt by those taking part in the discussion of group
organization that in order to secure satisfactory volunteer leader-
ship for groups there should be a training class for volunteers. The
volunteer must above all learn to work with the group and not for
it. In La Salle, Illinois, the Woman's Club has furnished excellent
volunteer leadership.

Among the possible groups for winter activities were suggested
Big Brothers' Club, Mothers' Club, Current Events Club, Camera
and Walking Clubs, Employed Girls' Club, Travel, Dramatics,
Handicraft and Civics and Domestic Science Clubs, Girl Scouts
and Girl Pioneers.

The organization for a large playground as described by John
R. Richards of Chicago, is as follows: The space should be divided
into three parts; one for children under ten, one for older boys
and one for older girls. There should be supervision from eight-
thirty in the morning until nine-thirty in the evening. This will
necessitate two shifts of play leaders; one from eight-thirty to five
o'clock and one from two-thirty to nine-thirty o'clock. The chil-
dren should be organized for self-government and for keeping the
grounds clean. The play leaders must not only supervise, but
must impart play knowledge. This will be accomplished by having
a definite though flexible program. A suggested program includes
the following:

Eight-thirty to eleven a. m., early morning period. Individ-
ual instruction in use of apparatus, children's swings, active games,
practice period. Eleven to three-thirty o'clock, hot period; stories,
light games, use of sand piles, playing store. Three-thirty to six,
lively games. Six-thirty to nine, Special activities for adults.

It was further suggested that this plan of organization with
the exception of the three-part division, would apply also to a
small playground.

It has been found helpful in Los Angeles, Califor-
Duties of Director nia, to have the director live on the playground.

A director should not spend his time um-
piring games. He should not encourage the pennant and
trophy idea which at this stage of development should be outgrown.
The director would be greatly aided in his work by the introduction

*Discussion at Recreation Congress, Grand Rapids, Michigan, October 5,
1916

170

PROBLEMS OF NEIGHBORHOOD RECREATION

of the Progress City Self-Government organization as it is conducted
on the Cleveland playground. By including all departments of
government the plan serves the double purpose of solving the prob-
lem of discipline on the ground and of training the boys to take an
active and useful part in the civic life of the city.

Among the special play activities suggested were pushmobile
contests, doll parties, pet shows, band concerts, moving pictures,
singing, pantomime, pageants, baby shows. If baby shows are
conducted, a good doctor must be present.

For a surburban playground the following activities were
mentioned : hare and hound, lawn ball, roller skating, pom-pom-pull
away, run-sheep-run, I spy, kite-flying, marshmallow roast, and
bombardment.

seven natural instincts as outlined by Dr.

Natural Instincts B. A. Peterson of Cleveland with some of the
activities which belong to each group, are as
follows :

Baseball }

Hunting

Gardening

Dodge ball

and

Nurturing

Athletics

Fighting

Pets

Tether ball

Cooperation

Quoits ;

Collections

Leaves

Basketry) Stones

Exploring

Sewing / Building

Belonging Instinct

Butterflies

}

Folk dancing

Marching j Rhythm

Athletic dancing

PROBLEMS CONNECTED WITH NEIGHBORHOOD REC-
REATION CENTER WORK*

The first problem which arises in the establishment of neigh-
borhood recreation center work is that of creating a demand for
a center. A general and expressed demand must not be expected.
The presence of an urgent need, however, and the prospect of being

*Discussion at Recreation Congress, Grand Rapids, Michigan, October 4,
1916

171

PROBLEMS OF NEIGHBORHOOD RECREATION

able to meet it, justify a beginning. There will always be objec-
tors but a slow but continuous moving in the face of objections
will gradually overcome them. It was the general feeling of the
delegates present that it is almost invariably necessary for an em-
ployed leader to help the community organize its neighborhood
center but the organizing should whenever possible be accomp-
lished through the help of the natural local leaders.

It is exceedingly helpful in making the work of a neighborhood
center community-wide, first to discover through a survey existing
needs and efforts already being made to meet these needs. In plan-
ning activities, account should be taken of the various hyphenated
groups but many activities should be promoted in which the
"America first" idea would be fostered. As a means to this end
national choruses have been developed in Chicago, all of which
combine occasionally in an American chorus at which only Ameri-
can songs are sung.

It was the general feeling of those present that through the
development of small group activities in which the members provided
their own entertainment, neighborhood recreation center work
would be greatly strengthened. Such small group activities should
to a great degree take the place of the large group entertainments,
dances and socials. Groups which in the beginning have been at-
tracted to the centers by dances and entertainments, would be
stimulated to become interested in discussions, group debates, edu-
cational dramatics, and other activities which will educate as well as
entertain.

It was suggested that in an effort to reach the entire community,
posters be used and that invitations be extended through such or-
ganizations as Turnvereins.

In a small community of Pennsylvania, the need of recreation
for mothers has been met by the organization of Italian Mothers'
Clubs. The leading Italian politician, the priest, and an educated
railroad clerk take turns in leading the groups. In Kalamazoo,
Michigan, where there is one paid worker for four centers, who is
assisted by volunteer workers (teachers), mothers' clubs have
proved successful especially in a district which has a large number
of § Hollanders. Here the mothers enter enthusiastically into
play and active games. In one community an old church has been
remodeled for use as a community house at a cost of $4.50. The
Library-Home-School Association and Board of Trade use this
building as their headquarters. Moving pictures are conducted

172

PROBLEMS OF NEIGHBORHOOD RECREATION

three nights each week and a chorus and an orchestra have also
been organized. Next summer a Chautauqua course will be
given by local talent.

It was felt by some of the delegates in discussing the question
as to whether activities should be planned chiefly for young people
or for the fathers, mothers, and adult members of a community,
that if the interest and support of the young people were first se-
cured that of their parents would naturally follow. In Youngstown,
Ohio, the parents were reached through the ruling that an adult
must accompany every two children at the community moving
picture performances. The program was varied by the introduction
of educational addresses. In some communities, as for example in
Providence, Rhode Island, and Salt Lake City, Utah, it has been
found necessary to limit the activities to young people because the
controlling authorities would not appropriate funds for adult
recreation. In San Diego, California, one of the centers includes il-
lustrated lectures for adults and gymnastic games and folk dancing
for children. After eight- thirty p. m. children are excluded from
the center.

Activities of In discussing what the work of a neighborhood

RecSaUon°0cl recreation center should be, a four-fold classifi-
Centers cation of activitities was suggested — physical,

social, civic, and intellectual. Under physical activities should be
included gymnastic games, aesthetic and folk dancing, as well as
boxing, punching the bag, and other "rough house" games for the
boys. Entertainments, musicals, and dramatics, fall into the class
of social activities. In the civic division come community im-
provement leagues, women's civic leagues, and discussion groups.
It is very helpful in planning for discussion groups if different leaders
are appointed each week and if the subjects for discussion are
announced two weeks ahead. Under literary activities should be
placed the literary society, which should not be undertaken with
the idea of doing very advanced work but which should be more
or less popularized.

In Milwaukee the plan is followed of attracting as many peo-
ple as possible by offering the activities they want and of using the
resulting personal contacts to interest them in what they need.
Mr. Berg, of Milwaukee, quoted as an illustration of this the case
of a young married couple coming to the center at first to dance.
When questioned as to why he entered the manual training class,

173

PROBLEMS OF NEIGHBORHOOD RECREATION

the young man said, "My wife wanted to go into the millinery class
so instead of staying home alone I go to manual training and I
like it."

Chief among the social activities is the social
Dancing dance. A discussion of this phase of neighbor-

hood recreation center work fell into two groups :
How vary the social dance? How control the social dance?

It was felt that social dancing should be interspersed with
old folk games and parlor games. Even at the largest dances, games
can be used advantageously particularly if before the dance a
small group is trained to lead in the games. Lively gymnastic
games and relay races may also be used successfully. The use of
games in this way is useful in breaking up small cliques on the
dance floor. The repetition of a grand march several times during
the evening has been found a successful variation.

In controlling the social dance various plans have been tried.
In Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Newark, New Jersey attendance at
the dance is limited to those whom the director knows or who are
vouched for by someone known to the director. In one of the
Chicago centers where public dances had proved a failure because
of the impossibility of securing uniformity of dress, style of dance,
and conduct, a satisfactory substitute was found in the organiza-
tion of a class in social dancing. Thousands have been graduated
from this class and large dances are now conducted by the graduates
to which their friends may come as well as those connected with
other activities at the center. At this dance every boy is intro-
duced to every girl and special pains are taken to break up cliques.
At this center the installation of a refreshment room next to the
dance hall has proved an excellent substitute for the near-by saloon.
A class in colonial dancing at another Chicago center, organized to
train for a single celebration, has become a permanent activity.

San Diego is meeting the necessity for competing with question-
able dancing resorts by allowing all dances at the neighborhood
center. A junior dancing club for children under fifteen has been
organized that they may be taught formal politeness, proper ways
of dancing, and in general trained against the misuse of the
dance. Once a month a dancing party and banquet have been
conducted for the children. At the center at Brookline, Massa-
chusetts, attendance at the dances has been limited to the mem-
bers of the gymnastic class, who in this class receive instruction
in social dancing. Still another method for regulating the social

PROBLEMS OF NEIGHBORHOOD RECREATION

dance has been successfully tried out in La Salle, Illinois, where
groups desiring to conduct dances are required to furnish a list of
chaperons. A necessary precaution in regulating social dancing is
proper censorship of the music used.

As a result of the discussion, the delegates in attendance voted
in favor of continuing social dancing as a worth-while neighborhood
center activity. There was a strong feeling that when all the
precautions which can be taken are taken, there still lurk many
dangers in the social dance, and social workers and others interested
in saving the public dance should unite in a definite plan to make
it a wholesome purposeful activity and a positive force for good.

Home Economics Home economics has found a place in the program
Recreation °^ a number of social centers. In the St. Paul

Center centers classes in millinery, cooking, and sewing

have been successfully conducted. The kitchen garden conducted
at a center in Cincinnati has met with great success. At this
center a class was carried on in which young women were
taught the art of decorating tables for parties and banquets
and of serving at such functions. One girl who received her train-
ing at this class now earns one dollar an hour decorating for ban-
quets.

Quiet It was the consensus of opinion that the quiet

Game Room game room is a necessity in a well-organized

neighborhood center. One of the centers in
Chicago has a game club of over one hundred and fifty members
of over eighteen years of age. It was suggested that in the game
room might be taught games which can be taken home to enliven
home recreation. There should be adequate leadership for the
activities of the game room. One rule which it was suggested might
well be posted in a game room is the following: "Talk as loud as you
please but remember the other fellow's rights!"

The preponderance of sentiment favored the permitting
of card-playing in the game rooms on the ground that it furnished
excellent opportunity for wholesome recreation particularly for
older people and that it helped draw young men away from the
playing of cards under unwholesome surroundings. Billiards and
bowling wherever feasible were approved on the same grounds.

The advisability of providing a smoking room for older men
was discussed. Representatives from the following cities stated

175

BOOK REVIEWS

that smoking was permitted at their centers: Peoria, Illinois, Lowell,
Massachusetts, Butte, Montana, and St. Albans, Vermont.

Chicago has been successful in promoting the playing together
by young men and young women of gymnastic and quiet room games
but not competitive team games.

There was a consensus of opinion in favor of limiting gymnas-
tic apparatus to that required by Turners and other groups trained
to use it. Haphazard use of apparatus by untrained persons was
disapproved.

BOOK REVIEWS
THE GARY SCHOOLS

By R. S. Bourne. Published by Houghton, Mifflin Company, Boston, New

York, Chicago

A sentence in the preface represents the point of view from which the Gary
School is regarded. "A broad educational philosophy has combined with admin-
istrative skill to produce a type of school which represents a fundamental
reorganization of the public school to meet changing social and industrial con-
ditions." Mr. Wirt himself writes in the introduction his two principles: that
children should be busy all day long at work, study and play under right con-
ditions; that such a program can be financed if all facilities are coordinated.
The whole child is to be educated. "The ideal school will make the playground
the very center of its life." The ideal "outdoor equipment is on the scale of a
college or a wealthy private school which can provide spacious grounds and
provision for every atheletic sport."

All the efforts of child- welfare agencies "do not occupy the time of all the
children of a city for more than an average of ten minutes a day******the streets
and alleys and cheap theaters have the children for over five hours a day."
Therefore the school day is extended to eight hours and the vacation extend-
ed. Superintendent Wirt would make playgrounds, art galleries, libraries,
workshops available for all children by making them part of the school system.
"Common use of public facilities" is applied throughout his work.

Evening schools have been made part of the "continuous process" of edu-
cation, so much emphasized — and gymnasia, playgrounds and swimming
pools are made to serve the even ng school. The auditoriums are freely lent.

THE CHILD WORLD PLAYGROUND SERIES

SEASONAL FESTIVALS AND PAGEANTS
HARVEST FESTIVAL
SPRING PANTOMIME
Price, fifty cents each

CHRISTMASSE IN MERRIE ENGLAND
Price, twenty-five cents.

By Mari Ruef Hofer. Published by Clayton F. Summy Co., 64 E. Van Buren St.,
Chicago, Illinois

A complete festival program is given hi each of these books, including out-
line of play, music, description of dances and suggestions for costuming and
staging. The music and the dances could also be used individually in various
programs.

BOOK REVIEWS

THE HIAWATHA INDUSTRIAL READER

By Mary A. Proudfoot. Published by Rand McNally & Co., New York. Price,

fifty cents

The story of Hiawatha is here arranged to serve as a basis for education
through play. Parts suitable for reading by children are quoted, the remainder is
told in simple prose. After each division which suggests constructive activity
suggestions for construction are given and at the end of the book, directions for
workmanlike production. Through the atmosphere of primitive life, so close
to his own, the child learns the number work he needs; "the supplementary story
and occupation offer unusual opportunity for self-expression. As the narrative
develops into the experience of making and doing real things, enthusiasm un-
chains limitations of speech, and language flows without effort into original story."

"Fun-Ful" Apparatus in Use
in New Orleans Beaurejjard Playground

A "CAME" BOY

The boy standing in the trapeze is a wonder. He has lost both feet
but can do all sorts of "stunts" on "Fun-Ful" Apparatus

More than forty states and three foreign
countries are using "Fun-Ful" equipment

We have all necessary Outdoor Equipment and Athletic Goods

WRITE FOR FREE CATALOG

HILL-STANDARD MFG. CO.,

-Ful Ave.
IND.

177

THE CONSTRUCTION DETAILS which have made Medart
Playground Apparatus a recognized standard for safety and durability
are fully illustrated and described in our Catalog "W".

MEDART QUALITY combined with a thorough system of
inspection is assurance against occasional breakage and numerous repair
bills.

WRITE FOR CATALOG "W". It explains all construction
details.

FRED MEDART MFC. CO., St. Louis, Mo.

GYMNASIUM OUTFITTERS— STEEL LOCKERS

LISTS OF STORIES AND PROGRAMS FOR STORY HOURS

Edited by Effie L. Power. Published for the St. Louis Public Library by the H.

W. Wilson Company, White Plains, N. Y. Price twenty cents

All the old stories and many new ones appear, and, in each case where there

is more than one version, the best version is indicated. The list of chivalry tales

will be especially valuable, for it gives tales from England, France, Spain and

Germany, in different centuries, with a brief outline of the development of eacl

story, which would help in the telling.

CITY PLANNING

By Charles Mulford Robinson. Published by G. P. Putnam's Sons, New York

and London. Price, $2.50

More than is dreamed of regarding streets and open spaces in the average
man's philosophy is presented in this book "a re-issue, revised, with much additiona
material of the work originally published under the title of The Width and A rrange-
ment of Streets." Mr. Rob'nson favors small playgrounds for little children in the
center of the block and athletic fields for young men near the factory rather
than the home, "if there must be a choice."

It is a splendid practical work, with much for the good citizen as well as for
the official charged with city plans.

INDOOR AND OUTDOOR ATHLETIC GAMES

By Golden D. Long. Published by Erlanger and Galinger, Inc., Manila, P. I.
Price, leather $1.00, paper $.75

The dozens of games and stunts given in this little book were arranged
for the physical director's class of the Young Men's Christian Association of the
Philippine Islands and later presented also to classes in playground work in the
Manila Filipino Y. M. C. A. The illustrations are all of Filipino boys at play.

Partridge
Playground Equipment

As outfitters of many of the
most prominent playgrounds in
all sections of the country, we have
developed numerous articles par-
ticularly adapted to playground
use.

— All supplies for Baseball, Volley
Ball and Tennis, Playground Balls,
Bean Bags, etc.

WHOLESALE PRICES EX-
TENDED TO OFFICIALS AND
DIRECTORS OF PLAY-
GROUNDS, SCHOOLS, Y. M.
C. A.'s, ETC.

Write for Catalog No. 94P

THE HORACE PARTRIDGE CO.

Manufacturers of Athletic Goods
BOSTON, MASS.

Illustrating one of the Partridge
playground features — a basket
ball made outseam to protect
the'threads in outdoor use.

"DBTTER communities
** will be developed
throughout the land, if
the children are given a
chance to play right, on
safe apparatus, especially
devised and constructed
for the purpose, away
from danger.

Whether you are plan-
ning a small or large play-
ground, you will do well
to equip same with

"APEX" APPARATUS

MANUFACTURED BY

HOWARD GEORGE
Philadelphia, Pa.

Our special features prevent the apparatus from ever working loose.
Catalogue and special net prices mailed upon request.

JUST OUT— Rule Book for Graded School Games. Price lOc
per copy. Sent postpaid on receipt of price.

179

Tothill Safety Playground Apparatus Used

Exclusively by the City of Chicago for

Thirteen Consecutive Years

TOTHILL'S PATENT SAFETY Tothill's Popular Patent
PLAYGROUNDTEETER-TOTTERS Athletic Slide

HAS NO EQUAL

Showing the Turn -Over Feature in
ALWAYS KEEPING SLIDE BOARD,
IN PERFECT CONDITION
TO USE -CANNOT BE
EXCELLED

Action

Cusliinn Spring Improvement Perfects This Teeter-Totter Safety

Only Safe Teeter-Totter Made
SEND FOR CATALOGUE

W. S. TOTHILL, 1805 Webster Ave., Chicago, 111.

SLIDE
BOARD IS
ALWAYS
PROTECTED
FROM THE WEATHER

WHEN in need of thoroughly
trained, competent Play-
ground Supervisors, Play
Leaders, Physical Directors,
and Gymnasium Instructors
(men or women), write

The NORMAL COLLEGE OF

THE NORTH AMERICAN

GYMNASTIC UNION

415 East Michigan Street
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA

SUMMER SCHOOL

June 25— Aug. 3, for
Playground Training

Pestalozzi-Froebel Training School

A Normal School for
Playground Workers

Class Rooms overlook Lake Michigan
Credits toward Diploma. Folk Dancing,
Pageantry, Games, Story Telling, Gym-
nastics, Playground Practice. Strong
Faculty. Accredited. For Illustrated
Bulletin address

REGISTRAR, Box 71

616-22 So. Michigan Blvd. CHICAGO

Fall Term opens Sept. 18

CORONA

Is a six-pound silent partner
that makes routine a habit.

With it your business reports
and accounts as well as your
personal correspondence are
attended to promptly.

Corona eliminates worry.

Cost with case, $50.00

Write, phone or call for booklet

Corona Typewriter Co., Inc.

141 W. 42d St. Tel. Bryant 7150
Opposite Hotel Knickerbocker

The Victor in the Summer School, Shenandoah, Iowa

The Folk Arts in

Modern Education.

Poetry — Music — Dancing

The ancient Greek system of education
was founded upon a combination of these
three arts.

All Lyric Poetry needs Music to bring
out its beauty. No one thinks of such poems
as "Drink to Me Only," •'Believe Me If AU Those Endearing Young Charms." Flow
Gently Sweet Afton" and "Home Sweet Home" without associating them with music.

Dancing is the Poetry of Motion, measured by Music's Rhythm.

The Victor and Victor Records

are now used universally to furnish the Music for Drills, Exercises, Field Days, Plays,
Festivals and Pageants in the School and on the Playground.
Many schools are using the following records:

Band Accompaniments to American Patriotic Songs

{America (Samuel F. Smith-Henry Carey)
Victor Military Band
The Red, White and Blue (David T. Shaw)
Victor Military Band

(The Star Spangled Banner (Frances iscott Key-
«--1 Samuel Arnold) Victor Band

75c [Hail Columbia (Jos> Hopkinson-Prof. Phile) Victor Band

Kindergarten Rhythms
f (1) Motive for Skipping (2) Motive for Skipping

(Clara L. Anderson) Victor Band

(l) Theme for High Stepping Horses (2) Horses or
Reindeer Running (3) Theme for Skipping (Clara
L. Anderson) Victor Band

Marches

{The Jolly General— March (Neil Moret) Conway's Band
Patriotic Medley March (Introducing Hail Columbia;
Red, White and Blue; Tramp, Tramp, Tramp; Battle
Hymn of the Republic) Victor Military Band

Any Victor dealer will gladly play any of the above selections
for you, and supply you with the Victor booklets, "The Victor

18253

10 in. 75c

Victor XXV

$67.50 special quotation

to schools only

in Physical Education" and "New Victor
Records for Educational Use" For further
information, write to the

Educational Department

Victor Talking Machine Co.

Camden, N. J.

Victor

Hazelton. Pa..

LEVELING THE GROUND FOR A NEW TENNIS COURT

When you want
the best

WRITE FOR CATALOG

Ghicopee, Mass.

specify

Used year after year in the
majority of the country's
playgrounds

182

THE WORLD AT PLAY

All in the Leadership.—

The Journal of Education relates
a story of a kindergarten child
who appeared one morning in a
new policeman's suit, complete
in every detail, hat, belt, billy.
Immediately "playing police-
man" excluded every other in-
terest. The jail was filled,
drunken people reeled about the
room, the billy was busy con-
stantly. The kindergartner let
this play go without comment
until the bell rang and the usual
program was carried out. At
"free play" time not a toy was
taken from the shelves. "Let's
play policeman!" "All right,"
said the kindergartner, "Olin,
you be the traffic policeman."
Order came out of chaos. The
policeman engineered the auto-
mobiles, gave directions to in-
quirers, gallantly assisted a lady
| with a baby. Social play had
i taken the place of anti-social.
Playground a Prime Need.
—The biennial report of the
; superintendent of the Colorado
State Home for children urges
the need of play opportunities
for the dependent child:

"The moving picture with all

i its drama and its pictures of ex-

j. periment; the natatorium or

swimming pool that he can go

into daily on his own premises,

with opportunity for the high

dive and the adventure and

danger side; plenty of first class

playground apparatus of the

proper kind; the summer camp
where he loses himself in the ex-
periences of the mountains for a
couple of weeks in the year; the
skating pond in winter; the
gymnasium for evening work,
where basket ball and other
games may be played after sup-
per."

Tenants' Union for Play-
grounds.— Alexander Law, sec-
retary of the Tenants' Union
of New York City, in a letter to
The Globe declares the Union has
for years advocated and urged
the building of apartments with
a central court with sun and
fresh air as a playground for the
children of the block.

"We furnish the monkeys and
other animals in the parks with
all the advantages of twentieth
century civilization. The least
we might do is to show as much
consideration for our own citi-
zens and their families."

Back Yard Playgrounds in
New York.— Dr. Woods Hutch-
inson once said, "The modern
city child has lost his most pre-
cious birthright — the back
yard." New York City police
are back of a movement to re-
store this birthright. The
fences of four or five back yards
are torn down and the space
thus secured equipped with sand
box, swing, teeter and some-
times a slide. This equipment
13 usually donated by the owner
of the land, who is willing to help

183

THE WORLD AT PLAY

the police, when perhaps he
might not help a private organ-
ization. And the police say it
does help them by reducing the
number of accidents.

A woman living on the first
floor of one of the houses is hired
to act as caretaker of the equip-
ment. She is paid from $10 to
$12 a month by some local
organization, such as the church.
The police department is willing
to pay her, however, until the
playground is in good running
order. The plan of having
policemen's widows live there
and act as caretakers did not
work for they could afford to live
in better surroundings. Besides
the caretaker, someone is hired to
act as play leader for the chil-
dren. All the doors are locked
except the one through which
the caretaker may enter the
playground. It is a playground
exclusively for the children of
these houses — not a public play-
ground. Bach playground ac-
commodates from seventy to two
hundred children. There are
fifteen such playgrounds in New
York City. The movement
seems to be a very slow one but
very successful and more satis-
factory than the street play-
ground plan.

Prize for Home Play-
ground.—The Women's Wel-
fare League, of Minneapolis, has
offered prizes amounting to one
hundred dollars for the best

184

home playground fitted up by
school children of that city.

"A Park in Every Block."—
With this slogan, a "back yard
committee," a subcommittee of
the Woman's Municipal League
of New York City, has set
Rosalie Olin Warner, a specialist
in the designing of small gardens,
to planning and executing, free
of charge, charming gardens into
which city back yards may be
transformed at the lowest pos-
sible cost.

Playground for Convicts. —
With a flag raising and baseb;
games, the convicts of tl
Missouri penitentiary at Jeffer-
son City dedicated their
playground. Saturday after-
noons will be given as a holida]
hereafter.

Demonstration of Wint<
Work. — About 1400 chile
and adults participated in BT
falo's annual demonstration
indoor activities, which indicat
the type of thing provided fc
each age group, from ci
games for little tots to orch(
tras and naturalization cfc
for adults.

From the Playground R<
port of the Dallas Park Boai
1916. — During the summer
1916, Sunday evening com
were held on the playgrounds
Opportunity was given to tl
people of the various neighbor-
hoods to take part in the pi
gram. In this way local talei

THE WORLD AT PLAY

was encouraged and cultivated
under the direction of prominent
artists.

The public parks of Dallas
have thirteen baseball diamonds.
Permits for the use of the dia-
monds are issued from the office
of the superintendent of recrea-
tion. Weekly applications are
made and permit cards are mailed
for league and independent
games. Differently colored
cards are used for different days
of the week. Over 1,000 per-
mits were issued during the sum-
mer of 1916 for a period of
twenty-four weeks, averaging
over fifty per week.

A checking system for play-
ground supplies is in operation,
which prevents the loss of any
articles. This system also
covers the handling of towels for
the public baths. Since its
adoption there has been no loss
of park property.

The Dallas Federation of
Women's Clubs has equipped a
room at Summit play park for
domestic science work. This
is for the use of playground girls
who desire to take the course in
domestic economy. The class
is directed by a volunteer in-
structor.

A Christmas rabbit dinner was
given at Trinity under the
i auspices of several interested
citizens of Dallas. Nearly 300
people attended and spent an
enjoyable hour in good-fellow-

ship. A course in bird-house
building was organized with
great success. The houses made
by the boys were placed on ex-
hibition in the down town stores
and later installed in the dif-
ferent parks of the city.

In Cotton Mill Villages.—
Work among the employees of
the cotton milk of the state,
carried on by the Extension
Division of the Winthrop Nor-
mal and Industrial College, of
Rock Hill, South Carolina, now
reaches eighteen villages. In
every village, there is a play-
ground, with more or less equip-
ment, and a play leader who
knows how to develop the play
spirit in children and adults as
well. The recreation is not
separated from general social
work, and the same leader is
responsible for it all. As the
worker does intensive work in
a small area, it is possible to
enter into community life in
activities from play to teaching
the three R's in the night school,
which runs six months a year
two nights a week.

Where there is a Y. M. C. A.
the work is carried on in co-
operation with it, as in Spartan-
burg where the Saxon Mills
volley ball team plays match
games with the city Y. M. C. A.
Three years ago there was no
such thing as organized com-
munity activities in the Saxon
Mill village. Now it is no un-

185

THE WORLD AT PLAY

usual thing to see 300 of the 650
people who constitute the village
out on the playground on a
beautiful night. In addition to
the playground there is a well-
equipped building which houses
the night school and has quarters
for cooking classes with a dining
room, well-equipped baths, a
play room 60' x 75', a library and
a big auditorium. Every family
at Saxon raises vegetables and
most of them raise flowers as well.

Recreation Americanizes.
— The National Americanization
Committee, of which Miss Anne
Rhodes is chairman, has found it
necessary to use the desire for
recreation to secure the very
basis of Americanization, the
ability to speak the English
language, as the men and women
are too tired at night to follow a
purely academic program.
Chrous singing, dancing and
dramatization have been found
potent aids. Moving pictures
have been used to show the need
of knowing how to speak Eng-
lish. In a number of cities,
as in Kalamazoo, a Fourth of
July celebration was arranged
to include a citizenship reception
and "Americanization program."

Sing the National Anthem!
— Let the playground ring with
The Star-Spangled Banner, sung
with spirit, not as a routine . Help
everybody to learn the words —
not of the first stanza only. A
Red Cross worker declared that

in hundreds of meetings he had
addressed, he had seen but one
chairman sing all the words of all
the stanzas. A German is re-
ported to have remarked that
not only do Americans not rise
when their national song is sung
or played, but when he rose,
they shouted, "Down in front!"
The forms of patriotism assist
the spirit of patriotism and the
spirit needs to find expression.

Maryland Arbor and High-
way Day. — Suggestions for the
celebration of this holiday are
given in a pamphlet compiled for
the shade tree committee of the
Women's Civic League of Balti-
more.

In Behalf of the Birds.—
The annual legislative attack
upon blackbirds, robins, meadow-
larks and flickers draws
forth a leaflet from the Cali-
fornia Audubon Society, com-
paring the benefits and injuries
traceable to these birds. The
birds' credit account is sufficient-
ly great.

Memorial Fountain Pre-
sented.— Brooklyn's prize play-
ground, Betsy Head Memorial,
is made yet more attractive by
its new fountain presented by
Mrs. Isaac I/. Rice as a memorial
to her husband. Gustavus T.
Kirby presided at the exercises,
which included the presentation
address by Mrs. Rice and the
acceptance by Park Commis-
sioner Raymond V. Ingersoll.

186

THE WORLD AT PLAY

Films for High Schools.—

The United States government
and many leading manufacturers
supply films free of charge to a
circuit of high schools in Colo-
rado. Four films are supplied each
week, the only cost being one-way
express. No admission may be
charged. A formal report of the
use of the film must be filed. The
state Agricultural College is the
distributing center.

Better than the ' 'Movies. "
—The Enoch Pratt Free Library
Baltimore, Maryland, reports
jreat interest on the part of boys
md girls in reading clubs. The
:lub for boys meets Saturday
nornings for one hour. Half
)f the period is devoted to
listory or biography; half to
:he reading of an entertaining
)ook. The girls meet Saturday
ifternoon. The members prefer
;he club to going to the movies,
;heir former regular Saturday
ifternoon engagement.

The Theatre Workshop.—
Vn effort to help to gather and
land down the traditions of the
:heatre to the end that the
:heatre may become in this
country what it is abroad is
•epresented by the Theatre
vorkshop. The Workshop
lopes to produce and stimulate
:he best in drama and acting, to
jive to the public a more
iympathetic understanding of
he art of the theatre from a
>rofessional point of view. A

repertory of fine drama and
comedy is in continual rehearsal
and a number of satisfying per-
formances have been given in
various settlements. Edith
Wynne Matthison, Mary Shaw
and other distinguished artists
are active in the production
department.

Modern conditions have made
the old stock and repertory com-
panies, which were once the
actor's kindergarten, unprofit-
able. The actor, the producer,
the playwright, the scenic and
costume designer, the manager —
all need opportunity for experi-
ment and for direction and in-
spiration from experienced
artists. These opportunities
the Workshop hopes to supply.

Summer Courses in Physi-
cal Training.— New York
University offers a series of
courses framed to meet the re-
quirements of the new Welsh
law. These will be given at
Washington Irving High School,
New York City, one of the best
equipped high schools for girls
in the world. All these splen-
did facilities will be at the dis-
posal of the students. The
courses will be under the direct
supervision of C. Ward Cramp-
ton, Director of Physical Train-
ing for the University.

National Council of Boy
Scouts. — A total registration of
245>°73 scouts and scout officials
was reported to the National

187

THE WORLD AT PLAY

Council at its seventh annual
meeting. Eighty-two new men
were employed to give expert
direction to scout work in various
cities in the United States
since January i, 1916.
ft* Mr. Ehler in Pittsburgh.—
George W. Ehler, one of the pi-
oneer recreation workers, has be-
come Chief Scout Executive for
the Allegheny County Boy Scouts
of America, with headquarters in
Pittsburgh. Mr. Ehler's first
work is the reorganization of all
local work, looking especially to-
ward making scouting a part of the
daily work in the public schools.
County Boys' Relay Race.
— Two annual relay races have
been successfully conducted by
the County Y. M. C. A. of
Lena wee County, Michigan.
The first year sixty boys entered
from three communities. The
second year by cooperation with
many local committees, the
number was increased to 118
runners and thirty-five helpers
from six communities. A
message was carried by the run-
ners from a representative
citizen in the community to the
county judge. One-half mile
was prescribed as the distance
for each runner. They reached
the county seat about five-
thirty, had showers at the Y. M.
C. A. and supper at twenty-five
cents per plate, at six-thirty,
when the messages were delivered
and a brief program carried out.

Garden Primer. — Mayer
Mitchels' Food Supply Com-
mittee has issued a leaflet, giving
practical and timely hints for
vegetable gardens. The way-
faring man could scarcely err in
following these instructions.

An Act Relating to Actions
against School Districts.—
Be it enacted by the legislature
of the State of Washington.
Section i. No action shall be
brought or maintained against
any school district or its officers
for any non-contractual acts
omission of such district, n
agents, officers or employees,
relating to any park, playgroun<
or field house, athletic apparati
or appliance, or manual trainii
equipment, whether situated ii
or about any schoolhouse or
elsewhere, owned, operated
maintained by such school dij
trict. Passed the Senate Februj
ist, 1917. PaSvSed the HOUJ
March 7th, 1917. Approved b]
the Governor March i2th, 1917

These Cities Spent Most f(
Recreation in 1916.— (Froi
Year Book Reports). Chicagc
Illinois, $967,657.21: Philadel-
phia, Pa., $2 65, 610.00; New Yorl
City, N. Y., $202,162.51 ; Bostc
Mass., $172,363.54; Pittsburgl
Pa., $158,500.00; San Francis
Cal., $149,704.00; Minneapolis
Minn., $148,306.07 ; Detroit
Michigan, $132,601.59; Oaklan<
Cal., $104,981.81; Newark, N.J.,
$90,609.29.

188

PROCLAMATION
Boys' Club Federation Incorporated

To the Boys' Clubs of America:

Whereas, Congress of the United States of America, believing
that "right is more precious than peace," has declared war upon
the Imperial German Government, and the people of America have
entered upon a conflict worthy of their traditions, and

Whereas, the Boys' Club Federation, having for its primal
object "character-building for citizenship" and the teaching of
loyalty, service and thrift, is offered a splendid opportunity — al-
ready seized by the Canadian Clubs of our affiliation — to exemplify
those principles in the cause of justice, humanity and democracy,

Now, therefore, the Boys' Club Federation, by its President
and Executive Secretary, in accordance with the dictates of duty
and patriotism, do hereby enjoin each Boys' Club in our Federation

To encourage all members of sufficient age to place themselves
at the command of their country by enlistment in the Army or
Navy.

To urge upon such members as cannot qualify for active Mili-
tary or Naval duty, the offering of their services as guards, messen-
gers, guides or helpers in whatever capacity they may be of the
most service to their country.

To promote and extend the gardening operations already fea-
tured by many of our Clubs, and to bring about the organization
of companies of boys and young men to aid the farmers in increas-
ing the food supply of the Nation.

By these and other methods of cooperation, let our patriotism
find expression; and may our devotion lead to a dedication of our-
selves unreservedly to our country's service.

Dated, April 6th, 1917

(Signed) C. J. Atkinson,
Executive Secretary

189

WALKING AND PREPAREDNESS*
JOHN H. FINLEY, President of the University of the State^of New York

I have written in praise of walking as a means of finding
pleasure, of keeping more intimately in touch with God's earth
and universe, of promoting health and of cultivating a democratic
spirit. And whenever I have had opportunity, I have urged
schoolboys, especially, to walk.

But just now when we are all thinking and talking of " pre-
paredness," I would remind the boys, especially, that practice
in long-distance and hard walking has its "preparedness" values.
In the first place, it helps to give the will mastery over the body,
to teach the body to endure; and, in the second place, it is at the
foundation of all physical training. Whatever special form of
discipline or training is necessary later, the ability to walk, to en-
dure on one's feet, is an essential part of it.

So as the days of the open road come on, as nature begins
again her laboratory courses in field and stream and mountain,
may every boy find, on foot, the blessings of the out-of-doors,
the strength that comes of battle with the natural forces that
oppose, and the joy of overcoming. And if there be those who
because of some infirmity are unable to walk, may they be carried
even as wounded comrades are borne by the strong. So shall we
all be the better prepared to meet the opportunities and obliga-
tions which come, or may come, to us, as men with civic rights and
civic duties.

AN AMERICANIZING PROGRAM
G. F. Ashe, Supervisor, Recreation Commission, Detroit, Michigan

The Detroit Recreation Commission recently staged a dramati-
zation of our national "melting pot."

On the stage were persons varying in ages from sixteen to fifty

years. After each offering the performers would lay the instruments

of their contribution at the feet of Liberty who was enthroned on

the rear of the stage. Fiddles, flags and boxing gloves were placed

*Courtesy of Physical Training

100

AN AMERICANIZING PROGRAM

with equal obeisance. Liberty accepted each with an appreciative
bow.

What difference did it make if the young man who was reciting
the prologue forgot his lines, or that the young miss who imperson-
ated Liberty occasionally was reduced to the human-ness of smiles!
Every utterance and act of the entertainers was enthusiastically
received. The performance was unique both from the standpoint
of the type of performers and the repertoire.

To the strains of the Hungarian orchestra, four Hungarian wo-
men, two of whom had children in the audience, interpreted their
national dance, the "Czardas. " There were Mexicans, Roumanians,
Italians, Hungarians, Greeks, Lithuanians and Poles.

Perhaps the most striking thing was the spirit of the perform-
ance and the friendly attitude of nationalities toward each other
here while their people at home are facing each other in the horrible
war. All were Americans that evening and surely will be better citi-
zens as a result of this undertaking. Was there a dance, music or any-
thing else peculiar to their own country, the entertainers would see
that the audience should have an opportunity to know what it was !

The performance closed with a military drill by twenty-four
Polish girls from one of the gymnasiums. They carried ribbons and
closed the drill by forming the Stars and Stripes with those ribbons.
This brought the audience to their feet at once and with the siniging
of the Star Spangled Banner closed one of the most encouraging
evenings the writer has yet seen in his recreation work.

It was an untried field for our Department. In the month of
October, 1916, the Board of Education opened twenty-seven night
schools offering reading, writing, arithmetic and grammar to foreigners
in the various foreign districts of our great city. The Recreation
Commission through the untiring and skilful efforts of its Superintend-
ent, Ira W. Jayne, succeeded in convincing the Board of Education
of the great need and wonderful opportunities for proper recrea-
tion under leadership in those centers. With the Board's consent,
work was begun in each of the twenty-seven centers on the opening
night.

One male and one female play director was assigned to each of
the centers so far as the force would reach. These workers began
their efforts by visiting the homes in the neighborhood of their
centers. This visiting brought in a large number in some places,
while in others only a few could be reached. However, in all they
at least succeeded in getting a nucleus.

191

SOMEWHERE IN AMERICA

These groups gathered up organized themselves into self-govern-
ing clubs. Athletic clubs, debating clubs, singing clubs and orches-
tras, dramatic clubs, cooking clubs, sewing clubs, dancing clubs, and
gymnastic clubs all had their places. These activities were carried
on on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Thursday
evening was given over entirely to recreation work with the whole
enrollment of night school pupils attending as well as the groups
gathered up by the workers.

The members of these various organizations ranged in age from
sixteen to eighty-four the average being, perhaps, twenty-eight to
thirty. The interest manifested in these groups was surprising. It
is quite an interesting sight to see Hungarian couples over forty
years of age doing their national folk dances. It is interesting
to see Syrian men doing their odd dances and singing their weird
songs. It is equally as interesting to see the Polish girls' gymnasium
class, the Italian men in their dances, the Greeks in their debating
clubs, or the cooking, sewing, and dramatic clubs made up of various
nationalities. To see a group of foreigners laboring over a game of
checkers or trying to jump "through the stick" or crawl "under the
stick" is entertaining and socially valuable to the participant.

After the work had been organized for a period of a little less
than three months it was decided to call upon all members who
would, to contribute something of their talent towards an entertain-
ment on the closing night preceding the holidays. The response was
most encouraging, to say the least. More numbers were offered than
could be used. A selection was made and on the evening of Decem-
ber twenty-first some 1200 came from all over the city to Central
High School and enjoyed and applauded the entertainment.

The work continues this term and will no doubt bring brighter
and better things by the close of the semester.

SOMEWHERE IN AMERICA

The following address was made before a representative com-
mittee of a chamber of commerce by a playground enthusiast from
a neighboring city:

I believe that the prosperity of any modern American commu-
nity depending at all on either commerce or industry is largely
governed by the facilities provided for caring for the recreational

192

SOMEWHERE IN AMERICA

time of the people. I quote Governor Brumbaugh's sententious
utterance on this subject in the following paragraphs:

"If we are to conserve the health, the morals and the fine
spirit of enthusiasm so vital to the welfare of our people, we have
in this recreational movement the greatest opportunity for good
now lying within the field of social service.

"The wrongs against society are committed by our people
not in their hours of work but in their hours of leisure, and the
responsibility lies not wholly with the people who perform these
unfortunate acts, but with the people who have not been wise enough
to see that the fundamental business of the community at large
is to see to it that it becomes increasingly easy for the people to
do right, and increasingly hard for them to do wrong."

Mr. George A. Parker's estimate of the time not spent in work-
ing, sleeping and eating in the average community is five hours
per day, and all the commentators on this estimate agree that it
is most conservative. On this basis, with a population figured as
being, in 1915, seven per cent greater than in 1910, according to
the same ratio of increase as had prevailed for ten years, X has avail-
able each day for the recreation of each of its 50,533 people five
hours apiece, or a total of 252,665 hours, making the impressive
and almost unbelievable amount of twenty-nine years per day of
the time spent other than in eating, sleeping and working, the
spending of which makes the man, woman or child a better or a
worse contributor to the welfare of the city.

Despite the admitted inattention of the city to caring for this
time, it has always looked out for it in some fashion. When dissi-
pation causes crime, 01 disease, or accident, or death, the
community takes care of the results. That is, the community pays
all the bills for the misuse of a portion of this recreational time,
and it would seem like nothing but the best business to attempt to
i so guide a portion of this recreational time as to reduce the strain
! on the jail, the hospital, and the cemetery, and likewise to reduce
the demand for charity and help to those who have through the
city's neglect been permitted to wrong themselves and the com-
munity in an unwise use of recreational time.

X's attention to recreation in a beneficent fashion is very
> weak. Your city lives too cheaply. This may be a desirable econ-
omy, but it is not usually considered as a matter of pride when an
individual boasts that he saves money by failing to wash or to
change his clothing with sufficient frequency to make him a pleas-

193

SOMEWHERE IN AMERICA

ant asvsociate. X does not spend enough money to educate he
children, and she does not spend enough money to take care
her citizens.

The figures show that during the current year X's expendi-
tures per person through money derived from taxation has been
$8.89, of which $4.45 is spent in city administration and $3.06 is
spent on education. These amounts compare unfavorably with
progressive communities all over the country. Y, for instance,
spends $6.62 in taking care of its population and $5.26 in educa-
tion. Its total of $14.04 of municipal expenditure per capita is
very much more to its credit than the unwise economy of X's
pinching figure of $8.89.

X does spend a little bit of money for recreation. There
seems to be a total expenditure between the city and the school
board of 11.2 cents per person for public recreational uses, most of
which is expended on maintaining rather ineffectual and ill-equipped
parks, and none of which is municipally expended on equipped,
maintained and directed playgrounds for your people. This ex-
penditure of 1 1. 2 cents per person does not compare favorably
with Y's wholesome and satisfactory expenditure of forty-three
cents per person for the same purposes.

X is spending every day for education $423.39 and for recrea-
tion $15.38. This would appear to be paying entirely too much
money on the contents and too little attention to the container.
The minds of the boys and girls are not of much use without good
bodies.

All sorts of facilities have come into existence to compete for
some of the recreational time of your population. You have
fifty-two churches, nine theatres and moving picture places, a
Y. W. C. A., a Y. M. C. A., which give you a total of 1,362 recrea-
tion hours per week to compete for good — if you count the theatre
and the "movie" in that direction — against twenty-nine years per
day of the people's recreational opportunities.

X reaches out in another way for recreation. You have 78
places at which liquor may be purchased, and these are open a total
of 7992 hours per week, which compares rather unfavorably with
the 520 hours of church opportunity. Counting all of these facili-
ties together, however, the total makes up the relatively inconsid-
erable number of 9354 hours per week to compete for the recrea-
tional needs of more than 50,000 people, who spend each day
29 years in some form of recreational activity or endeavor.

194

SOMEWHERE IN AMERICA

It is scarcely to be wondered at that X is slowing up in popu-
lation under this neglect. The census seems to show that during
the decade between 1890 and 1900 you increased 29.5 per cent,
while during the last decade your advance was but 13.9 per cent.

The people spend money all the time on recreation. Mr.
Parker's estimate is that of two cents per hour, which makes up a
total for X of $4,898 per day spent by your people now for recrea-
tion. It is certain that if the city in an endeavor to keep men on
the job, productive, happy, healthy, contented and alive, com-
peted for about one-fifth of this time, the result would be an enor-
mous advantage to the present and future prosperity of X.

Your city suffers seriously from its unfortunate preference for
an old and outworn charter confining your limits and restricting
your proper civic activities. It would seem as if your citizens ought
very promptly to see the desirability of getting in step with other
cities of the third class in the state so that they may have the same
right to diminish the cost of government, or rather to get better
government for the same money, by bringing in the parasitic
settlements around your constricted borders.

The park provision in X is not creditable to that city's fore-
sight. You have a total of 101 acres, not all of a wholly favor-
able character. Counting it, however, as efficient park territory,
it amounts to but one acre for every five hundred persons. Y has
found it advantageous to provide one acre for every seventy-six
persons. This is park provision ; the other provision is not much more

I than cemetery provision, for it would be but little more than would
be required to bury all your people comfortably if they died at one

| time. It is better to keep them alive in parks than to add cemeteries.
I have spoken frankly about these matters, because I recog-
ed in the gentlemen whom I had the pleasure of addressing on
ednesday a sincere purpose to do well by X. Nothing is im-
possible to these gentlemen if they will use the same foresight,
iioughtfulness and disposition that have made each one of them

I 1 conspicuous success in his own business. What is in mind, I
;ake it, is applying good business to the problem of making X a
letter place to live in, a better place to do business in, and a better
)lace to come to.

195

WHAT ONE SMALL COMMUNITY HAS DONE TO DEVELOP
A YEAR-ROUND RECREATION SYSTEM

From a small summer playground started in 1910 by the Civic
League of Bennington, Vermont, a volunteer group of young women
organized as a part of the Village Improvement Society, has evolved
a year-round system of recreation.

The process of evolution has been most inter-
Work*11 °f the esting. Following the establishment of the
summer playground and its successful demon-
stration, the village voted $300 for the employment of a trained
play leader for the summer of 1911. In this same year after a
recreation survey made by a worker of the Playground and Recrea-
tion Association of America, a year-round worker was employed.
To finance this plan an appropriation of $500 was made by the
village, this amount being doubled by private subscriptions.

The work has gone steadily forward, each year bringing an
enlargement of the activities and the budget. During 1913 and
1914 organized play and athletics for girls were developed in con-
nection with the schools, instruction being given also in folk dancing
and games. Community center work was established in the
Young Women's Club rooms which were open six evenings a week,
the activities including glee club, cooking, sewing, millinery, raffia
work, folk dancing, informal talks followed by dancing, and on
Saturday nights, an open dance. Camp Fire Girl groups were
organized and a skating rink was built for winter activities. In
the summer, playground work was conducted, each evening being
given over to the older boys and girls. A very successful baseball
league was developed among the boys.

The year 1914-15 was marked by the building of a concrete
pavilion and shelter house at a cost of $1,100. It is so constructed 1
that it can be used for the storing of apparatus and for play in t
inclement weather. Arrangements were made during this year
for the renting of Library Hall for use as a social center. Classes ;
of various kinds were held there, the school children being organized i
into groups which met after school from 4 100-5 :3°- Gymnasium \
classes for older women were formed. Instruction was given in i
dancing, a charge of $i for six lessons being made. The local phy-
sician became interested and gave a course in First Aid. During ^

196

WHAT ONE SMALL COMMUNITY HAS DONE

the summer, in addition to the playground work, tennis tourna-
ments and track meets were held.

In 1916 after a visit from a representative of the Playground
and Recreation Association of America, the Civic League was
reorganized as a Public Welfare Association in whose membership
men are now included. Departments of the various activities were
created of which special committees from the League were put in
charge. In addition to the year-round worker (a woman) already
employed, a man was engaged to direct the athletics of the boys.
During the past year there has been developed in connection with
the schools a system of physical training by which all school chil-
dren receive instruction in this subject.

Special CommunityThroughout the entire ^story of the work in
Get-together Occa-Bennington special community celebrations have
been developed with notable success. Hallowe'en
parties, community Christmas Tree celebrations, Christmas cotil-
lions, community sleigh rides, pageants, 4th of July celebrations,
automobile rides, and Labor Day festivals have become a very im-
portant part of the recreation program. During 1914-15 it was esti-
mated that 13,431 people attended community events. During
the past year the special celebrations have been particularly
successful in helping to weld the community together. On Christ-
mas Day bands of carollers from the churches went through the
village singing carols to the "shut-ins." The Shakespeare Ter-
centenary was celebrated by an out-door production of "Julius
Caesar." The Hallowe'en performance with its parade of gob-
lins, sprites and spooks aroused an enthusiasm which stirred the
entire community, and brought out thousands of people.

Bermington has proved that small community recreation ideals
are feasible and can be realized. The experience of Bennington
has shown that at a cost of not more than $2,000 it has been possi-
ble to provide a workable program which will go far to realize the
purpose of the League which the members are working so whole-
heartedly to further: "To build up community spirit, to develop
the initiative and resources of the people through working and
playing together in the realization of abounding and joyous life
as neighbors, friends, and fellow-citizens in the village confrater-
nity."

197

WHAT CONSTITUTES A YEAR-ROUND RECREATION

SYSTEM

ABBIB CONDIT, Playground and Recreation Association of America, New York

City

Any effort to define a year-round recreation system must take
into account the needs and conditions of the individual community
and cannot therefore set forth rigid requirements to which all
communities must conform if they are to appear in the roster of
cities which are taking steps to meet adequately their leisure time
problem. Generally, and very broadly speaking, however, a year-
round system of recreation may be defined as a program of activi-
ties which through the utilization of all available facilities, under
the direction of a worker employed to organize and carry on recrea-
tion work during the entire year, provides opportunities for whole-
some recreation for all the people of a community — both children
and adults throughout the whole community and for 365 days dur-
ing the year.

As a first essential for the year-round system which will meet
the needs of the entire community, the city must furnish as a frame
work for the building up of recreational program, a special recrea-
tion commission or department to carry on the work or must make
provision for the work to be conducted by the city department
best fitted to carry it on — either the school board, park board, or
some existing city body. There must, too, be a regular yearly ap-
propriation from the city which will insure the efficiency and per-
manency of the work and provide the necessary machinery. There
are at the present time a number of small communities in which
year-round work is being financed and carried on by private or-
ganizations. It is always the hope, however, of such private enter-
prises, that the city will eventually take over the work and in the
majority of instances the municipality is providing a part of the
necessary funds.

The frame and the machinery having been provided, it
necessarily follows that there must be an engineer to direct the work.
On this engineer, who is known as the recreation secretary, or
superintendent of recreation, falls the burden of organization, leader-
ship and administration.

This "engineer" need not lack for work. Really to affect the
leisure time of all of the people of a city is a job — a life-size job — in
itself. A physical training teacher running a few baseball games
198

WHAT CONSTITUTES YEAR-ROUND RECREATION SYSTEM

after school or gathering groups of people in the schoolhouse one
night a week, is not a basis for a year-round recreation system. A
park superintendent who dips now and then into recreation affair's
but is primarily concerned with walks and planting and fountains
does not adequately look after the recreation of a city. The or-
ganization of leisure-time activities means that a man is responsi-
ble for more time for all the people than the superintendent of
schools is responsible for the juvenile population — as much time as
all the employers of the community control for the working people,
for nearly as many hours as all the housewives of the community
spend on their respective duties. To look after the work activities
of any one of these groups would be thought a big enough job for
the whole of one person's time. What shall be said of the combined
job of providing for leisure time — that tremendous moulder of
life and character, that vital force in democracy?

Work of a Year- The activities of a year-round recreation program
round Recreation naturally start with the summer playground work
for children which involves on the part of the
recreation secretary, the purchase and installation of equipment,
the planning and alteration of buildings for recreation purposes,
the organization and management of playground work, and the
selection and training of play leaders. Summer work also includes
the use of outdoor swimming pools and of beaches, the organization
of children's gardens, arrangements for summer camps and for
tramping trips, and the promotion of all activities which may be
carried on by the children out-of-doors.

The older members of the community may also have a share
in the summer program through the use of tennis courts, the organi-
zation of twilight baseball teams, the evening use of playgrounds,
and through the enjoyment of band concerts.

No city, however, is fulfilling its whole duty to its citizens
which does not make the spring, fall, and winter work as import-
ant a part of its recreation program as the summer activities or
whose superintendent of recreation does not during these seasons
as well as in the summer, promote community recreation. During
the spring and fall, the superintendent should arrange for the open-
ing of children's playgrounds and the use of play fields after school
hours and on Saturdays, for the promotion of Boy Scouts, Camp
Fire Girls, and similar activities, for the organization of football,
baseball and volley ball leagues and for track athletics. Athletic

199

WHAT CONSTITUTES YEAR-ROUND RECREATION SYSTEM

badge test contests for both boys and girls should be carried on
throughout the city and work in connection with school athletics
promoted in every way possible. In winter, when it is not feasible
to hold athletic events and play activities out of doors, he should
arrange indoor swimming pool activities and folk dancing. The
use of gymnasia and private halls for indoor activities should be
secured so that all available facilities may be in use. Playgrounds
and vacant lots should be flooded for skating and arrangements
made for the setting aside of streets for coasting. The stimulation
of winter outdoor activities by the superintendent of recreation is
a very essential phase of his work.

A vital part of the work of the superintendent of recreation
during these seasons lies in the development of neighborhood recrea-
tion center work for adults at school buildings or in buildings es-
pecially erected for recreation purposes. Nothing is of greater
importance in a year-round system than that provision shall be
made through the evening use of the schools for both cultural fea-
tures and recreational activities for young men and women em-
ployed during the day and for the older men and women of the
community.

Of community-wide activities in which all ages and classes
may share and which are going far to democratize and American-
ize our community life today, there are many which may be devel-
oped under the leadership of the superintendent of recreation —
community pageants, arrangements for the celebration of holidays,
for community music and choruses. These are a few of the activi-
ties which are bringing together all the members of a community.

Such community get-together features are not developed with-
out a great deal of cooperation on the part of agencies, and so it
becomes the duty of the superintendent of recreation to secure the
cooperation of such organizations as the juvenile court, settlements,
libraries, churches, and various social agencies; to interpret to the
public through addresses, through the press and through publicity
channels of various kinds, the recreation work of the city. He
should constantly work to extend his service by studying the recrea-
tion conditions in different sections of the city in an attempt to
meet special conditions and by familiarizing himself thoroughly
with the work of private recreation agencies in order to avoid du-
plications. By acting as adviser to groups of private individuals
attempting to provide good recreation, he will help greatly to
strengthen the work. This same principle of cooperation may

200

CIVIC FORUMS

well be applied to the commercial recreation carried on by the city.
If it is not feasible for the recreation department under which the
superintendent of recreation works to have direct charge of the
city's commercial recreation, he may accomplish much by investi-
gating the type of amusement provided and working for its regu-
lation and improvement.

The work of the superintendent of recreation is bounded only
by community needs and by his ability to interpret to the munici-
pality the recreation program which will meet these needs.

ADULT RECREATION*

Charles H. Mills, of Grand Rapids, testified that in his experi-
ence segregation according to age had been necessary, with the
notable exception of a certain Valentine's Party. On this particu-
lar occasion young and old intermingled in a great good time.
R. A. Bernhard, of Rochester, New York, suggested as impor-
ant adult activities, civic and debating clubs, music, conundrums
and charades, inter-shop athletic leagues and bowling-on-the-
green. Other suggestions made were: Horse shoes, croquet, roque,
kitchenball, hiking clubs.

S. Wales Dixon of Hartford reported organizing an old folks'
picnic and play day. Only persons over sixty years old were ad-
mitted. This proved so successful that there has now developed
an elderly folks' recreation club which conducts many entertain-
ments and other recreational activities.

Out-of-door activities suggested for women were: seat-swings
on playgrounds, swimming, gardens, folk dancing, handicraft.
The initial interest of women as well as men can be secured by work-
ing through already existing organizations.

CIVIC FORUMS*

Public or civic forums, which may be defined as meeting
places for all sorts and classes of citizens, are of two types:

*Discussion at Recreation Congress, Grand Rapids, Michigan, October 3,
1916

901

CIVIC FORUMS

1. The political forum where there is specific propaganda and
where the result of the discussion is crystallized into immediate
action

2. The forum in which every side has a hearing and which rep-
resents all, both in personnel and in point of view. It is a clearing
house for ideas, an intellectual get-together occasion. Here social-
ists, anarchists, and individualists may all state their point of view
and hope for a sympathetic hearing.

A few of the special types of forums in existence at the present
time are the following:

1. The public forum that is really of the people, by the people,
for the people — such as the forum in Melrose which was supported
through the efforts of a minister and a school teacher and the build-
ing for which was erected through the donations of the people
of the community

2. The forum conducted by high school students such as the
Hutchinson Center High School in Buffalo

3. The forum that is a simulation of government such as the
Ford Hall town meeting, the Worcester Garden City, and the East
Boston City Council

4. The labor forum, such as the one conducted by Carl Beck in
New York

5. The Catholic Common Cause which was organized to fight
socialism

6. The socialistic forum such as the School for Social Science

7. The capitalistic forum such as the one at the Old South,
Boston

8. The civic club

9. The endowment forum of which Ford Hall and Cooper
Union are examples

Some of the problems to be faced in conducting public forums
are the following:

1. Method of support. Public forums are supported by taxa-
tion, endowment, contribution, or by admission fees. It seemed to
be the general feeling of those present at the meeting that the self-
supporting forum to be successful must be non-partisan.

2. The possibility of holding successful forums in school build-
ings where the discussion takes on a partisan aspect. The experi-
ence at Springfield, Illinois, has been that both sides of every ques-
tion can be discussed at school forums when excellent leadership
has kept the balance. In Virginia, the country schools are used as

202

WOMEN IN THE RECREATION MOVEMENT

forums by all political parties. The use of the schoolhouse as a place
for holding public meetings has revolutionized school building
problems. In many places in the state in order to have the right
kind of buildings the people of the community have supplemented
public funds with private subscriptions, in one instance the people
of the district having provided seven-eighths of the cost of a new
school building. Difficulties regarding janitor service such as one
delegate from Denver said were experienced in the school forums
in Colorado, are met in Chicago by paying the janitors for evening
work.

3. Method of conducting the forums and nature of the discus-
sions permitted. Whether or not the subjects discussed at a forum
are partisan or non-partisan, the question of leadership is a very
important one. The discussions should always be dignified and
free from offence. In Chicago the plan of permitting no partisan
or sectarian question to be discussed has been followed and debate
has been found the best form of conducting the discussions. In
Youngstown, Ohio, on the other hand, at a forum known as an
up-to-date club which meets at the Young Men's Christian Asso-
ciation, the frankest discussions were carried on and the forum has
among its membership a Catholic priest and a Jewish Rabbi. Here
political questions are frequently reviewed after an election both
in debates and in the question and answer method. At a forum for
social workers such questions as the relation of social workers to
radical socialism and the subject of working men's insurance have
been discussed to great advantage.

The requisites of an ideal forum are summed up in the follow-
ing excerpt from an article in "Ford Hall Folks." "The ideal
forum is one based upon a distinct group of representative citizens
of all sorts and classes having a neutral meeting-place which will
not stir any prejudice or arouse any distrust, a place where nothing
offensive to race, class, or creed will be allowed, an institution which
will be self-supporting — financed by voluntary contributions from
members of the community served — serving its whole community,
not any particular class in that community."

WOMEN IN THE RECREATION MOVEMENT*

The part played by women in recreation work as well as in
all movements for social betterment has been shown, according to

*Discussion at Recreation Congress, Grand Rapids, Michigan, October 3,
1916

203

RECREATION FOR CRIPPLED CHILDREN

Mrs. R. H. Ashbaugh, President of the State Federation of Women's
Clubs of Michigan, in the history of the Detroit playground work
which is now controlled by a commission of ten men and women
of whom five are appointed by the mayor and five members ex-
officio. The success of the work in Detroit, Mrs. Ashbaugh felt,
was due to the splendid group of workers. All positions are filled
by civil service examination and in an effort to secure the most
efficient workers possible the standards and requirements have
been raised twice. To maintain a high degree of efficiency, the
workers are required to attend a class once a week.

A discussion of the value of the civil service examination in
recreation work led to the conclusion that civil service examina-
tions as such do not meet all the requirements and that appoint-
ments should not be made on a mere per cent basis since character,
personality, and play spirit have so important a part in play leader-
ship. The plan followed in St. Paul and a number of other cities
of allowing forty percent for the written examination, twenty per-
cent on an oral examination for determining personality, and forty
per cent on experience, has proved very successful.

Another subject of discussion, introduced by the statement of
one of the delegates that education should prepare a child to give
something to the world, was that of the wider use of the school
facilities. Greater initiative must be developed in the child and
if the educational system has been allowed to become ineffective
in this respect, it must be supplemented by a recreation system
which will permit -the comprehensive use of school facilities. In
Detroit during the winter there is a program for indoor recreation
in which the high schools and schools with gymnasia are used.
In the night schools three nights are given up to school work and
the fourth to recreation pure and simple. The activities of the
centers in Detroit include dancing. The organization of dance
clubs at the centers has obviated many of the difficulties of the
dance problem.

RECREATION FOR CRIPPLED CHILDREN*

That the average crippled child is not an invalid unless made
so by treatment, environment, and constant suggestion of invalid-
ism, was the statement of Miss Blanche Van Leuven-Brown of the

• 204

ATHLETIC BADGE TESTS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS

Van Leuven-Brown Hospital School for Crippled Boys and Girls
in Detroit. This has been demonstrated by the experience of the
school where all the training is designed to make the child feel that
he is neither abnormal nor helpless. The teachers seldom tell the
children to be careful or tliey will be hurt. In ten years there has
never been an accident. The boys do not admit there is anything
a normal boy can do that they cannot do except walk — and some
of them can do this. Although only five boys out of the fourteen at
the school can walk, nevertheless every child over twelve can swim
and many of them wrestle. Miss Brown told of a fifteen-year-old
boy who had been in the school less than a year. He had been
born without forearms and with only one leg, yet during the sum-
mer he learned to swim, to wrestle, to climb trees, and to ride horse-
back. He could beat any boy in the school turning cart-wheels.

Although all states provide specially equipped schools for the
education of the deaf and dumb, the blind, the incorrigible, and the
feeble-minded, the crippled child, except in three states, is left help-
less, neglected, and ignorant. It was Miss Brown's plea that all
workers for child welfare use their influence to make the cripple an
independent, self-supporting citizen by providing him a place where
he may live a normal life and receive an education at the same time
he is being treated for his physical condition.

ATHLETIC BADGE TESTS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS*

One of the methods used to arouse the interest of the children
in the tests is the holding of preliminary tests. This plan has been
found effective in Ann Arbor, Michigan to get large numbers to
enter the tests. In Kirkwood, Missouri where the tests have been
held three times, there has been an increase, not only in the num-
ber taking the tests but in the number successful in passing them.
The plan of awarding the badges in public along with the letters
for members of the track teams and of publishing the names of
the winners in the local papers has contributed largely to this in-
crease. The tying up of the local work with the national has
created a great deal of enthusiasm and local pride. A Badge Test
Club made up of the boys who have won the badges has charge of

*Discussion at Recreation Congress, Grand Rapids, Michigan, October 6,
1916

205

A NEW PROFESSION

the details connected with the presentation of badges to new
winners.

A problem to be faced in holding the badge tests is the possi-
bility of having entries only from those boys and girls who are
confident of winning badges. In meeting this problem the pre-
liminary test has been of value. The plan of combining class ath-
letics with the badge tests giving points to those who are successful
only in part of the events has been helpful in attracting a large
number of children.

The experience in holding tests in Kirkwood, Missouri and in
Sag Harbor, Long Island, showed that a large group of untrained
boys made rapid increase in ability up to the age of thirteen years,
when progress is arrested. At fourteen and one-half or fifteen years
there comes another period of rapid development. In girls' groups
the arrest of progress comes approximately at the age of twelve.

It was the general feeling of those present that the tests could
be used with great success on summer playgrounds. They should
not, however, be given more than once or twice during the season
as the frequent holding of tests is liable to decrease their import-
ance in the eyes of the children. It is important to set aside a period
a week for preliminary practice and try-outs.

It was suggested that the badge test standards might be used
as a basis for comparing the physical condition of children in differ-
ent school grades or playgrounds or even in entire communities.
As the tests were used in Ipswich, Massachusetts to aid in de-
termining the physical efficiency of the children, they might — it
possible — be used in a nation-wide survey of the physical efficiency
of children in rural districts and in small and large communities.
It was suggested that such a survey carried on by the Association
through the schools might stimulate an interest in increased physi-
cal efficiency: first, on the part of the children themselves becaus
of the competitive features, and second, on the part of communitit
which are doing little or nothing in physical education, by showing
them how far below normal their children are.

A NEW PROFESSION*

Mr. Bellamy opened the discussion of A New Profession b]
the statement that the need is for those who understand the philoso-

*Discussion at Recreation Congress, Grand Rapids, Michigan, October 4,
1916

706

BUDGETS

phy of democracy well enough to organize for its development and
expression. Joseph Lee suggested that the primary need is for
the conception of a social soul. The neighborhood must be created
in a spiritual sense. Dr. C. W. Hetherington, of the University o£
Wisconsin, emphasized the need for a thorough training for leaders
because their work is essentially educational. Volunteers can lead
particular activities but cannot unify and give direction to the
whole. The training course in Wisconsin University is very stiff,
requiring five years for most students. One hundred are now en-
rolled in this course.

Miss Neva Boyd, of the Chicago School of Civics and Phil-
anthropy, seconded the need for training in the technique of di-
recting recreational activities. The aim in the Chicago school is
to train not only for the handling of children, but also for leading
in adult activities.

Doctor Peterson remarked that while formal education under
school responsibility has rapidly increased in the last century, in-
formal education through actual contact with the things of life has
decreased. This situation, due largely to the move of social or-
ganization from rural to urban, must be met by the direction of
leisure time into recreational activities which provide informal edu-
cation through contact with things.

Clarence Rainwater of Chicago spoke of the need of cultural
training as well as technical for the successful play leader. Three
years of cultural training combined with one or two in the technical
training were suggested as satisfactory.

BUDGETS*

It was the feeling of the delegates taking part in the discussion
of budgets that there could be no basis for a satisfactory compari-
son since no two recreation commissions draft their budgets in
the same way and since the objectives of superintendents of re-
creation, equipment, population, and classification of workers in
various cities differ so widely.

The determining of the amount of money necessary for the
annual budget depends upon the objective of the recreation com-

*Discussion at Recreation Congress, Grand Rapids, Michigan, October 5,
1916

207

BUDGETS

mission, the facilities available and the people served. This fact
was born out by the presentation of the budgets of Yonkers, N. Y.,
a city of 100,000, calling for an expenditure of $60,000 and of Omaha,
Neb. with a population of 200,000 which provided for a yearly ex-
penditure of $40,000. The budget for Yonkers was intended to
provide for the ideal objective of the superintendent of recreation
and was based upon the actual cost of maintaining the present
equipment. The budget for Omaha on the other hand covered the
cost of operating the present equipment to its capacity. For Pitts-
burgh, a city of 500,000 population, an annual budget of $176,300
was reported. In this case a budget of $200,000 would be sufficient
to meet the annual cost of the city's recreation after adequate
equipment had been provided.

Among the fundamental problems to be kept in mind are the
following: Shall we set a minimum salary wage and agree to a
policy of a sliding scale? Shall we set for ourselves a standard of
qualifications in preparation and experience? Shall we set a stand-
ard for a minimum and maximum amount of work? The unit of
work for any budget making for recreation is as for school work
a per capita unit for every child in the city. The budgets which
were reported at the Congress showed the per capita cost for recrea-
tion to range from 3oc to 5oc.

Methods of dividing budgets may be classified

Dividing Budgets in three ways: first> according to salaries, ap-
paratus, repairs, and renewals; second, accord-
ing to seasons; and third, according to the requirements of each
playground or social center. If the division of the budget is for
the purpose of informing the taxpayer it may be well to divide it
seasonally. If it is for the information of the city treasurer it may
be divided according to salaries, apparatus, and other expendi-
tures. In Detroit, it is the practice to divide the budget seasonally as
the method of dividing it according to neighborhood centers would
make it possible for the centers to be placed politically by aldermen.
On the other hand, it has been found in East Orange, New Jersey,
that the arrangement of budgets according to neighborhood cen-
ters helps to determine the efficiency of neighborhoods and the
work of the directors. In any consideration of budget making it
is necessary to keep in mind the value of neighborhood pressure
and also the right of politicians to determine where money shall
be spent.

208

THE LAYING-OUT OF PLAYGROUNDS

Any decision regarding the keeping of statistics should be based
on a conception of what a playground should be and what the
needs are which justify the existence of a playground. Figures
on attendance and enrollment are not enough. The director
should know how many children are participating in games plan-
ned to develop instincts and how many are securing an all-round
development. Statistics of this sort will lead men to say, "There
is the thing for my money!"

It was felt that the salaries of play directors should be placed
on a par with those of school teachers. It is essential to secure as
superintendent of recreation a man who is qualified to determine
the salaries of his workers. The matter of standardizing salaries
presents difficulties because the salary scale in agricultural and
colored belts, for example, would necessarily vary greatly from
those of New York or New England. It might, however, be possi-
ble to standardize salaries in a certain section of the country. An-
other difficulty lies in the lack of standardization in the titles of
recreation workers, the term supervisor in one city for example
being identical with that of director in another. There must be
a standardization of titles before any standardization of salaries
can be worked out.

THE LAYING-OUT OF PLAYGROUNDS*

The fundamentals to be considered in the laying-out of play-
grounds are the location, size and shape of the grounds; the installa-
tion of apparatus; and the beautification of the grounds. These
fundamentals must be considered in relation to the different types
of playgrounds such as school playgrounds, municipal playgrounds,
athletic fields, and back yard playgrounds.

In laying out school playgrounds much depends on whether
the grounds are regular or irregular in shape. Rectangular tracts
of land lend themselves best to proper development. In laying
out the ground it is of value to keep in mind the principles of indoor
gymnasium construction and the service ideal — that a playground
used at all should be used day and night and during the entire year.
Wherever climatic conditions permit, special provision should be
made for winter sports and recreation.

The size of the school playground is determined necessarily by

209

THE LAYING-OUT OF PLAYGROUNDS

the number of children to be served by it. Ernst Hermann of
Newton, Massachusetts, suggests that a playground designed for
the use of about 500 children should allow for a minimum of five
square yards per child. That is, it should contain at least 5200
square yards of play space.

It is absolutely imperative that the playground surface should
be made level. It is impossible to maintain a successful playground
on an uneven or sloping surface with the exception, of course, of
the slight gradual slope necessary to proper drainage. One of the
problems to be solved in providing surfacing is the necessity of se-
curing a surface which is not dangerous and which will lay the dust.
Still another problem is that of drainage. This assumes especial
importance in view of the fact that much time is lost when play-
grounds cannot be used after a heavy rain because of poor drainage.
A field the size of a football or baseball field should have about one
foot pitch to over 100 or 120 feet. What is known as a percolating
system of drainage has the following advantages: by controlling
the drainage of the entire ground with one controlling valve it is
not only possible to drain the ground quickly by opening the valve,
but in winter the field may be flooded for skating simply by closing
the controlling valve and flooding the field. The laying out of a
playground in basin form to provide drainage is not advisable be-
cause the ground cannot be used advantageously for other purposes
during the season of heavy rains. The following diagram is sug-
gestive of the percolating system of drainage:

"• ">•£»'*'* VX^^^f.^"^^^*'"^-^""^ '*?''x*V<>?-*>r«*"

^C^AV CLAY^^S**^ C'AV

In placing apparatus it should be kept in mind that the loca-
tion of apparatus makes possible a number of uses of a limited
space and it can be so arranged as to preserve space for free play.
Movable apparatus similar to that used in indoor gymnasia is

a 10

THE LAYING-OUT OF PLAYGROUNDS

recommended because the extensive use of small playgrounds is
thus promoted. For shade, awnings are used to some extent and
are satisfactory but not nearly so desirable as shade trees. The
school playground which hopes to become a neighborhood center
must have many chairs and benches — carefully arranged, however,
so as not to interfere with the most economical planning of play
space. A row of trees around the playground and two rows between
the boys' section and the girls' and little children's section, with a
hedge between and a few shade trees planted among the children's
apparatus is an ideal plan for general shade provision. Human
needs, however, should never be sacrificed to aesthetic ideals.

Fences are essential to a successful playground and are of
value in providing definitely outlined means of entrance and exit
and in helping to solve the problem of supervision. It is helpful to
supplement open fences especially around the girls' section with
shrubbery and hedges as girls will not play when subjected to the
gaze of the curious. Even though fencing may add greatly to the
expense of a small playground, the expense is justified because of
the increased efficiency of the work done and the reduced cost of
supervision.

In placing appartaus on a municipal playground
ac ng o a gj.eat ^gj Depends on the shape of the ground,

When Starr Garden playground in Philadelphia,
which measures two hundred by four hundred feet, was opened,
the apparatus was so badly placed, with a shelter house in the
center of the ground and the apparatus scattered around indiscri-
minately, that the space was so effectively cut up it provided no
opportunity for free play. When the ground was re-opened the
following plan was pursued: A recreation building was placed
at one side of the ground with the boys' outdoor gymnasium
frame at one side of the building together with slides, giant
strides, and swings. A baseball diamond and soccer field were laid
out in back of the building. A playground for girls and small
children was placed at the opposite end of the field from the older
boys' playground and an outdoor gymnasium frame, tennis courts,
slides, giant strides, swings, a shelter, a wading pool, and a play-
ground-ball field were provided for the girls. The ground was
fenced in with only two entrances, one through the building, the
other through the opposite side of the ground so that in both cases
the playground for girls and small children was at one side of the

211

APPARATUS AND SURFACING

entrance, the older boys' ground at the other, obviating the neces-
sity of the boys going through the girls' ground, the girls through
the boys'. The open fence set in cement coping which surrounds
the ground is seven feet high. There is a planting bed three feet
wide next the fence all around the ground. Trees are placed
twenty-five feet apart with a hedge between the trees. There is
also a row of trees along the side walks which provides a shade walk
around the grounds and a border of shade inside.

The twenty-acre field which is being planned for
* |.ctic the employees of a large industrial plant in New

Jersey is to have a recreation building in the
center of the field with a gymnasium for men and one for women.
An out-door swimming pool will be located between the wings of
the gymnasium and an addition built for locker facilities. At one
end of the ground there will be an athletic field, game space, and
a quarter-mile running track. At the other end will be placed the
boys' playground while the girls' and small children's playground
will be located in the corner.

A suggestion for the provision of removable posts in play-
grounds or athletic fields is that an iron pipe should be sunk into
the ground to hold the goal post. When they are not in use they
may be removed and an iron cap placed over the piping in the
ground with a large mushroom cap which prevents danger from
tripping.

APPARATUS AND SURFACING*

A discussion of some of the problems involved in the use of
individual pieces of apparatus resulted in the following conclusions:

Stairways are better than inclines for slides and slides should
be all in one piece.

The circle bar or ocean wave is generally considered popular
for children under ten years of age but is dangerous when openly
constructed, as most of them are. When enclosed they usually
prove satisfactory.

Many people feel that canvas baby swings are not hygienic.

*Discussion at Recreation Congress, Grand Rapids, Michigan, October 4,
1916

212

APPARATUS AND SURFACING

Worcester, Massachusetts, however, has found canvas very satis-
factory. In Los Angeles, baby swings are made of belt leather
and cost two dollars, the home-made swings lasting from five to
ten years.

In Chicago, no distinction is made in apparatus used for boys
and for girls.

Building blocks used in connection with sand piles have great
value. In Los Angeles the blocks are of various sizes, costing
about thirty-five dollars for a set of three hundred blocks of all
sizes and shapes. There is no difficulty about their being taken
from the playground, as an honor system has been worked out
whereby the children feel that the blocks are their property and
when one child abuses the privilege of using them it is resented by
the others. Wheelbarrows and other implements are very popular
but it is not practicable to provide them unless particularly strong
pieces can be secured to keep down the maintenance cost.

In Chicago, the top surfacing in use in the play-
Surfacing grounds consists of a one-inch torpedo sand

surface, the torpedo sand being a round screened
gravel one-quarter inch thick — sometimes called shot gravel.
This is put on a four-inch deep, well-packed, clay surface and heavily
rolled. While it is not as sharp as cinders it does cut balls but is
generally successful except for its failure to meet the dust problem.
The South Park Commission have been experimenting with a very
finely-ground slag secured at small expense from a foundry. Be-
fore application, the slag must be screened and the little sharp
bits of iron removed. The grinding reduces it to a white substance
which is almost a powder. It is then applied to a well-rolled clay
surfacing twelve inches deep. Except on ball fields the slag itself
is not rolled but oiled. It provides a very successful surfacing but
when the foundry learned of its value the price was raised so high
as to make it prohibitive.

In Philadelphia, slag was tried but found to be not sufficiently
compact, due partly to the fact that too much slag was applied.
Next, a straight clay surface was tried which was excellent but
which could not be used for some time after a rain. A further
experiment in surfacing consisted in excavating ten inches below
the surface level of the ground, filling in with seven inches of hard
coal cinders, three inches of crushed stone, trap rock or lime-stone
with a diameter one-eighth to three-sixteenths inches. This was

213

SKATING RINKS AND WINTER SPORTS

all rolled with a five-ton roller. As yet no satisfactory surface
dressing has been devised. Glutrin was found to be an effective
binder but it will not hold dust in the dry season. Other oil com-
positions such as road oil offer the same difficulty. In order
to meet the dust problem they are now planning in Philadelphia
to lay water pipes around the ground, sprinkling occasionally.
The drains for excess water will be placed, not in the center of the
ground, but in the corners and will have grilled covers. The
pitch will not be greater than six inches by eight inches. It has
been found that the cost of surfacing in Philadelphia, not includ-
ing surface dressing is about thirty-two cents a square yard.

Grass surfacing although highly desirable is for the most part
impracticable although it has been the experience in Brookline,
Massachusetts, that the ten grass surfaces in use can be kept in
good condition, for the grounds are not opened until the grass is
fully grown.

Asphalt surfacing although satisfactory for use under appara-
tus, does not prove a successful surface for free play space. It may
be used on tennis courts, but not generally, because of its hardness
and expense.

SKATING RINKS AND WINTER SPORTS*

It was the concensus of opinion of the delegates present that
wherever possible a playground should be permanently graded to
permit of flooding in the winter, thus avoiding the necessity of
making temporary embankments. In the preparation of vacant
lots for skating, considerable saving can be made if the embank-
ments are thrown up by means of a plow and if the lot is flooded
by the fire department or the water works department in the same
manner as is a rink in a supervised playground.

In the preparation of the surface for skating it was recom-
mended that the ground be first sprinkled, then gradually flooded
to a depth of not more than two or three inches in order to form a
solid foundation which will prevent seepage. Subsequent flood-
ing should be made as the weather permits until the entire area is
covered. For mending cracks or holes in the ice, warm water should
be used as this permits of a closer knitting of the ice. If warm
*Discussion at Recreation Congress, Grand Rapids, Michigan, October 4,
1916.

214

ACCIDENTS ON THE PLAYGROUND

water is not available it is well to use a packing of snow saturated
with warm water.

As a means of increasing interest in ice activities, a badge test
system similar to that applied to athletics might be employed.
Running games such as those used on summer playgrounds may
be played on skates. A collection of unused skates makes possible
the lending of them to children who are unable to secure their own.
The installation of skate sharpening machines such as are used on
the municipal playgrounds of Chicago has been found helpful.
Toboggan slides add greatly to the enjoyment of winter playgrounds.
If the foundation of these slides is made principally of snow, the
cost is reduced and safety is insured.

In all cases it is important to have proper supervision at every
rink and wherever possible a shelter, which must be properly lighted
and heated and have separate divisions for boys and girls.

BOWLING ALLEYS*

A discussion of the wisdom of installing bowling alleys in
recreation buildings showed that the experience of different cities
varied. At the Proctor Recreation Center in Peoria, Illinois,
bowling alleys are very popular. A charge of five cents a game is
made. In one of the recreation buildings in Philadelphia, there is
a bowling alley for which no charge is made. Bowling clubs have
been organized into a Bowling Congress for which membership
dues of two dollars per year for men, one dollar for women are
charged. The Congress was given complete charge of the alleys
and paid costs from the dues received. It is the plan to recommend
alleys for any new buildings erected in Philadelphia. In Los
Angeles there are fine bowling alleys under the Playground Com-
mission.

ACCIDENTS ON THE PLAYGROUND*

A consideration of accidents on the playground is necessarily
interwoven with that of apparatus which has proved dangerous

*Discussion at Recreation Congress, Grand Rapids, Michigan, October 3,
1916

ACCIDENTS ON THE PLAYGROUND

and of precautions taken to reduce the possibility of accidents.

In Chicago, it was found that the lawn swing caused more
accidents than any other piece of apparatus. Some changes in
construction have largely eliminated the dangers.

Teeter ladders assume second place in the list of accident-caus-
ing apparatus. The accidents are caused largely by one child's
letting go of the ladder while the child at the other end is suspended
in the air. To guard against this, coil spring bumpers have been
attached to all teeter ladders. Accidents occurring on teeter lad-
ders in Tacoma, Washington, have resulted in law suits, as a conse-
quence of which all play apparatus has been removed from many of
the school playgrounds throughout the state. It has been practi-
cally impossible to prevent accidents from occurring on the teeter
ladders because in spite of the exercise of the greatest possible
care on the part of one child he may be injured by a playmate.
Lowering the ladders makes them somewhat safer but alters the
nature of the apparatus.

Most of the accidents occurring on the slides were due to chil-
dren falling off while starting to slide. To remove this danger, the
sides were raised at the top part of the slide. As a further precau-
tion to prevent children from falling out when starting to slide and
to safeguard them when standing, a bar has been placed several
feet above the top of the slide, running parallel to the bottom,
which children may grasp when getting into position to slide and
which is so low as to necessitate their sitting down in order to get
on the slide. Tacoma, Washington, reported that the greatest
number of accidents occurred on the slides, owing probably to the
fact that the slide was the most popular of all the equipment and
most used by the children. In the rush at recess time to use the
slides in the few moments available, it was found impossible to
prevent accidents.

The danger in the sliding pole lies in changing from the ladder
to the pole. To offset this, a platform has been built. A number of
accidents on outdoor gymnasium frames are caused by children
falling off the apparatus while playing tag. The tag problem was
invited mainly by the grouping of the apparatus on one frame and
leads to other dangerous consequences.

The possibility of accidents on the giant stride lies in the danger
of the child being struck in the head when he lets go. It was felt
by many that the use of rope in the giant stride was preferable to
link chains because wearing gradually it shows signs of wear and

216

YEAR BOOK REPORTS FROM CITIES

with ordinary inspection accidents can be prevented by replacing
the rope when necessary. On the other hand, link chains break
instantly and give no warning; moreover, the rope is more desira-
ble because it has more give.

The question of responsibility for accidents is one which is of
vital importance. Is there any ground for holding recreation
authorities responsible for accidents occurring on apparatus except
in instances resulting from faulty apparatus or rough conduct
which reasonable supervision would have prevented? Whether or
not a city is to be held liable for accidents occurring on its play-
grounds is a problem which thus far has been decided on the merits
of the individual case. As a result, the experiences of different
cities vary greatly. In Brookline, Massachusetts, there have been
a number of accidents but in no case has the city been held re-
sponsible by the courts. In Rochester, while as yet there have been
no verdicts against the city, the Corporation Counsel believes
that the responsibility does rest with the city. In Chicago, the
city has not been held responsible but supervision at all times
when it is possible to use the apparatus is a definite requirement,
as is the certainty that the apparatus is in good condition. If it
should be discovered at any time that there was no supervision or
that any piece of apparatus was defective, the city could be held
responsible. There is consequently in Chicago a daily inspection
of apparatus and in the event of an accident occurring a detailed
report is made out and signed by the supervisor, accounting for
his supervision at the time together with a statement of the last
date previous to the accident that the appartaus was inspected.

YEAR BOOK REPORTS FROM CITIES OF 35,000 TO 50,000
INHABITANTS

Of the 432 cities maintaining playgrounds and recreation
centers under leadership, from the reports received for the
1917 Year-Book, thirty-six cities had between 35,000 and 50,000
inhabitants. Thirteen of these have an average number of four
recreation centers, each maintained the year round under super-
vision; twenty-five of them have on the average six centers main-
tained under supervision during the summer only; Newton, Massa-
chusetts, has fourteen such centers and three that are open the

217

YEAR BOOK REPORTS FROM CITIES

year round; seven cities have from one to six centers, each open
only during other seasons. The average total number of centers
maintained under trained leadership in these cities is six, which re-
presents a range of from one to seventeen. Newton, Massachusetts,
a city of about 36,800 inhabitants, has 17 such centers; Sioux City,
Iowa, of about 47,900 inhabitants, has 15 centers; Topeka, Kansas,
of 43,700 inhabitants, has 14 centers and Kalamazoo, Michigan,
of 39,500 inhabitants, has 16 centers.

The average daily attendance at these centers in all these
36 cities is 1043 for the months of July and August and among
the winter centers the average daily attendance is 1250.

Those cities in which the playgrounds and recreation centers
are:

Under city management : Montgomery, Alabama

Under Playground or Recreation Commission or Board of
Commissioners: Berkeley, California; San Diego, California; New
Britain, Connecticut (Public Amusement Commission); Newton,
Mass.; Halifax, Canada

Under Park Commission, Park Board, Park Department or
Park District: Rockford, 111.; Fitchburg, Mass.; Haverhill, Mass.;
Salem, Mass.; Bay City, Mich.; Springfield, Mo.; Racine, Wis.

Under Playground Association: Tampa, Fla. (Partly under
Women's Civic Federation); Macon, Georgia; Topeka, Kansas;
Springfield, Ohio; Chester, Pa.; New Castle, Pa.; St. John, N. B.

Under School Board or Board of Education: Sioux City, Iowa;
Lincoln, Neb.; El Paso, Texas; Superior, Wis.; Calgary, Canada

Under Park Board, Board of Education and Hygiene Com-
mittee: Dubuque, Iowa

Under Playground Committee: Pueblo, Colorado

Under Department of Public Utilities, Grounds and Build-
ings: Chattanooga, Tennessee

Under Y. M. C. A.: Hamilton, Ohio

Under the Electric Railway Company: Butte, Montana

Under the Manville Manufacturing Company: Woonsocket,
R. I.

Under School Board and Bethlehem Steel Company: Bethle-
hem, Pa.

Under City Federation of Women's Clubs: Saginaw, Michi-
gan

Under Welfare Federation: Quincy, Illinois

Under City and Civic League: Lexington, Kentucky

218

YEAR BOOK REPORTS FROM CITIES

It is interesting to note in connection with the in-
Suppor? creasing tendency to centralize the administration

of playground and recreation work in the munici-
pality that in 1 6 of the 36 cities the sources of support are municipal
funds. In 1 6 cities, both municipal and private funds supplement
each other to support the work, while in only four cities is the work
maintained alone by private funds.

The average total expenditures for land, build-
Expenditures ings, upkeep, supplies and salaries for the last

fiscal year are $5,381.76. Among those cities
which appropriated the largest amount last year were: Chatta-
nooga, Tenn.,$30,ii9; San Diego, Cal., $26,300; Kalamazoo, Mich.,
$21,800; Newton, Mass., $19,411; Racine, Wis., $11,384.
Park Work in Racine, Wis., (38,000) has developed splendid

Clt5()8ooo ^5'h° bi playground work under its Park Commission.
tants During 1916 five new playgrounds were opened,

making twelve in all, which are conducted under trained
leadership. A large field has been developed in the bend
of Root River designed as a center for play, athletics, bath-
ing, gardens and winter sports. They have extended the munici-
pal golf course and erected a municipal clubhouse. One municipal
recreation center has been open the year round and the Board of
Education has granted to the Park Board the use of two (more if
necessary) school buildings for recreation centers. The Park De-
partment has conducted a municipal Chautauqua which has been
a successful experiment financially and in every other way. The
Park Department has cooperated with the Boy Scouts. The park
appropriation for 1917 is $35,000.

Rockford, Illinois (45,400) has an extensive park system under
le Park District.

Maiden, Mass., (44,400) has under the Park Commissioners
>laygrounds, public baths, organized sports.

Fitchburg, Mass., (37,800) has playgrounds under the direc-
tion of the Park Commission.

Haverhill, Mass., (44,100) has playgrounds under the Park
>mmissioners.

219

MILITARY TRAINING IN SCHOOLS*

Doctor Fisher, Secretary of the Physical Department, Young
Men's Christian Association, described the activities of the New
York Commission on Military Training, of which he is a member.
The two men serving on this Commission with him are: General
O'Ryan, chairman, who is also ranking officer of the New York
National Guard, and Doctor John Finley, Commissioner of Edu-
cation for New York State.

The three responsibilities of this Commission as described
in the law providing for its creation are (i) The inauguration in the
schools of a minimum of one hour and twenty minutes of physical
education each week; (2) the establishment of summer military
training camps for boys between the ages of sixteen and nineteen
inclusive; (3) the introduction into the school curriculums of a
maximum of two hours of military training each week. Doctor
Fisher explained that the work of the Commission had thus far
been confined to the inauguration of physical education in the
schools. The standard requirements now determined are: (i)
Medical inspection of all children from eight years up; (2) Two
talks of from ten to twenty minutes on hygiene each week; (3) A
two-minute setting up drill preceding each class; (4) One hour of
supervised play each day in addition to a twenty- minute gymnas-
tic drill.

Doctor Fisher expressed the opinion that when the so-called
military training camp and the military training in the school
curriculum should be established nine-tenths of the activities con-
ducted would be physical training such as hiking, signalling, ath-
letics and games. He felt sure that the Commission would require a
minimum amount of time to be spent in military tactics. In
answer to a fusillade of questions, Doctor Fisher explained that the
appropriation made under this law provided for the payment of
one-half the salary of each physical director employed (maximum
$600). The law applies to girls in the physical education require-
ments. A syllabus has been published to help in teaching hygiene:
wherever practicable this will be taught by the physical director.

Normal School curricula are being rapidly adapted to meet the
new need of training leaders in physical education. Other recrea-
tional agencies will be able to help the schools because credit will
be given for regular supervised activities conducted outside. Young
Men's Christian Associations, Settlement Houses and other or-
Discussion at Recreation Congress, Grand Rapids, Michigan, October 4, 1916.
220

MILITARY TRAINING IN SCHOOLS

ganizations have already shown a disposition to cooperate with
the schools in this matter. The carrying out of the provisions of
this law will not enforce strict military training because the legis-
lators who passed the law as well as the Commissioners who are
making it effective are anxious to lay the emphasis on physical
training rather than drill with arms and target practice. The Com-
mission has the power of exempting from military training the
children of parents who object from conscientious reasons.

Speaking of other states which had taken action in the inter-
est of physical education, Doctor Fisher judged the Wyoming plan
to be inadequate because it did not provide for athletics and free
play activities.

Illinois and Ohio now require physical training in all schools.
Maryland this year gave $5000 to the promotion of athletics through-
out the state. Massachusetts has appointed a commission to re-
report recommendations.

Dr. Fisher introduced Mr. Geo. W. Ehler, Consulting Expert
on Physical Education and Recreation, Madison, Wisconsin. Mr.
Ehler emphasized the startling fact that while our death-rate for
young people has been decreasing, the rate for the middle-aged has
been rapidly increasing. Rapid strides have been made in the re-
duction of contagious disease while maladies of the circulatory,
digestive and excretive organs have been on the increase. He at-
tributes this situation to the fact that the activities of children
are for the most part not useful in strengthening these organs and
their surrounding muscles. Training in vigorous competitive games
is needed in childhood and games involving big effort and even
danger must not be tabooed. Mr. Ehler was of the opinion that
the best way to promote these activities would be by dividing the
school children into groups for intra-school competitive games.
This plan has been followed in Concord, New Hampshire, since 1 860.

Doctor E. H. Arnold, Director of the New Haven School of
Gymnastics, in discussing A Practical Program for Physical
Training in Secondary Schools emphasized that the program
must be adapted to the climatic and geographical conditions of the
locality. For example, in New Haven, water sports should be
emphasized. The $200,000 spent on the Yale University
swimming pool might better have been spent in making the use of
the natural waters possible by providing a sewage disposal plant.
The program must be adapted to the age, development and
temperament of the young people handled.

221

NEW YORK "MILITARY TRAINING" LAWS IN OPERATION

Doctor Arnold protested vehemently against the apeing of
college activities by secondary schools, declaring this a flagrant
violation of the last named principle.

Doctor Henry S. Curtis described his experience in the Dis-
trict of Columbia in connection with the summer camps established
there. At the beginning of the camping season not one of the boys
passed the three physical tests which were given; at the end of
the season 500 boys passed all the tests and 2,000 passed at least one.

NEW YORK "MILITARY TRAINING" LAWS IN OPERA-
TION

The syllabus drawn up by the Military Training Commission
of New York State and adopted by the Board of Regents provides
for a broad scheme of physical training for every child in the state
over eight years of age. The Commissioner of Education refers
to this program as "probably the most comprehensive program
of health education and physical training for school children ever
authorized by the government of any state or country. * !
It is to touch every child, boy and girl, over eight years of age, in
public and private school and is the first determination of a state,
expressed in law and enacted as a non-partisan measure, to make
the sound health and physical vigor of the child, in city and coun-
try alike, of fundamental concern to the state in its education. *
The Commission is charged with another responsibility, that of
prescribing a program of Military Training, but that is to lie en-
tirely outside of the schools and need not be discussed here. What
is here presented is a simple, practicable program for universal
basic physical training, health education and conservation and
patriotic discipline."

In addition to medical inspection, gymnastics, marching,
hygiene, the syllabus requires a minimum of sixty minutes a week
in supervised play (or in gymnastic drills and marching) in both
elementary schools and high schools. This is to be increased by
three additional hours per week by the beginning of the school term
in September, 1917, four hours where space and equipment are
adequate. Outside activities may be accepted for three hours of
this additional requirement.

Lists of games for all grades from Miss Bancroft's book,

222

NEW YORK "MILITARY TRAINING" LAWS IN OPERATION

dances from Dr. Crampton and Miss Burchenal are given. The
Report of the Committee on Games (1916) of the Playground and
Recreation Association of America and the Association's Athletic
Badge Test for Girls are printed in full.

Dr. Finley writes, in the preface to the syllabus, of the meaning
of these additions to the school curriculum :

"I find myself wishing that there were songs or civic and
patriotic rhythms, instead of numbers, to which these daily exer-
cises could be performed — that the boys and girls could be made
conscious that it is not for themselves alone that they go through
these motions, but for themselves as happier, healthier, more
efficient members of what the philosopher, William James, has
called a "collectivity" (whether it be community, city, state or
country), superior in some respects to their individual selves.

"This is to be the supreme value of this program if it is rightly
used — a program which is worth while as a health program, length-
ening the lives of these millions of children as men and women,
the State's most precious asset — but it is to be worth more as a
program of moral discipline and of social and patriotic service.

"In an article which I wrote a few months ago, telling how

when the Great War came on in Europe, men with whom I traveled

went to certain places to find their uniforms in which they were

to serve their country in its time of peril, I suggested that every

man, every woman, should have, in peace, an invisible uniform

always ready in home, office, factory or public locker, to put on

when he or she was called to perform a public service of any kind,

great or small ; and, I added that the weaving of this uniform should

be begun in childhood — that is, the preparation for such service

: should begin in the school days. I prepared this article for grown

j people, but in the midst of writing this preface, a letter came telling

how a group of children had translated its suggestion into their

own language and in their summer camp play had shown this

1 'magic uniform,' as it was called, in use in the home, in business,

|> in society. If. this idea can be translated into the everyday work

and play of the boys and girls of this entire state, through the help

of this program, it will give a civic asset even more valuable than

•^the physical vigor and lengthened life of its children in manhood

and womanhood."

223

PLAY IN MANY LANDS*
REV. WIU,IAM HARRIS, Prince Royal's College, Chiengmai, Siam

"The conditions in Siam are somewhat analogous to those
obtaining until recently in the Philippines. Cockfighting, beetle-
fighting, fish-fighting, pitching pennies, and innumerable other
gambling games are the favorite pastimes of the people. These
games fail lamentably in two most important respects, — they fail
to develop strong, robust men and women, and they fail to develop
morality in its broadest sense. Indeed, it would not be putting it
too strongly to say that they undermine both health and morals.

"This failure is seen most conspicuously from the beginning of
adolescence onward. The small boys and girls live active lives, and
thoroughly enjoy their simple games. Were other physical condi-
tions favorable, their development up to the age of adolescence
would be fairly normal. But with the advent of adolescence the
girls give up practically all physical recreations, and the boys occupy
their leisure largely in games of a sedentary character which pro-
duce no healthy fatigue, or other beneficial result of any sort, but
which do develop the gambling instinct to an alarming extent.
Having lived in Siam twenty-one years, engaged most of that time
in teaching boys, I have come to appreciate more and more the
importance of landing my boys in bed every night healthily tiredl

"From what I have just written you will appreciate that I am
heartily in sympathy with the playground idea. I believe that
western games and western gymnastics will go a long way towards
the physical and moral betterment of these people. On the other
hand it must be clearly remembered that this is only one of the
means which must be used for the attainment of that object
There still remain the big problems of proper housing, sanitation'
and food, the elimination of malaria and hook-worm, and the dis
posal of the ubiquitous cigarette which is as much a part of the
boy of six as of his older brothers. Hand-in-hand with the play-
ground must go these other reforms, if the playground is to be
really effective.

"The playground is practically unknown in Siam outside of
the schools; and there it owes its existence to English and America n
influences. However the Siamese take kindly to the idea of ath_

*From letters to Paul U. Kellogg of The Survey regarding C. M. Goethe's
Exporting the American Playground

224

PLAY IN MANY LANDS

letic games and contests. Therefore with the spread of the western
educational ideas the playground will eventually come to fill its
rightful place in the life of the people.

"One last word. Such a propaganda as is suggested by Mr.
Goethe would require an amount of modesty and tact hard to find
in the average progressive American. Some people, even some good
Americans, have had the temerity to question the high moral value
of baseball. It is a splendid game, but so many unsportsmanlike
features have crept into it as it is usually played at home that
thoughtful people of other lands are not quite so sure that in base-
ball the American people are bequeathing to the world the great
panacea! And so with regard to the whole general idea. Let us
Americans not take ourselves too seriously. Let us try to preserve a
due sense of proportion. It will not hurt us, for instance, to re-
member that we are far behind England in the whole idea of ath-
letic recreations; that, until recently, whereas the great majority
of English school children and college men, too, joined in these
games, with us the majority stood on the side lines; and that the
ethical standards of our athletics have been notoriously low and
unsatisfactory. And finally let us remember that it has been
England and not America that has broken the ground for this
play idea in nearly every country in the world."

Mrs. Francis Anderson for many years active in playground
work in New South Wales writes that up to the present time there
is no public opinion on the playground movement. The following
is quoted from her letter:

"The reason for this state of things is not hard to find. Labor
is in power, and is too busy with big schemes, and too much occupied
by the jealousy and interference of the Trade Unions, to attend to
every smaller reform. Wages are high, and there is no poverty,
or should be none. The employing class — men who are none of
them exceedingly wealthy, will not give money to (as they say)
amuse and benefit the workers who continually by strikes incon-
venience and impoverish them. I do not defend this policy but
summarize it, so that you may understand our difficulties. To
my mind, the playground would act as a social remedy.

"We have now three children's playgrounds in Sydney. At
the opening of each one, politicians have talked about their ap-
proval and prophesied an increasing number of such places. But
deeds have not followed. For the last one opened, I struggled
with the Department of Lands for two years. Ministers sympa-

225

PLAY IN MANY LANDS

thized individually, but the officials would not formally grant per-
mission to use the small portion of a park, which I asked for,
though the trustees of the same park were anxious for me to go
on with the work. When at last the playground, beautifully equip-
ped by private subscription, was opened by a Minister of Lands,
who took great credit to himself, we thought that our troubles
were ended. Then the war came, and my Association, like many
others, is simply marking time."
THOMAS A. HUNTER, Victoria University College, Wellington, New Zealand

"In this country though provision was made for sites for
schools, the necessity of large areas for playgrounds was not fore-
seen, especially in the urban areas where they are most needed.
In some centers the municipal authorities have remedied this
weakness by laying out large playing areas from the municipal
domain. In the city and suburbs of the city of Wellington (popu-
lation 75,000) there are probably about twenty areas set apart for
this purpose on which hockey, football, cricket and other games
are regularly played. In my opinion even this does not fully meet
the needs of the schools, which should have playing areas adjoin-
ing to the school buildings. There is in the schools a system of
physical instruction and, under the regulations, teachers are to
give great attention to the organized games of the children."
A. J. BowEN, University of Nanking, Nanking, China

"In lands like China, where economic conditions are distress-
ing and young people have to begin very early to help support the
family, play time is limited to the great masses, but in schools and
to some extent in ordinary life very much can be done. The con-
tent of life is so meagre and ways of amusement so few that I am
sure your ideas and plans for organized play would meet with
very encouraging response. Our Chinese youth take very kindl]
to our college sports, such as Association football, baseball, tennis,
hand and basket ball, and track work. There will be no serious diffi-
culty in getting Chinese gentry and officials to cooperate mosl
heartily in the way of setting aside grounds in the cities and prc
viding some support, providing some one can be had, usually at
first at least an American, to help direct and organize the ground
and regular play."

ARNOLD, Commercial Attache, U. S. Department of Commerce, Peking,
China

"In China, especially, the people are sorely in need of the play-
226

PLAY IN MANY LANDS

ground idea, or rather the idea of play as exemplified in sports.
What is there for the idle rich in China? Nothing but gambling,
opium smoking and other forms of vice. China has not learned how
to play. Our experiences in the Philippines have demonstrated
very forcibly the beneficent effects of the introduction of play.
The cockpit has since the introduction of American methods given
away to the cleaner sport of baseball, and thousands turn out now
to witness baseball. There is little or no gambling connected with
baseball, whereas the cockpit thrived only because of the gambling
features. Probably as many as 2,000 baseball teams are in active
play at one time in the Philippine Islands. Other sports and games,

have found a place in the Philippines It was in the Philippines

that the Far Eastern Olympiad had its inception. It was the
American schools that gave it its impetus. Now all the Orient
sends teams to the Far Eastern Olympiad, the next one having
been arranged to be held in Japan. Is there not a big field for the
playground in connection with missionary institutions and
missionary work in China?"

Miss KATHERINE L. SCHAEFFER, American Presbyterian Mission, Island of
Hainan, Kachek, China

"The press of multitudinous duties together with the general
inertia of the Far Eastern Tropics, shows in the very meagre results
we have achieved here. But we have an ideal before us and as we
have been able to purchase and improve land, we have striven to
make a park of our Mission Compound to which the inhabitants
of our town feel free to come and enjoy themselves.

"We have built a pergola down near a small stream, and laid
out a walk to it. We have planted trees and shrubs to beautify the
vicinity of this pergola, and we have no 'Keep off the Grass' signs
up anywhere.

"The McCormick Boys' School and the Kachek Daughters'
School have spacious grounds and on these we have provided
swings, merry-go-rounds, ferris wheel, facilities for playing foot,
basket and volley ball, besides the numerous games children all
the world over seem to have in common. We are developing a
generation of tree climbers, for both boys and girls love to climb
our shade trees and a goodly number of them are able to shin up
our cocoanut trees and twist off our fine big nuts.

"We are still looking longingly at two fields to add to our pan.
One of these fields is needed for our athletic field. We have out-
grown the old one where at our annual field meet several hundred

227

PLAY IN MANY LANDS

students gather from visiting schools and where the audience runs
up to three thousand. With every year our field meet grows in
popularity. One year, our local official asked the missionary teacher
in the McCormick School to run a race with him. They were
to go around the track three times. His Excellency went around
once and gave up, but the missionary finished his three rounds
easily."
R. H. STANLEY, Y. M. C. A., Kaifeng, Honan, China

"In this city alone there are a dozen playgrounds that I know
of. Every regiment of soldiers has one, always a large one. The
government schools have good playgrounds too, but the apparatus
and the equipment in all of them is noted for its clumsiness and
uselessness. The idea of play has been in the minds of the Chinese
since the year 1300 when there was a recognized system of athletics
in China. Then princes were not princes if they could not ride and
it was as necessary that they should excel in archery and other
sports as it was that they should be hard-riding horsemen. The
authorities also tell us that it was the Chinese and not the Japanese
who introduced jiu jitsu.

" I saw two Filipino girls' baseball teams play in China

last year and to see them hit the ball and run bases was enough to

convince the most skeptical."

DR. CLARA D. LOOMIS, Kyoutsa Girls' School Yokohama, Japaii

"The young women of Japan certainly need more out-of-d
life and will not seek it of themselves. They need the help which
only those who realize the vital importance of fresh air and sunshine
can bring."

Miss Juizo Wariese of Koishikawa, Tokyo writes of her interest
in moulding the character of the younger generation as she regards
physical training as a counterpart of mental culture. She says:

"I am sure we can learn to act and live in harmony with the
community best through play that is well organized."

Miss Wariese tells us that children's playgrounds have been
receiving much attention in Japan of late. Mrs. Annie Omori wife
of the late Professor Hyozo Omori is foremost among the leaders
of the movement. Mrs. Omori is carrying out her plans with
wonderful enthusiasm. She started a playground a short time ago
in which she means to experiment in working out her ideals.

There is also a playground of larger size belonging to the
Japanese Physical Training Association (Nippon Taiiku Kwai) in

228

PLAY IN MANY LANDS

one of the suburbs of Tokyo where various gymnastic lessons are
given to different kinds of associates, and occasionally some part
of it is opened to the public.

Mr. C. P. Segard has started a playground in Calcutta that
is at present handling 650 to 750 children daily. He has also re-
ceived the money for another playground. Both of these grounds
are being equipped with apparatus.

Mme. V. LeBerre, primary superintendent of girls at St.
Maixent, France, writes that before the war a playground was
conducted in her school and a young English girl taught the pupils
tennis, "net-ball" and other games without apparatus.
SAM R. GAMMON, Instituo Kvaneglico Lavras, Minas, Brazil

"We are very much interested here at Lavras in introducing
into our schools — for boys and for girls — a complete course of phy-
sical education, with the help of H. J. Sims of the Young Men's
Christian Association in Rio; and we are proud of the fact that we
are taking the lead among the schools in Brazil in this work. I
do not believe it would be difficult to secure the establishment
of a municipal playground in Lavras, if we had the right man for
the work. Mr. Sims may be able to train him. Our city schools
are under the direction of a wide-awake, progressive man who be-
gan his work in connection with our schools and is ready for every
valuable idea. Our town is a progressive little interior place with
fine climate and environment."
EI/WOOD S. BROWN, Y. M. C. A., Manila, P. I.

"You will be pleased to know that we have just employed Mr.
Fred O. England, Director of the South Park Playfield, Seattle,
Washington, as the Supervisor of Playgrounds for the. City of
Manila. He will arrive some time next month and will be the
first highly trained man we have had available for full-time play-
ground work. After his arrival we expect the playground situation
to develop with great strides, as all the potentialities are here and
nothing is needed but trained promotion."

A CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TELLS WHY

Charles B. Wagner, Secretary-Manager of the Chamber of Commerce,
Grand Haven, Michigan, wrote to a correspondent who inquired as to
the value of playgrounds in cities of 25,000 or less:

Cities of less than 25,000 inhabitants are more urgently in need
of playgrounds with leadership than are cities of a greater number of
inhabitants. The smaller city is void of the attractions and the
beauty both natural and artificial that larger cities are endowed with.
This invariably causes the children and grown-ups to become fre-
quenters of meeting places of degraded character, such as saloons,
pool rooms, club rooms, and often the cheap picture theatre and
many other places that are far from respectable. Smaller cities
invariably believe that their surrounding is one great playground —
perhaps because the surroundings are not congested with buildings
and the inhabitants think that a playground is nothing more than
a vacant lot or a field.

Properly provided with leaders, the playground becomes as
necessary as the school, the church, and in many instances, the home.
It is uplifting, healthful, and educational; it is clean, wholesome, and
beneficial. It causes cooperation, harmony, and brotherly love.
Proper leadership by a play director will educate the children, and
the grown-ups as well, how to play scientifically, building up a healthy,
vigorous, intelligent person with but little effort. If properly con-
ducted and led, a playground is a paying institution to the com-
munity which en joys its presence immediately from the day of its
opening. Regardless of the expense of its upkeep, it is a paying in-
vestment at all times.

The playground should not be considered an eight or nine
months institution, but it should be carried on throughout the entire
year. It should be equipped with a story corner where the children
may enjoy valuable stories told them by the director or local school
teacher. It should have a wading and swimming pool that can be
used both winter and summer. It should also be equipped with a
shallow pond that can be flooded and frozen when cold weather ap-
proaches for skating, skiing, and other winter sports.

230

BOOK REVIEWS

FIRST STEPS IN COMMUNITY CENTER DEVELOPMENT

By Clarence Arthur Perry. Published by Department of Recreation, Russell
Sage Foundation, 130 East Twenty-second Street, New York City. Price,
ten cents

It is not often that a brief pamphlet contains so much of interest and wis-
dom as does this one. Very clear, very simple, very encouraging, the di-
rections for each step urge one to try taking that step and the next. The
many communities who are beginning to look thoughtfully toward the dark
schoolhouse windows and then to the boys and girls on their particular
"Great White Way" will find these suggestions invaluable.

DON'T GRIND YOUR SEED CORN!

During the waning days of the Southern Confederacy, when it seemed as if the
very children would be drawn into the maelstrom, President Jeff Davis admon-
ished his people saying : "THE CHILDREN OF A NATION ARE ITS SEED
CORN. DON'T GRIND YOUR SEED CORN." During the present world
•war there must, and will be, many sacrifices made, but our children must be
fully cared for in their school and recreation life.

KEEP THE PLAYGROUNDS GOING. We can help y9U with our "Fun-
Fur' line of Playground Equipment and Athletic Goods. Write for information
concerning our Combination Playground and Fire Escape Slide.

Write for free Catalog today
HILL-STANDARD COMPANY, 1216 Fun-Ful Avenue, Anderson, Ind.

Answers Ibur Questions

/^o^K^^-historxfiction .pronunriat on , puzzling war words,etc \

.WEBSTER'S NEW INTERNATIONAL

Contains just those facts you so often
need to know. The terms Water inch,

Orpington, Smut, Wheat, and thousands of others J
will be of special interest and value to you. f

400,000 Vocabulary Terms. 2700 Pages.
Over 6000 Illustrations. Colored Plates.
GRAND PRIZE Panama-Pacific Exposition.
Write for specimen pages of Regular and >n'~°'

India-Paper Editions, Illustrations, ,' POCKET MAPS
FREE POCKET MAPS, etc. jf

G. & C. MERRIAM CO.,
Springfield, Mass.

/ Please
x'sendbpecimen

The Self.Propelled Swing

is a favorite where youngsters are entrusted to the care of an older boy
or girl. The commodious car will accommodate a number of children.

This is another piece of apparatus resulting from careful observation
of playground needs and which lends prestige to Medart Equipment.

WRITE FOR CATALOG W. It is more than a price list. It has
helped to solve many playground problems.

FRED MEDART MFC. CO., St. Louis, Mo.

GYMNASIUM OUTFITTERS— STEEL LOCKERS

CORONA

Is a six-pound silent partner
that makes routine a habit.
With it your business reports
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personal correspondence arc
attended to promptly.

Corona eliminates worry.

Cost with case, $50.00

Write, phone or call for booklet

Corona Typewriter Co., Inc.

141 W. 42d St. Tel. Bryant 7150

Opposite Hotel Knickerbocker

BASKETRY MATERIALS for
CRAFT WORKERS

Send for free Catalog! "EVERY-
THING FOR BASKET MAK-
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Raffia. Indian Ash Splints, Braid-
ed Rush and Straw, Dyes and
finishes, tools and Books of Instruc-
tion. Manual and Industrial Art
Supplies of every description for
schools and artists. Catalogue sent
free.

Louis Stoughton Drake, Inc.
966 Watertown St.. West Newton. Mass

SUMMER SCHOOL

June 25 — Aug. 3, for

Playground Training

Pestalozzi-Froebel Training School

A Normal School for
Playground Workers

Class Room* overlook Lake Michigan
Credits toward Diploma. Folk Dancing.
Pageantry. Games. Story Telling. Gym-
nastics. Playground Practice. Strong
Faculty. Accredited. For Illustrated
Bulletin address

•REGISTRAR, Box 71
616-22 So- Mkhiian Blvd. CHICAGO

Fall Term opens Sept. 1 8

The Folk Arts in

Modern Education.

Poetry— Music — Dancin g

The ancient Greek system of education
was founded upon a combination of these
three arts. j

All Lyric Poetry needs Music to bring
out its beauty. No one thinks of such poems

as "Drink to Me Only," "Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms. Flow
Gently Sweet Afton" and "Home Sweet Home" without associating them with music.

Dancing is the Poetry of Motion, measured by Music's Rhythm.

The Victor and Victor Records

are now used universally to furnish the Music for Drills, Exercises, Field Days. Plays,
Festivals and Pageants in the School and on the Playground.
Many schools are using the following records:

Band Accompaniments to American Patriotic Songs

i America (Samuel F. Smith-Henry Carey)
Victor Military Band
The Red, White and Blue (David T. Shaw)
Victor Military Band
The Star Spangled Banner (Frances Scott Key-
Samuel Arnold) Victor Band

Hail Columbia (Jos. Hopkinson-Prof. Phil e) Victor Band

Kindergarten Rhythms
( (1) Motive for Skipping (2) Motive for Skipping

(Clara L. Anderson) Victor Band

(1) Theme for High Stepping Horses (2) Horses or
Reindeer Running (3) Theme for Skipping (Clara
L L. Anderson) Victor Band

Marches

f The Jolly General— March (Neil Moret) Conway's Band
35608 J Patriotic Medley March (Introducing Hail Columbia;
12in.$1.25 ] Red, White and Blue; Tramp, Tramp, Tramp; Battle

I Hymn of the Republic) Victor Military Band

Any Victor dealer will gladly play any of the above selections^

18253

10 in. 75c

VictrolaXXV, $67.50

specially manufactured

for school use.

When the Victrola is
not in use, the horn can
be placed under the in-
strument safe and secure
from danger, and the
cabinet can be locked to
protect it from dust and
promiscuous use by ir-
responsible people.

for you and supply you with the Victor booklets, "The Victor in*
Rural Schools," "Th- T'--J-- -- «>---•> "' ••— " "-- " AT-,....*

he Victor in Physical Education,
Victor Records for Educational Use."
For further information, write to the

Educational Department

Victor Talking Machine Co.

Camden, N. J.

Victor

ana "New

Omaha Board of Recreation

Pushmobile Speedway. Four Ambulances and Sixteen Red Cross Nurses Were
on Hand in Case of Accident

When you want
the best

WRITE FOR CATALOG

Chicopee, Mass.

specify

EEL

Used year after year in the
majority of the country's
playgrounds

232

of Reviews

Miles for the Alberta Teacher to Walk or Drive to School in All Kinds of Weather. The
Teachers' Comfortable Home Is Right beside the Schoolhouse. (See Page 243)

Review of Reviews

Superintendent Fred Grafelman of the Alberta Consolidated School.

and His Five Teachers. (The successful completion of the Teachers'

House project was largely due to Mr. Grafelman's enthusiasm

and civic spirit)

THE WORLD AT PLAY

Protect the Playground
Fund. — The proposal of the
School Board of Oklahoma
City, Oklahoma, to divert
funds for playgrounds, "said
tax not to be used or appro-
priated directly or indirectly
for any other purpose/' calls
forth the following protest
from the Oklahoman:

"There are people, we are
aware, who don't think much of
this playground proposition,
anyhow. They think it is a
waste of money, a mere fad.
It may be that some of the
school board members look at
it in that way. If they do they
are behind the times. They
are not posted on the business
of being a school board mem-
ber. If they knew what the
capably directed playground
system has accomplished in
many cities they would be
ashamed to suggest cutting
down this fund. The play-
ground has reduced juvenile
delinquency wonderfully wher-
ever it has been installed. It
is converting physical and
moral feebleness into strength.
It is taking children living un-
der the adverse conditions of
poverty and giving them a
chance. It is a big, fine, uni-
versal church, this playground
system, preaching the creed of
health, directing young feet
along clean and wholesome
ways. Democracy, as we have

had occasion before to remark,
is a restored word. It has
come back into polite speech.
It is expressing itself in many
ways. This playground sys-
tem is one of them and one of
the best. It is getting the
youngsters off to a good start."

Commends Association
Work.— The Episcopal Dio-
cesan Council sitting in Minne-
apolis, officially commended
the work of the Playground
and Recreation Association of
America in communities near
soldiers' camps. Copies of the
resolutions passed will be read
at public services in each
parish of the diocese.

Memorial Playground. — The
memorial to Hamilton Wright
Mabie will take the form of a
playground to be known as the
Mabie Memorial Playground
at Summit, New Jersey.

New Playground for New
York.— The Board of Estimate
has voted $36,000 for a new
playground on First Avenue
between Sixty-seventh and Six-
ty-eighth streets. New York
City is not going to neglect its
children in war time.

New Playground in Virden,
111. — As a result of the activity
of the civic committee of the
Virden Women's Club, a part
of West Park, formerly un-
kempt and unused, has been
equipped as a playground. It
will now be known as Heaton

235

THE WORLD AT PLAY

Park, after a pioneer and phil-
anthropist of the town.

Achievements. — The Civic
Herald for May, 1917, cites the
following figures from Day-
ton:

During the last three years
recreational activities in Day-
ton, Ohio, have advanced more
than 90 per cent. Where three
years ago there was one acre
of recreational space for 15,948
persons, today the proportion
is one acre to each 333. It costs
the taxpayers only 40 cents to
maintain supervised recrea-
tional places for each minor.
In 1916 alone, child attendance
increased 27.5 per cent, and
adult attendance 77.2 per cent.

Then again, last year twen-
ty-nine school gardens were
worked by 1,400 children. In
addition to this, there were 958
vacant-lot gardens, and 1,737
backyard gardens. The cost
of this activity was $5,500, and
the return about $25,000, in
products raised. Thus indus-
try, education, and fighting the
high cost of living went hand
in hand.

Splendid Facilities — Frank
Marsh, Superintendent of
"Community House," the mag-
nificent gift of Miss Ellen B.
Scripps to San Diego, declares
that he believes, after visit-
ing some thirty-five cities, that
his plant is one of the best.
Every one who can do so ought

to visit the La Jolla Play-
ground of San Diego.

"Some special features of
the plant are the concrete wad-
ing pool, the concrete tennis
courts, colored with chrom-ox-
ide (green) to take off the
glare of the sun; the entire
playground is so brilliantly
lighted with 1,000 and 500 watt
nitrogen lamps that all activi-
ties are carried on at night as
well as in the daytime.

"The Community House is
provided with a large auditor-
ium, a stage completely equip-
ped with scenery, colored lights
and dimmers; club rooms,
reading room, pool room,
locker and shower rooms, sep-
arate offices for the men and
the women workers, and a
manual training room; a hos-
pital ward, which is head-
quarters for a district nurse;
and a kitchen completely
equipped with stoves, cooking
utensils, dishes, silverware,
tablecloths, with the necessary
tables for serving and cooking
any kind of meal for one hun-
dred and fifty people. We
also have a complete, up-to-
date lantern room, equipped
with a motion picture machine,
double dissolving stereopticon,
and spot-light machine. We
feel that we can take care of
any phase of the recreational
life of the community. As
Henry Curtis says: 'It is the

236

THE WORLD AT PLAY

last word in playgrounds/ But
it is not going to be the last
word.

"The value of the land of
this playground is estimated at
$100,000.00, $80,000.00 was
spent in the construction and
equipment and it took eleven
months to build."

Farm Gardens Successful.
— More than 800 garden plots
are being cultivated by chil-
dren under the direction of
the Park Department of Brook-
lyn. It is believed that 600
backyard gardens have been
started as a result of interest
thus aroused. In addition to
individual plots, each gar-
den has a number of plots
where such exotic plants as
tobacco, sugar, hemp, and
peanuts are cared for by co-
operative effort. There is a
common responsibility, too, for
a border and a large central
bed of flowers, as well as the
paths. One hundred dollars in
prizes will be distributed in the
backyard garden contest, for
which 750 entries have already
been received.

Utica, New York, has been
featuring gardens this year. A
week's performance of Twen-
ty Thousand Leagues under
the Sea was given at a local
picture theatre as a benefit for
playground and garden work.

Nearly 30,000 square feet of
i land has been lent to the chil-

dren of the West Side schools
in Providence, Rhode Island,
for gardens. The work is
under the direction of the
school principal and teachers.

More than 350 permits have
been granted by the Board of
Recreation for use of land lent
to the board by the owners.

Fort Worth, Texas, has in-
stituted a city-wide vegetable
garden contest.

A Thousand Gardens for
Maui. — With this slogan has
risen a widespread interest in
children's gardens in Hawaii.
Plantation managers have of-
fered tracts of land and hearty
cooperation has come from all
sides.

Couldn't Leave Out the
Children. — A lot lent to a
group of neighbors for a ten-
nis court; a fear that sale of
the lot would spoil the fun ; the
purchase of the lot and the
sense of social responsibility
growing with possession; two
courts were provided but no
spot for the children under
tennis age was left.

So began a playground cam-
paign which has resulted in a
well-equipped center in good
use. Now they say they need
twenty playgrounds!

Mothers' Club Raises Funds.
— El Campo, Texas, will soon
have a well-equipped play-
ground, made possible by
funds raised by the Mothers*

237

THE WORLD AT PLAY

Club. Even war does not dim
such enthusiasm.

Appropriation for Girls'
Camp. — Los Angeles has ap-
propriated $575 to carry on the
auxiliary playground camp for
girls and women in San Dimas
canyon. The camp was form-
erly under private auspices,
but was turned over to the
playground commission for
week-end use.

Camp Site for Stockton. —
Another municipal camp is to
be added to California's list.
A rarely lovely spot in the
Sierras at an elevation of
4200 feet has been selected and
will be put into use at once.
George E. Dickie, of Oakland,
accompanied the party making
the selection, and was so im-
pressed by the attractiveness
of the place that it is under-
stood he will try to secure a
near-by site for Oakland.

Making the Need Vivid. —
Portland, Oregon, held a mass
meeting at which moving
pictures showed children at
play in the well-developed
playgrounds of the city and by
contrast children in the rub-
bish heaps of Marquam Gulch
where a playground is much
needed. A feature of the eve-
ning was a song, A Place to
Play, dedicated to the children
of Marquam Gulch.

Community Singing in At-
tleboro, Massachusetts. — The
238

Attleboro community fellow-
ship, a movement which has
been unanimously endorsed by
the City Council, conducts a
number of activities, such as
civic forums and discussions
and Americanization sessions.
"Community singing" is one of
the most interesting activities
carried on by the fellowship.
Mr. Charles H. Pennoyer, di-
rector of the fellowship, in
writing of the work, notes first
the importance of knowing
your community, its various
groups and natural leaders.

"At first in organizing the
Community Sing we must
make use of those groups most
nearly organized or most near-
ly ready and meanwhile be get-
ting acquainted with the
others. In learning these
things of course one learns the
constituency in other ways.

"Twice a year I would have
all the singers in high school
and older grammar grades
sing in mass chorus, and once
a year all these and also all the
adult choruses in mass sing
one or more selections, both
of these groups sitting in the
front rows or on the platform —
on either side of the center to
lead the entire audience in
their simplest of song singing.

"I do not believe in trying to
pick out merely single singers
from the community and have
them from the start do all the

THE WORLD AT PLAY

singing or most of the singing
for the community. Commun-
ity singing must tend to be as
much as possible singing by
the community. So it seems
best to get all the smaller
groups to going and then the
community chorus comes to
be the combination of these
groups in mass chorus instead
of making a selection here and
there of the undemocratically
chosen few. Let the lesser
groups get hold of their ma-
terial and then from the more
easily obtained confidence and
response there, get the com-
munity chorus from the fed-
erating of all the smaller cir-
cles. In this way you get
leaders to be led as well as
choruses to unite, but better
than that you get a certain
healthy rivalry where each
group will do well enough.

"Special choruses may pro-
gress in selecting somewhat
more difficult songs, but I
would never have anything
very difficult for a good while,
for the entire audience. Better
in this community work to
have all singing easy songs
than a few singing difficult
ones — there is the people's
right to music actively. The
service is finally the develop-
ment of song in the people's
hearts rather than the greatest
training in mere mechanics
and vocal display.

"So my advice is to let the
programs be of the simplest
possible kind, as suggested by
the growing ability of the
chorus. Go as slowly as you
possibly can consistently with
your freedom to get each group
organized from below. We
cannot impose a real commun-
ity chorus or community sing
movement on a community.
We must develop it from be-
low."

Songs of Our Country. —
The National Committee on
Patriotic Literature, 461
Eighth Avenue, New York
City, has brought out two at-
tractive booklets, Songs of Our
Country and Your Flag and
Mine, which sell for twenty-
five dollars a thousand or
three dollars a hundred.

San Diego May Festival. —
Five hundred children partici-
pated in Mother Nature and
Her Children, by Mari Ruef
Hofer. The festival, especial-
ly the crowning of the May
Queen and the traditional May
Pole dances, was enthusiastic-
ally received.

Memorial Day Pageant. —
The city of Oshkosh presented
an elaborate pageant written
by Constance D'Arcy Mackay.

Peaslee Boys Complete
Seventeenth Year. — Haverhill,
Massachusetts, has a novel
club, which now has a mem-
bership of about two hundred.

239

THE WORLD AT PLAY

Starting with a group of young
men who gave an outing each
summer and a dinner each win-
ter, the organization has grown
until it is almost a community
club. There are no regular
officers, no public taking or
giving of credit, but every
laudable movement in Haver-
hill for nearly twenty years
has been able to count upon
the Peaslee boys' help. Their
latest work was the contribu-
tion of $425 to the new play-
ground.

A Real Live Annual of Their
Own.— The Dover Street
Social Center, Milwaukee,
Wisconsin, has it, with pictures
and tributes and "grinds,"
very kindly "grinds." The
whole makes a record of good
times which the participants
will cherish and which direc-
tors of neighborhood centers
may con to their advantage.

Showing How It's Done. —
A group of boys from Allen-
town, Pennsylvania, with their
play leader, spent an afternoon
in Coopersburg demonstrating
playground sports and games.
The demonstration was held
under the auspices of the
Coopersburg Playground As-
sociation upon a lot offered to
the association for summer
use.

Kick Baseball. — This new
game, invented by N. C.
Seuss, Supervisor of Cincinnati

Park Playgrounds has been
very popular in that city. Rules
and diagram may be obtained
from the Playground and Rec-
reation Association of America
or from Mr. Seuss.

Giving the City the News. —
Nearly two columns of news
items from the various play-
grounds appear regularly in
certain Oakland, California,
newspapers.

Races at Municipal Swim-
ming Pools. — Championship
races for both boys and girls
were held in Washington, D.
C., at the first annual meet in
June. Cards of application for
free swimming lessons to be
signed by parent or guardian
and definite notices of rules and
opportunities have greatly in-
creased interest in swimming.

Swimming under the New
York P. S. A. L.— From Oc-
tober, 1915, to June, 1916,
193,394 boys attended the
swimming pools. Of these,
18,914 learned to swim. A
special session and teacher
were provided for the School
for the Deaf, and many of
these boys learned to swim.
Swimming buttons similar to
the athletic badge buttons were
awarded to boys who reached
. a certain standard, which was :
Breast strokes (20 yards
swim), 26 seconds; overhand
stroke in good form, 20 sec-
onds; plunge for distance, 20

240

THE WORLD AT PLAY

feet; simple forward dive (in
good form).

Miniature Yacht Race. —
Many spectators watched the
tiny boats on Trout Lake at
the annual race held by the
Bureau of Recreation of Roch-
ester, New York.

County Tournament. — Spo-
kane County, Washington, held
its annual tennis tournament
in May. A picnic lunch was
served and in the evening, the
annual declamation contest
took place.

Drill at Playground. — The
Reservoir Playground at Ho-
boken, New Jersey, is being
used as a drilling ground for
recruits.

Physical Training for Pre-
paredness.— Two classes are
held each afternoon on Brook-
lyn playgrounds for men un-
der eighteen years and over
that age, respectively. March-
ing, running, apparatus work
and games make up the pro-
gram.

Juniors Study Play. — Ex-
tract from letter from E. F.
Birckhead, Jr., Superintendent
of Schools, Fredericksburg,
Pa.

"We have just organized in
our high school a Junior Cham-
ber of Commerce. The first
question the members will
study will be a recreation cen-
ter and better play facilities
for Fredericksburg."

From a High School Boy's
Letter. — "I am anxious to get
as much material on this sub-
ject as I possibly can so that I
may become 'saturated' with
it. Our high school commence-
ment is only eight weeks off,
and my work has been so
heavy that I have not yet be-
gun work on my oration, which
I intend to make not merely a
formality incidental to gradua-
tion, but a direct appeal to the
people of the city.

"As I mentioned in my form-
er letter to you, X needs

a system of playgrounds sore-
ly, and therefore any addition-
al literature you may now have
available on the needs and re-
sults of playgrounds will help
greatly in my effort to awaken
the citizens to the facts of the
matter. After I am graduated
I intend to boost a movement
for parks and playgrounds,
and I mean to keep hammering
until others get interested and
join me in the campaign. I
shall be favorably situated for
promoting the movement as I
have been asked by both of the
papers here to accept a posi-
tion on their reportorial staff,
and will therefore be on one or
the other. I shall be able to use
the editorial columns and also
the news columns of the paper
in the interest of the move-
ment. However, I shall write
you further about the subject
241

THE WORLD AT PLAY

when school is over."

A Letter from the Philip-
pine Islands. — The director of
the Department of Agriculture
and Natural Resources, Bu-
reau of Science, Manila,
writes :

"As we are also interested in
the work of the Playground
and Recreation Association,
kindly give me an idea or send
me pamphlets which may ex-
plain the kind of work you are
doing, as we wish to establish
a similar association in the
Philippines.

"I thank you very much for
this thing, I am

Yours respectfully,

(Signed) Teofilo P. Corpus,
Surgeon, P. H. S."

New Recreation Plans for
France. — New recreation parks
and playgrounds designed for
Rheims, Clermont - en - Ar -
gonne, and Bordeaux show
that France is awake to the
value of opportunity for phy-
sical development and a pleas-
ant use of leisure hours for the
sake of the nation.

Baseball for Sweden. — Plans
are under way for a series of
soccer games between a St.
Louis team and representa-
tives of the Swedish Football
Association. The Swedes have
requested that the team from
the United States should be
made up of men who could
make two baseball teams. The

All - American soccer team
played baseball upon its re-
cent visit to Sweden. Ameri-
can baseball as played by the
colonies in most of the Euro-
pean cities is always popular.

Russian Children at Play. —
One hundred ten roubles (ap-
proximately $35,000) was
granted a teacher in a small
village in Russia by the dis-
trict zemstvos council for play
activities for her pupils during
the summer. Modeling and
drawing classes in connection
with the folk tales filled the
long days when mothers were
at the harvest and fathers at
the front. Three thousand
roubles were appropriated by
the zemstvos for similar work
in twenty villages the next
summer and other zemstvos
are considering following this
example.

From Far Japan. —

Thitsumaikan University,
Kyoto, Japan

"May I ask you to send me
some documents written about
the Playground and Recrea-
tion Association of America
which will enable me to under-
stand the object, the regulation
and its general activities?
It is my earnest wish to make
an initiative movement of the
work in this part of Japan. To
the Japanese public the idea of
the work is new and they are
not yet informed of the ideal

242

CITY COMFORTS FOR COUNTRY TEACHERS

of playground movement and Thanking you in anticipation,

of its educational value. So I remain, yours faithfully,

please choose the material ac- (signed) Setsuzo Mikami"
cordingly. I shall be glad if

you take special attention in Walter Pettit Returns. — The
choosing the material to the 1917-18 announcement of the
topic concerning swimming New York School of Philan-
because we have a great ad- thropy includes notice of
vantage for that branch of courses in recreation given by
recreation. If a sum of money Walter W. Pettit, who has re-
is required as to the price of cently returned from a year
the material documents please in Petrograd as special assist-
let me know beforehand. ant at the American Embassy.

CITY COMFORTS FOR COUNTRY TEACHERS*

A MINNESOTA NEIGHBORHOOD SETS AN EXAMPLE TO THE NATION
GEORGE E. VINCENT

"Come in, friends ; never mind the mud ; this is your house and
we want you to see every room in it." It took imagination and
civic spirit for Superintendent Fred Grafelman, of the Alberta,
Minnesota, Consolidated Rural School, to issue that invitation. A
smaller man would have hesitated. Four hundred people were
standing in front of the new Teachers' House which had just been
formally dedicated to the service of rural education. An almost
unprecedented February thaw had produced a slimy ooze. Within
were spotless floors of well-finished maple. The thought of the
invasion was enough to make a good housekeeper shudder. But the
Superintendent saw that something more vital than clean floors
was at stake. These citizens and guests must not be made to feel
that the building was a private house. They must from the outset
think of it as a part of the public school itself. So in they flocked,
with calamitous feet and glad hearts.

Civic pride was the dominant note of the dedication day. A
joint reception committee from the Commercial Club and the
Women's Club welcomed at the station the visitors who came from
a distance. The State Superintendent of Public Instruction journey-

* Courtesy of Review of Reviews

243

CITY COMFORTS FOR COUNTRY TEACHERS

ed from the Capital. The State University sent a representative.
Students and faculty from one of the University's substations and
agricultural schools drove ten miles across country in bob-sleighs.
Many friends and neighbors from outside the district joined in the
festivities. Pupils and their parents raised to nearly 500 the num-
ber in attendance. Congratulations from the visitors were hearty
and gratifying. Alberta was being "put on the map." The citizens
of the district thrilled with a sense of collective achievement. It was
a great day for Alberta, a hamlet of 30 families with a school regis-
tration of 132 pupils of whom 95 are brought daily in public con-
veyances from the surrounding countryside.

A noon dinner for guests and officials was served in the high
and well-lighted basement which in the new Teachers' House is
equipped for the domestic science work of the school. The Com-
mercial Club paid for the excellent meal which was cooked and
served by the schoolgirls. The speeches were brief and to the
point. The president of the School Board said he had never made
an address before. He had something to say, said it clearly and
sincerely, and sat down. The contractor merely rose and bowed,
and asked the building to speak for him. If he had ever heard
of Sir Christopher Wren he would have said, "Circumspice." Three
or four visitors offered congratulations. The best speech was made
by the president of the Women's Club. She was witty and clever,
and at the end struck a true note of social idealism. One asked:
"Who is she?" "Oh, a former school-teacher." "I see." Let not the
cynical deride the "mob of mobile maidens meditating matrimony."
Alberta is only one of thousands of American communities which
are the better because women trained as school-teachers have
married and are living in them.

How so many people were packed into the two classrooms, which
thrown together make the auditorium of the Alberta School build-
ing, it would be hard to say. First the grown-ups were stowed
away; then the chinks were filled with children of assorted sizes.
It was a happy well-contented company, cheerfully absorbent of
the amiable things the visitors said about the spirit and enterprise
of the Alberta district. Fred Grafelman was praised for his en-
thusiasm, and his faith that the plan, at first regarded with sus-
picion, could be carried through. The contractor was lauded as an
honest man who had contented himself with day wages. The local
merchant who supplied the furniture for the Teachers' House at
wholesale prices without profit to himself was called a good citi-

244

CITY COMFORTS FOR COUNTRY TEACHERS

zen. The members of the School Board were commended for
their public spirit. Again the people were congratulated upon
having given support to the project. To mitigate the speech-mak-
ing two of the teachers played a piano duet ; the school chorus sang.
At the end the whole company joined in "America." One looking
on might well ask : "Is not this community feeling the beginning of
real patriotism? Must not the individual learn first to merge him-
self in his neighborhood, before he can identify himself with his
nation ?"

Then came the formal exercises in front of the new house. The
audience was shepherded into place ; the band from the agricultural
school played; the State Superintendent in a few words put the
House at the service of the district and the state, declaring that
Alberta had set an example to 'the nation. It was at this point
that Fred Grafelman gave his courageous invitation, and the eager
assembly flocked in to see how the teachers were living, and to
create on an heroic scale a house-cleaning problem for the depart-
ment of domestic science. An hour later, the six school sleighs
loaded with pupils jingled off into the country; the neighbors from
the countryside followed; the visitors from a distance were
escorted by the reception committee to the five o'clock "local," and
Alberta became to all appearances what it had been early that
morning. But these appearances were misleading, for Alberta
can never be quite what it was before it built and dedicated the
Teachers' House.

How did Alberta happen to embark on this venture? Here is
the story in brief. The General Education Board has long been
interested in fostering rural education, notably in the South. It
was suggested to the Board that the housing of rural teachers,
especially when they are grouped in consolidated schools, is press-
ing for solution, and that a few successful demonstrations of the
lesults of providing at public expense suitable living quarters for
groups of teachers would be of real service. It was decided to try
the experiment. Minnesota was selected because consolidation is
progressing rapidly there ; moreover, the winter climate renders the
housing question peculiarly important. Alberta was given an op-
portunity to cooperate, because the Board had heard about Fred
Grafelman and his idea of making his school not only an educa-
tional institution adapted to the life and needs of the community,
but a social center as well, with a literary club, a chorus, a debating
society, motion-pictures. The Board offered to pay one-half

245

CITY COMFORTS FOR COUNTRY TEACHERS

of the expense of building and equipping a teachers' house pro-
vided the district would supply the other half of the total cost.

This offer was made in the early spring of 1916. Mr. Grafelman
set to work with his usual enthusiasm. A group at once gave him
support. But obstacles were quickly encountered. In addition to
the usual inertia of any community there was active opposition.
Some people feared that there was "a string to the gift"; others
were alarmed at an increase in the bonded indebtedness ; still others
declared that the maintenance of the house would be a burden ; the
persons who were boarding the teachers viewed with alarm a com-
munistic invasion of vested rights. So the struggle continued. At
last the Board voted to submit the question to the people. Then
followed a campaign vigorous, and sometimes heated. Grafelman
was several times in despair, but he kept on doggedly until finally
the vote was taken. The bonds were authorized by a substantial
majority. The house plans were rushed to completion; ground was
broken early in October, 1916; the teachers moved into their new
quarters during the first week of January, 1917.

The house stands on the school grounds about 100 feet from the
school building. The high basement contains a large domestic
science laboratory equipped with a regular range, a model practice
dining-room appropriately furnished, a sewing-room, a modern
laundry, the furnace-room, and a girls' toilet. The first floor is a
complete, self-contained apartment for the superintendent and his
family. The suite includes an entrance hall, alcove for hats and
coats, living-room, dining-room, kitchen, three sleeping rooms and a
complete bathroom. On the second floor, wholly independent of
the rest of the house and with separate front and rear entrances, is
the apartment for teachers which contains a combination living and
dining-room, a kitchen, four double sleeping rooms and a bath. The
third floor or attic with large dormer windows affords space for
three more sleeping rooms. The house is well heated — weather 35
degrees below zero and a sixty-mile wind tested this in January —
by a hot-water furnace, and lighted by electricity which is supplied
by the local plant, a gasoline engine and dynamo set up in the rear
of the village hardware store. The water supply comes from the
driven well and pressure tank of the school building. The total
cost of house and fittings was about $7500, which came from the
following sources: district $3,000, State $500, General Education
Board $3,500. Architect's fees, merchants' profits contributed,
$500.

246

CITY COMFORTS FOR COUNTRY TEACHERS

The finances of the house are naturally of interest. The total
income of the School Board from the superintendent, who pays
$240 rent, and from the teachers, each of whom pays $7 a month
for nine months for her room, is $555. Out of this the Board must
pay for coal, extra janitor service, insurance, repairs, meet
5 per cent interest on $3,000 of bonds, and if possible amortize the
district's indebtedness. The Board now estimates that $200 will
be available annually for this purpose.

What about the cost to teachers ? During the campaign it was
predicted that they would have to pay $30 per month, instead of
the $22 or $25 which it was then costing them. Let us see how
the plan is working out. The five teachers are living cooperatively
with the teacher of domestic science in charge. A graduate of the
school is employed as a maid. She performs the housework, helps
with the cooking, and does the general washing. Her wages are
$4.50 per week, with room and board. In addition, for 15 cents
a dozen, she washes and rough dries the personal laundry of the
teachers who do the ironing for themselves. The total cost for the
household for February was as follows:

Supplies (food, oil, fuel, etc.) $40.55

Maid's wages 18.00

Electricity 1.00

Laundry 3.00

Rent 35.00

$97.55

Equally divided among the five teachers, this makes the expense
of each for four weeks, $19.51. It should be explained that the
stove in the domestic science department is available for baking,
roasting. An oil range is used in the teachers' kitchen. The
cost of oil fuel is included in the total for supplies.

The teachers, two of them university graduates, three with
normal school training, are delighted with their new living condi-
tions. They say that they are conscious of doing their daily school
work much better. Their attitude toward country teaching has
been radically modified. On the open prairie they enjoy all the
physical comforts and conveniences of the city. They form a con-
genial group. "It's like living in a sorority house," said one of
them. This, after all, is the real test of the plan. Will the House

247

CITY COMFORTS FOR COUNTRY TEACHERS

make it easier to secure and to hold the best type of teacher?
•Why, pray, should well-trained, self-respecting young women be
asked to make sacrifices in order to teach in rural schools, when
such sacrifices are wholly unnecessary?

The Teachers' House is usefully related to the school work in
domestic science. The girls of the advanced class have access at
times to the teachers' apartment which serves as a model of do-
mestic arrangements. The cookery in the school classes is much
of it done on a family scale with a regular stove. Only a part
takes the form of miniature exercises carried out on oil stoves.
While the teachers do not agree to purchase the whole output of
the classes, as a matter of fact a large part of it is brought for the
cooperative table upstairs. This plan reimburses the school sup-
ply fund, and gives the young cooks a sense of actuality in their
work. Future plans include a school garden and summer canning
classes, the product to be purchased for the teachers' table.

The fact that the whole school staff is living at the school gives
the institution a more vividly local character, and dignifies it in the
eyes of young and old. The "suit-case" rural teacher who arrives
from a neighboring town reluctantly at the last moment Monday
morning, and escapes eagerly at the earliest opportunity Friday
afternoon, is ordinarily not to be blamed. At the same time her
attitude does not suggest a fondness for country life. She turns
her pupils' thoughts toward town as a more desirable place. A
group of resident teachers, on the other hand, living contentedly
in the community and sharing its interests fosters local self-respect
and contributes to civic loyalty. Thus the Teachers' House not
only helps the school; it affects favorably the entire district. It
becomes a source of suggestion to the people of the community,
especially to the women. They see the possibilities of introducing
conveniences into their own houses ; they learn that simple, sincere,
tasteful furniture and decorations are to be preferred to machine
carving, plush upholstery, and "hand paintings."

It should be understood that the public provision of housing for
teachers is no new thing. Germany and France, Denmark and, to
some extent, Norway and Sweden have long furnished dwellings
for village and rural teachers. Nor is the plan wholly novel in the
United States. Bungalows and cottages for two, three or four
teachers are common in the State of Washington and in California.
North Dakota has a large number. St. Louis County, Minnesota,
provides separate cottages, and in some cases, combines in one

248

CITY COMFORTS FOR COUNTRY TEACHERS

building schoolrooms and living quarters for two or three teachers.
In many states there are isolated experiments. Sometimes old
school buildings are remodeled for the purpose. Again a school
board will rent a dwelling and sublet it to teachers. A privately
financed teachers' house in an Illinois village is said to pay 8 per
cent on the investment. Most of these housing provisions, how-
ever, are made in connection with rural schools either of the one-
room type or of the small, graded sort. The Alberta House is
significant for its city-apartment character, its proximity to the
school, its close relation to the school work, its completely official
nature, its social as well as educational value.

The speakers who at the Alberta dedication insisted that the day
had national importance were not merely flattering local pride.
They meant that rural education is of vital concern to the country
as a whole. If the countryside is to be saved from tenancy and its
consequences, is to be a source whence able individuals may be
drawn into the service of all, rural education must be put upon a
level with urban training. The conditions of good education are :
competent, loyal teachers, expert supervision, proper housing and
modern equipment. Consolidation of rural schools is solving for
the country the last two problems ; the second is being urged with
some success. Many factors will contribute to the solution of the
first. Among these the teachers' house must be reckoned next to
professional training and adequate salaries. The dedication at
Alberta was of national significance. Within a few years the
teachers' house will be included as a matter of course in the bond
issues for consolidated rural school plants.

It may be well to add that the General Education Board has no
thought of making offers to a large number of districts. Arrange-
ments have been made with two other schools. Bulletins contain-
ing house plans, financial statements, reports upon various phases
of the experiments, will in due time be published in large editions
and given wide distribution. The Board will rest content with mak-
ing available for school boards and the public trustworthy data
concerning the operation of a few teachers' houses in connection
with typical consolidated rural schools.

249

RECREATION IN INDUSTRIES

Suggesting how appropriate recreational activities among groups of em-
ployed workers will increase efficiency and team play

CHARLES FREDERICK WELLER, Associate Secretary, Playground and Recreation
Association of America , Chicago, 111.

Two factors, of utmost importance in industry
anc^ commerce, can be strengthened by the de-
velopment of appropriate recreational activities:
The first is efficiency or productive power — including physical
and mental fitness and alert interest on the part of the worker.
The second is team play or cooperation — binding together a
differentiated group of workers, including foremen and employers.
These two factors, efficiency and team play, are
Looking Forward fundamentally important in our industries. Con-
fessedly, what recreational activities may do to
strengthen them is less a matter of demonstrated experience than
of social prophecy. But, a great deal is already successfully under
way. Encouragement and practical suggestions are available from
the recreational activities already developed in numerous industries.
I know department stores in Pittsburgh which
Already Tried have their baseball teams, men's clubs, minstrel

performances, and summer outing camps.
In St. Louis, the president of a steel company took me for a
day's trip to his plant where a central club house has been erected
in which all the foremen have lunch together, followed by a game of
pool if they wish. He said, "Their difficulties and the sources of
possible contention between departments are ironed out before they
know of it, just because they are brought together in a friendly
way."

In Ludlow, Massachusetts, a neighborhood recreation center,
built and equipped by "the Ludlow Manufacturing Associates,"
is conducted and supported by the workers and their families.

Young Men's Christian Associations have been promoted by a
great many industrial establishments — both for their own em-
ployees and for their communities.

On July 15, 1916, the Calumet and Hecla Mining Company
interrupted its war-time profits by giving a holiday festival, with
full pay to 20,000 employees and their families — to celebrate the
250

RECREATION IN INDUSTRIES

semi-centennial of a discovery on which the modern copper in-
dustry is based.

These are but slight suggestions of the use of recreation in in-
dustries. Already this use is large, successful, increasing — though
without adequate consciousness, as yet, of the possibilities to be
realized through competent, employed play leaders.

I. PREVENTING WASTE

To lessen the present loss of productive power may well be the
first motive for introducing recreational activities. Such examples
as follow could be multiplied indefinitely.

From a large mining company in Arkansas, the controlling officer
came to the Supervisor of Recreation in St. Louis. He said, in effect:
"For the first day or two after each pay day, I haven't men enough
to run my mines ; the leisure-time problem is getting away with them
and with me." The prescription, which he accepted as promising,
was a recreation center — with club room, smoking, games, moving
pictures, dancing, in charge of a competent recreation leader or social
worker.

In Kenosha, the manager of a large industrial plant told me he
had been reviewing his pay roll and work-time records, studying the
losses due to dissipation. He was surprised to find that the time
lost was larger in winter than in summer. He explained this by the
fact that there are many recreational resources in summer — parks,
walks, ball games, outdoor activities — but in winter the only recrea-
tion known to many men is the saloon. Hence, more drinking and
more loss of time in winter.

Dissipation is a great destroyer of productive power. Dissipa-
tion, however, is a matter of leisure time, of recreation. Thus, the
power of the saloon proceeds partly from its appeal to wholesome
recreational instincts — through lunches, brightness, democratic
social intercourse, free self-expression, music, and various forms of
entertainment .

Similarly, sexual dissipation is somewhat a question of recrea-
tion gone wrong, leisure misused. While opinions differ as to the
part which low wages play in promoting vice, all agree that inade-
quate or misguided recreation is an important cause of sexual immor-
ality. For instance; — Eighty-six thousand young men and women
are to be found, in one night, in Chicago's dance halls. Many of
these resorts are characterized by lurid evils of drink and of sexual

251

RECREATION IN INDUSTRIES

immorality. But their popularity, surely, is in spite of these evils,
not because of them. It is the distinctive craving for recreation in
the form of rhythmic exercise, social intercourse, and free self-ex-
pression, which gives power — too often, destructive power — to com-
mercial dance halls throughout the country. Thus are many young
workers diverted from industry or weakened in its service.

First Conclusion:

Dissipation destroys efficiency. Dissipation is largely recrea-
tion gone wrong. Therefore, by solving the recreation problems
of industrial workers, we may diminish their loss of efficiency or
productive power.

II. INCREASING POWER

More attractive and important than preventing the wastes
of dissipation is the positive side — the direct augmenting of pro-
ductive power.

My five-year-old boy taught me, one summer, the
fundamental principle involved here. It was extremely hard
for the lad — and for all the family — to accomplish his part of the
camp duties, the filling of the woodbox. That was work. But he
would take a big cumbersome, broken-down, wheel-barrow and run it
fast up a steep hill — an achievement requiring large energy and per-
sistence— because he conceived of the wheel-barrow as a locomotive
or a street car, himself the engineer or conductor. This was play.

"Play," as Mr. Dooley says, "is work that you pay for the
privilege of doing." Work is play if inspired by the worker's full
interest, by his sense of free self-expression. Here we have, then,
the most important dynamic: Productive power can be increased
by increasing the worker's interest. Recreation means specifically
the enlistment and expression of interest. Here is a clue for industrial
leaders — the control of power through interest.

Second Conclusion:

Since recreation is a great means of expressing and developing
interest; since a fundamental means of increasing productive effi-
ciency is by increasing interest; appropriate recreation activities
should be developed in industrial establishments as a means of en-
listing or vivifying the interest of the workers.

There is a vital distinction between recreation and
Not Welfare Work much of what is known as "welfare work"-
though I have only appreciative commendation

252

RECREATION IN INDUSTRIES

of the latter. The distinction is between that which mainly affects
conditions and that which mainly affects activities. Welfare work
has been, and is, greatly needed — to promote the improvement of
industrial establishments and the providing of wash rooms, lockers,
rest rooms, lunching facilities and better conditions generally. Rec-
reation, in contrast, would have as its purpose — and its method —
to enlarge or improve the activities of 'the workers.
tX

"But I would not assume to interfere with what
Not Patronizing our employees do," objected one employer of
many hundreds of workers. "I give them a meet-
ing place, but it is for them to say how they will use it. "

This shrewd criticism defines, evidently, a difficulty to be ex-
expected and avoided. In this day of growing democratic spirit,
"hand me down" charity must be replaced by self -development
from within. This is not inconsistent, however, with supplying ap-
propriate recreation facilities and, what is more important, recrea-
tion leadership.

Leader ltartati°n Instead of Patronage, charity, or help from out-

. side, the very keynote of recreation is to learn

and to follow the worker's instincts. If a compe-

tent recreation leader were put to work upon the problem in a cer-

tain industrial plant he would begin, I am sure, by learning how the

workers are now spending their leisure time and how they would

like to spend it.

Third Conclusion :

Through friendly fellowship with the workers themselves, the
recreation leader— who would have constantly in mind a large,
varied repertoire of recreation activities — should be able to develop
gradually a program which would be popular, democratic and en-
tirely appropriate to local conditions.

viewing' with en~
thusiastic approval, the marvelous working or-

ganization and the fine social spirit which pervade
the vast Chicago offices and warehouses of • - , I walked through
the recreation grounds which the firm has generously provided.
There is a little park, beautiful with flowers and an artificial lake,
| where the workers like to sit or stroll together after luncheon. That

253
I

RECREATION IN INDUSTRIES

seems to me a very pretty and appropriate recreation facility.
On the large ball field, nearby, one group of perhaps eight or ten
men were practicing knock-up-and-catch. Other large grounds were
closed or unused. Scores of men and women were walking the streets.
It was their lunch hour.

III. SPECIFIC SUGGESTIONS

Some simple, obvious suggestions occurred to me — which
would be equally applicable to other industries. Besides
such intrinsic interest as they may possess, they indicate
that a play leader more resourceful than I, giving more
adequate study to the local situation, would be much more fertile
in practicable plans :

Games with Equip-One of my impromptu suggestions was that

indoor baseball, used as an outdoor game, or

playground ball, would probably lead a number of

groups, including women, to enjoy the sport, each on a comparatively

small section of the unused fields. (This is the ordinary baseball

game played with a softer ball, on a smaller diamond.)

Volley ball occurred to me as another simple, Attractive game in
which many workers might be glad to spend a few minutes at lunch
time or after the closing hour. (In this game, a big, light ball — like
a football — is batted, with the hands, back and forth over a rather
high net; from two to thirty or more may play on each side.)

Tether ball, ring toss, and other games requiring simple, inex-
pensive equipment seemed appropriate. (In tether ball two people
try, with tennis racquets, to wind up, each in his own direction, a
cord, with tennis ball attached which hangs from the top of a pole.
Ring toss is the old game of pitching horseshoes at a short stake
driven into the ground.)

Free Play without Especially, I longed to see what could be accom-
Apparatus plished by a play leader who would gather a

group about her (or him) for some circle games,
folk dances, and other organized play activities — whose value is
suggested by the fact that they have been enjoyed by various peoples
for decades, or even for centuries. They are rooted deep in our nat-
ural instincts.

In this connection the use of recess periods in industries, like

254

CIVIC THEATRE OF PAWTUCKET RHODE ISLAND

school recesses, may be suggested. Some industries have already
found that they develop increased productive power in their workers
by granting a short "breathing spell" in the middle of a long morn-
ing or afternoon of tedious labor.

The value of such a recess may be increased manyfold by sub-
stituting organized, interesting games for the purposeless idling which
usually occupies the rest period. This has been abundantly proven
in public schools.

Fourth Conclusion:

I would emphasize as my "Fourth Conclusion" my feeling that
this idea of circle games, folk dancing and other group plays organized
by a play leader, is probably the most important — and the least
familiar — practical expedient I have yet suggested for the develop-
ment of industrial recreation.

Leadership Essen- I^et it be emphasized always that the prime es-

sential is personal leadership. Recreation activ-

ity without a play leader is as futile as a school

without a teacher, a church with no clergyman, or a hospital with-

out doctor or nurse. In every case, what will mainly determine the

quantity and quality of success attained, will be the spirit, resource-

fulness and leadership of the recreation director or play leader.

Next in importance; a spirit of intelligent, sympathetic interest
should pervade the whole industry and be embodied in employers,
foremen and other commanding powers. For encouragement, or
play tradition, or favorable atmosphere, is one of the essentials for
the development of genuine play.

Fifth Conclusion:

If the industrial plant is right in the two essentials — in the em-
ployment of competent recreation leadership and in the mainte-
nance of an encouraging atmosphere — the recreation activities can
be developed naturally — perhaps by extending some existing activ-
ity — and they can be kept always democratic and popular.

[To Be Continued]

THE CIVIC THEATRE OF PAWTUCKET, RHODE

ISLAND

"A School in American Citizenship"

One of the most interesting movements in our country
today is that represented in the Civic Theatre of Pawtucket,
which originated in the fertile brain of Reverend James D.

255

CIVIC THEATRE OF PAWTUCKET RHODE ISLAND

Dingwell, Pastor of the Central Falls Congregational Church.

The population of Pawtucket is a mixed one, almost every
nationality being represented within the city's limits. Mr. Ding-
well's idea grew out of a study of the existing conditions and a
realization of the need of a civic center meeting ground for in-
struction and fellowship in things fundamentally American if
there is ever to be attained a democracy that is to be unified,
intelligent, influential, and permanent.

The Civic Theatre was opened in the Star Theatre in the
spring of 1913, the avowed purpose of its organization being
the creating and building up of a friendly, intelligent American
spirit among all nationalities. It is under the control of a large
committee or board, representative of all creeds and classes of
citizens. It is non-political, non-commercial, and, while both
religious and moral, strictly non-sectarian. The meetings are
held in a theatre for the sake of rising above all sectarian and
selfish interests. The work is supported principally by the free-
will gifts of interested individuals.

A series of meetings is held every year. These are held
on Sunday nights. No admission fee is charged. The size of
the audience is limited only by the capacity of the theatre,
which seats 1500 although 1800 have been crowded in. Because
uf the limited seating capacity, only foreign-speaking people are
admitted, apart from the committee and the helpers in charge.
The invitations are issued in six different foreign languages.

The chief method of instruction has been the patriotic,
sociological, and industrial moving picture film, but greater than
the educational aspect has been the opportunity for friendliness
and brotherliness. The seriousness and sacredness of American
citizenship, as well as its glory, is conspicuously evident in every
gathering.

As a rule, the program begins with a short address by the
presiding officer of the evening, who is usually some well-known
person in either Central Falls or Pawtucket and a member of
the governing board of the theatre. Following the address
there is instrumental and vocal music furnished by local people.
Sometimes the music is provided by a musical organization of
some one of the national groups represented in the cities. Mr.
Dingwell has also organized a choir of foreign boys who sing
patriotic songs. After the music, various speakers representing
the national groups in the audience explain the program in their

256

A PROGRAM FOR DEALING WITH THE MOVIES

own language and make such announcements for succeeding
performances as are deemed proper. There are usually five or
six different national speakers or interpreters. This is a very
interesting feature of the program.

The pictures are then shown. These are largely educa-
tional in character though occasionally a comic picture which is
purely for entertainment is put on. Since the central idea of
the Civic Theatre is to make of foreign people good Americans
and good citizens an effort is made to introduce into the pro-
gram of speeches, music, and pictures ideas and sentiments of
patriotism, information upon how to become a citizen, and what
constitutes a good citizen.

The cost of rent, films, program publishing, and pianist for
one evening is approximately fifty dollars.

A PROGRAM FOR DEALING WITH THE MOVIES*
JOSEPH LEE

President Playground and Recreation Association of America, Boston,

Massachusetts

I. Encourage active play and recreation 'and make passive
occupations, including movies and "bleacheritis," unfashionable.

II. Parents restrict the amount of attendance of their own
children — children under ten, not at all; ten to fourteen, not
more than once a month; over fourteen, not more than once a
week.

III. A separate national ;0ensorship for movies to which
children under sixteen are admitted.

IV. Principles of selection:

1. The important thing is what the child sees, not the
moral drawn from it. Commission of crimes and sexually
exciting pictures should be excluded; also pictures of
cruelty, brutality, gruesomeness, terror, insanity, vulgar-
ity, hatred or uncharitableness toward any race, sect or
condition, or successful lawlessness.

2. On the other hand, movies should not be preachy or
tiresomely educational. Pictures should include adven-
tures in automobiles, trains, on horseback and in boats;
chase and pursuit, cowboys, Indians, soldiers and sailors;

* Extracts from address

337

VOCATIONAL RECREATION

a hero fighting successfully against odds, and thrilling

historic scenes.

Perhaps the movies would present romantic stories like

Ivanhoe, Quentin Durward, Lorna Doone, Evangeline,

or lives of Washington and Lincoln, both of which were

sufficiently picturesque.

V. Every parent should read a little pamphlet, "Principles
Governing the Selection of Motion Pictures for Young People
under Sixteen," published by the National Committee on Films
for Young People, printed April 19, 1916. (70 Fifth Avenue, New
York.)

VOCATIONAL RECREATION

L. H. Weir, Field Secretary of the Playground and Recreation
Association of America, speaking before the Employment Mana-
gers' Conference at Indianapolis, Indiana, advocated a "depart-
ment of employment and service," which should handle all ques-
tions of personal relations arising in the organization and manage-
ment of an establishment. Besides the employment and medical
phases this department would handle "vocational recreation."
This Mr. Weir outlined as follows:

Vocational Recreation is a descriptive term referring to and
including all manner of provisions for, and all manner of ways of,
using leisure in connection with industrial, commercial, and public
utility establishments.

The recreation division of the Employment and Service De-
partment would include:

1. Many types of comfort f^flities, such as lockers, wash and
bath rooms; rest, reading, and smoking rooms; lunch rooms and
restaurants; roof gardens

2. All types of

a. Physical recreation facilities and activities — such as
pool and billiards, bowling, games, courts and athletic fields,
and the playing of organized games, and conduct of athletics
and swimming pools

b. Educational facilities and activities for use of leisure,
such as reading, attendance upon regularly organized classes,
both inside plant at evening schools, and elsewhere ; educational
excursions

c. Cultural facilities and activities, such as pianos, vic-
trolas, organs, band instruments, orchestra instruments, and

258

VOCATIONAL RECREATION

all forms of vocal and instrumental musical organizations
and activities; dramatics, readings

d. Social recreation facilities and activities, including such
facilities as social halls; picnic grounds, and such activities
as picnics, entertainments, parties, social dances and club or
group organizations of all kinds, whatever their object, such
as mutual benefit associations, savings societies, safety-first
.organizations, library associations, women's clubs, dramatic
clubs, and musical clubs

The fundamental importance of these three divisions of an
Employment and Service Department to the promotion of health,
intelligence, morality, team spirit, and stability of labor force, is
very great and each is intimately bound up with the other.

It is now recognized as an axiomatic principle in good business
organizations and as an agreement that wages must be fair, that
hours of labor must be reasonable, and that material conditions
of labor must conform to the highest known standards of safety,
hygiene, and sanitation.

Two of these factors, viz., wages and hours of labor, are
basically related to the leisure time of the employee and conse-
quently to his hopes for opportunity for the self-development of
himself and his family.

The margin of a man's wages beyond what is
Wages and Leisure necessary to provide shelter, clothes, food, and
other fundamental material necessities of living,
is the basis of his opportunity for self-development and the self-develop-
ment of the individual membetj of his family.

There is a very close relation between the existence of a multi-
tude of cheap and unwholesome ways of using leisure and the wage
scale. * * * *

No doubt many employers sincerely feel, also, that shorter
hours of labor and consequently increase of leisure is not in the
interest of public welfare. The apparent or real intent to escape
toil is considered an unwholesome social tendency. It is believed
that the mass of employees would be infinitely better off work-
ing because they do not know how to use increased leisure to ad-
vantage of themselves or of society.

This contention has a basis of genuine logic. There is a natural
tendency on the part of people to take the line of least resistance
and that line usually leads away from toil. However, necessity

259

VOCATIONAL RECREATION

and social training and social consciousness is a constant check
against shiftlessness and idleness. There is a real danger in too
much leisure if it is not properly used, and, it is the growing ap-
preciation of this that is one of the powerful factors in the remark-
able interest among the people of this nation in the establishment
of public recreation systems. The education of the people for
leisure is one of the great problems of the day. But national and
local agencies, both public and private, are attacking this problem
with a vigor never before known in the history of any social-edu-
cation movement. Social dangers from increased leisure are not
to be greatly feared.

The movement for shorter hours is related to human welfare
in two chief ways — first as having to do with the welfare of the
physical man and secondly with the welfare of the social man.

Socially the necessity for a balanced relationship between hours
of labor and leisure is very important. Modern industry considered
from the operative viewpoint holds out little opportunity to the
mass of workers for self-development in any of the great fields of
human interests.

The making of a living is far from being the whole of life. In
fact, the making of a living is the foundation only of making a life.
The entire superstructure of man's development in all these quali-
ties of mind and heart which mark the intelligence, culture and
civilization of the nation, while rooted deep in the activities of
making a living, can only be possible when the hours of leisure are
somewhat comparable in length to the hours of toil. In a democ-
racy like ours this is doubly important since a democracy can only
endure when there is a high average of cultural development among
all the people.

Many years ago one of our greatest writers and thinkers ex-
pressed this prophecy and its need: "Distrust as we may the sur-
prises the future may have in store there seems some ground

for believing that the bulk of mankind will know days — when,
thanks, it may be, to machinery, agricultural chemistry, medicine,
perhaps, or I know not what dawning science, labor will become
less incessant, exhausting, less material, tyrannical, pitiless.

"What use will humanity make of this leisure? On its employ-
ment may be said to depend the whole destiny of man. Is it not
well that his counsellors should now begin to teach him to use such
leisure as he has in a nobler and worthier fashion? It is the way in
which hours of freedom are spent that determines, as much as ...
labor the moral worth of a Nation."

260

THE PLAYGROUND MAKES LEADERS OF MEN*
ELIZABETH O'

Supervisor of Playgrounds, Board of Education, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The teacher whose playground training and experience has
taught him (or her) to see and know everything going on in the play-
ground has learned a secret of success. He who has learned to
lead and govern the work in his playground without destroying the
child's free choice and spontaneity, and who has organized the
various activities under the leadership of the children, has laid the
foundation for attaining the highest results in playground methods
and management, and has done much toward developing initiative
that will make for efficient citizenship.

A teacher writes : "There are four little girls in my playground
who can conduct any game that I have taught." Another: "One
of my older girls taught all the assistants how to cane chairs.
Many of these older boys and girls have attended the playground
each year since its organization three years ago.

"After starting a game I usually find an older boy or girl to take
charge of the game. Many games have been learned and can be
played without direct supervision of the teacher under the leader-
ship of an older child. Three deep, day and night, bear in the
ring, jumping circle, tower ball, dodge ball and volley ball, and a
number of the ring games and dances are conducted by the children.

"Occupation work is arranged in groups under leaders accord-
ing to the degree of efficiency of the workers.

"Very often during my lunch hour when I looked into the play-
ground to see that things were going all right, I was pleased to see
a group of young children playing ring games in one part of the
yard, and a group of older girls dancing in another part of the yard.

"On hot afternoons older girls were frequently observed arrang-
ing benches in a circle, and gathering together groups of little
children to tell stories to them.

"I've never had better leaders. Some of these assisted in certain
kinds of occupation work, others taught games or supervised the
games, others were in charge of certain apparatus. In different
parts of the yard signs were put up — raffia work, woodwork, mat
weaving, paper work, basket making. The leaders prepared the
material, arranged the benches for their own special groups

* Extract from report to the Director of Physical Training, William A.
Stecher

A STATESMAN OR A CLERK f

promptly at eleven in the morning and at four in the afternoon
each day."

Perhaps one may get an idea that a teacher in such a playground
is taking things very easy — that she is not earning her salary. Do
not form such a mistaken idea. Such a teacher has learned her
responsibility. She is making leaders of men. Her responsibility
has increased a hundredfold. She must keep a very watchful eye
upon the effect of responsibility upon her children, she must be
alert to see when she must change her force of leaders. She may
discover that authority placed upon young shoulders is turning their
heads and making young autocrats ; in other words, she must know
whether she is strengthening their vanity or their character. She
will change leaders frequently so that an opportunity may be given
to the timid as well as to the assertive child.

Quoting from Jacob Riis : "Thank God we can see the light at
last, and we are making for it with seven-league boots every time a
playground is laid out for the little ones."

A STATESMAN OR A CLERK?
GBORGB A. SIM, Los Angeles, California

The head of a recreation system ought to be able to shake off
the mass of detail which comes to him so that he can work out the
larger problems. The man chosen to lead in developing the city
recreation policies should be free to organize city-wide baseball,
municipal golf links, more tennis courts; he should have charge of
the development of such recreation features as archery, casting,
roque, bowling on the green and other sports for which cities at
the present time are making very inadequate provision — in many
cases, no provision whatsoever.

In any large city it ought to be so that the recreation secretary
can leave the problems of construction, maintenance and repair,
upkeep of ground, and such details to mechanics and others better
fitted for that work than the secretary himself, whose training lies
almost wholly in the field of recreation. Such routine work as the
making out of payrolls, work schedules, and "time," the passing on
requisitions, and the innumerable other details incident to the
running of a playground system should be placed in the hands of
competent clerks and stenographers.

262

WHAT IS THE PLACE OF THE CLUB LEADER?

The secretary himself should act as a "minister of recreation"
to the entire people in his city: it is he and not the commercial
houses who should be the source of the city's recreation. How
many cities have tackled baseball and promoted and organized
leagues among the bank clerks, mercantile houses, and factories?
Not many. In the majority of cases, this work is left entirely to
the sporting goods houses who care only for the business that it
brings to them. It is the merchant who reminds us that the Fourth
of July is coming with his decorations of flags and bunting; it is
the merchant who tells us Christmas is coming by having Santa
Claus in the window; and it is the merchant who announces the
other national and festive days. It should be the function of the
recreation department of a city, not of the merchants, to provide
adequate play and recreation facilities for the boys and girls and
men and women in that city. Chambers of commerce should be
able to look to the department of recreation for suggestions and
help in parades, sane Fourth celebrations, and other city-wide cele-
brations. Probably the main reason for the pitiful inadequacy of
the recreation systems of today lies in the fact that the recreation
secretary is so overwhelmed with the details of the work that he
has no time to cope with the larger problems.

WHAT IS THE PLACE OF THE CLUB LEADER?

Dr. John D. Elliott, of Hudson Guild, giving the introductory
lecture in the course on work with boys given by the association of
neighborhood workers of New York City pointed out the need of
long-distance planning in club work so that the aims and results
of each club shall fit in with the larger plans for the neighborhood
and city.

The weakness of nearly all social workers is that they have
too much heart and too little head but it is much better that there
should be too little head than too little heart and for his improve-
ment a social worker should not dwell upon his weakness but put
the emphasis upon a positive development of the friendship,
sympathy and interest which he has in the people with whom he is
working into a definite reality. Very little can be accomplished by
continually dwelling upon the need for more head work and the
consequent neglect of the heart interest in the work. A great deal
of head and too little heart is a misfortune.

263

WHAT IS THE PLACE OF THE CLUB LEADER?

The best and most effective fulcrum for successful social
work of any kind is the desire which we all have to secure the best
for our children and this common trait should be worked for all it
is worth. One of the greatest dangers which a club leader must look
out for is the corruption in himself due to the adoration and hero-
worship of the boys in his club. It is necessary of course to have a
great love and interest in the group but great care should be taken
against "over-personalness" in any form.

A distinction must be made between the club
TradrUnionf8r°m method of working with boys and the class

method. Too many club leaders unconsci-
ously consider their boys' club as their class and their own
relation to their club as being similar to that of a teacher to his
class. The good trade unions offer a safe model upon which to
pattern our club work. The present educational ideas and methods
have developed wonderful scientists, administrators and men
of great power in all walks of life but they have been very weak in
that their products have been too individualistic — they want
to conquer the world alone and have absolutely no sense of group
loyalty or feeling of the greater power of the group as contrasted
with the power of the individual. In a trade union a boy is ap-
prenticed to a master worker but this master worker is himself an
apprentice always learning. The trade union also develops in the
apprentice a wonderful spirit and appreciation of the power of
the group. He realizes that his interests and his welfare rest with
the best interests and welfare of his trade union or guild.

The parallel between the club and the trade union is also true
in another sense. It is necessary that the boy in the club should
be tied up to the club by some interest closely connected with the life
interest of the boy, not only the economic life interest but the social
and spiritual life interests. Therefore, in planning activities for a
club, no general form of activity can be arbitrarily forced upon a
club nor can imitation of another club produce the desired results.
The club activities must develop from the deepest interest of the
boys in the club. The relation of the leader to the boy should be
that of a master workman to his apprentice. The master knows
something that the apprentice wants to know very much and can
do something that the apprentice wants very much to be able to
do and the club leader should know something that the boys want
very much to know, and should be able to do something that the

264

WHAT IS THE PLACE OF THE CLUB LEADER?

boys want very much to be able to do and both the master and the
leader should always themselves be learning.

The leader of a successful club develops in each of the club
members a realization of the vast power in group action just as an
apprentice has a greater realization of this power than many pro-
fessional and business men whose whole lives have been lives of
individual effort. The group leader must, therefore, necessarily
himself be a believer in group action and one who is doing his own
life work as one of a group and not as an individual.

In order to infuse the spirit of service into the minds of the
members of his club the leader should himself be engaged in some
form of social service other than his club work in which he is so
interested that all his words and actions express his devotion to
and belief in that work. He may be a professional social worker or
a professional or business man who has put social service ideals
into his vocation.

Two of the most important results which a club can accomplish
are to preserve the democracy of childhood which is so generally
lost in the process of education and to make real the uncommon good
in the common boy.

The discussion which followed Dr. Elliott's talk was limited
to the discussion of the ideals of boys' club work. Some of the ideals
which different leaders presented were to develop initiative, char-
acter and personality in the boy. This suggestion brought up the
question of how to meet the problem of wrong self -direction of initia-
tive. It was suggested that patient effort will be necessary to develop
different ideals and different attitudes on the part of the members
of the club and yet not to stifle the initiative shown. Considerable
emphasis was placed on the danger of imitating the activities and
programs of another club even though the activities had proven
to be very successful in the case of that club. Each activity must
be a development from the interests of the boys. In discussing
Dr. Elliott's suggestion of the danger due to hero-worship on the
part of the boy it was generally agreed that hero-worship is not
at all dangerous to the boy but a very good thing, but that there
is a great danger to the leader. In response to a question, Dr.
Elliott said that he believed that it is possible to instill high ideals
and aims into older boys by direct talk but that with younger boys
indirect suggestions and the contagion of ideals are necessary.
By knowing the boys in his club and by personal contact and ac-
quaintance with them and their personal characteristics and
problems, a club leader's ideals can be made a boy's ideals.

265

IT PAYS TO PLAY (VERIFIED)
TERENCE VINCENT, Play Leader, John Pitman School, Kirkwood, Missouri

"My boy likes to go to school now," said one mother to me
some time ago. "He is also progressing more rapidly in his music
than at any time before, and I'm sure this supervised play has been
the direct cause of it."

"Do you know, since we have had play as part of the work in
the Pitman School that there have been no gangs of boys on the
streets at night? When I pass along the streets of Kirkwood now,
the groups of boys are playing games of interest to them; they
used to break windows, jeer at passersby and destroy property in
various petty ways," said a member of the bank.

According to the teachers in the Pitman School, who taught
before supervised play was part of the daily program, problems of
discipline have almost entirely vanished,and"snitching' 'and* 'tattling"
are reduced to comparatively nothing. Petty thieving such as
taking caps, coats and overshoes has stopped. Bullying is no more.
Fellowship and cooperation dominate the play activities of both
boys and girls, except for the very few "antis" who seem to be pres-
ent in every community.

Nelson Kerr, superintendent of schools, is responsible for the
play activities in Kirkwood. In January, 1915, he came to the
University of Missouri for a man to take charge of play in the John
Pitman School. Though I had no thought then of entering recrea-
tion as a profession, I accepted the offer. Everything claimed for
the fruits of play in my article It Pays to Play (THE PLAYGROUND,
January, 1915) has been verified abundantly.

PLAY ACTIVITIES

With the democratization of recreational life and the broad-
ening of its scope to reach the entire community has come the in-
troduction of special play activities which will meet the needs of
all. There has been an increasing effort, too, so to develop such in-
stinctive activities as kite flying and marble playing — always a
part of the play life of the child — as to make them of still greater
interest to the community at large. A study of playground activi-
266

PLAY ACTIVITIES

ties in twenty-five cities shows the following included in a general
play program :

Playground ball 25 cities Gardening 10 cities

Folk dancing 23 cities Library 10 cities

Storytelling 22 cities Motion pictures 10 cities

Circle and singing games22 cities Volley ball 10 cities

Industrial work 20 cities Wading 9 cities

Basket ball 20 cities Camp Fire Girls 8 cities

Swimming 18 cities Camps 7 cities

Pageants 14 cities Boy Scouts 7 cities

Social dancing 13 cities Tennis 7 cities

Skating 1 1 cities Kite contests 4 cities
Marble tournaments 2 cities

Circle and singing games that seemed to play themselves
everywhere were:

Looby Loo, Roman Soldier, Farmer in ike Dell, Mulberry Bush,
A Hunting We Will Go, Charley over the Water, Poisoned Rag,
Bull in the Ring, Drop the Handkerchief, Fox and Chickens, Follow
the I eader, Cat and Rat, Throw the Peg, Pewee, My Father Keeps a
Grocery Store, Trades and Tug of War.

All the 13 cities conducting social dancing under
Social Dancing their recreation departments are making every

possible effort to maintain a high standard.
Everywhere the open position in dancing is insisted upon and the
use of tobacco prohibited. In three of the cities the usual amount
of supervision is supplemented by police protection. Cleveland,
Ohio, conducts a municipal dance hall where each couple is charged
three cents a dance. Another city conducts its dances in park pa-
vilions at a charge of twenty-five cents for eight dances. In
Cincinnati, Ohio, the playground field houses are used three even-
ings a week for penny dances. The profits from the dances are
shared by the Mothers' Clubs and the Park Department. The
Mothers' Clubs use their share to provide playground picnics, base-
ball suits for the boys, and to aid in the work of the playgrounds.

267

PLAY ACTIVITIES

"The Park Department provides with its profits a general play-
ground picnic at the close of the summer season.

Ten of the twenty-five cities visited have made
Gardens gardening a part of their programs. In Cleve-

land the work has been developed along very
interesting lines. It is so arranged that all the vegetables planted
.are those which will mature during the playground season. In
1916 the first twenty-five children who applied were given lots
10' x 10'. Those whose applications were tardy received boxes
,6" x 10", the number not to exceed five. The youngest children
received flower pots. Plants and seeds were supplied free of charge
to the children by the Board of Education. The work was super-
vised by a director in gardening and the playground workers.

In another city the gardening was done in back yards and
vacant lots. Each plot was 4 1-2' x 15' with a i 1-2' path between
the plots. At the beginning of each season the plots were laid out
by a garden expert and each applicant given a suggestive list of
plants with the amount of ground necessary for each. Seeds could
be purchased for a minimum price from the Board of Education.
Last year over 9,000 children applied for gardens. The children
,are graded according to

Improvement made on condition of lot 10 per cent

Plan and general management 10 per cent

Care in soil preparation 10 per cent

Vigor and general condition of plants 10 per cent

Freedom from weeds, general care 30 per cent

Kinds, quantity and quality of crops 30 per cent

There are four general city supervisors with assistants from
-the corps of grade teachers who give part time to the work. In
the fall there is a general produce exhibit and awarding of prizes.

In Dayton, Ohio, during 1916, with an appropriation of $4,088,
there were conducted about 2,000 gardens in eight districts of the
city. Eight supervisors were employed each receiving $1.50 for
every 25 calls made. All the gardens which are located in back
yards and vacant lots have a flower border. Seeds were purchased
for a minimum price from the Vacant Lot Garden Association.

268

PLAY ACTIVITIES

In addition to the garden work carried on by the city, the
National Cash Register Company provides eighty 10' x 53 1-2'
gardens for boys and one-half acre for girls. Each boy takes a
gardening course of two years and is then graduated into the Box
Furniture Club.

In Columbus, Ohio, the cooperation of the Real Estate Asso-
ciation has been obtained in securing the use of vacant lots for
gardens. In 1916 there were 1,200 gardens, most of them cultivated
by men. Seeds were furnished at a minimum price by the Depart-
ment of Recreation and the gardens were inspected regularly by
the superintendent.

Skating, with the evening use of rinks, is pro-
SkatingJ vided in eleven of the 25 cities visited. With

one exception the only preparation made is the
construction around the ground of a 14" to 18"
embankment of ordinary soil. The grounds are flooded as soon as
the weather is cold enough and in these cities sprayed every night.
In five cities the rinks are re-flooded whenever the skat-
ing surface becomes too rough. In one city where special
preparation is made the ground is surrounded by an eight inch
trough filled with a mixture of clay and sand upon which is built a
14" embankment of clay. The entire rink is covered with a top
dressing of clay. This preparation, it is claimed, eliminates the
possibility of leakage. It has been suggested by a number of
officials who have had experience in the matter that the best way
to provide against leakage is to delay the first flooding until the
frost is at least 15" deep.

Kite contests have been conducted in four cities.
Kite Contests In every case the kites have been made by the

contestants. Decisions were based on height
of flying, workmanship and novelty of design.

In one city the following classification was used:

Boys under 12 years of age

Boys 12 and 13 years of age

Boys 14 and 15 years of age

Boxkite Contest, age unlimited

Aeroplane Contest age unlimited

Special class

Medals were given the prize winners, and a banner given the
tool winning the most points.

269

PLAY ACTIVITIES

Marble Marble tournaments have been conducted in

Tournaments two cities. The rules used in one city are as
follows :

1. There shall be a lag of twenty feet.

2. The ring shall have a diameter of two feet.

3. There shall be five marbles in the ring; the player getting
three more by shooting them out of the ring or by hitting his op-
ponent's shooter, wins the game.

4. All shots are to be made knuckle to the ground and from
the spot where the shooter stops.

5. First to lag in the first game shall be determined by toss
of coin, the player losing the toss in the first game shall lag first in
the second game, and if a third game is necessary, the order of
lagging shall again be determined by toss of coin. After both
players have lagged, the first to lag shall have the first shot. If a
player knocks a marble from the ring on his lag, he is entitled to
continue shooting.

6. There shall be no "killing": that is, when a player hits the
"shooter" of his opponent he is entitled to one marble from the
ring, but must either knock a marble from the ring or wait another
turn before hitting opponent's shooter again.

7. A player is eliminated when he has lost two games.
Prizes offered were ist place — silver cup; 2nd, 3rd, and 4th

places — medal. A bag of marbles was given the champion of each
school.

The Columbus Department of Recreation main-
Camps tains a camp on a three-acre piece of property

lent for the purpose. Tents with floors ac-
commodate 77 children at one time. A charge of $3.50 a week is
made.

Dayton has a park under the supervision of the Division of
Recreation which has two rustic shelters provided for picnickers.
Firewood, cooking utensils and tables may be secured upon appli-
cation.

Columbus has a children's play house operated

Children's Play ..

Houses during the school year. Actors are chosen from

among the school children and the subjects se-
lected are Mother Goose plays, Cinderella, Red Riding Hood, and
plays based on similar tales. Bach play is produced twice and
tickets are given school children free.

270

PLAYING BY MAIL

ANNE R. SMITH

Play Leader, Forest Hills, New York

The Forest Hills playground was put under supervision on July
1st, 1916, but after having been opened ten days the epidemic of
infantile paralysis necessitated its closing down.

It now seemed necessary that something should be done to hold
together as much as possible the spirit of cooperative play which
had already been established, and so games of contest by mail were
started. These games consisted of riddles, spelling contests and
guessing games ; original stories, poems, drawings, riddles and exe-
cution of different stunts. About one-third of the children answered
directly. These games were successful in holding the cooperative
spirit intact, and through them the play leader and children came to
have a better understanding. Still other good effects resulted from
the games by mail. The child was approached from a personal
standpoint, and what child does not feel elated and also of some
importance on having the postman bring him a letter of his very
own. This not only brought him pleasure, but also made him feel
his individuality was recognized, and at the same time united him
in bonds of fellowship with the playmate with whom he was
temporarily separated as a precaution against the spread of in-
fantile paralysis.

Notice of this game of "Playing by Mail" was published in
the Bulletin, a fortnightly paper sent to all residents of Forest
Hills Gardens. A date was set for all answers to be in and the
winners were published in the following issue of the Bulletin.
A number of the parents telephoned in to tell of their children's
interest and also their delight in seeing their names as winners,
published in the local paper. One child was reported as having
spent three hours on a drawing of his house; another child whom
it had been impossible to reach through playground activities, had
been interested enough to write an excellent original story.

Reports of stunts tried were numerous, and three children who
played together immediately began to compete with one another,
and also to originate stunts.

Examples of games sent follow:
DEAR Pi, A YM ATE:

While you are in your yard and I'm in mine will you play a
game by mail with me?

271

PLAYING BY MAIL

Please write and tell me what you are doing.

I wonder if you can guess any of these riddles. If you can,
send your answers by mail to me, and if you watch the bulletin you
will see who the winners are.

I will send you more games to guess next week.

From the Tallest Playmate

No. 1. Red and seldom grows alone,
Each one has a tiny stone.

No. 2. Sings a song that's soft and low,
But we never see it go.

No. 3. Something gold that turns to white,
And then is blown far out of sight.

No. 4. The smallest, lightest, roundest things;
Each holds a song and pair of wings.

No. 5. Higher than a house,
Higher than a tree;
Oh! whatever can it be?

No. 6. I am yellow and round, with eyes and nose,
I've a mouth, but I do not eat ;
I'm large or small, with a light inside,
And I never have any feet.

What people in the stories you hear in school, do these ob-
jects suggest:

A hatchet

A rail fence

A glass slipper

A wolf

A silver lamp

A pomegranate seed
DEAR PLAYMATE:

Did you know there are some little cotton-tail rabbits living
in a field in Forest Hills — well, there are, and one day I saw them
with my very own eyes.

272

PLAYING BY MAIL

I think it would be fun to see who could make up the best
story about them. I'll begin it and then you can finish it.

"Once upon a time, there was a little brown mother cotton-
tail rabbit and a little brown father cotton-tail rabbit, who had a
family of three little brown cotton-tail rabbits. These rabbits
lived out in a field near a — "

Here is a poem about seeds. Can you make up one about
something happening in Nature nowadays.

Nature in Autumn
"Some seeds drop, some seeds stick.
Some seeds fly away;
And each one says
I'll sow myself,
And be a plant some day.
When milkweed sails
On the Autumn gales
The wind sets an acorn free,
It empties its cup,
That there may spring up,
A great new acorn tree."

From ANNE R. SMITH

DEAR PLAYMATE:

Let's play a game of pretending to take a walk in Forest Hills.
I will tell you the names of different things I see, spelling
them crooked. Can you tell me how to put the letters so the
words are spelled correctly?

When you answer this will you please tell me how old you
are?

Eosuh — house (example) Sesde

Ohers Esrwlof

Seret Animals:

Rsdib Sibtabr

Savele Ruiqlrses

Sarst Grosf

Onom Ctsa

Ysk Osdg

Dosow

275

THE KINDLY OBSERVER OBSERVES

The Kindly Observer was passing through a number of New
England towns and villages about the time for the opening of sum-
mer playgrounds. "A real treat," thought the Kindly Observer,
as he fancied the eagerness of the children, the ready welcome of
the play leaders, all looking forward to a long, happy summer. The
first playground he visited, however, left his face a little grave.
The children were there and ready. But supplies were arriving and
the play leader, with a line between her eyebrows and a pencil in
her ruffled hair strove to make her count and the official yellow
slip tally. So the children loafed about the grounds, swarmed
over the apparatus — and went home early.

"Too bad," and the Kindly Observer shook his head, "Better
luck next time!" But, alas! next time greasy plumbers were
setting up apparatus and the welcome of these "miraculous ones"
was a rough, "Out of the way, kids," or a long line of tobacco juice
coming their way, or even a curse. "Who did sin!" mused the
Kindly Observer, "Why couldn't they get ready a few days be-
forehand!"

But at last as he continued his journey, the Kindly Observer
began to find things in full swing, but he observed that some
playgrounds trusted to luck to interest their children, while those
that were sure of their children always seemed to be those that had
a fairly definite plan for each day's work. Every place the boys
played baseball. The girls play Newcomb here, volley ball there,
basket ball or tether ball another place.

How the Kindly Observer's homely face beamed when he
came upon the playground (which he afterward loved to call
"Day of Joy Playground"), where a trim girl who knew games and
folk dances and knew children, too, led all who came through the
merriest revels. Small need for apparatus there! Often it stood
idle for hours while every child circled or chased or squealed and
joyous play created health and nobility. How the Kindly Observer
longed to transplant this leader for a time to some of the barren
grounds where there were no gay folk dances, no games for all, but
a few carried on desultory baseball games, umpired by a local
athlete whose appointment paid a political debt.

One fortunate night he came to a playground filled with young
men playing volley ball, after their day's work was over, in happy
contrast to the many high iron fences with padlocks which had
greeted him as he strolled in the cool of the day.

274

PLAYGROUND ADMINISTRATION

"White to harvest," "White to harvest," sang the wheels of
the car, speeding from rail to rail, carrying the Kindly Observer
back to the cares of his busy day. "Oh, Day of Joy Playground,
when every child has such a playground and such a play leader,
what an America we shall have then!"

REGARDING PLAYGROUND ADMINISTRATION

Board of Park To the Editor:

Commissioners, I am writing you at this time because I

City Hall, Racine, think it an opportune time to speak to you
Wisconsin concerning a general recreation problem.

There always has been and there will continue to be local problems.
Every one of these problems, of course, will have its own local
coloring and the solution of these local problems cannot be solved
without a detailed study of these same local conditions. The prob-
lems which I have in mind are not detailed local problems but rather
the broad, general, problems of the nation's recreation.

In this particular, I wish to call your attention to the great
lack of standardization of recreation in general, and I have particu-
lar reference to those bodies or organizations under whose juris-
diction are placed all of these activities. Is it not true that every
educational problem of any American city without any exception,
is placed under the jurisdiction of the local board of education? If
you were going to any city to look up educational data, no other
commission would occur to your mind, which indicates, of course,
that educational problems have been standardized and have been
placed under the jurisdiction of a standard board. With our public
recreation, we find that it is nothing short of chaos. In some
cities the board of education is made majorly responsible for rec-
reational activities ; in other cities, there is a recreation commission ;
and in other cities, perhaps, it is the board of park commissioners;
'and in still another city, it is a combination of all these bodies who
are over-lapping one another, and it has seemed to me for some few
years that if all public recreation was headed up under the board
of park commissioners that we could render much more efficient
service because this one board would sense in a major way, the
responsibility. They would not look to some other standing com-
piission or department of city government to do certain things
yhich for some reason or other they do not feel like undertaking.
It comes within their line of duty to acquire property for parks,

275

PLAYGROUND ADMINISTRATION

and in the newer definition of their duties, to acquire property for
playgrounds. I believe that they are the most logical commission
because of their construction and character to handle all recreational
problems. With this incentive and with this principle as a guide,
there is no question but the vision and view point of park commis-
sions would grow more favorable from year to year in their atti-
tude towards all forms of community recreation. We could elimi-
nate a great many of these organizations which have been called
into existence and which to me have only been the usual procedure
which marks the initiation of any new thought or undertaking. If
we can bring into existence a standard, governing board, then I
think we have reduced the general proposition to its lowest terms
and can proceed with much less friction.

The major function of the board of education, and their major
duty as they see it, is solving the educational problems which con-
front them. If then we placed public recreation also under their
jurisdiction, one of these issues would suffer, and it is a foregone
conclusion that it would not and should not, be the educational
problems. The chances are that public recreation would become a
side line and suffer accordingly. If we form a new commission, such
as a recreation commission, then we are calling into existence a
new body which is to the people and the taxpayers, an innovation
which will not be accepted with any degree of approval. But we
do have an organization, the board of park commissioners, which
is an accepted American body for doing work very similar to that
in which we are deeply interested at the present time; namely,
public recreation in all its phases. Would it not, therefore, seem
that the line of least resistance would be to get our boards of park
commissioners to see that along with creating scenic beauty, with
the preservation of old land marks and places of historical interest,
they also adopt a policy which would enable them to utilize all of
their property in keeping with the quality and character of the
property, and for the common good? To use this same property
for recreation purposes would solve some of the most difficult
problems. Only in keeping such responsibility will park commis-
sions become active in an endeavor to bring into existence within
their own city those institutions which will provide adequately and
sanely for the recreational desires of the entire city.
Yours very truly,

(Signed) A. A. Fisk

Superintendent

276

LAYING OUT PLAYGROUNDS

A. B. MBTZDORP, Division Public Recreation, Springfield, Massachusetts

In answer to the following problem:

A man in the Bast has become interested in a small private
ground, 120' by 190', located where many people pass the ground
each day, with a very large number of children living within
a quarter of a mile radius.

A definite plan for the equipment of this playground is desired
and also an estimate as to the cost of maintaining this playground
for one year and keeping it in ideal shape. There is a good grass
turf on the ground at the present time. The thought is that the
playground is to be made as beautiful as possible, that no expense
is to be spared in providing for details of comfort, such as a can-
vas covering to shelter the sand bin; any hedge or fence provided
should be such as to make the playground as attractive as possible.
At the present time, the ground is simply a level vacant lot with
no shade trees.

The plan should be such that it can be placed in the hands of
the contractors or workmen chosen to carry out the plans and
should have an estimate for each item called for as well as
an estimate for the expense of running the playground for the first
year.

Drainage — In order to insure the very best results the ground
should be so drained from the wading pool and sand bins as easily
to carry off the water to sewer connection. Experience shows the
best way to make the play space is to have it slightly convex with
a fall of four inches in a hundred feet from center.

Surfacing — Assuming that the ground is covered with turf,
which makes the very best playground surface, it will not be neces-
sary to plan for any special surfacing. However, in case that the
jturf should be removed or worn off, leaving a dusty surface, we
(recommend the following. It has been tried in a number of cities
with success.

Excavate carefully with reference to character of sub-soil,

an effort to secure good drainage. If sub-soil is clay, fill in with
' of cinders. If sub-soil is sandy, fill in with 4" of cinders,
loll and pack cinders down firmly. Upon this surface place a

277

LAYING OUT PLAYGROUNDS

layer of stone 2" deep, stone measuring from 1-2" to i 1-4" in
diameter. The stone, like the cinders, must be firmly rolled and
packed. Upon this stone surface place to the depth of i" the fol-
lowing mixture:

Cork pieces i' 8" to i' 4" in diameter 16^% by weight
Sand 33^3% by weight

Stone pieces i'6" to i' 8" in diameter 16^% by weight
Asphalt 33K% b7 weight

(1.87 Ibs. of asphalt used for each sq. ft.)
These ingredients should be thoroughly mixed in a mechani-
cal asphalt mixer, such as is used by road builders. Spread this
mixture and rake evenly, rolling by hand roller weighing between
fifteen hundred and two thousand pounds. After the mixture is
well rolled spread over the surface a very light covering of sharp
sand or crushed granite. This covering soon tramples into the
mixture and leaves a fine, smooth surface. The cost of the play-
ground surface just described may be stated as sixty cents to one
dollar per square yard, exclusive of grading and foundation of
cinders and stone. The merits of the above surface are these:
It will endure for years without care.
It is perfectly dust and mud proof.
It can be washed with a hose.
It will skin the knees or cut the hands less than any other

playground surface.

It may be marked readily and permanently for games and
will not wear out playground balls so rapidly as other
playground surfaces.

The second recommendation for playground surfacing is as
follows: The playground surface should be soft and porous,
yet firm enough to run and romp about on without digging holes
or creating dust. Many so-called road building compositions are
of oil ingredients and if used on any kind of surface make the
immediate use of the playground impossible until the surface has
absorbed it. If used on a clay or other loam surface a crust is
created. In Philadelphia they have used the following: a product
called Glutrin. It is a refined by-product of the wood-pulp in-
industry. It is soluble in certain chemicals and the pulp makers
use it so that they may rid the chemicals of cellulose. In addi-
tion to action as an adhesive when it dries, it acts as an extremely
powerful bond so that when moistened with water and then dried
it continues to be adhesive and then recements almost indefinitely.
278

LAYING OUT PLAYGROUNDS

The cost of this material is as follows: In quantities of less than
a carload the material is sold at isc per gallon of 10 1-2 Ibs. In
carload lots the price is I4C per gallon. One gallon will cover two
square yards. The above has been thoroughly tried out in Phila-
delphia and some other cities and can be recommended as a good
playground surface.

Fencing — We recommend an ornamental wire fence with an
attractive entrance. Artistic beauty can be added by planting a
privet hedge just inside the fence. In the rear of the playground
we would recommend a solid construction so as to offer backs
for the benches along the wading pool and a screen for the dress-
ing rooms for boys and girls on either side. This can be made of
wood construction.

Shade — As we understand, there are no trees or shrubbery of
any kind on this plot of ground and we recommend that a pergola
over the benches, baby swings and sand bins be erected to offer
a support for some fast growing vine which can be planted early
in the spring. To insure the proper protection from sun and
weather during the time that these vines may be growing, an
awning may be placed over the top of the pergola covering the
sand bins, baby swings, and benches.

Planting — In order to make the spot as attractive as possible
for small children shrubbery should be planted in the corners.

Drinking Fountains — Recommend sanitary bubbling drink-
ing fountain low enough to be easily reached by the smallest child.
Wading Pool — Experience shows that concrete in New
\ England is affected by the frost to such an extent that in a number
I of cities it has been necessary to take out practically the whole of
(the base of the pool and install new concrete within a year or
'two. The preference for tarvia is shown because this construction
allows for a give and take of heat and cold and up to date has
iproven to be quite satisfactory. This particular pool is 18" deep
'at the center, going to zero at the ends. The construction of
the wading pool is as important a problem as the surfacing of the
playground. The usual method is to make them of concrete about
(7" thick. Experience has taught us that when a wading pool is
placed so as to receive the drainage of water in the vicinity or
;any place where moisture can collect near or under the cement dur-
ing the winter, the spring thaws cause the frost to break the con-
prete, which usually means patchwork jobs. Excavate in the
toil not less than 2 feet and fill with cinders. These should be rol-

279

LAYING OUT PLAYGROUNDS

led and packed tight. Over this a light coat of coarse trap rock
about i 1-4" in diameter. This coat should not be too thick,
just enough to fill up the spaces between the cinders. Next sprin-
kle over a good supply of tarvia very hot so as to go through the
rock and bind into the cinders. Then place a fine coat of fine
rock 1-6" in diameter, which should be rolled or stamped
firmly so as to become thoroughly embedded in the tarvia and fill
up the spaces between the coarse rock. Just enough fine rock to be
easily rolled and pressed into open spaces will make a successful
and desirable surface. Next a coat of tarvia very hot, to seal over
the surface. Over this enough coarse sand to keep the tar from
running because of the concave nature of the pool. Finally roll
with a heavy roller and let dry. The merits of the above are these:

It will last for a long time.

The frost will not attack it and break it up, as the tar will
give and take.

It can be easily cleaned.

It presents as smooth a surface as concrete.

It keeps the water sweet and clean.

We recommend that a curbing 6" high be placed all around
the pool, next to a 2' concrete sidewalk. On the sand box side
of the pool another 6" curbing making a 2' concrete walk be-
tween the curbing of the pool and the curbing of the sand bins;
this in order to give the children room to run around the pool and
also to keep the sand from being thrown into the water. The sand
bins should be separated by 6" concrete curbing. Special care
should be taken in building sand boxes. They should have a con-
crete base and be lined with cement. Sea sand or marble dust or
molder's sand is the best to use in the sand boxes.

There should be a 2' concrete walk between the sand
box and the mothers' benches along the fence. In this arrangement
we feel that mothers or nurses can easily take care of the children
while either in the sand boxes or the wading pools. The pergola
over-hanging the whole gives them plenty of shade during the hot
weather.

Toilet facilities are intended for both boys and girls on either
side of the pergola.

Tables — Portable tables and small benches should be provided
so that they can be moved about the playground for quiet games
or for hand work or occupation work of all kinds.

Below is a list of the playground apparatus suggested on the
280

LAYING OUT PLAYGROUNDS

plan with the prices and specifications necessary for installation..
We suggest that the pipe for this arrangement could be purchased
in the city where this playground exists. The specifications below
cover the cost of special fittings and equipment in general

2-# J 12 Swing outfits @ $150 $300.00

2-# J K Swing Outfits @ $ 50 $100.00

2-# J K Special frames each with 6 # HK

Swings @ $ 55 $i 10.00

2-# C W Slides @ $ 50 $100.00

2-# K W Slides @ $ 35 $ 70.00

i-# L See Saw Outfit @ $ 50 $ 50.00

i-# R S Rock-a-bye Swing @ $100 $100.00

The above apparatus includes all fittings but not the galva-
nized iron pipe which can be purchased in the. city where the ap-
paratus is to be erected

344' of 3" pipe @ 400 $i37-oo

408' of 2" pipe @ 2oc $ 81.00

Wading Pool — Excavation — Labor — Materials $200.00

Labor and materials for dressing rooms and shelter $275.00

Ornamental wire fence @ 5oc per running foot $256.00

Shrubbery $ 1 50.00

Drinking font. $ 35.00

Supervision: — For one play year

During April, May and part of June while the schools are
in session it would require two hours per day of supervision
from 3:30 to 5:30, also during September, October and
November. During part of June, all of July and August it
would require six hours per day of supervision from 9 to
12 and 2 to 6. Figuring the supervision at the following
rates: (144 working hours per month) (6 hr. day)
One woman at $40 per month
One woman at $50 per month, during July, August
One man at $50 per month, part of June
One woman at $40 per month, during April, May
One woman at $50 per month, part of June and also-

September, October, November

One woman at $40 per month $198.00

One woman at $50 per month 248.00

One man at $50 per month 125.00

One caretaker at $36_per month 288.00.

281

FENCING OF PLAYGROUNDS

Supplies :

2 volley balls @ $3.00 $ 6.00

2 light weight basket balls ©$3.00 $ 6.00

i light weight soccer ball ©2.50 $ 2.50

6 5-inch gas balls @ i.oo $ 6.00

1 doz. bean bags 5 inches square $ 3.00

2 sets rope quoits @ i.oo $ 2.00
i tennis marker @ 1.50 $ 1.50

1 bbl. lime $ 3.00

2 #14 indoor baseballs @ .70 $ 1.40
Garden hose-rake- wheelbarrow-spade-etc $25.00
4 low tables — portable @ 3.00 $12.00
Handwork materials such as reed, raffia, yarn,

cane, sewing cards, games $150.00

Total $3041.40

Incidentals,

Grading, sewer, labor and material for installation

of apparatus 458.60

$3500.00

FENCING OF PLAYGROUNDS

The desirability of fencing playgrounds particularly in con-
gested districts is pretty generally accepted by playground au-
thorities from the point of view of the protection of the children
.and the apparatus, for purposes of supervision and discipline
and for giving the playground individuality and making of
it a unit.

The fencing of playgrounds in twenty-one cities visited by a
worker of the Playground and Recreation Association of Amer-
ica showed wide variation in style and material used, ranging
from the rough unpainted solid board fence or the six-foot
wooden picket fence to the wire or iron picket fences which are
ielt to be probably the most desirable types of fencing.

Types of On one hundred and seventy-seven playgrounds

Fencing which were fenced the following types of fenc-

ing were in use:
282

FENCING OF PLAYGROUND

Iron coping (4' high) 73

Wooden, solid (5'-7' high) 40

Woven wire 39

Brick (5'-7 high) ' g

Poultry wire (5'-7' high) g

Wooden picket (4'-5' high) 4

Woven wire, cement posts (6'-8' high) 3

Hedge 2

Height of It was found that the average height of the
Fences fences whether of board, iron, mesh or chicken

wire was approximately five and one-half feet.
]n some instances it has been felt wise to have the fence some-
what higher and one city is planning to adopt a ten-foot, sixteen
and eighteen gage poultry wire fencing with a two-inch mesh.
Fences are made unclimbable by adding to the height of the
fences and putting on arms projecting up and out from the top
of the fence. Along these arms are usually stretched three
barbed wires. To add these arms and the barbed wire costs
only a few cents per lineal foot if they are constructed when the
rest of the fence is being built.

Cost The cost of fences varies greatly, depending

upon the material used. Washington, D. C, has

a Pittsburgh wire fence five feet high with a one inch by three

inch mesh. The cost of 110 posts and 60 rods of fencing was

1245.85— $180.95 of this amount representing the cost of the

posts, $64.90 the expenditure for the fencing.

A five-foot iron coping fence in Jersey City was erected at a
cost of $1.90 per foot. In a number of cities some saving has
been effected by having the wire or iron picket fence across the
:ity side of the playground, the remaining sides being inclosed
with wooden picket or solid board fencing.

Anchoring The anchoring of the posts is a crucial point in
of Posts fence construction since the rigidity of the posts

is more vital than the kind of fabric used. Prob-
ably the most secure method of anchoring posts is to set them
in an anchoring of cement three feet deep and from twelve inches
to eighteen inches in diameter rounded at the top so that the
water will not work around the sides of the posts.

283

BOOK REVIEWS

RECREATION AND THE CHURCH
By Herbert Wright Gates. Published by University of Chicago Press.

Price, $1.00

The author writes of play and recreation as having actual and direct
religious and educational value — a point of view greatly to be desired,
though not always found in those, carrying on recreation in churches.
"The boys' club has been maintained simply as a bait to lure the unwary
youngster within reach of the 'distinctive religious' activities of the church
or Sunday school, so that there the 'real spiritual work' may be done. Game-
rooms, gymnasiums, reading-rooms, and various other social and recrea-
tional facilities have been provided in the same spirit. Such have usually
failed. Successfully to conduct such features requires an amount of care-
ful planning, wise leadership, and consecrated service difficult to secure for
an enterprise estimated to be of secondary importance."

"The church that says to its young people : 'Play, by all means ; despise
not any form of wholesome amusement, rightly used ; but be master of
your play, not its slave; preserve your own self-respect and that of your
Maker and God ; scorn to degrade yourself by any form of unworthy amuse-
ment,' will find its message respected and its precepts followed more gen-
erally than we sometimes surmise."

"It is safe to adopt the principle that the church should not invest its
time, effort, and money in any individual piece of work that can be done
as well, or possibly better by other agencies or by all working together."

Fundamentals of play theory and procedure are given and some fifteen
reports from various churches now doing progressive recreation work.

"Fun-Ful" Apparatus in Use
in New Orleans Beauregard Playground

A "CAME" BOY

The boy standing in the trapeze is a wonder. He has lost both feet

but can do all sorts of "stunts" on "Fun-Ful" Apparatus

More than forty states and three foreign

countries are using "Fun-Ful" equipment

We have all necessary Outdoor Equipment and Athletic Goods

WRITE FOR FREE CATALOG

HILL-STANDARD MFG.

284

JUST READY

Recreation and the Church

By Herbert W. Gates

Play, games and sports are the open doors to the real boy and girl, and they furnish the best op
portunities for moral and religious training. A guide for all interested in the problem of the child-
ren of the community. K"We know a community where there are boys who do not wish to be
'HELPED', and who cannot be easily drawn into the church. This book should meet the needs
of just such a community." lxiv+ 186 pages, cloth; $1.00, postage extra (weight 11 ounces)

THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO PRESS, CHICAGO, ILL.

CORONA

Is a six-pound silent partner
that makes routine a habit.

With it your business reports
and accounts as well as your
personal correspondence arc
attended to promptly.

Corona eliminates worry.

Cost with case, $50.00

Write, phone or call for booklet

Corona Typewriter Co., Inc.

141 W. 42d St. Tel. Bryant 7150

Opposite Hotel Knickerbocker

RECREATION
CONGRESS

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN
November 20-23, 1917

Reports of Past Work

A Vision of Future Work

SUMMER SCHOOL

June 25— Aug. 3, for

Playground Training

Pestalozzi-Froebel Training School

A Normal School for
Playground Workers

Class Rooms overlook Lake Michigan
Credits toward Diploma. Folk Dancing,
Pageantry, Games, Story Telling, Gym-
nastics, Playground Practice. Strong
Faculty, Accredited. For Illustrated
Bulletin address

REGISTRAR, Box 71

616-22 So. Michigan Blvd. CHICAGO

Fall Term opens Sept. 1 8

285

The Alberta Girls Also Play Basket Ball (unc
of the principal at the right end

Review of Reviews

The Alberta Schoolboys' Basket Ball Team

PLANNING A PLAYGROUND

The problems with which you are confronted in planning your new
playgrounds have probably been worked out over and over again by us.

Our service in planning your equipment incurs no expense or obliga-
tion. It reflects our 43 years' practical experience.

WRITE FOR CATALOG "W." It is a recognized guide on Playground Equipment

FRED MEDART MFC. CO., St. Louis, Mo.
Cymnasium Outfitters Steel Lockers

Begin the New School Year Right!

It is not enough that children should be taught to sing, or to play
musical instruments.

Give them a chance to develop a correct musical taste by hearing the
best music sung and played by the world's greatest artists.

The schools jn over five thousand cities and towns are making chil-
dren truly musical through the systematic use of the

Victrola and Victor Records

The Victrola not only brings the world's greatest artists into the
school-room; it also brings the best music for marching, folk-dancing,
calisthenics, penmanship, and all rhythm drills. There are also excellent
records of children's stories and poems, and special records of rote songs
for teaching.

The following new records should be in your school:

Folk Dances
f Arkansaw Traveler
18331 I (American) Victor Band

Stories for Children

(The Do- and the Kitty
35643 Cat (2) The Pig Brother
12 in. < Sara Cone Bryant

$1.25 The Little Bull Calf

I Sara Cone Bryant

IEpaminundas and His
Auntie
Sara Cone Bryant
The Little Jackal and
the Alligator
Sara Cone Bryant
New Rote Songs
Pull a Cherry (2) The
Nightingale (3) The
Fire (4) The See-Saw
18330 Elizabeth Wheeler

10 in. •( The Postilion (2) The
75c Lullaby (3) The Span-

l '

10 in. < Soldier's Joy (Ameri-
75c can) Victor Band

(Made under the direction of
I Elizabeth Burchenal)

Instrumental Gems

{The Dawn of Love
(Bendix) Neapolitan
Trio with Celesta
La Cinquantaine (G;

Vfctrola XXV, $67.50

specially manufactured

for School use

When the Victrola is
not ia use, the horn can
she placed under the in-
|strument safe and secure
(from danger, and the
.cabinet can be locked to
.protect it from dust and
promiscuous use by ir-
,-esponsible people.

ish Gypsy (4) The Lin-
den Tree

Elizabeth Wheeler

(From New Song Book, ' ' Fullerton)

18278

lOin.
75c

Xylo
Solo W.H.Reitz

Fifth Symphony-
Scherzo (Beethoven)
Parts I and TI

Victor Concert

Orchestra

(Joseph Pasternack.Conductor)
II?ar the above records at the nearest Victor dealer's and
ar?V fo,r 3 c??y ?f the new editi?n of "The Victrola in Rural
bcfiools. r or turther information write to the

Educational Department

Victor Talking Machine Co.

Camclen, N. J.

Victor

HiS MASTERS VOICE'

THE WORLD AT PLAY

America — The Melting Pot—

At this time when America is
appealing to the loyalty of her
foreign-born citizens, the sight
of hundreds of members of the
naturalization classes of the
night schools of Newark, New
Jersey, marching on July
Fourth with flags and banners
proclaiming their new citizen-
ship and their loyalty to the
flag of their adoption, was a
peculiarly thrilling and stir-
ring one.

Around the park they
marched — Slavs, Italians, Rus-
sians, representatives of many
nations — proudly bearing the
flag which they were present-
ing to the city. As it slowly
rose to the top of the flagpole
hats were quickly doffed and
with upturned faces in deep
silence, these new citizens of
ours watched their flag floating
over head, a symbol of pro-
tection.

In the background Boy
Scouts, veterans of the Span-
ish-American War and Scotch
officers, in full-dress uniform,
stood at attention until the last
strains of the Star Spangled
Banner had faded away.

Wall Street's Back Yard.—

The Bowling Green Neighbor-
hood Association which two
years ago established in the Wall
Street neighborhood an experi-

ment station for the develop-
ment of a model program for
community organization is lay-
ing much emphasis on the
need for wholesome recreation.

It took the Association a
very short time to see that the
first need of the children of the
neighborhood was for a play-
ground. Last summer eleven
lots loaned by the B. T. Bab-
bitt Estate were transferred
into a big playground and un-
der the leaders furnished by
the Parks and Playgrounds
Association Wall Street's back
yard opened its first play-
ground. The installation of
five large arc lights made pos-
sible the evening use of the
grounds. Moving picture en-
tertainments, community
dances, neighborhood parties
and a Hallowe'en entertain-
ment were features of the even-
ing work. During the fall and
winter soccer, baseball, tobog-
ganing and snow fun of all
kinds made Wall Street's back
yard a happy place.

Christmas on the playground
came next. The lighted tree,
Yuletide music, a filled stock-
ing for every child and the
spirit of neighborliness and
good will which was abroad
created a good time such as
the neighborhood had never
before known.

The community center, open

289

THE WORLD AT PLAY

four nights a week, with its
girls' and boys' clubs, game
room, story hours and Satur-
day night dances, is playing
an important part in the making
of Americans in this district
of 8,000 people recruited from
all over the world.

First the Children.— Charles
D. Johnston, Secretary of
Recreation Commission, Mem-
phis, Tennessee, writes: "The
City Club, Chamber of Com-
merce, Rotary Club, and the
Red Cross are doing a won-
derful work in Memphis. Over
one-half of the school children
have gardens; the Red Cross
have headquarters where hun-
dreds of people are working;
the Boy Scouts and the Girl
Scouts are all helping.

"We have participated in a
small way in the promotion of
gardens, patriotic gatherings,
drillings, and cooperation with
the Red Cross, but the income
of the Recreation Commission
here is very limited indeed.
We do not have sufficient
funds to care properly even
for the younger children. No
one can tell what this war will
bring or how long it will last,
but no matter what happens
the children of the country
must be cared for. They must
be made physically strong,
happy, and useful. With this

idea in mind, we are devoting
nearly all of our limited ef-
fort to the younger children,
aiding as we can these other
organizations who are doing
work in which we would like
to help more if we had the
means."

Chambers of Commerce
Urged to Promote Play.—
George A. Bellamy, of Cleve-
land, speaking before the
chamber of commerce summer
schools at Chautauqua, New
York, appealed to the repre-
sentatives to make the play-
ground work a part of their
activities in their respective
communities. Mr. Bellamy
gave a history of the develop-
ment of the movement in the
United States, in which many
chambers of commerce have
shared.

"The future welfare of the
nation's business, more par-
ticularly since so many of our
young men will be taken away
for the war, depends on the
physical and moral efficiency
of the growing children in our
cities," said Mr. Bellamy. "On
account of the homes from
which they come, the Ameri-
canization of these children
as well as their recreation is
solely dependent upon the city
playground."

A Boy in Rumania. — The

290

THE WORLD AT PLAY

adult Rumanian of today
looks back to a childhood such
as the pioneers of our own
country knew but fewer and
fewer children of today ex-
perience. James S. Van Tes-
laar, in When I Was a Boy in
Rumania, remembers that boys
made their own playthings but
roamed the country for the
"raw material," finding, inci-
dentally berries, flowers, roots
and herbs and learning to
know them well. Collections
of colored stones, or of but-
terflies— or of anything that
might touch the heart of a
boy — were earnestly made —
even as they are today in the
heart of the busiest city. Ru-
manian boys made balls of
wads of paper, tightly wound
with rags; ball bats, too, were
home-made. Skates were un-
known, but by pounding nails
with broad, flat heads into the
soles of their shoes, the boys
enjoyed the sport just the
same. Kites were popular;
gardening on their own plots,
or even helping in the logging,
placing the wedges in the
trees so that the cross-cut saw
could be worked without get-
ting stuck fast, putting the
logs together in great pon-
toons— thus in work and play,
sometimes the boy knew not
which, the busy days of boy-
hood passed.

From Honolulu, Hawaii. —
"The playground movement is
in its infancy here, but it has
a good start, an able enthus-
iastic Association back of it
and every evidence that it will
grow rapidly. In September
a memorial playground is to be
opened splendidly equipped
and efficiently supervised, and
this summer there are to be
two vacation schools in con-
junction with playgrounds.
Every effort is being made to
secure appropriations from the
city to extend the work fur-
ther."

Congressmen and Our Chil-
dren.*— "If we are sending out
men to instruct the people
how to raise hogs and how to
take care of pigs, are we go-
ing any further when we send
them out to instruct people
how to take care of children
and to take care of those ques-
tions that arise out of matern-
ity? The babies and the chil-
dren of this country are some-
what more valuable as an as-
set than are its pigs and
hogs."— Senator William S.
Kenyon, of Iowa

"It is only recently that
children have come to be re-
garded as a national asset, in-
stead of a burden. A healthy,,
strong, promising child is an

*From Public Health

291

THE WORLD AT PLAY

asset; a puny, weak, sickly
child is a burden to the com-
munity, if not to its parents;
and anything we can do here
to direct the best thought of
the nation toward the chil-
dren's movement will be at-
tention well bestowed." — Sen-
ator Henry F. Hollis, of New
Hampshire

"Militarists tell us that the
first line of defense of a country
is in the navy and that the
second line is in its coast-line
fortifications and that its third
line of defense is in the army.
I deny that. The first line of
defense of this or any other
country is the children of the
country, and if by any approp-
riation or any amount of
money there can be built up
in this country a strong, ac-
tive, fighting race of men and
women who are able to take
care of themselves, that
money, in my judgment, will
be well and economically ex-
pended." — Congressman Wm.
E. Cox, of Indiana

Sport Fatalities Only 943 in
Ten Years for All America. —
Nine hundred and forty-three
lives sacrificed on the field of
athletic sports in a ten year
period ending with the year
1916 is the report of Dr.
Robert E. Coughlin of Brook-
lyn.

Baseball heads the list with
284 fatalities; football is sec-
ond with 215; auto racing
third with 128; boxing fourth
with 105; 77 cyclists and 54
jockies lost their lives; 15
wrestlers perished on the mat;
14 persons lost their lives
playing golf; 9 were killed at
bowling and one died while
playing lawn tennis.

In 1915 thirty-two athletes
were killed. Seventeen of
these were high school stud-
ents, all immature boys eigh-
teen or under. Three were
physically fit college men
while others were occasional
players.

In 1916 there were 15 deaths
directly due to football. In
most cases the victims were
members of high school, semi-
professional and "prairie"
elevens. Only one was a col-
lege player.

Dr. Coughlin feels that all
these games and activities and
many others should be en-
couraged. Every means must
be taken to make our young
men physically fit not only
that they may meet such ath-
letic tests but that they may
also be ready to stand the
strain of national service in
this time of need.

Playgrounds, and still more
playgrounds, where the young
boy will have under direction

292

THE WORLD AT PLAY

the training and preparation
which will make him physical-
ly fit, will go far to solve this
problem.

Here Comes the Circus! —
No picayune show this, but a
real circus with a ring master
in a gorgeous red coat, a parade,
and three circus rings that made
you wish that you had three
pairs of eyes ! There were
acrobats doing amazing stunts,
pyramid builders at whose dar-
ing deeds you held your
breath, and tumblers and jug-
glers and gymnasts galore.
There were gorgeous galaxies
of girls in Terpsichorean gam-
bles, and the clever clowns
without whom a circus is not
a circus. But best of all was
the menagerie! Maude, the
educated mule, who balked
when you least expected her
to and the two big elephants
nonchalantly swinging their
trunks to the great admira-
tion of the audience, with the
tiny elephant trailing on be-
hind, and monkeys, and danc-
ing bears, trained seals, and
the giraffe who walked so bold-
ly up a perilous teeter! Was
there ever anything so exciting
as the chariot races and the
battle between the submarine
and the areoplane?

"I didn't know Barnum and
Bailey had been in Newark

lately," do I hear you say?
Nor have they! This was the
circus given on July Fourth at
Newark, New Jersey, by the
children of the public play-
grounds who under the direc-
tion of Mr. V. K. Brown, Sup-
erintendent of Recreation, tem-
porarily transformed them-
selves into educated mules
and elephants and did stunts
of all kinds to the delight of
thousands of spectators. Tru-
ly "the greatest show on
earth" !

Emergency Playgrounds in
Boston. — The following letter
was sent to Mr. Lee a short
time ago by a leading settle-
ment worker in Boston, tell-
ing what one of their recrea-
tion workers is planning to do
this summer: —

"Because there is great likeli-
hood that the Common will
be a fairly undesirable place
this summer, if the country is
at war, one of our workers is
busy investigating all avail-
able space in our neighbor-
hood. Her idea is to get sev-
eral people who have back
yard space in different parts
of our district to let us put
in a swing and a slide and a
sandbox and then permit the
small children to make use of
them. She plans also to or-
ganize games in the school

293

THE WORLD AT PLAY

yards in the afternoons. She
herself would be at large in
the district — a kind of recrea-
tion policeman. She has a
number of high school assist-
ants to help her at the play
centers if she succeeds in es-
tablishing them. Even if the
Common is usable, we hope
that it will be possible to car-
ry out the back yard plaa.
Besides using the yards as
playgrounds for the smaller
children, we hope to secure
other yards for gardening."

Patriotic. — In Fresno, Cali-
fornia, an educational cam-
paign is being carried on in
order to keep before the peo-
ple the necessity of providing
those things which are for the
best welfare of the children
and to avoid the mistakes
made by European countries
who, in the rush of war,
slighted the children's insti-
tutions.

Fresno, although but a city
of 48,000 people, has seven
year-round playgrounds, one
summer playground, and a
practice playground operated
during the school year on one
of the school grounds. Two
of the year-round playgrounds
have been opened within the
last month; one, a donation to
the city from the Einstein In-
vestment Company in memor-

iam of Louis Einstein, was
fully equipped with asphalt
tennis courts, club house,
wading pool, and all necessary
apparatus.

On June 9th, which was the
children's day for Liberty
Bond sales, playground chil-
dren carried through the
streets neatly lettered placards
22 x 28 inches, on which was
written, "Have you bought a
Liberty Bond for your Chil-
dren— Help your Country and
Children." Previously articles
had been printed in the pa-
pers explaining to parents the
advantages of buying a Liber-
ty Bond for their children,
thereby helping the country
and forming a nucleus for a
fund to secure higher educa-
tion for their children.

West Chicago Play Cen-
ters.—The West Chicago Park
Commissioners have issued a
booklet describing present
practices and developments of
the past three and one-half
years. It is hoped thus to
make the information more
accessible and distribute it
more widely than can be done <
by means of an annual report.
Details of administration and
activities are given, a special
account, illustrated, of the an-
niversary celebration, the Pa-
geant of the Year. More than

294

THE WORLD AT PLAY

a million and a quarter per-
sons were admitted to the ten
swimming pools duing the
season of 1916.

Potato Clubs.— The Wood-
craft League of America con-
ducts a number of farm gar-
dens, specializing in potato
clubs. To the first hundred
members were given seed po-
tatoes for twenty-four hills.
Members over eighteen pay a
membership fee of twenty-five
cents, which goes toward the
purchase of prizes for chil-
dren raising the most pota-
toes.

Policemen as Play Lead-
ers.— One city has tried to
reduce expenses — and please
the politicians — by appointing
policemen as play leaders.
Success has not been note-
worthy. Because the police
ideal, traditions, and whole
point of view is practically op-
posite, if not antagonistic, to
the ideals and point of view
of play supervisors, it is not
possible to transform police-
men into successful play lead-
ers simply by divesting them
of their uniform and giving
them a few weeks' training in
playground supervision. If
the fundamental idea of play
leadership were to keep order,
quell disturbances, and sup-
press or punish misconduct,

the policeman would make a
first-class play leader.

But this is not the ideal
which the true play director
has in mind. His purpose is
so to conduct the recreation
and play activities on the
playgrounds and in the parks
as to eliminate entirely the
need of police patrol. By fill-
ing the time of all who fre-
quent the playgrounds and
parks with healthy, happy, en-
joyable forms of recreation,
the play leader leaves the boys
and girls no time for mischief
and idleness and resulting
wrong-doing. Through his
initiative, games are started,
sports are supervised, activi-
ties of all sorts are carried on.
The entire playground is dom-
inated by his personality. The
successful play leader must be
born with the required tem-
perament, adaptability, and
personality; he must be prop-
erly trained; he must grow
broader in vision, deeper in
sympathy; he must be thor-
oughly alive. The type of
men generally employed as
police are not likely to be the
sort who will appreciate and
respond to play training and
to the real play ideals. The
proper popularizing of the
playgrounds and parks is pos-
sible only through .expert play
leadership — through such ser-

295

THE CHILDREN'S ISLE

vice as the average policeman ination. The duties are to

is in no way fitted to give. gather and organize informa-
tion relating to community or-

Federal Civil Service for ganization and to promote
Recreation. — An examination such organization especially
for "specialist in community in rural sections with the
organization (male), $3,000" schoolhouse as a center. Edu-
was held in July. A vacancy cation, experience and publi-
in the Bureau of Education, cations or a thesis upon corn-
Department of the Interior, munity centers were consid-
will be filled from this exam- ered in the examination.

THE CHILDREN'S ISLE*

How GENEVA, ILLINOIS, A TOWN OF THREE THOUSAND SOULS,
SOLVED THE PLAYGROUND PROBLEM

W. F. FRENCH

In a beautiful Illinois river, within an hour's ride of Chicago,
stands The Children's Isle. This island kingdom, which is perhaps
the only one of its kind in existence, has been dedicated to the boys
and girls of Geneva.

The people of this little town — for it only has about three thou-
sand inhabitants — believe that their children should have a play-
ground all their own, a little kingdom to themselves, where they may
carry on their games and sports without outside interference. And
they believe, too, that this playground will do much to develop their
sons and daughters into good men and women.

It was with this end in view that the champion of the children's
cause became one of the three members of the Park Commission of
Geneva Township. After being legalized by the County Court this
commission found itself facing a peculiar situation. It had no park,
no money, and no land. In fact it did not have any assets whatever.
It existed, and that was all. For a long time it not only lacked the
active financial help of the community but also its moral support.
The wealthy land-owners along the river, whose estates were the
pride of the countryside, were frankly disgusted with the idea. A
playground was the thing for a city — not for a beautiful country.

*Courtesy of Country Life in America
296

THE CHILDREN'S ISLE

A place to play — didn't the children have the whole valley?
Didn't the surrounding country fascinate the thousands of picnic
parties that came out from the city every Sunday and holiday on the
electric road? Subscribe to such a thing, or vote in favor of it?
Certainly not! Why deface the natural beauty of the valley with
cindered playgrounds, the product of factory and tenement districts ?

Those arguments sounded logical, and at first thought it did
seem very foolish to put a playground into the beautiful scenery of
the Fox River Valley. Magnificent grounds and gardens meet the
eye at every turn — acres of flowers and rows upon rows of green-
houses. Certainly a playground would be sadly out of place there —
but so were the children. There were too many tempting flowers
that must not be picked, too many inviting boats that must not be
clambered into, too many half hidden rose-covered arbors not to be
explored, and altogether too many "keep off the grass" signs.

But the owners could not do otherwise. A handful of children
could demolish the results of the summer's work of the landscape
artists and gardeners in no time. These were private grounds and the
owners were considerate to permit the public to enter at all. But
such a privilege was not kindness to children — it was merely a tan-
talizing temptation. There were swimming pools in which they could
not swim, ponds in which they could not wade, fish which they could
not catch, and fruit that they must not pick. Certainly no one
could ask or expect that the children be allowed to run wild over the
costly grounds — yet, where were the children to play ?

The wooded island out in the middle of the river — right in the
very heart of town — was clearly the answer. As it stood it was
inaccessible — the children could not reach it except in boats, and
then they found it full of swamps and undergrowth. But the com-
missioners felt that if it could be cleaned up and a bridge put over,
it would solve their problem, so they went to work with that idea in
mind.

But as the city council was struggling with obstinate problems
that it considered a great deal more vital than the establishing of a
park or playground, the commissioners were compelled to shelve
their plan. For two years the champion of the children's rights
movement used his office as alderman to further other features of
improvement for the town and withheld his pet until conditions were
ripe for its presentation.

But in the meantime he and his brother park commissioners

297

THE CHILDREN'S ISLE

were not idle. They went before the Commercial Club and claimed
the right to its support. They called its attention to the fact that
the river cut the town in two ; that the residents of the east side and
the residents of the west side did not mingle freely; that the chil-
dren went to different schools and were not brought into common
contact — in fact that the town represented a collection of individuals
rather than a cooperative community.

They argued that if a universal playground could be placed
where it would be equally accessible to both factions, it would serve
as a melting pot for the youngsters and promise a unified town for
the future generation — if it did not accomplish that in a very short
time by bringing the elders together through the interest in their
children. If Catcher Oscar Swanson is receiving the offerings of
Pitcher Mike Kelly several times a week, it is difficult for the
seniors Swanson and Kelly not to acquire at least a casual acquaint-
ance.

This sounded reasonable; but how was the Commercial Club
to know that the children would go to the island to play ? That was
just the question which the commission was waiting for. If the
Commercial Club would subscribe enough to throw a temporary
foot-bridge across from the mainland to the island and pay the ex-
penses incurred, the commission would give a picnic and play-day to
the children — just to see how they would take it.

The picnic proved a great success. It seemed that every child
in the township had responded. There was no doubt that the chil-
dren were anxious to have a place to play within reasonable dis-
tance of their homes.

The commissioners had shrewdly figured that if they could
show the poor people of the community where their children would
have a chance to enjoy, on the island, advantages which they them-
selves had never known, this would win their support. If it was to
be merely a beauty spot, a place for automobile parties to picnic,
they would vote against it, but if it was really for their children,
that was a different matter. A petition in favor of the commission's
idea was circulated on the day of the picnic and was signed by prac-
tically every poor voter in the community who had children, and a
goodly percentage of them were on the island that day.

This brought the plan squarely before the city council and de-
manded their attention. But could the island be bought, provided

298

THE CHILDREN'S ISLE

the necessary money was secured? Frankly the council did not
think it practical.

But again the commission was prepared. They had an option
on the island and it could be bought for $2,500. The commissioners
had not nourished their idea for three years to let up now that they
had caught the public's attention. They persistently besieged the
council and citizens of their town, and though at first they received
scant encouragement from the property owners of the valley, they
were finally told to go ahead and get estimates as to the amount
necessary to prepare it for park and playground purposes.

The commission's findings were that with the practice of rigid
economy, $15,000 would suffice to purchase the island, clear and
level it, and equip it with the necessary apparatus. Accordingly it
was slated for the next election, when the necessary sum was voted
for the purpose of acquiring the island and developing it into a
park and playground. After purchasing the island, they had less
than $13,000 with which to finish the work on the grounds, build the
bridge and stairs, buy apparatus, dredge the river, and erect the
field house.

About this time a new commissioner was elected, whose ex-
perience gained in the building of two beautiful homes had given
him practical knowledge of landscape gardening. In fact he had
furnished the constructive power to build up one of America's most
beautiful communities and had been instrumental in staging the
Greek Players there.

The new commissioner called into consultation a famous land-
scape artist who had done considerable work for him and who was
at that time in charge of an enormous park system of a large city.
But the expert proved of no assistance, and after he had made a
few visits to the little town, for which he charged what was no
doubt a nominal fee for him, the commission was forced to give up
the idea of his cooperation.

"The trouble with my friend," said the new commissioner, "was
that he was used to having his park commission say to him : 'Here's
a couple of hundred thousand dollars. Go out and trim the hedges
and cut the grass.' He could not realize that we were actually
limited to $15,000. He was firm in his conviction that if we spent all
we had on a wading pool, or something of that kind, the township
would promptly vote us more. But we knew better!"

Deciding that they must depend upon themselves alone and

299

THE CHILDREN'S ISLE

lay out their park and playground without outside assistance, the
commissioners ordered an engineering company to make a survey
and topographic map of the island, and to furnish estimates for a
bridge and stairway. The stairway was to be of concrete to match
the large arch bridge, which is the main thoroughfare of the little
town and connects the east and west sides. This stairway was to
extend from the large arch bridge to the swampy land below,
through which a road was to be built and a walk laid to the small
bridge that was to span the river between the island and the swamp
land. Estimates on several styles of bridges and stairways were re-
ceived by the commission.

But then winter took a hand, and they were compelled to re-
strict their operations to the cutting away and burning of under-
brush. By spring the island was pretty well cleared and a path
had been cut through and a road built across the tree-covered swamp
land.

There were spots to be leveled and low places to be filled on the
island also, and so another month passed before the commissioners
were again able to turn their attention to the swampy arm of the
mainland which was to constitute the approach to their domain, and
which had always been considered a malaria and mosquito breeder,
a menace to the community. No one claimed this spot — in fact
no one would admit being in anyway interested in it.

The commission was surely a representative one if such a thing
ever existed. One of its members was a merchant, another post-
master, and the third a successful lawyer. Business, politics, and
law — certainly a formidable combination. What one could not
think of another invariably grasped. It was the lawyer who recog-
nized the necessity for building stone retaining walls around the
island, as it really is a silt deposit held together by the roots of the
old trees, which were threatened by the constant washing of the
river; and for extending a wall out into the river from the swamp
land to protect the bridge from the ice.

Then, as this arm was extended out into the river for the
bridge's protection, the thought came to the lawyer, the new member
of the commission: "Why can't we fill in this mosquito hole and
turn it into a pleasing approach to our island? Nobody claims it;
why shouldn't we take it for the public?" He could not answer
that question — neither could the commission. So they determined
to reclaim the swamp.

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THE CHILDREN'S ISLE

But they were doing a great many more things than they had
originally planned, and their funds were so low that they could not
afford to spend the sum which a contractor would consider mighty
slim for the reclaiming of that land. Yet they wanted the land.

While these commissioners were busy men and able to give only
their evenings and Sundays to the upbuilding of the island, they
found time to solve the problems that confronted them, and this
one met its solution in turn. Not far from the island the electric
road to Chicago had made a cut and left a large pile of dirt behind.
It did not take the commission long to find some one who could get
that dirt from the electric road free of charge. Nor did it take them
a great while to locate a contractor public-spirited enough to offer to
haul the dirt for twenty-five cents a cubic yard — hardly enough to
pay for the horses.

For six weeks a number of teams were constantly engaged in
hauling this dirt — and then the commission had a good, firm five
acres to show for the swampy arm of the mainland.

That was only one of the many plunges that the commission
took into the realm of economy. It is, in fact, claimed that every
one who did work for them lost money on his contract.

A capable young graduate from a horticultural school, a student
of landscape gardening and tree dentistry, was hired to superintend
the work, under the direction of the commission. Two weeks of his
time proved sufficient to put the trees on the island in excellent shape
and to convert the dead timber into artistic benches and flower
stands.

But though the commission demanded the bottom prices on
everything, they also demanded that whatever went into the island,
whether workmanship or materials, should be the very best obtain-
able. The field house erected on the west shore of the island is an
illustration of this fact. It is built to last — built of the best materials
to be had. Its design is simple, but artistic; its structure small, but
roomy and solid. This building complete, with plumbing and extras,
cost $5,320. It is 68 feet long and 44 feet wide, with a 15-foot ter-
race, and is built of rough pressed brick in four colors to the window
sills; above that it is of hollow tile coated with plaster. It has an
open loggia 36 x 44 feet, so arranged that it can be closed in the
winter by hanging removable wooden doors. One wing of this
building contains a locker room and toilet for men (this with an eye
to the future swimming pool to be provided on the island), and the

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COMMUNITY SINGING CONFERENCE

other wing is given over for a rest room and toilet for the women.
The open loggia and wide porches, with their waist-high walls,
offer ample shelter in bad weather and an excellent place for danc-
ing.

The architect who designed this building was impressed with
the necessity for economy and usefulness, but was at the same time
given to understand that the building must contain neither cheap ma-
terials nor poor workmanship. In the summer the removable doors
of the loggia are stored in the attic of the field house and in the
winter the playground apparatus reposes there.

It was the politician that scored heavily in the purchasing of the
playground apparatus. He stumped the playgrounds of the neigh-
boring cities for suggestions — and he got them. When he had de-
termined just what was wanted he went after the very bottom
prices — and he got them, too.

The final result of this campaign was that the Children's Isle
now contains as full an equipment of apparatus as is to be found in
almost any city playground and the cost of this equipment was but
$600.

A double tennis-court was built and equipped for $75.

The present broad, shrub-covered approach to the island bears
little resemblance to the old swamp that trailed from under the
'bridge, and the beautiful island itself holds promise of glorious days
'for the children, the young folks, and the old people.

Wreckreation. — So it ought to be spelled to fit the brand that a
lot of young people are engaging in. — "Friendly Chat" Davenport,
Iowa, April, 1917

COMMUNITY SINGING CONFERENCE

Early in the summer an interesting conference was held in
New York City, drawing together from the nation leaders in
what almost amounts to a new play activity and this conferenc
was able to demonstrate the faith that was in it, for it not onb
theorized and exchanged experiences but, on occasions, sang,
most notable of these occasions was the singing of Haydn's Creatit
at the Hippodrome with a chorus of 1500, members of the com-
munity choruses of New York and nearby New Jersey towns,

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COMMUNITY SINGING CONFERENCE

followed by patriotic and folk songs, in which the whole audience of
5,000 joined.

Park Commissioner Cabot Ward, of New York, spoke of the
mobilization of the spirit through music and of the tremendous
force for Americanization in community singing. Arthur Farwell
sketched the development of the "music school settlement" move-
ment. Now in America a collective voice is rapidly finding itself
and in this voice the nation has begun to speak. Crude and awk-
ward today it finds refinement tomorrow and creates the beginning
of a nation which shall know the beautiful in music and voice the
national soul in music of its own. Professor Peter W. Dykema
spoke on The Relation of Schools and Colleges to Community
Music.

Kate Douglas Wiggins told of helping to develop community
music in Maine, developing the "spirit of togetherness" so much
needed. In Saco County, the farmers drive many miles to the
"sing," the oldest member being seventy years old. Mrs. Edward
MacDowell outlined the pageantry of Peterborough, saying that
community singing and pageantry should go hand-in-hand. Percy
Mackaye said it was the dream of his life to combine community
music and community drama, two great vital forces which are real-
ly one. He then read a poem he had written for the occasion, en-
titled The Choral Spirit.

John Collier discussed Music in Relation to Americanization.

Mrs. David Allen Campbell, chairman of the Committee on Com-
munity Music of the National Council of Women of the United
States, representing twenty-seven national organizations of women,
said that many women through the influence of musical clubs have
begun to think of music and the drama as a means of supplying
recreation for all. Education in music and in recreation should be
provided through the public schools, since it is the concern of the
state that the citizen should be educated for leisure as well as for
work.

Mrs. Campbell later gave on behalf of her committee 10,000
song books for the use of soldiers in training camps ; a member of
the committee increased the number to 50,000. This gift created
great enthusiasm at the conference.

Arthur Nevin, Professor of Music in the University of Kansas,
reported twenty-five community choruses organized in Kansas;
fifteen other cities have asked for help in organizing. Usually a

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COMMUNITY SINGING CONFERENCE

community singing committee is formed with a president, vice-pres-
ident, secretary, treasurer and a board of about ten, scattered
throughout the city, so they can keep a personal touch to prevent
people from dropping out for small cause. Twenty-five cents per
member usually covers all expenses, that for music being the largest
item, though this has been decreased by circulating music libraries
provided by the Kansas University Chorus. Professor Nevin then
gets after the music teachers, tells them it is the cheapest sort of
advertising — and it is, for many people are stimulated to take les-
sons and get down to earnest study. Members come from miles
about; one farmer with a good tenor voice couldn't make the
meetings in bad weather so the farmers got together and had good
roads built!

Parsons and Colony will have community buildings for meet-
ing place and concerts as a result of interest in community singing.
Parsons has voted $150,000 in bonds for the building and $2,000
for a director. Colony has voted $8,000 for its building.

Miss Frances Brundage, representing the Civic Music Associa-
tion of Chicago, outlined their plan of using the neighborhood
centers and schools for music. The musical directors receive five
dollars an evening but as they are all persons who easily command
five dollars for a half hour, it is plain they are not working for
money alone. Edward Collins has had splendid results with chil-
dren's choruses, with which he eliminates the brasses and forms the
children in a hollow square with the musicians in the center. Thus
the children's voices are not drowned out.

Lee F. Hanmer, of the War Department Commission on Train-
ing Camp Activities, spoke at length of the Commission's work in
music for soldiers. This work will be discussed at length in a
later issue of THE PLAYGROUND.

Claude Bragdon, of Rochester, described the five "song and
light" festivals that have been given, three in Rochester, two in
New York, in which all city lights were screened, lights placed in
the trees, the audience in darkness.

304

THE RELATION OF SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES TO COM-
MUNITY MUSIC*

PETER W. DYKEMA, University of Wisconsin, Madison

No subject in the curriculum has been more sensitive to the
modern socializing influence in education than music. In fact, it is
this very influence that is aiding music to come into its own. Al-
though essentially social by nature, music in the schools had grown
half-hearted in its insistence upon this important phase of its in-
fluence because it had so long been evaluated by standards set up
for the individualistic studies of the school. It frequently seemed
to the musician that he would never be able to get his subject to
count adequately in the schools until he could give examinations in
it which should parallel those given by the teacher of history and
science. The struggles of pedagogues to make music examinable
forms one of the sorriest chapters in education — a chapter, alas,
that is by no means as yet completed. But with the coming of the
idea that education must concern itself not only with the making of
keen intellectual individuals but of socially minded and willed citi-
zens, music felt a reviving influence. This was the spirit which it
had been nursing for many years and therefore it welcomed en-
thusiastically this social emphasis of the newer education. No
longer was it necessary to consider only definitely measurable tech-
nical details ; the uniting, radiating, strength-giving, social influence
of singing good songs in chorus, heretofore regarded largely as an
unimportant by-product or at least as the sugar-coating for the
essential pill of technical grind, was now gradually elevated to a
position of importance. Today it gives promise of soon being con-
sidered the one great aim of school music. School music may soon
mean, primarily, frequent good singing of good songs.

As soon as this social idea took possession of

What the Music
Supervisors Have musical educators, they began to see that it was

Discussed going to lead to many unexpected results. The

gradual adjustment to the new idea is well shown in the reports of
their various conventions. As I write, I have before me volumes of
the Proceedings of the Music Supervisors' National Conference for
the last seven years, and those of the Music Teachers' National As-
sociation for the last eleven years. In the earliest volume of the

* Extracts from paper read before the National Conference on Com-
munity Music, Hotel Astor, New York City, Thursday, May 31, 1917

305

RELATION OF SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

former which I have been able to obtain, I find the supervisors are
concerning themselves with something quite outside their own
traditional field, and are discussing music in Sunday Schools. There
is a report also on music in high schools in which much attention is
given to the question of credit for private music study carried on
outside of school. In the 1913 volume, there are addresses on
Music and the Social Problem; The Sociological Value of Music;
The Relation of Music to Festivals and Pageants. Here also ap-
pears that most significant beginning, the first list of eighteen
songs to be learned throughout the schools so as to get all America
to know at least a few songs. In the 1914 volume, the committee
which had this list in charge reports now that it has published the
pamphlet of Eighteen Songs for Community Singing and has thus
well under way the movement for singing, not only by children but
by adults. In the 1915 volume, the report shows, in addition to an
address by Commissioner of Education P. P. Claxton on The
Place of Music in Education and another by W. P. Kent on
Music for Every Man, that there was an entire session devoted to
the subject of Community Music in Its Relation to the Supervisors
of Music. In the 1916 volume, there are reports of a large number
of musical activities carried on by the school supervisors outside of
the schools, including community orchestras and bands, violin
classes. An entire session is given over to a discussion of the
topic How a Supervisor May Aid in Making His Community Musi-
cal. In the 1917 volume, two sessions are devoted to, first, How to
Extend Music into Institutions Which at Present Have Little or
None, and second, How to Cause the Present General Interest in
Community Music to Develop into Permanent Art Manifestations.

Musical educators have recognized that the fu-
Significant De- ture of tne natiOn rests with the children. They

therefore in turning their thoughts to the greater
socialization of music — which is what we understand the essential
note of community music to be — have felt that permanent founda-
tions can be made only by wise work with children, that in other
words, the most important material to be shaped is the child — and
of necessity, the trainers of the child. This is no insignificant prob-
lem. Lowell Mason, the father both of American church and school
music, would hardly believe that since he labored to introduce music

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RELATION OF SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

into the schools of Boston something over a half century ago, there
has arisen in the public schools an army of special teachers of music
in the school that is fast approaching a 10,000 enrollment mark, and
that they are working with 20,000,000 or more school children. In
fact, about half of all the children of school age in the country are
already receiving systematic instruction in music at public expense.
In many of the best school systems this means that at the end of the
elementary school period, practically all of the children are able to
sing adequately their part in three and four-part music, and that
in the high school they enter easily and capably into the giving of
standard oratorios and operas such as the Creation, Messiah, Elijah,
Hiawatha's Wedding Feast, Aida, Faust, and music of similar diffi-
culty. Whatever the defects of this system — and of these I shall
have a word to say later — a large number of the school children of
the country are at least being taught to render vocal music with
considerable ease and accuracy.

Much is being done also to make the children

Training Good good listeners to music. The phonograph is be-
Listeners

coming almost as frequent in the schools as the

world globe. Many schools have already introduced fairly well
worked out courses in music appreciation, and in a much larger
number of schools frequent opportunity is given the children to
hear good records even if they are presented in a somewhat hit or
miss way. In some school systems as, for instance, in Minneapolis
and St. Louis, series of orchestral concerts by the symphony or-
chestra have been arranged in the various high schools, particularly
for the children. On special occasions these orchestras unite with
the children in the giving of elaborate concerts. In fact, it is a
usual procedure with such orchestras as the New York Symphony,
the Russian Symphony, the Minneapolis, the Chicago, and others
which make spring tours, to devote all or a portion of at least one of
their concerts to the accompanying of a great chorus of children in
the rendering of some cantata. Frequently, this is a smple, tuneful
work which such as Fletcher's The Walrus and the Carpenter,
West's Mayday Revels, Beloit's Into the World, Busch's May, or
similar works. But not infrequently it is something as difficult as
Pierne's Children's Crusade which children from the Minneapolis
elementary schools prepared and rendered with their local sym-
phony orchestra within six weeks, or Hiawatha's Wedding Feast

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RELATION OF SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

which a chorus from the Topeka high school prepared in five weeks.
All of these agencies are placing children in touch with good music
and are thus assisting them to form the right kind of tastes.

The high schools, moreover, are continuing the work of the
elementary schools with choruses and glee clubs, bands and orches-
tras, and to an increasing extent, courses in theory, harmony, ap-
preciation, and even special lessons in voice or an instrument, as a
part of their regular high school studies. In the larger number of
cases, however, these special students are being taken care of by
the system of granting credit in the high school for work done out-
side the school with private teachers.

Making Instru- A significant recent movement, however, for

mental Work greater instrumental study by the children in the
More Gen- * « • • • • , •

eral schools has been that of class instruction in violin

and other instruments. From New York and Boston to Oak-
land and Los Angeles, there are hundreds of towns in which after-
schools classes on the various instruments are held, and the chil-
dren receive for a fee of ten to twenty-five cents, instruction which
heretofore has been out of their reach. By this means, thousands
if not tens of thousands of children in this country are learning
to play instruments, who, but for this movement, would probably
never have had any instruction other than the vocal work of the
regular school course. In not a few cities such as Grand Rapids,
Michigan, and Cincnnati, Ohio, this instruction is given absolutely
free to the children. In these cities, instructors are paid by the
city board of education to give free lessons in violin, cello, wind
and brass instruments. The casual visitor has a feeling that at
least half the children in some of these towns are being prepared
for orchestra and small ensemble playing. This type of school
work is much more common in the West than the music
school settlement idea which has obtained such a stronghold in the
larger cities of the East. I am very glad to pay my tribute to the
music school settlement idea, both for the remarkable work it has
done in its own field and because I believe it has been largely influ-
ential in the development of this instrumental work in the public
schools.

These various developments together with others
The Unity of All vvhich I shall not take time to discuss— such as

There Endeavors . . ,

the significant movement for the introduction of

308

RELATION OF SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

music instruction into the rural schools and the many vigorous
efforts to give music a more important place in institutions of
higher learning — will show that the elementary and advanced schools
and colleges are doing much to make music a larger factor in the
life of the individual community and the nation at large through
preparing the children and youth, the future citizens, to love music
ardently yet wisely, and to have considerable power in producing it.

But this is not the sum total of their endeavors ;
Going beyond ^gy recognize that there is a large element in

the School .

our population, the adults, who will never be
children again and who cannot be reached through the usual school
and college channels. Starting with the parent and teacher's asso-
ciations which are now a common extension of school activities
and which represent the first formal step in the recognition of the
larger social field of the teacher, efforts have proceeded until now
the supervisors of music in the public schools are recognizing and
acknowledging by their actions that their field is not the school-
room only but the community at large ; that in many instances they
must willingly or unwillingly assume almost the role of city mu-
sician. So we find the teacher of the children filling many other
positions after leaving the schoolroom — singing in and directing
a church choir, playing in or leading the city band or orchestra,
organizing and inspiring the local choral society, assisting in carry-
ing on a course of musical entertainments for the general public,
urging funds for band concerts by the local organizations,
trying to raise the standard of music in moving pictures
houses, interesting the parents in having music in their homes
and in the last few years, starting "community sings". As a con-
sequence, men like Will Earhart of Pittsburgh, Pa., Charles H.
Miller of Lincoln, Neb., Hamlin E. Cogswell of Washington, D. C.,
and Glenn H. Woods of Oakland, California, become practically
municipal officers charged with one aspect of the life of the entire
community. But they do not stand alone. Hardly a progressive
supervisor of music can be found who is not engaged in some and
frequently all of the above activities. The school music teachers
of the land have in the last three or four years made literally mil-
lions of adults join in singing.

309

RELATION OF SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

Activities in ^e universites, the colleges, the normal schools,

Higher In- have had their special work to do. The music

courses in many of them have felt the spirit
of social service and have adapted themselves to it in a
greater or less degree. Special courses in community music
have been established in several leading institutions. These courses
have become so popular that the summer schools conducted by the
music publishing houses include this year as part of the material
which they offer, something which aims to cover the same ground.
But there is considerable haziness as to what should be done. One
of the firms describes its course in community music in terms typical
of the variety of ideas as to what this term includes. It may interest
you to know that community music includes the following subheads :
the kindergarten — rhythmic play and games ; the school — musicales,
operettas, cantatas; the playground — folk games; the individual —
applied music; the settlement — pageants, festivals; the home, the
child, the youth, the family, the church. Some of you may be in-
terested to know where this modest course in connection with four
others of at least as large dimensions, may all be covered inside of
four weeks!

The point of view of the university courses with
which l am familiar has been primarily the clari-
Community fying of the problem, the discovering some uni-

fying idea in the multitude of endeavors variously
and vigorously acclaimed as community music and secondly, this
unifying idea having been found, the formulating of principles and
even precepts of practice. Regarding the first point the course has
endeavored to show that the essential new element in the commun-
ity music movement is not the developing of new material, although
some new material will undoubtedly be involved, but the seeking of
a new end — namely the democratizing of music. The focus of en-
deavor now is the social aspect of music; larger numbers of in-
dividuals and larger segments of each individual's being are to be
involved. More people and more of the people is the slogan. Music
is to dwell more intimately with more folks. It is to be less a thing
apart from life — less a pleasant but comparatively unimportant
amusement ; more a vital inspirational brotherhood, fellowship, or in
a word, socializing, force. Community music is insisting that the
same ideal that is breaking down the barriers between king and sub-

310

RELATION OF SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

jects and creating new republics shall banish the false aristocracy
which has so long reigned in its field. It recognizes that in the peo-
ple as a whole there is a power of imagination, of idealism, of spirit-
uality, which has not been utilized, in fact hardly discovered in
America, and asserts that through music better than through any
other means, this may be brought into vigorous nation-reviving
force. It maintains that we have not yet done justice to music for
the people — which they shall hear — ; music of the people — which
groups of the more talented ones shall produce — ; nor music by the
people — the great all-inclusive mass which can and should find
itself through utterance in music. The developing of every form
of music which will aid in stirring the idealism of the nation as a
whole rather than a few selected individuals — this, as the teachers
of community music have sensed it — is the meaning of the present
movement. The point of view regarding subject matter having
been determined, the question of what to do with the students in the
courses arises. The answer has been that the new element to be
given the students in addition to the investigation and classification
of material is, first, the developing in the student of the social point
of view, the caring for people; second, a study of the means for
making this point of view effective.

The Central Prob- ^he developing °f leaders is undoubtedly the
lem— Developing most difficult problem in the spreading of
the right type of community music activities.
It is a complicated problem if one endeavors to include in
the process all the various elements which should go to the making
of a proper leader of community music. It is far less complicated
if one recognizes that the community music leader is simply a mu-
sician with enthusiasm, social aptitude, and executive powers. A
comparatively short training will produce a good community music
leader if he has sufficient musicianship and social qualifications be-
fore he starts. The courses in community music have heretofore
been built on this latter idea. Mr. Ray G. Edwards of Ruskin,
Florida, advocates the holding of state normal courses of one
month in length to instruct prospective leaders in the duties and
opportunities of the city musician or music director. The normal
schools and the departments of public school music in the universi-
ties are gradually including special attention to larger community
endeavors in the regular training courses for music teachers. In

RELATION OF SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

several universities, there have been offered to the general student,
courses in community music; — Wisconsin, Columbia, Montana —
to name three with which I have had personal relations.

Direct Work with In addition to helping develop leaders, the
Carried on byliigher universities, colleges, and normal schools have
Institutions done much direct work in assisting the people to

help themselves. In several states — Wisconsin, Indiana, North Dako-
ta, Colorado, Minnesota, Kansas, the universities conduct bureaus
of lectures and entertainments which provide at a minimum cost
musical entertainments of a worthy character. In other words, they
endeavor to perform the functions of a high class Chautauqua bu-
reau with the commercial aspects eliminated. By this means many
communities hear instrumental and vocal quartets, trios, and soloists
which, without the low rates, due to an economically planned tour and
small management fees, would be quite impossible for them. Pack-
age libraries combined with slides and films from the department of
visual instruction, provide lectures on music, with illustrations for
the eye, and, through loaned records, for the ear. In this connec-
tion one of the talking machine houses has provided records espec-
ially made so that they will serve as accompaniments for community
singing. As a result in hundreds of rural communities, people are
singing community songs without piano, without leader, without
any help other than that given by the records. In three or four of
the middle western states, some one connected with the state edu-
cational system gives all or a large part of his time to the one pur-
pose of stimulating community music endeavors — Mr. Arthur Nevin
in Kansas, Mr. W. W. Norton in North Dakota, Mr. Edgar B. Gor-
don in Wisconsin, being three that are particularly worthy of men-
tion. No small part of the work of all such leaders has been made
successful through the intelligent response and hearty assistance
given by the various women's clubs. The State Federations of
Women's Clubs now very generally have active committees on com-
munity music.

These are some of the activities which may show
The Heart of It that the schools and colleges are now and for

several years have been intensely interested
and active in forwarding musical activities among the people.
Most of what has been done has been wisely carried out and

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RECREATION CONFERENCE IN DULUTH

may well be continued in the future. If there is one criti-
cism on the whole system, it is that during the earlier years
in nearly all instruction and at present in too much of it, there has
been lacking that one thing which the more recent advocates of
community music have insisted upon, namely, a spontaneous joy and
enthusiasm for singing and the insistence upon music as a means
both of expressing the deepest sentiments of mankind and a potent
means for the binding of people into a more sympathetic whole.
Music has been too much a formal, isolated amusement, not enough
a vital, social force. It is surprising to note how much music there
has been and how little music life; how much outward semblance,
how little inward existence. No more heartening and yet in a way
pathetic experience has been mine than to witness the simple joy
which has gradually crept into the lives of musicians who have
been led by singing together to realize that music had some use for
them besides furnishing a livelihood. They had taught music so
long and talked about it so much that it had become a thing apart
from themselves. Like the blase European guides before nature's
wonders, they had pointed out the wonders so often to others, that
they had lost all appreciation for them. And it needed only
the words and especially the attitude of a sincere, sensitive leader
who relieved them of their professional shackles for a time and
helped them to be just themselves, to bring them in touch with that
which never fails, the heart throb of a simple tried song of the
people.

The schools and colleges need everything that the present Con-
ference can give to them. I am sure that they are anxious to have
the new life which is surging through this group, the divine spirt
of the brotherhood of song, and the beauty and inspiration of all
great music.

RECREATION CONFERENCE IN DULUTH

At a conference held in May under the auspices of the Play-
ground and Recreation Association of America, a committee of
representative citizens from various cities in Minnesota was ap-
pointed to confer with committees in other communities of the state
to work for the passage of a law for physical training and play for
all Minnesota school pupils.

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RECREATION CONFERENCE IN DULUTH

Representatives from the "range" towns spoke of the difficulty
of finding space for playgrounds where the standard lot is but
twenty-five feet, often with two or three houses built upon it. Often
both back and front open spaces are given up to gardens, while the
children play in the street. The usual school playground is about 200
feet square, regardless of the number of children the building ac-
commodates. In Hibbing, the original townsite of eighty acres is
surrounded on three sides by open pit mines, so there is no chance to
enlarge without going out of town.

Great enthusiasm has been shown for gardening this year.
Some of the mining companies, as well as the school boards, have
made land available and hundreds of plots are under cultivation.

In all of the towns represented, Eveleth, Hibbing, Cloquet and
Duluth, there is a general recognition of the importance of leader-
ship. All have made, or are about to make, arrangements for a
year-round recreation secretary. Recesses with play leaders on
hand have been developed in Eveleth and Duluth. A "monitor sys-
tem" has been very successful in Duluth. Mr. Batchelor, the rec-
reation secretary, met the monitors of each district and taught them
about 150 games and how to teach these games to others. In Su-
perior, Wisconsin, unusual results have been secured in gardening
by having the play leader in the schools responsible for home
gardens, so the school organization carries over into the summer.
The county fair also acts as an incentive, as prizes are given for the
school products.

Part of the recreation leadership in Duluth is provided by the
Young Men's and Young Women's Christian Associations. Plans
are being made for sending a play leader at the noon hour to va-
cant lots near industrial centers. Lawns and gardens have been
offered the Y. W. C. A. for Sunday afternoons.

Bishop McGolrick spoke of the relation of play to the spiritual
life. Mr. Ayers, of Ely, spoke of the enthusiasm with which his
community is making ready for the coming of the worker of the
Playground and Recreation Association of America, who is to help
make play more vital to the people and Mr. Vaughan, of Chisholm,
expressed his appreciation of the work done in Chisholm and of
the spirit underlying all the work of the Association

NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER WORK OF THE TRI-CITIES
LA SALLE, PERU, OGLESBY, ILLINOIS

Comprehensive recreation, welfare and other community work
has been done by the Illinois cities — Peru, La Salle and Oglesby —
through the La Salle-Peru Township High School. The high
school in itself was rather notable, though a number of other similar
institutions are in operation in the State of Illinois in which, through
a flexible interpretation of the term educational, the activities have
gradually been extended to include recreational, civic and commun-
ity interests of all sorts, supported by taxation.

In October, 1912, a proposition was submitted
The Proposition to the Township Board of Education by the

Honorable F. W. Matthiessen of La Salle, offer-
ing as a gift certain real estate and $75,000 for a recreation build-
ing to be run in connection with the Township High School
and to serve as a community center. The Township Board
was to maintain the work. The donor also stipulated that the town-
ship was to vote a bond issue of $25,000 which amount was to be
used for improvements much needed in the high school, and by
a public election to declare its willingness to support the center.

The Board immediately took action and the election resulted in
the almost unanimous acceptance of the proposition. The plans
provided for a recreation building; for many improvements in the
main building, including a large auditorium, a new biology labora-
tory, new offices for the principal; for a new heating system in a
separate building directly back of the manual training building ; for
the rewiring of the entire plant.

The principal feature of the recreation building

is the gvmnasium> which is 53 x 106 feet, and
contains a playing space for basket ball 70 x 35
feet. About twelve feet above the floor is the balcony, which is
used both for spectators and for a running track. No part of the
basket-ball floor is underneath the gallery. The gymnasium equip-
ment is quite complete, having cost some $3,000.

On the first floor is a room 26x50 feet, which at some later date
will be used as a library, but which at the present time is utilized
for many purposes, such as wrestling, a boys' game-room, rest-

315

NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER WORK OF THE TRI-CITIES

room and serving room at dances. The history room is also on
this floor. On the second floor are the music and art rooms. These
three rooms are also used for most of the dramatic, musical and
social organizations, meeting in the building after school hours.

Downstairs is the swimming pool, which is 60x25 feet. Along
the east side are eight dressing booths and eight showers. South of
the pool are seventy steel lockers arranged to form a hollow square,
the enclosed space being used as a dressing room. Nearby is the
locker-cage, which contains about six hundred fibre locker-boxes
arranged in rows and numbered, providing a locker-box for every
person using the gymnasium. In this box is kept the owner's ath-
letic clothing. With the box a key to a locker is given, and after the
person has finished, he returns the box and key to the cage where
they are kept safely under lock. This system saves considerable
locker room.

The room originally intended for the bowling alley is 16x86 feet,
and at the present time is used as a drying room for the women's
bathing suits. The alleys will be installed in the near future
The electric exhaust fan which ventilates the entire building is lo-
cated at the end of the bowling alley room. Another room on the
ground floor, 26x20, is used as a dressing room for the 'varsity
athletic teams of the high school. This room contains lockers ar-
ranged along the walls.

Work was started on the building in June, 1913, and the
changes in the main building were completed in time for the opening
of school in September of the same year, with the exception of the
auditorium, which was not finished till several months later. The
recreation building was practically completed in February, but de-
lay in the installation of the gymnasium apparatus postponed the
opening until March 23, 1914.

The Athletic
Field

The new athletic field includes two tennis
courts, a five-lap cinder track, baseball diamond,
football gridiron, jumping and vaulting pits, and
an open air bathing pool, 100 x 50 feet. Sufficient space is also
available for a playground. This entire field is also the gift of
Mr. Matthiessen and is used not only for high school athletics and
social center events but for field and track sports for the entire town-
ship as well.

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NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER WORK OF THE TRI-CITIES

The first work attempted was that of organizing
rk
Started

The Work gymnasium classes among the high school

students. At the same time the high school track
squad began preliminary indoor practice and with the approach of
warm weather the swimming pool was opened to the students.
Practically the entire school took advantage of these facilities from
the start. The first attempt at work outside the school was made
in April when a Saturday morning gymnasium class was organized
for the boys of the neighborhood, whose demands for admittance
had become very insistent.

During the summer of 1914 gymnasium and swimming privi-
leges were offered to both children and adults and the following fall
gymnasium work for grade and parochial school children in the
afternoon and Saturday and evening classes in swimming and physi-
cal training were added.

All of the children's activities are included in the grade and
parochial school athletic league, whose membership consists of nine
public grade schools and seven parish schools. Besides the classes a
number of league and championship meets are conducted, with
trophies for the winning team; proficiency tests with gold, silver,
and bronz medals as a reward, are given monthly for boys and
girls. A monogram of white felt containing the letters S. C. is
awarded to boys who swim 120 yards and a similar monogram to
girls who swim 60 yards. One direct result of these proficiency
tests has been the appearance of home-made apparatus for jumping
and chinning in many back yards, where the children of the neigh-
borhood can get in trim for the next medal contests.

The Indoor Baseball League, organized that autumn, consisting
of eight teams representing widely diversified interests as the West-
ern Clock Company; the Rexall Drug Store, the Knights of Colum-
bus, the Just We Social Club, the Y. M. C. A. Club, High School
alumni, Odd Fellows, and Oglesby Tigers' Baseball Club, played
two nights a week, arousing keen interest in clean, wholesome
sport. Teams of all kinds and varieties were organized and the
evenings allotted for special games were reserved a month in ad-
vance. The numerous spectators included many women and entire
families. Space has to be reserved in the vestibule for baby car-
riages.

Basket ball, wrestling, and tennis — previously an unknown

317

NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER WORK OF THE TRI-CITIES

game to the township, except to a few high school boys — became
popular township sports.

About 6000 Poles are included in the township population, a
people who warmly cherish and preserve all the folk traditions
brought over by them from the old country, a group that can make
important contributions to American life, but one that needs some
very concrete interpretations of what American life really means if
the vitally important process of assimilation is to go forward.

Although the parish houses of the local churches meet the or-
dinary needs for meeting places, the Polish "Falcons" or Turners, a
military and gymnastic organization, gladly accepted the proffered
gymnasium one night a week. Under the direction of a trained
Polish leader, the Falcons not only get their own recreation but
provide that of a more passive type for hundreds of their friends
and relatives who crowd the gallery to watch the proceedings.
About seventy boys have been formed into an organization prepara-
tory to the Falcons. They are drilled by members of the order and
use the center as headquarters.

The first celebration of the most important of all Polish holi-
days— Constitution Day — was held in the auditorium on Sunday
afternoon, May 1, 1915. This affair was observed with all pomp
and ceremony. The entire congregation marched from St. Valen-
tine's church to the high school led by their own band and accom-
panied by the Falcons and Hussars in full regalia. Some seven
hundred people crowded the auditorium to listen to a very excellent
program in both languages, rendered by the children as well as by
the priests of the adjacent parishes and prominent Poles from Chi-
cago. The past glory of the unfortunate kingdom was related both
in verse and song by the adult choirs and the children and in ringing
speech by the male speakers, while the future hopes of a united
Poland brought forth enthusiastic applause from the audience.
What better demonstration of patriotism could be given the native
American than an occasion of this kind ! What potential qualities of
good citizenship are not lying dormant in these people awaiting the
call to American citizenship!

Insurrection Day is also celebrated at the center. On each
occasion the auditorium was crowded to the doors with an apprecia-
tive audience who listened to a program given in both languages.
While Polish history and aspiration are commemorated, not a few

318

NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER WORK OF THE TRI-CITIES

of the speakers touch also upon the civic obligation of the Pole to
his new country.

A series of parents' nights, at which the children of a particular
school invited friends to see them march, drill and play games, fol-
lowed by an informal reception in the music room, drew many to
the center who would not have come otherwise and proved an intro-
duction to the enjoyment of the center's activities. The following
year musical and dramatic features were added to the children's
entertainments.

During the summer of 1915 the following sched-
u^e was mstituted: swimming classes for all,
early morning gymnasium classes (both indoors
and on the athletic field), folk dancing, kite making and flying,
storytelling, dolls' club, proficiency tests, game-room activities,
evening gymnasium work for the Polish Falcons and for the
women, outings and picnics, baseball, track, and tennis. With
the completion of the outdoor tank the swimming classes are rear-
ranged so as to relieve the congestion caused by the unusually large
numbers in some of the classes.

While the activities of the first year were largely athletic, yet
a good start was made in other forms of recreation. The center is
somewhat disadvantageous^ located for drawing the older folk in
the evening as a steep hill must be climbed or ravines crossed to get
to it. Yet a glee club composed of young men has met there since the
beginning and has brought many out to its own public occasions and
has assisted at the regular center gatherings. Dances have not been
conducted by the center itself but the gymnasium has been available
for clubs giving dances. The High School Alumni Association has
used the center for its dances and meetings, two important State
conferences were housed there, and the number of good clubs is
increasing.

Not the least valuable of the center's contributions to com-
munity recreation has been that of providing a desirable auditorium
for professional entertainments, concerts and musicals. Sometimes
the center brings these attractions, sometimes a church or lodge
brings them as a benefit for itself, paying a nominal rent for the
auditorium. The Ben Greet Players in Twelfth Night, the Fuller
Sisters in English Folk Songs and Dances, Seumas MacManus in a
Merry Ramble through Ireland were among these occasions.

319

THE SCHOOL PLAYGROUND

A farmer's short course and a short course of twelve weeks
for farm boys bring the rural people to the center. Assistance has
been given the Oglesby public schools in their efforts to organize
after-school and evening work in their annex and the Township
Center hopes in many ways to extend its activities so as to arouse
efforts for more adequate recreation throughout the Tri-Cities, for
none knows better than the leaders that with a population of 28,000
in La Salle and Peru, fully four times the amount of recreational
activities now provided are needed to give adequate recreation
throughout the township.

The social center work began under the direction of Raymond
A. Hoyer and six assistants.

In addition to the great athletic field of the center, this fortunate
township has Hegeler Park, about thirteen acres in the heart of La
Salle, donated by the heirs of the Hegeler estate to the Township
High School to be used for general park, recreational and educa-
tional purposes. The plot was beautifully laid out and plans have
been made for adding such buildings as will insure its maximum
use for the full purpose of the donor. Washington Park,
Peru, has been set aside and playground apparatus installed.

THE SCHOOL PLAYGROUND

RUTH SHERBURNE, ASSISTANT, Playground and Recreation Association of
America, New York City

It would seem that any thoughtful person who has observed the
activities of children during an ordinary recess, or at noon in a
school where many must stay for lunch, must see that the recreation
period without leadership is anything but desirable or wholesome.

The average recess or noon hour means recreation for compar-
atively few. The children are turned outdoors to wander at will. A
few of the largest ones take possession of the grounds in rough and
tumble unorganized play or in a baseball game that is punctuated
with loud talk and that very likely breaks up in a quarrel. The ma-
jority of the children stroll up and down, if not away, or collect in
little groups, and more mischief is planned and put into operation
during that brief time than the teacher can cope with in a week.

If the school were responsible only for the amount of arith-
metic and reading the child learns, this state of affairs would not

320

THE SCHOOL PLAYGROUND

be so vitally wrong. But society is beginning to realize that the
school owes the child a broader and deeper training than mere scho-
lastic education, and that, unless the school teaches the boy and the
girl how to live and how to grow into strong manhood and woman-
hood, it is not fulfilling its mission.

It is true that most teachers very conscientiously give talks on
ethics and try in their classrooms to drive home precepts of honesty,
loyalty, and clean living and thinking. Yet of what avail are words
if five minutes later on the school grounds conditions are such that
a game may be won by cheating or broken up by a disgruntled play-
er, and not only unkind gossip, but all too frequently nasty stories,
are passed from lip to lip. There is a discrepancy somewhere.
Evidently knowing what is right is not clearly associated in the
child's mind with doing what is right.

Surely any thinking person, and certainly the conscientious
teacher, recognizes the necessity of counteracting the evil influence
in school leisure and sees that the logical method to pursue is to
substitute for unwholesome mental and physical inactivity, vig-
orous, organized play.

In planning a playground it is necessary to put
The Grounds the gr°und in condition. Most country schools

have plenty of open space for games of all sorts
but often the surface is so uneven that it is impossible to run on it.
However, unless there is need of grading, you will find that the chil-
dren themselves will solve the difficulty. They will be only too
happy to put the ground in better shape for their games. The grass
will have to be kept short and out on the western plains the cacti
and sandburrs weeded out. Not only are they uncomfortable to
fall on but they ruin balls in no time.

Have the boys lay off a baseball diamond where there is no
danger from stray balls, either to windows or to children playing
other games.

One smooth space fifty feet long and twenty-five feet wide
should be reserved for volley ball. This is one of the very best
games for both boys and girls. It is advisable to have the court run
north and south so that players do not face the sun. Two posts at
least seven feet six inches high above the ground should be set, one
on each side of the court, half way from the ends. Between these
the net is stretched or, lacking a net, a rope may be stretched be-
tween the posts at the proper height. This court may be used for

321

THE SCHOOL PLAYGROUND

tennis, captain ball or basket ball. Of course in the latter game it is
necessary to have a goal post and basket at each end of the court.

By all means reserve one space ten feet by fifteen feet for a
jumping pit. The earth should be spaded up and raked until
smooth. It should be kept in this condition for it is not wise to have
the boys jumping on the hard ground. Jumping is easier if a
plank is embedded at the edge of the pit for a "take-off."

The best playground is the one where the chil-
Equipment ^ren get most of their play through active par-

ticipation in games and outdoor sports. Some
of the pieces of apparatus on school playgrounds which furnish a
great deal of happiness are a swing or two, teeters, jumping stand-
ards, a sand box for the little children, and possibly a slide. These
things can be made at home very easily. You can get plans for
their construction together with their approximate cost by writing
to the Perry Mason Company, Boston, Massachusetts, publishers
of the Youth's Companion, for Neighborhood Play, a manual of
rural recreation. A splendid manual, Play and Athletics for Vir-
ginia Public Schools, especially designed to meet the needs of rural
teachers, may be secured from the Department of Public In-
struction, Richmond, Virginia, price fifteen cents. A list of the
manufacturers of playground apparatus may be secured from
the Playground and Recreation Association of America, 1 Madison
Avenue, New York City.

Warning: If you put up apparatus, place it over in one corner
where it will not interfere with the open space needed for games and
where there is no danger of a child's being hit by a swing when he
is playing another game.

Do not fail to provide as a part of the equipment a few good
balls. There is no economy in buying very cheap balls because they
will not stand the wear and tear. On the other hand the most ex-
pensive ones are not necessary. Balls may be secured through
your local hardware merchant or possibly your druggist. You will
find the following balls very valuable additions to your game sup-
plies : volley ball, basket ball, soccer ball (which may be used in
place of a basket ball), indoor baseball, playground ball, tennis and
tether balls. Other supplies should include bats and racquets.

While it is advisable to purchase some balls and
Play Leadership to lav out some courts for special games, do not
be led into believing that balls and courts con-
322

THE SCHOOL PLAYGROUND

stitute a playground. The first essential of a playground is play
leadership. This cannot be emphasized too strongly.

Do not be led into thinking that play leadership is mere police
duty. It is not discipline in the sense that the word is all too often
used in the schoolroom, but it is rather organization and leadership.

Children unused to organized play very rarely possess initiative
and executive ability sufficient to start games and keep them going.
It is the play leader's duty then to organize the game, to keep up
the children's interest in it and develop team play.

You may be asking, "How am I going to keep things running
smoothly when I have three or four sets of children, each needing
a different game?" This is a situation that tests and tries your
executive ability. Undoubtedly, however, you will find before long
that some children possess qualities of leadership. Let these chil-
dren help you. For instance, start a game for your little people and
leave it in charge of an older girl. Either have the boys choose for
themselves or you appoint for them an umpire and when you are
sure he knows the rules of the game, impress upon the group that
they must abide by his decision.

But when you have assigned these leaders do not fancy that
you can go into the schoolhouse and correct papers. You must be
right on the ground all the time. Play with the children. You will
come into closer contact with your boys and girls and if you prove
you are fair and square in your decisions and insist upon fair play
from them, you will gain their respect and admiration. You will
bring home in a half hour's play ethical lessons all the talks in school
for a year will fail to impress.

There have been a number of suggestive books
Game Books on games published; some of them are: Games

for the Playground, Home, School and Gymna-
sium by Jessie Bancroft, containing descriptions of many kinds of
games from singing games for little children to outdoor games for
older boys and girls ; Education by Plays and Games and What to
Do at Recess by George E. Johnson ; Emmet Angell's Play; Games
and Dances by W. A. Stecher; Mari R. Hofer's Popular Folk
Games and Dances; Harry Sperling's Playground Book. Many
others might be mentioned. A complete bibliography of books on
games is to be found in the report of the Committee on Games is-
sued by the Playground and Recreation Association of America.

323

THE SCHOOL PLAYGROUND

The American Sports Publishing Co., 21 Warren Street, New
York City, publishes little ten cent booklets containing the rules for
baseball, indoor baseball, playground ball, and other ball games.

It is difficult for a woman to superintend
r athletics for boys because boys have an idea as

a rule that they are going to be led into some-
thing "babyish" that will make "sissies" of them. It is essential,
then, to give them athletic work that belongs to boys only. Two
forms of athletics that greatly appeal to boys are class athletics and
the badge tests.

Class athletics were originated in order to do away with the
feeling that only the best athletes in a school might enter in compe-
titions. In class athletics a record is made by the whole class or
school rather than by the individual.

At least eighty percent of the boys enrolled in a class must par-
ticipate in order to have the record stand. It becomes, then, a con-
test between classes rather than between individuals. Each mem-
ber of a winning class may be presented with a badge of some sort —
possibly a blue ribbon. It will be interesting if you can get all the
schools in the district to take up class athletics and then see which
school has the highest average. You may be able to interest some
patron in presenting a banner or pennant that will be a perpetual
trophy : i. e., one that a school may keep just so long as it holds first
place.

The events in class athletics are as follows : —
Standing Broad Jump
Pull-up or Chinning
Running (usually 60 yd. dash)

Standing Broad Jump — The best record made in three trial
jumps is taken for each boy. The school or class record is deter-
mined by adding the individual records and dividing by the total
number of boys competing.

Pull-up — Each boy must pull himself up until his chin is above
the bar, then lower himself extending his arms full length. The
number of times he pulls himself up is his record. Class records are
found as in the broad jump.

Running — In order to lessen the possibility of error in timing
the competitors, the following method may be adopted: The boys
are lined up behind the starting mark. The timer, who acts also as

324

THE SCHOOL PLAYGROUND

starter, stands at the finish line and gives the signal for each boy to
start. As the last boy crosses the finish line the time is taken. The
record is found by dividing the time consumed by the number of
boys competing. If an ordinary watch is used, the first boy should
be started when the second hand is over the 60 mark.

To establish a standard of physical efficiency, the
Badge Tests Playground and Recreation Association of

America has established a series of Badge Tests.
To complete a test a boy must run a certain distance in a given time,
pull up a certain number of times, and jump a certain distance. If
he can do all three things, he is entitled to the Association's bronze
badge. For this badge each boy pays 20 cents. Upon request the
Association will send rules for conducting these tests and also the
certification blanks which will enable the boys to secure the badge.
The tests are not easy. It requires a good deal of practice and skill
to win a badge and the possessor of such a badge has a right to be
proud of his athletic powers.

While athletics for boys have been developing
Play for Girls for centuries, until recently very little attention

has been paid to girls' play. In fact, the idea has
been that while little girls might indulge in active play, by the time
they were ten or twelve it was no longer "ladylike" to run and skip.
The result has been that girls have grown up prematurely and at a
time when they should still be little school girls they have been pos-
ing as full-fledged "young ladies."

Because of these unfortunate traditions, it is hard to get girls
started to play. You will find that they have no conception of team
work games. You will have to begin with simple games like three
deep and touch ball, and gradually work into volley ball and indoor
baseball and other games that require skill and team play, to over-
come these difficulties.

You will undoubtedly discover that girls will be very anxious
to play basket ball but some authorities do not approve of this game
for girls. It is exceedingly strenuous and unless played under the
supervision of a physical director who is competent to judge when
girls are overdoing, more harm than good may come from the
game.

Captain ball is an excellent team game that may be substituted

325

THE SCHOOL PLAYGROUND

for basket ball. While it is exciting, it does not offer quite the
same opportunity for overstrain.

The Playground and Recreation Association of America has a
series of tests for girls corresponding to those for boys. Each girl
must do an all-up Indian club relay or a potato race in a given time,
balance in a certain way on a beam twelve feet long, and throw a
basket ball into the basket a certain number of times out of six
trials. Any girl who can qualify in all three events of any one test
may secure a beautiful bronze badge from the Association upon the
payment of twenty cents.

Full details as to the events and the manner of holding them
may be obtained from the Association. The tests have been held in
many places over the country and girls are always greatly inter-
ested in them.

You will find that there is no form of play that girls of all
ages love more than they do folk dancing. If you have had any
training yourself by all means teach your girls and younger children
some of these delightful song-plays. The report of the Committee
on Games already mentioned contains a bibliography of folk danc-
ing. A number of books are published which will enable even the
most inexperienced teacher to include some folk dances in the play
program.

The Department of Physical Education of the Public Schools
of Kalamazoo, Michigan, has issued an outline of girls' activities
which is very suggestive. THE PLAYGROUND for May, 1917, con-
tained an account of this work.

Cold and snow do not put an end to outdoor

Winter Sports play> for some of the most delightful activities

of the whole year may be carried on during the

winter. However, precaution must be taken that the children are

well protected from the cold.

If there is a pond or brook close at hand all the children, big
and little, will enjoy skating. The older boys will want hockey and
incidentally they will work like beavers to clear the ice after a snow-
fall. Pox and geese is a time-honored game that is played in the
snow.

Coasting is great sport if there is an adjacent hill that may be
used without danger. Even a snow battle, if under proper leader-
ship, may be permitted. In one great school the annual snow battle

326

THE SCHOOL PLAYGROUND

is the event of the winter. Snowballing on the street is prohibited
by city ordinance, but the sensible principal of the school gives the
boys an opportunity to build two forts and have a sham battle on
the school grounds. The forts are placed where there is no danger
of hitting the building or passers-by, and the principal herself is al-
ways on the ground to umpire the game. Only soft snow is permit-
ted to be thrown.

Building snow-men is a sport that children have enjoyed since
the beginning of time and one that furnishes opportunity for artistic
skill and ingenuity. A contest for the best piece of snow statuary
will keep everyone busy as long as the snow lasts.

Nothing is more popular with children of all ages
Picnics than a picnic, especially when part of the meal is

cooked over a camp fire. Such an Indian picnic
may occasionally, as a rare treat, take the place of the usual noon
lunch. Of course, the picnic must be so near the school that there
is no danger of being late, and moreover it is a wise plan to have
the place selected and the wood gathered and laid ready to light the
day before.

It is best to have the children bring just their ordinary lunches.
Mothers may object to a demand for a festive lunch. But the
children may bring their meat and eggs raw. Of course, the real
way is to toast the meat on a forked green stick but it requires some
practice and no little skill to keep the meat from being burned to a
crisp and sprinkled with ashes; so, after all, the more practical, if
less romantic, method is the use of the frying pan.

Warning: One can never relax vigilance and precaution against
accidents. Do not attempt a fire if there are many little children in
the group, or permit a fire to be built except with your permission
and sanction as to location. Boys and girls should be taught the
grave danger in forest and prairie fires and that no fire should ever
be left until every spark is extinguished. Likewise, insist that the
camp be left in perfect order. Each child should be taught to be
responsible for collecting and burning all his own scraps.

On stormy days when it is impossible to play out of doors, there
are a number of quiet games that may be played in the schoolroom.

A field day in the spring when the badge tests
Field Day and are given will arouse much interest. Invite the

Play Festivals j i ^ -n.

parents to come and make it a gala occasion. It

327

SCHOOL BUILDINGS AS NEIGHBORHOOD CENTERS

is a good idea to ask a few of the school patrons to act as judges.
Suggestions for the Organization of a Pield Day and Play Picnic
for Country Children, issued by the Playground and Recreation As-
sociation of America, would be found helpful in planning for a field
day. One day may be set aside for deciding the championship in
class athletics. Perhaps that contest can be held on the same day
that the badge tests are given, provided there are not many entries.
A.n exhibit of folk dancing and games by the younger children will
help to show people of the community what playground activities
really are.

USE OF SCHOOL BUILDINGS AS NEIGHBORHOOD
RECREATION CENTERS

In thirteen of the twenty-six cities visited by a worker of the
Playground and Recreation Association of America, the school
buildings were used as neighborhood recreation centers.

In six cities the activities were conducted by the administrative
body in charge of the playground work. In the remaining seven,
the activities were carried on by the board of education either
through the night school or the extension department.

Through the school extension department there
Jersey City, New are offered to the public semi-occasional lectures

and concerts. Private groups upon application
to this committee may use the buildings for non-partisan debates,
for entertainments, dances and dramatics upon the payment of a
nominal fee which covers heat, light and janitor service. All pri-
vate gatherings must be properly chaperoned.

Upon application to the superintendent of

Waterbury, Con- schools neighborhood groups are given per-
necticut ., * ,_., . . ,

mission to use school buildings. The janitors

fee of $1.25 a night is the only charge. The group activities are
confine^ to athletics, quiet games and dancing.

Through the extension department of the Board

Pittsburgh, of £ducatiOn groups of twenty-five or more

Pennsylvania *

may secure the use of school buildings. Ac-

328

SCHOOL BUILDINGS AS NEIGHBORHOOD CENTERS

tivities are confined to sewing, cooking, debating, dancing and
athletics. The extension department furnishes the leadership.

Upon application to the Board of Education,
Washington, Dis- F r . '

trict of Colum- tree use of school buildings may be obtained

bia by neighborhood organizations. Activities are

confined to sewing, cooking and gymnastics. Volunteers are in
charge of the groups.

School rooms are used after school hours for

Pittsburgh, sewing and cooking classes in the afternoon

No"?hysidela* an<^ ^or sewmg an<^ dramatics in the evening.

The city playground association supervises the
groups. No charge is made.

Through the night school department of the
Richmond, Board of Education games and athletics are

offered members of the night school classes
twice a week at the close of evening sessions. School auditoriums
may be rented for a nominal fee — $10 for high, $5 for grade
schools — to pay for heat, light, and janitor services.

Cleveland has a very comprehensive system of
evening recreation center work conducted by
the division of school extension created to ad-
minister the night use of school buildings other than for night
school. A supervisor is in charge of each center assisted by
athletic directors for men and women and by assistants in charge
of special activities.

Membership dues of twenty-five cents a month entitle young
people of fourteen years or over to the use of the gymnasia, swim-
ming pools, or to membership in the clubs. In addition to this
membership fee a special fee of one dollar is charged for match
games in the gymnasium. A fee of one dollar per night must be
paid by any group of persons wishing to use the building for other
than regular club activities. The auditoriums located in the cen-
ters are available for use by the neighbors for neighborhood meet-
ings free of charge. The Board of Education pays the expenses
of heat, light, janitor service and the salaries of the directors.
Among the activities carried on at the centers are :
Gymnastics Manual Training Sewing

329

SCHOOL BUILDINGS AS NEIGHBORHOOD CENTERS

Athletics Debating Gardening

Singing Dramatics Library

Orchestra Civic Club Community Meeting

Band Swimming Study Clubs

Domestic Science Dancing Social Clubs

Painting Drawing

Under the Department of Social Centers, even-
in£ centers are conducted in fourteen schools.
The activities include athletics, gymnastics and

dancing. A charge is made of ten cents to defray the cost of

leadership, heat, light and janitor service.

Through the town club centers are used for
NewCJers"'y dressmaking, cooking, millinery, singing, danc-

ing, boys' clubs, and gymnastics. The club pays
$500 annually for heat, light, and janitor service. Club assign-
ments are made according to the size of the club and the salary
of the leader.

The Public Recreation Commission in charge
of social center work contributes $1,200 a year
for the rental of school rooms and auditoriums
in four school buildings used as social centers. Much of the work
is conducted under volunteer leadership, although such special
activities as dancing are carried on by paid leaders whose salaries
are met by dues of from ten to twenty-five cents monthly paid by
the members of the various groups. These fees are turned into
the treasury of the committee.

Evening recreation centers in two schools
Massachusetts through the Playground Commission offer op-

portunities for singing, games, and athletics.
No charge is made. The Commission pays $2.50 a night for janitor
service at each school.

Under the direction of the superintendent of
Springneld, recreation six evening recreation centers are

conducted by the Board of Education. Activ-
ities are confined to gymnastic work and dancing. No charge is
made.

330

RECREATION IN INDUSTRY

Evening activities are conducted in two schools
Wheeling, under the direction of the Board of Education.

No charge is made. The activities include
quiet games, cooking, dramatics, and basket ball.

Under the auspices of the Playground Associa-
Youngstown, tjon^ evening recreation centers are conducted

in fourteen centers. The program includes
motion pictures, talks on civic subjects, music, folk dancing, gym-
nastics and Boy Scouts and Camp Fire Girls. No charge is made.

RECREATION IN INDUSTRY

CHARLES FREDERICK WELDER, Associate Secretary, Playground and Recreation
Association of America, Chicago, 111.

(Continued from August)

IV. RECREATION ADAPTED FROM COMMERCIAL FIELDS

Recreational needs of workers may be learned partly from the
ways in which their leisure hours are now spent. From saloons,
dance halls, pool rooms, social organizations, and moving picture
shows we may learn effective ways of enlisting and guiding the recre-
ation interests of industrial employees.

We have hardly begun to appreciate the amazing
Moving Pictures modern phenomenon of the moving picture vogue.
When, in a Kansas town of 13,000 inhabitants,
the average weekly attendance at moving pic-
ture theatres is 13,000; when one- third the population of Cleveland
attends the "movies" on Sundays and holidays; when, in Kansas
City, Missouri, with a population of 250,000, the average weekly
attendance on the "movies" is 449,000 — we should understand that
these pictures have become the principal present-day school of
manners and morals.

Moving pictures are good — but not so good as they might be.
My chief objection to them is that they are too passive — like most of
our modern means of entertainment. They are shot through with
the great, modern evil, " Spectatoritis. " We need opportunities for

33i

RECREATION IN INDUSTRY

active recreation — in which our muscles and minds will exert them-
selves vigorously. But, both as they are and as they might be, mov-
ing pictures suggest methods of powerful influence, through recrea-
tion, upon the workers in various industries.

Sixth Conclusion:

One can foresee the time when moving pictures will be exten-
sively used in industries — both to instruct employees in the specific
work required of them and to develop intelligent interest by inter-
preting to the various toilers the origins, relationships, and social
values of their sub-divided, formalized tasks, to introduce to each
other departments which are widely separated, often jealous, yet
all essential to the spirit of effective team play.

Another adaptation from the popular powers of
Dancing commercial recreation, should be the providing,

in industrial establishments, of floors, hours and
leadership for dancing. This applies especially where large numbers
of young women are employed. They will dance; let them dance
under good auspices. Their insatiable craving for this recreation
suggests that it is exactly what they need to restore the vital powers
depleted by toil. (As Jane Addams has pointed out in her great
book The Spirit of Youth and the City Streets.)

Gymnastic dancing, folk dances and the interpretative or dra-
matic dance may be developed, as well as the ordinary "social
dances." For the proper occasional association of the two sexes,
appropriate provision should be made.

From the saloon, we might adopt the lunches,
Saloon Adapta-
tions and Others such drinks as are not alcoholic, the self -playing

musical instruments, game tables, smoking, and
the spirit of free sociability.

If a "social center" or "recreation hall" is pro-
A Club House vided — a building especially equipped for the

service — pool tables, bowling alleys, shower baths
and a swimming pool may be considered as appropriate adaptations
from commercial recreation and from the successful experiences of
social settlements, of Young Mens' Christian Associations and
Young Womens' Christian Associations and of such modern public
schools as those of Gary, Indiana.

From athletic, social and literary clubs, from labor unions and

332

RECREATION IN INDUSTRY

other organizations, let us learn the attractive values of democra-
tic self-government and the free association of congenial spirits.

V. PAGEANTS, DRAMATICS AND FESTIVALS

Entire communities have "found themselves" through the
recreational activity known as pageants. In these a large number of
people — 500 people in Ripon, Wisconsin, a town of 4,000 inhabi-
tants— are organized to enact a series of scenes reviewing local
history or representing dramatically some of the activities and ideals
of the community.

What rich material for such a pageant could be found in the
various departments of an industrial plant, in the graphic history of
their development, and in the demonstration of their relationships
to each other and to society! Through such dramatic play many
workers who feel unessential and indifferent would gain their first
enthusiastic appreciation of their own industrial functions.

A leader of genuine artistic power could make of some of our
great industries such a pageant as would thrill and educate — not
alone the employed workers — but the whole surrounding community.
Its influence might reach almost as far as the Company's products.
And these legitimate "advertising" possibilities are not limited to
those industries already recognized as picturesque — such as mining,
steel, transportation, manufacture — but include many industrial
activities which have been deemed less romantic, less popular. I
still feel the impression made upon me by a team of forty magnificent
black horses drawing one of Heinz's dramatic "floats" in the Ses-
quicentennial celebration in Pittsburgh, years ago.

In dramatics, or "play acting," also, lie great possibilities for
industrial workers. Here, as in the closely related pageants, there
would be no question as to the value of the paid leader. Imagine
what he could do with the various nationalities by encouraging them
to dramatize their own native customs, traditions, and special cap-
abilities as affecting their contributions to the industry. The fellow
workers of these "foreigners" would thus develop new apprecia-
tion and respect for the rich human culture represented by a group
who mav formerly have been despised.

Festivals or Gymnasium classes, folk dancing, games, athletic

contests, dramatic training, and all the other
recreational activities of an industrial establish-

333

RECREATION IN INDUSTRY

ment might work toward an annual field day or festival. Customers
and neighbors of the firm should be invited. Families and friends
of the workers would naturally be present.

Seventh Conclusion:

An annual play festival or field day should be "Our Firm's"
great gala occasion — to which all its workers look forward and back-
ward with enthusiasm. It may include dramatics, a pageant, ath-
letic contests, games, the awarding of prizes, and the public recogni-
tion of workers who have manifested special merit in behalf of the
common industrial weal. Through such democratic recreation the
whole community may be helped to a joyful appreciation of its re-
lations to the industry.

VI. THE WHOLE FAMILY SHOULD BE CONSIDERED

From the pioneer efforts of Mr. Patterson (of the National
Cash Register) and others, industries should learn to consider their
employees — not only at work — but in their homes. There is no better
way to build up a worker than by strengthening his family life.

Half-grown sons and daughters of employees may properly be
led — by sharing in some of the recreation activities — to he1p their
fathers idealize their labors and to look toward "the works" for
their own future occupation. There might well be some activities
for the children, too, if only as a means of influencing their parents.

Eighth Conclusion:

Families should be the units in some of the recreation activities.
This is one of the great lessons which should be applied in many
fields of philanthropy. For, modern philanthropy, education, and
other forms of social service have gone too far toward specialization
in providing only separate activities for men, women, boys and
girls. In modern industry especially, where frequently these four
groups are actually employed, it is especially appropriate to con-
sider the family as a unit — not in all, but in some of the recreational
activities.

VII. OBJECTIONS AND PRINCIPLES INVOLVED

Employers, managers and foremen may find acceptable oppor-
tunities for natural fellowship with their people in some of the
various forms of recreation, in occasional games, and especially in
pageants and festivals. In addition to such concrete association,

334

RECREATION IN INDUSTRY

the providing and encouragement of such recreation activities as have
been suggested would promote a spirit of appreciation and good will.

Someone may say, however; "Such recreation activities would
develop among the workers such coordination and conscious power
as would make their unions stronger." I should answer: "Yes; in
the sense that every increase in the worker's intelligence and efficiency
gives him larger potential powers for either cooperation with, or
opposition to, his employer."

But, from the standpoint of even the narrowest self-interest,
employers are learning that it is only through the development of
power, of interest, and of team play among the workers that the
profitable possibilities of an industry can be fully realized.

Ninth Conclusion:

When you foster increased strength, its possessor becomes stronger
— either for or against you. In the democratic, cooperative spirit of
recreation there is one powerful influence to keep him, rightly, "for
you."

The Big Problem Although all the recreation activities suggested
here need not be undertaken in any one indus-
trial plant, and although the recreation develop-
ments should be only in wise proportion to the local situation, some
readers will naturally be amazed by the extent of the field outlined
in preceding paragraphs. If a feeling that I have over-emphasized
recreation should threaten a reaction against the whole proposition,
let the critic consider that the problems and possibilities here in-
volved are the tremendous problems and possibilities of Leisure
Time. And, leisure time is, some say, one-third of modern man's
existence — eight hours out of each twenty-four.

A fairer statement is the usual estimate that each man, woman,
and child in the ordinary community, has an average of thirty-five
(35) hours of leisure time each week. That is, in a city of 20,000
inhabitants, there are about 700,000 hours of leisure every week —
to be used or misused.

Leisure— a Liabil- Thoughtful people are beginning to realize that
the leisure time problem is the next great, growing
problem to be solved. Leisure time has been in-
creasing rapidly. It is sure to increase much further. But, a worker's
efficiency during his hours of labor is vitally affected by his use of

335

VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP

leisure. His leisure-time occupations send him back to work weak-
ened or strengthened, ennobled or debased, with dynamic interest
quickened or relaxed, with efficiency increased or lessened. Leisure
time offers one of the best of all means by which workers may be
reached and influenced. The modern .failure to promote wholesome
use of leisure is reflected in the report that eighty percent of all
offenses against society occur in the leisure-time hours between six
and eleven, p. m.

George Eliot said: "Important as it is to organize and direct
the industry of the world, it is more important to organize and di-
rect the leisure of the world."

Maeterlinck wrote: "What use will humanity make of this
(increasing) leisure? On its employment may be said to depend the
whole destiny of man. It is the way in which hours of freedom (leisure)
are spent that determines, as much as war or labor, the moral worth
of a nation."

Organized recreation is the solution of the leisure-
Leisure—Freedom— .
Recreation time problem. Leisure means free time — when

our activities are determined, not by economic
compulsion, but by native impulse. "Recreation" means free play —
what we do from desire, not from necessity.

Tenth Conclusion:

To promote constructive, wholesome use of the opportunties
and powers represented by leisure, or by recreation, is the great,
neglected field where industrial education and social advance are to
win their next achievements. Leisure is now the greatest un^worked
mine of social and industrial power.

(To Be Continued)

VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP

A study of the problems of leadership in twenty-six cities visited
by a worker of the Playground and Recreation Association of
America showed that in very few instances has any effort been
made to develop volunteer leadership in recreation work.

,, In Princeton, New Jersey, the town club

Experiments . J J'

in Volunteer enlisted the services of a number of young

Leadership men to carry On evening clubs. The ex-

periment did not prove very successful.

336

VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP

In Columbus, Ohio, a training class for play leaders is followed
by a probation period of volunteer service previous to the making
of permanent appointments. In Allegheny, Pennsylvania, each
play center is supervised by a volunteer committee although the
practical conduct of play is entrusted to trained and paid leaders.
Although the committee has nothing to do with the practical side of
the work, the interest of each committee member is a great incentive
to the play leader.

In Plainfield, New Jersey, for each social center activity there
is an advisory committee, the chairman of which acts as leader for
his particular group.

While volunteer leadership relieves the recreation secretary
to a certain extent, it has been found that in the majority of cases
it has not proved practicable. A combination of volunteer and
paid leadership is satisfactory in the majority of cases only so long
as the first enthusiasm on the part of the volunteer lasts. When this
disappears — as it so often does — and other interests divert the atten-
tion of the volunteer, the paid worker is burdened with double
duties.

Another difficulty which immediately presents itself is the fact
that volunteer leaders lack special training for their work. The
superintendent of recreation, if time is available, can give a course
of training to volunteers but very often his duties will not permit of
this. No matter how willing the volunteer may be or how real
his interest, his lack of technical training and knowledge can not
fail to be a drawback to his usefulness and to the success of the
work.

On the part of most volunteers there is an absence of any marked
feeling of responsibility towards the work. Outside engagements
are bound to interfere; the necessary daily preparation for play-
ground or evening recreation center activities becomes irksome and
his work as a result is inefficient.

While there are doubtless young people of ability endowed
with qualities of leadership whose services are so efficient as to
approximate in many cases to trained leadership, there is a general
fueling that volunteer leadership does not make for permanency in
a recreation system and ought never to be substituted for paid
leadership. Possibly one of the most helpful ways in which volun-
teers can serve is by working through committees which advise
with the paid workers and give publicity to the work of the
centers.

337

BUILDING UP A TOWN'S RECREATION

The following report was made by A. E. Metzdorf, of Spring-
field, Massachusetts, after a special visit made to a near-by city
at the request of the Playground and Recreation Association of
America.

Organization:

It would be well to appoint a committee on community recrea-
tion, consisting of twenty-five men and six women, which could be
subdivided so as to be responsible for (i) playground activities
(boys and girls) (2) water sports and (3) finance.

The executive committe should consist of president, vice-presi-
dent, secretary, treasurer, chairman of committees and two women.

Bath Houses:

According to sketches provided the men's houses should be
fourteen by twenty-five feet containing seven rooms (with locks)
three feet by four feet, fifty -four lockers, one toilet, one storage room,
mirrors and foot tubs. The boys' fenced enclosure fourteen feet by
fifteen feet should contain benches, hooks for clothing. Have a
drinking fountain close by.

The women's house should be fourteen feet by thirty- two feet to
contain fifteen rooms three feet by four feet (with locks) , large room
at one end for girls, seven feet by fourteen feet, benches, hooks, small
curtained partitions making about five stalls in this room, three feet
by three feet, one toilet, one storage room, drinking fountain near
by, mirrors, foot tubs.

Equipment for Beach and Water :

One boat, two small round life buoys, each to have thirty feet
of one-half-inch rope attached; one raft sixteen feet by twenty feet
built over ten barrels, to have on it — one life buoy, one spring board ,
two ladders from water, one piece canvas length of float and along
spring board, two feet wide; one length of three-quarter-inch rope on
posts out into the water dividing water for men and boys from
girls and women; also may be necessary to place ropes at either end
of beaches thus formed to indicate bathing area. Dividing rope should
lead to raft. There should be one clotheswringer, two pails, two
brooms, one rake; one set of first aid supplies: bandages, sulpho-
napthol, adhesive tape; one wash pan for washing out cuts from glass,

338

BUILDING UP A TOWN'S RECREATION
one package absorbent cotton, and one small megaphone for guard.

Supervision :

One man on duty from nine to twelve and one to dark (may
have to have a helper from six to dark), one woman, nine to twelve
and one to dark (may need extra help).

General Suggestions for conduct of bathing beach:

Advertise, through signs posted on grounds : — hours at which
the beach may be used; gentlemenly behavior; no swearing; legisla-
tion as to bathing suits, have definite hours for teaching swimming ;
Sunday use of beach — yes or no? (We do in Springfield, same as
any other day.) The life guard is never to wander out of sight of
the water. Start with a good standard and stick to it. Boys of high
school may do the grading work on the beach, through cooperation
of school board. Have holiday. March to beach from school. Girls
rake up pine grove preparatory to fixing up playground. Life guard
to organize a boys' life saving corps in connection with boy scout
movement. Have pictures taken of large crowds and children using
beach and houses. Keep an accurate record of attendance of: —
men — women — boys and girls; record of accidents, record of assist-
ance in water which might have proven fatal, number of people
learning to swim

Pine Grove Playground:

Preparatory work needed: clean out grandstand. Clean out
rooms underneath. Clean out under bleachers. Clean out grove.
Repair fences and entrances. Install toilets and drinking fountains.

Supervision :

One woman — hours nine to twelve — two to five or later, if
necessary. One man — hours nine to twelve — two to five or later.

Activities :

The activities for boys should include: baseball (regular dia-
mond and small diamond), quoits, basket ball, volley ball, games of
all kinds, kite making and flying, cross country tramps and picnics,
trips to swimming hole with competitive swimming sports.

The girls should have games, folk dancing, basket ball, volley
ball, swings, teeter boards, sand box.

The following thoughts occur to me as vital: —

339

A PROBLEM WELL STATED

Make good this year so as to have a real reason for turning this
work over to the town.

Definite standards for conduct on playground, such as no smok-
ing— swearing — idleness or any other such features.

A PROBLEM WELL STATED

Although those wishing to forward the play movement,
whether seeking trained workers or themselves seeking training
have long recognized the increasing difficulty of securing either,
the problem has not before been so clearly analyzed as by Clark
W. Hetherington in his biennial report on the professional course
in physical education and recreation. Seen from the angle of
university experience, the statement represents what is found
magnified in the country as a whole.

In the University of Wisconsin, four departments have co-
operated for the training of physical directors and recreation di-
rectors— the Department of Physical Education, the College of
Letters and Sciences, the Medical School and the Course for the
Training of Teachers. For a student to get the scientific, theoreti-
cal and practical training necessary for the fulfillment of his pro-
fessional functions and yet gain the breadth of cultural training
necessary for a profession so conspicuous in its leadership of youth
on the social and moral sides of education was difficult even in the
five years of the course.

To work out a four years' course, now greatly demanded,
that will produce independently efficient physical educators was a
much more difficult task, but it has been accomplished though
there are still problems to be solved.

Professor Hetherington advises the introduction of broader
recreation work which will fit the student for the many recreation
positions in which the teaching of physical activities has no place.
Every recreation worker out in the field who has lifted up his eyes
to the harvest has realized the abounding opportunities for service
through recreation which the ordinary routine of games and dances
cannot touch. The movement teems with vital problems — many
of which may best be solved by research work and more advanced
training of workers before they enter the field.

To meet the crying need in the state for training of workers
already in the field as well as those preparing, Professor Hether-

340

THE PLAY LEADER'S ALPHABET

ington advises an effort to induce students majoring in other
departments especially in education to take a minor in the physical
education and recreation department so as to help in the small
high school. Many requests especially for men are received for a
combination of English, mathematics or other academic subjects
and athletics. Summer sessions, bulletins, lecture courses and
correspondence courses in the Extension Department are recom-
mended for the service of the state.

THE PLAY LEADER'S ALPHABET

E. B. DeGroot's advice to workers takes the form of "Play-
ground Axioms — to Be Read and Re-read Thoughtfully:"

There is nothing more ridiculous than the contradiction seen
in the playground director who does not play.

No one likes a dull, tardy or early quitting playfellow.

A "play boss" is a contemptible person.

A good playground director leads; a poor one merely tags after
the children.

A playground director unable to stand prolonged physical and
mental application is no more efficient than a fireman on crutches.

To dress properly and comfortably for playground leadership
and work is a fine art; an "overdressed" director is as much out of
place as one who is slovenly dressed.

It is the nature of children to respect deeds, not words; they
never fail, however, to note the quality of your language and the
manner of your delivery.

The only way to teach good manners on the playground is to
be able to command and express them habitually.

Successful playground directors, no less than other successful
professional workers, attribute much of their success to a working
knowledge of the literature of their profession.

341

BOOK REVIEWS

MEMOIRS OF DAVID BLAUSTEIN, EDUCATOR AND COMMUNAL

WORKER

Arranged by Miriam Blaustein. Printed for the author by McBride Nast
and Company, New York, 1913. Price, Cloth $2.25 ; Leather $5.00
It is well that the devotion of David Blaustein to social progress, espe-
cially to that phase of social progress represented in the movement to
Americanize the immigrant, should be preserved in a form in which it
may be a call and an inspiration to those working in this field who have
never known the inspiration of the man's personality. The years of never-
ending toil and sacrifice, the clear vision with which he outlined men's
needs shine from the pages.

CHRISTIANIZING THE COMMUNITY LIFE

By Harry F. Ward and Richard Henry Edwards. Published by Association
Press, 124 East Twenty-eighth Street, New York City. Price, sixty cents
The needs of the community and of the world are painted in words that
burn and thrill. Industrial and social democracy, with the abolition of child
labor, preventable disease and opportunity for education and recreation for all,
should and must come to the community from the application of the principles
of Jesus. "There can be no city of righteousness which does not provide play for
its children." * * * "It is in the contact of play and in the satisfaction of the
recreational need that the contagion of evil most persistently touches child life."
The volume is the eighth in a series planned to cover four years of volun-
tary study, especially for students, the general outline of which was prepared
by the Committee on Voluntary Study of the Council of North American Student
Movements.

AN OUTLINE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION FOR PRIMARY AND

GRAMMAR SCHOOLS, JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS

AND HIGH SCHOOLS

By Ernst Hermann. Published by the University Press, Cambridge, Mass.

Price, $1.00

The educational value of play receives sympathetic treatment in this
volume, for the author believes "play as a method of recreation and of
physical training is unsurpassed because it uses established co-ordination
and fundamental muscles, especially if a variety of games is practiced. * * *
it is the teacher's principal means of reaching the whole child." Drill, march-
ing and formal gymnastics occpy a part of the book. Games and folk
dances for each grade are given, including a number of unfamiliar ones.

''WHEN MOTHER LETS US" SERIES

Published by Moffat, Yard and Company, New York. Price, seventy-five cents

per volume

Seventeen volumes, each by an expert in his own field, have thus far
appeared. "When Mother Lets Us" — Play, Sew, Cook, Cut Out Pictures, Act,
Make Toys, Garden — these may suggest the wealth of ideas for answering the
question, "What could we do now?"

Directions for modelling a "Circus," Easter eggs, tiles, flower pots; for
making a match-box, a swing board, a study table; drawing "snow-scapes,"
valentines; riddles and puzzles and charades — what little boy or girl would not
like to try such fascinating plays!

342

Country Life in America

The island and field house looking over the west branch of the river. The
children in this picture are late for supper as the sun was almost down as the
shadow on the left side of the field house shows. Note the shaHow effect on the
island, making it appear almost impenetrable.

Country Life in America

Picture was not taken on a Saturday, but after school Monday. The place
swarms with children all the time. Bass fishing is good in the east branch of
the river, just visible in this picture.

More sedate and less strenuous swings for the elder "children" are on
other parts of island.

343

Country Life in America

Even the flood could not keep the children off their island. This scene
is perhaps seventy yards from the river bank. The following Saturday and
Sunday the island was swarming with children but the sky was overcast and
pictures could not be taken.

Country Life in America

Reclaimed swamp land in foreground — island in background. Fishing is
always good here. Approach is covered with flowering shrubs and bushes now.
Path is bordered with flowering white and purple lilacs. Two tennis courts and
some playground apparatus barely visible on island. This picture taken from
large arch bridge directly in center of the town. Old cut shows this as a low,
malarial swamp and an island of undergrowth.

344

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COMMUNITY WAR RECREATION SERVICE
ITS MEANING — PLAN OF WORK — ACCOMPLISH MI NTS

After diplomatic relations with Germany had been broken

and it became evident that the United States must send men
as well as supplies and money to her Allies, the War Department
took immediate steps to safeguard the moral and recreational
life of the men who would be called to serve their country, b)
the appointment of a Commission on Training Camp Activities

The Commission is made up of Raymond B. Fosdick, Chair
man, Lee F. Hanmer, Thomas J. Howells, Joseph Lee, Malcolr*
L. McBride, John R. Mott, Charles P. Neill, Major P. E. Pierce,
Joseph E. Raycroft and Marc Klaw.

The Navy Department Commission on Training Camp Activ-
ities consists of:

Raymond B. Fosdick, Chairman; Lieut. Richard E. Byrd,
U. S. N., Secretary; Clifford W. Barnes, Walter Camp, Selah
Chamberlain, John J. Eagan, Joseph Lee, E. T. Meredith, Barton
Myers, Charles P. Neill, Mrs. Helen Ring Robinson, Mrs. Finley J.
Shepard, Mrs. Daisy McLaurin Stevens, John S. Tichenor.

The work of the Commission is divided into three parts. To
the Y. M. C. A. has been assigned certain duties within each
camp, especially the establishment of their recreation buildings
which have been so successfully carried on by them in camps
on the Mexican border and in the military and prison camps of
Europe. There will be one such building for each brigade, with
books and magazines, provision for writing letters, lectures, church
services, singing, games, moving pictures and other educational
and recreational activities. There will be five men in charge of
each building.

The second branch of the work will be to aid in the exclusion
of vice and vicious resorts from the neighborhood of each camp.

The third branch of the work is of a more positive sort. It is
the belief of the Commission that a purely negative policy as
regards conditions outside of the camps would fall very far
short of meeting the needs of the situation. The underlying
cause of the great and obvious evils which have attended the
establishment of training camps in this country and in Europe —
the real disease of which these evils have merely been the symp-

349

COMMUNITY WAR RECREATION SERVICE

toms — has been the result of the cutting off of the men in the
camps from normal social intercourse and recreation and especi-
ally of the breaking off of those relations to home and friends,
to church, to employment, to social and business associates and
to the other sex, of which a normal and healthy life so largely
consists. The resulting evils include not merely vice and dissipa-
tion and their consequences, but homesickness, depression, and
a general loss of moral and physical tone, which are almost
equally serious.

Moreover the Commission does not consider it enough that
a great educational enterprise in this country — such as the estab-
lishment of these training camps for young men represents —
should barely avoid the wholesale propagation of physical dis-
ease and moral deterioration. America demands something
more than that. We must make these men stronger in every
sense — more fit, morally, mentally, and physically than they
have ever been in their lives — or it will have to be said of us
that, like every other nation that has encountered the problem
of the training camp, we also have failed in its solution.

These camps are national universities — training schools to
which the flower of American youth is being sent — and it is by
their results not only in technical military efficiency but in those
qualities on which military and all other efficiency in the long
run depends that they must finally be judged.

As to the means by which this positive good is to be ac-
complished, they are many and various. Perhaps the most im-
portant single method is in keeping alive the link between each
soldier and his home. Frederick Law Olmsted gave as the con-
clusion of his long and active service on the Sanitary Commis-
sion during the Civil War that the two great influences in keep-
ing the men well were singing and letters from home. Better
even than letters from home will be, where it is possible, the
actual presence near the camps of members of the soldier's
family; and one thing which it is hoped every community near
a training camp will do is to make every possible provision,
through a careful census of its lodging accommodations and
perhaps through the provision of special quarters, for the ac-
commodation of soldiers' families who desire to settle for longer
or shorter periods in the neighborhood.

Equally important is the relation between the men in the
camps and the local community itself. Here every sort of

350

COMMUNITY WAR RECREATION SERVICE

natural relation should be established. Churches should mak«
the soldiers of their respective denominations feel not only that
they are welcome, but that they are members of whom active
participation is desired. The men might be asked to serve as
ushers, to address the Sunday School classes, the Boy Scouts
(the latter would highly appreciate having a real soldier to talk
to them), sometimes even to preach.

The same principle applies to every lodge, college society
or business association. Clubs, settlements, recreation centers,
organizations of every sort should be open to soldiers not merely
as outsiders but as participants.

Social occasions where the soldiers will meet girls and
women under natural and wholesome conditions will be especi-
ally important. Officers and men should be asked to receptions,
dances, outings and parties of all sorts, for instance by the
various churches to which they belong, by other organizations
and by private citizens. And here again they should be invited
not merely to receive but to give. If a regiment has a good band
or glee club, it should be asked to give a concert. If it has put
on a good show in the camp, it should be asked to repeat it in
the town. Or it may be invited to give a set of games or to take
part in an athletic series. Always it is participation, expression,
the active rather than the passive form of recreation and of
membership that counts.

Closer social relations between soldiers and families or indi-
viduals in the community can not of course be forced. They
must come as a by-product of the various social occasions that
will be established.

The public resources of the community should be placed at
the disposal of officers and men. Playgrounds, gymnasiums,
swimming pools should be open to them. Libraries, museums
and other public buildings might well extend their Saturday
afternoon hours and be open Sunday — the soldiers' one day off.
Recreation centers should be utilized for their entertainment and
for entertainments given by them. To all public places the
uniform should be a ticket of admission. Possibly the schools
can lend teachers for courses in history or foreign languages, and
(especially important in keeping up the men's relation to their
own business life at home) for trade instruction which the
Y. M. C. A. will undoubtedly furnish within the camps. The
city may perhaps itself take part by furnishing official recep-

COMMUNITY WAR RECREATION SERVICE

tions for the soldiers, showing that the community has faith
in them, and by organizing community singing on an inspiring
scale (a matter to which the Commission is devoting especial
attention).

The young girls of the community will naturally and rightly
take a great interest in the soldiers, want to meet them and give
them a good time ; and it should be the endeavor of every church
and every social organization, through the young women who
are the natural leaders of these girls, to help them to do this
effectively and in the best and most desirable way. A good plan
which it is hoped will be adopted in many communities will be
to foster among girls various activities for keeping themselves
fit and strong and for helping directly in the war, such as more
expert housekeeping, gardening, hospital and Red Cross work,
hygiene and athletics. The schools might keep open in summer
for teaching some of these things. The Girl Scouts and Camp
Fire Girls can be of great assistance for those under sixteen years
of age, and similar groups of girls above that age should also be
formed along somewhat the same lines. The Commission hopes
to be able to send to communities in the neighborhood of camps
trained women workers who can advise on this and other kinds
of work for girls having a direct bearing on the war.

The adoption and carrying out of the program above out-
lined in each community in the neighborhood of the training
camps — or of the better program which will in time be evolved
— is the responsibility not of the Commission on Training Camp
Activities but of the community itself. It is not the function
of the representatives of the Commission to carry through a
cut and dried plan but simply to help each community to de-
velop its own resources in its own way and under its own repre-
sentative committee, with such sub-committees as it may find
desirable to form.

The responsibility placed upon such committees and upon
all the citizens is very great, but it is one which we believe will
be met as it has never been met before in the history of military
camps. And the opportunity is commensurate to the responsi-
bility. The first victories of our war can be won right here at
home by the citizens, and largely by the women, of those com-
munities to which has been entrusted the high responsibility of
testifying the country's hospitality to its defenders.

To provide the necessary machinery through which this

352

COMMUNITY WAR RECREATION SERVICE

community organization for the soldiers might be effected the
War Department Commission on Training Camp Activities on
May the fifth asked the Playground and Recreation Associa-
tion of America to send a worker to each of the communities ad-
jacent to the training camps to organize and stimulate the recre-
ational and social life of the communities in such a way as to
make it of the greatest possible value to the men in khaki, who
will naturally turn to the cities in their free time for recreation
and who will hope to find in these cities some substitution for
the home relationships which have suddenly been broken off by
the call to service. The Playground and Recreation Association
of America has to the present time sent more than seventy war
recreation secretaries out and the following communities are
busy organizing their resources for the benefit of their thousands
of guests : *

Alabama
Anniston
Montgomery

Arizona
Douglas

Arkansas
Argenta
Little Rock

California
Linda Vista
Oakland
Palo Alto
San Diego
San Francisco

District of Columbia
Washington

Florida
Key West
Pensacola

Georgia

Atlanta

Augusta

Macon

Illinois
Chicago
Rantoul
Rockford

Indiana
Indianapolis

Iowa
Des Moines

Kansas
Army City
Junction City
Manhattan

Kentucky
Louisville

* Additional cities are listed on page 389.

Louisiana
Alexandria
New Orleans

Massachusetts
Ayer
Boston

Michigan
Battle Creek
Kalamazoo

Minnesota
Minneapolis
St. Paul

Mississippi
Hattiesburg

New Jersey
Tenafly
Wrightstown

New Mexico
Deming

353

COMMUNITY WAR RECREATION SERVICE

New York
Lewiston
Mineola

New York City
Niagara Falls
Plattsburg
Sacket Harbor
Syracuse
Watertown
Yaphank
Youngstown

North Carolina
Charlotte

Ohio

Chillicothe
Dayton

Oklahoma
Lawton

Pennsylvania
Gettysburg

Hanover

Philadelphia

York

Rhode Island
Newport

South Carolina
Beaufort
Charleston
Columbia
Greenville
Spartanburg

Tennessee
Chattanooga

Texas
Brownsville
Del Rio
Eagle Pass
El Paso
Ft. Worth

Houston

Marfa

San Antonio

Waco

Utah
Salt Lake City

Vermont
Burlington
Essex Junction
Winooski

Virginia
Norfolk
Petersburg

Washington
Seattle
Tacoma

Wisconsin

Sparta

A WEEK IN A TRAINING CAMP CITY-CHATTANOOGA

What the committees are doing and with what response their
efforts are meeting in the communities is shown by a few typical
weekly reports from the war recreation workers.

The weekly report of R. K. Atkinson, organizer of the work
of the Soldiers' Life Activities Committee in Chattanooga, tells
of the many activities and of the whole-hearted hospitality of
that city.

"The week of June 10th has marked some very effective or-
ganization of institutions within the city which have undertaken
activities in connection with the coming of the soldiers.

"The Rotary Club at its weekly meeting voted to establish and
maintain an information bureau at Eleventh and Market Streets,
the first important stop of the street car from the Post.

"The Chamber of Commerce has done some wonderfully
effective work in assisting the military authorities in caring for
the recruits who are arriving in such numbers that they could not

354

COMMUNITY WAR RECREATION SERVICE

be cared for with the facilities available at Chickamauga. Some-
thing more than six hundred men were cared for in various hotels
and rooming houses about the city and the Y. M. C. A. took about
one hundred fifty of them, providing cots in the gymnasium for
sleeping quarters and meals at their cafe. This stringency is now
relieved by the arrival of new equipment at the Post. The Chamber
of Commerce has the facilities at hand so that upon very short
notice they can accommodate as many as six thousand men should
another such crisis arise.

"The Woman's Club has undertaken to foster the movement
for community music and has arranged for several of the churches
to have organ recitals and other musical programs for Sunday
afternoons. They are also suggesting that some of the motion
picture houses which have pipe organs give contributions to this
kind of work. Two of the churches have taken official action
on their responsibilities to this work and have opened up a rest
and reading room in each instance located close to the heart of
the city.

"The Young Woman's Christian Association has expressed
its willingness to work in every possible way on the girl problem
but is waiting for the coming of a special worker for this depart-
ment before taking any final action or making permanent plans.

"The Young Men's Hebrew Association has followed the lead
of the Y. M. C. A. in offering their facilities to any man in uni-
form, and their well-equipped building will undoubtedly be used
intensively.

"The Knights of Columbus have also a well-equipped build-
ing centrally located and plan to take similar action at the next
meeting of their board of directors.

"The Women's League for Service continues doing good work.
On Monday and Thursday of this week they sent automobiles to
the Post Hospital, five on Monday and seven on Thursday and have
taken all of the convalescent men, between twenty and thirty, who
are able to go for rides for pleasure trips of an hour and a half in
length. Their work has been greatly appreciated both by the men
and by the officials in charge at the hospital. One man had been
in the hospital for eight weeks suffering from a serious fracture.
He was helped into the car and given his first opportunity in that
length of time to see something outside the environs of the insti-
tution in which he had been confined. Another man who had been
in the hospital for about two weeks suffering from a sun stroke

355

COMMUNITY WAR RECREATION SERVICE

or shock of some kind had shown absolutely no interest in any-
thing, and the officials were very much worried over his morbid
condition. . After the ride under the kindly care of his hostess for
tne afternoon, he came back showing a great deal of animation
and interest. Another lad told one of the ladies that he had not
written to his mother for a long time, that when he first entered
the Army he used to write but he had about stopped writing and
did not feel like writing especially when he was not well, but that
he had had such a good time on this trip he was going to spend
the evening writing to his mother. The plan of the organization of
these rides includes the specification that no car shall go unless
accompanied by a lady who shall serve as hostess for the trip, and
it is planned to make it a definite and permanent institution, two
afternoons a week, for the present.

"On Friday evening a committee of the Women's League took
two car i loads of entertainers out to the Post for a twilight per-
formance for the boys of the Eleventh Infantry. Between five
and six hundred of them enjoyed some good music, folk dances
by some little girls and then spent a half hour in singing. The
ladies have promised to repeat this at least once a week and are
expecting to make similar plans for other regiments of the regulars.

'"One of the best features of the work here is the way in which
the community is realizing that its greatest responsibility is to the
regulars who do not have the resources of their own which the
men in the Officers' Reserve Corps have in such large measure.

"Two of our regularly organized committees have been at work
and made definite plans during the present week. The Committee
on Commercial Amusements has met and made recommendation
to the city administration in regard to alterations on the dancing
pavilion at Warner Park and in regard to the supervision of the
dances which the city is responsible for out there. This commit-
tee is also dealing with the question of motion pictures and has
found most cordial and helpful cooperation on the part of the
motion picture men. The question of motion pictures on Sunday
has been discussed and the legal aspects of the question are being
considered, no definite action having been decided upon as yet.

"The Rest Room and Finance Committee have met and have
decided upon a centrally located building 20 x 100, four floors.
They are planning to raise $2,000 for renovation and equipment,
and $500 per month for the management of the bureau and rest
room. Here the entire work of our organization and its kindred

356

A WEEK IN A TRAINING CAMP CITY

interests will be housed. Reading room, lounging room, emergency
sleeping quarters, lunch room, writing facilities and adequate toilet
facilities will be provided. It is probable that the lunch room of
this institution will be turned over to the Red Cross.

"Another item of interest has to do with the plans we have
under way to have parties of the soldiers visit points of historical
interest under proper guides. The library has undertaken to
provide accurate and concise statements for these guides. As is
usual we find here that a great deal of inaccurate information is
being given to visitors. On Lookout Mountain and Missionary
Ridge groups of residents have agreed to furnish through their
men's church organization guides for parties of soldiers and the
library will furnish mimeographed memoranda regarding the his-
torical points. The library is at work getting a great quantity of
books and periodicals to be placed out at the Post as fast as the
permanent cantonments are completed. They are making a strong
call for current periodicals, realizing that many of the old magazines
will not be of interest to the boys.

"Our information cards from the Officers' Reserve Corps have
brought us in two-thirds of the total registration. The securing
of the remainder of this registration has been delegated to a captain
and two aides. They are going to handle the matter systematically
and within the next few days will have all of the cards and will
print a list of the men, their companies, home addresses and busi-
ness. The original cards will then be turned over to us for the
completion of our files of colleges, fraternal orders and church
affiliations, and to the Y. M. C. A. at the Post for the compilation
for musical, dramatic and athletic ability.

"Nothing could be finer than the spirit of helpfulness and co-
operation which everyone in Chattanooga is manifesting. There are
about 12,000 men at Chickamauga now and hundreds arriving every
day, but Chattanooga's organizations and enthusiasm promises to
keep up with the problems as they arise."

A WEEK IN INDIANAPOLIS

James Edward Rogers, in his report for the week ending June
10th, tells how splendidly Indianapolis has undertaken this task
of acting as host to thousands of men in khaki.

"Besides the attached list of Things Done and Doing which

357

A WEEK IN A TRAINING CAMP CITY

tell of the sixty efforts started and accomplished the following are
some of the high spots in our busy week's history.

"Reception by the whole Committee of Fifty at the Claypool
Hotel to General Glenn, who was yesterday promoted to this posi-
tion. General Glenn pledged cooperation — talked intimately of his
and our problems and how we could work together and what he
considered good and wholesome entertainment. It was a splendid,
practical conference.

"Conference with managing editors of the three newspapers on
a scheme for Saturday afternoon auto rides over the country for
the five thousand five hundred men at the Camp. These have been
started and will extend over the month. Over one hundred ma-
chines have been mobilized for next Saturday and over five hun-
dred boys want to go on the ride.

"The Saturday Luncheon Club, Chamber of Commerce — the
leading Forum of Indianapolis, will meet every Saturday and each
man will invite to lunch one of the men at the Camp.

"The organization of the social and recreational life of the
people of Millerville and Lawrenceville, two small towns next to
the Camp.

"Started at the Y. M. C. A. a series of Saturday afternoon
and evening entertainments for the men; we are furnishing talent
through our entertainment department.

"Started the Patriotic League among three hundred business
women who will work to create a wholesome community attitude
and atmosphere on the part of the women and the girls.

"Conference on the Big Fourth of July Athletic Carnival to be
held at the State Fair Grounds — benefit of Red Cross and the Sol-
diers' Fund."

THINGS DONE AND DOING

"The establishment of a confidential file as to the vice, liquor
and other conditions resulting from the Camp. We already have
some interesting secret reports. In this way our constructive work
is being checked. The social workers who are in a position to locate
these facts are doing this work.

"Practically all clubs are open to the men at this Camp ; cards
are easy to obtain. Mr. Herod yesterday gave a hundred cards to
these men.

358

A WEEK IN A TRAINING CAMP CITY

"Saturday night dances are being held at the Country Club,
the Woodstock Club; practically all the clubs have such dances.
Also at the two best hotels clean dances are held — Claypool and
Severin.

"The Lutheran Churches have organized and are getting in
touch with their boys through the registration system established.

"Under Rabbi Feuerlicht — the mobilization of Jewish people
to get in touch and care and provide for those of the Jewish faith
has been accomplished.

"The Knights of Columbus and the Daughters of Isabella are
getting in touch with the boys of the Catholic faith — the first recep-
tion, dinner and dance June 16th. After that a series of entertain-
ments is being planned.

"Through the registration cards the Rotarians have gotten in
touch with thirty Rotarians at the Camp and will plant to entertain
them.

"Through the registration cards, of which we have two sets,
the fraternal orders have all started to get the complete list of their
members at the camp for their purposes.

"The state and public libraries have extended their privileges
to the men of the camp and also provided a branch library and
librarian at the camp.

"The college fraternities are planning to get in touch with their
members. The Delta Tau Delta on Saturday, June 16th, Board of
Trade, meet their one hundred members.

"Aid Society for benefit of the regulars have arranged with
the Metropolitan Conservatory of music for their pleasure.

"Indianapolis Baseball Park has extended an invitation to the
men to the Saturday afternoon games.

"Mr. McCormick of the Circle Theatre is planning Saturday
night motion pictures, singing and vaudeville entertainment for
the men.

"Through our Entertainment Committee plans are afoot for
a big vaudeville show for soldiers only at the Murat Theatre some
night the latter part of this month ; seating capacity, two thousand.

"Through our Home Department, Professor Michelon, ex-
French soldier of war experience will give a series of lectures for
the men Saturday evenings at the churches. This is hightly educa-
tional— illustrated by motion picture and stereopticon views.

"Plan is on foot to mobilize the downtown churches — their
social rooms for Saturday socials and receptions for the men.

359

A VISIT TO FORT NIAGARA

"At the behest of the National Board of Review — we have
taken up the matter of having a high grade of pictures for the men.
Special steps are being taken to get the men in touch with these
pictures.

"Through our Recreation Committee, an effort is being made
to have the best theatres reduce their prices for the men in uniform ;
to get the latter to patronize the best rather than the cheap burlesque.

"The Little Theatre people have offered their plays for presen-
tation at the Saturday night church receptions and entertainments.

"Homes have been offered for receiving boys for Saturday and
Sunday dinner.

"Through the Marion Sunday School Association plans are
afoot for keeping the boys and girls of Indianapolis busy this swn-

A VISIT TO FORT NIAGARA

Fort Niagara's plans for its guests are told by Joseph Lee,
president of the Playground and Recreation Association of America
and member of the Commission on Training Camp Activities, who
visited Ft. Niagara when the work had been in operation only ten
days. Mr. Lee's report shows how effectively and quickly the
cities have responded to the challenge, "What will you do for the
soldier in his free time ?" Mr. Lee writes :

"I visited Niagara Falls and the camp at Fort Niagara on May
22nd, and met our representative there, Ira W. Jayne, head of the
recreation system in Detroit, whom we have requisitioned.

"I spent the day with him, going over what had been done and
seeing what I could of the situation.

"Before we started out, two of the Y. M. C. A. men at the
camp came in and we had an interesting talk about possibilities
of work. I also met a young architect who is a member of Mr.
Jayne's committee and is making a detailed contour map with the
points of real interest marked on it for the use of the men in plan-
ning excursions.

"The general layout of the situation is as follows: The camp
is on the point where the Niagara River conies into Lake Ontario.
Adjoining it is the village of Youngstown with 500 inhabitants;
along the trolley road toward Niagara Falls is Lewiston of 700 in-
habitants, and then comes Niagara Falls, about a fifty-minute ride
on the trolley, with 30,000 inhabitants. The important points are

360

A VISIT TO FORT NIAGARA

Youngstown at one end, Niagara Falls at the other. People when
they once get into the trolley seldom stop at Lewiston.

"The following are some of the things which I found had been
done or were in process. (It must be remembered that Mr. Jayne
had been at Niagara Falls only ten days and that the camp had
been open only eight days.)

"The general committee to have charge of all the work, ap-
pointed by the Mayor, seems as good as could have been chosen.
It represents the government, business, the churches, Masons, col-
leges, Red Cross, Y. W. C. A., and all the other organizations that
will be important in the work for the soldiers, and the general social
life of the town.

"Mr. Jayne is in close touch with the Y. M. C. A., with the
chaplain, (who though he does not exist officially is very much in
actuality as an individual), and with groups and individuals within
the camp itself. The Mayor under Mr. Jayne's inspiration has
given to the papers a good statement, showing, as it should do,
how the Committee and not our representative is doing things.

"The following are some of the specific lines in which work
is being done:

I. "For families of soldiers who may desire to make a visit:
(1) the Y. W. C. A. had already a very complete, classified list
of lodging places, because helping visitors at Niagara Falls has
been a constant part of their work. (2) They have agreed to ex-
tend their list to cover Lewiston and Youngstown. (3) As to
special provision, Mr. Jayne has persuaded the family resort at the
beach adjoining the camp to open May 30th instead of June 23rd,
and to let its 20 odd small cottages at a reasonable rate. (4) He
had also when I left probably persuaded the hotel in Youngstown
with its 40 rooms to open very soon instead of waiting until July.
Members of his committee who were trustees of the bank that holds
the mortgage on the hotel, plus a fear of what the Secretary of
War might do, had a fructifying effect. (5) We looked at possible
sites for portable houses in Youngstown, and something may later
be done in that direction.

II. "In the matter of recreation and general resources, the
; following things have been done or planned. ( 1 ) The Tennis Club

has invited the men to come and play, and a match is brewing be-
tween the local and the camp champion. (2) The Country Club,
which opens May 30th, will charge soldiers a dollar for the use of
1 its golf course Saturday afternoons and Sunday, believing that

361

A VISIT TO FORT NIAGARA

the charge will make the invitation more acceptable. (3) The
preachers of three local churches have agreed to invite the men
of their respective denominations to come, and have planned socia-
bles for them. Mr. Jayne and the Y. M. C. A. man took kindly to
a suggestion of mine that men should be asked to preach, to address
Sunday Schools, and especially to talk to Boy Scouts, to whom they
would be especially welcome. (4) The University of Michigan
men in the town had already planned a smoker for the following
Saturday evening, and were waiting only for the Y. M. C. A. cen-
sus of the men to ask their alumni within the camp. Pennsylvania
State had done the same. Prominent graduates of Cornell, Penn-
sylvania and Pittsburgh, who are members of the general commit-
tee, had agreed to do likewise. (5) The head man of the Masons,
a member of the committee, and the head of the Rotary Club have
undertaken to entertain those belonging to the respective organiza-
tions, and the Elks representative on the committee says his organ-
ization will follow suit. (6) The local Y. M. C. A. has agreed to
open its baths to the soldiers. (7) The Auto Club has planned a
run for them. (8) Two local college men are listing local teams to
play soldiers' teams. (9) The mayor, who is chairman of the
library, will establish a branch thereof in the Y. M. C. A. building
in camp.

III. "In the way of dances, the young college group has
planned Saturday night dances either at the beach resort next the
camp, where there is a dance pavilion that will accommodate 200
couples, or at the hotel equally near. I suspect that both will be
put in requisition.

"The mayor has appointed a committee of 36 ladies who have
agreed to act as patronesses.

IV. "In the matter of commercial recreation, the beach resort
above mentioned will invite its concessionaires, with their coasts,
merry-go-rounds, of which it has a short list, to come when it opens
May 30th, and will accept any whom Mr. Jayne may find to put
up places for pool, billiards, shooting gallery, or the like.

"The movies of the town seem hardly to require censoring.
The complaint about that at Youngstown is that it is too highbrow.

V. "As to refreshment booths, the difficulty — as I suppose at |
most camps — will be not so much to get them as to guide the enthus-
iasm of those whose efforts tend in this direction. The Red Cross
has a booth at the gate ; some young Yale men have another oppo-
site. But the important one will be a tea room which Mrs. Barton,

362

ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN VARIOUS CITIES

head of the Y. W. C. A. and of the mayor's committee of ladies,
will open either in the hotel or in a small house hired for the pur-
pose. She will put it in charge of a young woman who has made
a commercial success of similar work elsewhere, and will hire a
cook. But of course the main thing is that she will get some of
the best women from the three neighboring towns to make this an
opportunity for coming into natural social relations with the soldiers.
Mrs. Barton will also put up a rest and toilet room for women
visitors to the camp.

VI. "In organizing the leisure time of young girls of the
neighborhood, the Y. W. C. A. has already done a great deal in
the way of getting factory girls and others into small clubs with its
carefully tested program of useful work or training, of hygiene
and exercise, and of a good time generally ; and it plans to get these
clubs by factory units, to give parties not to the young officers in
the training camps but to the militia companies that are also on
duty, one at the camp and one at Niagara Falls.

"Mrs. Barton, who as head of the Y. W. C. A. is the leader
in this work also, is planning a training class for leaders of groups
of girls ; and it may be that we shall be able to supply the different
cities in the neighborhood of camps with trained women to carry
on such classes and to advise on all the work for girls.

VII. "A problem which Mr. Jayne feels to be the most serious
of all has as yet not been touched or even planned for, and that is
the presence within the camp of a large number of negro employees
with nothing whatever to do except crap shooting.

"On the whole it seemed to me that for the ninth day of the
camp good results and good beginnings had been shown."

ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN VARIOUS CITIES

To tell what the war recreation work is meaning to the com-
munities themselves in bringing all their forces together in a co-
operative undertaking and in communizing their interests, or what
effect it is having on the lives of the men for whose welfare and
happiness the cities are directing their efforts, is not possible. Sta-
tistics can not measure the degree to which a community has been
aided in "finding its soul" or the individual his province by the
community's efforts. Time alone can measure the effectiveness of
the war recreation service which is now only in its infancy as a pre-
ventive and constructive feature in the history of the American

363

ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN VARIOUS CITIES

army in the great war. It will be of interest, however, to see what
steps individual cities have taken to put their resources at the dis-
posal of the thousands of men to whom they are acting as hosts.

Anniston, Ala. The war recreation worker assigned to Anniston
Camp McClel- found on visiting the city in July that the Chamber
of Commerce had already taken up the matter of
preparing for the 20,000 or more men who will be camped near the
city. One of the first needs which presented itself in Anniston
was for increasing the recreational facilities of the community
including a comfort station and a club building down town for the
men. The construction of the comfort station is already under
way and efforts are being made to secure a suitable building which
might be leased for a Khaki Club. A committee of girls canvassed
the city and compiled a board and room register for the convenience
of the friends and relatives of soldiers who will be stationed near
there.

Atlanta, Ga. Rallying splendidly from the fire which caused such
Camp McPher- Devastation, Atlanta has gone ahead with her plan
son for the entertainment of the men at Fort McPher-

son and for the thousands who will be housed at the new canton-
ment at Silver Lake, thirteen miles from the heart of the city. Some
of the accomplishments of the Committee of Fifty on Training
Camp Activities are the following: the use of the city parks and
swimming pools have been secured; part of the Wesley Memorial
Building containing a gymnasium, shower baths, and a reading
room has been turned over for the use of the soldiers ; special
musicals and organ recitals are being given on Saturday nights and
Sunday afternoons; clubs are holding open house for the soldiers;
through the Rotary Club a down-town club for men in uniform is
being equipped with smoking, reading, writing, and rest rooms;
working with the committee the Atlanta division of the National
League for Women's Service is providing housing accommodation
for the women visitors of the soldiers.

. .. The large camp near Ayer, Mass., a community of

Camp Devens onbr 3,000 population, will tax the resources of a

number of small communities such as Clinton, Pep-

perel, Ayer, Lancaster, Shirley, Groton, Harvard, Leominster,

Townsend and Westford. Clinton and Pepperel are the only

licensed communities within fifteen miles of the camp. It was felt

that all the communities which are already organized for war work

364

ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN VARIOUS CITIES

should be united under one organization. This organization has
been effected and has agreed to furnish the expenses of maintenance
of the recreation office up to $1,000. Plans are on foot with the
Board of Health for making a survey of the various communities.
There are in Brownsville 13,000 Mexicans and 2,-
95° Americans- The recreational facilities of the
city consist of three first-class moving picture thea-
tres, a bowling alley, a billiard hall and a roller skating rink. The
fraternal orders almost immediately began to extend hospitality to
the men and a baseball league playing Sunday afternoons was or-
ganized.

Among the definite accomplishments of the Bur-
Burhngton, Vt.

_ „ , ... Imgton committee under its ten departments are the
Fort Ethan Al- _, . f _. . t TT

len following : a dance in the Episcopal Parish House ;

an excursion on Lake Champlain ; a Fourth of July
field celebration ; a Red Cross dance ; three lawn fetes ; establishment
of three recreation rooms in churches; arrangement for the teach-
ing of French to the soldiers and for sending magazines and books
to the camps; special services for soldiers in three churches and
home entertainment through the churches. Automobile rides have
also been arranged for convalescent soldiers. A large tent will
be used as a "hostess house" for women guests. For this under-
taking the Y. W. C. A. has provided a tent, the Knights of Colum-
bus, chairs, and the Committee on Girls' activities will furnish
hostesses. The facilities of the Yacht Club have been placed at
the disposal of the soldiers.

Chattanoo Many of the plans and accomplishments in Chat-

Tenn. tanooga for the men at Fort Oglethorpe have al-
Fort Ogle- ready been outlined. A rest room and dry saloon
thorpe for which the city has appropriated $2,000 have

been opened. Inter-regimental baseball games are being held every
Saturday afternoon and dances every Saturday evening. Several
clubs have established special membership for the soldiers. Organ
recitals and musicals are being given at a number of the churches
every Sunday. Bi-weekly automobile trips for convalescent sol-
diers are an interesting part of the activities. Guides are conduct-
ing week-end trips to Lookout Mountain and the library is cooperat-
ing in this by furnishing information to the guides. It has also
sent hundreds of novels and several thousand periodicals to the
post for the use of the men. On July the first Sunday movies were
shown in the town for the first time.

365

ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN VARIOUS CITIES

Splendid progress has been made on the compli-
lcago> " cated problem at Chicago which involves seven dis-
Fort Sheridan tr{cf. camps and more than a score of cities. The
first and principal task has been the organization
of the Chicago war recreation service as a centralized, cooperating
group, responsible for caring for all the problems of the communi-
ties affected. At the suggestion of the war recreation secretary
10,000 copies of a splendid three-color map of the city of Chicago
were printed and distributed in the various camps by the State
Council of Defense. On the reverse side of the map is printed
a list of the most desirable attractions in and about the city. A
great deal of home and church hospitality has been shown the
soldiers and sailors in the various North Shore communities but
not however at the expense of larger community activities. The
Iowa picnic which was given by the Hawkeye Club (an Iowa
organization) was a striking example of the larger community
activities. Special train service and refreshments were provided.

Various organizations in and near Chicago have offered hos-
pitality to the soldiers and sailors especially for the week-ends. The
Chicago Commons has offered its recreational facilities for the
use of the soldiers on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the sum-
mer. The Northwestern University Settlement wrote that it would
"consider it a privilege to entertain ten sailors at Sunday dinner
«ach week," and the Chicago Hebrew Institute wrote that as many
sailors as desire may come all day Sunday and stay for dinner.
There are billiard tables, swimming pool and outdoor gymnasium
equipment. The Chicago committee is now considering the estab-
lishment of a club center in a convenient downtown location for
the soldiers and sailors. Clubs for soldiers and sailors have been
opened in three of the North Shore communities. These clubs
provide facilities for reading, writing, games, music.

Through the cooperation of the Chicago Park Commissioners
a pageant entitled The Coming of Peace was presented and dances
were given by three girls' clubs for the soldiers at Cicero. The
commissioners have also provided an expert play leader under
whose direction a group of thirty "jackies" and as many Y. W. C. A.
girls enjoy each week a Saturday evening of games and social
activities. Drill grounds and field house accommodations have been
provided by the Park Commissioners and they have graded a space
within the camp for dancing and other recreation. On July 24th
an inspiring community sing was held at the Great Lakes Station.
366

ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN VARIOUS CITIES

Through the cooperation of several of the leading musical organ-
izations of Chicago arrangements have been made to present a
good musical program within the Great Lakes Station on each
Thursday evening in August.

The Des Moines Soldiers' Service and Recreation
Des Moines, la.

Bureau has made a survey of amusement facilities,

ge secured a registration of homes for the entertain-
ment of negro visitors, arranged for weekly dance for negro soldiers
and secured the use of the Drake University Stadium for Sunday
baseball and football. The Rotary Club has requested permission
to maintain a Soldiers' Club, all the facilities of which will be free
to the soldiers. Ten thousand dollars will be raised for this work.
Twelve thousand people attended a community sing held at Drake
University Stadium. A prominent part in the program was played
by the men of the negro officers' reserve training camp. Twelve
hundred negro soldiers took part in one number.

As Douglas is only fifteen years old it is lacking
Douglas, Ariz. in many of the recreational features common to

older cities. The spirit of the citizens is splendid,
however, and every effort will be made to meet the needs. Ar-
rangements have been completed whereby convalescent soldiers
are taken on weekly rides. A downtown club building for enlisted
men has been selected which will be the clearing house for parties,
dancing and similar activities. The uniform of the United States
army and navy will be the only membership card necessary. There
will be a reading and writing room, pool tables, and music.

The Army and Community Recreation Committee

El Paso, Tex. of the Chamber of Commerce working through nine

Fort Bliss sub-committees is constructing a swimming pool

for the use of the soldiers, for which $3,500 has
been donated, and arranging for a Soldiers' Club. A library has
been sent to the camp and classes established for giving instruction
in French at which at least 400 men and 45 officers are in attendance.

Gettysburg's population of 4,000 will be tripled by
Gettysburg, Pa. tne presence of the soldiers. The recreational

facilities of the town are inadequate to the needs,
there being only two pool rooms, two moving picture theatres, and
thirteen tennis courts but the community is eager to provide in
every way possible for the comfort and entertainment of its guests.
The Committee on Soldiers' Spare Time Activities has secured the

367

ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN VARIOUS CITIES

cooperation of the Red Cross in opening up two centrally located
recreation rooms equipped with pool tables, reading and writing
materials, comfortable chairs, and music facilities. All the equip-
ment of the college has been placed at the disposal of the men.
This includes an athletic field, tennis courts, baseball diamond, run-
ning track, gymnasium, chapel equipped for movies, and a hall for
dances and entertainments. The dormitories are being used to
lodge the officers and their families. A swimming pool in a nearby
stream has been provided by means of a specially built dam and
a committee of York business men is eager to raise $500 to cover
the cost of rebuilding the dam and providing a second pool. The
Gettysburg Choral Union through the influence of the committee
has reorganized after years of inactivity and a large number of
soldiers have become members. Band concerts are being given
in the town square and a band stand has been provided by the
committee. Arrangements have been made for a circulating library
and for the use of the playground for the soldiers. Four churches
have given their club rooms for the use of the soldiers.

Not only the citizens are showing themselves eager to provide
wholesome recreation for the soldiers but the military authorities
as well are taking action to make the work effective by appointing
a representative from each regiment as a member of a Camp
Committee through which the Gettysburg committee and the war
recreation secretary may work in the interest of town activities.
Indiana olis Some of the accomplishments of the War Recrea-
ind. tional Social Service Bureau for the men at Fort
Fort Benjamin Benjamin Harrison have already been shown. Sat-
urday afternoon automobile rides, dances, and the
entertainment of soldiers in the homes are being continued. Ar-
rangements have been made for the teaching of French to the
officers in the camp through the French departments of the schools
and the university. Classes in the history and geography of Europe
are also being offered. The Rotary Club is planning to open a large
store, furnishing it with easy chairs, free telephones and other
facilities for club rooms for the soldiers. A number of receptions
were given during July. Free performances by the Kiltie's Band
were also a feature of the July program. Fifteen hundred children
attended the performance of the opera Pinafore given by the
Y. W. C. A. through the influence of the Committee and $1,200 was
realized for the work of the Travelers' Aid Society. An Informa-

368

ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN VARIOUS CITIES

tion Bureau with a woman attendant in charge has been placed in
the Traction Terminal Building for the benefit of women visitors
to the soldiers. At the suggestion of the war recreation worker the
Chamber of Commerce has printed a booklet containing informa-
tion regarding hospitals, car lines, and places of interest.

,. . .Junction City problems are made unusually difn-

Junction City and J . . . J .

Manhattan, cult by the fact that with its very limited facilities,

Kans. the seating capacity of its halls, libraries, parks, and
Fort Riley other places for recreation being only slightly over
3,000, it must furnish recreation for a group of men which may
reach 40,000 in number. Finding that one of the greatest needs is
for a building to serve as a Khaki Club and as a place where the
soldiers may entertain their guests, the Committee on Recreation
Activities set in motion the machinery through which $8,800 was
raised for a building opened on July the thirteenth. Other activi-
ties of the committee have resulted in the extension of the privileges
of membership by a number of clubs and fraternal orders ; the pub-
lishing of the Junction City and Fort Riley Guide containing local
information and the arrangement of a great patriotic celebration on
June the thirtieth for the soldiers and the community at large. The
recreational facilities of the Board of Education including play-
grounds, baseball diamond, athletic field, swimming pool, and gym-
nasium have been placed at the disposal of the soldiers. The
entertainment of the men in the homes is a feature of Fort Riley's
hospitality to its guests which is most acceptable to the men in
khaki.

Manhattan through its Training Camp Activities Council has
secured funds for the erection of a community house for the sol-
diers which will resemble somewhat the club at Junction City.
Athletic meets are being held every Saturday and all the facilities
of the Agricultural College have been given to the soldiers. The
college has also given a series of entertainments in the form of musi-
cals and dances.

Little Rock with its neighboring town of Argenta
Little Rock, Ark. across t^e Arkansas River, under the Federation
F°Rootsgan H" of Training Camp Activities, is offering its hospi-
tality to the men at Ft. Logan H. Roots. The ac-
tivities carried on by the federation are many and varied. The bulle-
tin of week-end activities for June the fourth, sent to each com-
pany at the camp, shows a Junior League tea dance and lawn fete,

369

ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN VARIOUS CITIES

amateur baseball games, an officers' social dance, special church
services, and band concerts in the city parks. Home hospitality,
dances and musicals at the municipal auditorium, the use of which
has been granted by the city, and automobile rides are all contribut-
ing greatly to the enjoyment of the soldiers. A swimming zone
has been established in the Arkansas River at the foot of the fort
and dressing rooms have been provided. Many soldier athletes
competed in the Fourth of July track meet.

Although no special organization has been effected

Minneapolis and at Minneapolis and St. Paul to meet the needs of
St. Paul, Minn. f %T « «••

the men at Ft. Snelling, the war recreation secretary

lng has been working directly with the various organ-
izations in the city whose resources might be used for the
benefit of the soldiers. Through his efforts, six swimming pools
in Minneapolis and four in St. Paul have been placed at the dis-
posal of the men. Six extra policemen and two police women have
been placed in Minneapolis' largest park where many soldiers seek
recreation and as a result moral conditions are reported better than
in normal times. A number of clubs have voted the privilege of
membership to the student officers and have turned over their
magazines and newspapers to the camp. Through the secretary's
efforts the fraternal orders are keeping open house and part of
the soldiers are being taken by automobile to a number of the
churches and after the service the men are entertained at Sunday
dinner by the church members. Instruction in French is being given
by two of the St. Paul institutes. A swimming beach at Lake
Nokomis has been opened. Amateur boxing matches by rival com-
panies and regiments are being organized. The swimming facili-
ties which are being opened up for the use of the soldiers are being
widely used. On July the twenty-eighth, the Minneapolis park
board entertained the men of Ft. Snelling at the Calhoun Baths.
Automobile rides and a luncheon at Lake Harriet were features of
the entertainment. The St. Paul Federation of Women's Clubs
will give small parties for the men. The Y. W. C. A. has estab-
lished a rooming and boarding house directory for visiting families
and friends.

The development of the work in Newport has cen-

Newport, R. I. tered largely in the acquisition of a club house of

50 rooms at Coddington Point. The use of this

property which includes 125 acres of land and a large grove of

370

ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN VARIOUS CITIES

trees was granted for recreation purposes by the realty company
which owns it. Through the efforts of the war recreation secre-
tary the expenses of running the club, $350 a month, have been
underwritten by a local organization. The government permitted
the building of a bridge across the creek which separates the train-
ing station from the point. The navy men themselves built a road
which makes the club easily accessible from town and have laid out
baseball diamonds, tennis and volley ball courts. The building was
opened early in July. The club house accommodates 1,000 men
while the grounds and piazza surrounding it will accommodate 3,000
to 4,000 men in addition. A large athletic meet was held on the
grounds on the opening day and nearly 400 men took part in the
events. A stage has been built at the club and weekly theatrical
performances are given.

A weekly dance is held for the Naval Reserves at the Civic
League House. The churches have urged the taking of sailors
home to dinner and a number of churches have also given Sunday
evening concerts of real merit.

The provision of hospitality for the men at Fort
a N.' Y. Niagara has united the efforts and resources of
Fort Niagara tnree communities : Youngstown, which adjoins
the fort ; Lewiston, five miles away from the camp ;
and Niagara Falls, twelve miles up the Niagara River. The effort
has been made to make use of all available commercial features
and not only did the Commission on Training Camp Activities use
its influence to have a large recreation resort near the camp opened
three weeks before its usual opening date, but it was also instru-
mental in opening a large summer resort hotel which is being run
for the benefit of the soldiers and their guests and serving as a
social center for the soldiers and the townspeople.

A series of Saturday night dances chaperoned by the women
of the community is being given for the student officers at Niagara
Falls. As a result of the cooperative movement the various clubs
are extending hospitality to the student officers, the Salvation Army

> has given a band concert, the Y. W. C. A. roller skating parties
and sings, and a tea room has been opened by the Y. W. C. A. in

1 Youngstown which is becoming more and more a social center for

\ the Fort. A dance has been held for the militia. On July the
twenty-second military service in the Congregational Church f ol-

l lowed by dinner in the church basement was held.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN VARIOUS CITIES

The churches of Norfolk have been very active in
Norfolk, V«. meeting the needs of the men. Representatives

from 35 of the churches have organized a committee
on church cooperation. The problems of all the churches are con-
sidered by the committee and their combined experiences can be
drawn upon to meet these problems. The Norfolk Credit Men
pledged themselves to write to their many customers asking them
to send the names of any relatives or friends who are or will be
in the vicinity of Norfolk with the promise that they will do all
in their power to make such men feel at home. A choir is being
trained among the enlisted men of one of the warships, which will
assist at local church services. One citizen has 200 enlisted men
at his summer home every Saturday afternoon and plans to have
500 there Labor Day. One of the churches has opened a club room
for soldiers at which the ladies of the church serve refreshments.
Auto rides and flowers are provided for the convalescents at the
Naval Hospital. Dances are being given for the men on Saturday
evenings.

Petersbur Va ^ie Prov^s^on °f recreation for the soldiers in train-
Cam Lee m£ near Petersburg will touch four communities:

Richmond, Hopewell, Prince George County, and
Petersburg. All the organizations in these communities have shown
themselves anxious to cooperate. A Travelers' Aid Society has
been organized. St. Andrew's Brotherhood of St. Paul's Church,
Petersburg, will keep open house for the men in uniform and for
the 4,000 men working on the construction of the cantonment.
Books, magazines, and stationery will be provided in a large room I
in the parish house where the men may smoke and play cards. The
Presbyterian Church will take similar action.

Through the efforts of the committee in charge of
Philadelphia, Pa. the work for the sailors at the naval reserve base, •{

the Travelers' Aid will organize an aid and hospital
service for the women members of soldiers' and sailors' families.1
The School Mobilization Committee will send a teacher of survey-
ing to the school supported for the emergency unit. The University
Extension Society will also furnish teachers. Two pools have been *
opened by the municipal Board of Recreation for the use of sailors.
Dances have been arranged.

372

ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN VARIOUS CITIES

One of the most important features of the work
Plattsburg, N. Y. carried on by the Plattsburg Federation of Training

Camp Activities has been an attempt to meet the
need for more eating places and for places where the men may
entertain their women guests. The Y. W. C. A. was asked to meet
this need by erecting a "hostess house" for the entertainment of
the women friends of the student officers. A series of Saturday
night suppers given by the churches, 800 men attending these func-
tions on July the twenty-eighth, has been found helpful.

The preliminary visit to Rockf ord disclosed the fact
Rockford, 111. that there were 182 men's and 125 women's organ-
Camp Grant izatiOns ready to help in the problem of providing
recreation for the men in camp. The Chamber of Commerce is
aiding by raising $100,000 for the work. Of this amount $47,000
was subscribed on one night. Part of this money will be used in
erecting buildings and in providing floor space for various kinds of
entertainments. The schools have agreed to utilize their equipment
for the benefit of the soldiers, the lunch room providing meals at
cost on Saturdays and Sundays.

Sackett Harbor, Entertainment for the student officers at Madison
_ _ .. *j; Y* Barracks is being provided jointly by Sacket Har-

Madisen Bar- 1 , ,,r

racks bor which adjoins the barracks and Watertown

which is twelve miles from the camp. At Sacket Harbor the Sol-
diers' War Recreation Committee has compiled a register of all
the available rooming and boarding houses for the benefit of friends
and relatives visiting the soldiers. Assistance has also been
given in arranging for men at the camp to take active part in the
church services. The hall of the Firemen's Club has been converted
into a recreation room for the soldiers and fitted up with pool
tables, books, games, magazines, newspapers, and writing tables.
The magazines and newspapers are being supplied by the State De-
partment of Education. The room has been turned over to the
enlisted men at the Post as their club room and through a committee
of three privates and one lieutenant they have complete responsi-
bility for and care of the room, which they are using to its capacity.
Weekly dances are held and a tennis court has been completed for
the use of the soldiers. Week-end boat trips to the Thousand Is-
lands are proving very popular.

In Watertown the Church Committee of the general committee
in charge sees to it that every man attending church service is in-

373

ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN VARIOUS CITIES

vited into a home for dinner. It is felt that this individual hospi-
tality supplemented by automobile and boat trips, fraternity parties,
and small dances is meeting the needs in Watertown.
Salt Lake Cit "^n ^* ^a^e City, the mayor and military authori-
Utah ties as well as the citizens were found to be eager
Fort Douglas to carrv through the war recreation program. Each
Saturday afternoon that the Salt Lake baseball team has been at
home 500 free admissions to the games have been secured through
the courtesy of the management. Sunday automobile excursions
have been given and through arrangements with the Commercial
and Rotary Clubs 8,000 free excursion tickets have been secured
to the Lagoon, a summer resort about 36 miles from the city. One
thousand of these tickets are used every week-end. The railroad
companies have provided free transportation for the men. The
State National Guard supplied three large tents for dressing quar-
ters for the soldiers so that they have been able to secure reduced
rates in the swimming pool at the Lagoon. Reduced rates have
been secured from many of the concessionaires.

A swimming pool has been provided for the soldiers and co-
operation of the street car and advertising companies has made it
possible to give publicity to the campaign to make every soldier
a swimmer. An Army Club has been provided in a centrally located
building. Entertainment has been provided for the men in the post
hospitals and courses have been started in teaching the men boxing,
wrestling, and Jiu Jitsu.

The citizens of San Antonio are confronted with
San Antonio,

Tex. the tremendous problem of supplying recreation and
a wholesome social life for the men at four camps:
Leon Springs, Camp Kelly, Ft. Sam Houston, and Camp Wilson.
Fortunately, in addition to existing recreational facilities the city
and surrounding country are rich in places of historical and romantic
interest. As a result of the activities of the War Recreation Board
moving pictures, band concerts and public dances are being held
in the Plaza in front of the famous Alamo, lights, benches, and
band being furnished by the Park Department. Each week posters
are sent to the barracks announcing all the activities held under the
auspices of the War Recreation Board. No recreation outside of
the military camps will be sanctioned unless endorsed by the Board.
A room with six thousand feet of floor space on the top floor
of one of the largest office buildings in the city has been donated

374

ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN VARIOUS CITIES

for use as a Khaki Club and will be furnished by the Rotarians.
The Odd Fellows are planning to open up club rooms for the use
of their members and will issue free memberships to the soldiers.
In cooperation with the committee the Y. M. C. A. and Y. W. C. A.
are holding supervised dances and social gatherings. The Soldiers'
Club was opened on July the fourteenth. The union church serv-
ices held in Breckenridge Park, known as Pleasant Sunday Even-
ings are proving extremely popular. A Jewish Rabbi and one of
the leading priests will each conduct one of the services.

The San Diego Committee on Recreation for the
San Diego, Cal. Army and Navy is confronted with the need for

providing recreation for infantry and marines sta-
tioned in the Exposition grounds, for the soldiers to be in camp at
the cantonment at Linda Vista and for the signal and aviation
corps at North Island. The committee, which has been in operation
since June the twelfth, has secured the expansion of the work of
the Playground Commission at La Jolla where there are unusual
recreation facilities. Truck loads of soldiers are taken daily to
the playground. The churches are very active in working for the
soldiers. The committee is arranging for a large room in the
center of the business district which will be used as a rest and
recreation room for enlisted men. Dances are a regular feature of
the program and home hospitality is being offered to the soldiers
through the churches. On July the Fourth a monster military
parade was arranged for all branches of the service, followed by a
regatta, a military ball, and recreation in the homes.

With the help of the war recreation worker, the
Oakland, Cal. San Francisco Committee on Recreation for Sol-
Presidio diers and Sailors, consisting of 128 men and women

has been organized. The committee although in
existence only a short time has been very active and as a result
week-end parties are being given for members of the Officers' Re-
serve Corps. A number of theatres are giving free admission to
the men in uniform. Several of the hotels have set aside rooms and
baths for the free use of the soldiers. The Travelers' Aid Society
will direct families and relatives of soldiers to attractive hotels and
boarding houses and will assist in the establishment of rest rooms
for the women visitors at the Presidio. Well supervised receptions
and dances in the civic auditorium are a feature of the program.
On July the Fourth a special program including parties, band con-

375

ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN VARIOUS CITIES

certs, and a military ball with individual entertainment in the homes

by families from churches, was given for the soldiers.

Sparta, WU. Although Sparta numbers only 4,000 people and

has limited recreational facilities, the community
Sparta Military ,

Reservation nas enthusiastically gone about its task of provid-
ing for the recreational needs of the Eighth United
States Artillery at the Military Reservation, and the officers' train-
ing camp. The Sparta Social and Recreational Committee has
secured the use of the school buildings, athletic field and equipment,
and the services of the school athletic coach. Two Khaki Clubs
have been fitted up for the soldiers. Guest privileges and enter-
tainments have been extended by the Country Club. Home enter-
tainment is an important feature of the program. The newly-
opened Knights of Columbus reading room is proving very popu-
lar. Arrangements have been made for the extension lecturer of
the State School of Home Economics to give demonstration lectures
every Friday, to the girls of the Co-Patriotic League. A band stand
has been built at which concerts will be given weekly by the camp
band. Ten thousand people attended the Fourth of July Soldiers'
Festival on the fair grounds.

The citizens of Syracuse have given an unusual
Syracuse, N. Y. response to the plans for meeting the recreational
needs of the 25,000 soldiers who are their guests
and under the hospitality committee appointed by the mayor the
activities of many organizations and churches have been stimulated
and coordinated. A number of clubs have entertained the soldiers
and officers. The hospitality in private homes has been very gener-
ous and cordial. Five churches have established Army Clubs. The
Solvay Process Company has donated a building 50 x 118 feet for
an army club and will engage a local social worker to take charge
of it. The club has been equipped at a cost of $7,800, and will care
for 500 men with comfort. The University Club has opened a
downtown army club with a capacity of 500 men. Through various
local organizations, music, speakers, and talent for entertainments
in camp are provided regularly. Large numbers of men are cared
for daily by numerous dances and entertainments given by the
various organizations. One feature of the work in Syracuse is
the care which is taken of the men stationed nearby on guard duty.
The community singing has met with wonderful response from the
soldiers who attend in large numbers.

376

ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN VARIOUS CITIES

In addition to caring for the men stationed at the
Washington, D.C.nine large encampments in the vicinity of Washing-
Fort Myer ton, the District War Service Commission has to

deal with the problem arising from the tremendous
increase in civilian employees of the Government called in to do
war emergency work. These are both men and women, many of
whom have brought with them their families. Many of the churches
have given weekly Saturday night entertainments and Sunday din-
ners for the soldiers. The churches are being used extensively for
non-religious entertainments at which the young women of the
church are always on hand affording opportunities for wholesome
friendships for the men. Union church services are also being
given as part of the program of church work. Through the efforts
of the war recreation worker commissioners of the district reversed
their decision to close the playgrounds, on which there are swim-
ming and tennis facilities and other equipment usable by the soldiers,
and the reservation of eight courts in Potomac Park was secured
for student officers on Saturday afternoons and Sundays. The com-
mercial recreation interests are cooperating in furnishing talent and
pictures for the entertainment of soldiers within the camps. One
theatre has been turned over to the War Service Commission for
such use as it wishes to make of it. The public library has under-
taken to supply all camps, soldiers' clubs, and rest rooms, and de-
tached guard stations, with suitable books and magazines. The
Y. W. C. A. established a club room and rest place for young
women employed as government clerks. They have also provided
chaperons for many places where men may meet their wives, rela-
tives, and women friends. Week-end parties for the soldiers are
held. The W. C. T. U. established a club house for enlisted men
which accommodates several hundred. Many other organizations
are promoting suitably supervised dances and entertainments and
are also equipping rooms for the use of the men. A census has
been made of all amateur and professional talent available and
special entertainments are furnished at least once a week to the
men at camp. A number of patriotic pageants and plays have been
given in an outdoor theatre established for this purpose. Individual
hospitality has been very extensive, as many as twenty men being
entertained in one prominent home each week during the period
that it was open. This example has been followed widely through-
out the city. Arrangements have been made for the erection of

377

ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN VARIOUS CITIES

five open-air dance pavilions on district playgrounds, for lighting
the playground swimming pools, and municipal beaches at night
and for the use of tennis courts and for a band concert on grounds
adjoining the drill grounds of the colored D. C. N. G. It is planned
to make swimming near the camp in the Potomac River safe so that
the soldiers may enjoy this form of recreation. There will be life-
guards, floats, and spring boards, and sections will be lighted at
night.

SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE WORK

There are special activities which have been found particularly
helpful to the work as a whole and especially acceptable to the
soldiers themselves.

It has been found that the registration card secured
Registration in the camps by the war recreation workers with the
Cards cooperation of the Y. M. C. A. and the military

authorities are invaluable in providing the point of contact between
the men in the camp and the community. Through these cards it
is possible for the churches and fraternal orders in the cities to get
in touch with their members in camp and extend their hospitality
to them. It is also possible through the census for the local com-
mittees to know what forms of recreation are most popular with
the soldiers and to make their plans with these preferences in mind.
A b'l Chattanooga, Indianapolis and the other communi-

Rides ties in which weekly automobile trips for the sol-

diers are a part of the program are enthusiastic
over the results secured in terms of enjoyment for the men. Par-
ticularly acceptable are the rides which have been arranged for con-
valescent soldiers from the post hospitals.

Home What it means to the soldiers who have suddenly

Entertainment Deen cut °^ from their homes and the normal rela-
tionships of life to be invited into private homes for
dinner and to feel that for a little time at least they are members
of a family group, can not be appreciated by anyone who has never
been placed in the position of living the isolated life of the soldier.
There is probably no one feature of the work of the committees and
the war recreation workers which touches so fundamentally the

378

ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN VARIOUS CITIES

need of the men as this antidote against "social lonesomeness."
More and more the churches are making home entertainment a part
of their hospitality to the men. Increasingly the citizens are stop-
ping soldiers on the streets and inviting them to come informally
into their homes.

It has been suggested that the war will be won by

Sings for ... ,,

the Soldiers smgmg and niore than one commander has ex-
pressed himself as desirous of having his company
known as a singing company. Music as a universally levelling,
democratizing force with its appeal to the best in every individual,
has at last come into its own. Realizing its value, a number of com-
munities are arranging for sings for the soldiers and townspeople.
The following letter from Spencer Gordon, war recreation worker
in Syracuse, shows how successfully the sings are being carried
on in that city :

"Between five and six thousand eager men participated with
the Community Chorus in the most inspiring evening I have ever
enjoyed. When everybody sang the Battle Hymn of the Republic
and the leader got the soldiers emphasizing Glory! Glory! Halle-
lujah! His Truth Is Marching On! you should have seen the faces
glowing under the lights. The Camp became inspired. The men
cheered and cheered. Then the Southern boys called for Carry Me
Back to Old Virginny and My Old Kentucky Home. Then we sang
Perfect Day and My Hero. Then they called for Old Black Joe.
In the chorus of Old Black Joe — "I'm coming, I'm coming, For
my head is bending low! I hear those gentle voices calling, Old
Black Joe!" the leader made the men hold on to "Joe" — and the
Chorus echoed "Old Black Joe." The harmony was wonderful!
Automobiles way out on the road tooted their horns and it was ten
minutes before the enthusiasm subsided. We sang from 8 :00 o'clock
until 10 :00 and ended with the Star Spangled Banner. I have never
heard this song sung before. The Commanding Officer came for-
ward after the singing and said it was the greatest thing he had
ever listened to. He emphasized to the members of the Chorus
their opportunity for service to the men and how at no distant day
when the watch fires are burning in France and the men surrounded
by strange tongues, these home songs will be the officers' stand-by;
how they will help to put life and energy in the tired hearts and
muscles.

"A campaign is being waged to enlarge the Chorus and to in-

379

ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN VARIOUS CITIES

elude many more singing societies. The leader was cheered to the
echo. The men unanimously voted that they wanted the Chorus
every Thursday. This morning several commissioned officers
'phoned to the hotel telling me how much they appreciated this
activity."

Another testimony to the value of song as a potent force comes
from R. B. Patin, war recreation worker in Des Moines, where
there are a number of regiments of negro soldiers. Mr. Patin
writes :

"I hasten to tell you of the most inspiring sight I have ever
witnessed and the greatest occasion of its kind ever staged in
America.

"This afternoon fully twelve thousand people assembled at the
stadium of Drake University for a Community Sing, headed by
three military bands and lead by Dean Holmes Cowper of Drake
University. After singing America and the Battle Hymn of the
Republic a military quartette from the negro officers' reserve train-
ing camp sang / Want to Be Ready, and Couldn't Hear Nobody
Pray. Immediately afterward twelve hundred negro soldiers
marched into the stadium under command of Col. Ballou, U. S. A.
The applause was deafening and after a demonstration of marching
and manual of arms three hundred men stepped to the center of
the field. Soon the melody of Swing Low, Sweet Chariot was hold-
ing the vast audience entranced. The deep rich and high pitched
voices carried to all parts of the stadium. Shouting All Over God's
Heaven was even more wonderful in effect, while Tipperary quite
carried the audience away.

"The ceremony of raising and lowering the flag was wonderful
as the twelve thousand people arose and sang The Star Spangled
Banner. The program lasted for an hour and a half and from the
appreciation expressed Des Moines will be glad for the repetition
of such events. Col. Roosevelt, who had been invited to be present,
found it impossible to come.

"The negroes regard the event of this training camp as the
greatest in the life of the race since the emancipation proclamation,
and as such the people of Des Moines were glad to give it recog-
nition. This occasion has had the desired effect of an increased
regard for the ability of the negro soldier and an appreciation of
his service to the country."

380

ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN VARIOUS CITIES

One of the activities of the cities near the training
camps which is felt to be most essential to the com-

fort and enjoyment of the men is the provision
of khaki clubs, known as recreation or rest rooms, soldiers' clubs,
army or navy clubs — where the soldiers will feel at home and where
they will find some of the more home-like features which can not
be provided at camp. There are now few communities near the
camps where some provision has not been made through
the local committee or some cooperating agency for rooms or a
building equipped as khaki clubs. These clubs vary greatly in the
different communities and their equipment must depend upon local
conditions and needs. Their range extends from one room over a
fire house at Sacket Harbor, N. Y., equipped with tables, books,
chairs and games to the fifty-room club at Coddington Point, New-
port, which is used by thousands of reservists and men in training.

It has been suggested that some of the facilities which should
be included in all these clubs are the following :

There should be facilities for pool, billiards and quiet games
such as chess and card games of various kinds. There should be
a reading room with writing desks, stationery, and plenty of maga-
zines and newspapers. Books, too, carefully selected with a view
ta their interest to the soldiers, might well be included with the
other reading matter. There should be in all the rooms plenty of
comfortable lounging chairs. Other furnishings should include
couches, a piano and victrola with a library of records, a lunch
counter at which the men may secure light lunches, soft drinks,
coffee, sandwiches, ice cream, cakes, chocolates, candies, tobacco,
and similar supplies. Ice water and sanitary drinking cups should
be provided at convenient places. Telephone booths and an infor-
mation bureau would be helpful additions to the equipment of sol-
dier clubs.

One of the most essential provisions for an ideal khaki club
is bathing facilities — tubs as well as shower baths, towels, soap,
and other necessary supplies. The toilet facilities should be ample
even though it may be necessary to devote a great deal of space
to them.

It is essential that there shall be rooms in which the soldiers
may entertain their women guests and also a room which shall be
for the exclusive use of these guests fitted up with the conveniences
for resting and also with toilet facilities. It would be well for the

381

GIRL PROBLEM ADJACENT TO MILITARY CAMPS

wing of the building containing these rooms for the entertainment
and use of women guests to have a separate entrance. These rooms
should be carefully chaperoned and here the women's organizations
which are eager to help can render valuable assistance.

AN EXPERIMENT IN COOPERATION

Never before has America had such an opportunity to demon-
strate to the world what can be accomplished by cooperation. Never
before in their history have American cities had so splendid a
chance to discover how all their resources and organizations through
coordination, through the sacrifice of individual ambitions for the
common good, can be made a force potent for democracy. There
is no organization which can not have a share in this work, no
group of people which can not join in this cooperative movement in
which party lines, sectarian divisions and arbitrary differences in
creed or political beliefs are swept away in the common service.

THE GIRL PROBLEM IN THE COMMUNITIES ADJACENT
TO MILITARY TRAINING CAMPS

Of all the problems faced by the local committees none pre-
sents more difficulties than that of the young girls, many of whom
lose their heads over the soldiers and consciously or unconsciously,
through their methods of dressing and their lack of dignity, place
temptation in the way of the soldiers.

The April 1915 issue of The Shield, the official organ of the
British branch of the International Federation for the Abolition of
State Regulation of Vice, makes the statement that the most dan-
gerous spreaders of disease are not the notorious prostitutes but
are young girls who have just gone wrong. Attempts made at
Cardiff to deal with the vice problem through regulation and regis-
tration were abandoned because it was found that the greatest
danger lay with the young girls between 17 and 20 who were not
registered prostitutes.

The problems involved in planning a program for the girls of
a large city will, first of all, involve the coordination of all the
agencies already at work, as no one existing organization, however

382

GIRL PROBLEM ADJACENT TO MILITARY CAMPS

effective its work in normal conditions, could in itself meet the
needs arising in an emergency of this kind.

There is a strong feeling that there should be in
A Program of
Work for Girl* eac^ Cltv adjacent to a training camp a strong

woman with considerable experience in social work
who will bear the same relation toward the work for girls that the
war recreation worker sent to each city has toward the entire work
and who will work closely in cooperation with him. It should be
the task of such a woman worker to coordinate all such existing
agencies interested in girls' work, such as the local Y. W. C. A.,
Camp Fire Girls, Girl Scouts, and social center clubs, working
girls' clubs, relief agencies and probation work; to develop any
new work felt necessary, and to train volunteers, many of whom
are needed. There might be a special committee on girls' work
representing all the agencies carrying on such activities, together
with individuals who have a real contribution to make. Very often
it may be wise to have men as well as women on this committee.
The object of the committee should be to reach all the girls in the
community and to enlist them in some sort of work or activity
which would help to counteract the abnormal excitement which the
presence of the soldiers creates. Possibly one of the first duties of
the committee would be the enlistment of a strong group of volun-
teers. Many of these may be found registered under the National
League for Women's Service and other war organizations. Certain
of these volunteers under the direction of trained workers might
district the city, going to the factories, department stores, and all
places where girls are employed or can be reached to enlist them
in activities.

In the cities where there are Girl Scouts, Camp Fire Girls, and
organized playground work and clubs of various kinds, the captains,
guardians, play leaders and club directors should redouble their
efforts to provide programs of activities for the girls under 16.
The Girl Scout organization has a special war program already tried
out in Savannah, Ga., which includes gardening and classes in the
following activities:

First Aid Signalling Errands

Home Nursing Marksmanship Household Work

Invalid Cooking Canning Fruits Filing Cards

(dietetics)

Surgical Dressings Market Gardening Sewing by Hand

383

GIRL PROBLEM ADJACENT TO MILITARY CAMPS

Simplified Cooking Packing Fruits Sewing by Machine

and Vegetables Knitting by Hand
Unskilled Labor Care of Children and Machinery

Might not arrangements be made whereby girls who do not
regularly belong to the Girl Scouts might attend these classes?
Ought not the Girl Scouts and Camp Fire groups to make a special
effort to enlarge their groups as rapidly as possible? Play leaders
should make every effort to have playground activities of especial in-
terest to the older girls and playgrounds and social centers should be
open every night in the week not only for the younger girl but
for the working girl, for the problem will, in the main, be that of
the working girl, the girl between 16 and 25 years of age. For
this reason, as has been suggested, there should be as complete a
census as possible of the working girls of the community. Many
of them may wish to enroll in existing organizations such as the
Y. W. C. A., which is making a special effort at this time to meet
the needs of the girl. Working girls' clubs, social center clubs, all
of these organizations should extend their activities to the limit,
enlarging their membership as far as possible. Girls should be
urged to take the courses which the Y. W. C. A. is offering in
canteen cooking lessons, first aid, nursing and business courses and
to take part in the out-of-door recreation and games. Some of the
organizations may wrish to enlarge their summer camps for girls
or establish such camps where they may spend their vacations.

It is quite probable that existing agencies will not be able to
care for all the girls who should be reached and that there should
be a special organization for girls between 16 and 25 years of age
who will be banded together as a Patriotic League or under what-
ever name might be chosen. Possibly the best and most workable
form of organization would be in small groups under club leaders,
all the groups coming together at stated periods for mass meetings
where the girls will be made to feel that they are banded together
for definite service. The activities in the individual clubs would
vary but as far as possible the work should be tied up with the Red
Cross. The girls will doubtless want to make comfort kits, gar-
ments and knit or crochet various articles. They may want to
have classes in first aid. Many hospitals as well as Y. W. C. A.'s
and other organizations are now offering these courses. Some of
the girls may wish to have classes in history and current events

384

GIRL PROBLEM ADJACENT TO MILITARY CAMPS

to increase their knowledge of the war and its place in the world's
history. So far as possible through classes the girls should be
trained for specific duties which they may later have to undertake.
Some of the girls who have leisure time may want to help in the
work of the day nurseries and creches and with the younger children
on playgrounds. It may be necessary to establish employment bu-
reaus for girls who are thrown out of work or to fill the positions
left vacant by men.

While it is exceedingly vital to provide recreation and activities
of various kinds for the girls which they may carry on in groups
and to lay emphasis on group work, a very important problem which
must be faced is the meeting of the girls and the soldiers in a
normal, wholesome atmosphere, since many of them will insist
upon meeting in some way or other. This may be done under wise
supervision at the social centers if these are already in existence or
in centers brought into existence by the emergency, at dances chap-
eroned by the committee on girls' work and at suppers and enter-
tainments arranged for by the committee. Some of the Y. W. C. A.
workers have already done valuable work along these lines and
their experience will be most helpful. The important thing in all
of these social gatherings is the provision of wise leadership.

It is suggested that the leaders in girls' work in the various
communities should frankly but tactfully tell the girls that the atti-
tude of the soldiers towards them will depend upon the way they
conduct themselves and that they must guard against cheapening
themselves by dressing in poor taste and immodestly. Possibly in
conducting a campaign for better dressing we should go farther
back to the society leader whose fashion the society girl is imitat-
ing. If the society leaders can be made to feel the importance of
this it will become the style to dress simply and modestly and the
factory girl will fall in line.

Police Worn n Another feature of work for girls which may play
and Volunteer its part in the efforts which are being made to safe-
guard young girls in the cities adjacent to training
camps and in other places where the problem may be acute because
of the presence of a large number of soldiers, is the organization of
a system of police women and volunteer police patrols.

When it was found in England that girls and young
Experience _ , .

in England women were nocking in great numbers to the places

where soldiers were stationed, were running

385

GIRL PROBLEM ADJACENT TO MILITARY CAMPS

around the dark streets of London and other cities, and as a result
immorality and evils of all sorts were spreading, the Women's
Patriotic Service was organized through the National Union of
Women's Organizations of Great Britain and Ireland. The prob-
lem of immorality became so great that finally the societies inter-
ested in the work for women and girls chose representatives to
organize a protective and preventive work. The committee in
charge was called the Women's Patrol Committee. Twenty-six
paid organizers were chosen and a much larger number of volun-
teers from thirty to forty years of age selected. There are now
about two thousand women in England who are working to safe-
guard girls near the camps and in the cities. There are a hundred
communities in England and certain cities in Scotland, Ireland,
Guernsey, and South Africa which are patrolled by paid workers
and volunteer patrols. In many of the provinces police women are
paid by the Police Department and have been appointed by the
Departments. Liverpool has a great body of police women paid
by the city. A training course of eight weeks is required under the
Police Department which includes drilling and police duties and a
study of special acts relating to the rights of women and children
and to civil and criminal law.

The police women and volunteer patrols dress in ordinary
clothes each with a band about her arm with the letters N. U. W. W.
They carry cards from the Chief of Police and can call upon the
police to assist them.

These workers not only patrol the streets and the amusement
parks but they also work in munition factories and may be called
into service at any place where large numbers of women work.
Special officers have been appointed by the ministry to act in that
way. The big railway stations are carefully patrolled. Often thou-
sands of troops are passing through the termini and it is here that
women are much needed to keep order. The volunteers also patrol
any frequented roads and streets and look after the women and
children in certain districts noted for lawlessness.

In all the work in England great emphasis has been laid upon
preventive and constructive phases and every effort has been made
to establish friendly relations with the girls and women of the
towns. Recreational features have been developed to a marked
degree by the volunteer patrols to look after the young people in
the various recreation clubs. The workers have been the means

386

GIRL PROBLEM ADJACENT TO MILITARY CAMPS

of starting many of these clubs for the recreation of the sailors,
soldiers and girls and of making it possible for them to meet under
decent conditions and chaperonage. The Crystal Palace in London
has a club where 150 men and girls may dance and there are many
private clubs in the neighborhood to which all girls over sixteen and
their soldier friends may come. Refreshments are sold at reason-
able prices. The clubs, some of which are for sailors, others for
soldiers, charge small dues from three to six pence. Many of
them make their expenses from the profits on refreshments. There
is music for dancing which is sometimes supplied by the regimental
bands. The popular feature in one of the clubs is a choral society
started by a Welshman. In some of the larger clubs the attendance
is 700 or 800 in a single evening.

A special effort has been made to reach the girls who had not
previously been included in any club, the rougher element whose
need for recreation is great. The clubs have been very successful
in helping to keep these girls off the streets.

It is felt that the work of the police women and volunteer
patrols has been very effective in England in influencing the girls
for good and safeguarding them ; that it is of great assistance to
the regular police department and that it is welcomed by the soldiers
themselves.

It is keenly felt by many social workers that judging from the
experience of England and from the conditions which have already
arisen in our own country the development of the system of police
women and volunteer patrols may be a necessary and important
phase of the work for girls in cities throughout the country and in
communities adjacent to training and mobilization camps and mili-
tary stations of all kinds. The following suggestions have been
made regarding the possible development of the work.

1. That a system of police women and volunteer patrols be
organized in the cities of the United States under committees on
work for girls representing all organizations interested in work
for girls. In New York and other cities having Defense Leagues
it may be felt wise to tie the work up to these groups.

2. That in selecting volunteer patrols a very careful and wise
choice be made from the women in such organizations as the
Y. W. C. A., Camp Fire Girls guardians, representatives of Jewish
and Catholic organizations, League for Women's Service, and

GIRL PROBLEM ADJACENT TO MILITARY CAMPS

church organizations who seem personally best fitted to undertake
this work.

3. That paid police women be employed in cities. Many feel
that these workers should preferably be local women, social work-
ers of considerable experience, forceful, tactful, and of splendid
physical strength who may previously have established relationships
with the young women and girls of the community.

4. That the workers be given police authority or through the
sheriff be given power of deputy sheriff. In all probability to avoid
delay it may be necessary for groups of private individuals to bear
the salary expense. Later the city may be willing to assume the re-
sponsibility.

5. That one of the police training schools of the country, prefer-
ably New York where there is an excellent equipment, offer courses
in training of police women. The two months course given in Eng-
land for paid workers has been suggested, with possibly a shorter
course for volunteer patrols. In this way paid workers and volun-
teers could secure training in police methods and duties and in laws
controlling the rights of women and children. If it is not feasible
for volunteer workers to secure training at a police training school,
such training should be supplied so far as possible by the paid
police women.

6. That the duties of the police women and the volunteer
patrols shall include the patrolling of streets, dance halls, amuse-
ment parks, railroad stations and termini in frequented parts of
the cities, districts in which munition factories are situated or
places where women come together in large numbers in industries,
recruiting stations and sections of the country where guard duty
is being performed. A careful program should be arranged by the
committee on girls' work and the police women form volunteer
patrols whereby each volunteer is assigned to so many hours of
duty so many times a week. Such a program should be carefully
worked out and carefully followed.

7. That great emphasis be laid on the preventive and construc-
tive phase of the work and not only shall the girls be warned by the
police women and patrols and persuasion be brought to bear when
they are found acting foolishly and unwisely but friendly relations
should be established and channels opened for proper recreation.

8. That it should be constantly borne in mind that the work of
the police women and volunteer patrols is only one phase of the

388

GIRL PROBLEM ADJACENT TO MILITARY CAMPS

work for girls and should not be over-emphasized to the exclusion
of other features of primary importance.

There are at the present time fifty-one cities in the United
States employing police women whose salaries are paid from muni-
cipal funds. The salaries paid these workers vary from $75.00 to
$80.00, and $85.00 to $100.00, and in some rare instances to $110.00
a month. It is felt, however, that it would work a hardship for
these cities if the police women were transferred to other com-
munities and in the present emergency it would probably be wiser
to make use of women residing in the cities who are familiar with
conditions and who can work quietly and with little publicity.

The cities in which police women are being paid from municipal
funds are the following :

Alabama
Birmingham

California
Long Beach
Los Angeles
Rodondo
Sacramento
San Diego
San Francisco
Santa Anna
Santa Barbara
Santa Monica

Colorado

Colorado Springs
Denver
Trinidad

Idaho
Boise

Illinois
Chicago
Galesburg

Indiana
East Chicago
Elkhart
Fort Wayne
Lafayette

Kokomo
South Bend

Kansas
Wichita

Maryland
Baltimore

Massachusetts
Brookline

Michigan
Ann Arbor
Jackson

Minnesota
Minneapolis
St. Paul ,
Virginia

Missouri
Joplin
St. Louis

Montana
Helena
Lewiston

Nebraska
Omaha

New Jersey
Paterson
Trenton

New York
Ithaca
Jamestown
Rochester
Syracuse

North Dakota
Fargo

Grand Forks
Minot

Ohio
Dayton
Youngstown

Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh

Texas

San Antonio

Wisconsin
Superior

Washington
Bellingham
Seattle

In the carrying out of a program of girls' work the National
Board of the Y. W. C. A., with its special war recreation workers,
is playing an important part. At the request of Joseph Lee the
Y. W. C. A. is sending its trained workers to the cities needing
its help to act as advisor to the committees on work for girls, to

389

BACK NUMBERS IV ANTED

train volunteers, and to cooperate in every way possible in working
out the problems affecting the young girls of the city. The Y. W.
C. A. is also strengthening and enlarging its local associations to
meet war emergency needs and in a number of instances, as for
example Plattsburg, N. Y., is erecting "hostess houses" where the
soldiers may entertain their women friends.

ADDITIONAL CITIES AT WORK

The following communities in addition to those listed on page
353 have organized to develop social and recreational facilities for
the soldiers or sailors encamped near:

California Glen Coe New York

Vallejo Great Lakes Patchogue (L. I.)

Lake Forest Riverhead (L. I.)
Connecticut Waukegan

New London Texas

Mississippi Laredo
Maryland Gulfport

Annapolis Junction Jackson Virginia

Baltimore Newport News

Emmittsburg New Jersey Portsmouth

Englewood Richmond
Illinois Haworth
Evanston Trenton

BACK NUMBERS OF THE PLAYGROUND WANTED

WANTED— Volume 1 and 2 of The Playground complete, also
one copy each of the April, June and September, 1909, issues of
Volume 3. Mrs. Samuel A. Ammon, Sharpsburg P. O., Pa., is
very anxious to complete her 1909 volume of THE PLAYGROUND for
binding in order that she may present it to the library of the Civic
Club of Alleghany County, Pa. If anyone would prefer to dispose
of their file of Volume 3 complete rather than these three separate
issues she will be glad to buy the whole volume. Mrs. Ammon
will also gladly pay for volumes 1 and 2 if anyone of our readers
can furnish her with them.

390

The Victrola is used in the Class in Music History,
\\estern College for Women, Oxford, Ohio.

When and where did Opera Begin ?
What is meant by Program Music ?
What is the form of a Symphony?

How was it evolved?

Every efficient teacher keeps well-informed in the Cultural Arts, and so should have
a knowledge of the History and Appreciation of Music.

What We Hear in Music, by Anne Shaw Faulkner

is a book written especially to satisfy the needs of the musical layman who wants to know
more about the subject of good music as well as for the High School and College. The
text introduces the reader to the elements of form, nationality and expression which
underlie all music; to the development of the art, as civilization advanced; to the orches-
tral instruments, their development and use; and to the growth of opera and oratorio.
This book ($1 at all Victor dealers) is used in conjunction with the Real Music played

Victrola with Victor Records

The following New Victor Records were made especially for your School work:
Primary and Kindergarten Rhythms New School Marches

18253 ( Motives for Skipping Victor Band
10 in. •< High Stepping Horses and
75c (. Reindeer Running Victor Band

oece-7 f Patriotic Medley March
12 in J No'2 Victor Band

$1.25

I Standard Bearer Merch

New Folk Dances
fOld Zip Coon

18356

JO in.
75c

18367

10 in.
75c

Victrola XXV, $67.50

specially manufactured

for School use

When the Victrola is not in
use, the horn can be placed
under the instrument safe and
secure from danger, and the
cabinet can be locked to protect
it from dust and promiscuous
use by irresponsible people.

Victor Band
Lady of the
] Lake

(Ilurchenal)
I Victor Band
fThe Circle
(Burchenal)

Victor Band
Hull's Victory
(Burchenal)
Victor Band

IFarandole
(Burchenal)
Victor Band
Lott'ist Tod
(Burchenal-
Crampton)
Victor Band
Hear these records at yoi

18381

10 in.
75c

35652

35653

12 in.

$1.25

Conway's Band
Recitations
Little Orphant Annie

(Riley) Sally Hamlin

Seein' Things at Night
(Field) Sally Hamlin

{Polyanna Arrives
(Porter) Sally Hamlin

Polyanna and the Boy
(Porter) Sally Hamlin

Columbus (Joaquin Miller)

William Sterling Battis
Landingof the Pilgrims(Hemans)
God Give Us Men (Holland)

William Sterling Battis
Orchestra Classics
f Air from Suite in D-Major ( J. S.
35656 Bach) Gavottes from Suite in
12 in. { D-Major (Bach)
$1.25 Victor Concert Orchestra

I (Joseph Pasternack, Conductor)
Victor dealer's. For further information, write to the
Educational Department
Victor Talking Machine Co.
Camden, N. J.

Victor

HIS MASTERS VOICF

WRITE FOR- CATALOG

When you want
the best

specify

Used year after year in the
majority of the country's
playgrounds

Chicopee, Mass.

CORONA

Is a six-pound silent partner
that makes routine a habit.
With it your business reports
and accounts as well as your
personal correspondence are at-
tended to promptly.

CORONA eliminates worry

Cost with case $50.00

Write, 'phone or call for
booklet

Corona Typewriter Co., Inc.

141 West 42d Street

Tel. Bryant 7150 Opp. Hotel Knickerbocker

PLAYGROUND TRAINING

— Pestalozzi-Froebel Training School —

A Normal School for
Playground Workers

Class Roomi overlook Lake Michigan. Diploma two
years. Folk Dancing, Pageantry, Games. Story
Telling, Gymnastics, Playground Practice. Strong
Faculty, Accredited. For Illustrated Bulletin
address

REGISTRAR, Box 71

616-22 South Michigan Blvd.. CHICAGO, ILL.
Fall Term Opens September 1 8

War Recreation Service

A Country-wide Experiment
in Cooperation

In the October issue of the Playground are de-
scribed the aims, purposes and some of the ac-
complishments of the work undertaken by the
Playground and Recreation Association of
America at the request of the War Department
Commission on Training Camp Activities, in
helping cities near the camps organize theii re-
sources for the benefit of the soldiers in their
free time. Price, 25 Cents

A Letter from President Wilson

THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON

16 August, 1917
My Dear Mr. Lee :

Mr. Fosdick has told me of the excellent work
of the Playground and Recreation Association of
America in conjunction with the War Department
Commission on Training Camp Activities, and I
am writing to express my keen appreciation of the
value of this unique and excellent service. The
spirit with which our soldiers leave America, and
their efficiency on the battle fronts of Europe, will
be vitally affected by the character of the environ-
ment surrounding our military training camps. I
understand that your Association finds it necessary
to raise funds to carry on your work, and I ear-
nestly hope that you will be successful in this en-
deavor. Perhaps the local Chambers of Commerce
in the cities and towns throughout the country
could be appealed to with entire propriety to assist
you in this matter. In any event, let me assure you
of my warm support.

Sincerely yours,

(Signed) WOODROW WILSON
Mr. Joseph Lee
101 Tremont Street
Boston, Massachusetts

A Brief Statement of What the War-Camp

Community-Recreation Service

Is Trying to Do

ABBIE CONDIT, Assistant, Playground and Recreation Association

of America

TO make the cities near the training camps the best possible places
for the soldiers in their free time; to organize the social and
recreational life of the communities so that it shall contribute to
the mental, moral and physical efficiency of the men in the train-
ing camps, is the task placed upon the Playground and Recreation Asso-
ciation of America by the War Department Commission on Training
Camp Activities.

No matter how attractive the facilities at camp, or how comprehen-
sive the program of activities planned for their entertainment, it is
natural that after the routine and monotony of camp life, after its
"dress, and drill and mess," the soldiers in their free hours should rush
to the nearest cities where the lights are bright, the streets full of new
faces, and everything is different from camp. To see to it that the rec-
reation provided in these cities shall be clean and wholesome, that
there shall be channels opened through which the soldiers may find
substitutes for the normal relationships of life from which they have
been suddenly cut off, to make it possible for them to meet the towns-
people, and to provide an antidote for homesickness, depression, and
the social loneliness which is so real a menace to the moral strength
of the men — all these are phases of the problems which must be met by
the community organizers who are being sent by the Association to stir
the cities near the camps to a realization of their responsibility toward
the men who are their guests.

In this work of fostering and conserving the men's natural rela-
tions to the world outside, it is the task of the community organizer,
through the organization of a central committee, with a number of
sub-committees, to coordinate the activities of each organization and
group of people touching and controlling in any way the resources of
the community. Churches and fraternal orders are being stimulated to
entertain their members in the camps. Socials and entertainments are
being arranged where the soldiers may meet the young women of the
community. Entertainment of the soldiers in the homes of the citizens
is one of the most popular features of the hospitality program in the
various cities. Public resources of the cities such as swimming pools,
shower baths and baseball fields have been placed at the disposal of the
men. Provision is being made for the comfort of the soldiers and their
guests through the installation of comfort stations and drinking foun-
tains, and through the listing of available sleeping accommodations.
Rest rooms and "khaki clubs" are being established; directories of
points of interest, hotels, and lodging houses are being published. Auto-
mobile rides for the soldiers, community sings and band concerts are
being given. In every way possible the cities' resources are being made
available for the soldiers in their free time, in an effort to add to their
comfort and happiness, and to send them out with the feeling that
American cities and the American people are standing back of them.

Nearly eighty communities are being helped in their efforts to play
hostess to the thousands of men in khaki in camp near them. Over
eighty workers sent out by the Playground and Recreation Association
of America are now at work in the cities, blazing a new trail in the
conduct of the world war.

395

396

397

P
3

a
o

398

399

400

401

WAR CAMP COMMUNITY RECREATION SERVICE

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

HOSPITAL TENTS

Chattanooga, Tennessee

LADIES OF CHATTANOOGA HOSTESSES TO SICK
SOLDIERS FOR AN AFTERNOON'S MOTORING

402

403

WAR CAMP COMMUNITY RECREATION SERVICE

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

OFFICERS' FAMILIES MAKING THEIR HOME IN THE
ACADEMY, USUALLY CLOSED FOR THE SUMMER

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

ACADEMY USUALLY CLOSED FOR SUMMER, OPENED

THIS YEAR AS A HOME FOR OFFICERS AND THEIR

FAMILIES

404

405

406

407

WAR CAMP COMMUNITY RECREATION SERVICE

fc.

Fort Niagara, New York

THE COMMUNITY ORGANIZER SECURED MISS NORA

BAYES TO SING FOR THE SOLDIERS WITHIN THE CAMP

AT FORT NIAGARA

First Baptist Church, Chattanooga, Tennessee

WAR CAMP COMMUNITY RECREATION SERVICE

Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia

MULE RACE

Chattanooga, Tennessee

SEEKING RECREATION

418

WAR CAMP COMMUNITY RECREATION SERVICE

Chattanooga, Tennessee

STREET CORNER "HANG OUT." SOLDIERS SEEKING
RECREATION SATURDAY AFTERNOON

i • .,,*..

Fort Oglcthorpe, Georgia

WAR CAMP COMMUNITY RECREATION SERVICE

Indianapolis, Indiana

A FULL GRAND STAND FOR THE SOLDIERS' ATHLETIC

EVENTS

Indianapolis, Indiana

TUG-OF-WAR

WAR CAMP COMMUNITY RECREATION SERVICE

Indianapolis, Indiana

THE HURDLERS

Indianapolis, Indiana

POT.F. VAT IT /T

WAR CAMP COMMUNITY RECREATION SERVICE

Chattanooga, Tennessee

SATURDAY AFTERNOON

Indianapolis, Indiana

THE SPRINT

WAR CAMP COMMUNITY RECREATION SERVICE

Indianapolis, Indiana

THE HIGH JUMP

Coddington Point, Newport, Rhode Island

THIS CLUBHOUSE OF FIFTY ROOMS WITH 125 ACRES OF LAND
AND A LARGE GROVE OF TREES WAS GRANTED FOR RECREATION
PURPOSES BY THE REALTY COMPANY WHICH OWNS IT. THE
EXPENSES OF RUNNING THE CLUB, $350 PER MONTH, HAVE BEEN
UNDERWRITTEN BY A LOCAL ORGANIZATION, THROUGH THE
EFFORTS OF THE WAR RECREATION SECRETARY

WAR CAMP COMMUNITY RECREATION SERVICE

Coddington Point, Newport, Rhode Island

THE BOYS FURNISH THEIR OWN MUSIC AT CODDINGTON

POINT

Coddington Point, Newport, Rhode Island

BRIDGE BUILT BY THE MEN, WITH PERMISSION OF THE
GOVERNMENT, ACROSS THE CREEK WHICH SEPARATES

•TTJT7 <~T TTT3trr»TTCT? T7T?r»TV/I TWTT TPATMTTSin STATION

WAR CAMP COMMUNITY RECREATION SERVICE

Coddington Point, Newport, Rhode Island

VOLLEY BALL COURT

Coddington Point, Newport, Rhode Island

WRITING LETTERS IN THE GROVE

W ^

O Q

c^:

H p

«§

c^ PQ

Q u

^ >

•sx *— i

e fe

* c/i

- W

1X/T OTION PICTURES have come to be the ideal form
-L*A of entertainment for mixed audiences. The right kind
of motion picture simplifies the problem of the Playground
and Recreation Association in securing entertainment for
communities in the neighborhood of training camps.

Committees who are planning diversion for these centers
will want to include EDISON CONQUEST PICTURES on
their program, because they contain everything that is worth
while, bright, stimulating stories and other subjects, artistically
photographed, and of peculiar interest to everyone.

A few sample CONQUEST programs may illustrate the
value of these pictures.

PROGRAM NO. 1

"Chris and the Wonderful Lamp" 4 reels

"Luck of Roaring Camp" (_ 2 reels

"Skylarking on Skiis"....>

"He Couldn't Get Up in the Morning" ) . ,

"Captains of Tomorrow" t

PROGRAM NO. 2

"Knights of the Square Table" 4 reels

"Farmer Alfalfa and His Wayward Pup" /

"Your Flag and My Flag" *

"The Making of 100-Ton Guns" >

"What Form Means to an Athlete" »

"The Story of the Willow Plate" 1 reel

PROGRAM NO. 3

"Billy and the Big Stick" 4 reels

"Two Kentucky Boys" 2 reels

"Climbing Mt. Washington" [ ^ reej

"Gathering Bananas and Cocoanuts">

•

PROGRAM NO. 4

"The Half-Back" 3 reels

"The Boy Who Cried Wolf" 2 reels

"Playing in Florida" 1

"Crystals in Formation" r 1 reel

"The Joy Rider of the Ocean" J

"In Love's Laboratory" 1 reel

The "STAR SPANGLED BANNER," reproduced from
the story by Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews, a patriotic
film of no little merit, should prove ideal for this purpose.

The Victrola and Victor Records

can bring to your school all the happiness of the Christmas season, and
countless benefits, in pleasure and instruction, for every other school day
of the year.

Have you a copy of "Pan and His Pipes." by Catherine Dunlap Gather? This little
booklet of ten s ories about music and its beginning is an appropriate Christma - book,
and should be on the desk of all teachers for the story telling period. (Price 35 cents at
all Victor dealers)

Here are a few ChrLtmas suggestions of Victor Records for your school:

35594 f Angels from the Realms of Glory
J • -ontg< mciy-^mai t) '1 rinity Choir
I Oh, Lit le Town of bethlehem
Id'hillii'S C COKS) Trinity Choir

45145

10 in.
$1.00

Holy Night (Adam)

Marsh and Lyric Quartet
Silent Night (Gruber) (?, itli Or^an
and Chimes) Lyric Quartet

Messiah-Pa«tr«ral Sympt ony
(Handel) Victor Concert Orches-
tra (2) Messiah-Gl ry to God
(Handel) Victor Mixed Chorus
Messiah-And the < ilory r,t the ) .ord

( Hande') Victor Mixed Chorus
45144 (Messiah-He Shall Feed His J l,ck
10 in. -{ Elsie Baker

$1.00 iMesaiah-ComeUntoMeLucyMarsh
Nazareth

35499

12 in.

$1.25

Christmas Songs and Carols

Victrola XXV, $75

specially manufactured

for School use

When the Victrola is not in
use, the horn can t.e placed
under the instrument safe and
secure from ii->n?«r. and the
cabinet c <n >e locked to protect
it fro-n dust an I promiscuous
use by irresponsible people.

( Chris

31873 ("Ch

12 in. \ of Hethlehtm," "(,od RcstYo.i. Merry
$1.00 Gentlemen." "The H rst Nowell." "Silent

I NL-u •') Victor Mixed Chorus

31770 (Messiah-Hallelujah Chorus
12 in. \ (ilanuel) Victor Chorus

$1.00 (. and Sousa's Band

f Merry Christmas (_y Sleighing Song
17869 (Riley-Gayin) Olive Kline

10 in. \ Around the Christmas Tree (Old
\ Sivedish 1 -oik-Song) (:) Little
I Christmas Shoes Elsie Baker

Scrooge-Pait l-"Marley's Ghost"

William Sterling Battis
Scrooge-Par ^ 2 -"The Ghost of
Christmas Past" ( M analog ne ar-
ranged irom "A Christmas Carol")
(Dickers) William Sterling Eattis
Scrooge-Part ?-"The Ghost of
Christmas Present"

William Sterling Battis
Scrooge-Part 4-"The Ghost of
Christmas to Come" (Monologue
arranged from "A Christ mas Carol")
(I );ok< ns) William Sterling Battis
Babes in Toylatid-The Toymaker's
Shop (Herbert) (Christmas record
made especially for the children)

Victor Herbert's Orchestra
Hear these Victor Records at any Victor dealer's. For further information,

Educational Department

Victor Talking Machine Co.

Camden, N. J.

(Gounod)

10 m. <

Lyric

75c 1

17647

Quartet

10 in. '

First Nowell

75C

(Old Christ-

mas Carol)

Lyric
Quartet

The Night

Before

Christinas

(Moore)

35567

35418

12 in. •
$1.25

Cora Mel
Patten
The Ginger-
bread Boy

12 in. •
$1.25

(Old Folk
Tale)

60080

Georgene

1 M n.

Faulkner

75c

Victor

HIS MASTERS VOICE

he Community Chorus, New York City, winter and summer, indoors and out, in public halls and
parks, sings together for the joy of singing and what singing can do to awaken and
inspire the community spirit. There are generally almost as many
men as women and every age is represented.

THE WORLD AT PLAY

A Playground for Java. —
C. M. Goethe writes in The
Survey: "A letter has just
reached me from my corre-
spondent in Java, James Etty.
He has been receiving regular-
ly The Survey and THE PLAY-
GROUND. He writes, 'I have
great pleasure in stating that
our place is getting its play-
ground/ He then modestly
adds that, while he did not
take an active part in it, 'I
think the many times I spoke
about your American play-
ground movement must to
have helped to level the paths/

"It is just these beginnings
all over the world, promoted
by just such articles as ap-
peared in The Survey and in
THE PLAYGROUND that are lead-
ing to a broader international-
ism and helping to make the
way for a better understanding
and a more lasting peace in the
future."

Mr. Goethe whites that he
has received a copy of the
grant of 600 rupees from India
toward the Lee Memorial
Playground, one of the first
municipal appropriations in
India. "Once the people own
the playground they take an
interest which otherwise is im-
possible."

Carry On. — "China needs

playgrounds tremendously and
the biggest help we can get in
proving that to the people to
whom we must look for sup-
port and maintenance is the
proof of their necessity and
high value in America. May
you enjoy the greatest success
in your propaganda, not only
for the good you will do Amer-
ica, but for the great good you
will send on to the Orient as
well." — Extract from letter of
Frank Eckerson, Tong-An Dis-
trict of the Amoy Mission,
Tong-An, Amoy, China

A "Macedonian" Cry from
Russia. - - Xenphon Kala-
matiano, a progressive Rus-
sian who has been educated
in this country, now sends the
following urgent appeal
through the American Consul-
ate in Moscow :

"In connection with the vari-
ous changes which are taking
place in Russia as a result of
the revolution, there is grow-
ing interest in the reconstruc-
tion of the school system, with
a special view towards paying
more attention to the physical
training of the students, which
up to the present time has
been almost entirely neglected.

"As a graduate of American
schools I have been asked by
a new Union of Parents to pro-

THE WORLD AT PLAY

cure such assistance from the
States as possible to help in
the preparation of a new pro-
gram for establishing schools
more or less on the American
plan.

"What is desired is litera-
ture describing American
grade and high schools, with
as much detail as possible,
especially if possible the steps
taken to insure hygienic sur-
roundings, the system of gym-
nasiums and gymnasium work,
also descriptions of the various
field sports and how they are
of assistance in the general
training of the scholars.

"The new Union also would
like to get in touch with insti-
tutions which in the States
furnish schools with supplies
such as pencils, paper, note-
books ; also supplies for gym-
nasium and sport ; as also
school furniture of all kinds.

"I trust that this request
may find you interested and
that the office of the Union of
Parents may receive literature
and possibly be placed in touch
with organizations that may
be helpful to it."

Graham R. Taylor who sent
us this letter adds: "This is
only one of a multitude of
ways in which America can be
of inestimable service to Rus-
sia in this most critical period
of her national development.
It is a thrilling time to be here

— and has been such all of the
past year. I am anxious to
get back home and see all mv
friends and tell them what is
going on here and about the
experiences I have had. But
I cannot break out just yet,
and even when I do come back
I know I shall feel like keep-
ing in the closest touch possi-
ble with affairs here, and per-
haps coming back here."

Community Buildings in
Small Towns. - - Sheboygan,
Wisconsin ; Coldwater, Kan-
sas, and Russell, Kansas, are
among the towns reporting
new community buildings.
Sheboygan has bowling alleys,
billiard tables, dancing, and
gymnasium and storytelling
classes for the younger chil-
dren, all under the direction of
a paid worker.

Coldwater provides stage
and four club-rooms, two
shower-baths, library, reading-
room and rest-room.

Russell built its Community
Hall at a cost of about $3,000
by selling shares at five dollars
each. It stands on land owned
by the city, which also provides
tennis, hand-ball and tether-
ball facilities besides some
playground apparatus. Com-
munity singing and a series of
musical and dramatic enter-
tainments will be held in the
Hall.

434

THE WORLD AT PLAY

Pooling Interests. — Cedar
Springs, Michigan, in an effort
to solve the rural community
problem has established a com-
munity center in a building
formerly occupied by the Con-
gregational church. The work
is controlled by the Board of
Education. The superintend-
ent of schools, Mr. J. E. L,uid-
en, in writing of the work
says : "The school does not pay
a cent toward maintaining the
activities, as the motion pic-
tures meet the bulk of the bills.
The other activities pay their
own way with the help of con-
certs.

"These activities include a
library of 1,000 volumes, a
dramatic club of twelve, an
orchestra of twenty-five, and a
chorus now organizing for a
second season. Motion pic-
tures are given twice a week, a
home school association is
nourishing and plans are being
laid for a winter Chautauqua.

"Each organization has its
own officers, but the superin-
tendent of schools is ex-officio
a director in all of them, thus
unifying and building up all
interests from an educational
standpoint. This eliminates
local politics and petty person-
alities, while enabling each
society to feel itself responsible
for its own success.

"To clinch matters this year,

we also plan a Community
Clearing Council, to act as an
advisory committee to assist
the Board of Education and the
Superintendent in securing the
best interests of the commun-
ity. The council is to be com-
posed of about twenty-five pub-
lic-spirited citizens of both
sexes, representing a dozen
communities and public enter-
prises. This will help develop
public sentiment, keep close
tab on any untoward develop-
ments, sense new needs and
suggest new solutions, besides
unifying the town."

Making Use of a Run-down
Church. — Earlville, Illinois, is
using two lots and an old
church building for basket-ball,
Boy Scouts, Mothers' Clubs
and other interesting gather-
ings.

Interest in Gardening in
South Bend, Indiana. — Nearly
4500 registered in the Home
Garden Contest, while 457 re-
ceived vacant lot gardens
directly from the director of
gardens of the municipal recre-
ation system. The number
reached about a thousand in-
cluding lots granted by Oliver,
Studebaker and other large in-
dustrial plants. The annual
Flower and Vegetable Snow
was held at the Inter-State
Fair.

A Miniature Olympiad, —

435

THE WORLD AT PLAY

Over one thousand boys com-
peted in New York City on
Labor Day for the Public Park
Playground Athletic and Rec-
reation League Championship.
Every race which goes to make
up a cosmopolitan city was
represented. Winners in each
of the ten events received gold,
silver or bronze medals and
the playground winning the
championship, a silver cup —
all presented by the New York
Evening Mail.

A Scale for Grading Neigh-
borhood Conditions. — It is
published by the Whittier
State School, Whittier, Cali-
fornia. It includes playground
facilities, institutions and es-
tablishments, social status of
residents.

Dramatic Courses at Colum-
bia.— Columbia University is
to have two very significant
courses in the training of lead-
ers of dramatic play. That
given by Emma Sheridan Fry
on Principles of Educational
Dramatics will serve as a
foundation for the more spe-
cialized course given by emi-
nent lecturers, conducted by
the Children's Educational
Theatre. Full information re-
garding these courses may be
secured from the Director of
Extension Teaching, Columbia
University.

Musical Baseball. — West

436

New York, New Jersey, ran a
municipal baseball series with
semi-professional teams, charg-
ing for seats but not for ad-
mittance. The profit of near-
ly three thousand dollars was
used for free band concerts to
the number of fifteen.

Food Conservation for
Schools.— The United States
Food Administration will is-
sue each school month a bulle-
tin of family and civic econom-
ics prepared under the direc-
tion of Charles H. Judd, Dean
of the School of Education of
the University of Chicago.
These lessons are intended to
stimulate closer cooperation
between the school and the
community in solving the
problem of our democracy.

Enthusiastic cooperation was
extended by all the summer
schools of the country in carry-
ing the messages of the Food
Administration to their stu-
dents, who, as teachers, have
infinite possibilities of influenc-
ing "the food habits of the one
hundred million of our people."

Inter-State Character Educa-
tion Methods Research. — The
National Institution for Moral
Instruction is offering a prize
of $20,000 for the best method
of Character Education in the
public schools of the United
States. In 1916, a competi-
tion for a prize of $5000 was

THE WORLD AT PLAY

conducted for the best "Chil-
dren's Code of Morals." Nine
collaborators from each state
may be appointed to work out
the proposed system. Only
one plan from each state will
be eligible. Further informa-
tion may be secured from the
Institution, 3730 McKinley
Street, N. W., Washington,
D. C.

Boys' Clubs Annual Meet-
ing.—The Boys' Club Federa-
tion held its eleventh annual
conference in Buffalo, with 114
delegates present, represent-
ing sixty organizations. The
Older Boys' section voted to
raise one-fourth of the expense
for a field secretary for the far
west. One of the memorable
events was the lighting of
eleven candles upon a huge
birthday cake symbolizing the
eleven years of the Federation.
The candles were lighted in a
darkened room by Older Boy
delegates with a torch which
the president hands on from
year to year to his successor
as a symbol of the lighting of
new beacon fires in the form
of boys' clubs throughout the
land. Among the speakers
were Irving Bacheller, Ernest
K. Coulter and James A.
Wilder, the last from Hono-
lulu.

Dedication of McGolrick
Recreation Field. — William E.

Harmon, speaking at the dedi-
cation services at McGolrick
Recreation Field, in New York
city, urged young Catholics
there present to make the occa-
sion the starting point for na-
tion-wide propaganda for the
establishment of playgrounds
by Catholic parishes. Mr.
Harmon spoke in part as fol-
lows:

"I wonder how many of us
here today realize the mean-
ing of this recreation field
we are about to dedicate. I
wonder how many are think-
ing of the part it is to play in
this section of the great City
of New York?

"Scarcely a day will pass but
that a new child will enter for
the first time its welcoming
gates, to take possession of it,
and to have it for his very own
for five, or perhaps, even ten
years.

"About the time our dear
Lord was born, nearly two
thousand years ago an open
space in the Imperial City of
Rome was set aside for a park
or market place. Today it is
still in use, and children have
gained health and strength
from its grassy turf, and in its
cooling shadows for sixty gen-
erations.

"About one thousand years
ago a London manufacturer
gave a few acres of ground ly-

437

THE WORLD AT PLAY

ing between his house and his
small factory upon condition
that a path should be kept
open between the two build-
ings for all time. While the
very name of that man has, in
the passage of the centuries,
become a question of history,
so my informant told me, the
City of London has kept the
path open traversing the park
in a curious criss-cross way,
and on the night I was there,
in the middle of a spell of ex-
treme heat, I saw not less than
five hundred men, women and
children stretched out asleep
under the stars.

"I speak of these things be-
cause I want you to see what
great work has been done for
you and your children, and
your children's children by
your beloved Pastor, I also
want you to try to realize a
far greater significance in the
promise that this playground
gives to other Catholic parish-
es, the inspiration that it will
give to other spiritual leaders
who are concerned with the
health of the body in connec-
tion with the health of the
soul, and the hope that it will
bring to the mothers and fath-
ers of children in other places
where our work may be dupli-
cated. I trust with God's aid
to sow under ground, watered
by your Pastor's love, seed

that will multiply a hundred-
fold from the dedication of
this day.

"A few years ago while rid-
ing on the Twentieth Century
train to Chicago, I became in-
terested in a discussion of phil-
anthropies. The question at
issue was, What form of gift
to the public would be most
likely to become a permanent
or perpetual benefaction? The
gentlemen were men of wide
experience and broad educa-
tion, and many were the sug-
gestions made, and many were
the cogent arguments scored
against them. When libraries
were proposed, the point was
made that books wore out, and
buildings must be kept up with
fresh money. Hospitals per-
formed their wonderful serv-
ice to the public, but under the
same handicap. Educational
institutions became sluggish
and out of step with progress,
unless refreshed by new blood.
Endowments are subject to
theft or misuse. Even churches
decay or moulder from ravages
of time. Land, naked land,
was found to be the only form
of a public gift that stood the
test of years of decay or mis-
use. Land is always where
God put it — ready to serve his
children, whenever men are
wise enough to put it to good
use. It may be made to serve

433

THE WORLD AT PLAY

evil ends, but of itself it is un-
contaminated."

Putting New Life into the
Community. — Word comes
from a small community in
New York of the work of one
man, a minister, in helping his
young folks to rich, happy
lives. He desired more mod-
ern facilities for work with his
young people.

"Only chloroform could be
the means of separating his
pews from their dollars. He
was big enough to undertake
physical directing in a gym-
nasium for the village in order
to keep his little flock. Well,
it does seem as though the
Lord had raised him up ! I
understand that he is to be
made a member of the school
faculty another year with a
regular salary — he's doing it
all gratis now — directing the
training of his 400 pupils, ex-
cept that one teacher has the
girls from 16 to 18. He is an
Englishman, son of an officer,
and has had good previous
work along this line I judge —
clean, enthusiastic, well-edu-
cated. I do not dare to put
into words the things I hope
he may do for us. Our men's
social club at their annual pic-
nic raised $200 for starting the
gynasium. He rented the
skating rink and fitted it up
for a gynasium. He has classes

every day excepting Friday
and Saturday. He is a scout-
master into the bargain and
the boys meet there, regularly.
He had them camping for two
weeks during the summer.

"I had been very much dis-
couraged during the year just
after I made my master effort.
I had sifted to the last ounce
I was able and it seemed a last
effort. But it has just begun
to blossom. Roots must have
been growing in the dark. The
business men have joined with
the Grange to establish a fine
rest-room, a place so much
needed in a rural community.
They provide all the late peri-
odicals and papers, have a com-
fortable place for farmers to
bring their luncheon and to
eat it, a toilet and lavatory.
Just what we needed. Satur-
day nights this summer the
pavement has been swept clean
and dusted over with cornmeal
and after the band concert, the
town has danced, the village
president being floor-manager.
Some of the ministers have
looked for the heavens to fall
but on the contrary I seemed
to see the stars twinkle a bit
more gaily, sure am I the get-
together spirit is manifesting
itself and the wave is going to
be so strong that even the
ministers will be swept on
with it. My enthusiasm, so

THE WORLD AT PLAY

crushed, is reviving and I be-
gin to get the vision again."
Playshed for Winter.— "Blue-
field, West Virginia, has a
gymnasium for winter sports
40x80 feet. It might be called
a playshed yet can be warmed,
has pine floor and porch nine
feet wide running all around
for running track and roller
skating. Shower baths be-
low."

Municipal Golf Club House.
— The Racine, Wisconsin, mu-
nicipal golf clubhouse contains
a heating and hot-water plant
with baths, dressing-rooms for
men and women, storage-room,
and office, as well as a refec-
tory and dining-room and a
clubroom.

Racine has given up the con-
cession system and the refec-
tory service is now handled
directly by the Park Board.
"Better and increased service"
is the report under the new
system.

The Park Department mu-
nicipal Chautauqua, was a suc-
cess financially and every other
way and the department plans
to repeat it. The Ben Greet
players give an annual per-
formance in one of the parks.

Socialized High School in
Eveleth, Minnesota. — The Eve-
leth high school building cost
$175,000 and contains two
swimming pools 20x60 feet,

showers and lockers, a gym-
nasium 50x110 feet, with dress-
ing-rooms and an office for the
directors. A large auditorium
with movable seats and a
stage between the gymnasium
and the auditorium make a
building which, from the
standpoint of recreation, is one
of the most complete in the
United States.

Since the high school is to
have two swimming-pools, the
municipality has given up its
plan of a natatorium and has
built instead a curling and
skating rink. The curling rink
is on the first floor of the build-
ing and the skating rink on
the second.

The schools at Eveleth have
established a system of physi-
cal training based upon play.
This includes class-rooms and
gymnasium activities with play
with a play leader during re-
cess and after school. In the
evening there is indoor recre-
ation conducted for the older
children. The night school
for foreigners has community
singing. A teachers' training
class in plays, games, folk
dancing, and calisthenics was
conducted during the winter of
1915-16.

A municipal bathing beach
has been established at Ely
Lake. The Board of Educa-

440

A'-LIVING CHRISTMAS TREE

tion maintains a bus line from — By vote of the people the

the city to the beach. Children council appropriation for mu-

are carried free. There is a nicipal music was increased

small charge for adults. Su- from $2000 to $3500. The new

pervision at the bathing beach city hall is to be used as a mu-

was also provided by the nicipal recreation center as

Board of Education. well as for administrative pur-

From Virginia, Minnesota, poses.

A LIVING CHRISTMAS TREE

For four years a communal service has been held on Christmas
night in the city park of Riverside, Cal., and the death of no grow-
ing thing has been necessary to commemorate the birth of Jesus.
No monarch of the forests nor of the mountains is cut down for
this one night to have its sap drawn for years from unseen reser-
voirs gradually dried up. No ! Riverside decorates with tinsel and
spangles, gay ornaments and pure white ribbons a magnificent liv-
ing cypress which towers symmetrically for eighty feet into the dark
blue sky that glitters with millions of stars which the tree's solitary
star crown emulates. Riverside, located as it is in the southern part
of California, has been chosen by one of the big circuses as a winter
quarters. With this circus available, why not, came the thought
to the originator of the Community Christmas Tree, revive the
memory of the old-world animals chewing the cud of idleness in
their open fields. Accordingly a procession is formed each Christ-
mas night several squares from the park and floats are prepared to
add to the festivities; then, marching as solemnly as if they were
carrying the Three Wise Men of Old and passing through rows of
applauding thousands, the camels, elephants and Arabian horses
lead the festal procession through the orange-bowered city which
nestles in the Sierras as did the hamlet in Judea lie in the hollow of
its hills so long ago.

And as they turn through the rose-covered gates and approach
the glittering tree a message radiates through all its branches "Joy
to the World." Then the Spirit of Christmas, impersonated by a
young girl who is drawn to her throne in the tree on a lovely chariot,
glides to her place amid the welcome from the trumpets, the brasses,
the viols and the voices of thousands.

441

THE COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

Once again the jeweled lights flash out, carols are sung and a
tender hush comes when a simple prayer is made by a gentle old
man ending in the Lord's Prayer in which all join. And the old
tree rustles, whispering to itself.

THE COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

Now is the time to plan your community Christmas. Here
are a few suggestions from last year's celebrations that may be
helpful.

As the clock in the Metropolitan tower struck six o'clock the
day after Christmas, the thousands of lights on the Municipal
Christmas Tree in Madison Square were switched on and the great
pine became indeed a "Tree of Light" and color, topped by the
brillant white "Star of the East." A short distance to the north
of the tree a large electric sign blazed forth the Christmas message,
"Peace on Earth, to Men Good Will."

Within a few moments after the lights were turned on, an
interested crowd had gathered to gaze at the tree and by seven-
thirty the paths around the tree and the singers' stand were filled
with people. The Community Chorus led in the singing of
America, Silent Night, Holy Night, The Christmas Tree Carol and
Come All Ye Faithful. At seven- forty singing Arthur Farwell's
March, March, the chorus proceeded to Madison Square Garden
through a moving aisle formed by Boy Scouts with their staffs
held horizontally at their sides.

A large crowd had already gathered in the hall and people
continued to pour in until not only the balconies and boxes were
filled but also the 1500 or more chairs which had been placed on
the main floor. The audience was an unusually democratic one,
men and women of every class and nationality sitting side by side.

"An audience typical of New York it surely was. Women
from the tenements with shawls over their heads hurried along
side by side with women in opera cloaks. An old white-haired
man with one empty sleeve, plainly a Civil War veteran, followed
some cherry cheeked high school girls. An old negro crept in and
asked if there was a seat for him, receiving the hearty answer,
'Seats for all.'

"Mothers with their sons, young men just back from the

4:12

THE COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

border, in khaki, fathers and mothers with their little children, rich
and poor, richly clad and shabby, young arid old, all came hurrying
in together.

"There were blind people, led by their friends. There were
deaf men and women, wearing contrivances for hearing at their
ears. There were lame people, limping eagerly along.

"If any element preponderated it was citizens with cheap
clothes and dark, intent faces, music loving Italians and Russian
Jews from the East Side."

The platform for the Community Chorus erected at the east
end of the hall was banked with evergreens in front and at the
sides. The singers, said to be one thousand in number, were of all
ages from little girls with curls hanging down their backs to white-
haired men and women. All of the women in the chorus wore
white. The orchestra which played the accompaniments numbered
about ninety pieces. Harry Barnhart directed the singing of The
Messiah by the Chorus and familiar hymns by all.

The audience seemed a little timid about letting out their
voices at first but soon they forgot themselves in the songs which
they were singing and made the place ring with the well-known
carols and hymns.

Comparatively very few of the audience left before the last
hymn had been sung. The audience stood during the singing of
the impressive Hallelujah Chorus.

One could but feel that a true Christmas spirit reigned supreme
in the hearts of the great throng that took part in this celebration.

At the community Christmas tree in Harlem, arranged by the
Harlem Council of iWomen, in Mount Morris Park, the Harlem
Young Women's Christian Association gave the pageant of the
Nativity on Christmas night. Costumes were borrowed from
local churches and other organizations. The lights from the tree
and a spot-light provided the illumination. The actors, following
the light, came down the hill to the manger, where they presented
their gifts and sang carols. Many had felt that the program for
Christmas night was unimportant as most people would have home
interests, but the attendance and appreciation fully justified the
efforts of the Y. W. C. A. Other organizations had charge of
other nights, in turn.

The children of the parks, playgrounds and gymnasium under
the Department of Parks celebrated Christmas and their annual

RECREATION IN INDUSTRY

exhibit of their work during the week with a playlet, Father Time
and His Children, followed by general dancing.

The program of the South Bend, Indiana, Christmas tree cele-
bration consisted of carols and seven living pictures of scenes of
the Nativity.

Los Angeles conducted a series of Christmas festivals, ending
with a particularly gay occasion in the old Plaza, where a pro-
gram of Mexican and Spanish songs and dances roused these
warm-blooded foreigners to great enthusiasm.

RECREATION IN INDUSTRY

CHARLES FREDERICK WEHER, Associate Secretary, Playground and Recreation
Association of America, Chicago, Illinois

(Continued from September)
VIII. SOCIAL SERVICE

In one of the smallest of the Northern Range Towns of Min-
nesota, I talked with an assistant superintendent of important min-
ing interests. He came to this little, isolated settlement, some fif-
teen years ago, as a young man, a cultured college graduate. He told
me that the desolation, the utter loneliness and dullness of his posi-
tion, was so overwhelming that, for a long time, he was constantly
on the verge of deserting the industry and fleeing to a more con-
genial fellowship. He did not "break-loose" into dissipation, as
many workers do, but it is probable that something vital has been
killed in that man — and in scores or hundreds of others, who appear
to have "made good" as industrial leaders, but have really mur-
dered some of their richest potential powers.

From the librarian at Virginia, Minnesota, I learned such pa-
thetic stories of life-hunger among industrial workers and their
families as would surely stir to action the noble-minded leaders of
those great iron mines, if they could understand somewhat more ade-
quately the human elements of their mamtnoth industrial machines.

Foreign-born women, especially, linger shyly around the li-
brarian's desk, seeking eagerly for some excuse for just talking to
some one. Weeks drag along with no opportunity to talk with any
human being about anything but the grim toil of the man's industry

RECREATION IN INDUSTRY

and his sleeping-eating place. These women are sometimes desper-
ately lonely. They feel that "nobody cares. " They have no place,
no human usefulness, no community consciousness; no sense of thier
own function and value among their fellows. Their souls starve for
fellowship — which organized recreations could give.

IX. MODERN CIVILIZATION'S Two PITFALLS

But, why should industries lead, or share vigorously, in the
solution of the leisure- time problem? Because industries have be-
come the main determinants of social thought and action.

Not only has the influence of our industries grown mightily,
but their characteristics have greatly changed. Even since I was a la-
boring man — in 1889 and '90 at Swift's slaughter house in the Chicago
Stock Yards — there have been large alterations in industrial, social
conceptions. And the rapidity of the changing movement increases
constantly. Five years in the twentieth century bring us farther
forward than fifty in the nineteenth or five hundred in earlier periods.

Therefore, it is vitally important that our industrial leaders
should apprehend two dangers which threaten modern civilization: —

One danger is that the characteristic modern emphasis upon
material standards, upon conditions, will not be corrected or con-
trolled by an adequate emphasis upon activities, upon life itself. My
whole discussion of recreation deals obviously with this theme —
which was expressed in the first of the two results promised from
recreation activities in industry, namely the increase of productive
power — of efficiency. We are constantly forgetting that life is more
than meat or raiment.

The second danger is that those who now control our industries
will be so slow in realizing and expressing the growing, general sense
of brotherhood, of democracy, that people will become impatient and
incline, sweepingly, towards class hatred and class warfare. To this
theme is related the second of the two promised results of recreation,
namely the development of team play, of cooperation — a spirit of
united endeavor.

Nothing is more democratic than play. Team mates in an
earnest sport forget all class distinctions. If you have played good
games with others you feel a glow of friendly fellowship for them.

Eleventh Conclusion:

The unifying power of recreation can be applied in industries to

RECREATION IN INDUSTRY

lessen class antagonisms and to develop cooperation. The spirit
and detailed suggestions of preceding paragraphs have been expressed
inadequately if this democratic, unifying power of recreation has
not, throughout, been indicated.

c . One of the greatest services an industrial leader

Movements can render in any community is to help develop

a public recreation system to be sustained by
public taxes. Greater than giving outright to the community a Young
Men's Christian Association or any other recreation institutiion
would be the giving of such leadership as will enable the communty,
itself to develop and maintain its own institutions.

Here, I am suggesting a new subject — the relating of an industry
to the whole, independent community in which the industry is
placed. All my preceding paragraphs have dealt with a single in-
dustry, suggesting recreation activities which that industry should
develop for its own employees and their families. Now, I turn to
speak, very briefly, of the general public — the whole surrounding
community, be it large or small.

To be specific; — let the directors of an industry, or a group of
industrial leaders, in "Exville, " say to the Playground and Recrea-
tion Association of America; — "Up to $2,000 we will pay the act-
ual cost, (about $136 weekly) of having one of your expert field
secretaries do four things for Exville, namely; —

(1) Study Exville

(2) Plan an appropriate system of playgrounds and recreation
centers

(3) Enlist school, park, and city authorities to conduct them,
and

(4) Return often enough to get the activities successfully es-
tablished, under competent play leaders. "

Such a gift to the community would do more than create a
single Young* Men's Christian Association; — it would develop Young
Men's Christian Association methods, at public expense, and for
all the people, in several public schools. It would be better than
buying one ten-thousand-dollar playground ; — for it would lead the
community to buy playgrounds for all its schools and to develop
play in all its parks. It would be more surely permanent and more

*This is not to criticise or belittle the Y. M. C. A. — an altogether admir-
able institution which deserves to be even more generously and generally sup-
ported than at present. It is named here to make my suggestion specific and
forceful.

RECREATION IN INDUSTRY

broadly democratic than any philanthropy, however noble-spirited;—
for it would develop the unfailing springs of power of all the people.

Such a gift from the industrial leaders of a town or city would
be like "water to flush the pump"; — for it would assure a steady,
growing stream of popular interest and public support. This is not
theory. It has been demonstrated in many communities — small and
large — where sufficient funds have been assured to enable one of
the field secretaries of this National Association to work from two
weeks to three or four months, as needed, in each place.

On this subject of moving whole communities to develop public
recreation institutions, adequate information may be had by any
inquirer. I must return now to the immediate subject, "Recreation
in Industries" — within the industries themselves.

X. Two GENERAL CONCLUSIONS SUMMARIZED

To an open-minded man, who is trying to read the signs of the
times, I believe the preceding pages will suggest that: —

(1) Appropriate recreation activities can be developed in in-
dustrial plants as an important means of conserving and increasing
productive power and of strengthening the spirit of cooperative unity.

(2) Everything depends upon the recreation leader employed
and the specific plans developed for each distinct industrial estab-
lishment. There is little use in going about it in a cheap, patent-
medicine way.

... Before the local, permanent leader of recreation is
A "Recreation En-
gineer" Necessary employed in any industry there should be called

in, for preliminary service, an efficiency organizer
or conservation engineer, experienced in the large, specialized field
of recreation. He is needed to study the local situation and possi-
bilities, the personnel and resources, and to plan out the recreation
program — with as much expert resourcefulness as the Company
would naturally employ for the installation of any other important
new department.

Such a general industrial field secretary would develop plans for
the one industry in the light of experiences in other industries. He
would help to discover, to train, and, subsequently, to guide, the
permanent recreation leader of the local industry.

Exactly such engineering service or "field service" as this,
the Playground and Recreation Association of America has been suc-

447

STADIUMS

cessfully rendering for ten years — not to industrial plants, but to
cities and towns wishing to start or to remodel their recreation
activities.

XI. THE VERY FIRST THING TO BE DONE

This experienced, efficient "Playground and Recreation Asso-
ciation of America" should now be enabled to offer such organizing,
engineering, recreation-planning service to industrial plants.

The Association should also be enabled to carry on preparatory
experiments and demonstrations, to study and systematize the ex-
periences of industries in which recreation activities have already
been tried, and to search out and develop promising leaders of recre-
ation in these industrial fields.

STADIUMS

In 1914 there were completed stadiums at Harvard, Syracuse,
Yale, Princeton, the College of the City of New York, and at
Tacoma, Washington. The expenditures for these stadiums totaled
$1,895,000. Since 1914 the University of Michigan, Cornell Uni-
versity, the Boys' High School of Louisville, Kentucky, Evans-
ville, Indiana, and San Diego, California, have built stadiums or
are building them at the present time. The cost of these stadi-
ums, exclusive of that at the University of Michigan, is $350,000.

The methods of construction of stadiums do not
vary greatly from two main processes: a stadium

Construction { 5 *

is either erected as a complete unit, that is poured
of concrete or it is made of blocks of reenforced concrete. The
stadium at Princeton University was the first to be erected as a
monolith. The structure was all poured at once into wooden
moulds. The area of the seats is thus self-supporting and the
girders, of the same material as the seats, were moulded at the
same time. The stadium at the University of Michigan and that
at San Diego, California, have been built as monoliths, following
the Princeton plan. The stadium at Harvard, built in 1903, is an
example of block structure strengthened by twisted steel rods. The
stadium of the College of the City of New York is not a monolith
but each section of seats carried through to the outer wall is a

448

STADIUMS

unit in itself and the builders were most successful in effacing the
cracks which it was feared would be visible on the outer wall. The
Yale Bowl varies from any of the above plans in that the ground
excavated was used as an embankment which was faced with con-
crete slabs to make steps. Bars of steel were put just below the
break of the steps in order to provide for the settling of the earth.
The bowl is thus 27' above the level of the street and 27' below it.

The shape of stadiums also follows two plans : In general they
are either complete ovals or ovals open at one end. The Yale
Bowl, following the plan of the Roman Colosseum, is a complete
oval. The stadiums at Tacoma, Washington, San Diego, Califor-
nia, the University of Michigan, Evansville, Indiana, Harvard, and
Princeton, are all ovals with an open end after the Greek models.
Exceptions to either the Roman or the Greek plan are : The stad-
ium at Cornell which is a straight grandstand running along one
s^.de of the field and the stadium of the Louisville Boys' High
School which is similar to that already erected at Cornell. Cornell
plans the erection of a second building which is to be in the form
of a truncated right angle.

In size the stadiums already erected vary from 60,617, the
seating capacity of the Yale Bowl, to 4,300, the number accom-
modated by the Louisville Boys' High School stadium.

Princeton, Syracuse, and the College of the City of
Cost New York have all been given their stadiums by

individuals. Cornell's grandstand stadium was
also a gift. The cost of the proposed building at Cornell is to be
met by alumni subscriptions. The Yale Bowl was built through
alumni gifts while Harvard's Athletic Association, aided by a gift
of $125,000, provided the funds for the stadium there.

In Louisville, Kentucky and Evansville, Indiana, the stadiums
have been built and are owned by the school boards. In Evansville
the school board rents the stadium to the Central State Baseball
League for seventy days including Sundays during the baseball
season. The Board thus realizes $2,000 on the stadium annually.
vSan Diego, California and Tacoma, Washington, secured their
stadiums through the interest of the high school students. In
Tacoma the amount needed for the stadium — $135,000 — was met
by private subscription begun by the students themselves. To all
persons contributing $10 a ticket good for all stadium performances
for the next five years was given. San Diego provided for the cost

449

STADIUMS

of her stadium — $132,752 — by a bond issue for park improvements.
It is maintained by the Board of Education, which contributes $60
a month for this purpose. The Athletic Association at Princeton
had for several years built a temporary grandstand for the big
games at a cost for erection and removal of $10,000 annually. The
Athletic Association now pays this sum to the Educational Fund of
the college. Thus Mr. Palmer's gift of a $300,000 stadium is work-
ing a.s a permanent endowment fund for the institution.

The stadiums built on the Roman plan cannot be
Uses used, as a rule, for as many sports as can those

built after the Greek pattern. For example, the
Yale Bowl, although enclosing a field 300' x 500', is used only for
football. It cannot be used for baseball or track. A plan is now
on foot to tunnel it so that there may be a straight-away suitable
for track purposes. Pageants and Greek plays have been given in
the bowl with excellent effect. The Syracuse University stadium
also built after the Roman plan has nevertheless a 220-yards run-
ning course made possible by piercing tunnels. The track is sep-
arated from the set structure by a five- foot space so that track
events are visible to all spectators. The straight-away is in front
of the grandstand of the stadiums which are complete ovals, that
at the College of the City of New York providing for the most
activities. There is on the field enclosed a baseball diamond, a foot-
ball field, a one-fifth mile running track with 450' straight-away.
The stadium has also been used for pageants and Greek plays. This
stadium although dedicated to the college is available under the
supervision of the faculty to all who care to use it for recreation.

Of the stadiums built on the Greek plan with one end open,
that at Princeton, enclosing a field 700' x 580' is the largest. This
field has space for football, a quarter-mile running track, and a
track for field events. Under the stadium building itself is a
covered concourse with eight large toilet-rooms. The stadium
at Tacoma, also an open oval, encloses a field 400'x390'. It is
used for football and track events and is made available for base-
ball through the fact that the walls flare. This was possible be-
cause the stadium was small enough to allow those spectators
seated in the farthest tiers to see, even though the walls flare.
In the case of larger stadiums, flaring walls would make the dis-
tance between the players and the spectators too great.

STADIUMS

Cornell's concrete grand stand covers an area 80' x 700'. An
interesting feature of this structure is the space at the top of the
grandstand which allows for the parking of 120 automobiles within
sight of the games. The grandstand overlooks fifty-seven acres
known as the "Playground." Thirty acres of this are unfenced.
The balance is fenced and used for track, football, and baseball.

In San Diego, California, the athletic field is 621' x 287', allow-
ing for baseball, football, and track events. The stadium at San
Diego is in charge of the Park Department. No charge is made
for the use of the stadium if admittance to the event is free. If
there is an admission fee, the minimum charge is $25 and the max-
imum one-third of the gross receipts.

The Board of Regents controls the stadium at the University
of Michigan, which is not yet complete; one long side of the oval is
finished and faces a field of thirty-seven acres on which there are
tennis courts in addition to baseball, track, and football facilities.
The stadium is at the disposal of the college for pageants and dra-
matic events and has been so used.

S ecial ^e use °^ a wooden covering for the concrete

Features step is a feature of the Louisville Boys' High

School stadium. This covering is high enough in
the rear for persons to walk under it and affords comfort as well
as protection to the patrons' clothes.There are also fixtures on the
building which make possible the erection of a canopy over the
spectators in case of rain. The stadium at Evansville, Indiana,
has 5,380 seats under cover and 1,400 without cover, known as
bleachers. A cement screen built as part of the College of the
City of New York stadium runs along the Amsterdam Avenue side
of the building where street traffic is heavy and cuts off the noise
of the street most effectively. In connection with the stadium at
San Diego there is an athletic house which encloses a court for
basket ball and general athletics.

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SURFACING

A study of surfacing on the playgrounds of twenty-six cities
visited by a worker of the Playground and Recreation Association
of America showed that of two hundred and eighty-two play-
grounds, eighty were ungraded and forty-five were unimproved.
On sixty-five playgrounds efforts had been made to develop grass
surfaces.

Surface Surface treatment of the remaining one hundred and

Treatment seventy-one grounds was as follows :

Gravel 47

Cinder and sand 33

Macadam 21

Cinders and clay 17

Cement 16

Sand 15

Brick 8

Clay 5

Tan Bark 5

Slag 2

Cost On a playground 250' x 350' cinder surfacing cost

$837.34 and the labor $1,150. On a playground

where tan bark was used, a two-inch surface of bark was sufficient

SUGGESTIONS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A REG-
ULATION BASEBALL FIELD*

Size In an investigation of the athletic fields of fifty

colleges it was found that twenty had ten acres or
more, twenty had from five to ten acres, ten had five acres or
less. The fields containing over ten acres belonged to the larger
colleges and in most cases, parts of the fields were not used.

Surfacing The most important point to be considered in lay-
ing out a baseball field is the selection of a plot of

* Drawn up from report of A. E. Metzdorf for Dubuque, Iowa
454

CONSTRUCTION OF BASEBALL FIELD

ground which will lend itself naturally to the game but which
will yield as nearly as possible the best natural soil so as to reduce
the amount of excavation and handling. The most generally ac-
cepted arrangement of strata is a surface soil, a porous stratum,
and a retentive stratum for the bottom or deepest layer. In a
properly drained athletic field, the first, second and third layers
of soil should be arranged in the following order :

Porous

Retentive or impervious

Mixed and thoroughly pervious

A study of the fields of fifty colleges showed that the various
materials for surface or porous soil were used in the following
proportions and depths:

18 loam — 8 inches

17 sandy loam — 6 inches

7 clay — 3 inches

5 clay and loam — 4 inches
2 sand and clay — 3 inches

1 pulverized slate — 4 inches

For the second layer of retentive or impervious soil, the
materials were used in the following proportions:
20 clay — 4 inches

8 gravel — 5 inches

5 sand — 4 inches

4 stones — 4 inches

2 sand and clay — 3 inches
2 slate — 2 inches

6 combinations

For the third layer crushed stone or a similar solid material
partly pervious is recognized as the proper material to be used.

The conclusion has been reached from the data just given
and from other investigations that the best arrangement for a
field consists of eight inches foundation of crushed stone topped
with four inches of clay and with a top layer of six inches of
loam.

For a baseball in-field, it is suggested that the inside of the
diamond be of turf with four inches of rich loam resting on a
bed of clay. In the areas where the infielders play as well as
on the base lines, clay mixed with loam in the proportion of one
part of clay to three of loam, should make a satisfactory top

455

CONSTRUCTION OF BASEBALL FIELD

soil. The character of the clay, however, and the degree of
stickiness must be deciding factors in determining the amount
of these substances to be used.

Drainage There are two kinds of drainage, natural and arti-
ficial. Through natural drainage the water runs
off the field because of the sloping ground or the water sinks
into the ground because of a porous sub-stratum. In artificial
drainage the water is taken care of by a system of channels,
mains or pipes. For a field of scientific construction, natural
drainage is not so satisfactory as artificial. The simplest form
of artificial drainage is the open ditch running along one or both
sides of a field. Of the fifty colleges investigated, however, only
two reported this system of drainage.

These open drains should be distinguished from the more
complete form of underground or covered drains which are
simply open channels afterwards refilled except at the lower
part, along which the channel is preserved by one of several
methods of construction. The simplest method in the main,
consists of filling the bottom of the dip with stones which are
covered with loam.

Other methods of drainage call for a roughly constructed
stone sluiceway at the bottom of the dip which is covered with
loam. Where piping is not necessary, either of these two forms
may be used with slight variations in the shape of the drain or
sluiceway.

The most popular method in use in the fields of the fifty
colleges investigated is the following: In view of the fact that
the pitcher's plate should be fifteen inches higher than the base
lines, it is well to drain the in-field from the pitcher's box to the
base lines and short out-field, by running trap rock trenches
eighteen inches below the surface from the pitcher's box to a
ground trench running parallel to the base lines and just outside
of them. The out-field may be drained in a similar manner from
the right field, center field, and left field to trenches eighteen
inches under ground. This method of drainage is necessary
only where the bottom soil is heavy and impervious to water and
calls for more or less scientific treatment.

Where the soil is naturally sandy the natural method of
-drainage may well prevail providing the diamond slopes grad-

CONSTRUCTION OF CLAY TENNIS COURTS

ually from the pitcher's plate with a fifteen-inch drop to the base
lines. For the construction of such a diamond the following
method may be followed : Take off about eight inches of the
sandy soil and put in eight inches of blue clay mixed with loam
in the proportion of three parts of clay to one of loam. If this
?s rolled well into the sub-soil and graded as has been suggested,
it should make a fast and smooth "skin" diamond without any
grass. It is well to mix 300 to 400 pounds of salt with this
mixture for the in-field.

SUGGESTIONS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF CLAY
TENNIS COURTS*

The success of clay tennis courts depends to a very great
degree on foundations and drainage and for this reason great
care should be given to these two considerations in the con-
structing of courts.

The tennis court of the clay-gravel type consists of two
layers of which the lower is the foundation and the upper the
surfacing. The foundation is made up of what is known to
road-builders as water-bound macadam, which consists of large,
medium, and small stones mixed with sand by the action of
water and rolled into a firm mass. The upper surface is com-
posed of clay and sand mixed with shovels and spread over the
foundation to make the playing surface.

First Steps in Secure a civil engineer to find the grade or

t?ie c?nrstru?~ elevation level of the bottom of the founda-

tion of Tennis . .

Courts tion so as to determine how much material

must be removed. The next step should
consist of the driving in of about fourteen stakes for each court,
locating one on each corner of the court and the other ten at
intervals of twenty feet along each of the longer sides. The
stakes, measuring two feet in length by two inches square, should
be driven at least one foot into the ground so that they will
not be knocked out of place. On them the elevation of the
bottom should be marked, provision being made for a pitch of

* Suggestions drawn up from report of A. E. Metzdorf on Dubuque,
Iowa.

457

CONSTRUCTION OF CLAY TBNNIS COURTS

from one inch to two inches from each of the back lines to
the net.

Surfacing After the material has been removed to the

proper depth for the foundation, the bottom
should be rolled down hard with a good, heavy steam or horse
roller so as to secure a hard level surface for the foundation.
Over this foundation spread seven or eight inches of trap rock
to about one and one-half to two inches in diameter. Roll lightly
to render this fairly compact but not too close to fill up all the
crevices formed by the uneven edges of the rock. Over this
spread two inches of one-half to one inch trap rock which is to
serve as a drain. Fill this in with pebbles or small cobblestones
one to two inches in diameter and level to the grade. A half
day's rolling should be given with a heavy roller, keeping con-
stantly in mind the grade lines as this level should be as smooth
and true to grade as the finished surface. This should prove
sufficient to prepare the foundation for the final process in the
construction of a water-bound macadam.

Next, spread coarse sand in thin layers over all and con-
tinue wetting it down and rolling it in with a hand roller or a
light horse roller until no more sand is required to bind the
stones together. Be sure that all the air spaces between the
stones are filled up. The resulting surface should now be so
hard that the imprint of a horse shoe will scarcely show. If
possible allow this to harden in warm sunny weather for half
a day.

Over this surface spread one inch of blue clay well damp-
ened so that the roller will pass over it without picking it up.
Roll well into the foundation in order to work it into it as much
as possible and to form a union between the foundation and the
last surfacing-. Mix three parts of sand to one of clay, first wet-
ting the clay so that it will resemble soft putty in consistency.
Add 300 to 400 pounds of salt as a weed killer. When this has
been thoroughly mixed together spread a layer four inches
thick over the whole. The greatest care should be exercised
to see that the material is so distributed as to keep the grade at
all times. Roll this lengthwise and then crosswise with a hand-
roller until the surface has been pressed dowrn and made very
compact. After it has dried, wet and repeat the rolling until

458

CONSTRUCTION OP CLAY TENNIS COURTS

the desired surface has been secured. If high spots appear
above the grade levels, wet them thoroughly and rub down
with a heavy thick board on the end of a long pole until the
surface is entirely level.

When the court is sufficiently dry fill in the one-foot strip
under the net with screened cinders ranging from three-fourths
inch at the bottom to very fine cinders at the top, covering the
top with a layer of sand which should be rolled to the level
of the court.

1 Before the court is thoroughly hard screen fine brown sand
over the whole and roll well into the clay. This not only gives
a better wearing surface but tones down the light color of blue
clay when it dries.

Drainage During rainy weather the water will run to

the strip under the net and, owing to the
pitch of the court to the net, will drain down out of the way.
If the courts are pitched away from the net, the water will
remain well in the back court where continued playing has worn
away just enough of the surface to make a hollow which makes
the courts unusable a day or two longer than if the pitch is
towards the net.

If, however, the slope is too great to permit of drainage
towards the net, it is advisable to pitch the courts toward the
center with a one-inch drop towards the sides and a two-inch
drop to the base lines, constructing trap rock and gravel basins
between each set of courts and at the very edge of the plot
parallel to the base lines.

Arran ements Courts should be placed so that they will lie

of the Courts north and south. The regular court meas-

ures seventy-eight feet in length by thirty-six
feet in width. Fifteen feet for match games is the usual amount of
space left behind the base line on either end — twenty-one feet
tor championship games. It is desirable, if possible, to leave
ten feet between every two courts as this allows for plenty of
space and permits of better drainage.

Back Stops When courts lie next to the street it is

and Fencing necessary to erect a higher screen along the

street side than would otherwise be neces-

459

WADING POOLS

sary. Such screening should be fifteen feet in height, all other
screening ten feet in height.

Galvanized iron piping covered with a heavy one-inch wire
screening makes the most serviceable back stop and will out-
last any other material which could be used for this purpose.
The ground pipes should be set in concrete. The uprights
should consist of two-inch pipe; the cross beams of one-inch to
one and one-half inch pipe.

Water Pipes While the excavating is being done it is ad-

and Connec- visable to lay any water pipes necessary ar-

ranging for a drinking fountain or bubbler
in the center of the field.

WADING POOLS

A study of wading pools in eight cities visited by a worker of
the Playground and Recreation Association of America shows a
number of variations in the construction and use.

Although in all instances the pools were constructed of re-
enforced concrete of a finish somewhat rougher than that of the
ordinary sidewalk, at least four different shapes were in use — the
bowl shape pool, the oval, the round and the rectangular shaped pool.
In the great majority of cases the intake and outlet were through
the same opening at the deepest part of the pool. In two instances
the intake was arranged for at the shallower end, the outlet at the
deeper. More than half of the pools were circular in boundary;
this arrangement has been found to be the more generally satis-
factory plan. The pools were found to vary in depth from ten
inches at the shallower end to twenty-five or thirty inches at the
deeper.

The shading of the areas surrounding the wading pool, partic-
ularly the sand court, is a matter which frequently governs the
shape of the pool. For example, the reason for the circular pools
used in Chicago is not alone the fact that it sets off symmetrically
the circular end of the men's outdoor running track, but also that
it permits of the use of a semi-circular pergola and awning over
the sand courts. This arrangement, if the awning is properly
placed with respect to the compass points, admits of sand court

460

WADING POOLS

either in the shade or sunshine at the option of the child. Such an
hour-glass shade idea, it is felt, is well worth taking into considera-
tion in constructing the wading pool.

Elizabeth, ^n Elizabeth, a pool has been constructed which has

New Jersey, been found very satisfactory. It is oval in shape,

forty-five feet long and twenty-five feet across —

outside measurements. The floor slopes towards

the center so that the maximum depth of the water will be sixteen

inches. The curb, walls, floors, and walks, are not integral but

were constructed separately. This arrangement, it was found,

eliminated the cracking due to expansion.

The curb wall which is high enough to be used as a seat by the
children, was built first of material composed of one part cement,
three parts sand and five parts aggregate stone. The curb is also
useful in preventing surface and waste water from seeping into the
pool from the surrounding walks. Exposed parts of the wall are
faced with a composition of one part cement and two parts sand
with a certain amount of water proofing. All of the walls are
re-enforced with steel bands.

After the walls were built the plumbing fixtures for the feed
and drain pipes were installed. A six-inch layer of cinders was
placed over the bed of the pool, the ground having first been
tamped and a blind drain installed to prevent water settling under
the floor. Over this layer of cinders was spread a five-inch layer of
concrete re-enforced with electrically-welded wire mesh. The sur-
face of the concrete was troweled hard and then flooded to make it
"slip proof." The walks and the floor of the pool are of the same
composition as the curb walls. The walk is graded away from
the walls with a drop of one and one-half inches and a blind drain
arranged to carry the water to the sewer opening. A bed in the
center of the pool is so arranged as to catch all sand and prevent it
from clogging the drain pipe.

The entire cost for the plumbing and mason work on this pool
was $850.

Mr. E. B. De Groot, formerly of the South Park
Wading Pools Commission of Chicago, has suggested two meth-
ods of constructing wading pools. The first in-
volves the scooping out of a small area of the play-

461

WADING POOLS

ground so that it resembles a saucer. At the lowest point a drain
should be played which may be opened and closed at will ; at the
same point bring in a supply water pipe letting it extend a little
higher than the grade line of the playground. This not only serves
to fill the pool but makes an attractive fountain. The bottom of
the saucer-like area should be covered with clay to keep the water
from seeping through and torpedo sand spread over the clay to the
depth of from four to six inches. The water should be drained
off every few days and the empty pool permitted to bake in the sun.

Another way to construct a wading pool requires an excava-
tion of a specified area and the building of a cement basin with an
intake and outlet such as has been described. A cement pool, circ-
ular in form, with a diameter of forty feet, twenty-four inches
deep at the center and eleven inches deep at the side, is in use at
some of the Chicago centers. In filling a pool of this type, the
water should be kept at a depth of eighteen inches in the center
and five inches at the sides.

Sand courts adjacent to the wading pools are features in many
playgrounds. Such courts should be open underneath for an occa-
sional flushing to carry off waste and foreign matter. In a num-
ber of places where concrete bottoms have been built under the
sand basing, the sand sewers have become foul through lack of
filtration and drainage.

A number of people have felt that wading pools might well be
made to serve as miniature bathing pools, suggesting that even
though the pool is limited to a depth of twenty-five inches, the little
people will still have excellent opportunities for learning to swim.
On the other hand, there are playground officials who feel that such
an arrangement is undesirable not only from the point of view of
increased cost and the necessity of providing places where the
children may dress, but because it is liable to prove very dangerous
to the little people in that there is great risk of drowning accidents
occurring.

Except in a very few instances it was found that the water
was changed daily. All pools were drained after playground hours
and were ready for use in the morning. One pool in Cincinnati,
forty feet in diameter, can be drained, cleaned and refilled in four
hours. It is desirable to arrange it so that the pool when empty
shall have the benefit of the early morning sunshine.

The pool should be located near the field house or dressing

462

REGARDIN G APPARA TVS

room. In this way problems of discipline and supervision may
more easily be solved. It should be in as sunny a place as possible
and away from the baseball field where the children will not be in
danger.

A combination of wading pool and sand court with seats under
a canopy when the mothers may sit while the children are at play,
will provide a never failing source of enjoyment to the children
and a social center for mothers.

THE PLAYGROUND would be very glad to have its readers discuss
these problems and to learn of the experience which cities have had
in the matter.

REGARDING APPARATUS

A study of playgrounds in twenty-six cities showed that
many playground officials are still making use of home-made
playground apparatus although in most instances this is being
replaced by manufactured equipment as rapidly as funds will
permit. In ten of the twenty-six cities visited by a worker of
the Playground and Recreation Association of America, standard
manufactured apparatus was used exclusively, in one, wooden
home-made apparatus, and in thirteen a combination of wooden
and manufactured.

A number of city departments have found that they can
successfully and economically manufacture frames and fixings
such as swing ropes, swing seats, rings and ring chains. Ex-
perience has shown that fixtures such as joints, couplings, eye
fittings, and roller-bearing fittings, give better satisfaction if
secured from manufacturers of standard apparatus. Where
fixtures are home-made they should be made to fit the standard
frame fittings.

p. . e The apparatus was in most cases placed at the

Apparatus sides or ends of the playground or at both sides

and ends, the frame work lying parallel to the
boundary lines. In some instances the playgrounds were filled
with apparatus, little or no space being left for free play. Fre-
quently it was found the apparatus was placed under the trees
regardless of free play space, boundary lines or other considera-
tions.

463

REGARDING APPARATUS

Anchoring of ^s ^ar as can be ascertained, wooden swing
Apparatus frames were set into the ground to a depth of

from three to four feet. There was no uniform-
ity in the use of underground braces. The steel frames were
uniformly set into concrete to a depth of from three to four and
one-half feet.

Apparatus The various pieces of apparatus found on

VaHous°Play,! the Playgrounds were as follows:

grounds

Swings were included on 213 playgrounds

Seesaws " " " 168

Sand Boxes " " " 134

Giant Strides " " " 119

Basket Balls " " " 99

Slides " " " 95

Gymnasium Frames " " " 54

Horizontal Bars " " " 40

Tether Ball Poles " " " 36

Volley Ball Courts " " " 35

Tennis Courts " " " 22

Teeter Ladders " " " 19

Wading Pools " " " 18

Rings " " " 13

Swimming Pools " " " 3

A study of the amount of use given the apparatus
Popularity of showed that swings, giant strides, rings, wad-
'1U^ P°°^s» swimming pools, and tennis courts
were in constant use. Sand boxes, slides, gym-
nasium apparatus, and teeter ladders were on
most playgrounds indifferently used. Basket ball, volley ball,
seesaws, horizontal bars, and tether ball were unused except
when a special effort was made by the play leader.

Construction A twelve-foot frame for swings has been found

of Swings very satisfactory. The experience of the various

cities showed wooden seat swings should be six

inches wide and one inch thick. On nine of the playgrounds

464

REGARDING APPARATUS

visited the swings were guarded by a low fence to reduce the
number of accidents caused by children running in front of
swings in motion. These guards were from two feet to three
feet high and built of sticks with rope or wire stretched between.

The materials used to prevent the wearing away
Surfacing of of the ground underneath the swings and giant
Swin^ an<?eP str^es were cement, sand gravel, macadam or
Giant Strides tan bark. It was the general feeling that cement

was probably the most satisfactory as it proved
easier to the children's feet, was not difficult to care for and was
more lasting. The strips of cement running parallel to the
frame work varied in width from three and one-half feet to four
and one-half feet.

Care of ^n spite of the fact that equipment can be made

Apparatus to last much longer by giving attention to oiling

and prompt repair of broken pieces, the amount
spent upon the up-keep of apparatus seemed to vary in the
different cities with the interest and feeling of responsibility on
the part of the executive. The rule, which should be rigidly
enforced, of a daily examination of bolts, ropes, and chains, was
indifferently carried out and squeaking swings and missing
parts of gymnastic frames were found in the majority of cities
visited.

Drinking ^ was found that in the cities visited little pro-

Fountains vision had been made for drinking water. Of

two hundred and fifty-six playgrounds only
twenty-two had special provision for drinking water. One
hundred and nine were without water and the remaining one
hundred and twenty-five used the facilities in adjoining recre-
ation buildings or schools.

Difficulty in keeping the drinking fountains in repair was
general, more as a result of stoppage of pipes with sand and
food stuffs than because of the breaking of fixtures.

Toilet Toilet facilities were provided on only forty-nine

Facilities of the two hundred and fifty-six playgrounds

visited. Eighty-two had no provision whatever
and the remaining one hundred and twenty-five grounds made
use of the facilities in adjoining recreation buildings or schools.

465

TRAINING CLASSES FOR PLAY LEADERS

Training classes for play leaders are fast coming to be a part
of the recreation program of cities carrying on comprehensive plans
for recreational activities. In the eleven cities visited by a worker
of the Playground and Recreation Association of America classes
are held for periods of time varying from one week to ten months,
in a number of instances the classes being held just prior to the
opening of the summer playground season. In other instances
classes are given during the summer playground season and consist
largely of instruction on immediate problems. In the majority of
cities the classes are given by the superintendents of recreation.

A brief outline of the work as given in eleven cities is as
follows :

Lynchburg, Under the direction of the superintendent of

Virginia recreation a two months' course meeting two

hours a week is given to a class made up largely
of college students, a number of whom put to good use the informa-
tion gained through the course by starting playgrounds in their
home towns during the summer vacation. Instruction is given in
games, folk dancing, and other playground activities and opportunity
for practice teaching on the playgrounds is offered. No examina-
tions are required.

Cleveland, For one week two to three hour daily sessions

Ohio are held by the superintendent of recreation

and the supervisor for special activities for
applicants who have passed the civil service examinations. Attend-
ance is required. The subject matter of the course includes five
hours of lecture on theory of play and games, six hours lectures in
playground organization, four hours of athletics and games with
practical administration, four hours lectures and practice in con-
struction activities such as building, whittling, and saw work, and
two hours in gardening activities.

Wheeling, During the summer months the superintendent

West Virginia of recreation devotes one hour a week to

lectures and conferences with the workers
which take the form of an open forum for the discussion of
immediate problems.

466

TRAINING CLASSES FOR PLAY LEADERS

Washington, The supervisor of girls' activities gives a course

Columbia °f lectures from March through June to the

playground workers of the city whose attend-
ance is required. There are two divisions of two three-hour ses-
sions. Oral examinations are given. The course includes lectures
in theory of play, practice demonstration of plays and games, folk
dancing, storytelling, first aid, and hand work.

Red Bank, The superintendent of recreation has given

New Jersey courses in playground work extending over a

period of six months. The class met for one
and one-half hours once a week. The course which consisted of
games, folk dancing, and practical demonstration was designed to
educate the community and arouse interest rather than as a train-
ing class for specific positions.

Orange, During the summer months at one hour ses-

New Jersey sions held weekly the superintendent of recre-

ation conducts discussions among the workers
on problems arising each day in playground work.

Pittsburgh, ^ne superintendent of recreation and the sup-

Pennsylvania ervisors of special activities conduct a training

course at which the attendance of the workers

is required. The course which extends over a period of ten months
meets weekly for a three-hour session. It includes lectures on the
theory of playground work, practice work in teaching games and
folk dancing. Special articles on different phases of the various
activities are prepared by individual members of the class and sub-
mitted for general discussion. No examinations are required.

Cincinnati, Previous to the holding of the civil service ex-

Ohio aminations required weekly sessions of two

hours each are held for three months under
the leadership of the superintendent of recreation and special
lecturers. Lectures are given on the theory of playground work
and games. There are, however, no practical demonstrations of
games. During the summer months the superintendent has
weekly conferences. for the workers.

467

Sprinfield, For a period of two and a half months during

Massachu- ^

setts the summer one-hour sessions are held weekly

for the workers under the leadership of the

superintendent of recreation who gives talks on the practical con-
duct of playground activities, including handwork. There are also
general discussions of immediate problems. The attendance of the
playground workers is required. No examinations are given.

Dayton,
Ohio

For ten weeks preceding the holding of ex-
aminations required courses are given weekly
at two-hour sessions by the superintendent of
recreation. The courses include lectures on the theory and prac-
tical conduct of playground activities. The subsequent examina-
tions given to candidates for playground positions are based upon
the subject matter offered in these courses.

Columbus,
Ohio

For three months at weekly two-hour sessions
required courses are given by the superintend-
ent of recreation, the supervisor of special ac-
tivities, and by special lecturers to the candidates for playground
positions. In addition to the lectures on theory and conduct of
play and first aid, there are practical demonstrations of games and
folk dancing. These courses with the subsequent probation period
of three months of practice teaching secures for the candidate a
playground position.

Playground Training

Pestalozzi-Froebel Training School

A Normal School for
Playground Workers

Special Ten Weeks' Course for Teachers
and Social Workers Begins January 6

Class Rooms overlook Lake Michigan
Diploma two years, Folk Dancing,
Pageantry, Games, Story Telling,
Gymnastics, Playground Practice .
Strong Faculty, Accredited. For
Illustrated Bulletin address

REGISTRAR, Box 71

616-22 So. Michigan Blvd., CHICAGO, ILL.

BASKETRY MATERIALS for
CRAFT WORKERS

Louis Stoughton Drake, Inc.

966 Watertown St.. West Newton, Mass

468

STATEMENT OF THE OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT, CIRCULA-
TION, ETC., REQUIRED BY THE ACT OF CONGRESS OF AU-
GUST 24, 1912,

Of THE PLAYGROUND, published monthly at Cooperstown, N. Y.,
for October 1, 1917.
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 THE PLAYROUND and
that the following is, to the best of his knowledge and belief, a true state-
ment of the ownership, management (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, embodied in section 443, Postal Laws
and Regulations, printed on the reverse of this form, to wit :

1. That the names and addresses of the publisher, editor, managing
editor, and business managers are :

Publisher, Playground and Recreation Association of America, 1 Madi-
son Ave., New York City ; Editor, H. S. Braucher, 1 Madison Ave., New York
City; Managing Editor, H. S. Braucher, 1 Madison Ave., New York City;
Business Manager, H. S. Braucher, 1 Madison Ave., New York City.

2. That the owners are: (Give names and addresses of individual own-
ers, or, if a corporation, give its name and the names and addresses of stock-
holders owning or holding 1 per cent or more of the total amount of stock).

Playground and Recreation Association of America, 1 Madison Ave.,
New York City which is composed of about four thousand members. The
following comprise the Board of Directors:

Richard C. Cabot, Boston, Mass.; Clarence M. Clark, Philadelphia, Pa.;
Grenville Clark, New York City; Everett Colby, Newark, N. J. ; Henry P.
Davison, New York City; Mrs. E. P. Earle, Montclair, N. J. ; Mrs. Thomas
A. Edison, West Orange, N. J. ; John H. Finley, Albany, N. Y. ; Charles W.
Garfield, Grand Rapids, Mich. ; Robert Garrett, Baltimore, Md. ; C. M.
Goethe, Sacramento, Cal. ; Mrs. Charles A. Goodwin, Hartford, Conn. ;
Austin E. Griffiths, Seattle, Wash. ; J. M. Hankins, Birmingham, Ala. ; Mrs.
Appleton R. Hillyer, Hartford, Conn.; Mrs. Francis DeLacy Hyde, Plain-
field, N. J. ; Mrs. Howard Ives, Portland, Me. ; William Kent, Washington,
D. C. ; Gustavus T. Kirby, New York City; G. M. Landers, New Britain,
Conn. ; H. McK. Landon, Indianapolis, Ind. ; Joseph Lee, Boston, Mass. ;
Eugene W. Lewis, Detroit, Mich. ; Edward E. Loomis, New York City ;
J. H. McCurdy, Springfield, Mass.; Otto T. Mallery, Philadelphia, Pa.;
Qamuel Mather, Cleveland, O. ; R. B. Maury, Memphis, Tenn. ; Walter A.
May, Pittsburgh, Pa.; Carl E. Milliken, Augusta, Me.; F. Gordon Osier,
Toronto, Canada; James H. Perkins, New York City; John T. Pratt, New
York City; Ellen Scripps, La Jolla, Cal.; Clement "Studebaker, Jr., South
Bend, Ind. ; F. S. Titsworth, Denver, Colo. ; Harold H. Swift, Chicago, 111. ;
Theodore N. Vail, New York City; Mrs. James W. Wadsworth, Jr., Wash-
ington, D. C.; J. C. Walsh, New York City; R. D. Waugh, Winnipeg, Can-
ada; Harris Whittemore, Naugatuck, Conn.

3. That the known bond holders, mortgagees, and other security hold-
ers owning or holding 1 per cent or more of total amount of bonds, mort-
gages, or other securities, are: There are none.

H. S. BRAUCHER,

Editor.

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 8th day of October, 1917.

(Seal) CHAS. R. QUERY.

Notary Public, Cert, filed in New York, Bronx and Kings Counties.

(My commission expires March 30, 1918).

When you want
the best

specify

Used year after year in the
majority of the country's
playgrounds

WRITE FOR CATALOG

Chicopee, Mass.

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Listening Lesson with the Victrola XXV, School No. 55, Indianapolis, Ind.

Who can answer these?

When and where was "Home, Sweet Home" written? Who was the
author? Was he an American? Where did he die, and where is he buried?
Who wrote the music?

To what country does the Mazurka belong? the Gavotte? the Bolero?
the Waltz? the Czardas? the Minuet? the Tarantella? the Arkansaw
Traveler? Sellenger's Round?

What are the characteristics of American Indian music What instru-
ments are used? When is the flute used?

Many grown-ups will hesitate over the answers to the above questions on musical topics; yet, there
are thousands of boys and girls who can answer them correctly in schools where they hear the music on

The Victrola and Victor Records

"Home, Sweet Home" has been sung by the World's Greatest Artists for the Victrola; after the
class has heaid the story of "the Homeless Bard of Home" it may sing this
famous heartsong with the band accompaniment on Victor Record 18145.

The Folk Dances of the various nations may be heard on Victor Records
made especially for the school and playground; they may also be heard in
special concert numbers by Violin, Xylophone, Bells, Trio and Orchestra.

The Romance of the Red Man is an absorbing topic in Intermediate
Grades. The pupils like to hear the genuine Indian songs of the Blackfeet
Indians (Victor Records 17611 and 17635) and the setting of "Hiawatha's
Childhood" (Victor Record 35617).

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Orchestra Classics
64744 f Lohengrin— Prelude to Act III

10 in. $1 ( Boston Symphony Orchestra

64752 f Hungarian Dance No. 5 (Brahms)
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See your Victor dealer, or write to the

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In the effort to find out which typewriter was the most profitable
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INVISIBLE ARMOR*
HONORABLE NEWTON D. BAKER, Secretary of War, Washington, D. C.

Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen: It is a great pleasure
to welcome this company of men and women who are here for the
purpose of cooperating in one of the most important aspects of our
war preparations. This great national emergency presents two
responsibilities and two opportunities. One, of course, is the per-
petuation of the principles upon which our Government is estab-
lished, by success against our adversary, who has questioned our
integrity. The other is the coincident upbuilding of the strength
and wholesomeness and virility of our own people. The task, or a
part of the task, which in a special sense has been adopted by you,
has more to do with the latter than with the former of those two
opportunities, though it is of first importance.

We are interrupting the normal life of this Nation. We are
summoning out of their communities and their homes a vast number
of young men. We are taking men from their normal environments,
from their usual occupations ; we are violently interrupting their
customary modes of thought. Now, everybody knows, of course,
that one of the great social restraints, one of the things that make
ordered society possible at all, is the existence of a state of social
habits on the part of a people ; that those social habits are the things
we acquire as we grow up in a community. They are enforced by
the sanction of personal approval of the people with whom we have
to deal. They are enforced by the approval of neighborhood opin-
ion. They constitute the chief force for the preservation of order
and the progress which society makes.

I am sure that everybody in this company, per-
The Idea of haps, will remember Emerson's description of a

Social Restraint , .. ,, r . . . , « ,

child s first contact with society, how he goes out
of his house and finds a policeman, who to him represents a re-
straint, the social restraint, of his community. That policemai*
embodies the idea of force in the interest of order ; and as the child

* Address delivered at the National Conference on War-Camp Com-
munity Service held in Washington, October 23, 1917

473

ADDRESS OF NEWTON D. BAKER

grows up, he gradually enlarges the policeman until the police-
man becomes the Government. As he grows up more he philos-
ophizes the policeman, until the officer represents the consent of the
community to those sacrifices of individual liberty which are neces-
sary in the interest of the common good.

Now that state of mind, which exists in every community and
in every individual, is being violently disturbed by our withdrawal
of large numbers of young men from their homes, from their fami-
lies, from their social organizations, from their communities, from
their church organizations, from all the various affiliations which
the young men have made as a part of their social education.

We are collecting those young men in vast groups
New Conditions an(j subjecting them to an entirely unaccustomed
discipline. In a certain sense, we are training
their minds to an entirely new set of ideals. We are sweeping away
all of the social pressures to which they have become accustomed;
and are substituting therefor military discipline during that portion
of their time when drill and the military regime are necessarily
imposed on their lives. And we are taking these groups of men
and bringing them up to and in contact with city civilization and
town civilization.

Now a large part of these young men have been accustomed to
city life. Some of them, however, are straight from the country.
Some of them are from remote parts of the country, far away from
the places where they have hitherto lived, away from the people
whose opinion has hitherto been their guide and control. We are
surrounding the people of this country with an entirely new popula-
tion, a population which is not integrated with its life, a great mass
of people who are encamped on the borders of a town or a city and
are wholly foreign to the local feelings and sentiments of the com-
munity.

Now that presents a very grave problem in dealing with human
beings. It presents several problems. The first of them is : What
are those soldiers going to do to the towns, and what are the towns
going to do to the soldiers ?

I think it is safe to say that no army ever before assembled in
the history of the world has had so much thought given and so much
labor performed in the interest of its social organization. It is no
reflection on anybody to say that the ancient method of assembling

474

ADDRESS OF NEWTON D. BAKER

an army was first to have some sort of inspiring music marched
through the street, to have a local oratorical outburst on the subject
of the particular cause for which the army was desired, to have
young men follow the music and then be taken off to make their own
camps, to make their own conditions, and then to be sent to the
battle front with that much training.

But the United States is a civilized country.
The American Nobody realized how civilized it was until we
assembled this army, for instantly there came
from all parts of the country a demand that this army should not
be raised as armies hitherto had been; that it should not be envi-
roned as armies hitherto had been, but that such arrangements
should be made as would insure that these soldiers, when actually
organized into an army, would represent and carry out the very
highest ideals of our civilization.

In the second place, this army came from the country. Every-
where there was the demand that these young men, whom we were
taking from their homes and families, from wives and children,
from mothers, sisters and intimates, these young men whom we
were separating from their church environments, their social organ-
izations and social clubs — everywhere, I say, there was the demand
that they should come back with no other scars than those won in
honorable warfare!

Now the accomplishment of that task is not difficult, but it
requires a tremendous amount of comprehending cooperation and
sympathy, and this great company of men and women here this
morning is the answer to that need. It shows that the commercial
organizations of our country, bodies like the Rotary Clubs, those
organizations which are leaders in their various communities, appre-
ciate the demand of the country with regard to its soldiers, and are
willing to supply the social basis for a modern civilized army.

America has learned, I think, more than any other country
about the life of adolescent youths. There is no other country, to
my knowledge, in which the task has been so thoroughly done as
it has been in America by the American colleges and higher schools.
I have sometimes been rather skeptical about the advantage of inter-
collegiate athletics. It has seemed to me to lay the emphasis on
the wrong place, and rather to overemphasize the development of
the athletic as against the mental in the boy.

475

ADDRESS OF NEWTON D. BAKER

When we established training camps for young
£ Living Object officers, the American high schools and colleges

poured out into the lap of this Nation the finest
body of material for the rapid manufacture of officers that any
country ever assembled from the beginning of time. And they
came to us not merely with trained minds, with handsomely de-
veloped aptitudes for acquiring new habits of thought, but they
came to us with finely trained athletic bodies, and they came to us
with the American spirit of fair play, which, if not born, is at least
nurtured on the athletic field. If we can do for the boy in the
training camp what the American college has done for the boy in
college and what the American high school has done for the boy in
the high school; that is to say, if we can work his mind and work
his body, and surround his moments of recreation and leisure with
such wholesome opportunities as to keep him from being diverted
and turned to unwholesome things, we have solved the problem.

For a great many years in America we have been struggling
almost despondently with the problem of the large cities. We knew
that the large city was economically and industrially more efficient.
We knew that by getting people close to the place where they were
to work, getting them in large groups, we multiplied the industrial
output of the individual. We knew that by getting people into large
cities we were able to extend over a wider surface the so-called con-
veniences of modern civilization; that people could live in better
houses ; that they could have better sanitation ; that they could have
better medical care; that they could have freer access to public
libraries and opportunities for culture ; that they could have better
schools. But we realized that we paid a price for the city, and that
price consisted in the tempestuous and heated temptations of city
life, and every man who has had any opportunity to study city life
has had his mind more or less held in a state of balance between its
advantages and its disadvantages.

It used to be said that a family ran out in three
T?ie frice of generations living in a city, and that it was
y * € necessary to replenish the vitality of city-dwell-

ing people by constant drafts upon the unspoiled people of the
countryside; and that was, we learned, because of the vices which
grew up in cities, and because all of those restraints of neighbor-
hood opinion were gone. A boy in the country was known to every-
body of his neighborhood. His misconduct was marked. The boy

476

ADDRESS OF NEWTON D. BAKER

in the city could be a saint in the first ward, where he lived, and
a scapegrace in the tenth ward, without anybody in the first ward
discovering it. There was an absence of that pressure of neighbor-
hood opinion, that opportunity to cultivate the good opinion of old
neighbors, which was evident in the countryside where conduct was
more obvious.

Now, for a long time we tried a perfectly wrongheaded process
about the city; we tried to pass laws and to en fore them by police-
men, which would cure all these ills. I do not mean that we ought
not to have some policemen, but we imagined that our sole salvation
lay in the passage of laws and in the employment of policemen.
And I can remember when I was mayor of a middle- Western city,
that every now and then some movement would get its start to
have a curfew law passed in that city, to make everybody go to bed
at a particular time. Some laws of that kind were passed, and
some supreme courts held they were unconstitutional, and some
held they were constitutional, but no court had any right to pass
on the real fact involved, which was that they were ineffective.

And then all of a sudden the discovery was made
Combat Evil t]iat the way to overcome the temptations and

vices of a great city was to offer adequate oppor-
tunity for wholesome recreation and enjoyment ; that if you wanted
to get a firebrand out of the hand of a child the way to do it was
neither to club the child nor to grab the firebrand, but to offer in ex-
change for it a stick of candy !

And so there has grown up in America this new attitude, which
finds its expression in public playgrounds, in the organization of
community amusements, in the inculcation throughout the entire
body of young people in the community of substantially the same
form of social inducement which the American college in modern
times has substituted for the earlier system of social restraints.

And now that we have these great bodies of young men to con-
sider, we have also the analogies which are necessary to apply to the
task. We have organized in the camps themselves, agencies to sup-
ply athletic opportunities, wholesome recreation. The Young Men's
Christian Association, the Knights of Columbus, the Training Camp
Activities Committee are taking up just as much of the soldier's
unoccupied leisure as can be taken up by the inducement process.

And now we come to the last and other side of it. These boys
do not stay in the camp all the time; they move out of camp into

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ADDRESS OF NEWTON D. BAKER

the nearby towns. I took a ride some two or three weeks ago pretty
nearly along the entire length of Long Island. There were two mili-
tary camps on Long Island at that time, the so-called "Rainbow
Division" and Camp Upton, which is the cantonment in which the
drafted men from New York are being trained. Long Island — at
least the part I saw of it — is about ninety miles long, and it was
dotted throughout that entire ninety miles with men in uniform.
Every little village, every hamlet, every small town and large town
had soldiers all scattered through its streets and its hotels and
throughout all the places of entertainment to be found there. The
Chief of Staff, who was riding with me, remarked that soldiers al-
ways reminded him of ants in the directions which they traveled.
They seemed to scatter from the center in every direction, for
wholly unexpected and unanticipated distances.

Now that is what we have to face. The soldiers
Wholesome In- of these camps 'm their days off and their hours
off and in their moments of relaxation, are going
to scatter through all of the cities and towns nearby. The rail-
roads, the street railroads, and the motor cars will take them to all
of those centers of civilization. Now we must make the advantages
as wholesome, we must make the inducements in them to wholesome
thinking and wholesome living just as fine and as numerous as we
can possibly make them.

And in order to do that, we must organize every social activity
in these towns. With that thought in view we must have the Y. M.
C. A.'s of the towns, the Y. W. C. A.'s, the Masonic orders, the
Elks, the Eagles, the churches — particularly the churches with social
opportunities, those that have large rooms where they can have
gymnasiums or sociables and receptions — even in our homes, if we
happen to be near enough to a camp to make it possible, invite in
the boys and give them contact with a normal city life and the
domestic opportunity which they are cut off from by reason of their
separation from their own homes. I have no doubt there are many
examples of exactly that sort of thing going on in this country.

Now, you gentlemen, you men and women, are assembled for
the purpose of spreading throughout the communities of this coun-
try that attitude toward this army, and encouraging in this army
that attitude toward the cities of this country. It is a tremendous
problem. It has been partially worked out, locally. But as this

478

ADDRESS OF NEWTON D. BAKER

war goes on we are going to have more and more camps, more and
more soldiers, and one set will go and another will come.

The attitude of the community has got to be continuous and
growing in its hospitality and in its conscientious recognition of the
right way of solving the problem of the soldier. It seems to me,
therefore, a most cheering and encouraging thing that a man of
affairs, a man of business, a man who is accustomed to success like
Mr. Willys, was willing to accept the chairmanship of this commit-
tee. It is a cheering thing that you are willing to come these great
distances to consult and confer about the things in the communities
which will tend to bring about the fine social basis upon which the
wholesomeness of our army must rest.

These boys are going to France; they are going
Invisible Armor to face conditions that we do not like to talk
about, that we do not like to think about. They
are going into a heroic enterprise and heroic enterprises involve
sacrifices. I want them armed ; I want them adequately armed and
clothed by their Government; but I want them to have invisible
armor to take with them. I want them to have an armor made up
of a set of social habits replacing those of their homes and com-
munities, a set of social habits and a state of social mind born in
the training camps, a new soldier state of mind, so that when they
get overseas and are removed from the reach of our comforting
and restraining and helpful hand, they will have gotten such a state
of habits as will constitute a moral and intellectual armor for their
protection overseas.

You are the makers of that armor. General Crozier is going
to make the guns ; General Sharpe is going to make the clothes ; but
the invisible suit which you are making, this attitude of mind, this
state of consciousness, this esprit de corps which will not tolerate
anything unwholesome, this brand of righteousness, if I may speak
of it as such, which you are going to put on them here by making
them, as a mass, acquire an attitude towards themselves and towards
communities in which they happen to be, and toward their own
country, this pride that they ought to have in being American sol-
diers and representing the highest ethical type of a modern civiliza-
tion— all that you are manufacturing in your armories, in the base-
ments of churches, the lodge rooms of societies, the dinner tables of
private homes, the rooms of Young Men's and Young Women's
Christian Associations. There are hospitals, houses, all manner and

479

ADDRESS OF NHWTON D. BAKBR

kinds of places, where the sound consciousness and sound mind of a
community can be brought into contact, in a wholesome and inspir-
ing way, with the soldier group in its process of training.

Now when this is all over, by virtue of the work which this
committee and this group are doing, and are going to do, our sol-
diers will come back to us better citizens, not merely for the patri-
otic heroism in which they have been engaged, but because of this
lesson of social values which they will have learned; and in the
meantime our cities in this country will have gotten, I think, a
greater start toward a realization of the community responsibility
for the lives of people who live in it, and near it, a higher realiza-
tion of the value of these experiences, which we are putting into
operation, and a stronger sense of its own greatness, by what it
has done for the stranger within its gates, than it has ever had
before.

So that I see in this work, not merely a contribu-
Will Help Solve tion to the strength of our Nation, great as
Problem ^ A . , T

that is — and I may say that an army is strong

just as its individual components are strong, and a sick soldier,
whether physically sick or mentally sick, is a detriment rather than
an asset to an army — this contribution is going to be not only
toward the strength of the army, making it a vigorous sound army
physically, mentally and morally, but it is going to advance the
solution of that vexing and perplexing and troublesome city ques-
tion which has for so many years hung heavy on the conscience of
our country.

And when the war is over, and our boys come back, and our
cities have strengthened themselves by their cooperation, and we
have throughout the country the common feeling that we all helped
and shared the pride of having participated in this great undertak-
ing and this great achievement, we will find that for the after-war
reconstruction, for this great remedial process as to which none of
us know much, and of which most of us are almost afraid to think,
our people are sound and virile and intelligent, and that American
public opinion has been strengthened and made more wholesome
and comprehending, and that America is truly a more united people,
and that it understands itself better than it ever did in its history.

Now it is for this reason that I am particularly happy to be
here this morning, and I trust that those of you who come from
other cities will not abate anything in making those of the cities

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WAR-CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

from which you come meet the tremendous importance of this com-
munity reorganization, of this community assumption of the bur-
den of surrounding the soldier with a proper environment.

Everybody in America wants to help. Most
people in America want to do some — well, I do
not want to say that — but many people in
America want to do some individual thing. I suppose I am just
like everybody else. I would like to go "over the top." I would
like to storm a rampart. I would like to grab a flag which was shot
down and raise it up and go forward with it, and feel that I had
taken Old Glory where it ought to be. That is the heroic appeal,
but one of the great difficulties of life is that we fail to realize that
the master heroisms of social progress are aggregations of incon-
spicuous acts of self-sacrifice.

Now this is the opportunity for us to do the master heroism of
this age, and if you will impress that upon the people of your com-
munities, I think they will respond, and they will feel, not perhaps
the spiritual exaltation that comes from carrying the flags, but they
will feel that they are really builders in the final and higher civiliza-
tion, the civilization of justice and opportunity, and of high think-
ing and high doing which we pray is to be the permanent state of
icivilized man after this terrible visitation and tragic calamity is
safely passed.

WAR-CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE
A NATION-WIDE EXPERIMENT IN FRIENDLINESS

"Though we are all killed there will be songs again but if we
were to submit and to survive there could be neither songs nor
dreams nor joyous free things any more."

It is because the world cannot live without songs and dreams
and joyous free things that America is sending over her million
and a half of young men to help in crushing the enemy of Freedom.
And it is because if our young men are to do their part valiantly
and effectively they must be armed with a new social state of mind
/and a new set of habits, that American cities near the training
camps are mobilizing their forces to produce the attitude of mind,

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WAR-CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

the state of consciousness, the esprit de corps which Secretary.
Baker has characterized as the indispensable "invisible armor."

It has been six months since the Playground and Recreation
Association of America, at the request of the War Department
Commission on Training Camp Activities, sent out its first com-
munity organizer to blaze a new trail in the conduct of the world
war. Without precedent to follow, with nothing to profit by save
the mistakes of other nations in their failure to safeguard the
environs of the training camps, these men have gone out to arouse
the cities near the camps to their responsibilities and to help them
fulfill their trust.

One hundred seven war recreation secretaries are now at work
and at least 170 cities and small communities have been organized
for service and aided in carrying through the program of activities.
While a war recreation secretary has not been stationed in all of
these communities they all have some form of organization or have
received the assistance of a war recreation worker in furthering
their plans.

Alabama
Anniston
Montgomery
Selma

Arizona
Douglas
Nogales
Phoenix
Tucson

Arkansas
Argenta
Little Rock

California
Alameda
Benicia
Linda Vista
Los Angeles
Oakland
Palo Alto
Redwood City
San Diego
San Francisco
San Jose
San Mateo
Santa Clara

Vallejo
Connecticut

New London
District of Columbia

Washington
Florida

Jacksonville

Key West ,

Pensacola
Georgia

Atlanta

Augusta

Decatur

Lafayette

Macon
Illinois

Champaign-Urbana

Chicago

Evanston

Galesburg

Glen Coe

Great Lakes

Lake Forest

Paxton

Rantoul

Rockford

Waukegan
Indiana

Indianapolis

North Indianapolis
Iowa

Des Moines
Kansas

Army City

Junction City

Leavenworth

Manhattan
Kentucky

Louisville
Louisiana

Alexandria

Lake Charles

New Orleans
Massachusetts

Ayer

Boston

Clinton

East Weymouth

Fitchburg

Groton

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WAR-CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

Harvard

Hingham

Lancaster

Leominster

Lowell

Lunenburg

Pepperell

Shirley

Springfield

Waltham

Westfield

Worcester

Maryland
Annapolis
Baltimore,
Emmitsburg

Michigan
Augusta
Battle Creek
Kalamazoo
Mt. Clemens

Minnesota
Minneapolis
St. Paul

Mississippi
Gulfport
Hattiesburg
Jackson

Missouri

Kansas City
St. Louis

New Jersey
Bordentown
Burlington
Closter
Cresskill
Demarest
Englewood
Hackensack
Ha worth
Moorestown
Mount Holly
New Egypt
Pemberton
Rutherford
Tenafly

Trenton

Wrightstown
New Mexico

Deming

Silver City
New York

Centre Moriches,
L. I.

Garden City, L. I.

Hempstead, L. I.

Lewiston

Manorville, L. L

Mineola, L. I.

New York City

Niagara Falls

Patchogue, L. I.

Plattsburg

Riverhead, L. I.

Sacket Harbor

Syracuse

Watertown

Yaphank, L. I.

Youngstown
North Carolina

Charlotte
Ohio

Chillicothe

Columbus

Dayton

Springfield
Oklahoma

Lawton
Pennsylvania

Gettysburg

Hanover

Philadelphia

York
Rhode Island

Newport
South Carolina

Beaufort

Charleston

Columbia

Greenville

Greer

Mount Pleasant

Port Royal

Spartanburg
Tennessee

Chattanooga

Memphis

Millington

Rossville
Texas

Brownsville

Corpus Christi

Del Rio

Eagle Pass

El Paso

Forth Worth

Houston

Laredo

Marfa

San Antonio

Waco
Utah

Salt Lake City
Vermont

Burlington

Essex Junction

Winooski
Virginia

Berkley

Hampton

Newport News

Norfolk

Old Point Comfort

Petersburg

Phoebus

Portsmouth

Richmond

Virginia Beach
Washington

Olvmpia

Seattle

Tacoma
Wisconsin

Beloit

La Crosse

Sparta

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WAR-CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

Other cities, such as the North Shore communities near Chi-
cago might be added to this list. It is planned that additional cities
will be organized in the immediate future.

A certain amount of machinery has been necessary to start
the work — a frame work has been essential to give permanency
to the structure. And so each city has begun its work with the
organization of a War-Camp Community Board, the name of
which varies in the different communities, with a number of sub-
committees. These sub-committees on accommodations, finance,
commercial amusements, commercial relationships, fraternal organ-
izations, receptions and entertainments, physical recreation, in-
formation, girls' work, education, church cooperation, music,
dramatics, public celebrations and other activities, are undertaking
the marshalling of the communities' forces and resources.

No part of the machinery which has been in-
Linking up Camp stalled to link up camp and community has been
and Community of greater importance than the census cards

which have been secured with the help of the
commanding officers. These cards make it possible to know a man's
church, fraternity, college, professional and trade affiliations and
'to put him in touch with the groups in the cities with which his
former interests and relationships would naturally tie him up. The
cards also disclose a man's favorite form of recreation or hobby and
with this knowledge the local committees are better able to plan
their programs. The information on the cards is making it pos-
sible for the churches to extend personal invitations to their mem-
bers, for lodges, clubs and fraternal orders to entertain their
brothers in camp, and is giving a personal touch to all the work.

The six months which have elapsed since the first pioneers set
out has seen many interesting developments in the great experi-
ment in friendliness which the cities are working out. A number
of these developments have been along the line of providing the
material equipment which the presence of large numbers of soldiers
and their guests has made necessary temporarily but which will,
after the camps are no longer in existence, remain as valuable addi-
tions to the cities' facilities.

Among the very practical features included in
Adding Material tjie prOgram of community organizations, have
Equipment been the erection of comfort stations and the

installation of drinking fountains. Atlanta, Ga. has erected a com-

484

WAR-CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

fort station at a cost of $20,000. Charlotte, N. C. has installed
16 drinking fountains and several comfort stations. Deming,
N. M., Fort Worth, Tex., Greenville, S. C., Hattiesburg, Miss.
Little Rock, Ark., Montgomery, Ala., Patchogue, L. I., Pensacola,
Fla., and Petersburg, Va. are a few of the cities which, through
the addition of material equipment, have contributed to the com-
fort of the soldiers and their guests.

The community organizer and the committee
Living Accom- through which the city is mobilizing its forces
modations face no more practical or urgent problem than

that arising from inadequate sleeping and eating
accommodations for the thousands of people — families and relatives
of the men — who flock to the camp cities in order to be near their
friends in camp. The problem is especially acute in the small com-
munities near the large cantonments where there are practically
no hotels and few eating places. In an effort to meet the needs,
in practically all of the cities an Accommodations Committee has
been organized as a sub-division of the main board. These com-
mittees have made a thorough investigation of all the hotels and
boarding houses and a house to house canvass of available rooms in
private houses. The location of the rooms, the facilities and prices
are then listed so that all the information will be available for the
use of the men. Many people who would not at any other time open
their houses to strangers have been glad in the present emergency
to "do their bit" in this way. A number of cities have adopted
novel means of securing the information regarding available rooms.
At Newport News the sanitary inspectors of the District Health
Service in the course of a sanitary survey of the city listed avail-
able rooms. In Norfolk many rooms were secured through news-
paper publicity. San Antonio adopted the plan of distributing
housing blanks to the school children who took them home to their
parents. In some of the cities, as in Little Rock, Ark., Petersburg,
Va., and Anniston and Montgomery, Ala., the work has been placed
in charge of paid workers. During the summer a number of col-
leges turned over their dormitories for the use of the soldiers and
their families. In some of the communities the problem has been
so acute that the erection of portable houses and of hotels has been
found necessary. At Niagara Falls, through the efforts of the
War Recreation Board, a number of citizens rented a large summer

485

WAR-CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

resort hotel for the use of the soldiers' families. At Chillicothe, O.
the Daughters of the American Revolution, in cooperation with the
local board, plans to erect a $12,000 hotel and the Red Cross five
buildings for the accommodation of guests. Anniston, Ala. is
considering the erection of a $100,000 hotel of 150 rooms. In
some instances church basements, Y. M. C. A. quarters and the
rooms of various organizations have been turned into emergency
dormitories by the simple expedient of putting in cots.

The provision of rest rooms for the women guests of the
soldiers and the placing of benches in the parks, squares, yards
and churches and along the main streets are a further indication
of the very practical hospitality which many of the camp cities
through the community organizer and local committees are offering
their guests.

Making the Cit '"^ie information bureaus which practically all
Known to Its tne cities now have are invaluable to the soldiers
Guests and their guests in acting as clearing houses for

information regarding available boarding houses and rooms, city
facilities, car lines and all the points which are so essential for
a stranger to know. The War Recreation Board of San Antonio
has an attractive building especially erected to house the informa-
tion bureau. Many of the information bureaus are established at
the railroad stations, department stores or at the headquarters of
the War-Camp Community Boards which in so many instances
have been made possible through the hearty cooperation of the
Chamber of Commerce and Boards of Trade of the various cities.
Many of the communities through the efforts of the local
boards are publishing guide books and booklets of information on
hotels, boarding houses, theatres, churches and points of interest
in the city and surrounding country.

The bulletins telling of the clubs and special activities and
entertainments for soldiers, church services and meetings of fra-
ternal orders, which are sent to the camp and posted in a conspicu-
ous place in the city, are proving very helpful to the soldiers and
their visiting friends.

Closely allied with the problem of providing liv-
Combating the ing accommodations for the soldiers' guests is
Ogre "High Cost that of combatting the tendency which has been
of Living" shown on the part of many merchants and hotel

and restaurant keepers to take advantage of the soldiers by over-

486

WAR-CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

charging them for facilities and commodities of various kinds. In
coping with this form of commercial greed and spirit of unfair-
ness a number of the cities are doing very effective work through
Grievance Committees which are making an appeal to merchants
for a square deal and acting as arbitrators in matters requiring ad-
justment. Overcharges for food served in restaurants and eating
places are not uncommon. In Deming, N. M., the Health and Sani-
tation Committee of the War Recreation Board has inspected all
eating places in the city and in the so-called "mushroom town" just
outside the camp grounds. Where places were found unfit, pres-
sure was brought to bear for a complete cleaning up or a provost
guard was stationed in front of the door. The restaurant- man-
agers were quick to see the advantage of conducting clean places
and selling clean food at reasonable rates. At the suggestion of
the committee, the commanding officer at Camp Cody wrote the
mayor regarding the exorbitant prices asked for food. Through
this letter supplemented by a communication from the mayor, all
the eating places have reduced their prices. In Indianapolis a Com-
plaint Board is being organized consisting of camp officials, repre-
sentatives of business interests and of the War Recreation Board.
Forms are being distributed among all the organizations at Fort
Benjamin Harrison on which the men register their complaints
with the Better Business Men's Bureau, and it is possible that a
black list will be made of all offending firms and the men at the
fort warned not to deal with them. The Square Deal Men of San
Antonio was organized to protect the soldiers. Many business men
have signed a pledge not to overcharge the men in khaki, to ask
only a legitimate profit and in case of complaints to submit the
matter for arbitration to the Grievance Committee of the Square
Deal Association, abiding by this committee's decision. The work
of this committee and similar groups in other cities is gradually
resulting in the elimination of many of the evils.

The provision of material comfort and the secur-
m^ °^ a scluare deal nave» however, been only

the first step towards the goal of a hospitality
which will not only be a means of affording entertainment and
wholesome recreation to the boys in training; but will prove an
effective antidote to the loneliness and depression so destructive
to the morale and fighting efficiency of our representatives in
France. A hospitality which leaves the men feeling merely as

487

WAR-CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

guests and not as a real part of the city's life, is not the aim of
the cities' war recreation service. And so the cities through many
channels are attempting to give the boys in uniform the "home
feeling" which will mean the safeguarding of the right relationships
and loyalties of life.

Nothing so Fine ^ne °^ tne ^rst facilities which the cities have
as Their Own offered their guests has been Soldiers' and Sail-
Clubs ors' Clubs, or Khaki Clubs and Service Clubs,
as they are called, where the men may feel at home and have many
of the facilities which cannot be offered at camp but which are an
intimate part of their normal life. In providing these clubs many
organizations, fraternal, church and civic have pooled their re-
sources. In a number of cities special buildings have been erected
to house the clubs. Ayer, Mass, and Junction City, Kans., are
among the communities having specially planned buildings. Junc-
tion City's club has taken the form of a community club providing
not only facilities for the soldiers but a meeting place for the men
in uniform and the townspeople. About $9,000 was subscribed by
the community for the building which is rilling a great need. The
club is equipped with comfortable chairs, 18 card tables, checker
and chess games and three long writing tables about which the
men crowd. Stationery with the heading "Community House for
Soldiers and Citizens," is supplied. A daily attendance of about
1,500 during the week and 3,500 or 4,000 over the week-end, testi-
fies to the popularity of the building.

In many of the cities vacant houses, stores, warehouses, fire-
men's halls and church social and basement rooms have been trans-
formed into Soldiers' and Sailors' Clubs. The features found most
popular are smoking, reading, writing and rest rooms, facilities
for playing billiards, pool and quiet games, comfortable chairs,
couches, shower baths and bathing facilities, canteens where soft
drinks, sweets, tobacco and similar supplies may be secured, books,
magazines and newspapers, telephone service, pianos, victrolas and
drinking water. Most of the clubs are much alike in equipment
and in the activities offered. A few have special features which
are of particular interest. The Wesley Memorial Church of At-
lanta, a $300,000 model structure, has been turned over for the
use of the soldiers. It has a large auditorium with a seating capac-
ity of 5,000, a gymnasium, shower baths, reading and rest rooms.
It is being conducted on an inter-denominational basis with paid

488

WAR-CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

secretaries in charge. Alexandria, La., has a club rented by the
local committee for the exclusive use of the officers and their wives.
A number of fraternal orders in Alexandria have opened their
club houses every night and are providing cots. For the men from
Camp Devens the Young Men's Christian Union of Boston is being
refitted at an expense of from $10,000 to $20,000 for use as a club.
It will have, in addition to the usual equipment, a stage and can-
teens and will provide lodgings. The Beaufort, S. C., War Service
Board is using the old arsenal as a club house, refitting and re-
decorating it and installing a lunch counter. In Chattanooga a
four-story building with an office, check room, refreshment counter,
reading, writing and lounging rooms and sleeping quarters has
been secured. A shower of soap and towels given by a group of
women in the city proved a novel feature. The Shriners' Temple
at Des Moines, Iowa, is to be used as a club. A large banquet hall,
reception rooms for women, club rooms, an auditorium seating
about 1,000 with a floor suitable for dancing and a large kitchen will
make it a very desirable meeting place for soldiers and citizens.
The Soldiers' Club at Douglas, Ariz., has a board of managers con-
sisting of a civilian, two non-commissioned and one commissioned
officer. Indianapolis also has a self-governing club under the
direct control of the soldiers and military authorities. For this
club the old Elks' Club was secured and remodeled by the Rotary
Club of the city. A dormitory, a restaurant and a large auditorium
add greatly to its usefulness.

About the naval club at Coddington Point center largely the
free time activities of the naval reserves and apprentices at the
Newport Naval Station. A vacant house with 50 rooms sur-
rounded by extensive grounds has been equipped with all necessary
facilities. The porch, 175 feet in length, is furnished with 150
arm chairs. A canteen at which the usual commodities are sold
carries on a flourishing business. A large motion, picture machine
has been supplied. The grounds, which are connected with the
training station by a bridge built by the government, are laid out in
baseball, football and athletic fields. The grove has been wired
with electric lights and hammocks supplied. A sylvan theatre made
possible by the erection of a stage in a natural amphitheatre is the
scene of many vaudeville shows and entertainments provided by
the men themselves. As many as 1,200 attended the performances
given here.

4*0

WAR-CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

St. Helena's naval training station near Portsmouth, Va., is
fortunate in having a club house which, like the Coddington Point
Naval Club, provides delightful out-of-door facilities in its spacious
gardens and lawns. An old southern mansion at Berkeley has been
offered by its owner to the Berkeley committee. When equipped,
it will have a pool room, lounging and reading rooms, a smoking
room and quarters for the Red Cross and other local patriotic
organizations. The management of the club will be in part in the
hands of a committee of enlisted men.

The first of the service clubs to be opened in New York City
is maintained by the Harvard Club. Service Club No. 1 will be
conducted in the same style as any regular city club and will be
for men only. A member of the firm of architects who built the
Pennsylvania Station in New York City is directing the arrange-
ment, decorating and furnishing of the club. There is a bar at
which only soft drinks are served. The club, it is hoped, will serve
as a model for other clubs throughout the country. A trained
worker is in charge. Other service clubs have been opened in
various parts of New York City and a number of organizations,
cooperating with the local committee, have established rest rooms
and opened club facilities.

Patchogue, L. I., has a club house, formerly a theatre, wm'ch
has been remodeled and furnished at a cost of about $2,500. A
lunch counter and shower baths are to be installed. San Diego's
Enlisted Men's Club, furnished at a cost of $10,000 is beautifully
decorated and equipped. A special feature is a well-appointed
kitchen with its pantry and serving room where the men may secure
meals. San Francisco's National Defenders' Club for Soldiers
and Sailors, is described as a big home where the home touch is
given by the women who act as hostesses. Home-cooked food is
served and everything possible is done to make the men feel that
the club belongs to them. The War Recreation Board of Seattle
has secured at a rental of $450 a month, the old Seattle Athletic
Club, a seven-story building with facilities for swimming, a splen-
did gymnasium, and sleeping quarters for 50 men. The Army
Club opened by the Solvay Process Co. of Syracuse has been a
great boon to the men. Many social activities have centered there
and at the Army Club opened in the building vacated by the Uni-
versity Club, where it has been possible to serve meals.

In the provision of club facilities, no organization has been

490

WAR-CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

more active than the churches of all denominations which have
performed invaluable service in fitting up their recreation rooms,
parish houses and basements as reading, writing and rest rooms
and in serving luncheons and Saturday night suppers. An illus-
tration of what churches are doing to serve the men in khaki is
given by the First Presbyterian Church of Spartanburg in opening
up its Sunday School facilities including 25 small rooms useful
for games, writing, conferences and for library purposes and a
large room for general social use. The club is open daily from
four to ten p. m. with a paid secretary in charge. A newly com-
pleted plant built at a cost of $90,000 by one of the churches in
New London and containing three large rooms and a number of
smaller ones, a gymnasium and a kitchen, has been made available
for the use of the soldiers.

A Warm Welcome ^ne hospitality of the churches has by no means
from the ceased with the provision of club facilities.

Churches Every effort is being made to make the man in

uniform a part of the church life not only
through attendance at the services but through active participation
in them ; to give him not only pleasant entertainment but the oppor-
tunity of forming permanent relationships and friendships with the
people whom he meets at the services and social functions. Some
of the churches, as in Atlanta, Ga., are sending automobiles to the
fort to bring the men to church. Macon made this a feature of its
"Go to Church Sunday" when the automobiles which brought the
men to church were decorated with flags by the Boy Scouts and
an official touch was given the procession by the presence of the
mayor and a number of city officials who rode in the first automobile.
The Alexandria, La., committee was successful in arranging for a
Sunday morning train known as the "church special" which was
met at the station by automobiles to take the men to the various
churches. Each of the 16 churches in Atlanta is responsible for
the furnishing and maintenance of one recreation room at the base
hospital at Fort McPherson which may be used by the relatives of
the soldiers as meeting and rest rooms. One of the Catholic
churches at Augusta, Ga., makes a point of serving breakfasts to
all the soldiers who come to early mass. Between 500 and 600 men
are enjoying the church's hospitality each Sunday. The Chatta-
nooga churches are following the novel plan of "adopting a regi-
ment/' making the men in this group their particular charges, one of

491

WAR-CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

the churches sending its choir every Sunday to its adopted regiment.
Union services, many of them held out-of-doors, some of them in
theatres, have been very popular and have done much to further the
community singing idea. Junction City, Washington, Louisville,
Montgomery, Norfolk, San Antonio and Sparta are among the
cities which have laid a great deal of emphasis on this phase. The
union services held in Washington at the White House Ellipse on
Sunday afternoon have had an average attendance of about 500.
At the open air vesper service at the Cathedral Close the singing of
hymns and patriotic songs by soldiers and civilians created great
enthusiasm.

Special patriotic services have been features of the programs
in many of the churches and personal invitations extended to the
men have resulted in a large increase in the attendance. The men
in khaki have added greatly to the enjoyment of the townspeople by
providing music at the services, both through orchestras and
choruses. It has become no rare sight to see uniformed ushers or
the men in khaki serving as Sunday School teachers or occasionally
occupying the pulpits.

On the purely social end of the church program, numberless
activities are making the churches popular centers. Organ recitals,
concerts, socials, dances, motion picture shows, receptions, picnics,
watermelon parties — are only a few of the excursions in friendliness
which the churches are making. The provision of Saturday night
suppers by many churches is going far in helping to solve the diffi-
cult problem of adequate eating places.

No phase of the churches' activity in war recrea-
From Church to tjon service js of greater importance than the
part it is playing as the connecting link between
the soldier and the home. No substitute has ever been found
for home life and nothing appeals more to the man away from
home than the opportunity to share in the home life of the city of
which he is temporarily a guest. The "take a soldier home to din-
ner" idea has been greatly furthered by the churches to the mutual
enjoyment of host and guest. It has become the usual thing for
the soldiers attending church service to be taken home to dinner
by members of the congregation. One of the churches of Chatta-
nooga has become so enthusiastic that a number of the soldiers are
entertained as week-end guests and are supplied with latch keys
which they are urged to use as a member of the family. Week-

492

WAR-CAMP COMMUNITY SBRVICB

end parties are exceedingly popular. One Chicago home is opened
every week-end for the use of the Princeton men at Fort Sheridan.
Another Chicago resident entertains 25 men every Saturday after-
noon. Lawton, Okla., has inaugurated block parties at which the
homes in each city block join in entertaining a company of soldiers.
On one Sunday, the citizens of Forest Hills, L. I., a small com-
munity near Camp Mills, entertained 1,300 soldiers at dinner in
private homes. The invitation specified that the hosts wanted men
who were the farthest from home and who had the fewest atten-
tions from their own friends. A wealthy citizen living in the Nor-
folk-Portsmouth district since last June has made a practice of
entertaining from 200 to 300 men at his country home each Satur-
day. On Labor Day he had 500 soldiers and sailors as guests. A
number of the citizens are giving small dances in their homes for
the men. A resident of Chicago each week entertains 24 young
men at luncheon, inviting young women to meet them.

Thanksgiving Day was a real home day for the boys in camp.
A Thanksgiving dinner in a home for every soldier was the slogan
in a number of camp cities and thousands of men far away from
their own families on this essentially home day joined with other
families in celebrating the national holiday.

Next to the relationships of home, church and
Extending the the circle of friends and acquaintances among
Hand of Good- whom a man moves and finds his social life,
Fellowship there is probably nothing the loss of which is

so keenly felt by the man in camp as are club and fraternal rela-
tionships. And everywhere private clubs and fraternal orders are
extending cordial hospitality not only to their own members in
camp but in many instances to those who have no claim upon them.
Many country clubs, golf clubs and private clubs of many kinds are
issuing free membership cards or reducing the fee, giving their
guests all the privileges of membership while they are near the
city. In this way the officers, in particular, are being cared for.
Many private clubs have been active in giving dances and banquets.
College fraternities and graduate clubs have provided special
entertainment for their members in camp. Rotarians, Masons,
Elks, Woodsmen, Knights of Columbus, Knights of Pythias and
numberless other organizations are extending the hand of fellow-
ship with a practical demonstration of the principles of brotherhood
for which they stand. Open houses, smokers, reception

493

WAR-CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

picnics and special meetings are only a few of the activities which
the lodges and orders are conducting. Many of the fraternal orders
are turning their rooms into club rooms for the soldiers or main-
taining rest rooms in their quarters. Several are providing tem-
porary sleeping facilities. Specially prepared banners and bulle-
tins in a number of cities welcome the soldier to his particular lodge
and keep him posted regarding functions at which he will be a
welcome guest. The Masons of Rantoul, 111., pride themselves on
having the only High Twelve Club in the army. Weekly meet-
ings are held with a special entertainer and a supper is served at
which regular army officers, reserve officers and privates sit at the
same table.

The contribution which clubs and fraternal orders are every-
where making to the social life of the men in uniform is a very
important one.

The church, the home, the fraternal order, the
Nothing Omitted club, represent only a few of the agencies which
from the Pro- are functioning for the soldier in his free time
through the War-Camp Community Service.
All organizations and many unorganized groups are having a
part in this great get-together movement which is uniting the camp
and the community, making the man in camp a part of the city life,
giving him the friendship, the sense of belonging, which no money
can buy.

Every phase of social entertainment is being undertaken by
these various groups that the man in khaki may have the oppor-
tunity of meeting the townspeople. Dances, receptions, concerts,
organ recitals, lawn fetes, festivals, track meets, community sing-
ing, automobile rides, dramatics, military tournaments and special
holiday celebrations are only a few of the activities which, with
the relationships they have made possible, will help to send the
boys away the better prepared for their great task because of the
feeling that they have come very close to their own countrymen
and have received only the best they had to offer.

Dancing never loses its charm and the dances
Dancing a Popu- which are being given in the various communi-
ties under the careful chaperonage of the women
of the cities, rank high in popularity. These dances are providing
the opportunity for the men to meet the young women of the town
under the best possible circumstances. It is the general feeling

494

WAR-CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

that small group dances are preferable to the larger affairs and
that they must be very carefully supervised. Very often they are
limited to specially selected groups of soldiers and the girls are
required to come with chaperones. In Columbia, S. C., the men
of the medical department were so eager for dancing that they
applied to the mayor for a license to run a dance hall. The local
committee came to their rescue and arranged a dance, inviting the
girls and furnishing the chaperones. The men assumed the re-
sponsibility for the boys in uniform who attended and paid the
bills. Deming, N. M., has made use of a somewhat similar plan
for the company dances which are held at the armory. With the
exception of the provision of chaperones, the dances are given
entirely under the auspices of the soldiers. For the weekly dances
of the National Guardsmen a careful plan has been worked out by
the committee. At the first of a series of dances given for one
battalion at a time, each girl was asked to register her name and
address. Later a printed invitation was sent her for the next
dance and no girl was admitted unless she could present an invita-
tion. The men were provided with identification cards which were
presented at the door. Fort Worth has instituted a series of invita-
tion dances for enlisted men, 250 having been invited. The invita-
tions are not transferable. The Gettysburg committee held a very
successful dance at the Country Club attended by 400 men selected
by their own company commander. The girls were taken home
afterwards by the townspeople who were present. The Lawton,
Okla., War Recreation Board has established an officers' club for
dancing. At one of the officers' training camp dances at Little
Rock a unique feature was the use of bugle calls for the dances.
For the numbers designating the dances bugle calls were substituted.
From the opening number when "reveille" was played, the dance
proceeded through "sick call," "police," "fall in with full packs,"
"recall" to "taps" when the band played Home, Sweet Home.
The Montgomery War Recreation Service stands ready when an
organization wishes to give a dance, to provide patronesses and
chaperones and to see that a sufficiently large number of girls is
on hand. The Saturday night dances for the men at Fort Niagara
have been very successful. Two types of dances are being main-
tained, one series for student officers, the other called a community
dance, for the regulars and for the townspeople who are not pro-
vided for by other dances. The Pensacola War Recreation Board

495

WAR-CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

has successfully combated the low class commercial dance by a
series of Saturday night community dances. There is no charge
for dancing but refreshments are sold by the Red Cross, the pro-
ceeds of the sales being divided between the Red Cross and the
War Recreation Fund. Military bands provide the music; promi-
nent women of the city act as chaperones and introduce the men
to the girls. A manager and assistants are on the floor to keep order
and a plain clothes man is on hand. The dances given by the citi-
zens of Watertown, N. Y., for the Madison Barracks have been
very successful in providing a point of contact between the student
officers and the citizens. Acquaintances formed at these dances
resulted in extensive home entertainment.

"It is just as essential that the soldiers know how

Music and2 Com- tQ ging ag it ig that they carry rifles and knQW

how to use them," is the opinion of Major-Gen-
eral Wood. Singing as a force in helping to win the world war
is coming into its own. Singing under the song leaders sent to
the camps is gripping the men with a power which will help them
to fight and strengthen their courage. Community singing is re-
ceiving an impetus in the camp cities such as it has never known
and is catching the imagination and reaching the hearts of thou-
sands who have never before known the power of song. Singing
in the cities near the camps in which citizens and soldiers unite is
one of the accomplishments of the War Recreation Service which
is making most effectively for camp-community unity. Communi-
ties in increasing numbers are having such sings. The first one
attempted by Norfolk, Va., was held in a park and attended by at
least 4,000 people, half of whom were soldiers, sailors and marines.
The singing of patriotic songs and old familiar hymns was led by
the combined choruses of the five churches cooperating in the
movement.

Between 5,000 and 6,000 people joined with the community
chorus of Syracuse under the leadership of Harry Barnhart in a
community sing which inspired and thrilled all who sang and all
who listened. The popularity of this sing resulted in its becom-
ing a weekly function. Fully 12,000 people, civilians and soldiers,
assembled at the stadium of Drake University at Des Moines for a
community sing. The sing, which was led by Dean Holmes Cooper
of Drake University, was accompanied by three military bands.
The singing by 300 negro soldiers of Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,

496

WAR-CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

Shouting All over God's Heaven and Tiperrary created intense
enthusiasm. As the flag was raised and lowered, 12,000 Ameri-
cans, white and colored, rose and sang The Star Spangled Banner.

Augusta's War-Camp Community Service is conducting
weekly Sunday afternoon sings for civilians and soldiers at the
Grand Theatre and similar entertainments are being planned for
Macon. San Diego's music committee of the War Recreation
Service has organized a class in sight reading for 60 boys from
the naval training school who are taking part in the community
chorus. Very successful community sings have been held at
Niagara Falls under the direction of the camp song leader.

Ayer, Mass., is conducting regular Saturday night sings under
the leadership of Mr. Vernon Stiles, the song leader at Camp
Devens. The town hall is the scene of these camp-community get-
together occasions. The special union Sunday evening services
held at Junction City during the summer furnished an opportunity
for singing by civilians and soldiers as did Washington's Sunday
afternoon out-door concerts at which the marine band played and
prominent soloists and choruses led in community singing. San
Antonio has had a number of sing-songs. In one of these a mili-
tary band of 90 pieces participated and 800 picked voices from
camp joined with local musical clubs. Chattanooga, under the
direction of the camp song leader, has planned an ambitious com-
munity chorus program for camp and city.

The first community sing held in Alexandria, La., was a great
success. A chorus of 300 voices made up of all the church choirs,
of local music clubs and the members of Bolton High School, as-
sisted by a military band, took their position on a grandstand built
for the occasion. Fully 2,000 people crowded around to hear the
program. Community singing has been started at Atlanta under
the direction of the camp song leader. During the summer Fort
Worth had a series of sing-songs for which the Park Board fur-
nished seats for 5,000 people. The community sing in San Diego
was held at Spreckel's organ auditorium and the 3,000 people pres-
ent entered whole-heartedly into the spirit of the occasion. Only
old familiar songs were sung. Some were accompanied by the
organ; others by the Twenty-First Infantry band. At one of the
regular Sunday matinees at Fort Worth, the oratorio The Creation
was given. The War Recreation Boards of a number of cities
have enlisted the services of various musical organizations to fur-

497

WAR-CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

nish music at the camps. In Atlanta the Women's Club arranges
a weekly program for the Officers' Reserve, while another club
looks after the Regulars. Twenty-two musical societies are repre-
sented on the musical committee of Chicago and regular Thursday
evening entertainments are planned for the Great Lakes Training
Station. The Spartanburg committee, before the arrival of the
camp song leader, carried community singing into the camp, the
community chorus being taken to camp where it led the soldiers
in singing. Twilight sings at the Post, arranged through the local
committee at Anniston, proved very popular. Very impressive
was the sight of 1,500 soldiers gathered under the rays of a large
arc light on the side of the hill which makes a natural amphitheatre.

Much pleasure has been afforded both the sol-
Instrumental .... . .

Music Has Its diers and civilians by the music provided in

Charms nearly all the communities near the camps by

the regimental bands. These bands usually give one or more con-
certs a week, many of them in the parks. The interest aroused by
the concerts is shown by the account of one of these functions held
at Little Rock. — "The band concert at the Old State House
given under the direction of Sergeant Joe Raetano was a big suc-
cess. Several thousand people gathered in the park and sat on
every available bench and stump. Scores of automobiles parked
around the square added zest to the occasion. Several real anvils
were thumped as accompaniment to the Anvil Chorus from
// Trovatore, played by the First Regiment Band. The crowd
cheered and cheered and the chorus had to be repeated three times."
Many organ recitals and similar musical affairs are held in
the cities near the camps on Sunday afternoon when the men are
in town in great numbers. Plans have been effected in Fort
Worth for a symphony orchestra which will hold concerts on Sun-
day afternoons free to all men in uniform. The approximate cost
of the concerts will be $1,200.

Among the many forms of entertainment offered
Automobile Rides the soldiers and sailors by their hosts are the
SourceVof"fpieasg autom°bile trips which are arranged in many of
ure the cities. It is no rare happening for a citizen

driving through the city in his car to invite the man in khaki he
passes in the street to go for a drive. These rides usually end
in an invitation to dinner at the citizen's home. Pleasurable as
these trips are for the able-bodied soldiers they are even more ap-

498

WAR-CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

predated by the convalescent men in the hospital. The Anniston,
Ala., community follows up the drive for the convalescent soldier
with a few hours' entertainment at one of the homes of the city.
The committee at Deming, N. M., arranges for rides for convales-
cents every week. In Chicago the Camp Fire Girls are responsible
for securing automobiles for Sunday morning drives for the sailors
who have spent the night at the Y. M. C. A. dormitories. Many
other cities are adding this welcome touch of hospitality to their
entertainment.

Many and varied are the forms which the spirit

Playgrounds Q£ hospitality has taken in the various cities.

Serving the Men J

in Khaki One °^ ^e most helpful things which the cities

have done is to place their public recreational
facilities, playgrounds, swimming pools and athletic fields at the
disposal of the soldiers and in arranging for seats, platforms, band
stands, and other facilities in the parks. The Chicago Park Com-
missions are performing very valuable service by placing their
recreational facilities and leaders at the disposal of the soldiers.
Athletic meets have been arranged, coaches supplied and the athletic
equipment made available. San Diego's splendidly equipped play-
ground at La Jolla with its recreation building, one of the finest
in the country, is used day and night by the men in uniform, dances
and special entertainments being given continually. The men are
taken to the grounds each night in army trucks so that they may
enjoy the shower baths which the center provides.

In addition to the sports and athletic programs
Giving the Sol- r

diers Opportuni- provided within the camps, the War Recreation
ties for Physical Bureaus in the various cities are making possible
Recreation in the communities opportunities for athletic

meets, tournaments and contests in many of which the townspeople
may measure their prowess with the man in uniform.

No form of physical recreation is more popular with the man
in khaki than swimming, and substitutes for the "old swimming
hole" are everywhere being provided. In a number of cities or in
the territory immediately adjacent to the camps where there were
no swimming pools they have been constructed. When it was
learned by the war recreation worker in the Long Island communi-
ties near Camp Upton, that there were no swimming facilities at the
camp, he secured permission from the owners of a large mill pond
and of a beach near the camp to use their property. The camp com-

499

WAR-CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

mander, enthusiastic over the plan, put up tents and the local Red
Cross chapter supplied several hundred bathing suits. At Spartan-
burg, two citizens have made possible the construction of a swim-
ming pool in a creek. Hattiesburg, Miss., lacking other bathing
facilities, has turned an old gravel pit into a swimming hole. The
local committee at Gettysburg very ingeniously provided two swim-
ming pools for the men in camp by constructing a dam across neigh-
boring streams. Burlington, Vt., has fitted up a swimming beach in
the Winooski River which runs near the camp. A broad stairway
was built from the mainland to a wooden platform which stretches
for 90 feet along the river edge ; there diving boards were installed
and a life boat provided. An abandoned ice pit which a chance
exploring expedition disclosed has proved a very popular swimming
pool for the men at Salt Lake City. The discovery of the inlet
and outlet made possible the diverting of the water. The cutting
away of weeds and the construction of simple dressing quarters and
toilet facilities completed the work.

Municipal and private pools are everywhere being made avail-
able for the men. In Washington, for example, the municipal and
playground pools are being used by large numbers of men. Ar-
rangements have been made to light them at night and swimming
instruction is being given. Among other cities, Minneapolis and
St. Paul have been particularly active in placing public and private
bathing and swimming facilities at the disposal of the men. Water
sports and regattas have become popular in a number of cities in
which bathing beaches and swimming zones have been provided
for the men.

The success of the efforts to secure for the sol-
Athletic Meets, diers gymnasiums, athletic fields, baseball fields,
Carnivals and tennis courts, stadiums and other facilities for
Sports athletics and sports has made possible athletic

carnivals and meets and football and baseball games which have
brought out thousands of enthusiastic spectators and participants.
Boxing and wrestling matches are features greatly enjoyed by the
men.

An unused reservoir at Deming, N. M., covering 15 acres of
ground, is being converted into an amphitheatre which will seat
20,000 soldiers. In addition to baseball and football fields, volley
ball, tennis and basket ball grounds, it will have an open air swim-

500

WAR-CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

ming pool. Six hundred engineers have been detailed to put the
grounds in shape.

In Des Moines, the stadium of Drake University has been
secured for Sunday football and baseball and the college has agreed
to fit up a skating rink. Many thousands attended the football
game for the benefit of the Mess Fund, which was played by two
companies of the National Guard. An athletic carnival at which
several world champions in boxing and wrestling gave exhibitions,
netted $2,500 for the Athletic Fund.

The playground supervisors of Junction City have volunteered
their services as umpires and in helping to train the soldiers of
Fort Riley for the athletic meets. A special Fourth of July carnival
;at Little Rock was attended by 3,000. Athletic sports never wane
in popularity at the naval club at Coddington Point, Newport, where
over 700 men participated in one athletic meet. In the Norfolk-
Portsmouth district, weekly games are arranged between teams
from battle ships, the Navy Yard and the Naval Training Station.
A band from one of the naval stations furnishes the music.

Athletics are playing an important part in the program of
activities at San Diego. During the summer twelve baseball teams
were organized and regular games scheduled three days a week at
the stadium, the playgrounds and the exposition ground. A number
of boxing bouts were staged. For the Labor Day Service Meet
and Military Exhibition at the stadium there were over 300 entries.
A large track and field meet held at the stadium in October repre-
sented the united efforts of all the organizations in the city and all
branches of the service had representatives among the entries.

San Francisco's Fourth of July program which included an
athletic meet and ended with a military ball was voted a huge
success, as was the Columbus Day athletic tournament at which
the men in khaki gave a demonstration of their ability in competitive
drills, bayonet and tent pitching contests, trench digging, hand gre-
nade throwing and races of all kinds. The athletic committee of
Seattle has worked out an elaborate schedule of athletic events
covering three months. Football games, an athletic carnival and a
water carnival have already been held. An ice carnival, an indoor
track meet and a relay carnival will follow. The military tourna-
ment held at Sparta, Wis., attracted an audience of over 7.000
people.

The use of the Tacoma stadium has been secured for large

501

WAR-CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

athletic meets. A football match between the officers of the 361st
regiment and the State College was attended by 3,000 soldiers who
marched through the city to the stadium for a preliminary drill
before an audience of over 20,000 people. Around the field
marched company after company of loyal men cheering them-
selves hoarse for their officers.

A man's enjoyment of dramatics does not cease
Dramatics and when he dons a uniform nor is he averse oc-
casionally to taking part in a show himself.
Many of the local amateur dramatic societies are entertaining the
men with plays or arranging easily staged performances in which
the men will have a part. On alternate Saturday evenings the
Elks and Masons of Junction City have programs for the men and
very often amateur theatricals are put on in which the soldiers
participate. Informal programs at the Opera House consisting
of solos, monologues, clog dances and Indian war dances afford
the soldiers excellent opportunity to display their talent, while
performances given by the Agricultural College at Manhattan pro-
vide such programs as Shakespearean plays.

Very often 1,200 men attend the popular outdoor perform-
ances given at the Coddington Point naval club at Newport where
the townspeople join with the boys in taking part in the shows.
The War Recreation Board of San Diego is responsible for the
organization of the Liberty Players Stock Theatrical Co., the pur-
pose of which is the presentation of clean, up-to-date plays for
the soldiers and sailors at a nominal price, the best seats in the
house being sold to men in uniform for twenty-five cents. The
Drama League of the city has been active in entertaining the men
with short plays and they are opening classes for the soldiers and
sailors so that they may present plays themselves. The San Fran-
cisco Drama League is also playing an important part in making
performances by the men possible.

The boys of Company D New York troops at Camp Wads-
worth returned the hospitality of the citizens of Spartanburg by
giving them a minstrel show at one of the theatres. Washington's
national sylvan theatre, owned by the government, is attracting
many thousands of people to the impressive pageants and plays
which are being given. Under the auspices of the War Recreation
Board a program of pageants and plays to be given throughout the
year is being arranged.

502

WAR-CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

Serving the Men Although the work of the War-Camp Com-
within the Camp munity Service lies within the communities near
Limits the camps, there are occasional instances in

which, because of community ties and an intimate knowledge of
community resources, the local committee is able to aid the Y. M.
C. A. and other forces within the camp in providing for the men.

One of the ways in which the local committees
Educational are COOperating most effectively with the camp

forces is in the securing of teachers of French
and other subjects. The men are eager to prepare themselves for
the time when "somewhere in France" they will meet the men with
whom they are to fight side by side. The War Recreation Boards
in many cities are making this possible by providing teachers not
only at the camps but in the communities. Atlanta, Ga., for in-
stance, is furnishing French teachers for the Y. M. C. A. educa-
tional director at camp ; Burlington, Vt., Charleston, S. C., Chicago,
111. (where a five-hour trip is involved for the teachers going to
Highland Park), Indianapolis, Ind., Pensacola, Fla., San Francisco,
Cal., Spartanburg, S. C., Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minn, and many
other cities are performing similar services. In Alexandria, La.,
a grammar school has been opened in the evening for classes in
French and History. In Chattanooga the Board of Education is
attempting to supply the educational material necessary for the 300
men enrolled in classes in camp, many of whom can neither read
nor write. Three hundred fifty arithmetics sent to the War Recrea-
tion Board by the American Book Company of Cincinnati are being
put into excellent use at camp.

The University of South Carolina at Columbia is giving courses
in French, History, Mathematics and Typography at a nominal
rate. Saturday night lectures are being given at the base hospital
at Camp Cody by teachers from the Deming high school which
will be opened evenings for classes in French, Spanish, Mathe-
matics, Science and History. The educational work for the men
at Fort Bliss has been taken over by the president of the University
of Texas who has assigned five university instructors and three
volunteers to the work, the army providing transportation to the
camp for the instructors. Two thousand men were enrolled in the
classes. At Macon, Ga., an educational course has been arranged
giving high school and college credits.

The men at the Navy Yard, through the courtesy of organiza-

503

WAR-CAMP COMMUNITY SBRVICB

tions in Philadelphia, are having instruction in automobile mechan-
ics, electricity, typewriting and surveying, as well as in academic
subjects. The Universities of Wisconsin and California are send-
ing instructors to the nearby camps.

Closely allied to the educational work at the
Providing the camps and in the communities is the movement

Boys with Books which has spread rapidly through all the camp
and Magazines cities to couect books and magazines for the
men in camp for use at the Y. M. C. A. recreation huts, the base
hospitals, the barracks and in many instances in the khaki clubs
in the communities. In all of this work the city libraries have
been most helpful in acting as clearing houses and in sorting and
grading the books before they are sent to camp. The libraries of
a number of cities are throwing their facilities open to the soldiers
on Sunday afternoon and in the evenings when the men are in town.
Many of them have established branch libraries at the camps.

Many interesting plans have been devised for collecting the
books and arousing the interest of the communities in the project.
In El Paso the Boy Scouts helped in collecting the books which
were catalogued by the public library in units of one hundred. At
Nogales, Ariz., boxes were placed in various parts of the city
where contributions might be made regularly. Atlanta and one or
two other cities made use of laundry wagons which gathered up
the books as they made their collections. The hotels were asked to
gather up the magazines left by their guests. Through the school
children of Augusta, circulars telling of the movement for provid-
ing reading matter for the soldiers, reached the homes of the city.
The Girl Scouts were active in helping to gather the material. The
local committee of Dayton secured a large collection of technical
and mechanical magazines through advertising agencies. The pub-
lic library of Washington undertook the task of supplying with
books and magazines all nearby camps, soldiers' clubs, rest rooms
and detached guard stations. Moving picture films were used as
a medium of appeal for reading matter.

Mention has already been made of the singing
Taking Enter- and the many musical programs at camp pro-
tainment to the vided through the local committees. No less
CamP8 welcome are the dramatic productions and enter-

tainments of various kinds through which the War Recreation

504

WAR-CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

Boards are cooperating with the officials and organizations within
the camps.

From 12,000 to 15,000 men at Camp McClellan enjoy the
entertainments which are sent three times a week by the local
committee of Anniston, Ala. The Women's Committee at Atlanta
has been very active in providing entertainment for the men at
Camp Gordon, taking from 12 to 14 entertainments a week to the
camp. Readers, minstrels, violinists, soloists and pianists are
featured on these programs.

A very successful production of Trial by Jury was staged at
the camp riding hall by the Burlington, Vt., committee on music
and dramatics. The West Side Park Commission of Chicago gave
the pageant The Coming of Peace for the Cicero camp. The
drill hall of the Great Lakes Training Station is the scene of four
entertainments a week given by the local committee. Many of the
base hospitals are being provided with entertainment. The War
Recreation Bureau of Des Moines devised a novel means of enter-
tainment for the men in camp in a series of picnic suppers for the
men of the Iowa National Guard at Camp Dodge. Army trucks
transported the refreshments, consisting of home-made pies, cakes
and ice cream which were served by a number of young women
of the city.

The Indianapolis committee has been successful in securing
for the camp such well-known speakers as Ex-President Taft and
William Jennings Bryan and such features as the Kilties Band
and war motion picture films. The work of the entertainment com-
mittee of Minneapolis has assumed such proportions that a book-
ing office has been opened in one of the department stores where
the professional and amateur talent of the city is lined up for
the men at the camp. Some of the men at Fort Snelling returned
the hospitality of their citizen hosts by giving a minstrel show in
camp which had been coached by a member of the Drama League.
The traditional songs and jokes were appreciated as never before.

The War Recreation Service of Fort Niagara, with the hearty
cooperation of the commanding officer, has been particularly active
in providing entertainment at camp where a platform has been
erected for the performances. A concert by the Kilties Band, a
recital by Nora Bayes and a number of entertainments of various
kinds have been given.

The Washington committee has worked out an elaborate

505

WAR-CAMP COMMUNITY SHRVICH

scheme for providing entertainments at the surrounding camps
and stations. A census has bean made of all available talent both
professional and amateur. Rehearsals are held daily for these
volunteers and only those who come up to a fair standard of ex-
cellence are accepted. During September entertainments were held
at more than nine different camps and it is estimated that the
entertainments furnished to the soldiers in October, both within
and outside the camps, reached 80,000 men.

Many and varied are the problems which must
^Multiplication be faced by the War Recreation Boards and

of Problems . . . „

community organizers in their task. The new-
ness and urgency of the work and the suddenness with which it
has come, the breaking up of old traditions and the readjustments
necessary to meet new conditions are all contributing factors in
creating many of the conditions and complications which the splen-
did spirit of cooperation and helpfulness displayed throughout the
War Recreation Service is going far to overcome.

One of the important duties of the War Recrea-
Commerical Re- tjon Bureau m every city has been the mainten-
creation Prob- r i • 1 j j • 11 t t e

lemg ance of high standards in all such forms of com-

mercialized amusement as motion picture and
vaudeville performances and dance halls. The great majority of
the War Recreation Boards now have a sub-committee whose
duty it is to censor the type of entertainment shown in the motion
picture and vaudeville houses, the managers of which have, in most
instances, shown a splendid spirit of cooperation. The National
Board of Review of Motion Pictures is in correspondence with the
managers of the motion picture theatres, urging them as a patriotic
duty to refrain from showing certain types of pictures and sup-
plying them with lists of particularly desirable films for presenta-
tion before soldier audiences. In Charlotte, N. C., the mayor re-
quires the coming week's program of films to be submitted to the
local committee with a view to eliminating undesirable features.
The City Councils of Augusta, Ga., and a number of other cities
have ruled that no licenses shall be granted for commercial amuse-
ments until after the applications have been referred to the com-
mittee on commercial recreation for investigation.

Turner Amusement Park at Deming, New Mexico, consisting
of 160 acres with a speedway and a grand stand to accommodate
40,000 people, is being laid out on grounds adjacent to the camp.

506

WAR-CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

It is planned to spend $500,000 in establishing this park which
will be a permanent state fair ground for New Mexico. Ten
per cent of the gate receipts and twenty-five per cent of the con-
cession rentals will go to the War Service Board. On October
the thirteenth at Fort Worth, Como Park and Lake were thrown
open to the public by the Parker Amusement Company, marking
a distinct epoch in the annals of commercial amusement as it is
the first time one of these parks has operated under semi-military
regulations. The War Service Board receives a portion of the
receipts and is able to control in some degree the type of enter-
tainment given. The commercial enterprises of San Antonio have
been put under the supervision of the city and the War Recrea-
tion Board, no amusement project being permitted without the
sanction of the Board. Another phase of cooperation with com-
mercial recreation companies lies in the arrangement existing in
a number of cities whereby reduced rates of admission to men in
uniform prevail.

The dance hall problem because of the undesirable features
connected with it, presents, perhaps, more difficult phases than any
other form of commercialized amusement. The local committees
have tried in a number of cities to meet some of the problems by
securing the permission of the managers to place chaperones in the
halls. Another line of attack lies in the substitution of well-con-
ducted dance halls. At Little Rock the license has been made so
high that only the better class of dance halls can afford to pay
it, thereby eliminating many small poorly-managed ones. A new
$300,000 building is under construction which will contain a well-
managed, splendidly lighted and ventilated dance hall under the
supervision of the War Recreation Board.

The War Recreation Board of Louisville, Ky., is attempting
a solution of the dance hall problem by conducting a large com-
mercial dance hall under its own auspices. The Girls' Work Com-
mittee has been placed in charge with authority to make decisions
regarding any problems which may arise. At the dances, which
will be held seven days in the week, chaperones will be present to
introduce the soldiers and girls and supervise the dancing. An-
other step toward controlling the dance hall situation has been taken
in the employment of a dance hall supervisor to standardize danc-
ing in all the public dance halls in the city. The city administra-
tion is giving authority to these supervisors to appoint chaperones

507

WAR-CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

who will be paid by the dance hall managers. If the conditions
maintained are not satisfactory the administration will close the
hall in question.

Allied with the Girls* Patriotic League of Montgomery, Ala.
which has given a number of dances, is the Chaperone Committee
of at least 200 women. The organization has become so extensive
that in a short time it will include practically all the girls in the
town and it will be impossible for any individual or organization
to hold a dance which does not meet with the approval of the
League and the Committee on Training Camp Activities. The
proprietor of a dance hall conducted on a commercial basis to which
girls were admitted free while men were charged an admission fee
of fifty cents has agreed to allow the Chaperone Committee of
the League to supervise its dances. A definite understanding will
be reached regarding the hours and type of dancing.

The extension of existing commercial recreation places to
meet the suddenly increased needs is another phase of the problem.
It is essential that the War Recreation Boards shall have the co-
operation of any new enterprises in order to keep the standards
high. In one city a local business house plans to open a roller skat-
ing rink and to build new bowling alleys and pool rooms. A large
theatre with a seating capacity of 3,000 which is to be built near
the entrance to Camp Lee has agreed to submit all its plans for
the censorship of the War Recreation Bureau of Petersburg. Roller
skating rinks have been opened in a number of cities. Tacoma
is to have a new motion picture theatre which will seat from 3,000
to 3,500 men.

The problem of providing recreation for the sol-
Sunday Recrea- dier on Sunday, in some camps the only day on
which he has leisure time, has been a perplexing
one. This is particularly true of those parts of the country where
Sunday has always been strictly observed and in the small town as
contrasted with the city which offers greater facilities for Sunday
entertainment. In a number of states laws forbid the opening
of motion picture houses on Sunday and popular sentiment is
against such action. Whatever the feeling, however, on the part of
individual communities or people regarding Sabbath observance, it
is the consensus of opinion that some form of wholesome recreation
must be provided for the men in uniform on Sunday which is
universally the lonesome day for one away from home. As

so8

WAR-CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

a result, even in the towns where the bluest Sunday laws prevail,
much has been done to provide amusement for the men although
the communities have not been willing to permit the opening of
any form of commercial recreation. In one community in the
South the ministers not only consented to sanction a constructive
program of recreation for the men but expressed a desire to share
in it themselves. As a result regular Sunday matinees have been
inaugurated with musical and dramatic programs. In another city
the Ministerial Alliance decided to use the municipal auditorium on
Sunday afternoons for social and other entertainments and also
to provide a program in each of two theatres. A number of cities,
among them San Francisco, Chattanooga, Indianapolis and Aver
have arranged to have the motion picture theatres open on Sunday,
and still others are featuring baseball games.

The provision of music and singing has been one of the solu-
tions of the Sunday recreation problem. The second Sunday on
which community singing was tried in Augusta, hundreds of peo-
ple were turned away from the theatre because of lack of room.
The out-of-door union services such as have been held in Wash-
ington, San Antonio and other cities in which singing has made so
important a part of the program, band concerts and organ recitals
are also helping to solve the problem as has, in no small degree,
the increasing emphasis on home hospitality.

The relationship of the southerner to the north-
Providing for the ern negro and of the northerner to the southern
Colored Troops negro whose ways he does not understand, is
creating something of a problem in War Recre-
ation Service as it touches the colored soldier. Efforts are, how-
ever, being made to provide recreation for the colored troops in
the way which will be most acceptable to them and to provide the
activities which they will most enjoy. In a number of cities such
as Columbia, S. C., Anniston and Montgomery, Ala., Atlanta, Ga.
and Petersburg, Va., committees of colored citizens have been
organized to provide wholesome leisure time activities for the col-
ored troops in the same general way as for the white soldiers.
These committees receive whatever assistance may be needed from
the general committees.

In Chicago a very successful community sing for negro troops
was organized by the War Recreation Board. Over 4,000 people
both white and colored were present. A community sing and review

509

WAR-CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

of negro troops at the stadium at Des Moines resulted in an in-
creased regard for the ability of the negro soldier and an apprecia-
tion of his service to the country. Plans are on foot in San Antonio
whereby the negro citizens will organize an amusement park for
colored soldiers. The army officers at Montgomery, at the sug-
gestion of the war recreation worker, gave to the negro troops at
Camp Sheridan a very careful explanation of southern customs
and of Alabama laws relating to the negroes, suggesting the line
of conduct which should prevail in order to avoid difficulties.

One of the fundamental problems — no new one
The Problem of but suddenly aggravated by the abnormal at-
the Young Girl mosphere and excitement accompanying the
presence of large numbers of the soldiers — is
that of the relationship of the young girl and the soldier. What
has been called the "lure of the khaki" is but an expression on the
part of the girl of her admiration for the spirit of the men who
are willing to give their lives, if need be, in the defense of their
country. How to turn this feeling into the right channels, how to
make the girl realize that the attitude of the soldier towards her
will depend entirely upon her and that it is her privilege to help
the men in khaki respect and dignify their uniforms, how to build
up ideals of life which will prove a safeguard against dangers;
these are only a few of the phases of the problem.

The sub-committees on work for girls and women which are
organized in connection with all the general committees in the
cities, are having the assistance of a number of national organiza-
tions whose experience in dealing with questions relating to the
welfare of girls is invaluable. The National Board of the Young
Women's Christian Association is sending special workers to the
camp cities to work with the committees acting as advisors, study-
ing the needs and applying the remedies. Under the direction of
Miss Maude Miner, of the Girls' Protective League, who is travel-
ing from city to city, the foundation for constructive work is being
laid. Policewomen are being employed where needed and detention
homes are under construction in a number of cities. The national
Travlers' Aid Society is stimulating the work of the local Travel-
ers' Aid Societies in an effort to increase the number of workers
in the camp cities, to enlarge the work to meet the needs, and to
make it as efficient as possible.

Tying up the girls who desire to serve the men who are to fight

510

WAR-CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

for their country with some form of patriotic work has been
one of the main lines of effort. The organization of Girls' Pat-
riotic Leagues, reaching as they do girls of all creeds and classes,
has proved very helpful in drawing the girls together in groups
for Red Cross activities, knitting and sewing, first aid classes and
other patriotic activities. Classes in domestic science, telegraphy
and stenography have been organized. In a number of cities
employment bureaus have been opened and special efforts are being
made in all the cities to provide activities for the working girls.
A great deal of emphasis is being laid upon the desirability of
providing recreational activities for the girls themselves. Hikes,
picnics, athletics and games are rounding out the program of pat-
riotic work planned for the girls. A number of club rooms for
girls have been opened. Ayer, Mass., has a nine room club house
used as headquarters for all the girls' activities with one large
room set aside for socials, dances and entertainment of the soldiers.
A resident director is in charge. Pageants in which only girls and
young women participate have been given. Syracuse, N. Y., and
Rossville, Tenn., have been especially successful in their pageants.

The Patriotic Leagues are affording the opportunity for the
club leaders to put before the girls the need for high standards of
living and idealism. Very often at the large rallies at which the
girls come together for recreation and the singing of patriotic
songs, talks are given them on the necessity for modest dressing.
Similar campaigns are also going on among the mothers in an
effort to point out to them the dangers of the situation. Gettys-
burg, San Antonio and other cities have arranged for a series of
lectures to girls and women by women physicians. A western city
has an organization of guardians consisting of twenty-five women
representing the various churches, whose purpose it is to get in
touch with the mothers of wayward girls and to establish friendly
relations with girls seen in company with soldiers after dances.

Realizing the necessity for providing opportunities for the
young girls and soldiers to meet under normal conditions, many
cities are arranging entertainments at which the girls may act as
hostesses to the men in khaki. This is sometimes done through
the Y. W. C. A.'s, a number of which are holding open house and
socials of various kinds, through churches and through women's
organizations which are arranging for dances and other well-
chaperoned forms of entertainment. There is a strong feeling,

WAR-CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

however, that it is desirable not to multiply such entertainments
and to inaugurate them only when there is a definite need. There
must, too, be adequate and wise supervision and leadership.

The action taken in Pensacola, Fla., is indicative of what is
being done in all the cities to safeguard entertainments of this
sort. Here a women's committee has been organized for the pur-
pose of looking after the welfare of the girls at the community
dances. The committee members not only see to it that the girls
reach the dances and return home safely but select the patronesses
for the dances and act as chaperones.

On the protective side much is being accomplished. The ma-
jority of the cities in which the war recreation secretaries are at
work now have Travelers' Aid workers to meet the girls and
women when they arrive at the railroad station and to see to it
that they receive the proper care, in some instances sending them
back to their homes if it seems wise. The Travelers' Aid Society
of Massachusetts has arranged to have a representative in every
town in New England so that any girl or women friend or relative
of a soldier coming to Camp Devens may have all possible help.
When she arrives at Ayer she may receive help at the information
bureau in securing a place to stay and is given information regard-
ing the camp. Realizing the importance of the work some of the
cities are paying the salaries of the Travelers' Aid workers in part
at least from municipal funds. In Portsmouth, Va., one of the
railroad companies has contributed $50 a month towards the salary
of a worker.

As a phase of protective work, policewomen are being employed
in many of the camp cities, in a number of instances the salary
being paid by the city. St. Paul has a colored policewoman for
work with the colored girls. The county and city commissioners of
Charlotte, N. C., have voted to appropriate $5,000 for the main-
tenance for a year of a reformatory for women, part of which is
to be designated as a detention home for delinquent girls. In
Lawton, Okla., and a number of other cities, plans for a detention
home for girls and women are under way.

The passage of curfew laws in Burlington, Vt., and Gettys-
burg, Pa., and the agitation for such laws in other cities, are out-
growths of the movement to safeguard the girls and to retain
normal relationships in a time of abnormal conditions.

512

WAR-CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

In the successful prosecution of interesting plans

\\r-r' f°r tne soldiers and in the furtherance of activi-

in War lime . .

ties or all kinds, women and women s organiza-
tions throughout the country are playing a large part. Behind
home and community entertainment, the development of work for
girls, the establishment of rest rooms for the women friends and
relatives of the soldiers, the provision of sleeping and living ac-
commodations, and the establishment of canteens and many of the
soldiers' clubs, stand thousands of loyal American women. Active
in the work of raising money as have been the Daughters of the
American Revolution and the State Federation of Women's Clubs
of Ohio in giving thousands of dollars for the establishment of
hotels and rest rooms at Chillicothe, generous and self -sacrificing
in contributing their time, energy and devotion, the women of
America are performing a large service in preparing the National
Army for its task in the world war.

The Playground and Recreation Association of America wishes
to express the deepest appreciation of the services rendered by the
National Board of the Y. W. C. A., the State Divisions of the
Women's Committee of the Council of National Defense, the
Drama League of America, the National League for Women's
Service, the churches, Chambers of Commerce, Rotary Clubs,
Knights of Columbus, Jewish Societies, fraternal organizations
and the hundreds of local societies which are making possible
through their cooperation a community organization for soldiers
and sailors which is felt by the Army and Navy Commissions on
Training Camp Activities to be so important a part of the prepara-
tion of the new army.

To send our boys unstained to the battle line of

Shall It Be Amer- France with higher ideals of service, the stronger

ica's Achieve- for memories of kindly hearts, the better able to

ment? fight because of the "invisible armor" which

their countrymen have forged and the realization that the people

of America are fighting with them in their hearts — such an ac-

Icomplishment as this can only come as the result of a united effort

Bin which all groups, all organizations and all individuals have played

i.their parts.

513

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Chicopee; Mass.

When you want
the best

specify

Used year after year in the
majority of the country's
playgrounds

The name of the
Thomas A. Edison Com-
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EDISON CONQUEST
PICTURES in the No-
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PLAYGROUND.

Patriotic
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and other Exercises for Christmas
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Plays, Drills, Songs, Cantatas, etc.
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Denver, Colo., 203 International Trust Bldg.

Playground Training

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Special Ten Weeks' Course for Teachers
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Strong Faculty, Accredited. For
Illustrated Bulletin address

REGISTRAR, Box 71

616-22 So. Michigan Blvd., CHICAGO, ILL.

WANTED

Man Supervisor of Men's
and Boys' Activities

Recreation Commission
City of Detroit

Salary $1800

G. F. ASHE, Acting Superintendent

820 Farwell Building, Detroit, Mich.

Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers

The Victrola in a Kindergarten, Tokyo, Japan.

In the education of the child it is just as important to direct his emotional
development as it is to direct his mental development. Music makes the strongest
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Victor Military Band
Soldier Boy, Soldier Boy (2) Did
You Ever See a Lassie
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\ Dog and the Kitty Cats, The (2) The
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from Op. 33, No. 2) (with Orchestra accom.) Wm. H. Reitz

New School Marches

35657 (Patriotic Medley March No. 2 ("Adjutant's Call," "March-
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I Standard Bearer March (Fahrbach) Conway's Band

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{Humpty Dumpty (2) To Market (3) Crooked Man (4) Tom-
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Sing a Song of Sixpence (2) I Love Little Pussy Georgia
Porgie (4) Pussy Cat (5) Feast of Lanterns
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When a decision

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PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers

The rich man pre-
sents his gifts to
the Queen. Jack-
in the-Box and the
Majordomo (at
the left) are here,
for you to copy
their costumes.

The bearers hold
Jack's ball and
flowers. Notice
the wreaths, with
the red ribbon,
behind the her-
alds.

The Brave Man
Conquers the Tig-
er. The plants
held by the serv-
ants of the Brave
Man represent the
jungle.

The Haughty Lady
begs the Queen's
forgiveness. This
photograph shows
you the setting,
the gifts of the
rich man, the bird
cage and the flow-
ers and cake.
From it you can
get suggestions for
the costumes of
the servants, the
Humble Woman
and the Lowly
Man.

THE WORLD AT PLAY

Third Liberty Loan. — The

third Liberty Loan will start
the middle of February or
first of March. The amount
of money to be raised is
much greater than was raised
in both the previous loans,
and the call upon the coun-
try's resources and upon
every citizen will be greater
than ever. Thrift, the indis-
pensable prerequisite of vic-
tory, alone can make the
great loan a success. Save
and serve!

Stenographers Needed. —
The United States Govern-
ment is in urgent need of
thousands of stenographers.
Examinations are held every
Tuesday in 450 of the princi-
pal cities of the United
States and applications may
be filed with the United
States Civil Service Commis-
sion at any time.

Soldiers' Thanksgiving in
San Diego. — What happened
in many a community all
over the United States is thus
reported of San Diego by the
Service Journal for December:

"San Diegans opened up
their homes Thanksgiving day
and entertained the defend-
ers of their country. Many
a soldier boy, having filled up
on turkey and cranberry sauce
smoked a good cigar after-

wards, announced that he had
had the best time since he en-
listed in the army.

"It had been a long time
since some of the men had
stretched their legs under a
real home table and had used
real napkins, and it seemed
mighty good to them, they
said. One man said he missed
his 'mess kit' but that it
seemed good to miss it.

"That the boys were ap-
preciative of their entertain-
ment is proved by a number
of letters which have been re-
ceived by The Service Journal.
Space is limited and only one
of the letters can be printed.
Of course, there were not
enough homes to go around
among the 50,000 men, but
San Diegans did the best
they could and they hope to
entertain boys who did not
get in on Thanksgiving din-
ners at Christmas time. Here
ib one of the letters :

" 'Editor Service Journal,
San Diego: I wish to express
on behalf of my fellows and
myself appreciation of the en-
tertainment by San Diegans
and San Diego institutions on
Thanksgiving day. Everyone
with whom I have talked has
been hearty in the praise of the
patriotism of San Diegans. It
made Thanksgiving seem

517

THE WORLD AT PLAY

more real to us and we want
San Diegans to know how
grateful we are. It was a
splendid thing to do and we
are all going to write home
about it. When the war is
over, I want to live in such a
generous, patriotic commun-
ity. I think there are many
of us who feel the same way
about it. Thank you for the
space. Yours truly,

GEORGS L. STITT,
115th Field Artillery' "

Bowling in the Trenches. —
It is reported that one regi-
ment in the trenches discov-
ered bowling as a trench
sport. Pins and balls were
supplied by a gift and dull
days had a new interest.

Thrilling Patriotic Spec-
tacle Available for Amateurs.
— The Drawing of the Sword,
by Thomas Wood Stevens,
which was so impressively
presented in the National Red
Cross Pageant in New York,
may be secured from the
Stage Guild, Railway Ex-
change Building, Chicago, at
twenty-five cents a copy.
Royalty is about five per
cent of the gross receipts if
admission is charged — other-
wise, $2.50. Waukegan, Illi-
nois, gave the pageant suc-
cessfully. There are twenty
speaking parts and national
groups to one hundred fifty,
two hundred or any number.
518

In Waukegan, four hundred
men from a near-by camp
were guests, adding tremend-
ously to the power of the
pageant as they stood at at-
tention during the playing of
The Star-Spangled Banner at
the close of the pageant.

Church Collects Magazines.
— The War Recreation Com-
mittee of the Sacramento
Church Federation collects
magazines from the church
membership of Sacramento
weekly for the men at the
front.

Following the request of
General Pershing that only
fresh matter be sent maga-
zines are brought to the
churches weekly. They are
stamped with a rubber stamp,
"From the Church Federa-
tion." This stamping reminds
the lonely man in trench or
aboard ship that some church-
man is thinking of him.

Vital Work Ahead.— The
work before the San Francisco
Recreation League is thus
stated by Mrs. E. L. Baldwin,
Secretary, Recreation League
Bulletin, Member of Execu-
tive Committee of San Fran-
cisco Committee for Recrea-
tion of Soldiers and Sailors:

"To cooperate with the San
Francisco Committee for Rec-
reation of Soldiers and Sail-
ors, by turning over to them
our resources of organization

THE WORLD AT PLAY

and equipment; to promote a
greater participation by the
community in recreation
through music, drama, art,
and athletics; to foster and
stimulate all forces working
to promote the welfare of the
children and the young men
and women of the community
through recreation, is the
present outlook for the year's
work of the Recreation
League."

Forty-five Members Give
Forty-five Thousand Dollars.
—The United States Army
and Navy Recreation Com-
mittee of Los Angeles made
this record for the benefit of
the War Camp Community
Service early in its history.
The Playground Commission
has appointed a committee to
cooperate.

Songs of the Soldiers and
Sailors. — A little booklet that
even a crowded kit could hold
is issued by the Commission
on Training Camp Activities.
All the general favorites of
the present day (including a
number resurrected), the pa-
triotic songs and a few good
old hymns are included.

No Let-Down in War Time.
— Children protected from
work by child-labor laws
should have full-time school-
ing, especially in war time.
Children, whether at school
or at work, need all the

safeguards of peace, play-
grounds, recreation centers,
clubs, with increasingly skill-
ful leadership. — Children's Bu-
reau, U. S. Department of
Labor Bulletin

The war time record of ju-
venile delinquency abroad
shows, according to the Chil-
dren's Bureau, that the sure
penalty for neglecting the
home, the school, and the play
needs of children is an in-
creasing stream of young de-
linquents brought to court for
offenses that community fore-
sight and care should have
prevented.

Convention of Religious
Education Association. — Com-
munity Organisation will be
the theme of the Fifteenth
Annual Convention to be held
at Atlantic City, March 12-14,
1918. Headquarters will be
at The Breakers.

Gift Auditorium for Hart-
ford.—Mrs. Appleton R. Hill-
yer, for many years a mem-
ber of the Board of Directors
of the Playground and Rec-
reation Association of Ameri-
ca, will erect for Hartford a
municipal auditorium near
Bushnell Park. The building
seating 4,000 will be available
for concerts, conventions and
city mass meetings. A great
organ will be provided. The
hall, like the park, will bear
the name of Mrs. Hillyer's

519

THE WORLD AT PLAY

father, Horace Bushnell, who
saved for Hartford the park
where the State Capitol now
stands.

Mrs. Hillyer's daughter,
Lucy Tudor Hillyer, is lov-
ingly remembered by mem-
bers of the Playground and
Recreation Association of
America as the giver of the
first bequest, which establish-
ed the Lucy Tudor Hillyer
Field Secretaryship.

Gift Playground for Los
Angeles. — Mrs., Katherine
Putnam Hooker, now of San
Francisco, whose husband
was a former merchant of
Los Angeles, has given a
small area of land joining the
recreation center on St. John's
Street.

Albany Children Lose
Friend. — In the death in Sep-
tember of Machtilde Van Der
Wart the children of Albany
have lost a devoted friend.
Since the establishment of
playgrounds in Albany seven-
teen years ago when the
Mothers' Club first undertook
the task of providing play
leadership in city parks, Miss
Van Der Wart directed the
work, giving herself unselfish-
ly and unstintedly to the in-
terests of the children whose
friend she was.

The Playground Book.—
The Cincinnati Playgrounds,
under the direction of the
520

Board of Education and the
Board of Park Commission-
ers have their own play-
ground book. It is edited by
Mary Gross, Carl Ziegler and
Randall J. Condon, assistant
director, director of physical
education and superintendent
of schools respectively. Games
and dances, athletic sports,
playground management all
have a place in the book,
which is intended to serve
not as a hard and fast course
of study, but as a suggestion
for wider activities.

A Playground Newspaper. —
A newspaper entitled The Play-
ground News, devoted to the
playgrounds of Allentown,
Pa., is published by four
young men of Allentown who
bear respectively the duties
of General Manager, Adver-
tising Manager, Editor, and
Treasurer. Their motto is,
"Watch Us Grow."

This is the first season for
this playground newspaper
and the manager writes us
that it has met with the ap-
proval of the many patrons
of the playgrounds and has
the endorsement of the mayor
and many prominent persons
in town.

The publicity articles and
editorials cover such subjects
as Accidents, Red Cross Activi-
ties on the Playground, Safety
First, Fair Play, and the Value

THE WORLD AT PLAY

and Need of Playgrounds. The
paper prints season schedules
for volley ball and baseball
games, special notices and re-
ports of ball games and festi-
vals, and notes on special
playground features such as
swimming. In each issue one
picture appears of a prominent
playground or recreation offi-
cial or loyal supporter of the
playground work.

The Playground News can
be purchased on the play-
grounds on Thursday and
Friday of every week, and is
delivered to the house if de-
sired for two cents a copy
anywhere in Allentown.

Following is an editorial
written by one of the boy
editors of this paper which ap-
peared July 26, 1917:

SAFETY FIRST ON THE PLAY-
GROUNDS

Safety first on the play-
grounds has always been the
first consideration of the in-
structors but to accomplish
anything they must have the
aid of the parents and the
children. The amusements
themselves are perfectly harm-
less, but, if indulged in care-
lessness there are certain ele-
ments of danger present. If
one goes to any playground
they can see children running
around swings while in mo-
tion which put the children in

danger of being knocked over,
and many children have the
habit of standing up on the
swings which not only puts
them in the danger of falling
off, but is hard use on the
swing.

There are other things
which we could mention that
are similar to the above, one
being the climbing around on
the apparatus.

The instructors are very
often blamed for the accidents
that occur in the playgrounds.
It is the opinion of The Play-
ground News that the instruc-
tors are being unjustly treat-
ed if so accusated as these in-
structors have their routine
work to do and there are
various other things that they
must attend to which take
quite some time. They can-
not be all over the playground
at the same time, and very
often when the accidents oc-
cur the instructors are at work
elsewhere, which goes to
show that had they been there
they could have prevented the
accident.

So it is absolutely necessary
that the parents and the chil-
dren cooperate with the in-
structors to have safety first
on the playgrounds as it will
probably save the life of many
other children.

Again we say, safety first
must be practiced on the play-

521

THE WORLD AT PLAY

grounds. Suppose more of
these fatal accidents happen,
what will become of the play-
grounds? Why, they will be
condemned. So let us all try
to help to avoid all accidents.

New Club House for Wall
Street's Backyard.— A three-
story playhouse with a large
playground behind it was
opened in December by the
Bowling Green Neighborhood
Association. Names of many
of America's leading finan-
ciers are among those who
made possible the well-equip-
ped building for the children
and young people who live in
the financial district. A library
and reading room, auditorium
with small stage and a dental
and baby clinic are among the
attractions.

Public Skating Ponds for
New London. — Work has
progressed satisfactorily upon
New London's five new
skating ponds. The project
started by the Playgrounds
Association received material
assistance from the Park
Board in a $500 contribution.

Fatally Hurt While Playing
at School.—

"Earl Davis, the 14-year-old
son of C. Fred Davis of 415
North Walnut Street, died this
morning at the St. Francis Hos-
pital. He is said to have been
kicked in the back in a grammar
school football game on the Mc-
Cormick school grounds on Fri-
day afternoon, October 19, when
the Franklin School team was
522

playing the McCormick team.
After the game, he complained to
his parents that his back hurt.
He left school on October 24,
according to the teachers at
Franklin School, and on October
26th his sister reported that he
had a light attack of typhoid
fever. He was taken to the hos-
pital. Last night he was operated
on, and he died this morning.'' —
Extract from The Wichita Bea-
con, Wichita, Kansas, October
31, 1917

When Mr. L. W. Mayberry,
superintendent of public
schools, learned of the death
he said:

"This is the strongest argument
for a boys' physical director in
each grade school. I am now in
communication with a man who
will take charge of all the phy-
sical activities in our grade
schools. Ultimately the citizens
of Wichita ought to be willing
to pay the cash price for a boys'
specialist in each of our inter-
mediate schools. The lives of
our children ought to be protect-
ed in this manner. Had these
teams been properly trained,
properly coached, and properly
examined before the game —
then the game provided with
proper officials — such an accident
would probably not have hap-
pened. Children will play, and it
is right that they should play.
The taxpayers of this city ulti-
mately will see that it is their
duty to vote sufficient funds to
provide expert direction for their
games."

Other men in Wichita made
similar statements:

"I believe thoroughly that
every one who plays this strenu-
ous game should be physically fit,
as determined by a medical ex-
amination. He should be well
coached and in splendid physical
condition before entering a con-
test."— La Mar Hoover, football
coach for Fairmpunt College and
one of the leading exponents of
the game in Kansas

THE WORLD AT PLAY

"Boys ought to be physically
fit, in condition and thoroughly
coached before they are allowed
to participate in an actual foot-
ball contest." — Harold McKv en,
Wichita High School football
coach

"The majority of boys and men
who are injured in football
games are neither physically fit
to begin with, nor are they in
condition to withstand the severe
strain that comes in an exciting
contest."— Dr. J. Q. Banbury,
coach of Friends' University
eleven

Reckless, Playing. — Here
are some of the ways in which
thousands of children have
been killed or hurt. The po-
liceman warns you not to do
these things:

Hitching on the back of trucks
or street cars

Roller skating in the street

Sliding on pushmobiles in the
roadway

Daring each other to run across
the street in front of moving
vehicles

Building bonfires

Playing on fire-escapes and un-
protected roofs

Riding bicycles in crowded
traffic

The above is an extract
from the pamphlet recently
issued for children by the
Chamber of Commerce in
Paterson, New Jersey. On
the last page of the booklet
there is a directory of Pater-
son's parks and playgrounds
with the following foreword:

"Children should not play in
the streets. The city has pro-
vided parks and playgrounds for
their use at the following places "

He Who Runs May Read.—

The City Beautiful Commit-
tee of the Chamber of Com-

merce of Paterson, New Jer-
sey asked the High School
Civics Club, one of the out-
growths of the City Beauti-
ful work, to make a digest of
the laws of the city which the
children could understand
The result is an attractive lit-
tle pamphlet illustrated with
views of the city and contain-
ing the laws and ordinances
of Paterson in readable form.
The booklet explains briefly
and simply the necessity of
having laws and contains out-
lines of the laws of the Health
Department, Street Depart-
ment, Police Department and
Fire Department. It contains
also the telephone numbers of
city departments and a direc-
tory of the parks and play-
grounds in Paterson available
for the use of the children.

Week-end Camp Popular. —
Los Angeles has had such a
happy experience with sum-
mer camps that it is now try-
ing out a week-end camp on
San Dimas Mountain. Two
groups from large depart-
ment stores were guests the
first two week-ends followed
by a family group, a school
glee club, boy scouts, and
others, so long as the weather
keeps fine.

About twenty-five hundred
campers enjoyed the summer
camp in the San Bernardino
Mountains. Cash received

523

THE WORLD AT PLAY

for these outings amounted
to $15,000, donations $500 ;
expenses, about $15,000. The
Commission expects to open
an area of 100 acres near Big
Bear Lake next June, through
special government permis-
sion.

Kenosha Children's Fair. —
One thousand school children
of Kenosha, Wisconsin, exhib-
ited flowers, fruit, vegetables,
poultry and pe'ts. Millinery,
canning, needlework, rugs and
mats, reed, raffia and wood-
work were also displayed. The
show lasted but one day —
that is, the actual exhibit. But
the big thing is that one
thousand children labored and
achieved and took their par-
ents to see the achievement.
And they were so much
pleased with it all that they
are going to do it again every
year.

Making Recreation Ade-
quate.— A recreation center
is conducted for the Seven
Corners Branch Library, Min-
neapolis, under the supervision
of the recreation division of
the Park Board. The Board
is working on its plan for the
acquisition of 27 new sites for
play and recreation purposes.
This plan will provide for
•every section of the city net
provided for and is perhaps
the most comprehensive plan
for providing play and recre-
524

ation facilities ever projected
by a city in the class of Min-
neapolis.

Daily Papers Helpful. — Not
one of the three daily papers
of Utica, N. Y., printed an
edition during the summer
playground season which did
not contain an article on
playground activities. One
paper has established a perm-
anent department with a
boxed heading Playground Ac-
tivities.

Sewing Classes in Utica. —
Two hundred sixty-one girls
were enrolled in sewing class-
es on the five playgrounds of
Utica, N. Y., this summer.
Each paid an enrollment fee
and received two periods of
instruction a week. Work-
bags, aprons, bloomers, house-
dresses and doll outfits were
among the articles made.

Checker Tournament. —

Checker teams representing
the five playgrounds of Utica,
N. Y., played a tournament
for the city playground cham-
pionship. Tournaments were
first conducted on each
ground to select the three
members of each representa-
tive team. Four girls are in-
cluded among the contestants
in the tournament.

A Pleasant Picture. — It is
pleasant to think of a town of
2000 people of which it can

THE WORLD AT PLAY

be written, as of Randolph,
Vermont :

"Our parish house serves
as a community center in
which are held meetings of
most of the community organ-
zations. It is the headquart-
ers for the Camp Fire Girls,
Boy Scouts, Young Men's
Club, Young Women's Club
and Men's Club. In the
parish house are meeting
rooms, dining-room, amuse-
ment room with pool, billiards,
bowling alley as well as
other games. In this same
building is a modern theatre
seating 700 people which is
also conducted by the church
as a community affair. Under
the management of the Alum-
ni of our high school we have
an athletic field which affords
opportunity for special out-
door games. In connection
with the parish house we
maintain a free tennis court.

"All these different activi-
ties are very much alive and
seem to meet the needs of
our small community of 2000
people."

Patriotic Work on the Play-
grounds of Lynchburg, Vir-
ginia.— "Each of our five
playgrounds is equipped with
a colander, spoon, pan and
wash-boiler, which we call a
canning outfit. Up to date
702 quarts of food and 212
glasses of jelly have been

canned and preserved with
these outfits, under the super-
vision of our directors. ... ;

"Red Cross sewing also
has been on our patriotic prpr
gram, the girls having made
150 dust-cloths and napkins
in the past month.

"Throughout the summer,
athletics and games have been
continued with interest
through assignment each
week and all our patriotic
days have been celebrated in
attractive ways peculiar to the
day. We are just about to
start our annual athletic tour-
nament."

Extract from letter from
Mrs. F. C. Wood, who took
her husband's place as super-
visor of physical training and
recreation in Lynchburg last
summer. Mr. Wood has been
doing war recreation service
in Augusta, Georgia, for the
Playground and Recreation
Association of America.

Emphasize Community In-
terest. — The opening bulletin
of the Supervisor of Recrea-
tion in Philadelphia, J. Leon-
ard Mason, urges the need of
emphasizing this season com-
munity interest, "trying to
reach those individuals, or-
ganizations and agencies who
should be interested in your
center. Make it known that
this is a community move-

525

THE WORLD AT PLAY

ment, the wider use of the
school building for whole-
some recreational purposes
and all are welcome to take
part." Sixteen recreation
centers in school buildings
are open in Philadelphia this
year.

Kenosha System. — The play
and recreation of Kenosha,
Wisconsin, is provided for by
the right to an added two-
tenths of a mill upon assessed
valuation of the city to the
city budget for this purpose.
A committee of the Board of
Education known as the
Wider Use Committee has
charge of the funds, employ-
ing a director to manage the
system. This director makes
a monthly report to the com-
mittee, which is published
regularly with the school
proceedings.

Real Results for a Year's
Work. — Starting out with the
aim of making schools newly
opened for evening use real
neighborhood centers, attract-
ing whole families, including
adults, the Racine, Wisconsin,
evening centers in one year
went far toward realizing the
aim. The school building
became the meeting place for
the neighborhood : parties,
parent-teacher associations,
booster clubs, school clubs all
met in the building and had
a: good time. Certain fac-

526

tories near had regularly em-
ployees' nights each week.
One center developed a neigh-
borhood dance where grand-
fathers, grandmothers, fath-
ers, mothers, and children
danced old-fashioned dances.
Some nights were young peo-
ple's nights when the modern
dances prevailed. No admis-
sion was charged but a silver
collection was taken up to
defray costs. Any surplus
went to the building fund,
out of which chairs, kitchen
equipment and magazines for
the reading rooms were pur-
chased. All the holidays were
royally celebrated, and cos-
tume, calico and basket dances
and a monthly masquerade
were given.

Reason for Pride. — Miss
Fannie Lou Harman, Jewell
Ridge, Tazewell County, Vir-
ginia, writes:

"I wish to thank you for the
material and suggestions you
sent to me by request last spring
while I was a student at Colum-
bia University. I am teaching
in a model elementary school in
a mining camp. With the aid of
your suggested playground we
are constructing a very attractive
and helpful playground for our
seventy mountain children. We
feel very proud of our school, for
until last year, there had been no
school in this community and
now due to the efforts of one of
the mine owners, we have a nice
attractive building, a well-orga-
nized school, a big American
flag, and we hope in a few
months to have a well-organized
playground, with the help of the
material which I am asking you

THE WORLD AT PLAY

to send. The following is a list
of the games and apparatus
which we expect to have: Basket
ball (indoor), baseball, volley ball
(indoor), tennis, giant stride,
merry - go - round, teeter board
(four for girls and four for
boys), swings, horizontal bar,
sand box (14x16 ft), bean bag,
horse shoes or quoits, jumping
standards.

"This is the first attempt for an
organized playground in this sec-
tion and I thought possibly the
Association might be interested
to know of the attempt."

Two Thousand at a Farm-
ers' Picnic. — C. A. Spaulding,
Assistant State Club Leader
of Cooperative Extension
Work in Agriculture and
Home Economics in the State
of Michigan, reports a splen-
did play program for young
and old carried out at the
Aetna Farmers' Club picnic,
attended by about two thou-
sand farmers and business
men and their families.

Commercial Recreation of
High Grade. — Detroit has a
new seven-story commercial
recreation building, having
many of the advantages of a
private athletic club — with-
out its expensiveness. Four
floors are devoted to bowling
alleys, twenty-two on a floor,
with locker, rest and check
rooms, telephone, soda fount-
ain, cigar stand and sanitary
wash-rooms coveniently near.
The fourth floor is reserved
for ladies. A sound-proof
billiard room occupies the

entire second floor, with
fifty-four carom billiard tables.
On the third floor are thirty-
nine pocket billiard tables and
twelve English billiard tables.

The second and seventh
floors have mezzanine galler-
ies from which the players
can be seen. The second
floor mezzanine also includes
a comfortable reading room
and the billiard amphitheatre
for match games.

A special lighting system
for the bowling alleys sheds
a diffused light over the
whole floor, the brightest
light shining on the white
maple pins. A new system
of ventilating changes the air
in every corner in six min-
utes, so that, although smok-
ing is permitted, no clouds of
smoke gather over the heads
of the smokers.

A "Good" Town.—J. Hor-
ace McFarland, President of
the American Civic Associa-
tion, writing in The Country-
side upon What Makes a Town
Good? has the following to
say regarding play space:

"The residents of Composite-
ville have easy access to play-
grounds, parks and social cen-
ters. An acre of open space has
been provided for every hundred
of the population, and the play-
grounds are carefully equipped
and as carefully maintained. Con-
sequently the open air habit pre-
vails, and home gardens are
plentiful and beautiful. The
modern schools — all having am-
ple and well-fitted play spaces

527

THE WORLD AT PLAY

about them — are year-round so-
cial centers as well; for these
wise people believe in keeping
their property in use. The sa-
loon has gone out, and its place
is much more than taken by
these centers, where there is
organized provision for recrea-
tion."

Matinees for Children.— The
second season of holiday plays
for children conducted in
New York City by Alice
Minnie Herts, Katharine
Lord and Jacob Heniger came
to a successful close January
the fifth. Buried Treasure,
The Tinkleman and the panto-
mime of Goldilocks and the
Three Bears delighted the
children.

Fayetteville's Successful
Hallowe'en.— Adele P. Hall
writes of the occasion:

"Ghosts, goblins, devils,
and other fantastic creatures
filled Fayetteville's Main
Street, and made a zig-zag
march through the town,
marching first on the road
and then on the sidewalks,
where the onlookers were
forced to flee in haste to the
background. The line in-
cluded ministers, teachers,
business men and most undig-
nified grown-ups of all social
groups. One man over seven-
ty years old seemed to be
having as much fun as the
youngest in line.

"The parade was . led by
the band and marshalled by
528

a very wonderful clown. The
regular band was assisted by
a fake band.

"At the ball ground which
the giant bonfires (built from
railroad ties) lighted beauti-
fully, every one unmasked
and our little town never be-
fore had quite such a thrill
of good fellowship. The
Hallowe'en spirit of reckless
fun and frolic pervaded the
night and all classes mingled
on common ground. Some
grown men of the Tillage
passed huge baskets of fried
cakes and apples (solicited
from all the churches).

"The band played all the
evening. The youngsters in-
dulged in a pie-eating con-
test, a tug of war and other
games. After the children's
frolic many of the older peo-
ple stayed to sing and dance
until near midnight."

Kansas, All Community
Hallowe'en.— Wm. A. Mc-
Keever, of the University of
Kansas, sent out sugges-
tions for a real community
celebration, with costume
parade, street dancing, and
novel stunts. Scores of the
towns and villages made use
of the plan successfully.

Boston Park Shows. — The
third season of shows closed
successfully in the fall. Nine-
teen performances in different
parks were given during Sep-

THE WORLD AT PLAY

tember. These included

moving pictures of patriotic
tone, patriotic music, stereop-
ticon slides, "flags of the
allies," news-talks by four-
minute men speakers.

Rip Van Winkle in Panto-
mime.— One thousand people
took part and about 28,000
people saw the two perform-
ances given by the staff and
children of the municipal
playgrounds of St. Louis at
the Forest Park Municipal
Theatre.

Important Post for Pro-
fessor Hetherington. — Califor-
nia has appointed Clark W.
Hetherington State Director
of Physical Education. The
many friends of Professor
Hetherington throughout

America will follow his work
in this new and very import-
ant pioneer position with close
interest. Professor Hether-
ington has already done much
for the play movement and
the physical training move-
ment. Few men have thought
the play problem through as
Professor Hetherington has.

County Work in Hawaii. —

Rural Manhood reports the
i organization of seventeen
t clubs for men and boys in

Kanai County, Hawaii. De-
| bating and public speaking
! has been promoted in most of
i the clubs. Volley ball is popu-

lar where it has been intro-
duced.

A Japanese band, a Filipino
orchestra and a Hawaiian glee
club represent the musical in-
terests. The clubs from all
over the island have had
several get-together socials.

Developments in the Phil-
ippines.— The municipal sys-
tem of Manila, after less than
a decade of work, has a staff
of twenty workers, and an at-
tendance of 433,576. The
first playground, Tondo, has
been expanded into an eve-
ning center. The current bud-
get is more than 80,000 pesos.

New Playgrounds for India.
— The government has given
permission for needful steps
to be taken to start public
playgrounds at Hyderabad. At
Madras the government has
agreed to set apart the land,
fence it and pay the super-
visor, while the Young Men's
Christian Association is to
supply the equipment and
organize the work.

Playgrounds in India. —
Young Men of India reports
play enthusiasm in that coun-
try: "Everything going fine.
Playground not open yet.
We (the mayor, city engineer
and I) meet the applicants
for playground instructors
next week. We seem to have
to go through a lot of red tape
to get anything done. How-

529

THE WORLD AT PLAY

ever, the apparatus we are
having made locally is almost
completed. I was over at
the * park this morning, foot-
ball goal posts are up — the
sand-bin complete, and 29
children playing in it already
(you should have seen the
sand-elephant which was made
in it), the volley-ball court
nearly levelled and ready. We
put up a swing and in less than
two minutes 75 children (by
actual count) were clamour-
ing to get in it. One of the
number, a young man, on his
own initiative lined them up in
a row and made the little chil-
dren take turns, while another
of the older fellows helped
swing them. There is great
material there and a wonderful
opportunity. They seemed
very appreciative, and when I
told them through an interpre-
ter that more equipment was
coming if they took good care
of it, they said they would see
that nothing happened that
would harm any of it."

Seventh Annual Report of
the Boy Scouts of America. —
Emphasis is laid upon the
growing understanding of the
movement. Even under the
unusual conditions of the past
year, newspapers and maga-
zines as well as scout leaders
everywhere have dwelt upon
the civic service which scout
training promotes. Over
530

200,000 boys are now regist-
ered scouts. About 50,000
men are helping in the direc-
tion of these boys. And yet
the call for leadership and
more leadership is insistent.
The new department of educa-
tion has endeavored to help
to solve this problem by pro-
viding institutes and training
courses throughout the coun-
try.

The report on Boys' Life
shows a subscription increase
from 13,245 to 100,000 in
three years, "not all sent in
by fond maiden aunts and
doting grandmas, but mostly
by boys."

Argentina Watching Mov-
ing Pictures. — La Prensa re-
ports a survey of attendance
of forty thousand children at
moving picture houses in
Buenos Aires:

"Ninety-five percent of the
children attended and enjoyed
motion pictures, stating that
they were not only diverting
but instructive. The most
popular type of motion pic-
tures was the comic, then
the drama, then police and
adventure, then science and
nature. The first group was
most popular with 40 percent
of the children; the fourth
group with 12 percent; 22
percent selected the second;
and 24 percent the third; 2

THE SHVBN GIFTS

percent expressed preference other countries the effect of
for other types." movies on children is consid-

It is interesting that in ered worth investigating.

THE SEVEN GIFTS

BY STUART WALKER
As described by Grace Humphrey

PANTOMIME ! Does the mere word suggest something par-
ticularly out of your reach, an expensive, brilliant spectacle which
had to depend for its "show" upon the setting and the brilliancy of
its lighting effects, in order to make up to the spectators for the
absence of the spoken part? If this is so, then The Seven Gifts,
by Stuart Walker, will be a revelation to you. This is a pantomime
with infinite possibilities. It was first given at the Community
Christmas tree in New York City and was tremendously effective.
But its big asset lies in the ease with which you or anyone else
could produce it. It can be given indoors or out, on any sort of
a platform, without a curtain if you haven't one, without footlights,
without any elaborate stage setting, and still lose none of its effect.

Pantomime is the fundamental thing in all acting, and in the
oldest kind of drama. The Greeks used it widely, the Romans
featured it in their circus. In medieval times, pantomimists traveled
about giving their shows, popular everywhere, but most polished
and most technical in France. To-day the pantomime is more
popular than ever because of the movies, since from them, people
have grown to catch a story readily. And what is more, it will
be a relief from the usual succession of brownies and fairies, of
Santa Claus and his reindeer, from all the usual Christmas legends
that go to make up the plays we are accustomed to.

As a Christmas entertainment, a pantomime, instead of the
spoken play, has many advantages. Primarily, it is a novelty; it
offers color, and it presents a vivid story told by living actors. The
Seven Gifts may well be announced and advertised as a living
movie — a play which young and old, alike, will enjoy; a play for
all races and creeds, which will entertain all and offend none.
Furthermore, since there are no lines to be learned, people will be
eager to participate.

The fantasy calls for twenty-nine people; three boys, three

531

THE SEVEN GIFTS

girls, seven women, and sixteen men. You could omit two of the
heralds and one bearer, but they help to make the picture. Some
of the performers will require six and some only four rehearsals.

It will be more effective if all the actors are above average
height. The Brave Man should be tall and commanding looking.
Select for the Queen a tall woman, regal and dignified in every
movement; having no words to give this impression, it is the more
important that her every gesture tell this to the audience.

For the stage setting you will need two small Christmas trees,
two benches, a throne at the center back on a six-inch platform, a
black circle five feet in diameter, made of profile, or of pasteboard,
or canvas on a wooden frame. If you prefer, use a hanging back
for the Queen's seat, a piece of tapestry or a curtain lovely in color
and texture. The throne may be a plain seat with arms, or any
decorative chair.

Two sets of placards should be made of stiff cardboard, two by
three feet, and placed on easels, at either side of the stage. If
possible, it would be well to have an electric light for each, to burn
throughout the play.

It would be a good idea to place the entire set of placards on
the easels, and remove them one at a time, as the action of the
fantasy introduces the various characters. This is a device bor-
rowed from the movies, and a good one, as the story is never inter-
rupted. The thirteen placards will need to announce:

The Seven Gifts — A Fantasy of Christmas Giving

The Wanderer and the prologue.

The Emerald Queen

Jack-in-the-Box — An Intermezzo

The Lowly Man and His Son

The Rich Man
: The Haughty Lady

The Humble Woman

"You Gave the Bird His Freedom, the Bird Gave Me His
Song "

The Brave Man

The Strolling Player
• A placard naming your interlude

The Dear Child

: The properties that will be needed for this pantomime consist
of a great pack for the Wanderer, not heavy, but bulky; a box
painted black, with handles of rope at the sides, strong enough to

532

THE SHVHN GIFTS

hold a boy; a bunch of flowers, a black ball, white wig and beard
for the Lowly Man, a scraggly little Christmas tree, undecorated,
a bag of gold, a jewel box, large and showy, with bracelet, neck-
lace, rings (from a five-and-ten-cent store), and half a dozen pieces
of rich fabrics, very bright in color, one or two of them embroidered
or brocaded (why not borrow some remnants) a yard and a half
to three yards long, an opalescent or silver balloon, eight inches in
diameter, filled with air (hydrogen is too dangerous). Half a
dozen will be needed to practise with. You will want, also, a great
cake two feet in diameter, made of profile, which is an ordinary
black cardboard, painted white, and sprinkled with diamond dust
(or have a real cake; this to be cut up for the guests afterwards),
two swords with fancy hilts, which may be bought at. ten-cent stores ;
three irises, or some bright artificial flowers; three embroidered
cushions ; a bird-cage, as near like the quaint one in the photograph
as possible; a cardinal bird, stuffed — any bright bird will do; a
tiger's skin, cut out of quarter-inch orange felt, with black stripes
painted on, tusks made of cotton and paper muslin sewn in the head,
and stuffed tail ; three little artificial trees in pots ; a folding screen,
with black and white design; and, finally, a battered doll, which
embodies the point of the entire playlet.

The Christmas tree for use out in the auditorium is to have
an electric star, wired separately, so that it can burn throughout
the play, the other lights to be turned on at the end. If this is
impossible, you could use a big star, covered with gold or silver
paper. Have a property committee, to provide all these things; or
make each actor responsible for the things he is to use. There is
nothing in this list the average club or committee can not manage,
and there is no difficult stage business except floating the balloon
across the court.

To do this, stretch across the top of the stage a heavy thread!
with a small ring on it, to which is attached the inflated balloon. Tie
to this ring two long threads — long enough to reach to either side
of the stage, pass through a little stationary ring, and down to the
floor. Two people are needed to work this, and it must be tried
several times.

Playing out the right-hand thread, and taking in the left, will-
make the balloon move across the stage. The overhead thread
will give sufficiently to make the balloon move up and down. The
balloon bursts when it is touched by some one in the crowd who
has on a ring with a sharp store, the setting turned inside.

533

THE SEVEN GIFTS

The music goes on throughout the play, adding to its effect-
iveness. It should be played on the piano, if possible, but a phono-
graph may be substituted. If victrolas are used, two should be in
readiness as the music must not stop. Five or six rehearsals with
the music should be sufficient. The following are most appropriate
selections to be played with the different scenes:

Adam's "Noel," for the Wanderei

The Trio from Elgar's "Pomp and Circumstances," for the
Queen's entrance

Gounod's "Funeral March of a Marionette," for Jack-in-the-
Box's dance

"Good King Wencelaus," for the Lowly Man

The "March" from Meyerbeer's "Prophet," for the Rich Man

The Dessauer "March," for the entrance of the Haughty Lady

Tschaikowsky's "Song Without Words," at the Humble
Woman's entrance

Beethoven's "Turkish March," for the Brave Man

Pierrot's "Serenade," for the Strolling Player

Any suitable selection for the Interlude; Delibes' "Waltzing
Doll," for the Dear Child, changing to the "Adeste Fideles," when
she sees the star.

The costumes, since so much depends upon them in a produc-
tion of this kind, should be followed out as closely as possible.
They should be of bright colors and beautiful (glossy) textures,
but not necessarily of expensive materials. Cotton poplins and
sateens (the latter require careful pressing) are good.

The dress of the Prologue should be of brocaded material,
scalloped. Any romantic costume will do.

The Wanderer may be merely all tattered and torn.

The Heralds should be in blue, gray, and orange, relieved by
black. The design on their robes should be painted on with dyes.
Oil paints do not catch the light.

Have the Majordomo's costume like the Heralds' but of white,
red, and blue.

The robes of the Queen are emerald and nile green.

Jack-in-the-Box should be all in black, with a red tarlatan
ruff.

The Lowly Man and his Son must be in ragged attire of some
sort (use gunnysacking smeared or dyed in places) ; the red scarf
should be of some soft material that will readily pull to pieces. It
can be lightly basted together in strips.

534

THE SBVBN GIFTS

The Rich Man's dress, which must be very long, should be
of orange and cream color with the coat of light blue. He should
wear showy jewelry and gilt necklaces. His cream colored turban
should have an orange edging and a big jeweled pin in front.

The Haughty Lady must have a long train and wear a large
purple cloak lined with yellow. The decoration in her hair should
be three long wires, wrapped, with tiny pompons at the ends.

The Humble Woman could wear any cheap, humble-looking
dress ; a white apron, a little shawl, and a dark hood that has slipped
off her head will serve.

The Brave Man's dress should be of wide stripes and he should
wear a high plume on his head.

The Strolling Player should wear an enormous cape which
can be made of yellow and black strips sewed together. The hat
should have sweeping black feathers.

The Dear Child should wear a white apron with little con-
ventional Christmas trees around the bottom. These may be cut
from red and green cloth and tacked on, not pasted.

Electricity is the most satisfactory lighting for this little specta-
cle, although gas could be used. Three lamps (40 or 60 watts
tungsten) may be placed on each side, in the wing just back of the
curtain line, and three on each side, in front of the proscenium arch.
You may use your lights wherever you find they work out best
for your particular setting, since your own ingenuity will probably
bring you the most satisfactory results. The first rows of seats on
the sides are so seldom satisfactory for guests that they may be
used for lights, with screens to shield them from the audience.
Three overhead lamps will be needed at the front of the stage and
six at the back, to avoid shadows. These must be placed at such
an angle as to cover the entire stage. For each lamp, there should
be a cone-shaped reflector, with the inside painted white, or sil-
vered, or aluminumed. Your electric light company, if you have
one, would very likely be willing to lend you something of this
sort for the occasion, either free or at a slight expense; and, at a
pinch, one of your own deft-fingered members could fashion them.

For the final tableau, the overhead lights should be turned off
and the only light be from the front. As the Dear Child gazes at
the star, the lights should be changed from the clear white which
has burned steadily throughout the play, to red, then to green,
blue, and back to white again. This change can be made by pass-
ing gelatine mediums — square pieces of gelatine which come in

535

THE SHVHN GIFTS

various colors and are fastened in a frame — in front of the lamps
still burning ; tissue paper may be substituted. One color over an-
other may be needed to get the desired shade — experiment with
lighting during the rehearsals.

At the first two rehearsals, the director, seated in the audi-
torium, should read off the story of the pantomime which follows.
As she describes the action, the various actors should go through
their parts, just roughly. It is best not to stop to try things over
and over, but each time go through the play from beginning to end.

Check up what goes well and what badly, and talk things over
between rehearsals. Like a movie, it must go along smoothly,
with no stops, waits, or delays, and this will never look after itself
on the day of the performance, unless the director looks out for
it at every rehearsal.

There are no words in a pantomime; you can't rely on some
clever actor's saying the right thing to cover up a mistake. Watch
the time at each rehearsal ; at first it will go slowly ; but gradually
you will get it moving faster, till at the last four rehearsals it
should take only forty minutes. Plan for fifteen rehearsals, the
attendants to come for the last six. Have special rehearsals for
Jack-in-the-Box's dance and his game with the Brave Man. The
interlude should be practised by itself, till it goes well in eight or
ten minutes ; four times is sufficient to try it with the whole play.
Little by little, the actors will get their "business" learned, and the
director will have less and less to do. Occasionally invite a guest
who does not know the story; if he can follow it your pantomime
is going well. If the last four rehearsals do no* go of themselves,
put in some extra ones.

Most valuable and important of all, there is a real, living
story connected with the fantasy. It starts out with the Wanderer,
who with his pack comes from among the spectators, sees the
stage, the drawn curtains, and the waiting audience. He wonders
what all this is for. He starts to investigate, when out steps the
Prologue and tells him it is a play, for him and for all the guests.
The Prologue claps his hands three times, steps to one side, and
shows the first placard, announcing the name of the fantasy. After
this, the Prologue and the Wanderer show the placards, both watch-
ing the play and joining in the applause.

Enter the Majordomo, announcing the Queen and her attend-
ants— two little princesses, two big and two little heralds, and three
bearers. The Queen greets the audience as her guests and seats
536

THE SHVHN GIFTS

herself on the throne. The bearers bring in two great wreaths of
evergreen, with red ribbon on them, which they hang on either
side of the stage. Then they carry in the black box, and out hops
Jack-in-the-Box who gives the Queen his gift, a bunch of flowers,
and dances, playing with his ball.

Then come the Lowly Man and his Son, almost blinded by
the lights of the court. Awkwardly they present their gift, a poor,
scraggly, little tree, which the Queen accepts graciously, though
it causes great laughter among the courtiers. Surprised and
deeply hurt, the Lowly Man looks about to see why his gift meets
such a reception, discovers the red ribbons on the wreaths, takes
the warm red scarf from his neck, tears it into shreds, and with
Son's help trims the tree. The Queen motions to the Majordomo to
bring her a bag of gold, which she gives to the Lowly Man. (This
episode shows that a poor gift, given freely, is not bettered by
imitation.)

The Rich Man enters next, with his two retainers carrying
the jewel-box and the cake, which he cuts ceremoniously with his
sword. The Queen suggests that the cake be passed to all those
present, but the servant merely shows it to them. The Rich Man
gives the Queen a ring from his finger, unlocks the casket, and is
presenting jewels and fabrics when a bubble blows by and attracts
her attention.

The servant is ordered to get it, but it is out of reach. The
Rich Man stamps his foot, ordering it to come to him; he offers it
the cake, jewels, fabrics; and draws his sword to kill the servant,
when the Queen interposes, asking would he take a man's life for
a mere bubble? The Rich Man offers the courtiers a bag of gold
if one of them can get it, and in the confusion the bubble breaks
and is gone. (This episode shows that great wealth can not make
gifts valued, if the right spirit is lacking.)

Then, with two servants, comes the Haughty Lady, bearing
three irises. She bows to the Queen very haughtily and is shown
a seat next the Lowly Man; but with such folk she will not asso-
ciate, and she crosses the stage to another place. Everyone stares
at her till she remembers her gift, puts one iris on a pillow, and
sends a servant to give it to the Queen.

The Humble Woman comes with a bird, which sings for the
Queen. (If there is not some one who can give a bird song off
stage, use a water-whistle or part of "The Mocking-bird" record
on the phonograph. Victor Record, Number 18083 has been found

537

THE SEVEN GIFTS

very satisfactory.) A bearer brings a cage, but the Humble Woman
says that her bird shall never be caged and sets it free, tossing it
up and out into the wings. Then, realizing that she has done a
terrible thing in freeing the Queen's bird, she falls on her knees;
but the Queen, understanding, kisses her on both cheeks, gesturing,
"You gave the bird his freedom, the bird gave me his song !" The
Haughty Lady, chastened, begs the Queen's permission to give the
remaining irises to the Lowly Man and his Son, and sits between
them.

Now comes the Brave Man, with his gift of a tiger-skin. He
will show the Queen how it was obtained. His attendants bring
in three little potted trees, to represent the jungle. Who will im-
personate the tiger? Up pops Jack-in-the-Box. He is handed
the skin, and slips it on.

The Brave Man takes off his sword, lies down in the jungle,
and falls asleep. The tiger creeps up, tickles his face and neck, and
sits near the sword. The Man, finally wakening, wheedles the
beast away from the spot, gets his weapon, and lunges at his prey,
who keeps always just out of his reach. The contest continues till
the Brave Man is utterly tired out, and he sits down dejected, when
his hand happens to touch the salt-cellar at his belt. He puts salt
on the beast's tail, the curious tiger tastes it and falls down dead.
Cautiously, the Brave Man makes sure that the tiger is dead by
plunging his sword into him; then he bows to acknowledge the
applause of the court, when Jack-in-the-Box hops up, slips under
his arm, and takes the praise for his own! (This episode is pure
burlesque, and must be made very funny. The music for it is to
be played at high speed.)

The Strolling Player enters, greets the Queen, and suggests
as his gift, an interlude. Will the Queen be gracious enough to
move her seat? He offers his arm, but Jack-in-the-Box steps in,
takes her hand, and escorts her to a seat at the side, he sitting at
her feet. The guests and attendants move to left and right, leaving
the center of the stage clear.

The Strolling Player claps his hands, the bearers bring in a
folding screen, with a black and white design (this makes the best
background), and his actors give the interlude. For the interlude
something that has already been given, or an incident dramatized,
may serve. It should last at the longest ten minutes. A little
dance in it is extremely attractive. Or, the entire interlude might
be a dance — minuet, or some folk dance — or a dancing-game. It-
538

THE SEVEN GIFTS

can be given by any number of children or grown-people, depending
on the space available. (This episode is introduced for sheer
beauty. )

Last of all comes the Dear Child with her doll. The Child
looks wonderingly around the court, not knowing which is the
Queen. She picks out the Haughty Lady, who graciously shows
her the real Queen. The child kneels down to present her gift, then
draws it back to kiss the doll good-by. (This incident must bring
out clearly the value of simplicity and sincerity in giving.)

Accepting it, the Queen is so impressed by the fact that this
gift is a sacrifice, coming from the heart of the giver, that she
motions the Child to choose what she will have of all the gifts. The
Dear Child examines them all — the empty cage, the jewels, fabrics,
which she tries on and struts about in, the cake, the iris, the ball,
the flowers, and Jack's box (he jumps at her and makes her laugh),
then she sees the star on the tree, and points to it with a gesture
which means she wants that!

The Queen motions to the court to leave. They go quietly,
to right and left. The Queen starts toward the Child, to take her
in her arms, stops half way, turns, and slips out. Left alone, how
can the Child decide? She takes the doll from the throne, shows
it all the gifts in turn, but the doll, too, shakes her head, no, no,
until she is shown the star ; and to this she nods her head yes.

While the Dear Child and the doll, sitting on the throne, are
gazing at the gleaming star, the colored lights are played on this
final picture, and the lights on the tree are turned on. Slowly the
curtain closes.

Editor's Note. — "The Seven Gifts" can be produced by any one
who wishes, with two provisions : As soon as you decide to give it,
write the author for his permission — this is merely a form but is
necessary since the play has been copyrighted — but go right
on with your rehearsals while you are waiting for the answer, so
that you will not be losing any time. Address Mr. Walker at the
Portmanteau Theatre, 200 West 56th Street, New York City. The
second provision applies only to those who plan to charge admis-
sion to the performance of the play. In that case, a fee of five
dollars, payable to "Tree of Light," and sent to "Tree of Light,"
Post Office Station G, New York City, is necessary.

539

A NIGHT ON THE MOUNTAIN TOP

HENRY S. CURTIS, PH.D., OUVET, MICHIGAN

While I was lecturing at the University of Colorado last sum-
mer, I suggested to the audience that we go up the mountain the
»ext afternoon, and that I would give my evening lecture on the
mountain top. There were from 250 to 300 people present, nearly
all of whom were teachers from the high schools and grades of
Colorado and adjacent states. I thought that possibly thirty or
forty might like to go, but to my surprise 190 had signed up by
ten o'clock of the next morning and had paid the necessary fifty
cents to cover the expense of the two meals and the transportation
of blankets.

At four o'clock the next afternoon, the time set for starting,
a drizzling rain was falling, but nevertheless some 170 people
appeared and fell into line for the three or four-mile walk to the
top of Flagstaff. The rain continued until about half-past six
and most of us were pretty wet by that time. Nevertheless not
more than two or three of the company turned back. We soon
had a roaring fire and in the dry climate of Colorado it was only
a short time before we were thoroughly dry. Before sitting down
to supper every one was instructed to find as soft a place as
possible under some tree where he might spend the night. Our
supper consisted of sandwiches made on the spot from fresh rolls
and beefsteak which we fried on special grates which the university
had sent up, oranges and coffee.

Afterwards the company sang songs for an hour around the
camp fire, had a thoroughly good time and grew somewhat uproar-
ious at times. It seemed to me hopeless to attempt a lecture under
these circumstances, but when the whistle was blown the company
quieted immediately and I never had better attention. Following
this was an hour devoted to story telling under the direction of the
Dean of Women who was giving this course in the Summer School,
and then we spent a half hour or so in sight-seeing.

Below us to the left, at a distance of about forty miles could
be seen the lights of Greeley. Perhaps twenty-five miles in the
same direction were the lights of Longmont, while almost beneath
our feet were the lights of Boulder and the Chautauqua grounds.
By passing over a few rods to the other side of the mountain, the

540

NEIGHBORHOOD AND COMMUNITY LIFE

city of Denver, though thirty miles away, lay beneath us in a glory
of illuminated haze and occasional bright lights.

At about half past eleven the company broke up for the night,
though not always to sleep, I suspect. It was a night worth lying
awake to see, for the light of the moon sifted down through the
trees and threw weird shadows along the mountain, while the
stars stood out with a brilliance such as is only seen from a moun-
tain top. Without even raising my head from my pillow of leaves
I could watch the lights of Denver all night long.

In the morning we arose at four o'clock to see the sunrise,
and were well repaid. iWe saw the first auroral flashes of the
dawn shooting up from below the horizon and the clouds turn
yellow and then red, until the eastern sky was a glow of fire which
was reflected on more than a hundred storage reservoirs in the
valley below, till each seemed the crater of a live volcano. We had
finished our breakfast of eggs, sandwiches, coffee and oranges, by
half past five, and by seven most of us were back again in Boulder.

In the company there were only two men.

NEIGHBORHOOD AND COMMUNITY LIFE

It is important that men and women in each neighborhood
shall have opportunity to come together to learn mutual trust and
esteem, to gain the temper and the ties which will make cooperation
possible. The people of the neighborhood must have an appeal
which unites rather than one which separates, they must be enlisted
voluntarily and whole-heartedly in some constructive program.

The sharing of the play life of a neighborhood is one of the
best ways of developing neighborhood and community spirit. When
a neighborhood has a club house where all the members of the
families can come to meet each other, play together, and to think
together, in the course of years that neighborhood will gain a co-
operation that would otherwise be impossible.

Perhaps there is no single force that has greater welding power
for community building than music. Singing by large choruses, by
smaller glee clubs, music by orchestras and bands, the rendering of
special musical programs, draw the people together and help to
make them feel as one. Men and women who have met night after
night for months preparing for a concert for the neighborhood
rejoice in that they have something to give to the entire people.

541

THE NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER MOVEMENT

Their joy is not only in the final concert but in all the preliminary
work that goes to make the final event successful.

The drama also has a great power to make the people of the
neighborhood think together on their common problems. Where
the young people of the neighborhood endeavor seriously to interpret
the problems of life in dramatic form, they gain a sympathetic un-
derstanding of the lives of those about them, their neighbors and
their comrades, that makes them just so much better qualified for
good fellowship in the community. Contributing whatever dramat-
ic talent they may have to the enjoyment of their neighbors, the
young people, because they have given to their neighborhood, feel a
greater loyalty to it.

Any neighborhood is stronger when the men and women have
learned to think together, to talk over together their common neigh-
borhood problems. Most of the questions which vitally affect the in-
dividual lives of men and women can be safely discussed in a neigh-
berhood center without risk of tearing the neighborhood apart. In
many districts, however, the discussion of religion and political par-
ties has been found to be unwise because the purpose of the center
was to draw people together and not to split them asunder, and be-
cause there are provided in each city under the auspices of churches
and political organizations opportunities for such discussion.

As the years go on the time will come when, as men and women
consider the city in which they wish to live, one of the first ques-
tions which they will ask will be: Is the cultural life of the city
shared, has the neighborhood developed something of the same feel-
ing of understanding, of comradeship, of loyalty which the students
of a college come to have ? is the city providing community leader-
ship for the enjoyment of all that is beautiful in the world? Every
other institution in the city will be strengthened if there be such
sharing of the real wealth of the neighborhood.

Special holidays will come to have a new meaning where there
is such a neighborhood spirit. They will long be looked forward to
as time centers for the sharing of the larger neighborhood life.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER MOVEMENT*

A. E. METZDORF AND WAITER CAMPBELL

A study of the use of the school building during pioneer days
shows that the present neighborhood center movement is nothing

* Chapters from a forthcoming book
542

THE NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER MOVEMENT

more than a reopening of the schoolhouse for a common gathering
place for the community. The dangers of the early pioneer days
brought the settlers into a common brotherhood. The schoolhouse
was the natural center of all activities and in it were held all meet-
ings, religious or otherwise pertaining to the community, including
debates, musicals, socials, as well as purely educational work. While
primitive methods in farm life persisted, these conditions existed
to a great degree. With the development of new machinery and
the specialization of industry, new conditions arose. Farmers be-
came independent of their neighbors and gradually the community
use of the public school ceased.

Rochester, N. Y. was one of the first cities to work out a com-
prehensive plan for the use of the schools as evening recreation
centers. Feeling the need for a common meeting place, representa-
tives of labor organizations, social and civic organizations, and
city departments organized a school extension committee which se-
cured an appropriation of $5000 for the first year's work. Mr. E.
J. Ward was appointed in 1907 as organizer and supervisor of the
new enterprise.

Aims and Ideals The central idea of the social center can best be
of Neighborhood told in the words of Mr. Ward himself: "The
Center Wcrk social center is not to take the place of any exist-

ing institution; it is not to be a charitable medium for the service
particularly of the poor; it is not to be a new kind of evening school :
it is not to take the place of the church or of any other institution
of moral uplift ; it is not to serve simply as an improvement asso-
ciation by which the people of one community shall seek only the
welfare of their district; it is not to be a civic reform organization
pledged to some change in city or state or national administration;
it is just to be the restoration to its true place in social life of tha
most American of all institutions — the public school center, in order
that in the midst of our complex life we shall have the community
interest, the neighborly spirit, the democracy that we knew before
we came to the city/'

Appreciation of The appreciation of the work of the center on
the Work of the the part of the men attending the center at
Rochester Center NQ ^ wag shown by the following CQm_

munication sent to the mayor: "Knowing that the question of ex-
tending the social center work of the public schools is now before
you and believing that the judgment of the men who have fre-

543

THE NEIGHBORHOOD CENTEX MOVEMENT

quented the social center at school No. 14 may be of value in this
matter, we, the undersigned voters, residing in the neighborhood
of school No. 14, and members of the Civic Club of the social
center, declare that in our judgment the opening of the public school
in the evening for recreation, reading and club meetings, so far as
it has been tried at school No. 14 ,has been an unqualified success.

"Not only does it give opportunity for wholesome athletic ex-
ercise, literary culture, and training in good citizenship to the older
boys and girls and the young men and women of the community,
and in its free lectures afford opportunities for entertainment and
instruction to all people, but especially in its clubs for men and
women it is of great value as a place for the discussion and under-
standing of civic questions and the development of community
spirit."

The wholesome result of the work of the center is again shown
by the testimony of a merchant whose place of business was near the
club : "The social center", said he to the director, "is accomplishing
what I regarded as impossible. I have been here nine years and
during that time there has always been a gang of toughs around
this corner making a continual nuisance. This winter the gang
has disappeared." "They are a gang no longer," answered the di-
rector, "they are a debating club."

Growth of Neigh- Since the organization of neighborhood center
borhood Center work in Rochester in 1907, the movement has
Movement grown rapidly until, in 1916, 127 cities reported

that their schoolhouses were being used as neighborhood recreation
centers. The development of the work has brought with it some
very definite "articles of faith'* in which the objects of the social
center work have been set down. Philadelphia subscribes to the
following creed :

1. "The purpose of the evening use of schools is to provide
for the people a meeting place for any proper social or educational
enterprise.

2. "Evening centers shall be a factor in the extension of
democracy by providing recreation in educational and in health-
giving activities, chiefly for persons over school age.

3. "The immediate content of an evening recreation center
shall include lectures and an open platform for discussion of civic,
social, hygienic and educational subjects, and the organization of

544

THE NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER MOVEMENT

small clubs devoted to debating, literary, gymnastic, musical, dra-
matic and kindred subjects."

Cleveland has the following aim in its social center work:
"The common gathering place, the head and heart quarters of the
society whose members are the people of that community; an insti-
tution wherein people may and will gather of right, across all dif-
ferent lines of opinion, creed and income, upon a common ground of
interest and duty, just as neighboring citizens."
Dancing as a Throughout the history of the development of

Neighborhood the neighborhood center movement, no one ac-

Centcr Activity tivity has aroused more discussion than social
dancing. In this connection, the statements from a number of
leaders in the recreation movement will be of interest.

Mr. John R. Richards of Chicago writes:

"Dancing has been much abused. Investigating committees
report the dangers as (1) promiscuity, (2) liquor, (3) intimate per-
sonal relations. Promiscuity eliminates the social inhibitions or re-
straint upon conduct. Liquor breaks down individual inhibition*
and then follow intimate relations. Eliminate whiskey and reduce
and control promiscuity and the dance could then be made con-
structive and not a form of dissipation. Where the schoolhouse is
the social center of the community, the promiscuity can be con-
trolled as easily as the attendance of the pupils at school."

Rev. H. E. Gates of Rochester writes:

"There is the social party and dancing, a form of recreation
with which we must reckon. No matter whether we approve of it
or not, it still remains a fact that dancing offers to a very large
group of young people, almost the only attractive form of social rec-
reation and opportunity for them to meet one another."

Dr. Henry S. Curtis writes :

"It breaks down the reserve between people and makes them
better acquainted. The commercialized dance presents grave prob-
lems that ought to be remedied. There are certain dangers inherent
in the dance and the dance tends to prey upon these and em-
phasize them. Dancing is going to be and the only thing to do is to
control it. The city should see that the proper dances are taught
and the environment made the best for conducting these dances."

Mr. George Sim, of the Los Angeles system, writes :

"To my mind, it is as natural for young people to dance as
for birds to sing. Dancing may have the most debasing or most re-

545

THE NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER MOVEMENT

fining influence, and when dancing is carried on in well-lighted and
ventilated halls and under supervision of interested directors, and
when the dancers are required to go home at a reasonable hour, one
can only conclude that an evening thus spent has been an evening
of real wholesome recreation."

Mr. E. J. Ward says the following about his own work :

"Members registered and in good standing in the male clubs
are the only men allowed at the dance. The woman principal has
the right to refuse admission or request the withdrawal of any
young man present. Those not able to dance are taught. It has
been astonishing to note the improvement in grace, courtesy, and
manly dignity by the young men. Much attention has been paid to
the matter of personal cleanliness and correct dress, so that clean
collars, polished shoes and little refinements of polite society soon
come to be recognized by all."

Mr. Clarence Arthur Perry of the Russell Sage Foundation
speaks of the New York Center dancing in the following way :

"Public dancing in the recreation centers in New York began
in 1909-10 by an invitation party of one of the girls' clubs. So well
behaved were those who came and such a good time was enjoyed by
all, that weekly dances were planned. Boys' and girls' clubs com-
bined and a fee of five cents was charged which paid for the music
and a surplus was found at the end of the year, with which the club
enjoyed an outing. Strict supervision was given and right dancing
taught.

"During that year six centers developed dancing clubs and it
became so popular that big waiting lists developed.

"On St. Patrick's Day in 1910 at one center on the East Side,
there were 150 young people dancing while in a notorious dance
hall, larger and easier of access, across the street, there were but
30 people.

"One principal wrote : 'Many of our girls change from the silly
attitude toward boys to that of practical indifference or open frank
comradeship and we have seen the boys who first came in untidy of
dress and unclean of person, appearing with clean linen and hands,
tidy clothes and freshly shaven face.' "

The Movement in The neighborhood center movement in Spring-
Springfield, Mass, field had its beginning in 1887 in a tenement
house. The center was the result of an effort on
part of a local improvement association to provide a social room

546

THE NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER MOVEMENT

for men. This work was carried on for a year with great success.
In 1914, $2,500 was appropriated to carry on work in the public
schools under the direction of the Park Board. These centers have
been conducted with such success that a prominent citizen says of it :
"I am very willing to have my tax money used to start a neighbor-
hood center. Where there are a large number having a good clean
time, there are fewer having an unclean time. We are trying to
create a community spirit out here, providing good amusement
which the people must have."

Investigation Some very interesting studies of evening recrea-

Conducted in tion center work have been made in Springfield.

Springfield jn an effort to jeam the pQmts of yiew of the

people attending the center and to find out what effect the work
was having on them, the following questions were put to some of
the representative young men and women at the various centers in
such a manner that they would not feel they were being quizzed :

1. Do you think the centers should be made more in-
teresting ?

2. What is your criticism of the present arrange-
ment?

3. Are they really worth while or is the city's money
being wasted?

4. What are they providing for you?

5. Are you out more evenings than before the centers
opened ?

In order to secure the point of view of those outside the cen-
ters, the police officers whose beats included the centers were asked
to give their impressions.

Age and As a result of the study it was found that the

Occupation average age of those attending the centers was

from 19-21. The industrial and secretarial
groups were largely represented.

Can the Center The answers to this question showed that the at-
Be Made More tendants at the social center did not appreciate
Interesting its possibilities. The second question asking for

their criticism of the present arrangement elicited a request for
more parties and a greater variety of dances.

Is the City's There was a universal feeling that the city

Money Well money spent in supporting the center was not

Invested? being wasted. Both the young men and the

young women testified to their appreciation of the provision of a

547

THE NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER MOVEMENT

wholesome, clean meeting place as well as to the healthful relaxa-
tion gained by exercising and the keeping of early hours.
What Do the The answers to the question, "What do the cen-

Centers Provide? ters provide for you?" showed a realization not
only of the fact that the centers were providing
recreation, entertainment, and a place to meet congenial people and
establish friendships, but also that they were saving money by keep-
ing away from commercial recreation enterprises.
Does Attendance Most of those coming to the centers testified

DtecmMeHo<me that theil" attendance there did not mean that
Attendance they spent more evenings away from home than

they did before the centers were established. A number stated
that they did not care to stay at home and that if they did not
attend the neighborhood centers they would go to pool rooms,
movies, and less desirable places.

The Center from Very interesting testimony came from the police-
the Policemen's men who were unanimous in their commendation
Point of View o{ the work of the centerS) particularly for the

young men who formerly caused a great deal of trouble. Some of
the comments are as follows : "I would commend very highly the
work the center is doing. It has made a great change in the gang
that used to frequent the pool room. I can pick out several fellows
every evening at the center who used to hang around the pool room
wearing black working shirts. Now they go home from work, get
cleaned up, put good clothes on, and come to the center to dance.
Their general attitude and manner has changed. A real polish of
manner is coming out on them. It is in a fellow to respect a girl.
Meeting girls under proper conditions is doing a lot for the fellows
and it is also keeping the corners free and smaller crowds in the
pool rooms. There is absolutely no loitering on the streets when the
centers are closed but all seem to go directly home."

"The center is doing a lot of good. There are no pool rooms
and moving pictures in this section but the crowds used to hang
about the corners and the people would complain about the noise.
When the dancing night comes around they dress up in their best
and go to the centers. This has broken up the crowd hanging
around the corners and their attitude towards the police has changed
to a very civil one."

548

IF THE VOLUNTEER DOES HIS BIT

"What can a volunteer recreation association do when its work
has been taken over by the municipality ?"

This is a question which frequently confronts a group of men
and women who for a number of years, at the expense of much
time, energy, and thought, have carried on playground work in their
city. Experience has shown that in the majority of cases such pri-
vate organizations, when the municipality has taken over the work,
have disbanded. This result is often inevitable for without the di-
rect incentive of executive work it is hard to keep people interested.
Knowing What There is much, however, that a volunteer organi-
the City Fathers zation can do to help the municipal work. One
are Doing important function is the following up of munic-

ipal work. Joseph Lee says : "Public officials act very largely in
a vacuum, that is to say, nobody knows what they are doing or
whether it is good or bad. They get no credit for doing good work
and the only public attention they receive is when they make a break
of some kind. The moral is — and it is well learned by most of
them — that it is safer to do nothing than to do anything either good
or bad that can be taken exception to, and if they can not quite attain
the ideal of doing nothing the next best is to do the most conven-
tional which is often the least valuable thing. What they need is
not criticism so much as appreciation, knowledge and interest on the
part of somebody as to what they are doing or whether they are do-
ing anything at all. The Recreation Association can be the some-
body who has this knowledge and interest."

Acting as Advis- "One form of apotheosis of the Recreation As-
f^u01?^1"6-6 i sociation which has occurred in one instance

to the Municipal

Authorities is the taking over of some of the members to

act as an advisory committee to the public authorities. Such a
committee if it does not 'butt in' in executive management or claim
actual power may be a factor of cardinal importance."
Serving as A recreation association might render valuable

Publicity Agent service to the municipal work by arranging for
writeups in the daily newspapers which would
bring knowledge of the playground work to a large number of pub-
lic-spirited men and women so that more general popular support
would result. If facts regarding the local work were prepared, the
local volunteer association could doubtless persuade many ministers

549

IF THE VOLUNTEER DOES HIS BIT

and business men to deliver addresses upon the work. When this is
done by any leading citizen, he is more ready to work for the
movement.

Advertising Where there is backwardness on the part of mu-

Recreational nicipal authorities in advertising their facilities,

a private organizaton could well undertake spe-
cial publicity in various neighborhoods to increase the use of the
facilities. There are always districts which have not yet been
covered and a volunteer association could do much by continuous
agitation to keep the public informed of the needs of neighboor-
hoods.
In Touch with While there is some danger in arranging for reg-

^wf&ntenlT ular visits to centers on the Part of represcnta-
Personal Visits tives of a private association, when the spirit is
right and the visits are planned so as to interpret
what is being done, such services can be made very helpful. Often
the reason why better work is not being done is because better fa-
cilities are not provided. If a group of people have been in touch
with the neighborhood center throughout the year, they can speak
with authority before the city government.

Attacking Prob- Great possibilities for service on the part of a
lems of Commer- volunteer association lie in the field of commer-
cial Recreation cia] recreation. A special committee might well
keep in touch with each motion picture theatre, with the dance halls
and other commercial recreation centers in order to have definite
knowledge of what is taking place, and thus be able in cooperation
with the city government to insure the maintenance of proper
standards. By helping to secure new legislation if this should be
necessary, but largely through cooperation with the managers
and those whose money is invested in the enterprise, much might
be accomplished.

Helping the Play In order to help play leaders reach their highest
Leader efficiency the members of a volunteer organiza-

tion might be organized into a series of commit-
tees each one of which would act in an advisory capacity to the
workers in their center in much the same way that volunteer com-
mittees meet with the superintendents of charity organization so-
cieties in large cities. The members of such committees should
keep thoroughly informed on all phases of recreation work so that
they may offer intelligent suggestions to workers regarding the
literature of the movement and new developments in the work.
550

CHINA'S ATHLETIC TEAM VISITS JAPAN

They should keep closely in touch with the work other cities are
doing which might be incorporated into the system of their city.
All this information should be made available for the workers
at the various centers. Members of the committees should also be
a very practical help to the workers by offering their services as
chaperons at dances, in introducing young men and women at the
neighborhood centers, and in supplementing wherever possible the
work of the paid leaders.

CHINA'S ATHLETIC TEAM VISITS JAPAN

J. H. CROCKER

The Third Far Eastern Championship Games have passed
into history. After China's brilliant accomplishment in Shanghai
in 1915, when she won by a good margin, it was to be expected
that two years later she would be a strong competitor for cham-
pionship honors even in Japanese territory.

It was with great disappointment, therefore, that we saw our
men losing one after another of the track events — not by a narrow
margin, but in most instances being completely outclassed. Our
surprise was all the greater when we saw our men out-generaled
in several events, and losing in far slower time than they had won
their trials in China. We had arrived in Japan a week before the
games; and, although the weather was bad, yet we had been able
to get into fairly good condition. The Philippine athletes had less
than forty-eight hours between their arrival and competition, so
if there was any advantage here, China had it.

In football and volley ball, our competitors from South China
outclassed all their opponents. Our basket ball team, however,
was poor — lacking in spirit, combination, and individual ability.
The committee admit their mistake in allowing a basket ball team to
leave the country as a representative team before having earned
the right by meeting all other sections. Our high- jump and pole
vault competitors were good, showing excellent form, and winning
easily. The swimmers were not able to do themselves justice on
account of the cold, but even that is not sufficient to account for
the fact that Japan broke every one of China's records — many of
them by long margins.

After this review, can we give any reason for our defeat?

551

CHINA'S ATHLETIC THAM VISITS JAPAN

Has China failed to improve ? The author believes that the reason
is very evident. China will not improve very much under her
present system — or lack of system, of athletics. China has reached
her limit until a new order is introduced.

The great progress of Japan and the Philippine Islands is the
result of sixteen years of physical education, begun in the primary
schools, and continued through the years as part of the college
work.

All the great edducators agree that the play life is the most
essential element in the child's education. All western universities
have the care of the body as one of the subjects on their curricula.
In China there is practically no play life among the children ; there
are no national games to stimulate the growing boy, and it is not
until he comes to college that he is likely to begin his athletic career.

From fifteen to seventeen years of age is altogether too late to
learn those fundamental habits of courage, quickness of decision,
and coordination of mind, will and muscle which attain their high-
est development only when begun in the play life of the child.
These habits must be developed as early as from nine to twelve
years of age if they are to reach their full power in the life of the
young men later.

This is our decision, and many leaders have agreed with us
that the diagnosis is only too correct, and that China will be wise
if she will read into her defeat a lesson, and profit by it.

The Educational Societies of China must come to the rescue.

When we see what has been done for the Filipinos in a few
years by twelve hundred American teachers, all college men of
athletic ability, part of whose duties have been to supervise the
physical work of the school, — when we see what has been done
for such a nation, which was utterly lacking in physical ability,
what cannot be done in China by twelve hundred teachers starting
with the primary schools of this nation wherein may be found
strong constitutions, and superior mental ability as a foundation.
Let us not lose hope. Let us during the next two years prepare
the best young men of China to represent her at the Fourth Far
Eastern Championship Games in Manila, May, 1919; and at the
same time let us begin to develop in the primary schools a program
of physical education which will produce a generation of young
men of power and character to be our future leaders.

552

OUTDOOR SOCIAL DANCING ON THE PLAYGROUND

A. E. MKTZDORF, Division Public Recreation, Springfield,
Massachusetts

The evening crowd on the playground was observed for a time
in Springfield, Massachusetts. Numbers of young people used the
swings, teeters, gymnasium frame, baseball fields, volley ball courts.
Large crowds surrounded the hand-ball courts. Others watched the
older men pitch quoits. Still another group found pleasure in watch-
ing the children play games. However, the great outstanding fact,
one which had long been apparent, was the great crowd which came
to the playground and roamed from one place to another, idling here
and there with no definite desire to take part in any of the activi-
ties planned. This group was made up largely of young girls and
boys ranging from sixteen to twenty-five. These young people
paraded through the grounds with all outward signs of recreative
desires, yet no one thing in the playground seemed to hold them, and
as soon as seven-thirty or eight o'clock arrived they would disap-
pear and one could find them continuing their promenade up and
down the main streets.

A report bearing the above and other interesting facts was pre-
sented to the division of Recreation of the Park Beard. Investiga-
tion of the recreative attractions, such as moving pictures, dance
halls, pool rooms, bowling alleys, theatres and other commercial
attractions which the city offers, revealed that great crowds of these
young people were attracted to such forms of amusement, while a
still larger group took trolleys and spent the evening at the amuse-
ment park just outside of the city limits. The star feature here was
dancing at the two dance pavillions, one of which was in the open,
without a roof or shelter. This seemed to be very popular.

With all these facts at hand the Park Board, through its Super-
intendent of Parks, decided to erect upon one of the large playgrounds
an open air dance platform, forty feet by sixty feet. This was placed in
the very heart of the busy end of the grounds near the main entrance.
Incandescent lights were strung from poles all along the edge and a
three-foot fence or rail was built entirely around it, leaving openings
for an entrance and exit. A piano house so constucted as to act as
a sounding board when it was open was built in the center of the
long side.

The opening night arrived. About 1500 people had congregated,

553

OUTDOOR SOCIAL DANCING ON THE PLAYGROUND

evidently as spectators. A group of sixteen young people had been
previously enlisted to act as a committee, to regulate and control
the dances. An announcement was made giving the general policy
which was to guide the venture; the music started and the first dance
was on — eight couples danced — "The Committee." After a brief
rest the second dance was announced as another one step — eight
couples again — "The Committee." Failure loomed large in the
minds of those in charge when to the great delight of all, a later
dance brought on twenty-five couples and the committee. In search-
ing for the reason for the delay in starting it was discovered that the
young people had preferred to give it the "once over," and "wait
until it gets dark." This led to starting the program at seven
forty-five instead of seven, as it was originally announced. Every
fair night in the week, except Saturday, found large crowds of young
people gathered here to dance.

As high as fifty-four couples crowded on the platform during some
of the dances. Simple rules intended for controlling the dance po-
sition were posted and a floor manager, assisted by his committee
of sixteen enforced them. Children under sixteen were not per-
mitted upon the platform for social dancing.

Later in the summer special numbers were arranged and put
in between the dances, such as children's folk dances, songs, solo
dances, fancy marching.

During the summer a very decided demand was heard for some
other kind of social dances, especially the Irish dances, this play-
ground being situated in a community made up largely of Irish
people. It was finally planned to present an entire program of Irish
dances. A "fiddler" and his partner with an accordion were engaged
to furnish the necessary music. The first night 2000 people gathered
to witness these dances and thirty-six couples appeared for the
opening dance. They danced all the beautiful old Irish dances,
such as the Horn Pipe, Irish Jig, Stack O'Barley, Four-hand reel,
with one or two solo jigs which pleased the throng which surrounded
the platform on all sides. This special night seemed to be so success-
ful that the Superintendent of Recreation planned every Thursday
evening as Irish night, and it was a distinct pleasure to see the ex-
pression of keen delight which these dancers displayed as they fol-
lowed the fascinating music of the old Irish dances.

The outdoor dance as an occupation for leisure time not only to
the dancers but to the large audiences served so well that the Park
Department has since then erected two other such platforms about

554

PORTABLE OUTDOOR PICTURE SCREEN

the city and all these have taken care of large groups of people dur-
ing the pleasant evenings of the summer months.

It was very interesting to study the audience, mothers with
baby carts, some with babies in arms, fathers with their little ones — •
children — whole families came to watch the moving dancers (a very
fascinating occupation for leisure time), real moving pictures.

PORTABLE OUTDOOR PICTURE SCREEN
J. H. STINE, Norwood, Mass.

A portable screen for moving pictures out-of-doors was
successfully used on the Norwood, Massachusetts, playgrounds.
The screen was demountable and could be set up by two men
in a few minutes.

It consisted of a framework of I"x3" strips joined together
by bolts and wing nuts and held up by braces pinned to the ground
with iron stakes. The frame was 18' high by 18' wide. There were
eight braces; four being 20' long, and four 10' long. Five feet
from the ground was a horizontal tog rail. The screen was 13' by
15' and was five feet from the ground, thus affording all spectators
a good view. The screen was attached to the framework, and held
taut by light lines run through grommets and over hooks attached to
the inner edge of the stiles of the frame. This method overcame all
tendency of the sheet to "slat" in the wind and made a screen quite
as stable and sheer as any used in the best vaudeville houses. The
screen was mounted on double battens (top and bottom). The top
battens were attached to the upper rail of the frame by bolts. The
lower battens were tied to the tog rail by short ropes, thus permit-
ting a perfect trim to be secured.

The material used for the picture screen was coutil. It is
heavier than sheeting and slightly more expensive, but is stronger
and needs no sizing or other treatment. It makes a splendid sur-
face for the pictures. Lighter material might easily shred to pieces
if caught in a sudden wind storm. The screen and frame described
above successfully withstood a two-hour wind storm as a test. So
strong was it that the iron brace cleats, holding the braces, were
bent.

In building a screen and frame of this type the best of clear

555

A HOME-MADE GYMNASIUM

seasoned white pine or spruce should be used. Any other material
will tend to warp and check and will prove poor economy.

A good stage carpenter should easily make this equipment and
paint it in one day. An ordinary carpenter or handy man could
build it but might be puzzled about putting on the brace cleats and
irons to the best advantage.

For the benefit of any who may want to use this screen a list of
materials and cost estimate is appended.*
6 pcs I"x3" (net) 18' long clear seasoned white pine
2 " I"x3" " 22' " " " " " }
6 " I"x3" " 20' " " |

(cut 2 to 10') )

4 " 3-4"x3" " 16' " " " " " 1 Braces

Screen battens

Total 84 ft. lumber 14$ ... $11.76

8 only Scheel's brace cleat #438 04^ ... 32

8 prs #432 brace hook and rocker heel 35^ ... 2.80

8 iron pegs l-4"x!2" 10^ ... .80

4 iron staples " " 20^ ... .80

8 only 3-8"x3 1-2" mach bolts- wing nuts

and washers 60^ ... .60

4 only3-8"x2 1-2" " " "

2 doz screw hooks . 10^ ... .20

2 doz grommets 10^ ... .20

1 hank light sash cord 80J* . . . .80

1 gross 1" flat hd bright wood screws 20^ ... .20

1-2 gal paint 3.00 . . . 1.50

Screen— 30 yds coutil 25 ... 7.50

Labor — 1 man 8 hours 4.80

Total $32.28

A HOME-MADE GYMNASIUM f
GROVER C. IMHOFF, La Fayette, Ohio

The picture illustrating this article is that of the gymnasium
and auditorium erected on the school grounds at La Fayette.
It was thought that this article would be of general interest to

* Prices as before the war

t Courtesy of The Ohio Teacher

556

A HOME-MADE GYMNASIUM

the readers of The Ohio Teacher for the reason that what is
needed at La Fayette is needed in every other similar school in
the state, and what can be done at La Fayette can be done
nearly everywhere else and in the same way.

This building was begun as a part of the work of the year for
the class in manual training, but as the pinching days of winter
came on, every boy in school helped, so that perhaps not over one-
half of the work done could be credited to the class in manual train-
ing. It is therefore entirely a school project, erected and financed
by the pupils and the principal of the high school. It is 60 feet long,
40 feet wide and 14 1-2 feet to the square. The ceiling is run up the
rafters so that it is 18 feet above the floor below. The room is en-
tirely clear of posts, braces and beams. The material used through-
out was the best that could be bought. The floor is made of 2x8x10
oak sleepers, well bridged and covered with 7-8-inch maple flooring.

The cost, complete, was $900. One-third of this amount
was given by the board of education, one-third was raised by sub-
scription, and one-third is yet to be raised by school activities.

The possible uses of the building are, of course, many. Poultry
shows, fairs, institutes, literary work, union church services, school
exhibits and entertainments, organized play, basket ball, physical
culture, and last but far from least, lantern slide exhibits and
study are some of the uses.

The picture shows the boys at work on the day following
Thanksgiving. Three men not connected with the school also
turned out to help. The girls of the domestic scence class prepared
an excellent dinner for the 35 persons present. Their teacher was
not present that day so one of their own number was selected as
chief "chef."

This article is contributed at the suggestion of Dr. Williams,
in the hope that other schools may have the benefit of our exper-
ience, and decide to abandon the old barns, vacated store rooms,
lodge halls, town halls, always inconvenient and unfit for winter
athletics.

School men everywhere are welcome to the assistance they may
need in the way of further information if interested.

Address Grover C. Imhoff, Principal of the High School, La
Fayette, Ohio.

557

BOOK REVIEWS

HOLIDAY PLAYS FOR HOME, SCHOOL AND SETTLEMENT
By Virginia Olcott. Published by Moffatt, Yard & Co., New York.
Price, $1.00 net.

Eight little plays for the chief holidays of the year are given in this
volume, the second from Miss Olcott's hand. The same charming sim-
plicity of style and presentation is found in this one as in the first.
The April Fool play, the Easter play, the Arbor Day play, and the
Hallowe'en play give opportunity for a large number of supernumeraries,
if desired.

When you want
the best

specify

Used year after year in the
majority of the country's
playgrounds

WRITE FOR CATALOG

Chicopee, Mass.

Playground Training

Pestalozzi-Froebel Training School

A Normal School for
Playground Workers

New Mid- Year Class begins
February 4, 1918

Class Rooms on Chicago Lake Front
Diploma two years, Folk Dancing,
Pageantry, Games, Story Telling,
Gymnastics, Play around Practice.
Strong Faculty, Accredited. For
Illustrated Bulletin address

REGISTRAR, Box 71
616-22 So. Michigan Blvd., CHICAGO, ILL.

Have You Tried

Athletic Badge Tests for

Boys and Girls?

Physical Efficiency is the Watch
Word of these Tests.

Complete descriptive pamphlets
will be sent upon request.

Playground and Recreation

Association of America
1 Madison Avenue, New York City

Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers

THE PROLOGUE AND THE WANDERER
BEFORE THE CURTAIN

Hillsborough County Humane Society

SOME TAMPA CHILDREN AND THEIR PETS

A Victrola Recital with Lantern Slides in a Chicago Public School.

''Nowadays, we are training the eye too much, and the ear not enough,"
said a noted educator.

Teach boys and girls to open their ears to the charm of the Tone World, and
you will lay the foundations for a sound musical taste and much future pleasure.

The Victrola and Victor Records

are the best and only means of bringing the art and personality of the World's
Greatest Artists into your school room.

We take pleasure in calling your attention to the following records, which
you may hear at any Victor dealer's:

64687 /Deep River (Wm. Arms Fisher)

10 in.$1.00 ( Frances Alda

Q-7000 \ Just Before the Battle, Mother

,rT <T>nn< ( Root) Ernestin

lO in. $2.00

(The Two Grenadiers (Heine-

i • «i eni Schumann) In English
12 m.$1.50

Schumann-Heinle

35664 /Cinderella

12 in. $1.25 1 Jack and the Beanstalk

64761

10in.$1.00l (Nora Flynn)

Stories

(Fairy Tale)

Instrumental
74563

12 in. $1.50

64758 fValseBluette
10 in. $1.00 1 Violin Solo

64753 / Hungarian Dance No. 6 (Brahms)
10 in. $1.001

Clarence Whitehili
' Tim Rooney's at the Fight in'

Evan Williams

Sally Hamlin
Sally Hamlin

fAve Maria (Schubert-Wilhelmj)
I ( Violin Solo

(Drigo)

Jascha Heif etz
Jascha Heif etz
Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra

Victrola XXV, $75

specially manufactured

for School use

When the Victrola is not in
use, the horn can be placed
under, the instrument safe and
secure from danger, and the
cabinet can be locked to protect
it from dust and promiscuous
use by irresponsible people.

Rhythmic Rote Songs

{See-Saw (2) The Giants (3) Froggies' Swimming School
(Piano accompaniment) (Riley-Gaynor) Elsie Baker

Blowing Bubbles . Pit-a-Pat (3) The Sailor (Piano
accompaniment.) (Riley-Gaynor) Elsie Baker

"A New Graded List of Victor Records" is now ready for free distribu-
tion to teachers and supervisors.

For further information, see your Victor dealer,
or write to the

Educational Department
Victor Talking Machine Co.

Camden, N. J.

Victor

Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers

Buying Silence

The user of the "Silent Smith" buys, in addition to a

writing machine — OFFICE QUIET.

Instead of the clatter of the ordinary typewriter, he hears

the gentle "tap, tap," of the type against the paper —

practically the only sound.

This result has been brought about by mechanical refine

ments. Ball bearings, lightness of touch, ease of operation

and a minimum of noise — all help the operator to turn out

neat, accurate written work.

Send for free booklet, "The Silent Smith. " It has valuable Information about
typewriting and typewriters.

L. C. SMITH & BROS. TYPEWRITER COMPANY

Factory and Home Office: Syracuse, N. Y.

Branches In all Principal Cities
311 BROADWAY, N. Y. CITY

When you want
the best

specify

Used year after year in the
majority of the country's
playgrounds

WRITE FOR CATALOG

Chicopee, Mass.

Please mention THE PLAYGROUND when writing to advertisers

Vol. XI No. 12 MARCH, 1918

Six Months of War Camp Community Service

MAY-OCTOBER 1917

Six months have passed since the War Department Com-
mission on Training Camp Activities, determined that the men
in uniform should have some substitute for the relationships of
life from which they had suddenly been cut off, requested the
Playground and Recreation Association of America to send a
community organizer to each of the cities near the training camps
to organize the recreational and social life of the community
so that it would function for the benefit of the soldiers in their
free time. Six months of experimentation — of path-finding on
the part of the pioneers who have set out on the task which is
without precedent in the history of the conduct of the world's
wars; six months of a get-together movement such as American
cities have never known, resulting in a welding of forces within
each community which is making for the solidarity of its civic
life as it plays its part in preparing the men in training for their
great task.

One hundred seven community organizers are at work help-
ing cities to fulfill their obligations to their soldier guests. At
least 170 cities and small communities organized for service are
being aided in their efforts to provide leisure time activities for
the men in uniform. Thousands of individuals, churches and
organizations of all kinds, are thinking and acting together that
our new national army may be the stronger physically, mentally
and morally, the better prepared to fight because they have not
failed in their great task of friendliness. These are the human
factors which have made possible the accomplishments of the first
six months of War Camp Community Service.

It will not be possible to tell in any detail the story of the
work in each city, of conditions overcome, of victories won; nor
can any adequate conception be given of the results accomplished,
since War Recreation Service deals primarily with that "intangible

563

MONTHS OF W4R CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

thing called the spirit." A brief outline, however, of the steps
which have been taken in each city and of some of the tangible
accomplishments brought about will be of interest to those who
are following the history of America's new army on home battle
fields.

EASTERN DIVISION

AVER, MASSACHUSETTS — CAMP DEVENS

The character of War Camp Community Service at Camp
Devens is determined in great measure by the fact that it is a
large camp located near a number of small communities. Ayer,
less than a mile away, has a population of 3,000; most of th§
other towns are smaller. Boston, which is visited by many of
the men in their free time, is 30 miles away.

The Committee on Training Camp Activities organized in
July has been instrumental through its various departments in
having made a study of social and recreational conditions in the
communities, taking into consideration the welfare of the com-
munity as well as of the soldier. As a result of the work of the
committee and its many departments, extensive home hospitality
has been developed and entertainments, suppers and dances are
being given in profusion. Churches, social and fraternal organiza-
tions have thrown open their doors to the men in uniform. At the
suggestion of the committee the churches of Ayer have united in
the Christian Federation which is using one central plant not only
for religious services but as a social center. The establishment
of an information bureau with its registry of houses and rooms
and a miscellaneous service department, and weekly conferences
of representatives of all the agencies working inside and outside
the camp, have been very effective in strengthening the work.

One of the most important developments has been along the
line of soldiers' clubs, ten of which have been erected. One within
the cantonment near a pond furnishes opportunities for outdoor
sports as well as indoor activities; the other at Ayer has only
indoor facilities. Bath houses have been built at a nearby pond
with accommodations for both officers and soldiers.

Work for girls centers in two club houses, one in Shirley,
the other in Ayer, both with resident workers who are directing
the activities of the girls in the neighborhood of the camp and
providing properly conducted dances and socials. A home for

564

SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SHRVICB

working girls is under way, a Travelers' Aid worker has been
placed at the Ayer railroad station and representatives of the
Travelers' Aid Society in towns throughout New England stand
ready to give aid to the women relatives and friends of the soldiers
going to camp.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND — CAMP MEADE

Organization of the community work for Camp Meade, in-
augurated in August, has involved not only work in Baltimore
but in Annapolis and in the communities in Prince George and
Howard counties in the immediate vicinity of the camp. Although
the main organization centers in Baltimore it has representatives
from the state at large and is known as the Maryland War
Recreation Commission. The churches of Baltimore are initiating
the "take-a-soldier-home-to-dinner" movement and extensive home
hospitality is being enjoyed.

Work for the Jewish men at camp has made rapid progress,
the Y. M. H. A. having opened an information bureau and a
building for club house and lodging purposes in Baltimore. A
United Service Club will be opened in Baltimore in a short time
under the auspices of the Mothers' Congress. Public recreation
facilities have been turned over to the soldiers, the public baths
of the city being free to men in uniform as are the municipal
dances which are a feature of Baltimore's public recreation pro-
gram. Bulletins of information have been issued and in an effort
to meet the soldiers' need for lodging facilities one of the largest
churches of the city has opened its parlors for dormitory pur-
poses, and other churches are considering similar action. Work
for girls is progressing under the Patriotic Leagues which are
being organized in the communities near the camp by a repre-
sentative of the Y. W. C. A.

BATTLE CREEK, MICHIGAN — CAMP CUSTER

Uniting their efforts and activities under a community War
Recreation Board, the organizations and citizens of Battle Creek
since July the thirty-first have been "doing their bit" for the
men at Camp Custer.

The generous action of the Elks in turning over their entire
building with the exception of the lodging rooms proper to the
Community War Recreation Board has secured for the Board
headquarters :for its work and a soldiers' club for the men in

565

SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

training. Pageants and special holiday celebrations have added
greatly to the program of activities. The military pageant staged
in August showing a day's activities at camp and the big Labor
Day celebration in which the soldiers and military bands had a
prominent part, proved especially enjoyable.

The efforts of the War Recreation Board have greatly im-
proved the standard of theatrical and musical productions given
at Battle Creek, performances having been arranged for such
artists as Mme. Bernhardt, Fritz Kreisler, Mme. Galli Curci and
Charles B. Alexander. The vaudeville and moving picture man-
agers have agreed to submit their bookings to the committee each
week for censoring.

Receptions, banquets, Hallowe'en parties, entertainment
through the churches, a Community Sunday with special sermons
on War Recreation Service, the opening of a number of club
rooms, the development of girls' work through Patriotic Leagues
which are conducting four information bureaus, the formation of
a community chorus under the direction of the camp song leader,
the collecting of flowers for 600 men at the camp hospital by the
school children — these are a few of the experiments in friendli-
ness which the citizens of Battle Creek are making.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS — NAVAL STATIONS AND FORTS

Definite organization of the work in Boston was not effected
until the middle of September when the Boston Committee on
Training Camp Activities was created and activities inaugurated
for the men at the six nearby naval stations and seven adjacent
forts as well as for the men at Camp Devens coming to Boston
in their free time.

Among the accomplishments of the committee have been the
listing of rooming houses for visiting women, the issuing of
weekly bulletins of information, home entertainment, entertain-
ment through many churches, week-end parties and dances in
Boston and many of the surrounding cities and towns, the open-
ing of a United Service Club, the extension of club privileges to
officers and the organization of branch committees in Higham and
Weymouth. The Committee on Athletics has been active in raising
funds for athletic equipment for the men at the Naval Stations,
forts and Camp Devens, and in arranging cross country runs,
baseball and football games, golf tournaments and an athletic
carnival.
566

SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

CHILUCOTHE, OHIO — CAMP SHERMAN

In the development of the work at Chillicothe much emphasis
has been laid upon meeting the problem of inadequate facilities
and upon the need for providing such essential material equip-
ment as hotels for the men in khaki. Through the working out
of the plans for the so-called Camp Sherman Community Project,
funds will be available for the provision of such equipment, the
Red Cross, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the
Federated Women's Clubs, the Y. W. C. A. and other organiza-
tions having contributed large sums. It is estimated that the plan
will involve the expenditure of half a million dollars.

Further accomplishments of the Community Service include
the establishment of an information bureau, the organization of
a church federation which has opened ten rest rooms and club
rooms in churches and arranged for suppers and concerts; the
promotion of a Girls' Patriotic League, the organization of a
Protective Bureau and the securing of temporary detention quar-
ters; the provision of comfort stations; the enlargement of the
facilities of a number of fraternal organizations for the entertain-
ment of soldiers and the publication of a guide book telling of
points of interest in the city and containing a white list of local
hotels and restaurants.

GETTYSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA

The Gettysburg Committee on Soldiers' Free Time Activities
has been at work since June organizing and enlarging the facilities
which were inadequate for the needs of the thousands of men
at camp.

The community's activities inaugurated in a splendid spirit
of cordiality have centered largely in the club and rest rooms, at
least seven of which have been established, five of them under
paid leaders, by the churches and Red Cross. The Old Home
Newspaper room in one of the church rest rooms with its filed
newspapers from the home towns of the men, is justly popular.
Socials and entertainments of all kinds make these club rooms
invaluable. Band concerts twice a week on the band stand erected
by the local committees, glee club concerts, automobile rides for
convalescent soldiers, home entertainment, the provision of a
circulating library for the families of the men and of two swim-
ming pools made possible by the generosity of the business men

567

SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

of York, socials, dances, baseball games and an athletic meet in
which the whole camp participated have made Gettysburg's hospi-
tality to its soldier guests noteworthy.

The facilities of Gettysburg College with its athletic and
baseball fields were early in the history of the work turned over
to the committee and during the summer the dormitories housed
many of the officers' families.

Much emphasis has been laid on the work for girls in Gettys-
burg, Hanover and York. Patriotic Leagues have been organized
and a curfew law passed, volunteer officials having been appointed
to aid in its enforcement. Lectures have been given the girls
and women of the community by a woman physician.

The extension of the work of York and Hanover has resulted
in extensive entertainment in these communities and the opening
of a number of khaki clubs. A committee has also been organized
at Emmitsburg, Md., to provide for the men going there from
camp.

HEMPSTEAD, LONG ISLAND — CAMP MILLS

The work initiated in August has been steadily expanded
under the name of the Nassau County Commission on Training
Camp Activities so that it now definitely includes eight or ten
of the communities within a radius of fifteen miles. Seven perma-
nent soldiers' clubs are in operation in jHempstead, Freeport,
Mineola, Westbury and Jamaica. The priviliges of four country
clubs have been extended to commissioned officers. A map of
recreational facilities in the vicinity has been issued.

As Camp Mills affords only open-air shower bath facilities,
the need for warm baths when the cold weather set in has been
met on a large scale through private and public generosity. Prob-
ably two thousand men daily have thus been accommodated in
homes, the Hempstead fire headquarters, Garden City Hotel and
other places without charge.

Home and group entertainment has perhaps been the out-
standing feature of hospitality. All the communities have shared
in this, entertaining from fifty to 1,300 men. Many churches are
giving weekly affairs ranging from simple refreshments after Sun-
day evening service to bountiful supper dances. The soldiers
have reciprocated this hospitality in a most gratifying manner.
They have participated in the religious and social services at the

568

SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

churches by acting as ushers and by furnishing choral and band
music. They have also provided music for the open-air concerts
and dances.

To aid in the development of work for girls a Patriotic League
has been organized at Hempstead, the high school girls have
been brought together in a Girls' Friendly Society and an organiza-
tion of business girls effected.

KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN — CAMP CUSTER

Until September the activities in Kalamazoo for the men at
Camp Custer were considered a part of the general program in
which Battle Creek is also participating. In September, however,
a war recreation secretary was stationed at Kalamazoo and a com-
mittee known as the War Recreation Board was organized. Lack
of transportation facilities between the camp and city has prevented
any extensive program of activities. A foundation for construc-
tive work is, however, being laid through the organization of a
Girls' Patriotic League, the employment of two Travelers' Aid
workers, the formation of a Soldiers' Friendship League by one
of the churches, the giving of two dances each week and a num-
ber of entertainments. At Augusta, two miles from camp, the
Methodist church is conducting community work for the soldiers.

As soon as transportation facilities permit of the men's
coming to the city, Kalamazoo will have an opportunity to put
into effect the plans which have been so enthusiastically made.

NEW LONDON, CONNECTICUT

The community organizer assigned to New London faced the
problem of coordinating the efforts of a number of organizations
which had already undertaken the task of providing recreation for
the soldiers at the three forts near the city, at the camp at
Niantic and for the naval reserves and men at the navy base and
state pier. In September an organization was effected and the
War Recreation Bureau of New London established.

The churches are extending a hearty welcome to the men and
providing socials and other forms of entertainment. Home hospi-
tality is rapidly increasing and entertainments are being provided
at the different bases, a number of recitals having been given.

NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND — NAVAL TRAINING STATION

An unusually well-equipped naval club at Coddington Point —
the pride of sailor and citizen alike — was one of the first achieve-

569

SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE,

ments in June of the War Service made possible through the
efforts of the war recreation secretary by the cooperation of the
local Red Cross. Connected as it is with the training station by
a bridge built by the government, surrounded by spacious lawns
and groves covering 125 acres, the club house of 50 rooms with
its long piazza, club equipment and canteen is serving thousands
of men. Athletic meets and contests on the grounds which have
been laid out in baseball and athletic fields by the men themselves,
weekly vaudeville performances in which the boys take part and
which are frequently attended by 6,000 men, are adding to the
popularity of the club.

The Newport Committee on Training Camp Activities, or-
ganized in October, is responsible for the stimulation of com-
munity activities. Four churches have opened their parish houses
as club rooms. One of them employs a special war worker. Two
Service Clubs have been opened on Thames Street and on the
Government Landing. Bureaus of information with rooming
house lists have been established through the Civic League and
Red Cross. Many citizens are entertaining the men in their
homes and several fraternal orders have opened their rooms for
dances and socials.

NEW YORK CITY

The first problem faced by the war recreation worker in
New York City involved the getting of information to the men
as to what they could see in New York City and what kind of
recreation was open to them by public and private agencies. This
has been done in part through the distribution of bulletins of in-
formation.

The establishment of National Service Clubs has been an-
other important line of work. National Service Club No. 1,
across the street from the Pennsylvania Station, was established
under the auspices of the Harvard Club of New York City. A
second has been opened in the theatrical district; a third is de-
signed for the use of men from all the ships in the North River.
There are in addition a number of clubs and restaurants run by
churches and settlements. The getting of enlisted men into the
theatres at reduced rates and in some cases for the payment of
war tax only; the securing for soldiers and sailors of homes open
for Sunday dinners, and special entertainments on Thanksgiving

570

SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

have been among the other accomplishments of the National Serv-
ice Commission.

Work for girls has run into the enlistment of fifteen to twenty
thousand girls under a Patriotic League in which the clubs repre-
sented are under various auspices.

In coordinating the work of the numerous agencies -anxious
to help the 45,000 to 75,000 men coming to the city, the recreation
workers are using the Clearing House Service of the Mayor's
Committee and the Mayor's Committee of Women on National
Defense.

NIAGARA FAIXS, NEW YORK — FORT NIAGARA

Niagara Falls was one of the first communities to be organ-
ized for work for student officers, the Niagara Falls Committee
on Training Camp Activities having been active since May. Three
communities have been affected by the presence of the men:
Youngstown with a population of 550, Lewiston with its 700
people and Niagara Falls, a resort town of 30,000 inhabitants 12
miles from camp. One of the first accomplishments of the com-
mittee was the setting forward of the date of opening of a large
commercial recreation resort near the camp from June 23 to
May 30. A large summer resort hotel opened in May for the
benefit of the soldiers and their families has served as a social
center for the soldiers and townspeople. A tea room opened in
Youngstown by the Y. W. C. A. has proved a great boon.

The provision of Saturday night dances chaperoned by women
of the community has been from the inauguration of the program
one of the most popular features. These dances have been of two
types — one for the student officers; the other, a community dance,
has been developed in sections of the community not provided
for by other dances. Entertainment by the country club, college
clubs and fraternal orders and at private homes has added greatly
to the enjoyment of the men.

With the hearty cooperation of the officers at camp, a great
deal has been done to provide entertainments at the camp. A
recital by Nora Bayes, a concert by the Kilties Band of the
Shredded Wheat Co., vaudeville performances, war motion pic-
tures, football games and many other types of entertainment have
been made possible for the men. Community singing under the
direction of the camp song leader has recently become a popular

571

SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE,

feature of the program. The formation of Patriotic Leagues for
the girls in the various communities and special entertainment
through the Y. W. C. A. at Youngstown is making possible a
program of girls' work.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA

The most important contribution of the War Camp Com-
munity Service to the work in Philadelphia has been the coordina-
tion of the efforts and activities of the many organizations and
groups which had been working independently for the sailors at
the League Island Navy Yard and other stations. In July repre-
sentatives of each group were organized into a sub-committee on
recreation of the Committee of Public Safety which under a
number of departments is carrying on many activities. Over 50
organizations are represented in this sub-committee. Weekly bulle-
tins have been published listing all theatrical attractions, special
classes, socials and recreation centers have been developed and
clubs have been opend to men in uniform; accommodations for
friends and relatives of the men are being secured. Many of
the clubs of the city are offering systematic week-end entertain-
ments to groups of sailors and a number are extending privileges
of membership. Extensive weekly schedules of dances, concerts
and entertainments are offered.

Under the War Emergency Unit with its staff of paid workers
educational service is made possible for the men at the marine
barracks in classes in automobile mechanics, electricity, typewriting,
surveying, and conversational French. The organization of a
clearing house in charge of a paid worker and two enlisted men
from the navy and marines has made available a complete file of
all the entertainment forces of the city — professional and amateur,
musical and dramatic, lecturers and speakers. This list is being
placed at the disposal of all groups both within the city and at
the various stations wishing to give entertainments to the men in
uniform. This work has been greatly increased through the
assuming of large responsibilities towards the men at Camp Dix
where entertainments are now being sent regularly.

The definite organization of a women's committee consisting
of 70 organizations working for the welfare of girls and women
has given a great impetus to girls* work to which special workers
have been assigned. A very practical and full program has
been outlined and patriotic rallies and meetings are being held.

572

SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

PLATTSBURG, NEW YORK — OFFICERS' TRAINING CAMP

The Plattsburg Federation for Training Camp Activities or-
ganized early in May represents one of the pioneer efforts of
the War Camp Community Service. After a careful study of
conditions in the community all the forces were set to work on
the problem of previewing wholesome recreation. Saturday night
church suppers caring for about 800 men each week, receptions,
Saturday night dancing, extensive entertainment by fraternal orders,
and the development of work for girls under the direction of special
Y. W. C. A. workers, have been features of the program.

SACKET HARBOR, NEW YORK — WATERTOWN, NEW YORK — MADISON
BARRACKS

Organized activities for the soldiers at Madison Barracks
have been carried on since May when a Committee on Soldiers'
Recreation was organized in Sacket Harbor, a small community
with a population of 800 people, and a special Soldiers' Entertain-
ment Committee appointed at Watertown, 12 miles from the
barracks under the Efficiency and Preparedness League, a strong
local organization.

The opening of a recreation room in the firemen's hall was
one of the early accomplishments of the committee which has
done much to provide recreation facilities for the student officers,
regulars and national guardsmen. The construction of a tennis
court at Sacket Harbor, dances, receptions and extensive home hos-
pitality at Watertown with week-end entertainment by fraternal
orders, community sings and an "auld folk's concert," have made
the program of entertainment for the men at Madison Barracks
a comprehensive one.

BURLINGTON, VERMONT — FORT ETHAN ALLEN

The consolidation in July of two citizens' committees or-
ganized before the entrance of the war recreation worker resulted
in a strong committee known as the Burlington Committee on
Training Camp Activities which is conducting work in Winooski
and Essex Junction as well as in Burlington.

The activities of the committee have included the promotion
of commercial excursions on Lake Champlain, lawn fetes, dances,
automobile rides for convalescent soldiers, the teaching of French,
home hospitality and inter-camp athletics between the Plattsburgers

573

SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

and the men at Forth Ethan Allen. The construction of a swim-
ming beach in the Winooski River, the furnishing of dramatic
talent for camp and the securing of policewomen, are also among
the achievements of the committee.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK

The citizens of Syracuse, voicing their hospitality through
the Syracuse Hospitality Committee appointed in June, have given
unusual response to the challenge, "What will you do for your
soldier guests?" A number of large khaki clubs were immediately
opened through the Solvay Guild, the Solvay Process Co. and
May Memorial Church. At these clubs and later at the army
club opened in August have centered many of the activities for
the men — dances, receptions, concerts and socials. The churches,
four of which have opened small recreation rooms, have been
responsible for suppers and many forms of entertainment.

One of the noteworthy features of the Syracuse program has
been the development of community singing which was inaugurated
in June, culminating in August in a Song and Light Festival
given by the community chorus and the soldiers under the direction
of Harry Barnhart. Over 30,000 people including more than
14,000 soldiers participated in the performance, the success of
which surpassed the expectations of its most enthusiastic
promoters.

The hospitality of the citizens of Syracuse has been most
cordially expressed through the opening of their homes to the
soldiers, many hundreds of whom have been entertained weekly.
For a citizen to pick up in his automobile the man in uniform
whom he passes on the street, taking him home to dinner, is no
unusual happening in Syracuse and no more welcome invitation
can come to the soldier.

Much emphasis has been laid on work for girls in the develop-
ment of the Syracuse program and the Girls' Patriotic League
under the direction of a special worker is becoming a part of the
city's life. The patriotic pageant staged in September by the
League was a noteworthy success.

The withdrawal of most of the soldiers from Syracuse in
October made unnecessary the retention of the services of a full
time worker. The local work which is being continued is now
under the general supervision of the worker responsible for

574

SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

activities in Burlington, Plattsburg, and Sacket Harbor where the
departure of troops has made the services of a worker in each
community inadvisable.

SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS — CAMP BARTLETT — SPRINGFIELD
ARSENAL

In making plans for the men at the arsenal and Camp Bart-
lett, the community organizer on going to the city in October
found that a number of organizations were already at work. He
has cooperated in centralizing the efforts of these organizations
and through his suggestion a hostess house has been erected as
a community enterprise.

No extensive program of activities has been planned through
the committee on War Camp Community Service as Camp Bart-
lett will not be continued as a winter camp.

TENAFLY, NEW JERSEY — CAMP MERRITT

The establishment early in September of an Embarkation
Camp in northern New Jersey affecting Englewood, Hackensack,
Tenafly and a number of smaller communities, necessitated the
services of a war recreation worker. As it seemed advisable to
carry on the work as a county undertaking, the Bergen County
Committee of 100 was organized to act as a coordinating body
for all civilian work conducted in the interests of the soldiers.

The Womens' Committee of the Council of National Defense,
the Red Cross, Community Club, Borough Club, Womens* Club
and many other bodies are cooperating, each doing the work for
which it is best fitted. Social, reading, lounging, and writing
rooms have been opened in churches of the towns nearest to the
camp, some of them providing billiards, pool, shuffle board, bowl-
ing and shower bath facilities. Soldiers' Clubs are being main-
tained in four of the towns adjacent to camp, teams of men and
women being on duty to care for the cafeteria and entertainment
features. Entertainments have been furnished inside the camp
for the Y. M. C. A. two nights per week since September the
twenty-fifth and it is now planned to have entertainments every
Wednesday night in the six church parish houses nearest to
camp. Dances, concerts, church suppers and socials have been
held in all the towns and home entertainment has been extensive.

A trained worker has organized branches of the Girls' Pat-

575

SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

riotic League in 27 towns of the county, the girls having made and
raised the money to pay for 1,900 comfort kits which they pre-
sented to the members of the permanent guard regiment on
Christmas.

WASHINGTON, D. C.

The organization in June of the District War Service Com-
mission of 130 members marked the inauguration of organized
work in Washington for the numerous encampments and forts
near the city.

At the suggestion of the War Camp Community Service
worker the Supervisor of Playgrounds of the District of Colum-
bia made available the playground facilities such as swimming,
tennis and other equipment adapted for the use of soldiers and all
men in uniform. The reservation was secured of eight tennis
courts at Potomac Park for the exclusive use of the men in uni-
form. Free instruction in swimming was given the soldiers, sailors
and marines for whom the municipal pools were reserved at
certain hours, one pool being devoted exclusively to the use of
men for the entire day with a teacher in attendance. Arrange-
ments were made for the reservation of five open air dance
pavilions on the playgrounds and for the lighting for evening use
of playgrounds, swimming pools and the municipal bathing beach.

The churches of Washington have been organized for unde-
nominational union services. Two committees have been formed,
one on religious ministrations and the other on church hospitality.
One of the notable achievements of the former is the holding
of open air services each Sunday afternoon in the public park in
the rear of the White House and at Cathedral Close, when dis-
tinguished orators make stirring patriotic addresses and the
Marine Band plays. The Committee on Church Hospitality has
been organizing the churches of the District for such hospitality
as is possible in the church plants, and has offered club facilities
to men in uniform.

Through the efforts of the Committee on Special Entertain-
ments a census of amateur and professional talent has been made
and with the cooperation of commercial recreation interests vaude-
ville entertainments have been sent to each camp in the vicinity
of the District of Columbia each week. Cooperating with this
committee is a motor corps of volunteers who transport the

576

SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SBRVICB

entertainers from town to camp. Individual hospitality has been
extensive and week-end parties numerous. At the suggestion of
war workers many of the citizens of Washington have initiated a
series of Saturday afternoon entertainments at home. A number
of rest rooms have been opened by various organizations.

During August the provision of such special entertainments
as pugilistic bouts attended by 15,000 people, twenty dances,
twenty-three band concerts, forty-three entertainments and many
dinners were reported as the result of the month's activities.
Throughout the summer daily band concerts at the camps and in
the city parks and Sunday afternoon concerts by the military
band with prominent soloists and choirs leading in the community
singing gave much enjoyment to the citizens as well as to the
soldiers. Home hospitality has assumed large proportions, 600
men having been entertained in private homes during the first week
in September. The Board of Education has granted the use of
school buildings and equipment for educational classes for soldiers.
Arrangements have been made for girls' clubs to hold dances and
entertainments.

WRIGHTSTOWN, New JERSEY — TRENTON, NEW JERSEY — CAMP Dix
Although Camp Dix is located at Wrightstown, a small village
of a few hundred people, work in the camp has extended to Trenton
and to the communities of Burlington, Mount Holly, Pemberton,
New Egypt and a number of small towns.

In August the War Recreation Board was organized in Trenton
and as a result of its efforts an outline of laws affecting soldier life
has been prepared and distributed ; the armory has been secured for
public entertainments at state expense and two volunteer police-
women have been appointed. An effective organization of church
forces has been created to coordinate the activities of the local
churches. A music committee is at work securing talent for camp
entertainments, forming a community chorus and orchestra and
arranging for a production by the soldiers.

Committees have been organized in New Egypt, Pemberton,
Burlington, Moorestown and Mount Holly. In New Egypt and
in nine other communities Girls' Patriotic Leagues have been organ-
ized with great success; churches and fraternal organizations are
planning entertainments and a hospitality house has been opened by
the Women's Council of Defense. A recreation center is being

577

SIX MONTHS OP WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

established at Bordentown and rooming house conditions are being
studied. Two khaki clubs have been opened under the Women's
Council of Defense at Wrightstown where increased business enter-
prises due to the presence of the camp have necessitated the forma-
tion of a Board of Trade. Arrangements have been made for a
rest house in Mount Holly and a number of churches in the com-
munity are holding socials for the soldiers.

Because of the complexity of the problem arising in connection
with the work for the men at Camp Dix it has been found advisable
to give one recreation secretary responsibility for the work at
Trenton, New Egypt, Bordentown and the district northeast of
camp. A second worker with headquarters at Mount Holly is
supervising work at Pemberton, Burlington and the vicinity south-
west of the camp. A third worker stationed at Wrightstown acts
as the medium through which the other workers deal with the sol-
diers and camp authorities.

YAPHANK, LONG ISLAND — CAMP UPTON

Camp Upton, located as it is in the open country with no large
city in the immediate vicinity, presents many difficulties from the
point of view of community work for the soldiers. Upon six
communities, the largest of which has a population of only 7,000
falls the burden of extending hospitality to the men. Organization
was effected at Riverhead, at Patchogue where the federation num-
bers more than 700 enthusiastic members, and in Centre Moriches.
Community choruses have been started. The military club at
Patchogue has proved a very popular center and several well-
conducted dances have been held. A number of homes in this
community as in others of the small places near the camp have
been opened for the accommodation of officers' families.

In the small communities such as Yaphank and Manorville work
is being carried on through existing agencies. A club house has
been opened at Centre Moriches and arrangments made for a com-
munity chorus.

CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN DIVISION

ALEXANDRIA, LOUISIANA — CAMP BEAUREGARD

Since August when the Alexandria War Recreation Board was
organized Alexandria's activities for its guests have been unceasing.

578

SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE,

Entertainments, dances, concerts, home hospitality and social activi-
ties of all kinds have marked the progress of War Camp Community
Service. The collection of books for camp, the opening of a gram-
mar school for educational service, the erection of a large tent in
the open space near a post office as a rest room, the provision of
three khaki clubs and of a club for girls, have been further proofs
of Alexandria's hospitality towards its soldier guests.

The churches have been very active and through the efforts of
the Board a Sunday morning special is being operated between camp
and town. Entertainments are being given at camp and community
singing has been introduced. The band stand, athletic field and
baseball diamond fitted up at City Park are popular facilities.
Sunday afternoon band concerts are being given regularly at the
park.

The presence of large numbers of guests in the city has necessi-
tated some very practical demonstrations of Alexandria's hospitality.
All available rooms have been listed and placed at the disposal of
the guests ; a number of organizations have arranged for cots to be
installed at their headquarters and a plan is being worked out for
the erection of 25 portable houses for the use of officers' families.
For the erection of additional comfort stations the city has appropri-
ated $1,000. As soon as funds are available a community auditorium
will be erected.

ANNISTON, ALABAMA — CAMP McCi<Eu,AN

The enlargement in July of the work organized by the Chamber
of Commerce has resulted in a comprehensive program for the men
at Camp McClellan.

The Soldiers' Welfare Bureau of the Chamber of Commerce
had been in operation only a short time when plans had been com-
pleted for a down- town comfort station and drinking fountain?
and a canvass made of available rooms for the soldiers' guests. So
rapidly has this work grown that in August an expert was secured
to take charge of the work of providing accommodations. Fifty
thousand dollars has been expended in the renovation of an old
inn and a new hotel is being built at a cost of $60,000 or $70,000.
The information bureau, maintained at a cost of $100 a month has
been used extensively by the men and officers, over 500 soldiers'
families having been aided in finding accommodations.

The extension of private club privileges, the opening of a club

579

SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

for officers as well as a number of rest rooms and khaki clubs for
the privates through churches and fraternal orders, the provision of
Sunday afternoon entertainments by the Pastors' Union, of twilight
concerts and entertainments at camp and of dances and entertain-
ments in the community have made Anniston's program a very
comprehensive one. Home hospitality has assumed large propor-
tions especially for the men of Jewish faith. A soldiers' rest room
has been opened and is being maintained by the Bureau. All of
the twenty-four wards at the base hospital have been adopted by
various clubs in Anniston and Birmingham, and entertainments of
all kinds are provided the convalescent soldiers.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA — CAMP MCPHERSON — CAMP GORDON

The Atlanta Commission on Training Camp Activities has been
actively engaged since last May in giving a "home feeling" to the
boys at camp.

Notwithstanding the destructive fire which in May swept 75
blocks of the city, Atlanta has made splendid progress in the enter-
tainment of her soldier guests. One of the first accomplishments of
the Commission was the securing of the use of the public swimming
pools, baseball fields and tennis courts of the city. Special Sunday
entertainments, musicals, organ recitals, singing and vaudeville at
the city auditorium from two to nine p. m. attended by at least
8,000 people, Saturday night dances, weekly band concerts, a Fourth
of July entertainment and basket picnic bringing out 30,000 civilians
and soldiers, a musical festival in which the choruses of all the negro
churches participated, the collection of books for camp, automobile
rides for convalescent soldiers, the provision of at least 15 enter-
tainments a week at camp, community singing under the direction
of the camp song leader and extensive entertainment in private
homes, are all features of the program which is making Atlanta
justly popular with the soldiers. The Rotary Soldiers' Club with
an average attendance of 3,000 men weekly, the Progressive Club
reaching 2,500 men each week, and the Jewish Educational Alliance,
attended by 3,000 soldiers during the course of the week, testify
to the popularity of the club features which are being provided.
From five to nine social clubs have reduced their rates for men in
uniform while the Jewish Progressive has arranged to place cots in
the auditorium for the use of soldiers.

A list of rooming and boarding houses has been made and the

580

SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

churches are exceedingly active in providing entertainments both
in the community and at the camp and in keeping open house Satur-
day nights and Sunday afternoons. Work for colored troops is
progressing under a special committee.

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA — CAMP HANCOCK

Although the history of War Recreation Service in Augusta
dates back only to July the eleventh when the Soldiers' Welfare
Committee was organized, the city may well be proud of the record
it has made as royal host to the boys in khaki. There are a number
of reading and rest rooms at each of which a reception committee
may be found from four to ten p. m. Dances are held each night
in the armory and a half dozen churches are keeping open house
involving entertainments of various kinds. A community concert
is held every Sunday afternoon and community singing has caught
the imagination of civilians and soldiers alike. Two military bands
have been detailed for weekly concerts in the city's main street. The
fraternal orders are unusually active in providing entertainment for
their members, preparing special banners and posters announcing
events of interest. Individuals are eager to entertain the soldiers
in their homes with the result that home hospitality is being carried
on on a large scale. Many entertainments are being taken to the
camp and receptions and dances in the community are numerous.
Sunday automobile rides were by no means the least popular of the
many features of Augusta's hospitality, more than 3,000 men having
been taken on one of these trips. A weekly War Camp Community
bulletin schedules all events of interest to the soldiers.

The maintenance of high standards in commercial recreation
has been assured through a recent decision of the City Council that
no licenses shall be granted for commercial amusements until the
application has been investigated by the Committee on Commercial
Recreation.

BEAUFORT, SOUTH CAROLINA — PARIS ISLAND, MARINE BARRACKS —

FORT FREMONT

War Camp Community Service in Beaufort with its population
of about 25,000, two-thirds of whom are colored, and with practically
no facilities for entertainment and no regular transportation from
the station to the town, presents no simple problem. The Beaufort
War Camp Community Service, organized early in September, is

581

SIX MONTHS OP WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

making every effort to overcome unfavorable conditions and pro-
vide adequate entertainment. An old arsenal has been obtained
for use as a soldiers' club. The opening of the club at which the
men themselves provided the entertainment was a notable event
in the social life of the community. The club house is becoming
the center of most of the community effort of the city. At least
two special affairs for enlisted men are given every week. A winter
lyceum course of eight numbers was brought to Beaufort by the
Sojourners' Club. A rest room at Port Royal may soon be made
available for the marines.

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — FORT MOULTRIE — NAVAL TRAIN-
ING STATION

Under the War Recreation Service Council organized in Sep-
tember are being coordinated all the activities conducted by various
organizations at work previous to the arrival of the war recreation
secretary. As the work touches not only the men at the army post,
navy yard, quartermaster's barracks and naval hospital but also the
men stationed at the rifle range at Mount Pleasant, activities have
been extended to Mount Pleasant where rooms at Pythian Hall
have been fitted up as a soldiers' club, special entertainments being
given here each week.

For the men coming to Charleston in their free time, a club
has been opened providing in addition to the usual facilities a restau-
rant where meals may be secured at any time. Dances are given
each week and entertainments are being provided in the rest rooms
established by one of the churches and the Salvation Army. Weekly
entertainments are being provided at all the posts and stations and
a splendid start has been made in community singing.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA — CAMP GREENE

With true Southern hospitality Charlotte has undertaken the
task of playing host to the men at Camp Greene. In August the
Charlotte Commission on Training Camp Activities was organized
which has, under the leadership of the war recreation secretary,
developed many activities.

Acquainting the citizens with what other camp cities were
doing for the soldiers, the publication of a map of the city and
weekly bulletins of soldier entertainment, the establishment of a
khaki club at one of the churches whose lawn has been fitted up as

582

SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

a park with seats, were among the early achievements of the Com-
mission. Following this other churches rapidly fell in line until
eight down-town rest rooms were provided by churches which are
also active in furnishing socials, musicals and concerts and in fur-
thering home entertainment. More than 2,500 soldiers have been
entertained on a Sunday in Charlotte's homes. Fraternal orders are
also doing splendid work for their brothers in khaki. In all, ten
rest rooms are now in operation and two information bureaus have
been established. A large number of benches have been placed
about the city for the comfort of the soldiers and their guests.

Splendid progress has been made in work for girls and women.
The city and county commissioners have voted to appropriate $5,-
000 for the maintenance for a year of a reformatory for women,
part of it to be designated as a detention home for delinquent girls.
Through the Y. W. C. A. several hundred girls have been enrolled
in Patriotic League clubs and a large cafeteria has been provided
which is doing much to solve the problem of adequate restaurant
facilities.

CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE — FORT OGLETHORPE

As one of the pioneers and leaders in War Recreation Service
the War Camp Community Service of Chattanooga has since last
May been developing activities and devising effective methods of
work. Before a month had elapsed forces were lined up, recep-
tions, dances and banquets given, a twenty-five acre swimming pool
secured, guides furnished for sight-seeing trips and plans were well
under way for the opening of a rest room and dry saloon in the
heart of the city. Following immediately on these developments
came the opening of club facilities to the men in khaki, the arrange-
ment of organ recitals and Sunday afternoon musical programs,
bi-weekly automobile rides, the establishment of an information
bureau, the collection of a library for camp and the sending of enter-
tainments to the recreation buildings in the camp. Moving picture
performances have been opened on Sunday, a community chorus
organized, entertainment through the churches intensified, the
women of the churches taking an unusually large share in this work
and a number of rest rooms were opened.

Not content with the mere entertainment of men in their homes
for dinner, which is one of the main features of Chattanooga's
hospitality, many families are providing their soldier guests with

583

SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

latch keys and entertaining them over week-ends. Many of the
churches, not satisfied to limit their activities to socials, suppers
and special entertainments have each adopted a regiment, sending
their choirs to camp, making plans for special Thanksgiving and
Christmas activities and providing for their regiments the best
possible type of entertainment.

Splendid work has been done for the Jewish soldiers by the
citizens of that faith. Work for girls has progressed under the
leadership of the Y. W. C. A. workers, a pageant at Rossville
being one of the special features of the program for girls. Not-
withstanding the car strike in September which seriously interfered
with the program, work has gone steadily forward. All activities
have been enlarged and intensified and a splendid spirit of hospi-
tality manifested throughout the history of Chattanooga's hospitality
towards its soldier guests.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

War Camp Community Service in Chicago touches the needs
of seven distinct camps and reaches twenty-three or more com-
munities. In most of the eighteen North Shore communities a war
emergency union for controlling war-time problems had been de-
veloped before the arrival of the war recreation workers in May.
For the purpose of drawing these agencies into a centralized co-
operating group, a Committee on North Shore Activities was formed
with two representatives from each war emergency union. This
committee later became affiliated with the Chicago War Recreation
Service whose organization was completed in August.

At the beginning of the work a census was taken of recreation
facilities available for the men in uniform as a result of which many
tennis courts and athletic fields are in use, the splendid equipment
of the Chicago Park Commission having been placed at the disposal
of the men. The Commission has also provided an expert play
leader for Saturday night socials and made possible the presentation
of a pageant The Coming of Peace.

Entertainment in private homes has come to be a very import-
ant part of the program of activities in the North Shore communi-
ties and also in Chicago where such organizations as the Chicago
Commons, Northwestern University Settlement and the Chicago
Hebrew Institute are making a point of entertaining a large num-
ber of men each week-end.

584

SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SHRVICH

Through the Civic Music Association of the North Shore
communities, much is being done to develop singing both in the
communities and at the auditorium of the Great Lakes Naval Train-
ing Station which has been secured.

The publication of 10,000 maps of Chicago listing the attrac-
tions of the city, the opening of a number of soldiers' and sailors'
clubs, automobile rides, dances, community receptions, concerts and
musicals, the provision of many dramatic and musical programs at
the camps and stations, and weekly open house at the Chicago
Women's Club are only a few of the channels through which Chicago
and the North Shore communities are extending hospitality to their
guests.

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — CAMP JACKSON

The organization in August of the Soldier Life Activities
Committee marked the inauguration of an active program of work
for the soldiers. As approximately half the population of 56,000
people are colored, the creation of a committee of colored citizens
was found advisable to look after the needs of the colored workmen
and later of the colored troops.

Band concerts, dances and the extension of membership privi-
leges through clubs, entertainment through churches, the provision
of extensive and systematic dramatic and musical entertainments
for the Y. M. C. A. huts, the opening of a community club with a
committee of eight non-commissioned officers aiding the committee
of the National League for Women's Service, the establishment
of lunch rooms in two of the churches and the development of
work for girls through the Y. W. C. A. and the organization of
Patriotic Leagues have made significant the activities of the com-
mittee.

DAYTON, OHIO — WILBUR WRIGHT AVIATION FIELD

Under the direction of the War Service Recreation Board and
the war worker who gives part of his time to the work, the pro-
vision of activities for the men at the aviation training camp has
made progress.

Among the activities of the board are the collection for the
camp of a number of books, technical and mechanical magazines,
the securing of the privileges of the community country club, the
supplying of concerts and entertainments at camp, dances, com-
munity singing and home hospitality.

585

SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

Springfield, O., about fifteen miles from the aviation field, is
being organized in connection with the Dayton work.

DES MOINES, IOWA — CAMP DES MOINES — FORT DODGE

Confronted with the problems arising from the presence of
both white and colored troops, the War Recreation Board of
Des Moines since the beginning of its activities in July has had
a complex situation to face.

The organization of community singing in which the colored
troops have had an active part, has gone far in offering a solution
for some of the problems. At one such sing at Drake University,
12,000 people were present. Reviews of negro troops and special
receptions for them have been helpful. The establishment of a
special club for colored troops will soon be effected. This club will
contain a temperance bar, cafeteria, music, game and reading rooms,
a large auditorium and rooms for officers.

The extension of Travelers' Aid work for girls and the organ-
ization of clubs have been successfully undertaken. Football games,
athletic contests, socials, band concerts, picnic suppers, home hos-
pitality, a series of dances for officers and enlisted men, the pro-
vision of concerts and entertainments at camp, entertainment through
the churches following a regular schedule, the listing of available
rooms and the opening of information bureaus and club rooms
have signalized the progress of War Recreation Service in Des
Moines.

Many of the activities are now centering in the army club
made possible through the securing of the Shriners' Temple with
its equipment of a large auditorium and dance hall, assembly room,
pool, billiard and card rooms. The club is under the direction of
a paid leader and a house committee on which the military authori-
ties have representation.

GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA — CAMP SEVIER

The War Camp Community Service of Greenville, whose work
for the men at Camp Sevier has been marked by true southern
hospitality, represents the enlargement of an Efficiency Committee
organized by the Chamber of Commerce previous to the arrival of
a war recreation secretary in August.

The securing of an appropriation of $7,500 for three comfort
stations, the installation of drinking fountains, the listing of avail-

586

SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE,

able boarding houses and rooms and the publication of a folder
with information regarding the city are indicative of the committee's
efforts to provide for the comfort of the soldiers and their guests.

The churches are taking a very prominent part in Greenville's
program of hospitality, many having equipped rest and club rooms
and organized programs of suppers, socials and entertainments of
various kinds. The extension of hospitality through fraternal
orders and individuals, dances, sings, entertainments at camp and
band concerts add greatly to the enjoyment of the men.

Work for girls is being developed through the employment of
two probation officers employed jointly by the city and the com-
mittee and the securing of a Travelers' Aid worker. Work has
been extended to Greer, a mill town of 6,000 people.

MISSISSIPPI — NAVAL TRAINING STATION
No program of activities has as yet been worked out as no
definite word has been received regarding the arrival of men at
the naval training station. The community stands ready, however,
to initiate a program of work whenever the need arises. The
creation of War Camp Community Service will involve work for
approximately twenty-seven miles along the beach as for that
distance there is an almost continuous string of houses divided into
mill towns.

HATTIESBURG, MISSISSIPPI — CAMP SHEXBY

The enlargement in July of the work inaugurated by the Public
Welfare Committee has resulted in the development of an active
program in Hattiesburg under the General Welfare and Training
Camp Activities Committee. With a splendid spirit of hospitality
the city has gone about its difficult task of providing through its
present inadequate facilities for the thousands of soldiers and their
guests who have been added to the city's population.

Home entertainment has been developed largely through the
churches which are actively participating in the program of provid-
ing socials and Saturday night suppers. Private homes available
for guests have been listed and four clubs opened, one of them
having been established by a Jewish order for men of all faiths.
In connection with the officers' club a club for officers' wives has
been organized. The city has installed comfort stations and drink-
ing fountains and is paying one-half of the salary of a Travelers'

587

SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SBRVICE

Aid worker. A big reception at Kampor Park attended by 2,000
men in uniform proved a great success. The Committee is provid-
ing entertainment for the Y. M. C. A. huts in camp and has secured
the cooperation of the local Y. M. C. A. in the free use for the men
of all its facilities. Two fraternal orders have installed reading and
rest rooms and all fraternal orders have made the connection with
their members at camp and arranged special features for them. Two
churches have opened reading and rest rooms in their parlors and
the Kings' Daughters have cooperated by opening a cafeteria and
rest room in the court house.

XNDIANAPOUS, INDIANA — FORT BENJAMIN HARRISON

None of the camp cities has proved itself a more eager host
than Indianapolis which through the War Recreation Social Service
Bureau organized in May has left nothing undone which might
function for the well-being of the men at the fort.

The securing of tennis courts and all public recreational facili-
ties, the extension of private club privileges and home entertain-
ment were some of the accomplishments brought about before the
bureau was a month old. Automobile trips, banquets by fraternities,
the arrangement of classes in French, geography, and history, a
performance of the opera Pinafore at which $1,200 was raised for
the work of the Travelers' Aid Society, the establishment of an
information bureau and the publication of a booklet telling of points
of interest in the city, marked the developments of the second month.
Other accomplishments signalizing the Indianapolis program of
hospitality are a military athletic carnival given before 8,000 spec-
tators, the opening of a three-floor khaki club equipped by the
Rotarians at a cost of $15,000 and under the management of the
military authorities and soldiers, the collection of a library for
camp, community singing, the strengthening of work for girls
through the organization of Patriotic Leagues, the distribution of
25,000 booklets containing a map of the city and a calendar of
events and activities and the provision of concerts and entertain-
ments of various kinds.

A unique feature of the Indianapolis program has been the
organization of Indianapolis men and women from Ohio, Kentucky,
West Virginia and Indiana, the four states represented at the
fort, who are systematically entertaining the men from their respec-
tive states. A further home touch is given through the activities

588

SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SHRVICH

of the Home Department in communicating with the "folks back
home." The Indianapolis bureau has done unusual work in provid-
ing entertainment for the men at the fort. Lectures by Ex-
President Taft and William Jennings Bryan, war moving pictures
and concerts by the Kilties Band and Indianapolis Glee Club have
made this feature noteworthy.

JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI

The Jackson Commission on Training Camp Activities organ-
ized in September has fitted up a large room as a club and rest room
and is providing entertainment for the men at camp and in the town.

KEY WEST, FLORIDA

Adequate facilities for swimming, baseball and commercial
recreation and the activities and equipment of a number of existing
organizations have made the task of the Key West War Recreation
Bureau, organized in August, a comparatively easy one.

Activities through the churches, home entertainment, hospital-
ity through fraternal orders, automobile rides and other special
forms of entertainment have been planned although no permanent
war recreation secretary is now stationed in the city.

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY — CAMP TAYLOR

Louisville's War Recreation Board has been at work since
August developing a justly popular program of activities. Sev-
eral paid workers including nine matrons for service at the fout
principal railroad stations have been employed; a rooming house
list is being kept and Travelers' Aid work developed. The Protes-
tant churches are uniting in a comprehensive program of activities,
the Methodist Church having employed an executive secretary. A
series of open houses on Sunday afternoons with entertainment
features has been undertaken by several down town churches. A
large three-story building has been secured for a club house and a
centrally located tract will soon be at the disposal of the Board for
the erection of a building for club purposes. The colored ministers,
organized for work among the colored troops, are showing a splen-
did spirit of cooperation.

An interesting feature of the work is a commercial dance hall
opened under the auspices of the Board which will operate every
day in the week. The Girls' Work Committee in charge of the

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SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SHRVICH

management of the hall is responsible for having chaperones on
hand to introduce the soldiers and girls. A dance hall supervisor
has been employed to standardize dancing in all the public dance
halls of the city and to appoint chaperones who will be paid by the
management.

In connection with the activities for girls a woman physician
has been secured to organize this phase of the work and to give a
series of lectures.

MACON, GEORGIA — CAMP WHEELER

With a splendid spirit of cordiality the citizens of Macon
through the organization in July of the Soldiers' Welfare Commis-
sion have undertaken their duties as hosts to the men in training at
Camp Wheeler.

Dances, socials, band concerts, extensive church and home
entertainment, the use of the public playgrounds where a number
of festivals have been given, the provision of drinking fountains
and comfort stations, the securing of accommodations for the sol-
diers' guests, the collecting of books and magazines, the opening
of a rest room in a church, the provision of Sunday afternoon musi-
cal programs at the Grand Theatre, the arrangement of a very suc-
cessful "Go to Church Sunday," the provision of entertainments
(usually four a week) for the Y. M. C. A. huts at camp, have won
for Macon well-deserved popularity.

The Rotary Club and a number of fraternal orders are uniting
with the Commission in equipping a soldiers' club which includes a
large hall.

An interesting innovation will be introduced if the City Council
consents to the request to close a block on a business street from
eight to ten each night for volley ball contests, wrestling, boxing
and other athletic events.

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE — AVIATION CAMP

The Memphis Commission on Training Camp Activities was
organized in September to provide recreation facilities for the men
located at the aviation camp at Millington, a few miles from the
city. Conditions do not justify the placing there of a special
worker and the work will be carried on by the Commission which
is well equipped for the task.

590

SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SHRVICH

MINNEAPOLIS AND ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA — FORT SNELLING

Working with existing organizations in the twin cities the
war recreation secretary began in May the task of coordinating
and developing activities for the men at Fort Snelling.

The securing of the use of ten swimming pools which have
served large numbers of men, the collecting of a library for camp
through the systematic efforts of a number of city and state
libraries, extensive entertainment through the Elks, Masons and
other organizations and the publishing of a directory marked the
early history of the city's hospitality. Following these develop-
ments, band concerts, the extension of privileges of membership by
the St. Paul Association of Commerce, the securing of six extra
policemen and two policewomen at the city's largest park, church
and home entertainment, instruction in French, automobile rides,
dinners, and the provision of entertainments at camp have rounded
out the program.

In August a permanent War Recreation Service Bureau was
created in each city with representatives from the leading associa-
tions. These committees work in the closest cooperation and act
as clearing houses for the activities of the two communities.

As a chief factor in the entertainment work the St. Paul center
of the Drama League of America is providing organized programs
of entertainment for community and camp and making possible
dramatic productions by the men themselves. A booking office
has been established in one of the department stores which is
acting as a clearing house for entertainments, thereby avoiding
duplication of effort.

Work for girls is progressing under the Y. W. C. A. which is
aiding in providing socials and entertainments. The use of the
armory in St. Paul as a club house has been assured and club
facilities will soon be available.

MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA — CAMP SHERIDAN

Montgomery's program of hospitality for the men at Camp
Sheridan had its beginning in July when the Committee of 100,
appointed by the Chamber of Commerce, was reorganized and
enlarged in preparation for the coming of the national guardsmen.

In spite of the lack of facilities and inadequate resources so
much interest was aroused that a scheme for raising $40,000 was
immediately adopted. The Sunday afternoon after the first mass

591

SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

meeting was held in August, 500 homes were opened to the soldiers.
Since that time entertainments, week-end parties, musicals, band
concerts, hospitality through the churches, a number of which are
serving suppers twice a week for a nominal sum, musicals, plays,
dances and receptions have continued uninterruptedly. A number
of club rooms have been opened by churches and other organizations
and the city has appropriated a sum of money for toilets and shower
baths and has equipped a rest room. The community has been
organized to provide entertainments for the Y. M. C. A. huts; a
combination information bureau and band stand has been erected,
the information bureau being in charge of a paid director. Splendid
work has been done by the Rooming and Housing Bureau in finding
accommodations for the hundreds of visitors coming to the city.
The finest homes in the city have been opened to soldier visitors.
As a result of the work of the committee, 800 street signs were
ordered by the city. Many activities have been conducted by the
Knights of Columbus and Catholic women's organizations.

Committees have been organized among the colored citizens
to carry out a program for the colored troops to whom a careful
explanation of southern customs and of Alabama laws affecting
the. negro has been given. A chorus of colored people has been
organized and a soldiers' club house opened. A schedule of base-
ball and football games for colored troops is the latest achievement
of the committee.

A Patriotic League including practically all the girls of the
city has been organized with a Chaperone Committee of about 250
women. The League has given a series of dances to the men. The
proprietor of a commercial dance hall has agreed to allow the
Chaperone Committee to supervise his dances.

The use of the city auditorium has been secured for Satur-
day night entertainments at which soldier talent will be featured.
A series of ball games between the Cleveland- American team and
a camp nine, the first game of which was attended by 8,000 men in
uniform, is only one of the athletic activities planned for the city's
new recreation field. Invaluable work has been done along the lines
of health and sanitation, $6,000 having been spent by the committee
in making the city and territory surrounding the camp as sanitary
as possible.

592

SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SHRVICH

NEW ORGANS, LOUISIANA — JACKSON BARRACKS — FORT SAINT
PHILLIP — NAVAL STATION, ALGIERS

One of the first accomplishments of the New Orleans Com-
mission on Training Camp Activities organized in September with
splendid enthusiasm was the collection of books and magazines for
the various stations. Over 2,500 books and an even larger number
of magazines had been gathered before the end of the first month's
work. Equally encouraging has been the progress of work for girls,
a number of Patriotic League groups having been organized in a
short time.

The furnishing of the returns of the World Series baseball
games to all the camps in the vicinity was a feature very welcome
to the men. Definite plans have been drawn up providing enter-
tainment for the men at the stations and a vacant building is being
equipped as a khaki club and headquarters for the men.

NORFOLK — PORTSMOUTH DISTRICT

NORFOLK, VIRGINIA — NAVAL TRAINING STATION

Work for the sailors and enlisted men at the stations in the
Norfolk-Portsmouth District, including not only Norfolk and Ports-
mouth but Newport News, Berkley, Virginia Beach and a number
of other resorts and communities, began in June when the Union
War Service Commission of Norfolk was created to meet the needs
of men in all branches of the service.

From the inauguration of the work the churches have had an
active part in providing entertainments, socials, musicals and dances.
Soldier and sailor quartettes at the various churches have attracted
large numbers of men in uniform. Home hospitality has been
promoted by the churches through church parties and also by a
committee of hostesses serving continuously at the Sunday sings.
Hundreds of men are being taken home every Sunday. A number
of down town rest rooms have been opened and many private clubs
including two Jewish clubs have placed their facilities at the dis-
posal of the men. Dances, automobile rides, baseball games, the
collecting of books for camp libraries and of flowers for convales-
cent soldiers in the hospital, week-end parties, one individual enter-
taining 200 men each Saturday afternoon, and the equipment of
Confederate Square with benches to provide meeting places for
soldiers and civilians are making Norfolk's program a noteworthy
one.

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SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

Sunday afternoon services and community sings under the
auspices of five of the churches have attracted large numbers of
people. Fully 4,000 men in uniform and an equally large number
of citizens attended the service. The community sings are now
being held in the armory, the use of which has been secured for
all Saturday and Sunday entertainments. An old mansion with
spacious gardens, a beautiful example of southern architecture, in
the Berkley ward of Norfolk within a few blocks of St. Helena's
Naval Station, has been fitted up as a service club. A great deal of
emphasis is being laid on work for girls, a number of Patriotic
Leagues having been organized under special war workers from the
Y. W. C. A. ; two Travelers' Aid workers have been secured.

The War Service Commission of Virginia Beach has been
organized for the benefit of the men guarding the wireless station
and for the soldiers stationed at the rifle range. The Soldiers' Club
operated by this commission is the only recreational facility at
Virginia Beach. It is now caring for 150 men daily.

PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA — MARINE BARRACKS — NAVY YARD — NAVY
HOSPITAL

With the extension and growth of the work in the Norfolk-
Portsmouth District it became necessary in September for a worker
to give full time to Portsmouth. A separate committee known as
the Portsmouth War Service Commission was organized and a
definite program of activities initiated.

The churches are doing much to provide hospitality and are
systematizing their activities with different churches responsible
for entertainments on definite nights. Through the Girls' and
Women's Committee the Seaboard Air Line is contributing $50 a
month for the services of a Travelers' Aid worker. This committee
has aided materially in organizing constructive work among colored
girls.

The use of the facilities of a number of clubs including the
Catholic club with its gymnasium and showers, has been given the
men and smokers, dances and programs of wrestling and boxing
are being conducted.

NEWPORT NEWS, VIRGINIA — PORT OF EMBARKATION — LANGLEY

AVIATION FIELD — FORTRESS MONROE
Although there have always been numbers of soldiers at For-

594

SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE,

tress Monroe, the selection of Newport News as a port of embarka-
tion made it imperative to station a war recreation worker in that
city. Men from five camps and aviation fields are affected by the
Newport News organization, which also interests itself in the work
at Hampton, Phoebus and Old Point Comfort (Fortress Monroe).
The War Service Bureau was organized in September. It co-
operated with the National League for Women's Service in co-
ordinating the activities of the various interested agencies. A per-
manent office and information bureau, together with an accommoda-
tions department has been opened. Eight recreation places have
been opened to the enlisted men since the bureau was organized.
Among the larger projects are those of the National League for
Women's Service and the Jewish Welfare Board. The churches
are particularly active.

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA — FORT PICKENS — FORT BARRANCAS — AERO-
NAUTIC STATION

The organization in August of the Pensacola Army and Navy
Life Activities Committee has resulted in the collection of books
for the men at the stations, in the supplying of teachers of French
as well as of regular entertainments at the fort and aeronautic
station; the publishing of a bulletin of information and a series of
Saturday night community dances which are performing a distinct
service in combatting the cheap dance halls.

An option has been secured on a two-story building in which
a club for enlisted men will be opened. The ministers of the dif-
ferent churches have issued invitations to the men at the aeronautic
station to attend religious services. Many men have responded
and much home entertainment is resulting from this. Several of
the churches are conducting entertainments and socials.

PETERSBURG AND RICHMOND, VIRGINIA — CAMP

After a study of the Petersburg situation which disclosed a
lack of adequate recreational facilities and of eating and sleeping
accommodations, the Camp Lee War Council was organized in July.

In writing the history of the War Camp Community Service
in Petersburg the churches have had a prominent part. Socials and
entertainments of various kinds, home hospitality and the equip-
ment of a number of rest rooms are the result of the activities of
the churches. A committee of representative colored citizens has

595

SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

been organized to develop activities for the colored troops. The
need for more sleeping accommodations has been one of the most
urgent problems the committee has had to face. To aid in the
solution of this problem and to provide additional facilities for
the men from Camp Lee the Richmond Commission on Training
Camp Activities was organized in September. A number of rest
rooms have been opened and the Committee on Church Cooperation
has adopted the policy of asking each denomination to concentrate
on a down town church making it the center of all its community,
social and religious activities.

RANTOUL, ILLINOIS — AVIATION CAMP

The War Recreational Social Service Bureau organized in Sep-
tember embraces the work conducted at Champaign and Urbana,
fifteen miles from camp, and at Paxton, eleven miles distant.

With the help of a war recreation secretary who has given
part of his time to the work, the Bureau has established an infor-
mation bureau and taken a census of all available rooming and
boarding accommodations. A lot has been secured on which a
town rest room may be erected. Bulletins of activities have been
posted in prominent places and entertainments are being sent to
camp.

The first High Twelve Club to be organized in the army has
been made possible through the Masonic Lodge at Rantoul. The
men are very proud of this club which holds weekly meetings and
suppers at which regular army officers, reserve officers and privates
sit at the same table.

ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS — CAMP GRANT

Beginning its work with comprehensive surveys of the physical
resources of the city, covering assembly places, physical recreation
resources, churches, commercial recreation, schools, social centers,
libraries and other city facilities, the Rockford War Service Com-
mission outlined a program of work covering all the resources of
the community.

In an effort to meet one of the most urgent needs — that of a
club house for the boys who are crowding the streets — an option
was secured on a well-adapted and properly located hall, to be used
as a soldiers' club. Plans have been formulated for its equipment
and management and arrangements are also under way for a club

596

SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SBRVICB

for colored soldiers. Plans are on foot for cooperation with the
Chicago Examiner in a great Christmas celebration.

The community of Beloit is being organized for work through
the War Service Committee.

SPARTA, WISCONSIN — MILITARY RESERVATION

Four miles East of the Sparta Military Reservation lies the
town of Sparta, a community of less than 4,000 people. Here the
Social and Recreation Bureau with the hearty support of all citizens
has been at work since June making its program for the soldiers as
comprehensive as possible. As soon as the work started, the school
buildings, athletic field and equipment were turned over to the com-
mittee for use and the school athletic coach was placed in charge of
the field and of swimming instruction. Two khaki clubs were
immediately equipped and guest privileges extended by the country
club. A Fourth of July celebration attracted an audience of 10,000
people including practically all the soldiers off duty. Saturday night
sales of home-made pies and cakes, the provision of two bulletin
boards of weekly activities, the erection of a band stand at Court
House Square for military concerts, community and camp sings,
socials, dances and baseball and soccer ball games have signalized
the progress of the work.

Between 8,000 and 9,000 people attended the military tourna-
ment held early in October ; later in the month a banquet was given
the military band in appreciation of the services they had rendered
during the summer. The development of work for girls has been
along the line of the organization of a Patriotic League for which
a club room has been equipped, classes in domestic science and play-
ground activities. In August a curfew law was enacted.

A club has been opened at La Crosse whose entertainment com-
mittee is supplying two entertainments a week for the Y. M. C. A.
huts. The withdrawal of troops in October has meant the practical
suspensions of the program of activities. Plans are on foot, how-
ever, for next year's work.

SPARTANBURG, SOUTH CAROLINA — CAMP WADSWORTH

Confronted with the problem of proving to the thousands of
New York boys stationed at Camp Wadsworth that southern hospi-
tality is worthy of its reputation, the Spartanburg Commission on
Training Camp Activities inaugurated in August its campaign of
good fellowship.

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SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

Two information bureaus were immediately opened in banks
and a census of boarding houses and available rooms was taken.
During the first month a number of concerts, dances and receptions
were held and the Sunday School facilities of a church with twenty-
five small rooms and two large ones were thrown open from four
to ten p. m. daily under the direction of a paid leader.

As the work developed the churches became very active, at
least six of them giving regular Saturday evening entertainments
and five furnishing talent at the camp. Much of the home enter-
tainment which is so greatly appreciated by the men has been
brought about through the churches. Small group parties, recep-
tions, entertainment by lodges and concerts have increased, three
band concerts each week by the military band being one of the latest
additions to the program. As Spartanburg is the musical center of
the South, much emphasis is being laid on this phase and community
sings are becoming very popular. The auditorium of Converse
College, seating 2,500, has been secured for use on practically all
Saturday evenings and for Sunday afternoon concerts and song
services.

The recent securing of Woodman Hall as an enlisted men's club
represents an important and much needed addition to the city's
facilities. The Rotary Club has voted to contribute $60 a month to
the support of the club which will be in charge of a special worker,
the soldiers themselves being represented on the board of manage-
ment. The equipment of a rest room in the Old Brick School House
now used as barracks for the military police has been greatly ap-
preciated by the men. A canteen service has been organized for
the visiting men's club, with seven teams composed of fifteen women
each who conduct the canteen from ten a. m. to ten p. m. A move-
ment is on foot among the wives and friends of the army officers
to raise $20,000 for the erection, equipment and operation of a large
club building.

WESTERN DIVISION

DEMING, NEW MEXICO — CAMP CODY

Notwithstanding the limited resources of the town whose
population numbers about 3,500, approximately 1,500 of whom are
Mexican, Deming has been eager since the location of the camp
near it to do all in its power for the national guardsmen. The

598

SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

formation in August of a War Service Board marked the strength-
ening of the scattered activities which had been started and the
inauguration of an enlarged program.

The city has increased its commercial recreation facilities con-
sisting of one motion picture house, several pool and billiard rooms
and "bone dry" saloons by the erection of two large wooden frame
buildings for use as vaudeville and musical theatres, two small
motion picture houses, and one large opera house. A further step
towards the material increase of commercial amusement resources
lies in the erection of Turner Amusement Park of 160 acres which
will be a permanent state fair ground. This park will be conducted
with the cooperation of the War Service Board, ten per cent of
the gate receipts and twenty-five per cent of the concession rentals
going to the treasurer of the Board.

The city is cooperating with the Board by arranging for the
installation of comfort stations and six drinking fountains and the
jitney and car fare has been reduced from twenty-five cents to
ten cents in order that more men may enjoy the program offered
by the Board.

The comprehensive program of activities which is constantly
growing in usefulness includes series of dances for enlisted men
and commissioned officers, some of the dances being given by the
enlisted men themselves with chaperones provided by the Board,
the arrangement of classes in French, Spanish and Mathematics, the
provision of entertainment at camp and in the community, of band
concerts, athletic meets, baseball games, home hospitality and
activities through the churches, the union church service held at
the Crystal Theatre attracting large numbers.

An outdoor swimming pool has been built and work is now
being pushed on the transformation of an old reservoir 800 feet
square into an athletic stadium.

The organization of a Grievance Committee will, it is hoped,
prove effective in adjusting differences arising from overcharges
and unfairness on the part of tradesmen while the creation of a
War Workers' Council with representatives from organizations
within the camp and the community will, the feeling is, strengthen
and coordinate camp and community forces and activities.

EL PASO, TEXAS — CAMP BAKER — CAMP STEWART — FORT BLISS

The soldier problem is no new one to El Paso, where last year

599

SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

many thousands of men were encamped. Because of the feeling
that there may be an encampment for several years to come, the
City of El Paso, through the group of interested citizens appointed
in June, with the assistance of the Chamber of Commerce, has
determined to make its work of a permanent character, directing
its efforts towards making the men a part of the community's life
rather than its temporary guests. The War Service Board of
El Paso is a distinct organization dedicated to the welfare and
efficiency of the United States Army.

One of the features of the work has been French instruction
given under the direction of the high school superintendent. At
least 2,000 men are enrolled in the classes which are held at camp
with instruction from high -school teachers and university professors.
Instruction in English has also been instituted and many are avail-
ing themselves of the opportunity. Other activities for the soldiers
have included the collection of books for camp, socials, entertain-
ment through churches and lodges, automobile rides for convalescent
soldiers and entertainments at the base hospital and other recreation
buildings in adjacent camps. This work has become so extensive
that a woman has been engaged to take charge of the organization
of entertainments and local activities and to help in the planning of
activities carried on by the churches and lodges. A continuous
program of social center activities, entertainments and athletic
events is now being conducted under the direction of this local
director.

Money has been made available for a much needed swimming
pool. The churches are providing many of the facilities for the
soldiers' entertainment. A large church building is soon to be put
in shape for a down-town club.

Splendid progress has been made in work for girls through the
organization of a Patriotic League and a number of clubs. An
employment bureau has been established and two policewomen
appointed.

A Grievance Committee to arbitrate in cases of unfair charges
and complaints is one of the latest contributions of the committee
to the well-being of the city's guests.

BORDER TOWNS

The war recreation secretary stationed at El Paso has given
a part of his time to helping the so-called border towns in carrying

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SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

out a program of activities. While conditions do not necessitate
the placing of a permanent worker in each of these small places,
the aid which is being given to the organization of committees to
carry on the work is proving very helpful. Through visits and
correspondence the interest and efforts of the committees in the
various towns are being stimulated.

BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS

Of the border towns Brownsville has been one of the most
active in providing entertainment for its guests. The Recreation
Board organized in July has secured the hearty cooperation of the
Masons and Elks who are providing a reading room and opening
their club facilities to the soldiers. The Girls' Honor Guard has
secured the use of a shady park space in the center of the town
equipping it with benches for the use of the soldiers. Library
facilities have been provided and a program of dances, band concerts
and community singing is being carried out. The Board is cooperat-
ing closely with the chaplain in providing entertainments at the post
and is assisting in the construction of a skating rink for the men.

Rio, TEXAS

Work in Del Rio where a War Service Board was organized in
July is being carried on under the general direction of the chaplain
at the post, responsibility for carrying out various parts of the
program being assigned to individual members of the Board.

Because of the splendid location of the camp on the banks of
the San Felipe River, providing two exceptionally fine swimming
pools, and the existence of a well-equipped Y. M. C. A. building in
the community, War Camp Community Service presents fewer
problems to the Del Rio Board than it does in some of the other
border towns where conditions are not so favorable. The churches
are providing a number of entertainments and town and garrison
talent is cooperating splendidly in a number of events. Community
singing and band concerts have added greatly to the program.

Not only the soldiers but the Mexicans and negroes in the
community are being provided with means for recreation and self-
expression.

DOUGLAS, ARIZONA

The Soldiers' Recreation Board of Douglas prides itself on

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SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

being the first organization for war recreation work created in the
border towns. A smallpox scare in June interfered with the pro-
posed program but many activities have since been carried on in a
vigorous manner. Entertainments at the recreation building in the
camp, the collection of a library of about 700 volumes, the equip-
ment of a down town soldiers' club, automobile rides for con-
valescent soldiers, entertainment through churches and fraternal
orders and work for Jewish soldiers through a special committee
have won the appreciation of the men at the post.

EAGLE PASS, TEXAS

The War Service Board of Eagle Pass formed in August is
having the hearty cooperation of the chaplain who is doing much
inside the camp to provide activities. Weekly band concerts by
the regimental band are being given in the community, the band
stand having been moved to the center of the plaza. The weekly
parties which are being given for the men are proving very
popular.

LAREDO, TEXAS

Laredo's War Service Board, appointed in July, has arranged
for frequent military band concerts at the city's beautiful plaza
and for community singing. A special program of entertainment
is being provided by the Women's Club which has also been instru-
mental in establishing a down town soldiers' club.

MAREA, TEXAS

The churches of Marfa have provided the main avenue of

approach to the enlisted men and scattered groups doing patrol
and guard duty at thirteen posts along the river. Various forms
of recreation are provided by the five churches and the men are
taking active part in the services. Books have been furnished
through the War Service Board of El Paso at the various patrol
stations.

NOGALES, ARIZONA

Although Nogales has a population of only 5,000, half of whom
are Mexicans and its recreation facilities are limited to three mov-
ing picture shows, a baseball field, Masonic Temple and the equip-
ment which four churches can offer, the splendid spirit of the citi-

602

SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

zens and their desire to be of service are making a number of
activities possible through the Federation on Camp Activities or-
ganized in July.

The churches and lodges are conducting regular and systematic
programs of activities. Magazines and books are being sent to
camp and entertainments arranged at the post. A dancing club for
enlisted men conducted under their own management is proving
very successful.

The community organizer for the border towns has felt it
wise to try to enlist the interest of the entire state of Arizona.
With this in mind, influential officials and organizations in Tucson
and Phoenix, the two most important cities in the state, are being
lined up.

FORT WORTH, TEXAS — CAMP BOWIE

In July Fort Worth assumed its responsibility towards the men
at Camp Bowie in the organization of a War Service Board which,
with the help of a permanent war recreation worker, has proved
very much alive to its opportunities and responsibilities.

The publishing of a bulletin of activities and a directory of
churches, fraternal orders and labor unions, the sending of letters
to the towns from which the boys come, the provision of a comfort
station and ten drinking fountains, club and reading rooms, com-
munity "sing songs," automobile rides, a performance of The
Creation at one of the regular Sunday matinees, receptions, enter-
tainments, socials, dances, musicals and hospitality by churches and
fraternal orders have resulted in a justly popular program.

The Parker Amusement Company, operating for the first time
under semi-military regulations, has opened a park which it is hoped
will go far towards solving commercial recreation problems.

A Patriotic League has been organized for girls and many group
activities are being carried on. A probation officer has been engaged
and an employment bureau established.

HOUSTON, TEXAS — CAMP LOGAN

Through the War Service Bureau of the Chamber of Commerce
organized in July the citizens of Houston are expressing a cordial
spirit of hospitality towards the men at Camp Logan. In less than
two weeks after the creation of the bureau eight rest rooms and
clubs, two of them for officers and their wives, were in operation;

603

SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

a committee of colored citizens was at work providing activities for
the colored soldiers through sings, dances and a social center at the
colored library; a policewoman had been appointed and arrange-
ments were being made for instruction in French. Further activi-
ties have resulted in the opening of four additional rest rooms, the
appointment by the committee on work for the colored troops of
ten women to receive training as policewomen, home and church
entertainment, musicals, socials, dances, receptions, banquets and a
very successful "hospitality week" arranged by the churches and
hospitality committees.

The training of women as Travelers' Aid workers and police-
women is considered an important part of the program of preventive
and instructive work for both colored and white girls.

Sunday afternoon community concerts, the first of which was
attended by 4,000 people, have resulted in community singing and
are offering opportunities for get-together occasions. Sixteen hun-
dred volumes have been sent to the Y. M. C. A. huts. Details have
been worked out for a pageant to be given in December and a com-
mittee appointed to give plays throughout the year.

JUNCTION CITY, MANHATTAN, ARMY CITY, KANSAS — FORT

CAMP FUNSTON
JUNCTION CITY

The history of the Junction City Council on Training Camp
Activities organized in May is one of splendid achievement under
difficulties arising from inadequate facilities. When the Officers'
Reserve Training Camp was established at Fort Riley, a survey of
the recreational facilities of the city with its 6,000 inhabitants re-
vealed the fact that the combined seating capacity of all recreational
features including the motion picture house, opera house, pool
rooms, hotel lobbies, cigar and refreshment stands was slightly over
3,000 while many times that number of soldiers were coming to the
city daily for their free time activities.

Undaunted by the stupendousness of its task the council secured
the cooperation of the fraternal orders, churches and Chamber of
Commerce in opening their facilities to the men and providing all
possible entertainment. Further activities of the Council included
the publishing of the Junction City and Fort Riley pamphlet con-
taining information regarding city and camp, the arrangement of
a successful patriotic celebration and other special features in which

604

SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

the community and soldiers participated, the compilation, with the
cooperation of the Chamber of Commerce, of a directory of avail-
able rooms and the stimulation of home hospitality through churches
and lodges. Through the educational department whose cooperation
was enlisted, two playgrounds were opened in connection with the
schools under expert leadership and one city playground with an
athletic field, baseball diamond and swimming pool was made avail-
able for the soldiers. Free use of the track of the driving club was
secured for athletic carnivals.

To meet the imperative need for a suitable recreation building
for the use of the soldiers, $15,000 was raised through a quick
canvass to provide for the erection of a community house and Young
Women's League rooms. The . community house which serves as a
meeting place for soldiers and civilians and houses most of the
soldier and civilian activities has had an average attendance on week
days of 1,500 and week-ends from 4,000 to 5,000. A second recrea-
tion building costing $27,000 exclusive of the lot will soon be under
way.

Funds are now being raised among the negroes of the larger
cities in the section of the country in which Camp Funston is
located which, together with funds from other sources, will, it is
hoped, provide recreational equipment for the thousands of negro
troops whose needs cannot be met by existing facilities. The
combined negro population of Junction City and Manhattan is
less than 500 and their resources must be materially supplemented.

MANHATTAN

An organization similar to that at Junction City has been
effected in Manhattan and all officials and citizens are cooperating
to make the city the best possible place for the soldiers. The State
Agricultural College has offered all its facilities to the men, giving
frequent entertainments, exhibitions, athletic meets and games. The
churches are providing Sunday afternoon and evening entertain-
ments. Four thousand dollars was raised by public subscription to
equip and maintain a temporary recreation hall and the city has
voted $15,000 bonds for a permanent community building which
will cost $31,000, the Rotary Club of the district providing the
balance of the funds needed.

The Y. W. C. A. is cooperating in Manhattan and Junction
City by providing recreational facilities for girls and young women,

60S

SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

by operating a rest room for women in Junction City and by conduct-
ing classes in physical education and hygiene in both cities.

ARMY CITY

Army City, immediately adjacent to the Government Reserva-
tion, is a purely commercial town built to provide for the leisure
time of the men at Camp Funston. A joint committee from the
Councils of Manhattan and Junction City is planning the work. A
cafeteria has been opened by the Y. W. C. A. which has erected a
temporary building for housing about 40 young women employed
at Army City.

The sixteen representatives of the War Department Com-
mission on Training Camp Activities inside and outside the camp
have formed a council meeting twice each month which is making
more effective the work for the welfare of the soldiers.

LAWTON, OKLAHOMA — FORT SILL

In spite of the inadequate facilities of the community and the
lack of any considerable wealth the War Service Board of Lawton
appointed in August began at once to work out a comprehensive
program.

A disused school building was immediately obtained as a
soldiers' club with lounge, billiards, pool, reading and writing
facilities and baths. Four comfort stations have been erected at a
cost of $6,000; large benches have replaced the "keep off" signs in
town; lawn fetes, banquets, band concerts, Sunday night concerts,
receptions, musicals, and socials, the opening of a number of church
khaki clubs with hostesses in charge are only a few activities of
which the War Service Board may justly be proud.

The Housing Bureau which is in charge of a paid worker has
listed 1,200 available rooms and is rendering invaluable assistance
to the officers and privates. The organization of a high school boys'
club and of a business women's league are a unique feature of the
work, while the forming of an association of jitney drivers which
will pay $500 a month into the treasury of the Board, is an enter-
prise no other camp city has undertaken.

The Lawton Hospitality House which opened in October has
rilled a great need. Here 500 soldiers were served with luncheon at
the Gala Day performances attended by 30,000 people at which track
events, a sham battle and flying feats by eight airplanes were fea-

606

SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

tures of the program. Under the direction of a special Y. W. C. A.

war worker, clubs have been organized for girls and a club house

built.

LITTLE: ROCK, ARKANSAS — ARGENTA, ARKANSAS — CAMP PIKE

Little Rock, another of the pioneer camp cities, began in May
to blaze a trail in War Camp Community Service.

The second Sunday the boys were in camp the early efforts
of the War Service Board bore their first fruits when many of the
men attending service were taken home for dinner. With the use
of the municipal auditorium secured for dances and other entertain-
ments, a program of activities began immediately. Dances, lawn
fetes, baseball games, Sunday afternoon band concerts, community
singing, automobile rides, musicals, entertainment through fraternal
orders and churches have made a continuous and full program.

Many clubs and buildings have been thrown open for the com-
fort and enjoyment of the men. Drinking fountains and comfort
stations have been installed and a swimming zone established in
the Arkansas River at the foot of the fort, and dressing rooms pro-
vided. The old Capitol grounds have been fitted up with a band
stand, park benches and electric lights and seats have been placed
about the city for the men and their guests.

The Hotel and Rooming House Accommodations Bureau which
is being conducted under the direction of a paid worker, has listed
750 available rooms. A Grievance Committee consisting of citizens
and military authorities is working to secure fair treatment for
merchants and soldiers.

A large room covering three stores is being used as a central
soldiers' club and through the courtesy of the Elks rooms have
been set aside for officers' wives. An interesting feature of the
Little Rock work, indicative of the splendid spirit with which the
city is expressing its hospitality to the soldiers is the welcome given
men when they first reach camp. A committee of business men
meets each train bringing troops to the city, greeting the men as
they arrive and very often serving them with luncheons prepared
for them by the women of the community.

The problem of the young girl is receiving careful considera-
tion by the Health and Recreation Association in which thirty-seven
women's clubs have representation. This association is working
to secure better chaperonage for the girls in the city, more modest
methods of dressing and to promote a curfew law sentiment.

607

SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SHRVICH

The Board has secured the cooperation of the city authorities
in meeting the dance hall problems with the result that the licensing
fee has been made so high that only the better class dance halls can
afford to pay it. A further step in advance lies in the erection of
a $300,000 building which will contain a large well-lighted dance
hall under the censorship of the War Service Board.

Argenta across the river is cooperating with Little Rock in
activities for the men in uniform and a separate organization is
now in the process of formation.

PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA — CAMP FREMONT

In August the work was organized in Palo Alto under the
Recreation Commission for Camp Fremont which, with the co-
operation of Redwood City, San Mateo, San Jose and other small
communities on the peninsula, immediately undertook a program
for entertaining the men at camp.

The hospital equipment of Agnew including a complete theatre
building, dance and reception rooms was turned over to the Com-
mission and the state armory was secured as a club house. A series
of baseball games was arranged between the hospital employees and
enlisted men and a camp paper published. The temporary dis-
continuing of the camp made unnecessary further activities but
with its reopening in October the work was enthusiastically re-
newed. Santa Clara College, prominent in athletics and dramatics,
which has been selected as a reserve officers' training school, will
make its facilities available for the use of the Commission. The
recent gift of a large house and five acres of land located within
a half mile of the camp, has made possible a well-equipped club
house.

San Jose is offering weekly entertainment to the officers in a
series of luncheons given by the Chamber of Commerce and dances
given by the leading hotel of the city.

A systematic registration of all girls between the ages of 12
and 20 is being taken in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties with
the purpose of organizing clubs for patriotic service. The churches
and women's clubs became active from the first, the former in try-
ing to get the men to attend church and church sociables, and the
latter in developing social entertainment in the way of dances, re-
ceptions and entertainments of various kinds, the women's club
houses being donated for that purpose.

608

SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH — FORT DOUGLAS

The Soldiers' Recreation Board, organized in June, has been
active in securing the use of all public recreational facilities such
as municipal swimming pools and a gymnasium and in arranging
for week-end automobile trips and entertainments at the post hos-
pital. During the summer reduced rates were secured for swim-
ming, boating and roller skating at a near-by summer resort. A
great deal has been done in securing free admission for men in
uniform to the baseball games played in the city. The army club,
established in a down town section, has attracted large numbers
of men.

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS — CAMP TRAVIS

With splendid enthusiasm the War Service Board of San An-
tonio, organized in June, has faced the problem of providing facili-
ties and activities for the men at six stations: Camp Travis, with
the drafted men, the Aviation Station at Kelly Field, Camp Sam
Houston, Camp Stanley, the Arsenal and the Balloon School.

As a result of the early activities of the Board, Travis Military
Park was dedicated to the use of the soldiers. Lights, benches and
a "sing-song" platform were installed at a cost of approximately
$1,000. The golf, tennis and athletic facilities at Brackenridge
Park were opened to the men in uniform free of charge and two
bathing beaches developed especially for them. The opening of a
number of recreation and club rooms by churches and lodges, the
establishment of the Tip Top Club at the top of a modern office
building in the heart of the city, the distribution of bulletin direc-
tories giving the names of fraternal orders, labor unions and
churches and the erection of an Information and Housing Bureau
which has served the needs of hundreds of soldiers and their guests,
have made San Antonio's program a very helpful one. Other activi-
ties include the promotion of union services known as Pleasant
Sunday Evenings in which all denominations join, an outdoor
theatre at Brackenridge Park, community singing, band concerts,
entertainments, dances, athletic events, the organization of local
talent for entertainments inside and outside the camp, the stimula-
tion of such activities as automobile rides for convalescent soldiers
under the auspices of the Red Cross, the promotion of the amuse-
ment park established under the supervision of the military authori-
ties and the censoring of commercial amusement enterprise, the

609

SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

organization of a Square Deal Association, the inauguration of a
systematic, city-wide work for girls, including the stimulation of
patriotic activities, the development of protective work with a
Travelers' Aid worker and seven policewomen and the establish-
ment of a protective home.

San Antonio's attitude toward the work of the War Service
Board is shown by the fact that the city has raised $46,000 for it —
the largest contribution for any phase of patriotic work except the
Red Cross.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA — CAMP KEARNEY

San Diego's Committee on Recreation for Army and Navy
which has concerned itself with work for soldiers, marines, signal
corps troops and an aviation corps stationed at various posts and
camps near the city, is fortunate in having available for its use
the La Jolla playground and social center with its unusually fine
equipment of grounds and recreation building. Since the inaugura-
tion of the work in June these facilities have been in constant use,
truck loads of soldiers going daily to the recreation building where
the shower baths have proved a great boon. Baseball and basket
ball leagues have been organized on the playgrounds and athletic
equipment furnished. Dances are frequently conducted on the
playgrounds. Other facilities belonging to the Playground Depart-
ment have been freely turned over to the men in service.

San Diego's splendid spirit of hospitality has found many chan-
nels of expression. Drinking fountains and comfort stations have
been installed ; many books have been collected for camp libraries ;
trade journals and magazines which will keep the men in touch with
developments in their line of work are being made available for
them. Night school courses including instruction in French and
manual arts have been opened. The exposition grounds and the
stadium have been made available for the men and many events
are conducted there, the Labor Day service meet and military exhibi-
tion held at the stadium having attracted 8,000 people. A Fourth
of July celebration was also voted a great success. Outdoor con-
certs, community sings, dances, aquatic and athletic sports, home
entertainment, the expansion of club privileges and many activities
through the churches are making San Diego's hospitality justly
famous.

A number of khaki clubs have been established for two of which

610

SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SBRVICB

the Chamber of Commerce appropriates $50 a month. The Enlisted
Men's Club, splendidly equipped by the Rotary Club, is a very
popular center. Plans are on foot for opening additional club
rooms and for equipping the athletic field of the armory for mili-
tary police, soldiers and sailors.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

Beginning its activities with a survey of existing recreational
facilities, the Committee for Recreation for Soldiers and Sailors
inaugurated in July an ambitious program.

A mammoth Fourth of July celebration including band concerts,
an athletic meet and a grand ball, the provision of a branch library
in camp as well as thousands of books for chaplains and of
instruction in French, the securing of a number of private club
facilities for the use of the men, extensive home hospitality and
entertainments of various kinds, marked the first two months'
achievements.

Plans for a number of soldiers' clubs rapidly matured. The
opening of the National Defenders' Club for soldiers, sailors and
marines, with the cooperation of the National League for Women's
Service and of the Palace Hotel Club made possible by another
group of women represents an achievement which has meant much
in the history of San Francisco's War Camp Community Service.
The City Federation of Women's Clubs carried through a series of
over fifty dances, most of them held at the large ball rooms at the
hotels, and the music committee inaugurated community singing
culminating in a magnificent festival of Allied Songs, with tableaux,
pageantry and ballets. All of the sings have been held at the Civic
Auditorium and the attendance in some cases has been 12,000. An
Auto Recreation Corps has mobilized patriotic auto owners and
with the aid of seven secretaries has provided auto rides for con-
valescents and Sunday trips. Additional features have been pro-
vided in open houses and receptions including musical and dramatic
entertainments in which the men themselves have a part, baseball
games and a big army and navy tournament on Columbus Day.

The fraternal orders of the city have been most cooperative in
providing club and reading rooms for the men as have been the
hotels in permitting their facilities to be used for many functions.
Recent action on the part of the managers of twenty of the best
hotels has resulted in the privilege of free baths by all and a
reduction in rates by a number.

611

SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON — BREMERTON NAVY YARD — FORT CASEY —
FORT FLAGLER — FORT LAWTON — FORT WORDEN

The Seattle Recreation Committee for Soldiers and Sailors
which has been at work since August may justly point with pride
to its achievement in securing for the men at the nearby camps
and forts a club house adequate for the demands which will be
made upon it. The equipment of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Club,
formerly the Seattle Athletic Club, includes a gymnasium where
weekly functions are given, swimming pool, shower baths, rest,
writing and game rooms and sleeping accommodations for 250 men.
These facilities will prove invaluable in developing a leisure time
program. Other accomplishments of the committee are represented
in the securing of the use of the arena seating 8,000 people in which
a military pageant was staged in September, the extension of mem-
bership privileges by two of the largest clubs of the city, auto-
mobile trips, the successful working out of a Mothers' Day program
and home hospitality through which many men are sent into homes
each week.

An ambitious series of athletic events covering three months
has been worked out. Athletic carnivals, football games, an ice
carnival and indoor track meets are features of the program.
Many of the girls of the city, organized in groups of ten under the
leadership of older women, will give dances, parties and other
entertainments.

TACOMA, WASHINGTON — CAMP LEWIS

Tacoma and Seattle are working jointly in the provision of
activities for the men at camp although each city has a war recrea-
tion secretary and separate organization.

Tacoma's Committee on Recreation for Soldiers, facing the
problems arising from the sudden doubling of its population and
with inadequate playground and commercial amusement resources
and insufficient transportation facilities between city and camp, has
nevertheless entered with enthusiasm on its great task. Home enter-
tainment, small group dances, Saturday night church socials, auto-
mobile rides and the collection of books for camp were the out-
growth of the first month's work in August.

Private clubs and fraternal orders have been generous in plac-
ing their facilities at the disposal of the soldiers and in extending
membership privileges. Available rooms have been listed and a

612

SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE,

weekly bulletin of social events and church activities published.
Concerts, dances, several football games at the Stadium, one of
which was attended by 12,000 soldiers, the provision of entertain-
ment at camp and the laying of plans for an amusement zone at
camp and for a club for colored soldiers have made Tacoma's pro-
gram for War Camp Community Service memorable.

VALLEJO, CALIFORNIA — MARE: ISLAND NAVAL TRAINING STATION

One of the greatest achievements of the Naval Recreation
Commission of Vallejo in its two months' history has been the
development of a spirit of cooperation among the people of the
community who have never before been organized for civic im-
provement.

In spite of the fact that military orders have restricted the
liberty of the sailors in coming to the city, the work of the Com-
mission made progress not only for the men at Mare Island but
also for the men from San Francisco to whom a royal welcome is
given.

Dances, extensive home entertainment, hospitality through fra-
ternal orders, provision of extension courses in French, the forma-
tion of a community chorus and the arrangement of football games
with Pacific Coast colleges and athletic clubs were features of the
program during the early history of War Camp Community Service.

The provision of soldiers' and sailors' clubs has been one of the
important features of the work. The Guild House which will care
for 300 men has been turned over to the Commission, as have the
facilities of the Motor and Yacht Club with its dance hall and
reception room. Plans are on foot for the fitting up of the base-
ment of the public library as a service club.

WACO, TEXAS — FORT Me ARTHUR

The first step taken by the War Board on its organization in
July was the provision of activities for negro troops through the
stimulation of the interest of representative colored citizens and
their appointment as committee members to take charge of the
work. The second month of service was marked by the establish-
ment of a number of rest rooms by the churches which also inaugu-
rated socials and home entertainment; the equipment of a down
town club by the Young Men's Business League and the provision
of comfort stations. Great impetus was given during August to

613

SIX MONTHS OF WAR CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

the development of work for girls, through the formation of classes
for factory girls, the employment of a policewoman and the estab-
lishment of civic centers in the schools. Later history of girls' work
in Waco records the organization of Girls' Patriotic Leagues and
of an employment bureau.

The fraternal orders of the city have been very active in enter-
taining their members and in opening their rooms as rest and read-
ing rooms. Steps are being taken to meet some of the dance hall
problems by the furnishing of chaperones for the public dances and
the arrangement of private small group dances.

Other features of the program which have won the gratitude
of the soldiers have included the listing of available boarding houses
and rooms, the equipment of a swimming pool with dressing rooms,
the establishment of rest rooms for Jewish soldiers, entertainment
for the men at the base hospital and the appointment of an employ-
ment committee to find work for the wives of enlisted men who
wish to be near their husbands.

The first six months of War Camp Community Service with
its experiments, its failures and its successes have passed. The
foundation has been laid. The next six months will see the strength-
ening of the structure — the enlargement and growth of this epoch-
making movement. For history is being made in this the first year
of America's share in the world's war, not only on the battle fields
of France but in the cities of America which are preparing the way
for a new democracy.

To the National Board of the Y. W. C. A., the local Y. M. C.
A's, the churches, lodges, civic clubs, women's organizations and
all the groups and individuals whose cooperation is making War
Camp Community Service a living force, and especially to the
Chambers of Commerce and Rotary Clubs and other groups who
are aiding so generously in raising the funds to finance the work,
the Playground and Recreation Association of America wishes to
express its indebtedness and appreciation.

614

Index To Volume XI

ACTIVITIES

Adult Recreation ..................................................... 201

Community Fair, The, /. Sterling Moran ............................. 76

Night on a Mountain Top, A, Dr. Henry S. Curtis ................... 540

Outdoor Social Dancing on the Playground, A. E. Metzdorf ......... 553

Play Activities ....................................................... 266

Play School of the University of California, Mrs. D. Alford Hether-

ington ............................................................ 25

Relation of Schools and Colleges to Community Music, The, Peter W.

Dykema .......................................................... 305

Skating Rinks and Winterr Sports .................................... 214

Storyteller Beckons, The, Evelyn Shedd ............................. 115

What Music Did for Winfield, Edgar B. Gordon ..................... 69

ACTIVITIES — NATURE STUDY

Home, School and Vacant Lot Gardening ........................... 163

Protecting the Wild Flowers, Joseph Lee ........................ ..... Ill

ACTIVITIES — NEIGHBORHOOD CENTERS

Civic Forums ........................................................ 201

Neighborhood Center Movement, The, A. E. Metzdorf and Walter

Campbell ......................................................... 542

Problems Connected with Neighborhood Recreation Center Work... 171

Use of School Buildings as Neighborhood Recreation Centers ...... 328

ACTIVITIES — GAMES AND ATHLETICS

Athletic Badge Tests for Boys and Girls ........................... 205

Athletics for Elementary School Girls, Ethel Rockwell .............. 94

Comments upon the Kalamazoo Plan, George Ellsworth Johnson .... 103

Playing by Mail, Anne R. Smith ..................................... 271

Public Schools Athletic League:

Boys' Work ................................................... 80

Girls' Work ................................................... 86

Walking and Preparedness, Dr. John H. Finley ...................... 190

ADMINISTRATION

Accidents on the Playground ......................................... 215

Budgets ............................................................ 207

Building Up a Town's Recreation, A. E. Metzdorf .................... 338

Dues and Charges for Recreation Privileges .......................... 168

Group Organization ................................................. 170

If the Volunteer Does His Bit ...................................... 549

Play School of the University of California, Professor Clark W.

Hetherington ..................................................... 19

Politics and Recreation .............................................. 169

Practical Points from Racine, A. A. Fisk ............................ 108

Regarding Playground Administration, A. A. Fisk .................... 275

School Playground, The, Ruth Sherburne ............................ 320

615

Statesman or a Clerk, A, George A. Sim 262

Ways and Means in a Recreation System 164

What Constitutes a Year-round Recreation System, Abbie Condit 198

A MERICANIZATION

Americanizing Program, An, G. F. Ashe 190

Civic Theatre of Pawtucket, R. 1 255

BOOK REVIEWS

Child's Book of Holiday Plays, A, Francis Gillespey Wickes 59

Christianizing the Community Life, Harry F. Ward and Richard Henry

Edwards 342

Christmasse in Merrie England, Mari Ruef Hofer 176

City Planning, Charles Mulford Robinson 178

City Residential Land Development, Edited by Alfred B. Yeomans.. 118

Community Center Activities, Clarence Arthur Perry 58

First County Park System, The, Frederick W. Kelsey 58

First Steps in Community Center Development, Clarence Arthur Perry 231

Folk Dances for Young People, Cecilia Van Cleve 57

Gary Schools, The, R. S. Bourne 176

Harvest Festival, Mari Ruef Hofer 176

Hiawatha Industrial Reader, The, Mary A. Proudfoot 177

Holiday Plays for Home, School and Settlement, Virginia Olcott 557

Indoor and Outdoor Athletic Games, Golden D. Long 178

Lists of Stories and Programs for Story Hours, Effie L. Power 178

Memoirs of David Blaustein, Educator and Communal Worker, Ar-
ranged by Miriam Blaustein 342

Outline of Physical Education for Primary and Grammar Schools,

Junior High Schools, An, Ernst Hermann 342

Play Life of the First Eight Years, Luella A. Palmer 118

Plays for Home, School and Settlement, Virginia Olcott 119

Recreation and the Church, Herbert Wright Gates 284

Spring Pantomime, Mari Ruef Hofer 176

Ten Boys' Farces, Eustace M. Peixotto 118

Victor in Rural Schools, The, Victor Talking Machine Co 57

"When Mother Lets Us" Series 342

COMMERCIAL RECREATION

Commercial Recreation Transformed 113

Program for Dealing with the Movies, A, Joseph Lee 257

CONFERENCES

Community Singing Conference 302

Conference on Recreation in Cities and Towns of Less than Ten

Thousand Population 162

Recreation Conference in Duluth 313

EQUIPMENT

Apparatus and Surfacing 212

Bowling Alleys 215

Discus'sion of Problems of Outdoor Playground Construction 42

Fencing and Playgrounds 282

Home-Made Gymnasium, A, Grover C. Imhoff 556

Indoor Pools, 5". K. Nason 51

Laying Out of Playgrounds, The 209

Laying Out Playgrounds, A. B. Metzdorf 277

Portable Outdoor Picture Screen, /. H. Stine 555

Regarding Apparatus 463

616

Suggestions for the Construction of a Regulation Baseball Field,

A. B. Metsdorf 454

Suggestions for the Construction of Clay Tennis Courts, A. B. Mets-
dorf 457

Surfacing 454

Swimming Pools, V. K. Brown 43

Wading Pools 460

EQUIPMENT — RECREATION BUILDINGS

Report of the Committee on Recreation Buildings 33

Stadiums 448

FESTIVALS AND PAGEANTS

Bethlehem Bach Festivals — A Community Enterprise, Raymond

Walters 65

Community Christmas Celebration, The 442

Living Christmas Tree, A 441

Seven Gifts, The, Stuart Walker, as described by Grace Humphrey.. 531

FOREIGN PLAY

Athletic Contests in the Land of the Midnight Sun, Walter W. Pettit. . 105

China's Athletic Team Visits Japan, /. H. Crocker 551

Play in Many Lands 224

Recreation Problems in Uruguay, Samuel G. Ybargoyen 29

MILITARY TRAINING

Military Training in Schools 220

New York "Military Training" Laws in Operation, 222

NEED AND SIGNIFICANCE OF PI,AY

Chamber of Commerce Tells Why, A . . 230

Children's Isle, The, W. F. French 296

It Pays to Play, Terence Vincent 266

Neighborhood and Community Life 541

Playground Makes Leaders of Men, The, Elizabeth O'Neill 261

Somewhere in America 192

PICTORIAL ISSUE

War-Camp Community-Recreation Service 395

RECREATION DEVELOPMENTS

Accomplishments in Various Cities 363

Forward Steps in Recreation in, Illinois, Sidney A. Teller 52

How Grass Lake, Michigan, Secured and Maintained a Playground,

W. A. Cutler 160

Neighborhood Center Work of the Tri-Cities, La Salle, Peru, Oglesby,

Illinois 315

One Year of Recreation in Detroit 109

Proclamation to Boys' Clubs, C. J. Atkinson 189

Recreation for Crippled Children 204

Story of Rose Cottage, The, Ginevra Harrison Potts.. 17

What One Small Community Has Done to Develop a Year-round

Recreation System 196

617

RECREATION DEVELOPMENTS — INDUSTRIAL RECREATION

Recreation in Industry, Charles Frederick Weller 250, 331, 444

Vocational Recreation, L. H. Weir 258

RECREATION WORKERS

Kindly Observer Observes, The 274

New Profession, A 206

Play Leader's Alphabet, The, B. B. DeGroot 341

Volunteer Leadership 336

What Is the Place of the Club Leader 263

Women in the Recreation Movement 203

RURAL RECREATION

Children's Nature Experiences Told in the Cornell Rural School

Leaflet 110

City Comforts for Country Teachers, Dr. Geo. B. Vincent 243

Rural Recreation 152

Tower City Finds Itself, F. H. Talbot 74

Trained Teachers Promote Community Spirit 116

STATISTICS

Year Book Reports from Cities of 35,000 to 50,000 Inhabitants 217

TRAINING FOR RECREATION WORKERS

Problem Well Stated, A 340

Training Classes for Play Leaders 466

WAR CAMP COMMUNITY RECREATION SERVICE

Brief Statement of What the War-Camp Community-Recreation Serv-
ice is Trying to Do, A, Abbie Condit 394

Community War Recreation Service — Its Meaning — Plan of Work —

Accomplishments 349

Girl Problem in the Communities Adjacent to Military Training

Camps, The 382

Invisible Armor, Honorable Newton D. Baker 473

Letter from President Wilson, A 393

Recreation Movement in War Times, The 137

Six Months of War Camp Community Service 563

Visit to Fort Niagara, A 360

War-Camp Community Service 481

Week in a Training Camp City, A 354

Week in Indianapolis, A 357

618

INDEX OF AUTHORS AND TITLES

VOLUME XI

THE PLAYGROUND

Accidents on the Playground.. 215

Accomplishments in Various Cities 363

Adult Recreation 201

Americanizing Program, An, G. F. Ashe 190

Apparatus and Surfacing 212

A she, G. F., An Americanizing Program 190

Athletic Badge Tests for Boys and Girls 205

Athletic Contests in the Land of the Midnight Sun, Walter W. Pettit 105

Athletics for Elementary School Girls, Ethel Rockwell 94

Atkinson, C. /., Proclamation to Boys' Clubs 189

Baker, Honorable Newton D., Invisible Armor 473

Bethlehem Bach Festivals — A Community Enterprise, Raymond Walters 65

Bowling Alleys 215

Brief Statement of What the War-Camp Community-Recreation Serv-
ice Is Trying to Do, A, Abbie Condit 394

Brown, V. K., Swimming Pools 43

Budgets 207

Building Up a Town's Recreation, A. B. Metzdorf 338

Campbell Walter, and Metzdorf, A. E., The Neighborhood Center

Movement 542

Chamber of Commerce Tells Why, A 230

Children's Isle, The, W. F. French 296

Children's Nature Experiences Told in the Cornell Rural School

Leaflet 110

China's Athletic Team Visits Japan, /. H. Crocker 551

City Comforts for Country Teachers, Dr. George B. Vincent 243

Civic Forums 201

Civic Theatre of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, The 255

Comments upon the Kalamazoo Plan, George Ellsworth Johnson... 103

Commercial Recreation Transformed 113

Community Christmas Celebration, The 442

Community Fair, The, /. Sterling Moran 76

Community Singing Conference 302

Community War Recreation Service — Its Meaning — Plan of Work —

Accomplishments 349

Condit, Abbie, A Brief Statement of What the War-Camp Community-
Recreation Service is Trying to Do 394

Condit, Abbie, What Constitutes a Year-round Recreation System 198

Conference on Recreation in Cities and Towns of Less than Ten

Thousand Population 162

Crocker, J. H., China's Athletic Team Visits Japan 551

Curtis, Dr. Henry S., A Night on the Mountain Top 540

Cutler, W. A., How Grass Lake, Michigan, Secured and Maintained

a Playground 160

619

De Groot, E. B., The Play Leader's Alphabet 341

Discussion of Problems of Outdoor Playground Construction 42

Dues and Charges for Recreation Privileges 168

Dykema, Peter W ., The Relation of Schools and Colleges to Com-
munity Music 305

Fencing of Playgrounds 282

Finley, Dr. John H., Walking and Preparedness 190

Fisk, A. A., Practical Points from Racine 108

Fisk, A. A., Regarding Playground Administration 275

Forward Steps in Recreation in Illinois, Sidney A. Teller 52

French, W. F., The Children's Isle 296

Girl Problem in the Communities Adjacent to Military Training

Camps, The 382

Gordon, Edgar B., What Music Did for Winfield 69

Group Organization 170

Hetherington, Professor Clark W., Play School of the University of

California 19

Hetherington, Mrs. D. Alford, Play School of the University of

California 25

Home-Made Gymnasium, A, Grover C. Imhoff 556

Home, School and Vacant Lot Gardening 163

How Grass Lake, Michigan, Secured and Maintained a Playground,

W. A. Cutler 160

Humphrey, Grace, Description of Stuart Walker's "The Seven Gifts" 531

If the Volunteer Does His Bit 549

Imhoff, Grover C., A Home-Made Gymnasium 556

Indoor Pools, S. K. Nason

Invisible Armor, Honorable Newton D. Baker 473

It Pays to Play, Terence Vincent 266

Johnson, George Ellsworth, Comments upon the Kalamazoo Plan 103

Kindly Observer Observas, The 274

Laying Out of Playgrounds, The 209

Laying Out Playgrounds, A. E. Metsdorf 277

Lee, Joseph, A Program for Dealing with the Movies 257

Lee, Joseph, Protecting the Wild Flowers Ill

Lee, Joseph, A Visit to Fort Niagara 360

Letter from President Wilson, A 393

Living Christmas Tree, A 441

620

, A. &., Building Up A Town's Recreation ..,,.,,.,. 338

Metzdorf, A. £., Laying Out Playgrounds 277

Metzdorf, A. E., and Campbell, Walter, The Neighborhood Center

Movement 542

Metzdorf, A. E,, Outdoor Social Dancing on the Playground 553

Metzdorf, A. E., Suggestions for the Construction of Clay Tennis

Courts 457

Metzdorf, A. E., Suggestions for the Construction of a Regulation

Baseball Field 454

Military Training in Schools 220

Moran, J. Sterling, The Community Fair 76

Nason, S. K., Indoor Pools 51

Neighborhood and Community Life 541

Neighborhood Center Movement, The, A. E. Metzdorf and Walter

Campbell 542

Neighborhood Center Work of the Tri-Cities, La Salle, Peru, Oglesby,

Illinois 315

New Profession, A 206

New York "Military Training" Laws in Operation 222

Night on the Mountain Top, A, Dr. Henry S. Curtis 540

One Year of Recreation in Detroit 109

O'Neill, Elizabeth, The Playground Makes Leadens of Men 261

Outdoor Social Dancing on the Playground, A. E. Metzdorf 553

Pettit, Walter W '., Athletic Contests in the Land of the Midnight Sun 105

Pliay Activities 266

Play in Many Lands 224

Play Leader's Alphabet, The 341

Playing by Mail, Anne R. Smith 271

Play School of the University of California, Professor Clark W.

Hetherington 19

Play School of the University of California, Mrs. D. Alford Hether-
ington 25

Playground Makes Leaders of Men, The, Elizabeth O'Neill 261

Politics and Recreation 169

Portable Outdoor Picture Screen, /. H. Stine 555

Potts, Ginevra Harrison, The Story of Rose Cottage 17

Practical Points from Racine, A. A. Fisk 108

Problem Well Stated, A 340

Problems Connected with Neighborhood Recreation Center Work.. 171

Proclamation to Boys' Clubs, C. J. A tkinson 189

Program for Dealing with the Movies, A, Joseph Lee 257

Protecting the Wil'd Flowers, Joseph Lee Ill

Public Schools Athletic League:

Boys' Work 80

Girls' Work 86

Recreation Conference in Duluth 313

Recreation in. Industry, Charles Frederick Weller 250, 331, 444

Recreation for Crippled Children 204

Recreation Movement in War Times, The 137

621

Recreation Problems in Uruguay, Samuel G. Ybargoyen 29

Regarding Apparatus 463

Regarding Playground Administration, A. A. Fisk 275

Relation of Schools and Colleges to Community Music, The, Peter W.

Dykema 305

Report of the Committee on Recreation Buildings , 33

Rockwell, Ethel, Athletics for Elementary School Girls 94

Rural Recreation 152

School Playground, The, Ruth Sherburne 320

Seven Gifts, The, Stuart Walker as described by Grace Humphrey... 531

Shedd, Evelyn, The Storyteller Beckons 115

Sherburne, Ruth, The School Playground 320

Sim, George A., A Statesman or a Clerk 262

Six Months of War Camp Community Service 56^

Skating Rinks and Winter Sports 214

Smith, Anne R., Playing by Mail 271

Somewhere in America 192

Stadiums 448

Statesman or a Clerk, A, George A. Sim 262

Stine, J. H., Portable Outdoor Picture Screen 555

Story of Rose Cottage, The, Ginevra Harrison Potts 17

Storyteller Beckons, The, Evelyn Shedd 115

Suggestions for the Construction of Clay Tennis Courts, A. E.

Metzdprf 457

Suggestions for the Construction of a Regulation Baseball Field,

A. E. Metzdorf 454

Surfacing 454

Swimming Pools, V. K. Brown 43

Talbot, F. H., Tower City Finds Itself 74

Teller, Sidney A., Forward Steps in Recreation in Illinois 52

Tower City Finds Itself, F. H. Talbot 74

Trained Teachers Promote Community Spirit 116

Training Classes for Play Leaders 466

Use of School Buildings as Neighborhood Recreation Centers 328

Vincent, Dr. George E., City Comforts for Country Teachers 243

Vincent, Terence, It Pays to Play 266

Visit to Fort Niagara, A, Joseph Lee 360

Vocational Recreation 258

Volunteer Leadership 336

Walking &nd Preparedness, Dr. John H. Finley 190

Ways and Means in a Recreation System 164

Wading Pools 460

Walker, Stuart, The Seven Gifts, as described by Grace Humphrey 531

Walters, Raymond, Bethlehem Bach Festivals — A Community Enterprise 65

War-Camp Community-Service 481

Week in a Training Camp City, A 354

Week in Indianapolis, A 357

Weir, L. H., Vocational Recreation 258

622

Weller, Charles Frederick, Recreation in Industry 250, 331, 444

What Constitutes a Year-round Recreation System, Abbie Con\dit 198

What Is the Place of the Club Leader ? 263

What Music Did for Winfield, Edgar B. Gordon 69

What One Small Community Has Done to Develop a Year-round

Recreation System 196

Women in the Recreation Movement 203

Ybargoyen, Samuel G., Recreation Problems in Uruguay 29

Year Book Reports from Cities of 35,000 to 50,000 Inhabitants 217

SUMMER SCHOOL

June 24^-Aug. 2, for

Playground Training

Pestalozzi-Froebel Training School
A Normal School for
Playground Workers

On Chicago's Lake Front
Credits toward Diploma. Folk Dancing,
Pageantry, Games, Story Telling, Gymnas-
tics. Playground Practice. Strong
Faculty, Accredited. For Illustrated
Summer Bulletin address

REGISTRAR, Box 71

616-22 So. Michigan Blvd., CHICAGO, ILL.

(Note: Regular Fall Term opens Sept. 17)

Have You Tried

Athletic Badge Tests for

Boys and Girls?

Physical Efficiency is the Watch
Word of these Tests.

Complete descriptive pamphlets
will be sent upon request.

Playground and Recreation

Association of America
1 Madison Avenue, New York City

Indianapolis, Ind.

RELAY RACE

623

624

Vol. XI. No. 2

MAY, 1917

]>la£$roim6

The World at Play

Los Angeles, California

Fifty Cents a Copy

Two Dollars a Year

Ifte Playground

Published monthly at Cooperstown. New York
FOR THE

PLAYGROUND AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION
OF AMERICA

1 Madison Avenue, New York City

MEMBERSHIP

Any person contributing five dollars or more shall be a member
of the Association for the ensuing year

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

The World at Play 63

The Bethlehem Bach Festivals — A Community Enterprise, by Raymond

Walters 65

What Music Did for Winfield, by Edgar B. Gordon 69

Tower City Finds Itself, by F. H. Talbot 74

The Community Fair, by J. Sterling Moran 76

Public Schools Athletic League

Boys' Work 80

Girls' Work 86

Athletics for Elementary School Girls, by Ethel Rockwell 94

Comments upon the Kalar^a/oo Plan, by George Ellsworth Johnson 103

Athletic Contests in the Land of the Midnight Sun, by Walter W. Pettit 105

Practical Points from Racine, by A. A. Fisk 108

One Year of Recreation in Detroit 109

Children's Nature Experiences Told in the Cornell Rural School Leaflet 110

Protecting the Wild Flowers, by Joseph Lee Ill

Commercial Recreation Transformed 113

The Storyteller Beckons, by Evelyn Shedd 115

Trained Teachers Promote Community Spirit 116

Book Reviews 118

Entered as second-class matter August 8, 1916, at the Post Office at
Cooperstown, New York, under the act of March 3, 1879

Vol. XL No. 3

JUNE, 1917

The World at Play

Cass County. Indiana, Boys' Hike

PREPARED

Fifty Cents a Copy

Two Dollars a Year

munlhlii at CCflflyrratuhm. Neto flork
far ty*

JUag0r0uttJi attb Stemattott Association af Amrrira

1 fflaiJtaun Altrmir. Nrht IJurk Citg

Ang ^rnuni rnntriluiliuu tthr i^ullarr. ur nmrr shall hr a i::c.ubrr
of thr A ssnr ialin u fur Ihr rusiiiuy urar

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

The World at Play 123

The Recreation Movement in War Times 137

Rural Recreation 152

How Grass Lake, Michigan, Secured and Maintained a Playground,

by W. A. Cutler 160

Conference on Recreation in Cities and Towns of Less than Ten

Thousand Population 162

Home, School and Vacant Lot Gardening 163

Ways and Means in a Recreation System 164

Dues and Charges for Recreation Privileges 168

Politics and Recreation 169

Group Organization 170

Problems Connected with Neighborhood Recreat'on Center Work 171

Book Reviews 176

Entered as second-class matter August 8, 1916, at the Post Office at
Cooperstown, New York, under the act of March 3, 1879

Vol. XI. No. 4

ZTbe

JULY, 1917

The World at Play

NeigKLoihcod Kou^e, Louisville, Kentucky

HER SHIP OF DREAMS

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Ang person rontrtbutimj fib? bollara ar mnrr Btyall br a mrmbrr
of tljr A000rtatuitt far tl|

TABLE OF CONTEXTS

PAGE

The World at Play 183

Proclamation to Boys' Clubs, by C. J. Atkinson 189

Walking and Preparedness, by John H. Fin-Icy . . -. 190

An Americanizing Program, by G. F. Ashc 190

Somewhere in America 192

What One Small Community Has Done to Develop a Year-round

Recreation System 196

What Constitutes a Year-round Recreation System, by Abbie Condit.. 198

Adult Recreation 201

Civic Forums 201

Women in the Recreation Movement 203

Recreation for Crippled Children 204

Athletic Badge Tests for Boys and Girls 205

A New Profession 206

Budgets 207

The Laying Out of Playgrounds 209

Apparatus and Surfacing- 212

Skating Rinks and Winter Sports 214

Bowling Alleys 215

Accidents on the Playground 215

Year Book Reports from Cities of 35,000 to 50,000 Inhabitants 217

Military Training in Schools 220

New York Military Training Laws in Operation

Play in Many Lands 224

A Chamber of Commerce Tells Why 230

Book Reviews 232

Entered as second-class matter August 8, 1916, at the Post Office at
Cooperstown, New York, under the act of March 3, 1879

Vol. XI. No. 5

ZUbe

AUGUST, 1917

The Associated Newspapers
Courtesy of St. Paul Pioneer Pres

WHERE BATTLES ARE WON

Fifty Cents a Copy

Two Dollars a Year

mmttbly at CCuupf mUihnt. Nriu IJtirk
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Ang umum contributing fib? imllarii or more Bb.all br a member
of th.* A0Horiation for tb,e pnaning

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

The World at Play 235

City Comforts for Country Teachers, by George H. Vincent 243

Recreation in Industries, by Charles Frederick Weller 250

The Civic Theatre of Pawtucket, Rhode Island 255

A Program for Dealing with the Movies, by Joseph Lee 257

Vocational Recreation, by L. H. Weir 258

The Playground Makes Leaders of Men, by Elisabeth O'Neill 261

A Statesman or a Clerk, by George A. Sim 262

What Is the Place of the Club Leader? 263

It Pays to Play (Verified), by Terence Vincent 266

Play Activities 266

Playing by Mail, by Anne R. Smith 271

The Kindly Observer Observes 274

Regarding Playground Administration, by A. A. Fisk 275

Laying Out Playgrounds, by A. E. Metsdorf 277

Fencing of Playgrounds 282

Book Reviews . 284

Entered as second-class matter August 8, 1916, at * he Post Office at
Cooperstown, New York, under the act of March 3, 1879

Vol. XI. No. 6

SEPTEMBER, 1917

The Kindergarten and First Urade

The Wide. Wide World

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

The World at Play 289

The Children's Isle, by W. F. French 296

Community Singing Conference 302

The Relation of Schools and Colleges to Community Music, b\ Peter

W. Dykema 305

Recreation Conference in Duluth 313

Neighborhood Center Work of the Tri-Cities, La Salle, Peru, Oglesby,

Illinois 315

The School Playground, 63- Ruth Sherburne 320

Use of School Buildings as Neighborhood Recreation Centers 328

Recreation in Industry, by Charles Frederick Wellcr 331

Volunteer Leadership 336

Building up a Town's Recreation, by A. E. Metzdorf 338

A Problem Wrell Stated 340

The Play Leader's Alphabet Ul

Book Reviews .... 342

Entered as second-class matter August 8, 1916, at the Post Office at
Gooperstown, New York, under the act of March 3, 1879

Vol. XI. No. 7 OCTOBER, 1917

War Recreation Service

"The Commission on Training Camp Activi-
ties asks the Playground and Recreation Associ-
ation of America to be responsible for the work
of stimulating and aiding communities in the
neighborhood of training camps to develop and
organize their social and recreational resources
in such a way as to be of the greatest possible
value to the officers and soldiers in the camps."

Voted by the Commission on Training Camp
Activities, May 5, 1917

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monthly at CCiinprratnhni. Neto fork
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nf tljr A000rtatton for tb,e

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

Community War Recreation Service — Its Meaning — Plan of Work —

Accomplishments 349

A Week in a Training Camp City 354

A Week in Indianapolis 357

A Visit to Fort Niagara 360

Accomplishments in Various Cities 363

The Girl Problem in the Communities Adjacent to Military Training

Camps 382

Recreation in Industry, by Charles Frederick Weller 390

Entered as second-class matter August 8, 1916, at the Post Office at
Cooperstown, New York, under the act of March 3, 1879

Vol. XI. No. 8 NOVEMBER, 1917

jgrnmti

War-Camp

Community-Recreation
Service

The spirit with which our soldiers leave
America, and their efficiency on the battle
fronts of Europe, will be vitally affected by
the character of the environment surround-
ing our military training camps.

Woodrow Wilson

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Any jirraott rnutnbitttttg fiur dollars iir murr sljall br a mrmbrr
of ttyr Aaanrtatum fur tltr rnaning

WAR-CAMP COMMUNITY-RECREATION SERVICE

"The Commission on Training Camp Activities asks the Play-
ground and Recreation Association of America to be responsible for
the work of stimulating and aiding communities in the neighborhood
of training camps to develop and organize their social and recreational
resources in such a way as to be of the greatest possible value to the
officers and soldiers in the camps."

Voted by the Commission on Training Camp
Activities, May 5, 1917

WAR DEPARTMENT

Commission on Training; Camp Activities
Washington

RAYMOND B. FOSDICK JOHN R. MOTT

Chairman CHARLES P. NEILL

LEE F. HAMNER MAJOR P. E. PIERCE, U. S. A.

THOMAS J. HOWELLS JOSEPH E. RAYCROFT

JOSEPH LEE MARC KLAW
MALCOLM L. McBRIDE

NAVY DEPARTMENT

Commission on Training Camp Activities
Washington

RAYMOND B. FOSDICK JOSEPH LEE

Chairman E. T. MEREDITH

LIEUT. RICHARD E. BYRD, BARTON MYERS

T. S. N. Secretary CHARLES P. NEILL

CLIFFORD W. BARNES MRS. HELEN RINO ROBINSON

WALTER CAMP MRS. FINLEY J. SHEPARD

SELAH CHAMBERLAIN MRS. DAISY McLATJRIN STEVENS

JOHN J. EAGAN JOHN S. TICHENOR

Entered as second-class matter August 8, 1916, at the Post Office at
Cooperstown, New York, under the act of March 3, 1879

Vol. XI. No. 9

DECEMBER, 1917

Riverside, Cal.

A LIVING CHRISTMAS TREE

Fifty Cents a Copy

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Ang prraon rnntrihuttng fifap bollarB or more Bljall br a mrmhrr
nf tfyp A00arialtan fur tl|

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

The World at Play 433

A Living Christmas Tree 441

The Community Christmas Celebration 442

Recreation in Industry. Ill, by Charles Frederick IVeller 444

Stadiums 448

Surfacing 454

Suggestions for the Construction of a Regulation Baseball Field, by

A. B. Metzdorf 454

Suggestions for the Construction of Clay Tennis Courts, by A. H.

Metzdorf 457

Wading Pools 460

Regarding Apparatus 463

Training Classes for Play Leaders 466

Entered as second-class matter August 8, 1916, at the Post Office at
Cooperstown, New York, under the act of March 3, 1879

the hands of our soldiers at the front

No Wrapping - No Address.
A. S. BURLESON.Po.«tfmarfer«eneraZ

Vol. XI, No. 10

JANUARY, 1918

WAR=CAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE

HE appeal to America to supply the
means of recreating home ties for
enlisted men in cities adjacent to train-
ing camps must sound the depths of
the Nation's heart* If the passion
for home be allowed to become dulled,
men will cease to make the supreme
sacrifice in its defense.

"A myriad of young men have been called into train-
ing to maintain the Nation's ideals* We must accept
the responsibility for their welfare during the period
of training when duty requires their absence from
home and thus severs those intimate human relation-
ships that feed fine character and encourage noble
deeds* Let us resolve that the very call to arms shall
exalt the civilian sense of duty to preserve and enhance
these intangible spiritual values that make America
inexpressibly precious to us*"

Twenty-five Cents a Copy

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montljlg at (Enoppratnton. Nrto
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Attg ppraoit contributing fib? &flllarB or murp Btjall be a mrmbrr
of tljp Aaaoriation for tlje puauing grar

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

Invisible Armor, by Honorable Newton D. Baker 473

War-Camp Community Service 481

Entered as second-class matter August 8, 1916, at the Post Office at
Cooperstown, New York, under the act of March 3, 1879

Vol. XI. No. 11

FEBRUARY, 1918

Nepal. India

THEY WON THE GAME AND A LARGE
GRAPE FRUIT

Twenty-five Cents a Copy

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fur Ihr

att& Semattatt Aaaanattnn af Ammra

1 IHabiaon Aimtitr, Nrta $*irk <£iti|

Aug permm contributing fib? ^nllarB ur utnrr 0l|all
nf tltr Afisnriatimt fnr the ruLiUtiuj tjrar

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

The World at Play 517

The Seven Gifts, by Stuart ll'ulkcr. as described by Grace Humphrey 531

A Night on the Mountain Top, bj- Henry S. Curtis 540

Neighborhood and Community Life 541

The Neighborhood Center Movement, hy .1. li. Mctzdorf and Walter

Campbell 542

If the Volunteer Does His Bit 549

China's Athletic Team Visits Japan, by J. H. Crocker 551

Outdoor Social Dancing on the Playground, by A. E. Metzdorf . . 553

Portable Outdoor Picture Screen, by J. H. Stine 555

A Home-Made Gymnasium . 556

Entered as •econd-claas matter August 8, 1916, at the Post Office at
Cooperstown. New York, under the act of March 3, 1879

When you finish reading this magazine, place a one-cent stamp on this notice, hand

I same to any postal employee and it will be placed in the hands of our soldiers at the

front. NowraDDine. No address. — A. S. BURLESON Postmaster General

Vol. XI.

ZEfoe

No. 12

MARCH, 1918

Waukegan, Illinois

GAME ROOM WAR CAMP COMMUNITY
SERVICE CLUB

Twenty-five Cents a Copy

Two Dollars a Year

mmtthUi at U-'mipi't-tfUUmt. -X'rUi tjnt K
farter

Aliciuu*. -Xrhi TJui k d tin

Any prraon mntribiiting fiur ^llara ur mnrr 0hall l:r a
member of tl)r AsBoriatiun for tljr

riuuuiui

©abb of

PAGE

Six Months ef War Camp Com-
munity Service 564

Index to Volume XI - - - 615

Entered as second-class matter August 8, 1916, at th« Post Office at
Cooperstown, New York, under the act of March 3, 1879

PLAYGROUND AND RECREATION
OF AMERICA

THEODORE ROOSEVELT

Honorary President
WILLIAM KENT

Second Vice-President

JOSEPH LEE

President
ROBERT GARRETT

Third Vice-President

GUSTAVUS T. KlRBY

Treasurer
H. S. BRAUCHER

Secretary

WALTER B. DICKINSON

Associate Secretary
CHARLES F. WELLER

Associate Secretary
HARRY F. BREMER

Field Secretary
E. DANA CAULKINS

Field Secretary
VICTOR R. MANNING

Field Secretary
CHARLES E. REED

Field Secretary
JAMES EDWARD ROGERS

Field Secretary

T. S. SETTLE

Field Secretary
C. F. STIMSON

Field Secretary
L. H. WEIR

Field Secretary
HENRY BARNBROCK

Assistant
ABBIE CONDIT

Assistant
BRETTA CRAPSTER LUCAS

Assistant
RALPH E. HEDGES

Assistant
HELEN TUCKER LORD

Assistant

GEORGE A. NESBITT

Assistant
ALICE MARION OLESON

Assistant
DONALD G. PRICE

Assistant
JACOB R. PROEBSTEL

Assistant
OPAL V. RALSTON

Assistant
RUTH SHERBURNE

Assistant
F. W. TAYLOR

Assistant

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MRS. EDWARD W. BIDDLE
Carlisle, Pa.
RICHARD C. CABOT

Boston, Mass.
CLARENCE M. CLARK

Philadelphia, Pa.
GRENVILLE CLARK

New York City

B. PRESTON CLARK

Boston, Mass.
EVERETT COL»Y

Newark, N. J.
HENRY P. DAVISON

New York City
MRS. E. P. EARLE

Montclair, N. J.
MRS. THOMAS A. EDISON
West Orange, N. J.
JOHN H, FINLEY

Albany, N. Y.
CHARLES W. GARFIELD

Grand Rapids, Mich.
ROBERT GARRETT

Baltimore, Md.

C. M. GOETHE

Sacramento, Cal.
MRS. CHARLES A. GOOD-
WIN

Hartford, Conn.
AUSTIN E. GRIFFITHS

Seattle, Wash.
J. M. HAN KINS

Birmingham, Ala.

MRS. APPLETON R. HILL-
YER

Hartford, Conn.

MRS. FRANCIS DELACY
HYDE

Plainfield, N. J.

MRS. HOWARD IVES

Portland, Maine

WILLIAM KENT

Washington, D. C.

GUSTAVUS T. KIRBY

New York City
WALTER B. LASHAR

Bridgeport, Conn.
G. M. LANDERS

New Britain, Conn.
H. McK. LANDON

Indianapolis, Ind.
[OSEPH LEE

Boston, Mass.
EUGENE W. LEWIS

Detroit, Mich.
EDWARD E. LOOM is

New York City
J. H. McCuRDY

Springfield, Mass.
OTTO T. MALLERY

Philadelphia, Pa.
SAMUEL MATHER

Cleveland, Ohio
R. B. MAURY

Memphis, Tenn.

WALTER A. MAY

Pittsburgh, Pa.

CARL E. MILLIKEN

Augusta, Maine

F. GORDON OSLER

Toronto, Canada

[AMES H. PERKINS

New York City

JOHN T. PRATT

New York City

ELLEN SCRIPPS

La Jolla, Cal.

CLEMENT STUDEBAKER, JR.
South Bend, Ind.

F. S. TITSWORTH

Philadelphia, Pa.

HAROLD H. SWIFT

Chicago, IH.

THEODORE N. VAIL

New York City

MRS. JAMES W. WADS-
WORTH, JR.

Washington, D. C.

I. C. WALSH

New York City

R. D. WAUGH

WiMnipeg, Canada

HAKKIS WlllTTEMOKE

Naugatuck, Conn.

1V7"E have got these young men in camp and they are
surrounded from the time they leave home until
the day when they .come back to it, if in God's provi-
dence they can come back, with more agencies for
their protection and comfort and health and happiness,
physical, spiritual and mental, than any army that
ever went out on a field.

"They are classified by a system so that men who
have mechanical instincts and training will be given
mechanical opportunities hi the army. The 'round'
man is not sought to be put in the 'square' place. By
virtue of activities started in the war department the
communities which surround these camps have been
instantly got away from the notion which used to be
prevalent, of a certain alienation between a civilian
soldier group and these soldier boys in these camps
have been adopted into the homes and hearts of the
people among whom they live. Xo such relation has
ever existed between an army and a civilian population
as exists with regard to this."

XEWTOX D. BAKER

PLAYGROUND AND RECREATION
iSSOCIATION OF AMERICA:

THEODORE ROOSEVELT
Honorary President

WILLIAM KENT

Second Vice-President

H. S. BRAUCHER

Secretary
WALTER B. DICKINSON

Associate Secretary
CHARLES F. WELLER

Associate Secretary
HARRY F. BREMER

Field Secretary
E. DANA CAULKINS

Field Secretary
ROWLAND HAYNES

Lucy Tudor Hillyer
Field Secretary
(On leave of absence)
VICTOR R. MANNING

Field Secretary

JOSEPH LEE

President
ROBERT GARRETT

Third Vice-President

CHARLES E. REED

Field Secretary
JAMES EDWARD ROGERS

Field Secretary
T. S. SETTLE

Field Secretary
C. F. STIMSON

Field Secretary
L- H. WEIR

Field Secretary
HENRY BARNBROCK

Assistant
ABBIE CONDIT

Assistant
BRETTA CRAPSTER

Assistant
RALPH E. HEDGES

Assistant

HENRY P. DAVISON

First Vice-President

GUSTAVUS T. KlRBY

Treasurer

HELEN TUCKER LORD

Assistant
GEORGE A. NESBITT

Assistant
ALICE MARION OLESON

Assistant
DONALD G. PRICE

Assistant
JACOB R. PROEBSTEL

Assistant
OPAL V. RALSTON

Assistant
RUTH SHERBURNE

Assistant
F. W. TAYLOR

Assistant

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MRS. EDWARD W. BIDDLE
RICHARD C. CABOT
CLARENCE M. CLARK
GRENVILLE CLARK

B. PRESTON CLARK
EVERETT COLBY
HENRY P. DAVISON
MRS. E. P. EARLE

MRS. THOMAS A. EDISON
JOHN H. FTNLEY
CHARLES W. GARFIELD
ROBERT GARRETT

C. M. GOETHE

MRS. CHARLES A. GOODWIN

AUSTIN E. GRIFFITHS

J. M. HANKINS

MRS. APPLETON R. HILLYER

MRS. FRANCIS DELACY HYDE

MRS. HOWARD IVES

WILLIAM KENT

GUSTAYUS T. KlRBY

G. M. LANDERS

WALTER B. LASHAR

H. McK. LANDON

JOSEPH LEE

EUGENE W. LEWIS

EDWARD E. Loo MIS

J. H. McCuRDY

OTTO T. MALLERY

SAMUEL MATHER

R. B. MAURY

WALTER A. MAY

CARL E. MILLIKEN

F. GORDON OSLER

JAMES H. PERKINS

JOHN T. PRATT

ELLEN SCRIPPS

CLEMENT STUDEBAKER, JR

F. S. TITSWORTH

HAROLD H. SWIFT

THEODORE N. VAIL

MRS. JAMES W. WADSWORTH, JR.

[. C. WALSH

[. D. WAUGH
HARRIS WHITTEMORE

JR.

Carlisle, Pa.
Boston, Mass.
Philadelphia, Pa.
New York City
Boston, Mass.
Newark, N. J.
New York City
Montclair, N. J.
West Orange, N. J.
Albany, N. Y.
Grand Rapids. Mich
Baltimore, Md.
Sacramento. Cal.
Hartford, Conn.
Seattle, Wash.
Birmingham, Ala.
Hartford. Conn.
Plainfield, N. J.
Portland, Maine
Washington, D. C.
New York City
New Britain, Conn.
Bridgeport. Conn.
Indianapolis, Ind.
Boston, Mass.
Detroit. Mich.
New York City
Springfield, Mass.
Philadelphia, Pa.
Cleveland, Ohio
Memphis, Tenn.
Pittsburgh. Pa.
Augusta, Maine
Toronto, Canada
New York City
New York City
La Jolla, Cal.
South Bend, Ind.
Philadelphia, Pa.
Chicaero. 111.
New York City
Washington, D.C
New York City
Winnipeg. Canada
Naugatuck, Conn.

OUR boys are going to France; they are going to
face conditions that we do not like to talk about,
that we do not like to think about. They are
going into a heroic enterprise, and heroic enterprises
involve sacrifices. I want them armed; I want them
adequately armed and clothed by their Government; but
I want them to have invisible armor to take with them.
I want them to have an armor made up of a set of social
habits replacing those of their homes and communities, a
set of social habits and a state of social mind born in the
training camps, a new soldier state of mind, so that when
they get overseas and are removed from the reach of our
comforting and restraining and helpful hand, they will
have gotten such a state of habits as will constitute
a moral and intellectual armor for their protection

overseas."

NEWTON D. BAKER

NEEDED $3,750,000

FOR THE

WAR-CAMP COMMUNITY-RECREATION SERVICE

Make checks payable to
Charles H. Sabin, Treas-
urer, and mail to War-
Camp Community-
Recreation Fund, iQth
and G Streets, N. W.,
Washington, D. C.

*A W7l*

•,

•'» ^v<y •'

Who Will Sign This Check?

No.

New Yoa.K. Dioacabor 34t

CO L U M B 1 A TR U S T Co M PAN Y i m

IFTH AVE 6.34TVST.

$ 1CO,QOQ

A Christmas Gift to the Children of Our Country.

mm.

PLAYGROUND AND RECREATION
ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

THEODORE ROOSEVELT

Honorary President

WILLIAM KENT

Second Vice-President

H. S. BRAUCHER

Secretary
WALTER B. DICKINSON

Associate Secretary
CHARLES F. WELLER

Associate Secretary
HARRY F. BREMER

Field Secretary
E. DANA CAULKINS

Field Secretary
ROWLAND HAYNES

Lucy Tudor Hillyer
Field Secretary
(On leave of absence)
VICTOR R. MANNING

Field Secretary

JOSEPH LEE

President
ROBERT GARRETT

Third Vice-President

CHARLES E. REED

Field Secretary
JAMES EDWARD ROGERS

Field Secretary
T. S. SETTLE

Field Secretary
C. F. STIMSON

Field Secretary
L. H. WEIR

Field Secretary
HENRY BARNBROCK

Assistant
ABBIE CONDIT

Assistant
BRETTA CRAPSTER

Assistant
RALPH E. HEDGES

Assistant

HENRY P. DAVISON

First Vice-President

GUSTAVUS T. KlRBY

Treasurer

HELEN TUCKER LORD

Assistant
GEORGE A. NESBITT

Assistant
ALICE MARION OLESON

Assistant
DONALD G. PRICE

Assistant
JACOB R. PROEBSTEL

Assistant
OPAL V. RALSTON

Assistant
RUTH SHERBURNE

Assistant
F. W. TAYLOR

Assistant

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
RICHARD C. CABOT Boston, Mass.

CLARENCE M. CLARK

GRENVILLE CLARK

EVERETT COLBY

HENRY P. DAVISON

MRS. E. P. EARLE

MRS. THOMAS A. EDISON

JOHN H. FINLEY

CHARLES W. GARFIELD

ROBERT GARRETT

C. M. GOETHE

MRS. CHARLES A. GOODWIN

AUSTIN E. GRIFFITHS

J. M. HANKINS

MRS. APPLETON R. HILLYER

MRS. FRANCIS DEL>ACY HYDE

MRS. HOWARD IVES

WILLIAM KENT

GUSTAVUS T. KIRBY

G. M. LANDERS

H. McK. LANDON

JOSEPH LEE

EUGENE W. LEWIS

EDWARD E. LOOMIS

J. H. McCuRDY

OTTO T. MALLERY

SAMUEL MATHER

R. B. MAURY

WALTER A. MAY

CARL E. MILLIKEN

V. GORDON OSLER

JAMES H. PERKINS

JOHN T. PRATT

ELLEN SCRIPPS

CLEMENT STUDEBAKER, JR.

F. S. TITSWORTH

HAROLD H. SWIFT

THEODORE N. VAIL

MRS. JAMES W. WADS WORTH, JR. Washington, D. C.

J. C. WALSH New York City.

R. D. WAUGH Winnipeg, Canada.

HARRIS WHITTEMORE Naugatuck, Conn.

Philadelphia, Pa.
New York City.
Newark, N. J.
New York City.
Montclair, N. J.
West Orange, N. J.
Albany, N. Y.
Grand Rapids, Mich.
Baltimore, Md.
Sacramento, Cal.
Hartford, Conn.
Seattle, Wash.
Birmingham, Ala.
Hartford, Conn.
Piainfield, N. J.
Portland, Maine.
Washington, D. C.
New York City.
New Britain, Conn.
Indianapolis, Ind.
Boston, Mass.
Detroit, Mich.
New York City.
Springfield, Mass.
Philadelphia, Pa.
Cleveland, Ohio.
Memphis, Tenn.
Pittsburgh, Pa.
Augusta, Maine.
Toronto, Canada.
New York City.
New York City.
La Jolla, Cal.
South Bend, Ind.
Denver, Colo.
Chicago, 111.
New York City.

In the great encampments, where the
men are to be trained, modern recreation
experts are to provide wholesome and at-
tractive amusements for their leisure, so
that when they come out of the army
they will have no scars except those hon-
orably won in warfare against the enemy
of their country.

Newton D. Baker

PLAYGROUND AND RECREATION
^ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA;

THEODORE ROOSEVELT

Honorary President

WILLIAM KENT

Second Vice-President

JOSEPH LEE

President
ROBERT GARRETT

Third Vice-President

HENRY P. DAVISON

First Vice-President

GUSTAVUS T. KlRBY

Treasurer

H. S. BRAUCHER

Secretary
WALTER B. DICKINSON

Associate Secretary
CHARLES F. WELLER

Associate Secretary
HARRY F. BREMER

Field Secretary
E. DANA CAULKINS

Field Secretary
ROWLAND HAYNES

Lucy Tudor Hillyer
Field Secretary
(On leave of absence)
VICTOR R. MANNING

Field Secretary

CHARLES E. REED

Field Secretary
JAMES EDWARD ROGERS

Field Secretary
T. S. SETTLE

Field Secretary
C. F. STIMSON

Field Secretary
L. H. WEIR

Field Secretary
HENRY BARNBROCK

Assistant
ABBIE CONDIT

Assistant
BRETTA CRAPSTER

Assistant
RALPH E. HEDGES

Assistant

HELEN TUCKER LORD

Assistant
GEORGE A. NESBITT

Assistant
ALICE MARION OLESON

Assistant
DONALD G. PRICE

Assistant
JACOB R. PROEBSTEL

Assistant
OPAL V. RALSTON

Assistant
RUTH SHERBURNE

Assistant
F. W. TAYLOR

Assistant

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

RICHARD C. CABOT

CLARENCE M. CLARK

GRENVILLE CLARK

EVERETT COLBY

HENRY P. DAVISON

MRS. E. P. EARLE

MRS. THOMAS A. EDISON

JOHN H. FINLEY

CHARLES W. GARFIELD

ROBERT GARRETT

C. M. GOETHE

MRS. CHARLES A. GOODWIN

AUSTIN E. GRIFFITHS

J. M. HANKINS

MRS. APPLETON R. HILLYER

MRS. FRANCIS DELACY HYDE

MRS. HOWARD IVES

WILLIAM KENT

GUSTAVUS T. KIRBY

G. M. LANDERS

H. McK. LANDON

JOSEPH LEE

EUGENE W. LEWIS

EDWARD E. LOOMIS

J. H. McCuRDY

OTTO T. MALLERY

SAMUEL MATHER

R. B. MAURY

WALTER A. MAY

CARL E. MILLIKEN

F. GORDON OSLER

JAMES H. PERKINS

JOHN T. PRATT

ELLEN SCRIPPS

CLEMENT STUDEBAKER, JR.

F. S. TlTSWORTH

HAROLD H. SWIFT

THEODORE N. VAIL

MRS. JAMES W. WADSWORTH, JR.

J. C. WALSH

R. D. WAUGH

HARRIS WHITTEMORE

Boston, Mass.
Philadelphia, Pa.
New York City
Newark, N. J.
New York City
Montclair, N. J.
West Orange, N. J.
Albany, N. Y.
Grand Rapids, Mich.
Baltimore, Md.
Sacramento, Cal.
Hartford, Conn.
Seattle, Wash.
Birmingham, Ala.
Hartford, Conn.
Plainfield, N. J.
Portland, Maine
Washington, D. C.
New York City
New Britain, Conn.
Indianapolis, Ind.
Boston, Mass.
Detroit, Mich.
New York City
Springfield, Mass.
Philadelphia, Pa.
Cleveland, Ohio
Memphis, Tenn.
Pittsburgh, Pa.
Augusta, Maine
Toronto, Canada
New York City
New York City
La Jolla, Cal.
South Bend, Ind.
Denver, Colo.
Chicago, 111.
New York City
Washington, D.C.
New York City
Winnipeg, Canada
Naugatuck, Conn.

I am determined that our new training
camps, as well as the surrounding zones with-
in an effective radius, shall not be places of
temptation and peril.

Newton D. Baker

PLAYGROUND AND RECREATION
=ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA;

THEODORE ROOSEVELT

Honorary President

WILLIAM KENT

Second Vice-President

H. S. BRAUCIIER

Secretary
WALTER B. DICKINSON

Associate Secretary
CHARLES F. WELLER

Associate Secretary
HARRY F. BREMER

Field Secretary
E. DANA CAULKINS

Field Secretary
ROWLAND HAYNES

Lucy Tudor Hillyer
Field Secretary
(On leave of absence)
VICTOR R. MANNING

Field Secretary

JOSEPH LEE

President
ROBERT GARRETT

Third Vice-President

CHARLES E. REED

Field Secretary
JAMES EDWARD ROGERS

Field Secretary
T. S. SETTLE

Field Secretary
C. F. STIMSON

Field Secretary
L. H. WEIR

Field Secretary
HENRY BARNBROCK

Assistant
ABBIE CONDIT

Assistant
BRETTA CRAPSTER

Assistant
RALPH E. HEDGES

Assistant

HENRY P. DAVISON

First Vice-President

GUSTAVUS T. KlRBY

Treasurer

HELEN TUCKER LORD

Assistant
GEORGE A. NESBITT

Assistant
ALICE MARION OLESON

Assistant
DONALD G. PRICE

Assistant
JACOB R. PROEBSTEL

Assistant
OPAL V. RALSTON

Assistant
RUTH SHERBURNE

Assistant
F. W. TAYLOR

Assistant

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

RICHARD C. CABOT

CLARENCE M. CLARK

GRENVILLE CLARK

EVERETT COLBY

HENRY P. DAVISON

MRS. E. P. EARLE

MRS. THOMAS A. EDISON

JOHN H. FINLEY

CHARLES W. GARFIELD

ROBERT GARRETT

C. M. GOETHE

MRS. CHARLES A. GOODWIN

AUSTIN E. GRIFFITHS

J. M. HANKINS

MRS. APPLETON R. HILLYER

MRS. FRANCIS DELACY HYDE

MRS. HOWARD IvES

WILLIAM KENT

GUSTAVUS T. KIRBY

G. M. LANDERS

H. McK. LANDON

JOSEPH LEE

EUGENE W. LEWIS

EDWARD E. LOOMIS

J. H. McCuRDY

OTTO T. MALLERY

SAMUEL MATHER

R. B. MAURY

WALTER A. MAY

CARL E. MILLIKEN

F. GORDON OSLER

JAMES H. PERKINS

JOHN T. PRATT

ELLEN SCRIPPS

CLEMENT STUDEBAKER, JR.

F. S. TITSWORTH

HAROLD H. SWIFT

THEODORE N. VAIL

MRS. JAMES W. WADSWORTH, JR.

J. C. WALSH

R. D. WAUGH

HARRIS WHITTEMORE

Told at Twilight

It is said that the playgrounds are never still. Even after the
children have left and the swings stand as stark as a ship's rigging,
and the sand-boxes lie there in the light of the moon, untouched and
undisturbed — the sweet, ringing sounds of shrill and piping voices
echo faintly through the air. So 'tis said. And who cares or dares
gainsay a rumor so pleasant to reflect upon? If you had spent five
minutes or so watching the little tots engaged in their merry business
of keeping happy, you wouldn't think it a bit improbable that the
evening winds should wish to retain the shouts and laughter of the
playfield children — even long after slumber-time. — The Civic Herald

PLAYGROUND AND RECREATION
ASSOCIATION OF

THEODORE ROOSEVELT

Honorary President

WILLIAM KENT

Second Vice-President

JOSEPH LEE

President
ROBERT GARRETT

Third Vice-President

HENRY P. DAVISON

First Vice-President

GUSTAVUS T. KlRBY

Treasurer

H. S. BRAUCHER

Secretary
WALTER B. DICKINSON

Associate Secretary
CHARLES F. WELLER

Associate Secretary
HARRY F. BREMER

Field Secretary
E. DANA CAULKINS

Field Secretary
ROWLAND HAYNES

Lucy Tudor Hillyer
Field Secretary
(On leave of absence)
VICTOR R. MANNING

Field Secretary
CHARLES E. REED

Field Secretary

JAMES EDWARD ROGERS

Field Secretary
T. S. SETTLE

Field Secretary
C. F. STIMSON

Field Secretary
L. H. WEIR

Field Secretary
HENRY BARNBROCK

Assistant
ABBIE CONDIT

Assistant
BRETTA CRAPSTER

Assistant
RALPH E. HEDGES

Assistant

HELEN TUCKER LORD

Assistant
GEORGE A. NESBITT

Assistant
ALICE MARION OLESON

Assistant
DONALD G. PRICE

Assistant
JACOB R. PROEBSTEL

Assistant
OPAL V. RALSTON

Assistant
LANDON M. ROBINSON

Assistant
RUTH SHERBURNE

Assistant
F. W. TAYLOR

Assistant

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

RICHARD C. CABOT

CLARENCE M. CLARK

GRENVILLE CLARK

EVERETT COLBY

HENRY P. DAVISON

MRS. E. P. EARLE

MRS. THOMAS A. EDISON

JOHN H. FINLEY

CHARLES W. GARFIELD

ROBERT GARRETT

C. M. GOETHE

MRS. CHARLES A. GOODWIN

AUSTIN E. GRIFFITHS

J. M. HANKINS

MRS. APPLETON R. HILLYER

MRS. FRANCIS DELACY HYDE

MRS. HOWARD IVES

WILLIAM KENT

GUSTAVUS T. KIRBY

G. M. LANDERS

H. McK. LANDON

JOSEPH LEE

EUGENE W. LEWIS

EDWARD E. LOOMIS

J. H. McCuRDY

OTTO T. MALLERY

SAMUEL MATHER

R. B. MAURY

WALTER A. MAY

CARL E. MILLIKEN

F. GORDON OSLER

JAMES H. PERKINS

JOHN T. PRATT

ELLEN SCRIPPS

CLEMENT STUDEBAKER, JR.

F. S. TITSWORTH

HAROLD H. SwiFT

THEODORE N. VAIL

MRS. JAMES W. WADSWORTH, JR.

J. C. WALSH

R. D. WAUGH

HARRIS WHITTEMORE

Boston, Mass.
Phliadelphia, Pa.
New York City
Newark? N. J.
New York City
Montclair, N. J.
West Orange, N. J.
Albany, N. Y.
Grand Rapids, Mich.
Baltimore, Md.
Sacramento, Cal.
Hartford, Conn.
Seattle, Wash.
Birmingham, Ala.
Hartford, Conn.
Plainfield, N. J.
Portland, Maine
Washington, D. C.
New York City
New Britain, Conn.
Indianapolis, Ind.
Boston, Mass.
Detroit, Mich.
New York City
Springfield, Mass.
Philadelphia, Pa.
Cleveland, Ohio
Memphis, Tenn.
Pittsburgh, Pa.
Augusta, Maine
Toronto, Canada
New York City
New York City
La Jolla, Cal.
South Bend, Ind.
Denver, Colo.
Chicago, 111.
New York City
Washington, D.C.
New York City
Winnipeg, Canada
Naugatuck, Conn.

What Is Patriotism?

Written by a child of the Washington School, Indianapolis, the teacher certify-
ing the child received no help; name, Ralph Nelson

What is patriotism? Patriotism is love for your
country and to show your love you should sacrifice some-
thing. If a boy had a ball diamond in his back yard he
would have to sacrifice it to have a garden. A garden
represents love for your country and also patriotism. If
a boy was used to going to parks of an evening after
school, it would be sincere patriotism for him to have a
garden to tend. Don't just hoist a flag, but do some-
thing to help the situation our country is in. Try to
make two potatoes out of every one you see. Do not say
"I sure am patriotic, I put my flag up at sunrise every
morning and take it down at sunset," unless you have
really done something. Don't even sing "America," un-
til you have a patch of potatoes or carrots or something
to help the nation out of its tight place.

PLAYGROUND AND RECREATION
:ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA^

THEODORE ROOSEVELT

Honorary President

WILLIAM KENT

Second Vice-President

JOSEPH LEE

President
ROBERT GARRETT

Third Vice-President

HENRY P. DAVISON

First Vice-President

GUSTAVUS T. KlRBY

Treasurer

T. S. SETTLE

C. F. ST'IMSOX

Field Secretary

L. H. WEIR

Field Secretary

II. S. BRAUCHER

Secretary
WALTER B. DICKINSON

Associate Secretary
CHARLES F. WELLER

Associate Secretary
HARRY F. BREMER

Field Secretary
E. DANA CAULKINS

Field Secretary
ROWLAND HAYNES

Lucy Tudor Hillyer

Field Secretary BRETTA CRAPSTER

(On leave of absence) Assistant

VICTOR R. MANNING RALPH E. HEDGES

Field Secretary Assistant

CHARLES E. REED

Field Secretary

JAMES EDWARD ROGERS HELEN TUCKER LORD

Field Secretary Assistant

GEORGE A. NESBITT

ALICE MARION OLESON

Assistant

Field Secretary
HENRY BARNBROCK

ABBIE CONDIT

DONALD G. PRICE

Assistant

JACOB R. PROEBSTEL
Assistant Assistant

OPAL V. RALSTON

Assistant Assistant

LANDON M. ROBINSON

Assistant
RUTH SHERBURNE

Assistant
F. W. TAYLOR

Assistant

BOARD OF
RICHARD C. CABOT
CLARENCE M. CLARK
EVERETT COLBY
MRS. E. P. EARLE
CHARLES W. ELIOT
CHARLES W. GAREIELD
ROBERT GARRETT
MRS. CHARLES A. GOODWIN
AUSTIN E. GRIFFITHS
LUTHER H. GULICK
J. M. HANKINS
MRS. APPLETON R. HILLYER
MRS. FRANCIS DELACY HYDE
WILLIAM KENT
GUSTAVUS T. KIRBY
H. McK. LANDON
JOSEPH LEE

EDWARD E. LOOMIS

J. H. McCuRDY

OTTO T. MALLERY

SAMUEL MATHER

R. B. MAURY

WALTER A. MAY

F. GORDON OSLER

JAMES H. PERKINS

JOHN T. PRATT

ELIHU ROOT, JR.

CLEMENT STUDEBAKER, JR.

F. S. TITS WORTH

THEODORE N. VAIL

MRS. JAS. W. WADSWORTH, JR.

J. C. WALSH

R. D. WAUGH

HARRIS WHITTEMORE

DIRECTORS

Boston, Mass.
Philadelphia, Pa.
Newark, N. J.
Montclair, N. J.
Cambridge, Mass.
Grand Rapids, Mich.
Baltimore, Md.
Hartford, Conn.
Seattle, Wash.
New York City
Birmingham, Ala.
Hartford, Conn.
Plainfield, N. J.
Kentfield, Cal.
New York City
Indianapolis, Ind.
Boston, Mass.
New York City
Springfield, Mass.
Philadelphia, Pa.
Cleveland, Ohio
Memphis, Tenn.
Pittsburgh, Pa.
Toronto, Canada
New York City
New York City
New York City
South Bend, Ind.
Denver, Colo.
New York City
Washington, D. C.
Montreal, Canada
Winnipeg, Canada
Naugatuck, Conn.

History Repeats Itself

"In the year 1828 the School Board of Lancaster,
Ohio, being asked for the schoolhouse in which to debate
railroads and telegraph replied, 'You are welcome to the
use of the schoolhouse to debate all proper questions in,
but such things as railroads and telegraph are impossi-
bilities and rank infidelity. There is nothing in the word
of God about it. If God has designed that his intelligent
creatures should travel at the frightful speed of fifteen
miles an hour by steam he would have clearly foretold it
in his holy prophets. It is a device of Satan to lead
immortal souls down to Hell.' '

In the year 1917, there are those who oppose play
centers upon equally progressive grounds !

Statement of the Ownership, Management, Circulationjetc., required by the Act
of Congress of August 24, 1912 MM

Of THE PLAYGROUND published monthlyjat Cooperstown, N. Y. for
April i, 1917.
State of New York )
County of New York \ ss

Before me, a Notary Public in and for the state and county aforesaid, per-
sonally appeared H. S. Braucher, who, having been duly sworn according to law,
deposes and says that he is the editor of THE PLAYGROUND and that the
following is, to the best of his knowledge and belief, a true statement of the owner-
ship, management (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, embodied in section 443, Postal Laws and Regulations, printed on the
reverse of this form, to wit:

i . That the names and addresses of the publisher, editor, managing editor, and
business managers are :

Publisher, Playground and Recreation Association of America, i Madison
Ave., New York City; Editor, H. S. Braucher, i Madison Ave., New York City;
Managing Editor, H. S. Braucher, i Madison Ave., New York City; Business
Manager, H. S. Braucher, i Madison Ave., New York City.

2. That the owners are : (Give names and addresses of individual owners,
or, if a corporation, give its name and the names and addresses of stockholders
owning or holding i per cent or more of the total amount of stock.)

Playground and Recreation Association of America, i Madison Ave., New
York City which is composed of about four thousand members. The following
comprise the Board of Directors:

Richard C. Cabot, Boston, Mass.; Clarence M. Clark, Philadelphia, Pa.;
Everett Colby, Newark, N. J.; Mrs. E. P. Earl, Montclair, N. J.; Charles W.
Eliot, Cambridge, Mass.; Charles W. Garfield, Grand Rapids, Mich.; Robert
Garrett, Baltimore, Md.; Mrs. Charles A. Goodwin, Hartford, Conn.; Austin E.
Griffiths, Seattle, Wash.; Luther H. Gulick, New York City; J. M. Hank ins,
Birmingham, Ala.; Mrs. Appleton R. Hillyer, Hartford, Conn.; Mrs. Francis
DeLacy Hyde, Plainfield, N. J.; W'lliam Kent, Kentfield, Cal.; Gustavus T.
Kirby, New York City; H. McK. Landon, Indianapolis, Ind.; Joseph Lee, Boston,
Mass.; Edward E. Loomis, New York City; J. H. McCurdy, Springfield, Mass.;
Otto T. Mallery, Philadelphia, Pa.; Samuel Mather, Cleveland, Ohio.; R. B.
Maury, Memphis, Tenn.; Walter A. May, Pittsburgh, Pa.; F. Gordon Osier,
Toronto. Canada; James H. Perkins, New York City; John T. Pratt, New York
City; Elihu Root, Jr., New York City; Clement Studebaker, Jr., South Bend,
Ind.; F. S. Titsworth, Denver, Colo.; Theodore N. Vail, New York City.; Mrs.
Jas. W. Wadsworth, Jr., Washington, D. C.; J. C. Walsh, Montreal, Canada;
R. D. Waugh, Winnipeg, Canada; Harris Whittemore, Naugatuck, Conn.

3. That the known bond holders, mortgagees, and other security holders
owning or holding i per cent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages, or other
securities, are: There are none. H. S. Braucher, Editor

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 29th day of March, 1917.
(Seal) JAMES S. WRIGHT,

Notary Public, Cert, filed in New York, Bronx and Kmgs Counties.
(My commission expires March 30, 1917).

What Will Decide
the War?

''The war will be decided in 1935.

"The true victory will lie not so much in the actual
tactical gains on the battlefield today as in the quality
of the men who have to carry on the work of the country
after the war. War kills off the best of a nation's man-
hood; therefore, extra care must be exercised to save
every child — not for its own sake or for its parents' sake,

but for the sake of the nation."

—Robert Baden- \ II >

No preparedness program is complete which does

not make adequate provision for playgrounds and

athletic fields for the children and the young people of
America.

PLAYGROUND AND RECREATION
ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA^

PHKODORK ROOSEVELT
Honorary President

WILLIAM KENT

Second Vice-President

ti. S. BRAUCHBB

Secretary
WALTER B. DICKINSON

Associate Secretary
CHARLES F. WELLER

Associate Secretary
BARRY F. BREMER

Field Secretary
E. DANA CAULKINS

Field Secretary
ROWLAND HAYNES

Lucy Tudor Hillyer
Field Secretary
(On leave of absence)
VICTOR R. MANNING,

Field r«cretary
r-HART.RS E. REED

Field Secretary

JOSEPH LBB

President
ROBERT GARRETT

Third Vice-President

JAMES EDWARD ROGERS

Field Secretary
T. S. SETTLE

Field Secretary
C. F. STIMSON

Field Secretary
L. H. WEIK

Field Secretary
HENRY BARNBROCK

Assistant
ABBIE CONDIT

Assistant
BRETTA CRAPSTER

Assistant
RALPH E. HEDGES

Assistant

HENRY P. DAVISON

First Vice-President

GUSTAVUS T. KlBBT

Treasurer

HELEN TUCKER LORD

Assistant
GEORGE A. NESBITT

Assistant
ALICE MARION OLBSON

Assistant
DONALD G. PRICE

Assistant
JACOB R. PROEBSTBL

Assistant
OPAL V. RALSTON

Assistant

LANDON M. ROBINSON
Assistant
RUTH SHERBURNE

Assistant
!•" \v TAYLOR

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

RICHARD C. CABOT

CLARENCE M. CLARK

EVKRETT COLBY

MRS. E. P. EARLE

CHARLES W. ELIOT

CHARLES W. GARFIELD

ROBERT GARRETT

MRS. CHARLES A. GOODWIN

AUSTIN E. GRIFFITHS

LUTHER H. GULICK

J. M. HANKINS

MRS. APPLETON R. HILLYER

MRS. FRANCIS DELACY HYDE

WILLIAM KENT

GUSTAVUS T. KIRBY

«•'/. McK. LANDON

JOSEPH LEE

EDWARD E. LOOMIS

J. H. McCuRDY

OTTO T. MALLERY

SAMUEL MATHER

R. B. MAURY

WALTER A. MAY

F. GORDON OSLER

JAMES H. PERKINS

JOHN T. PRATT

ELIHU ROOT, JR.

CLEMENT STUDEBAKER, Ji.

F. S. TITSWORTH

THKODORE N. VAIL

MRS. JAS. W. WADSWORTH, Ji

J. C. WALSH

R. D. WAUCH

HARRIS WHITTEMOHE

Boston, Mass.
Philadelphia, Pa.
Newark, N. J.
Montclair, N. J.
Cambridge, Mass.
Grand Rapids, Mich,
Baltimore, Md.
Hartford, Conn.
Seattle, Wash.
New York City
Birmingham, Ala.
Hartford, Conn.
Plainfield, N. J.
Kentfield, Cal.
New York City
Indianapolis, Ind.
Boston, Mass.
New York City
Springfield, Mass.
Philadelphia, Pa.
Cleveland, Ohio
Memphis, Tenn.
Pittsburgh, Pa.
Toronto, Canada
New York City
New York City
New York City
South Bend, Ind.
Denver, Colo.
New York City
. Washington, D. C.
Montreal, Canada
Winnipeg, Canada
Nausratuck. Conn.

WHEN A MAN COMES TO HIMSELF

A business man who has already done much for
the playground movement, who has been instrumental
in setting free thousands of dollars for playgrounds for
the children, has just written, "I have been reading
Woodrow Wilson's 'When a Man Comes to Himself.
It has made me ponder if I ought not perhaps to 'come
to myself. Therefore, to drop everything else and devote
the rest of my life to the playground movement. Because
of the insight which my various trips have given me,
I feel the responsibility to sell my life as dearly as
possible for playground results."

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